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Marcos: PH-US ties must ‘evolve’

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by cAtheriNe VAleNte

US government declares ‘state of emergency’ amid monkeypox outbreak

ANd

BerNAdette tAMAyo

ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed hope that the Philippines’ relationship with the United States would continue to “evolve in the face of all the changes that have been happening worldwide.”

Marcos issued the statement during a courtesy call by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the President in Malacañang where they discussed the 70-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), amid the “shared challenges.”

The MDT, signed between the two nations in

AFTER Los Angeles County and the state of California announced their own declarations of emergency over the monkeypox outbreak, the Biden administration on Thursday, Aug. 4 declared the outbreak a national public health emergency.

The declaration allows the United States Health and Human Services (HHS) to set aside emergency funds and federal resources (like specific personnel) to address the outbreak.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a media briefing that the Biden administration is “prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take the process seriously and to take responsibility to help us tackle this.”

The monkeypox outbreak roughly began earlier in the summer in West Africa, but unlike the coronavirus, monkeypox is not as contagious and vaccines for the disease have been around for years. According to Healthline, the monkeypox virus was first discovered in primates in 1958 and in

1951, calls for both to come to each other’s defense in case of an armed attack.

“The Mutual Defense Treaty is in constant evolution, I’d like to think of it,” Marcos told Blinken.

The Philippines is caught between the rising conflict between the U.S. and China after Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the U.S. House of Representatives reportedly used the country’s international airport to transit to Taiwan earlier this week.

Marcos, however, said that Pelosi’s visit to Asia, which included Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, did not raise the intensity of the conflict, but proved how it had always been present in the region.

Young rights lawyer receives US-based Roger Baldwin Medal of Liberty

PH TRAVEL MART RETURNS. Philippine Tour Operators Association Inc. president Fe Abling-Yu. announces the return of the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) for its 33rd year at the Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, August 10. PTM is the longest-running interactive tourism exposition, with new offers for travelers.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

FILIPINO human rights lawyer AK Guillen, who survived an attack in 2021, has been recognized as the winner of the 2022 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty.

Michael Breen, president and CEO of Human Rights First, said the Baldwin Medal, for over three decades, “has brought recognition and support to extraordinary activists who are advancing the protection of human rights at great personal risk.”

The Human Rights First, an “independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals,” picked Guillen hailing him as a “courageous and effective advocate whose work has made a difference in the lives of his fellow Filipinos and put a spotlight on abuses and calling for accountability.”

In March 2021, Guillen was stabbed twice

by cArMelito

Q. FrANcisco

Inquirer.net

DAVAO CITY — They were not able to cross swords during the campaign for the May 2022 elections. But now Sara Duterte and Walden Bello, former rivals for the vice presidential seat, are trading punches.

Duterte, who won the vice presidential race by a landslide, has unleashed her blows at Bello for blaming her as the cause for his arrest for cyberlibel in Quezon City last

Monday, August 8.

The cyberlibel charges were filed by former Davao City information chief Jefry Tupas whom Bello characterized — in Facebook posts — as a drug dealer who was “snorting P1.5 million worth of drugs” during a beach party in Mabini, Davao de Oro that was raided by authorities last November 2021.

Tupas, who resigned from her post as a result of the Davao de Oro incident, took

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This shows the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” tourism slogan.

DOT / released

No more ‘more fun in the Philippines’?

DOT wants new slogan for rebrand MANILA — The country’s long-time tourism slogan “it’s more fun in the Philippines” will be replaced in the near future.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco bared this on Wednesday, August 10 and said that the Department of Tourism is eyeing to replace the decade-old slogan with a new

Former President Fidel V. Ramos is laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Tuesday, August 9. Ramos was also accorded a State funeral with full military honors.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Arnell Ignacio is new Ex-President Fidel OWWA administrator Ramos laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani

by Neil

Adel

POPE Francis has sent his condolences to Filipinos for the death of former President Fidel Ramos.

In a telegram addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the pope extended to Filipinos his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of my prayers”.

“Mindful of the late President’s years of service to the nation and his efforts in fostering the values of democracy, peace and rule of law, I commend his soul to the mercy of Almighty God,” he wrote.

“Upon President Ramos’ family and all who mourn his passing, I invoke the divine blessings of consolation and peace,” the pope added.

Ramos, the country’s 12th president, died on July 31 at age 94. He was laid to rest at the National Heroes’ Cemetery in Metro Manila on August 9.

Under his term, the nation was dubbed as the “tiger cub economy in Asia” with his economic reforms.

Prior to his election as president, he served as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary of National Defense from 1988 to 1991. (Philstar.com with reports from CBCP) n

VP Duterte trades verbal punches with poll campaign rival Bello

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Philstar.com

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Pope Francis sends condolences on death of former President Ramos

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by rosette

On Friday, August 5, China announced sanctions against Pelosi for allegedly “interfering in China’s internal affairs and seriously undermining China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

This developed after Pelosi claimed that the U.S. will “not allow” China to isolate Taiwan.

Pelosi’s visit to Taipei — which China sees as its territory — has also prompted Beijing to launch its biggest military exercise at least 20 kilometers off Taiwanese coasts.

“The visit of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, coming here, really just... I do not think, to be perfectly candid, I did not think it raised the intensity, it just

one that is anchored on making the Filipino brand “distinct.”

This was revealed weeks after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, in his first State of the Nation Address, mentioned his vision of enhancing the Filipino brand in tourism, saying it would spark our “sense of pride and reaffirm our strong sense of identity.

“They say, each brand has a story. As for the Filipino brand, ours is deeply rooted in

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ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Arnell Ignacio has been appointed as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said on Wednesday, August 10 that Ignacio was appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as executive director administrator of OWWA. “We confirm the appointment of Mr. Ignacio as Executive Director Admininistrator V of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration,” Cruz-Angeles said in a statement.

Outgoing OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac also confirmed Ignacio’s appointment.

“Lumabas ang mga appointments

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by Neil

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former President Fidel V. Ramos was laid to rest Tuesday, August 9 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).

The tomb assigned to Ramos, the 12th chief executive of the country, was beside that of another former president, Elpidio Quirino.

The remains of the late former Chief Executive first arrived at the LNMB after a private mass at past 10 a.m.

Joining the final rites was President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who can be seen giving a salute to

Ramos’ remains.

Ramos, who also previously served as chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and secretary of the Department of National Defense, was given full military honors with a 21gun salute.

A Philippine flag that covered Ramos’ casket was also turned over to the Ramos family, handed

by Marcos.

The song Alerta Filipinas, and two Christian songs — How Great Thou Art and Ama Namin (the 1986 version) — were being

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AUGUST 12-18, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

Marcos: PH-US ties must ‘evolve’...

PAGE 1 demonstrated it — how the intensity of that conflict has been. It actually has been at that level for a good while, but we got used to it and put it aside,” Marcos said.

Recalling his talk with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, Marcos said the Philippines and the U.S. “can no longer isolate one part of our relationship from the other.”

“We are too closely tied because of the special relationship between the United States and the Philippines and the history that we share,” he said.

The President also noted that the assistance and help the U.S. has extended to the Philippines over the years “can no longer be categorized as one thing or another because they cover such a large scope.”

Marcos said a “volatile” international diplomatic scene, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and China-Taiwan tensions, highlight “the importance of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines.”

“I hope that we will continue to evolve that relationship in the face of all the changes that we have been seeing and the changes between bilateral relations between us and the United States,” he said.

Blinken, for his part, described the two countries’ relationship as “quite extraordinary because it is really founded in friendship. It’s forged as well in partnership, and it’s strengthened by the fact that it’s an alliance as well.”

He also said that the people to people ties between Washington and Manila “are almost unique and it’s something that we tremendously value in the United States.”

‘Shared challenges’ Blinken assured Marcos of U.S. commitment to the MDT and of working on “shared challenges.”

Aside from the treaty, the U.S. official said “we’re also working together as partners in so many areas particularly economically.”

“The alliance is strong, and I believe can grow even stronger,” he added.

Blinken said, however, that aside from “working on bilateral relations between us, we’re working together in the region, and increasingly, we’re working globally.”

The U.S. official has reaffirmed the Biden administration’s commitment to defend the Philippines against any armed attack in the South China Sea and rejected anew China’s massive claim on the resource-rich waters.

Travel to the US Blinken also met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo who, in a joint virtual press conference, announced that the travel to the U.S. in September of the President to attend the United Nations General Assembly and to meet with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden is being “firmed up.”

“We agreed to work together over the next couple of months in firming up opportunities for our presidents for a possible meeting on

the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next month as well as the possible visit by President Marcos to Washington D.C., their schedules permitting, to an open invitation extended by President [Joe] Biden,” Manalo said.

At the same time, Manalo said that he and Blinken “talked extensively about the alliance between our two countries.”

“What stood out from our discussion was our resounding commitment to sustaining the positive momentum and trajectory of Philippine-U.S. relations,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief said.

Blinken, who is in the country for the first time, said that he wanted to come to the Philippines “at the start of the Marcos presidency because the Philippines is an irreplaceable friend, partner, [and] ally to the United States.”

Blinken said the Philippine-U.S. alliance is the “oldest in the Indo-Pacific region.”

“As you heard from the Secretary (Manalo), we share interest, we share values and we’re connected by ties of family, friendship that go back literally, generations,” he stressed.

Blinken said the U.S. seeks to work closely with the President, Manalo, and other concerned Filipino officials “to make the proud history that we share into a living history for the Filipinos and Americans alike.”

The U.S. Secretary of State said that his itinerary “reflected the scale and scope” of the Philippine-U.S. relationship and partnership.

Manalo said he and Blinken also discussed steps “to build on our two-way high level engagements over the past year, including the 9th Bilateral Strategic dialog as a member where we adopted the joint vision for the 20th century Philippine-United States partnership.”

He said that in November, the Philippines is looking forward to hosting the 10th Bilateral Strategic Dialog “where we hope to advance our discussions on the political, security and economic cooperation between our two countries.”

Blinken also confirmed the visit to the Philippines of two other U.S. congressional delegations over the next two weeks which, Manalo said, was a “very positive sign of, I hope, the growing interest United States legislators [to] start off on the right foot with our new administration.”

Before the joint press conference, Manalo and Blinken had a brief virtual meeting where DFA secretary thanked the U.S. official for finding the “opportunity and time” to come to Manila, especially after attending the very hectic Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Phnom Penh.

Manalo missed the AMM after contracting COVID-19.

Manalo’s health has improved but still opted to conduct the bilateral meetings and joint press conference with Blinken virtually.

Taiwan strait In the same virtual briefing, Blinken said maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is vital not only for Taiwan but to the Philippines and many countries.

“We seek to deescalate those tensions and we think dialogs are a very important element. What I’m hearing from countries around the region and countries around the world is that they expect us to maintain our channels of communication,” Blinken said.

“They expect us to responsibly manage our differences and that is what the United States is determined to do,” he added.

Blinken also said, “What happens to the Taiwan Strait affects the entire region. In many ways it affects the entire world because the Strait like the South China Sea is a critical waterway.”

He noted that nearly 90 percent of the world’s largest ships pass through the Taiwan Strait.

“We always stand by our partners. It is important to underscore that because of what’s happening in the Taiwan Strait,” Blinken said.

Manalo said that while the Philippines “continues to help calm the waters and keep peace” it can “ill afford any further escalation of tensions in the region, because we are already facing a number of challenges getting our economy back to work, especially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“And we all know that no one country will be able to deal with all these issues on their own. And we look at the United States, a very important ally, our dear friend, as we chart our path forward,” Manalo said.

Blinken said the U.S. will also work with the Philippines to help secure its maritime domain.

“We also partner with Filipino fishermen and scientific researchers to preserve and protect the Philippines’ precious maritime resources which are under threat from illegal fishing and environmental destruction by outside actors,” he said.

COVID aid Following his meeting with the President and Manalo, Blinken oversaw the turnover of COVID medical supplies via the United States Aid for International Development (USAid).

In his speech, Blinken congratulated the Philippine government in its vaccination milestones and untiring efforts to combat the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the assistance given to the Department of Health (DoH) include face masks and latex gloves.

Health Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the DoH has expressed its gratitude to the U.S. government for their unwavering assistance to the Philippines in responding to the pandemic and protecting Filipinos with vaccines and technical assistance.

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Former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello in a photo posted on his Facebook page April 20, 2022.

VP Duterte trades...

PAGE 1 exception to the allegation of Bello, claiming that it was baseless.

Duterte said that, instead of blaming her and “playing the victim of an imaginary case of political persecution, and dragging me into his legal woes, I suggest that Mr. Bello be reminded of the fact that a civilized and democratic society does not respect hubris.”

“Mr. Bello — supposedly a respected international educator and a human rights activist — took it so low and displayed a disgraceful version of himself, making him the perfect poster boy of someone we hope our children will not become when they grow up,” Duterte said in a statement released by her office.

“The right to freedom of speech and expression does not protect anyone from defiling the name and reputation of others,” Duterte explained.

Laban ng Masa, under which Bello ran for vice president, condemned his arrest, saying it was a warning to human rights advocates that they might suffer the same fate “while standing up for the right to express one’s views and criticize wrongdoings by the rich and powerful.”

“The cyberlibel case against … Bello is clearly a proxy harassment with no less than

Vice President Sara Duterte as the real protagonist. She uses a former aide as a cover for her own vindictive behavior,” it said.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 9 issued from Camp Karingal where he spent the night on Monday, Bello said Duterte was trying to “evade the central issue: that she is the moving force behind this brazen effort to subvert my freedom of speech.”

“The cyberlibel charge against me was a vindictive response to questions I raised about Vice President Duterte’s performance as mayor of Davao that she was expected to answer as a candidate for higher office.,” said Bello, who has repeatedly challenged Duterte to a one-onone debate during the campaign period.

“Instead of engaging in democratic exchange, her camp weaponized the law by filing a cyberlibel case against me, declared me persona non grata in Davao, and branded me a narco politician. This is not the behavior of a democratic personality but of one who has little respect for freedom of speech and knows only the art of intimidation,” Bello pointed out.

The Davao City Prosecutor’s Office indicted Bello for two counts of cyberlibel last June. A Davao court has set P48,000 bail for each count. n

Vice Sara Duterte-Carpio during the campaign period for the May 2022 elections.

Photo from Lakas-CMD

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Arnell Ignacio is new OWWA... Young rights lawyer receives US-based...

Screengrab from Arnell Ignacio’s twitter account

PAGE 1 kahapon, and yes incoming admin Arnell Ignacio has been appointed,” Cacdac said in an interview with Teleradyo.

Prior to being named as OWWA administrator, Ignacio served as deputy administrator.

His first stint in the OWWA was under the former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018.

In 2016, Ignacio was appointed as assistant vice president for the community relation and services department of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

(Pagcor).

Cruz-Angeles said

Cacdac will be serving as undersecretary of welfare and foreign employment under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) which is led by Secretary Susan Ople.

Further, Cruz-Angeles said outgoing Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) administrator Bernard Olalia will serve as Undersecretary for Licensing and Adjudication of the DMW. “He (Olalia) will be the OIC of POEA until such time that the department is deemed fully constituted on the approval of the 2023 budget,” CruzAngeles said. n

No more ‘more fun in the Philippines’...

PAGE 1 our rich cultural heritage and the tourism sector plays an invaluable role in the promotion of the Filipino brand,” the president said in his SONA. “It is time to welcome the rest of the world with an enhanced Filipino brand that is unique, attractive, and creative,” he added.

Frasco said the agency is brewing ideas for a brand campaign change that will abide by the current administration’s vision of revitalizing the “Filipino brand.”

“We will ensure that we do justice to our cultural identity as a nation and harness our strengths as a people and the brand with which we will move forward will be anchored on all of these elements that make our Filipino brand distinct all over the world,” she told reporters.

The tourism chief said the new branding campaign will take into consideration the change in circumstances, citing that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people are now in search for substantial and immersive experiences anchored on cultural experience.

The branding campaign will include a new slogan.

For Frasco, the fun factor when traveling in the Philippines need not be said because it’s true.

“But beyond that, we are a beautiful country with beautiful people and a wealth of products and destinations and we want the brand to fully encapsulate all of these nuances of our country

beyond having fun,” she said.

The tourism chief also said the slogan launched by the DOT and BBDO Guerrero, one of the country’s most awarded advertising firms, in 2012 has its merits and successes but it is time to “evolve” and “move on.”

Must evolve, move on “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” replaced “Wow Philippines” which also promoted the country’s tourism.

“First of all, I would just like to thank all of the efforts that have been put in to developing this tagline for the Philippines. And it’s certainly had its merits and successes, but at the same time just as we are so people and in life in general, we must evolve and we must move on taking into consideration everything that we have been through,” Frasco said.

“So, the Philippines will continue to be fun. But now also it will have a very substantial approach to its branding campaign,” she added.

Frasco did not disclose when the change in branding campaign and slogan of Philippine tourism will occur but she said she already requested a recalibrated budget for 2023 that could cover her plans for the country’s tourism industry.

The Tourism Promotions Board, on the other hand, reportedly said the government is in the conceptualization stage to achieve this brand revamp that will involve marketing experts and stakeholders. n

Ex-President Fidel Ramos laid...

PAGE 1 played during the funeral march as he was being laid to to his final resting place, as per the request of the former president, relayed through eldest daughter Angel Ramos Jones.

Prior to the burial, a funeral mass was held at the Heritage Chapel in Taguig City.

Ramos, who served as president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, died last July 31 at

the age of 94.

He is remembered for a number of achievements during his presidency such as resuscitating the economy, allowing the country to rid itself of the reputation as “the sick man of Asia.’’

It was also during the Ramos administration that the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) signed a peace

agreement.

Ramos likewise resolved the energy crisis that hounded the country during the first year of his presidency.

A bemedaled military man, Ramos served as vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces and was Philippine Constabulary commander when he decided to join the Edsa People Power Revolution that ousted the 20year Marcos regime. n

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PAGE 1 in Iloilo and was found with a screwdriver in his cheek.

In receiving his recognition, he said the award will encourage his colleagues ever more “to continue our work defending human rights and civil liberties in the Philippines, even in these difficult times.”

Young rights defender He said that announcement of the award coincides with the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples, which is also the National Indigenouse Peoples Day in the Philippines.

Guillen was one of the lawyers representing indigenous Tumandok land defenders and assisting in anti-terrorism law petitions.

“Indigenous peoples, like the Tumandok community, as well as farmers, labor leaders, and activists, have borne the brunt of unjust arrests, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations committed by state security forces that, to this day, still take place throughout the country.

Their rights must be protected, and we hope that this recognition will help bring attention to their This handout photo shows lawyer Angelo Karlo Guillen of the National Union of Peoples' plight,” he added. (Philstar.com) n Lawyers.

Contributed photo

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AUGUST 12-18, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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UC San Diego researchers add Monkeypox to wastewater surveillance Virus first detected in mid-July, with levels rising steadily ever since, but whether data can be used to predict future case surges is an evolving question

PASSENGER LINE. Commuters queue for a public transport to arrive in Philcoa along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, August 11. The minimum fare in public utility jeepneys has been increased to Php11.

PNA photo by Alfred Frias

US government declares...

PAGE 1 humans in the early 1970s.

Despite false online discourse, monkeypox is not strictly a sexually transmitted disease or infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states.

Although most current cases happen to be among men who have sex with other men, monkeypox can spread to anyone through direct skin-to-skin contact, prolonged intimate contact, and, less commonly, touching fabrics and other porous surfaces that have been touched by monkeypox patients.

Monkeypox manifests itself, most noticeably, as a rash that may appear anywhere on the body but most commonly on the face, hands, feet, chest, genitals, mouth, and anus. Other common symptoms include fever, chills, body and head aches, fatigue, congestion, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

California, which has been among the quickest and strictest states in regards to coronavirus safety protocol and vaccine rollout, said that its utilizing the emergency to amp up treatment and outreach efforts.

According to the state’s public health department, California has reported 1,135 cases of monkeypox. According to Sacramento, California has so far received 61,000 monkeypox vaccine doses from the federal government, but it needs at least 600,000 additional doses.

“California is working urgently across all levels of government to slow the spread of monkeypox, leveraging our robust testing, contact tracing and community partnerships strengthened during the pandemic to ensure that those most at risk are our focus for vaccines, treatment and outreach,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

Newsom added, “Monkeypox can affect anyone; it spreads primarily by skin-to-skin contact, as well as from sharing items like clothing, bedding and towels. We remain steadfast in our support for the LGBTQ community and their families, who have been disproportionately impacted by this outbreak, and continue to reinforce that no single individual or community is to blame for the spread of any virus.”

LA County — which declared its own local emergency regarding the monkeypox outbreak on Tuesday, Aug. 2 — has so far accounted for more than half of California’s monkeypox cases.

Like state and federal protocol, the local proclamation allows local health officials to more quickly distribute vaccines and organize outreach efforts.

LA County Public Health this week launched a West Hollywood pop-up vaccination location and also expanded the pool of those who are eligible for the vaccine.

Currently in LA County, the monkeypox vaccine is available to gay and bisexual men and transgender who are at least 18 years old who had multiple sex partners in the last 14 days.

Additionally, those who are immunocompromised (regardless of sex, gender or sexual activity), including those with advanced or uncontrolled HIV, will also receive vaccine prioritization.

Previously, vaccine eligibility only included gay, bisexual or transgender men who: were diagnosed with gonorrhea or early syphilis over the last year, are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or had sex with multiple partners within the past 21 days in a commercial setting. (By Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

AN ongoing program that monitors wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and which has effectively predicted subsequent surges in COVID-19 cases in San Diego has been expanded to detect the presence of monkeypox.

Since the first confirmed case of monkeypox in California in lateMay, reported cases have steadily risen in the state and across the country, now up to almost 100 in San Diego County and more than 1,300 in California.

On August 1, 2022, the state declared a public health emergency; San Diego County followed suit the next day. On August 4, 2022, a federal public health emergency was declared with more than 7,000 cases reported nationwide. It is just the fifth such national emergency since 2001. The nation remains in a state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.

Monitoring and testing for the monkeypox virus is a relatively simple add-on to the current wastewater surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2, said Rob Knight, PhD, professor and director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at University of California San Diego.

But with a twist.

“It’s the same process as SARS-CoV-2 qPCR monitoring, except that we have been testing for a different virus. Monkeypox is a DNA virus, so it is a bit of a surprise that our process optimized for SARS-CoV-2, which is an RNA virus, works so well,” he said.

Researchers began experimenting with the possibility their test might work with both virus types in May and began monitoring wastewater

Auto-robot samplers scattered across the UC San Diego campus and at other sites, such as the Point Loma wastewater treatment facility, help monitor levels of SARS-CoV-2 virus – and now monkeypox virus too.

Photo credit Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego

from the Point Loma treatment plant, which serves 2.2 million San Diegans, for the presence of monkeypox virus in early June.

The first positive indicator occurred July 10, 2022 at levels near the limit of detection: 10,565.54 viral copies per liter of wastewater. Levels have dramatically increased since then, rising and falling slightly, but trending upward with a current high of 189,309.81 viral copies per liter of wastewater on August 2, 2022.

Knight said it remains to be seen whether monitoring monkeypox virus load levels in wastewater can predict future infection or case rates.

“We don’t yet know if the data will anticipate case surges like with COVID,” he said. “It depends on when the virus is shed from the body relative to how bad the symptoms are that cause people to seek care. This is, in principle, different for each virus, although in practice wastewater seems to be predictive for multiple viruses.”

And the system is not yet set

up to sequence monkeypox genomes, a necessity to detect emerging variants. But, in general, said Knight: “DNA viruses evolve a lot slower than RNA viruses, so we would not expect variants to emerge and spread as quickly.”

Christopher Longhurst, MD, chief medical officer at UC San Diego Health, said monkeypox monitoring was an important innovation in what he called “anticipatory surveillance.”

“Rising levels of monkeypox in wastewater clearly correlate with the increasing spread of this virus. Detection and monitoring will help alert us to situations before they become crises, providing time for health systems and public agencies to respond, prepare and act.”

Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, San Diego County public health officer, agreed: “As we saw with COVID-19, it can serve as an additional window into how a virus is moving through and impacting our community. The county appreciates the work of all the partners, and looks forward to our continued working

relationship to address threats to the public’s health.”

Evidence and experience Persons infected by SARSCoV-2 shed the virus in their waste, even before they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. That fact spurred development of the first wastewater screening program in late-2020, when researchers at UC San Diego and UC San Diego Health began an ambitious collaboration to collect wastewater samples across campus using auto-sampling robots for subsequent analysis.

The program was designed to help safely return students to campus.

Wastewater monitoring and sequencing was eventually expanded to the region.

Central to these efforts has been SEARCH (San Diego Epidemiology and Research for COVID Health), a consortium of scientists from UC San Diego, Scripps Research and Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, working with San Diego County public health officials and others.

Marcos: PH-US ties must ‘evolve’...

PAGE 2 The United States has already given a total of $50 million of aid and other assistance to the Philippines as part of its fight against the pandemic ‘Delicate situation’ Meanwhile, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said China should handle the controversial

trip of Pelosi to Taiwan diplomatically by raising the matter to the United Nations.

Pimentel, former Senate foreign relations committee chairman in the 18th Congress, said any attempts to solve the problem outside the UN is “very delicate” as there are many flashpoints in the world.

Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said the

u PAGE 5

Philippines has to be friends with everybody.

Estrada pointed out that Taiwan is near the Philippines and that there are many Filipinos in Taiwan.

As chairman of the Senate national defense committee, Estrada said he had scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday, August 10 on the Taiwan situation. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

5

ABS-CBN returning to free TV broadcast Joint PH-US sea patrols eyed

by Elijah

FElicE RosalEs Philstar.com

MANILA — Broadcast giant ABS-CBN Corp. has found its way back to free TV by signing a landmark deal with Manny V. Pangilinan-led TV5 Network Inc. in a P4-billion transaction seen to hurdle legal challenges.

ABS-CBN on Thursday, August 11 informed the Philippine Stock Exchange that it entered into an investment agreement for the purchase of 6.46 million primary common shares representing 34.99 percent of the voting and outstanding capital stock of TV5 worth P2.16 billion.

The National Telecommunications Commission said it would scrutinize the deal. “The NTC is monitoring the developments in the proposed joint venture between TV5 and ABS-CBN,” Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a text message to The STAR. In the process, TV5’s parent MediaQuest Holdings Inc. maintains its controlling stake in TV5, but its share in the firm narrows to 64.79 percent of its capital stock.

Likewise, ABS-CBN will spend another P1.84 billion on a convertible note to be issued by TV5.

The convertible note will allow the Lopez-led network to increase its primary common shares in TV5 eight years after the issuance, enabling ABS-CBN to boost its equity up to 49.92 percent of TV5’s capital stock.

Proceeds from the subscription of ABSCBN shares and issuance of convertible note amounting to P4 billion would be used by TV5 to finance its capital expenditures and operating expenses. TV5 also plans to enhance its content and programming and expand its public service.

In exchange, MediaQuest’s Cignal Cable Corp. signed a sale and purchase agreement with the Lopez Group, obtaining 38.88 percent of the issued and outstanding capital stock of ABS-CBN’s SkyCable Corp. amounting to P2.86 billion.

Cignal Cable will also invest P4.39 billion in a debt instrument to be issued by the Lopez Group, permitting Cignal to augment its equity to as much as 61.12 percent in SkyCable’s capital stock after eight years.

Furthermore, Cignal Cable will secure from SkyCable a P250 million convertible note that can be turned into primary common shares representing 1.84 percent in capital stock.

The Lopez Group eyes to use the P7.5 billion in proceeds from the sale shares, debt instrument and convertible note to repay certain obligations of ABS-CBN, as well as bankroll its purchase of TV5 equity. PLDT Inc., through its subsidiary ePLDT, will grant the loan needed by Cignal Cable to complete its transaction with SkyCable.

No need for PCC scrutiny Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon believes ABS-CBN and TV5 can overcome any regulatory issues that they may face in closing the deals.

SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta wants the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to investigate the transaction entered into by the

network giants.

Marcoleta voted against the renewal of the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN, forcing it to shut its airwaves and leave free TV in 2020.

“We don’t see any basis for PCC to strike the deal, as this does not involve a transaction which will reduce or limit competition. In fact, when ABS-CBN lost its franchise in 2020, it ceased to be the dominant player in the broadcast segment.

TV5 has not yet attained that dominant status in the same sector,” Ridon told The STAR. Similarly, Ridon said ABS-CBN and TV5 no longer need to submit their transactions to the PCC for its review given that the value of the deals falls below the mandatory threshold of P50 billion.

“However, given the size of the transaction and entities involved, they may opt to undertake the voluntary review with the PCC. This is not compulsory though, as the transaction does not meet the current P50 billion threshold for compulsory review,” Ridon said.

Traders also said the network deals clear the path for ABS-CBN to generate additional revenue on the way back to profitability. Regina Capital head of sales Luis Limlingan said ABS-CBN can maximize the transactions to polish its synergies with TV5.

“On the industry front, the partnership should help level the playing field as the companies could leverage on each other’s expertise against the ever-changing and technology-driven business,” Limlingan said.

During the talks, AlphaPrimus Advisors and Picazo Law advised the Pangilinan camp, while law firms Romulo Mabanta and Quiason Makalintal guided the Lopez side.

After losing its broadcast franchise in 2020, ABS-CBN hopes to return to profitability in the near term, as its finances improve with its presence widening in multiple platforms.

NTC probe Meanwhile, NTC’s Cordoba said they want to look into the supposed violations committed by ABS-CBN that led the 18th Congress to deny its franchise renewal. Also, he reminded franchise grantees like TV5 that they are prohibited from entering into commercial agreements with broadcast networks with existing issues.

On NTC’s order, franchise grantees are barred from signing mergers, joint ventures or sale with NTC-regulated entities with outstanding obligations. The agency also instructed transacting parties to clear their transactions with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, and the Securities and Exchange Commission before proceeding.

“The commercial agreements together with the clearances should be submitted by the franchise grantee to the NTC prior to the consummation,” Cordoba said.

He said the full force of the government, including the Department of Justice, would be used to scrutinize the return of ABS-CBN to free TV.

u PAGE 7

Ganito Ang

PARAAN KUNG PAANO KAYO MAKAKAPAGTIPID NG TUBIG Socorro, Irvine

TAYO AY NASA ISANG TAGTUYOT

ANG MGA KAKULANGAN SA TUBIG AY KASING-TOTOO NG TAGTUYOT. NGAYON NA ANG PANAHON UPANG MAGTIPID SA TUBIG.

by FRancis

EaRl cuEto ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines is ready to conduct joint patrols with the United States in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of National Defense (DND) told The Manila Times on Thursday, August 11.

DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said joint patrols with the U.S. can be “explored,” especially if the arrangement will be beneficial to the country.

Andolong was asked to comment on the statements of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo that joint patrols between the Philippines and the U.S. in the West Philippine Sea can be explored, in the face of continuing aggressive actions

by China in the waterway.

Manalo was quoted as saying that the patrols “can take place under the ambit of the Mutual Defense Treaty.”

Signed in 1951, the treaty calls for the Philippines and the U.S. to defend each other from aggression.

Manalo made the observation after the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week.

Manila has filed a series of protests against the repeated incursions of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The incidents include Chinese ships blocking Filipino resupply missions and around 200 Chinese militia vessels swarming a reef located in Philippine waters.

It is not the first time that the idea of joint patrols in the WPS was floated.

During the time of President Benigno Aquino 3rd, then secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario met twice with Blinken, who was then U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, to discuss the feasibility of joint patrols.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro reiterated that the military was more than willing to carry out its mandate to protect the country’s sovereignty.

Bacarro stressed this point during his first command conference Wednesday, August 10.

In his State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed not to surrender even one square inch of the nation’s territory to any foreign power.

“We only do what is required of us to do and what is important is we are able to perform our mandate to protect (the state and) our people,” Bacarro was quoted by AFP acting spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar, as saying.

Bacarro took over the helm of the AFP from Gen. Andres Centino last August 8. n

UC San Diego researchers...

PAGE 4 Also involved: The Expedited COVID IdenTification Environment (EXCITE) lab, a collaboration of Knight; Louise Laurent, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; and Gene Yeo, PhD, professor of cellular and molecular medicine, both at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

“Building on the success of SEARCH over the last few years, it is fantastic to see the wastewater surveillance here in San Diego expanded to also include monkeypox, while also creating a flexible system for future human pathogens,” said Kristian Andersen, PhD, professor at Scripps Research.

“This work is only possible thanks to the close collaboration between UC San Diego, Scripps Research and the County of San Diego. It truly sets a standard for effective public health-academic partnerships for the country.”

In July, SEARCH collaborators published a report in the journal Nature describing the success of wastewater sequencing and virus detection, reporting that program effectively identified new viral “variants of concern” up to 14 days before traditional clinical testing, and could be reliably used to anticipate upcoming surges in local infection and case rates.

An earlier published study estimated wastewater surveillance provided early detection of 85 percent of COVIID-19 cases on the UC San Diego campus, allowing for more effective mitigation and prevention efforts.

Researchers said they are exploring the possibility

of adding other pathogens to the wastewater surveillance program, including the poliovirus, which has reappeared in parts of the United States.

“It’s fairly easy to add new pathogens to the process,” said Smruthi Karthikeyan, PhD, an environmental engineer and postdoctoral researcher in Knight’s lab who has overseen wastewater monitoring at UC San Diego. “It’s doable on short notice. We can get more information in the same turnaround time.”

The SEARCH wastewater surveillance dashboard can be found at https://health.ucsd. edu/news/releases/Pages/2022-08-10-uc-sandiego-researchers-add-monkeypox-to-wastewatersurveillance.aspx.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, part of the same family of viruses that cause smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms, which include painful or itchy rashes, fever, low energy and swollen lymph nodes, are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Monkeypox spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs or body fluids during activities like kissing, hugging, massaging, cuddling and sex. Monkeypox can spread through touching materials used by a person with monkeypox that haven’t been cleaned, such as clothing and bedding. It can also spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, close, face-to-face contact. It is not spread through brief conversations or walking by someone with monkeypox. (By Scott LaFee and Scripps Research Communications) n

6

AUGUST 12-18, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Inflation, shrinkflation

Features Philstar.com photo

These days, people are talking not only about more contagious COVID subvariants but also high inflation and its “variants” such as stagflation. As purchasing power and the sizes or portions of staples such as pan de sal shrink, Filipinos have coined the terms “shrinkflation” and “skimpflation.”

The problems give greater urgency for fiscal prudence and efficient management all around, from national agencies to local government units that now have a greater share of national revenues.

The new government faces enormous challenges, a number of them beyond its control.

These include surging fuel prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the aggressive moves of the U.S. Federal Reserve to tame inflation, which have weakened the peso and prompted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise interest rates at the risk of dampening economic growth.

Mobility restrictions have been mostly lifted and growth rates indicate that the economy is recovering from the pandemic. Growth, however, has slowed down due to the surging costs of fuel and basic commodities. The government has limited room for response, with its debt rising to a record high P12.79 trillion as of end-June.

In a survey taken by Social Weather Stations from June 26 to 29, the number of Filipinos rating their families as poor increased to 12.2 million

from 10.9 million in April. That’s about 48 percent of families rating themselves as poor. The number of Filipinos who considered their families “food poor” – those who rated themselves as poor based on the food they eat – also increased from 31 percent to 34, or from 7.9 million to 8.7 million.

And the numbers are expected to grow, as headline inflation rose further in July to 6.4 percent, driven by heavily weighted food and beverages as well as transport. It was the highest since the 6.9 percent recorded in October 2018.

In Metro Manila, public transport drivers and motorcycle delivery riders are complaining about losing several days’ earnings to traffic fines of up to P3,000 imposed for even minor infractions due to confusing road signs and stoplight speed traps.

The Marcos administration has given top priority to agriculture and food security, but other sectors are also calling for relief. Underpinning all the responses is the need for good governance, the judicious use of limited resources and lasting institutional reforms. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

More ‘history’ films after Katips & MiM

Postscript

FedeRico Pascual JR. HOLD on to your seats and the popcorn, folks! More historybased films are coming soon after the divisive duel at the box office between the anti-Marcos “Katips” and the pro-Marcos “Maid in Malacañang” movies.

We don’t cover cinema, but we have heard of at least two films coming soon that are based on historical facts – which means we could have another round of re-checking the historical bases of some movies.

Variety has reported that Hollywood actor Danny Trejo will play the role of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in “1521,” an epic on the “discovery” of the Philippines.

Filipino actress Bea Alonzo plays a lead role as a native, with Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan as her sister.

Bea will also star in another history-based film, “Angel Warrior,” where war transforms her into a “she-devil” helping underdog Filipino and American guerrillas fight Japanese

occupation forces on Panay island in World War II. When watching supposedly fact-based films, like many other adults, I momentarily suspend disbelief, intending to snap out of the attempted brainwashing if the delivery becomes too much to take.

But with the subliminal messages streaming through the brain, traces or strands of unwanted or harmful materials may stay after we voluntarily lowered our level of critical thinking.

This problem of being brainwashed is heightened when, without being aware of it, we have been included in a targeted audience of the best mind-manipulation scheme that gold, Tallano or whatever, can buy. * * * Back to the “Katips vs MiM” topic that we started to take up before we were distracted by Bea Alonzo: Based on Vince Tañada’s 2016 stage musical of the same title, “Katips” is about students from the Katipunan area of Quezon City protesting Marcosian martial law in the 1970-80s. “Katips” is slang for “Katipunero,” the group that

rose against tyrannical Spanish rule before the last century ended.

Daryl Yap’s film “Maid in Malacañang,” on the other hand, recalls the last three days of the Marcoses in the Palace before they fled to Hawaii at the height of the 1986 EDSA Revolt.

Yap thanked Sen. Imee Marcos, one of the executive producers of the film, which he said aimed to bring the “missing piece in our history.” He added, “I believe Filipinos want to know the real score.” You bet!

Tañada’s own grandfather, the venerable Sen. Lorenzo Tañada, was among those unjustly imprisoned during the Marcos dictatorship. Vince wants the younger generation to know that Martial Law was not the golden era that trolls are making it out to be on social media.

One MiM scene widely criticized for not only being false and malicious but also in bad taste is one showing Cory Aquino playing mahjong with nuns in the Carmelite convent in Cebu.

Cory’s eldest daughter Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, who had been her private secretary and constant companion, said: “Mom never played mahjong during EDSA or

her presidency.”

The Carmelite monastery said “the attempt to distort history is reprehensible.” The sisters said, “We were then praying, fasting and making other forms of sacrifices for peace in this country and for the people’s choice to prevail.”

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, which is under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., defended “Maid in Malacañang” against criticisms that it attempts to “distort historical facts.”

MTRCB chairperson Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio said the film “is a dramatization of the last 72 hours of the Marcos family in the Palace in 1986 and does not purport to be a documentary.”

Antonio also defended MTRCB’s decision to give a parental guidance rating for the film, saying parents should guide the viewing habits of their children under 13 years old.

“While the PG rating serves to guide viewers and was assigned by the Board based on its own judgment applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, parents are encouraged to conduct their own assessment,” she said.

* * * On another “historical” movie coming soon, Variety reported that actor Danny Trejo (“Machete,” “Con Air,” “Heat”) has been cast for the role of Portuguese explorer Magellan in “1521,” an epic on the precolonial Philippines highlighting the Battle of Mactan.

Produced by FilipinoAmerican filmmaker Francis B. Lara Ho of Inspire Studios (“Angel Warrior,” “Palawan: Last Man Out”), “1521” follows the journey of Magellan, who led the Spanish expedition. He found the islands (in what is now the Visayan seas) on March 16, 1521.

Also in the cast is Michael Copon (“One Tree Hill,” “Power Rangers,” “Scorpion King 2”) who will play the role of Lapu-lapu, a local chieftain whose warriors massacred the intruders, including Magellan, who was killed on April 27, 1521.

There is, of course, the obligatory romance spicing up the story, this one between Mactan princess Diwata, played by Bea Alonzo (“Eerie,” “Unbreakable”), and Enrique, a Spanish soldier who was also Magellan’s interpreter, played

by Hector David Jr. (“Power Rangers,” “East Los High”).

Another Filipino, Maricel LaxaPangilinan, plays Ahmani, a sister of Diwata.

Alonzo is also due to star in the WWII story “Angel Warrior” as a taxi dancer whose near-death experience transforms her into a fighter described as a “she-devil” helping the ill-equipped Filipino and American guerrillas fighting Japanese occupation forces on Panay island.

Variety said “Angel Warrior” is produced by Inspire Studios’ founder and CEO Francis Lara Ho and executive produced by John Shepherd (“The Stoning of Soraya M.”) and Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing champion and former senator.

The screenplay is written by Cyrus Nowrasteh (“The Stoning of Soraya M.”). (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** NB: All Postscripts are also archived at ManilaMail.com. Author is on Twitter as @ FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.com

Blinken visit brings US-PH relations to a higher level

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez I JOINED the meeting on Saturday, August 6 between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken. Unfortunately, Foreign Affairs Secretary Rick Manalo tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week so he was unable to join the meeting.

The meeting with Secretary Blinken lasted for more than an hour, with a wide range of subjects and issues discussed.

No doubt it was one of the most substantial meetings we have had with the United States since BBM became president.

Climate change was one major subject of discussion, as the recent magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Abra and nearby provinces in Northern Luzon has once again underscored the vulnerability of the Philippines to the destructive impact of climate change.

A key topic was the alliance between the Philippines and the United States and sustaining the positive trajectory of relations as both nations navigate emerging regional and global challenges.

I came across this very interesting online commentary

titled “Aim Higher: The U.S.-Philippine Alliance Can Do More” published at warontherocks.com and written

by Gregory Winger and Julio Amador III that discussed threats and challenges, and the opportunities to further strengthen the alliance.

“To address strategic competition with China and emerging threats like cybersecurity, the alliance needs to develop new capacities for common defense based on integrated alliance efforts. This is not just a question of military capabilities, but the political and institutional maturation of the alliance into a mutual security partnership,” the commentary went, noting that “…there is much to do in order to make the U.S.-Philippine alliance fit for a 21st century purpose.”

This was focused on during the 9th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C. last November that we had with Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner, where we signed a “Joint Vision Statement for a 21st Century United StatesPhilippines Partnership” that outlined areas of cooperation to boost military and economic ties

and, more importantly, address current realities and challenges that both nations face.

In their commentary, Winger and Amador maintain that the alliance partners “have increasingly come to recognize China as their primary threat…” and that despite the “friendliness” of former president Duterte, the continuing antagonism displayed by our neighbor within the South China Sea “demonstrated that the Chinese and Philippine positions in the maritime dispute are irreconcilable, with China unwilling to alter its territorial claims to amicably resolve the issue. This realization has been captured within Philippine national security dialogue, which has increasingly stressed the need to develop a credible military deterrent.”

The authors pointed to the “grey zone” tactics of China such as the use of maritime militias and cyber operations that fall below the threshold of an “armed attack” – enabling China to “reshape security conditions in the region in ways that actively skirt the Mutual Defense Treaty and undermine the ability of the alliance to respond.”

The “inability” of the alliance to address these emerging threats was a source of frustration for former Defense Secretary Del

Lorenza, who then called for “revisions and additions in [the] MDT and other relevant defense agreements between the U.S. and the Philippines to ensure we have maximum possible cooperation and interoperability to deal with so-called ‘gray zone’ threats,” the authors disclosed.

As I have been saying in the past, we must ramp up efforts to modernize and enhance the capability of our Armed Forces for the Philippines to become a reliable ally that can significantly contribute to the partnership, with the operative word being “mutual” in relation to the Mutual Defense Treaty.

And for the skeptics and critics of the alliance – the authors hit it right on the nose when they said: “Accepting Philippine alignment with the United States is not an invitation for subservience.

It is instead a manifestation of the Philippines’ own national interests in promoting both a free and open Indo-Pacific as well as the rules-based international order. Moreover, it accurately recognizes that the benefits afforded to Manila by the Mutual Defense Treaty also carry responsibilities that cannot be ignored for the sake of convenience.”

There is this failed diplomat who is back to his old job of being a mediocre columnist, resorting

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his official visit to Manila on Aug. 6, 2022.

PNA photo by Rico Borja

to labeling me as pro-American for highlighting the assertion of President Marcos that he will not allow even a square inch of our territory to be trampled upon by any foreign power. This person does not really understand the dynamics of diplomacy and the attendant work that goes with being a diplomat, one of which is to enhance relations with the host country.

A recent survey showed that close to 90 percent of Filipinos consider the U.S. as the most trusted nation, and also believe that President Marcos should “assert our rights over the West Philippine Sea as stipulated in the July 2016 arbitral ruling of the Permanent Court of

Arbitration.” So do we brand all these people as being proAmericans? Of course not – they’re just being pro-Filipino!

Being ambassador to the United States, part of my mission is to make sure that the relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines remains strong and stable. I will continue to do so with the best of my ability, as I always have, for my country. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

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PH has teen vaping epidemic – expert

MANILA — The Philippines is in the grip of a “vaping epidemic” that affects children as young as 13 years old, a former president of the Philippine College of Physicians warned on Thursday, August 11.

“We are now going into the vaping epidemic, and we know that there is really going to be a vaping epidemic because the 13 to 15 years of age Filipino children, 40 percent of them are already using vapes,” Dr. Maricar Limpin told “The Chiefs” on One News.

She lamented that the number of teens using vapes is even higher compared to older ones engaged in vaping, but did not cite figures.

“The vaping prevalence we are seeing right now starts very early in the life of an individual,” Limpin added.

A pulmonulogist and an anti-tobacco advocate,

Limpin said that in the vape bill, restrictions on flavor have been removed, unlike before, when it was limited to two flavors – tobacco and menthol.

“They were saying that as long as (the flavor) is not enticing to children – but there are so many that are enticing to children so it is very difficult,” Limpin said in a mix of Filipino and English.

She also warned that studies have shown that those who vape have “a twofold increased likelihood” they would smoke cigarettes, a fourfold increase that they would drink alcohol and a fivefold increase they would take illegal drugs.

Limpin said they would continue the campaign against the vape bill, which lapsed into law on Monday, August 8 and challenge it before the Supreme Court. (By Rhodina Villanueva/Philstar. com) n

7

COMMITMENT. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (2nd from left), British Embassy Manila Ambassador Laure Beaufils (2nd from right), Regional Director for East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania at C40 Cities Milag San Jose-Ballesteros (right), and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto (left) sign the pledge of commitment during the launch of the Climate Action Implementation program at Novotel Manila, Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday, August 11. The program, which is funded by the UK government, will implement transformational climate change actions and mainstreaming activities based on the city’s Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Padilla seeks equal rights for ABS-CBN returning to free... same-sex couples in civil union bill PAGE 5 The PCC on Friday also said that it has yet to be notified by ABS-CBN and TV5 of their agreement.

As mandated by the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, all transactions that meet the P50 billion threshold should be filed with the PCC for review.

PCC officer in charge Johannes Bernabe said

by Xave

GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Robinhood Padilla has filed a bill that seeks to give same-sex couples the same rights enjoyed by married straight couples under the law, saying it is ‘high time” for the Philippines to do so.

“It is high time that the Philippines provides equal rights and recognition for couples of the same sex with no prejudice as to sexual relationships are protected and recognized and given access to basic social protection and security,” Padilla said in Senate Bill No. 449 filed last month but only made publicly available on Thursday, August 11.

Under his proposal, a civil union can happen between two people who are 18 years old, not engaged in a relationship considered contrary to public policy under the Articles 37 and 38 of the Family Code, and free from any previous bond of marriage or civil union.

Those who enter into civil unions will be granted “all benefits and protections” enjoyed by married couples under existing laws.

Meanwhile, couples who enter into civil unions “legally owe each other respect, fidelity, support and assistance.”

“They are bound to live together and are jointly responsible in the management of their household; exercise of parental authority, if applicable; the contribution towards

SD#0164

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A member of the LGBT community raises a rainbow flag during the Metro Manila Pride March at the Cultural Center of the Philippines grounds in Pasay, Metro Manila on June 25, 2022.

Photo by Jam Sta Rosa / AFP

expenses; the maintenance of the civil union residence; and other duties which married couples under the Family Code are jointly responsible for,” the bill reads.

The bill also provides a fine of at least P500,000 to P1 million or jail time of 10 years for people who refuse to issue civil union licenses or certificates, deny rights and benefits entitled to couples in civil unions, or discriminate against couples or their children.

“Providing equal rights and privileges for same-sex couples will in no way diminish or trample on the rights granted to married couples,” Padilla said.

A similar measure has been filed in the House of Representatives by Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy in the hopes that it would finally pass Congress after failing to do so in the 17th and 18th Congresses.

Currently, same-sex couples are not allowed to marry as the

LEGAL SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017244

CNG Development located at 849 North Vulcan Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024.

Registrant: Scott D Sherman, 5083 Adobe Pl, Topock, AZ 86436.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/29/2022.

Signature: Scott D Sherman.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/29/2022.

AJ 1005 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, and 08/26/2022.

AJSD#1005

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017671

a. AMOI located at 424 Arroyo Seco Dr., San Diego, CA 92114. b. AMOI SD located at 424 Arroyo Seco Dr., San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Derek Saria, 557 Oxford St., Unit #5, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/04/2022.

AJ 1012 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, and 09/02/2022 AJSD#1012

they may also conduct an initial assessment on the impact of the ABS-CBN-TV5 deal on industry competition. In its possible review of the merger, the PCC would determine whether the transaction would reduce competition in the broadcast market.

“Lack of competition may lead to higher prices or lower quality products and services, all to the disadvantage of consumers,” Bernabe said. n

Family Code defines marriage as a “special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman.”

The constitutionality of the Family Code provision was challenged before the Supreme Court by lawyer Jesus Falcis in 2018, but magistrates junked his petition on procedural grounds.

A civil partnership bill was first filed in the House during the speakership of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez in the 17th Congress by himself and other lawmakers, but this did not pass the committee level.

Alvarez and Herrera refiled the bill in the 18th Congress, but it also got stuck at the committee level.

To complicate things further, pro-LGBTQIA+ legislation has had a hard time hurdling Congress as conservative lawmakers have successfully employed parliamentary tactics to delay or even completely block the passage of these measures. n

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: WHOLE SITE MODERNIZATION, PHASE III AT PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022, in front of the main office of Patrick Henry High School, 6702 Wandermere Dr., San Diego, CA 92120. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK AT https://sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. Site walks will follow the latest District COVID-19 policies which can be found at https://www.sandiegounified.org/covid-19_status. PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS (No. CC23-0009-23).

Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CC23-0009-23) for project details. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on SEPTEMBER 9, 2022. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC23-0009-23 Patrick Henry HS WSM Phase III. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $1.9 million and $2.3 million. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification.

The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Director (TOC), Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CC23-0009-23

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9016964

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015559

Dentist Julita G Trimor DMD Inc. located at 2240 E. Plaza Blvd., Ste O, National CIty, CA 91950.

THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 09/14/2017, and assigned File no. 2017-9023094 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Dentist Julita G Trimor DMD Inc., 2240 E. Plaza Blvd., Ste O, National CIty, CA 91950.

This Business is Conducted by: A Corporation Signature: Julita T Tinaminsan.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/27/2022.

AJ 1006 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, and 08/26/2022.

AJSD#1006

Macaro located at 4235 Menlo Ave #1, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Alisha Danielle Terry, 4235 Menlo Ave #1, San Diego, CA 92115.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Alisha Danielle Terry.

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

AJ 1007 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, and 08/26/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017573

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9016944

LM SOUND & LIGHTING PRODUCTIONS located at 3033 E. 18th St., B5, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Louie R. Mangubat, 3033 E. 18th St., B5, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Louie R. Mangubat.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/03/2022.

AJ 1014 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, 09/02/2022.

AJSD#1014

AJSD#1007

Rustic Boards Artisanal Cuisine located at 1930 Avenida Escaya Suite 109, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: AraSol LLC, 1049 Vista Oak Pl., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/25/2022.

Signature: Melina Marquez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/26/2022.

AJ 1015 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, 09/02/2022.

AJSD#1015

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017291

Resilience Football located at 4944 Sea Lavender Way, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: Julian Yahiv Garcia, 44944 Sea Lavender Way, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/01/2022.

Signature: Julian Yahiv Garcia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/01/2022.

AJ 1009 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, 09/02/2022.

AJSD#1009

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017673

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

Registrant: Clear Edge Pools LLC, 934 Dale Court, San Maros, CA 92069.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/01/2022.

Signature: Nicholas Escalona.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/04/2022.

AJ 1016 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, and 09/02/2022.

AJSD#1016

HOUSING

8

AUGUST 12-18, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

LEGAL SERVICES SUMMONS CASE NO.

37-2022-00013055-CU-Cl-Ctl NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): 1. PHUONG KIM TRUONG dba LIBERTY NAILS; TU NGOC GIANG dba LIBERTY NAILS; DOES 1-20, INCLUSIVE YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): 1. AC PROPERTY MGMT., L.L.C NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case.

There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away.

If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelp california. org) the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

AVISO: Lo han demandado.

Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion. Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papales legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una

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

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 999

LEGAL SERVICES

carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su repuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su repuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas.

Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales.

Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente.

Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro.

Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov ) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales.

AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name, address and telephone number of the court is (El nombre y direccion de la Corte es:) Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 330 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Jonathan B. Teperson, ESQ/ SBN 156470 Law Offices Of Jonathan B. Teperson P.O. Box 890123 Temecula, CA 92591 Phone: 949-570-0990 Date: 04/08/2022 Carolina Miranda, Deputy Clerk AJ 1008 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, and 08/26/2022 AJSD#1008

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

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.

AJSD 1000

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

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00030795-CU-PT-NC

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.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Hannah Dearie on behalf of a minor(s) filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Julian Vasin Dearie Lopez to Julian Vasin Dearie. b. Freya Alita Lockhart to Freya Alita Dearie 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: 09/20/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 25 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Superior Court North County Division 325 S. Melrose Dr. Vista, CA 92081 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: AUG. 04, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT JAMES S. SIMMONS JR. Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1010 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, and 09/02/2022 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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014789

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014716

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

AJSD#992

AJSD#1010

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015940

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017082

AJSD#995

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#996

Seiko Properties LLC located at 4695 E. Talmadge Dr., San Diego, CA 92116.

Registrant: Seiko Properties LLC, 4695 E. Talmadge Dr., San Diego, CA 92116.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/1986.

Signature: Pamela Seiko Robinson.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/28/2022.

AJ 1002 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, and 08/26/2022. AJSD#1002

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00030664-CU-PT-CTL

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00031414-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Kathleen G. Alvarado, Esq., SBN:117690 7177 Brockton Avenue, Suite #335, Riverside, CA 92506 Attorney for Olivia Padilla Mendibles-Streno filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Olivia Padilla MendiblesStreno to Olivia Mendibles.

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: 09/21/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 3330 West Broadway 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: AUG. 04, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1011 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, and 09/02/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: 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.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Kazuyoshi Yanagawa AKA Hwa Kwon Yang filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Kazuyoshi Yanagawa AKA Hwa Kwon Yang to Kazuyoshi Yanagawa.

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: 09/26/2022 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: AUG. 09, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1013 08/12, 08/19, 08/26, and 09/02/2022 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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015142

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9016469

AJSD#1011

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#997

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017083

Think Real Estate Benefits LLC located at 4695 E. Talmadge Dr., San Diego, CA 92116.

Registrant: Think Real Estate Benefits LLC, 4695 E. Talmadge Dr., San Diego, CA 92116.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 0/01/2012.

Signature: Pamela S. Robinson.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/28/2022.

AJ 1003 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, and 08/26/2022.

AJSD#1003

AJSD#1013

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9017205

MAC Taekwondo located at 5143 Waring Rd., San Diego, CA 92120.

Registrant: Martial Arts Center Inc., 4853 Carriage Run Dr., San Diego, CA 92130.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/29/2022.

Signature: Jaesung Yoon.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/29/2022.

AJ 1004 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, and 08/26/2022.

AJSD#1004

SAN DIEGO

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 12-18, 2022

JOURNAL

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AU G U ST 1 2 , 2 0 22

‘Easter Sunday’: Tita humor and the attempt at Fil-Am representation on the big screen Despite a less-than-ideal weekend opening, the actors of Easter Sunday celebrate the largest Filipino-centric summer comedy

by Klarize

L

Medenilla / AJPress

AST weekend, the highly anticipated comedy “Easter Sunday” premiered in theaters across the world and, on its surface, it was a groundbreaking moment.

The film stars Filipino American comic Jo Koy, and for months, has been drumming up high expectations as reportedly the first major summer blockbuster starring a majorityFilipino cast.

Despite the groundbreaking moment of showing one of the largest Asian American groups on screen, the film’s opening weekend gross was $5.3 million, earning eighth place on domestic box office charts.

The film follows Joe Valencia (Koy), a hapless stand-up comic and divorced father who goes back home to Daly City to spend Lydia Gaston and Jo Koy in “Easter Sunday” Easter with his family. Joe is bat, and we’re joking back the more difficult to celebrate largely based on Koy himself, and forth. Usually with a cast, superficial representation and as the film opens, he’s in it takes a while to find your in a film that rehashes tired the process of locking a role on rhythm, but I don’t think we had stereotypical jokes and stale a TV pilot. schtick at the expense of that problem.”

And he’s basically got the everywhere, but The last few years in show Filipinos job — but the studio wants business have shown, among especially immigrants. him to adopt a Filipino accent, other breakthroughs, that Asian The irony of “Easter similar to the one that Joe (and Americans are storming toward Sunday” lies in the sub-plot of the real-life Koy) adopts in his the forefront of mainstream Joe refusing to do a Filipino stand-up sets when he emulates cinema. accent for the audition he’s his mother.

Hollywood, in particular, trying to nail. He argues that The film takes twists and is experiencing a seismic when he mimics a tita accent turns centered around Joe’s shift of increased diversity during his stand-up, he’s doing haphazard life: he’s got a wherein audiences are calling his mom. But that argument teenage son (Brandon Wardell) epresentation of traditionally feels thin: so he’s willing to get who chafes at his father’s ignored communities has on stage to do an exaggerated constant phone calls and become a major priority among accent in a comedy club but he appointments with his agent. A actors, filmmakers, and of won’t do it for television? somewhat strained relationship course, studio executives, who This is the center of what with his mother, Susan (Lydia are seeking to capitalize on the makes Koy’s comedy in general Gaston), who is fueding with demand. feel extremely outdated, and her sister Theresa (Tia Carrere), If one’s metric for how what colors much of “Easter provides the emotional nucleus good a film is is purely based Sunday” and the subgenre of of the film. on how many Filipinos appear “tita humor.”

Other Filipinos in the cast on screen, “Easter Sunday” Throughout his career, Koy’s include Lou Diamond Phillips, deserves roses. signature was caricatures of his Eva Noblezada, Eugene It is a win for the Filipino real-life Filipina mother, using Cordero, Elena Juatco, and who merely wants to see as a punchline, her vocabulary, Rodney To. As a Filipino seeing themselves portrayed on the her hyper-resourcefulness, and, in the film in the theater, at first, big screen. But unprecedented of course, her accent. the onslaught of Filipinos on Filipino representation aside, Neither Carrere nor Gaston, the screen can feel like a huge the film leaves more wanting who play the titas in this film, win for the community. in being a substantial film that have naturally Filipino accents.

But for the actors celebrates the intricacies of (Gaston was born in New York themselves, being around a Filipino identity.

City and boasts an extensive bunch of other Filipino actors “Easter Sunday” — a musical theatre background and on set of a major film felt like a product of Universal and Carrere was born in Hawaii.) long-overdue achievement.

Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Both told the Asian Journal that “It felt like coming home,” Entertainment — is directed by their accents for the film were Carrere told the Asian Journal Jay Chandrasekar (of “Super inspired by Filipinas and titas at a press junket for “Easter Troopers” fame), written by in their personal lives, and the Sunday.”

Ken Cheng and Kate Angelo, result was two performances Carrere, who has been produced by Dan Lin and that perfectly encapsulate tita a working actor since the Jonathan Eirich. humor.

1990s, added, “It felt so “Tita humor” is primarily None of these individuals, comfortable and we just had despite their merits, are of a caricature of a theatrically that camaraderie right off the Filipino descent, making it all neurotic Filipina mom or auntie

Iza recounts two surgeries ‘to fix body’ for Darna role: ‘Why was I so impulsive?’

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

IZA Calzado looked back on her 18-year Darna journey, from when she was first offered the titular role in 2004 to her current role as “first Darna” in the upcoming “Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series.”

In an exclusive interview with King of Talk Boy Abunda, as seen on the latter’s YouTube channel on Thursday, Aug. 11, the actress revealed the surgeries she had in 2004 after she was tapped to portray the “picture-perfect” superhero.

“It has been 18 years since I was first approached, sat down and told, ‘We want you to play Darna’—without it being a dream role of mine growing up [because Darna is] pictureperfect,” she said. “Beyond Barbie pa ito kasi naka-twopiece, perfect ka dapat.” (This is beyond Barbie because [Darna] is wearing a two-piece [costume], so you have to be perfect.)

“So I did two surgeries to, kind of, fix the body and it wasn’t enough. Because I had lost a hundred pounds—so loose skin and everything—I had a tummy tuck and thigh lift.

It was one after the other,” she added.

Calzado recalled having to

Iza Calzado Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado

still audition for the role despite her surgeries, admitting that it pained her at the time when she was not cast as Darna.

Nevertheless, Calzado stressed that she was never possessive of the role, and that fellow actress Angel Locsin, who portrayed the iconic superhero at the time, was meant and perfect for the character.

“I let go pero syempre ‘di

ba (but of course), the feeling of I did the surgeries for a role, that stays with you,” she stated.

“The regret, ‘Why was I so impulsive in deciding to do this for a specific project na hindi naman natuloy (that did not push through)?’—I had to deal with that, I had to grapple with that for years.”

Calzado then spoke about the self-love journey she underwent which helped her heal and change her perspective. After several years, Calzado was then offered her current role in 2017 “without her manifesting it.”

Aside from her Darna journey, Calzado also opened up about her plans of having a child with her husband Ben Wintle, noting that such a blessing will come in God’s perfect time.

“I think He really has His divine timing and when the time comes, I know that He’ll give me that baby,” Calzado said.

Calzado will be starring in the TV series alongside Jane de Leon, who will be playing Narda, Joshua Garcia and Janella Salvador, among others.

The show, directed by Chito Roño and Avel Sunpongco, started taping in November 2021 and is set to premiere on Aug. 15. n

with a comically thick accent who is, above all else, loud and often petty. Throughout the years, “tita humor” has made its way on social media with content creators like Jeppy Paraiso and even Oscar-winning musician H.E.R. impersonating a stereotypical tita.

Generally, there isn’t anything inherently wrong with playfully impersonating your auntie. But when tita humor becomes a major plot device for a global audience, and when that film is being heavily marketed as a “Filipina American film,” that’s when it gets problematic.

And it shouldn’t be the extent of Filipino American comic relief, and for years, it’s almost the only thing that Koy and so many other comics have ever offered. Meaningful representation should be rooted, first and foremost, specificity in character and narrative.

“Easter Sunday” went in guns blazing with as many Filipino and Filipino American tropes, caricatures, and references as it could fit within a 96-minute window that lacked any kind of imagination. Aside from the socially problematic implications therein, it is wildly and astoundingly unfunny.

The characters that Gaston and Carrere played felt like

Jo Koy (center) stars in Easter Sunday.

two-dimensional imaginations of the stereotypical tita wearing a duster, pointing with her lips, and yelling at her kids. Sure, it may be amusing for a tight five at The Laugh Factory, but not as a primary comedic vehicle in a summer blockbuster.

Among the barrage of screenplay and acting choices, Noblezada — a Tony Awardnominated actor who previously turned out a stellar cinematic performance in the film “Yellow Rose” — shines as a manic pixie dream girl character who helps Joe and his family thwart the threats of a local gangster (yes, that is really a sub-plot in this film). Comedy stalwarts Tiffany Haddish and Jimmy O. Yang made cameos that were among the few enjoyable parts of the film.

Representation should not just be about be filling a quota, whether it’s measuring how

Photos by Ed Araquel/Universal Pictures

many Filipinos are on the cast list, how many Asian-led films are being released, or any other half-baked attempt to attract crowds seeking diverse entertainment.

Like with “Easter Sunday,” it’s difficult celebrate its profundity of a majorityFilipino cast when it’s severely and frustratingly undermined by a thin premise and shoddy storytelling.

At the end of the day, the film feels less like an honest story that honors Filipinocentric character and narrative with intention and more of a shallow attempt to placate calls for diversity.

But the very fact that this movie exists is a sign that the industry is willing to give Filipino stories a chance and to make way for better, more thoughtful storytelling from the Filipino community. n

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AUGUST 12-18, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Alden Richards City of San Diego buys land to expand conserved with special guest wildlife areas in Mission Trails Regional Park Property purchase comes as part of the Multiple Species Conservation Program Sue Ramirez

ALDEN Richards is coming to Harrah’s Resort SoCal to bring a night of non-stop entertainment to the Funner crowds. Joined by special guest Sue Ramirez, this dynamic duo is excited to perform live for fans in The Events Center.

Alden Richards is recognized as Asia’s Multimedia Star and is famously known for his talents as a singer, actor, concert artist, brand endorser and entrepreneur. He’s currently on tour with actress, model and singer, Sue Ramirez and they’re getting ready to debut an amazing performance in Funner, CA! Harrah’s Resort SoCal invites you to give Alden Richards and Sue Ramirez a huge welcome when they light up the stage Sunday, September 4 in The Events Center. Get your tickets today at Ticketmaster.com!

Event Information Event date: Sep 4, 2022 Time: 8:00 pm Location: The Events Center (Advertising Supplement)

SAN DIEGO – In line with its goals to preserve open space and protect plants and animals, the City of San Diego recently acquired 25 acres of land that has been added to the preserved wildlife areas within Mission Trails Regional Park.

The sale comes as part of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) and will help protect the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and some native grassland habitats on the land. City staff also believe there is a high potential

the federally endangered California Gnatcatcher bird is present on the property.

“The conservation of this property contributes to a critical network of habitat and open space that protects plants, animals and ecosystems that ultimately improve our quality of life,” said the city’s Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “It is our responsibility to protect this land not only for us, but for the generations that come after us.”

The land, part of the East Elliot Community Planning Area,

is located just west of Santee, north of Mast Boulevard and east of Republic Services Sycamore Landfill. The city bought the land from a private seller with money from the Habitat Acquisition Fund, which is used to purchase land identified and targeted for conservation.

As a regional conservation effort, the MSCP spans a 900-square-mile area in southwestern San Diego County and several jurisdictions participate in the program, including the City of San

Diego. The city developed its own specific plan for the MSCP, called a Subarea Plan, which the City Council adopted in 1997. The MSCP Subarea Plan identified 52,727 acres of land deemed essential for the continued conservation of San Diego’s unique biodiversity.

With this recent purchase, the city has now conserved approximately 98% of that land, which will ensure the long-term protection of the 85 plants and animals covered by the MSCP. (City of San Diego Release) n

Mayor Gloria signs Climate Action Plan Update into law Landmark CAP commits city to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035

Alden Richards and Sue Ramirez

SAN DIEGO – Delivering on his commitment • Support and accelerate the transition to have San Diego lead on climate action, from combustion to electric vehicles, to Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday, August 10 account for at least 25% of light-duty vehicle signed the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) miles traveled by 2035; update, which will guide many aspects of • Reduce waste production and divert city policy and operations toward meeting an 90% of waste away from the landfill by 2035; ambitious new emission-reduction target.

• Restore 700 acres of wetlands and “From wildfires to heat waves, to floods, related habitats to promote carbon storage we see the impacts of climate change all and ecosystem health; and around us. Every level of government must • Achieve 35% urban tree canopy coverage take action on addressing climate change – by 2035 by planting and maintaining tens and with this Climate Action Plan, the city of thousands of trees, focused first in is stepping up to do so,” said Mayor Todd underserved communities that are vulnerable Gloria. “This update to the city’s Climate to extreme heat.

Action Plan means cleaner air and water, The city gathered extensive public local investment and jobs, infrastructure feedback from more than 4,000 San Diegans improvements, more safe and convenient to help inform the CAP. The plan prioritizes mobility options, increased access to green equity through the incorporation of the space, and most of all, a better future for our city’s Climate Equity Index and the use of children and grandchildren.” extensive input from historically underserved The Mayor’s CAP update puts San Diego communities to prioritize actions and at the forefront of climate action nationwide, investments most desired by these residents. setting an aggressive target of net-zero A complete implementation plan is being greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035. In drafted and will be released before next order to achieve these reductions, the plan year’s budget proposal, and each department calls for the city to: responsible for CAP actions will be required • Phase out 90% of fossil fuel use in San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria to provide annual work plans to show how

File photo/www.sandiego.gov buildings by 2035 through electrification, they will carry out the plan’s identified happy I did! I was also able to appliance swaps and other emerging customers in San Diego by 2030; strategies. convince my Mom to get her very technologies, improving efficiency and To learn more about the city’s climate• Plan for and invest in a mobility network first mammogram,” she said. indoor air quality; efforts, visit sandiego.gov/ that shifts 50% of all trips to walking, biking related “I felt safe, welcome & the • Work with San Diego Community Power or transit and reduces the overall need for climatefuture. nurses and Doc Norman are real to offer 100% renewable electricity for all vehicle use by 2035; (City of San Diego Release) n light workers,” she added.

And the good news, according to her, is that both she and her mom were cleared of possible breast cancer.

“Good news! Both Mama and I are in the clear. I was also taught how to properly examine my breasts and was reminded to YOUR new best friend is out an application online to print stay away from food that won’t or pick one up at the shelter. help me & to manage my stress,” waiting for you in one of our two County animal shelters in Bonita Applications can also be emailed she said. but it is quicker to go in person.

For Chynna, it is always or Carlsbad.

The County Department of If you do adopt this month important to “prioritize yourself from the Bonita or Carlsbad & don’t wait until you are already Animal Services currently has shelter, Animal Services would feeling ill before you evaluate hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits like to add your adoption picture your body. Prevention & Early and other companion animals waiting to be adopted at no to our Clear the Shelter photo Detection is key.” gallery on the Animal Services As per experience, Ortaleza fee this month. County Animal Facebook page and possibly said that the “mammogram did Services is part of Clear the share photos on the County not hurt at all contrary to what Shelters, a monthlong national effort to find caring homes for Twitter and Animal Services and I’ve heard.”

County Instagram pages. Send “The machine is top notch! animals in shelters.

“We will be waiving adoption your picture to Communications.

More of a firm steady hug than FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov. a painful tear jerking squeeze,” fees for all animals in our care If you cannot adopt, consider she said, advising women of for the entire month of August to fostering or volunteering.

35 and have a history of cancer celebrate Clear the Shelters and, Last year, 135 animals from in the family to schedule an hopefully, clear the shelters,” our county shelters found homes appointment and empower said Animal Services Director Kelly Campbell. “Animal shelters as part of the virtual Clear the themselves. n across the County are at, or near, neutered, have vaccinations, a second and third choice too, Shelters event. Clear the Shelters capacity, including our county a microchip and a one-year just in case your first choice is part of a campaign by NBCshelters. Moreover, shelters in license for dogs in the service is already chosen by another owned television stations and person. Walk-in hours are from Telemundo to find loving homes general across the country are area.

You can start by going 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through for the millions of pets who end seeing more animals coming in than going out, so we really to the Adoptions page and Friday and from from 10 a.m. up in the nation’s shelters each need the public’s assistance to browsing the beautiful and to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday year. Cities across the country adopt, foster or volunteer with lovable animals from cats to at both the South Shelter, 5821 take part in the event. our county shelters to support dogs to roosters and guinea pigs Sweetwater Road in Bonita, or (Yvette Urrea Moe/County available now. Animal Services the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar of San Diego Communications our region’s homeless pets.”

All animals will be spayed or staff recommend picking out Airport Road in Carlsbad. Fill Office) n

Chynna urges women to get mammogram check-up AFTER undergoing mammogram, actress Chynna Ortaleza was quick to advise everyone to get medical checkup, stressing that early detection or prevention is always better than cure.

Ortaleza believes in the importance of mammogram to women as can be seen on her Instagram page on Monday, Aug. 8, where she shared two photos of her while in a clinic.

“I made a very important appointment today & I am so

Chynna Ortaleza Photo from Instagram/@chynsortaleza

Pet adoption fees waived for clear the shelters through August

Monkeypox vaccine: Who is eligible & where they can get vaccinated

THE global monkeypox outbreak is occurring primarily in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. For the general public, the current risk of contracting monkeypox remains very low.

While vaccination is an important component in containing the outbreak, the demand currently outweighs supply. The region receives monkeypox vaccine from the California Department of Public Health based on a statewide allocation formula.

Who Is eligible?

Given the limited vaccine supply at this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the monkeypox vaccine for the population most at risk.

These are people exposed to someone who has already been diagnosed with confirmed or probable monkeypox infection and those with immunocompromising conditions who are at greater risk of developing severe disease or complications if they contract the virus.

Where did recent vaccine allocation go?

This week 1,550 vaccine doses were allocated to the region and have been sent to designated healthcare systems, federally qualified health centers and clinics in the region. For those eligible and who also have a referral from a healthcare provider, vaccines are available by appointment only: • UC San Diego – Owen Clinic (200 doses) • AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Center San Diego (200 doses) • Vista Community Clinic (200 doses) • San Ysidro Health Center (150 doses) • Family Health Centers of San

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

Diego (100 doses).

County Public Health Centers also have about 300 doses of vaccine available by appointment only and based on the eligibility criteria detailed above.

Where Is testing available?

Testing is widely available through healthcare providers and involves using a swab to sample suspect skin lesions.

People with no healthcare provider, who need testing, can call 2-1-1 to be referred to a provider. 2-1-1 is not presently providing vaccination appointments.

What about second doses?

The monkeypox vaccine is a two-

dose series, administered 28 days apart.

Following guidance from the California Department of Public Health, given the low supply of vaccine, the County is presently recommending that first doses be administered to as many eligible people as possible. One dose of the monkeypox vaccine is 80% effective. Second doses will be administered when more vaccine is available.

“Our goal is to get one dose into as many people’s eligible arms as possible,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “When we get more vaccine, we can start giving second doses for even higher efficacy.”

Since late May, the county has received 4,687 doses of monkeypox vaccine. Of those, 3,251 have been distributed and 2,267 have been administered. The number administered might be higher because it takes a few days for the vaccine registry to be updated. As more doses are allotted to the region, the county will expand distribution.

For more information about monkeypox, including risk-reduction measures that those at risk can take, visit the county’s monkeypox website at https://www. sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/ programs/phs/community_epidemiology/ dc/human-monkeypox.html, which is updated at about 4 p.m. each weekday afternoon. To receive text messages about monkeypox, text COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311.

(Jose Alvarez/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 12-18, 2022

11

New golf entertainment facility expected to open near The Strat by Fall 2023

By RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

LAS Vegas continues to expand the boundaries when it comes to presenting fun for people of all ages and skill levels.

No longer just purely a gambling haven, the city that hosts a PGA Tour stop at TPC Summerlin will see an Atomic Range rise on seven acres of adjacent land near The Strat Hotel. The 99,000-square-foot golf entertainment complex will feature 103 hitting bays, 10 putting bays, plenty of places to eat and drink, and a large “Astrocade” where visitors can view sports and entertainment on large scale screens. Atomic Range is expected to be completed

by Fall of 2023.

Local officials, including Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, took part in groundbreaking ceremonies recently for the project that will eventually add 500 jobs to the city’s economy, according to local news reports.

According to an official with Flite Golf & Entertainment, which is developing the project, they see this as a way to allow people of all ages to come and learn to play golf in a non-intimidating environment, while having fun in a facility that will be about four stories high.

The company, which owns facilities in other parts of the United States as well as in locales like London and Saudi Arabia, estimates that the cost to build the Atomic Range in Las Vegas will be about $70 million. The LV Atomic Range will be the company’s flagship, per a company official.

Flite Golf & Entertainment, which will share the revenue with Golden Entertainment, the company that purchased The Strat in 2017, shared with news outlets both companies expect a mutuallybeneficial arrangement with Atomic Range

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

customers who may end up going to the casino, and The Strat bringing in customers to the golf facilty.

Atomic Range is expected to be a premier golf destination in Las Vegas with facility users able to have an immersive experience. The facility will feature the latest in golf and entertainment technology, and will certainly create memorable experiences for facility visitors.

The Atomic Range project is just one of the many projects expected to open or take place in the latter part of 2023 in Las Vegas.

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which is only about a mile away from The Strat, is expected to open towards the end of 2023, just ahead of the 2024 Super Bowl scheduled in the city.

The many-sided tall blue building with the “fb” etched prominently in the 2000 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard is one of the tallest structures in Las Vegas and will feature a casino, retail mall spaces and lots of meeting spaces. The Fontainebleau, according to reports, will focus on conferences to take advantage of its location adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Formula 1 Racing will also be on the menu for late 2023 as the Las Vegas Grand Prix event will have the sport’s top drivers competing in a 14-turn track that will run for 3.8 miles, with top speeds expected to hit around 212 miles per hour.

Sin City’s iconic landmarks will serve as the backdrop for the race that will feature three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section, with Grand Prix drivers running over 50 laps and trying to outmaneuver each other to win the event. Not since the 1980s has there been a Grand Prix event in Las Vegas, and racing fans are excited at the prospect of witnessing Formula 1 Racing and seeing their favorite drivers.

Meanwhile, in another piece of news for Las Vegas, billionaire Tilman Fertitta is reportedly eyeing a 6-acre property to build an upscale resort, according to recent reports. This will reportedly give the Houston Rockets owner a bigger footprint in Las Vegas. Fertitta also owns the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in the downtown area, which is part of his Landry’s Inc. portfolio that operates more than 600 restaurants, hotels, casinos and entertainment destinations across the U.S. Although this is just speculation at the moment as there have been no confirmed reports of a finalized deal, the property in question is located near the Planet Hollywood Resort and across from the CityCenter Complex. Sources quoted by news outlets have suggested that Fertitta is buying the property for over $200 million.

Per sources quoted by news reports, the casinoresort property being developed in the 6-acre property will not be another Golden Nugget type, but will be more upscale. This project, if it happens, will probably take a few years to complete.

Although there is a reported slowing down in the housing market in Las Vegas, it is still one of the most viable land and property markets in the U.S. With a lot of construction projects happening in the city, and unemployment at or near historic lows, Las Vegas will continue to be a great destination for real estate buyers in the years – or decades – to come.

Property values in Las Vegas and nearby communities are more affordable than in other

Atomic Range will be an immersive kind of golf experience for Nevada residents and tourists. Photo above shows where the Atomic Range will be constructed relative to The Strat; inset photo shows a rendering of the golf facility by Flite Golf & Entertainment.

File photos/www.flitegolf.com

Work is ongoing at the Fontainbleau Las Vegas, the blue building behind Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman, which is scheduled to open in 2023.

Realtor Nida Santos (right), an investor from Manila of Realtor Fely QuitevisBateman (left), was amazed at the massive changes that have taken place in Las Vegas and Pahrump since her last visit 13 years ago.

parts of the United States. Many property owners who took a gamble before and plunked down their money for Las Vegas properties are reaping the benefits of their investments, by way of increasing real estate prices and the ability to turn their property purchases into income-generating investments in the form of airbnbs or rentals.

If you are looking to invest in real estate in Nevada, I have decades of experience in helping kababayans find their piece of the American Dream, whether it is in Las Vegas, Pahrump (which is only 62 miles west of Sin City) or other neighboring

Atomic Range, which is scheduled to open in late 2023, is just behind The Strat. It is just about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Realtor Fely QuitevisBateman’s Turnberry Place residence.

cities/towns. My team and I would be more than happy to help find your slice of land in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

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AUGUST 12-18, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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