US CDC adds PH to ‘high’ travel risk list
In the latest iteration of its list, the Sy siblings of SM fame topped Forbes’ wealthiest by raking in $12.6 billion but saw their net worth drop by $4 billion. MANILA — The Forbes’ list of the Philippines’ wealthiest featured the same names as the annual ranking saw minimal movement ranking this year despite some declining net worths.Inthe latest iteration of its list, the Sy siblings of SM fame topped Forbes’ wealthiest by raking in $12.6 billion but saw their net worth drop by $4 billion. SM Investments Corp., reported its unaudited net income in the first half of 2022 rose 28.39% year-onyear to P35.4 billion. Property mogul Manuel Villar trailed behind the Sys, garnering a $7.8 billion wealth. Forbes said Villar is this year’s biggest dollar gainer.Landing in third was Enrique Razon Jr. and his logistics empire despite a slightly down net worth of $5.6 billion. Net worth was computed by Forbes’ based on stock prices and exchange rates as of July 22. Forbes noted that the minimum net worth that made their list was $185 million, slightly declining from the $200 million recorded lastRoundingyear. out the top were Lance Gokongwei and his siblings ($3.1 billion), Aboitiz family ($2.9 Marcos says to extend state of public health emergency until year-end
THE United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added three countries, including the Philippines, to its “high” risk list for COVID-19. The Philippines, Russia, and Nepal were added to places with Level 3 or “high” risk designation. “Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to the Philippines. If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to the Philippines,” the CDC said on its website.Level 3 applies to destinations that have had over 100 cases per 100,000 people in the past 28 days.The Department of Health recorded 28,008 additional cases—or 4,001 infections per day— from August 8 to 14. The figure was 3% higher than infections logged from a week before. The Philippines is once again seeing a spike in infections fueled by the presence of fast-spreading variants, increased mobility, and waning vaccine immunity of the population. Despite the increase in cases, the Philippines remained at low risk for COVID-19 spread. The country has confirmed 3.8 million COVID-19 cases, with 61,078 fatalities, since the health crisis began in 2020. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)
US-PH TIES. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. meets with the U.S. Congressional Delegation headed by Senator Edward Markey at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Thursday, Aug. 18. Marcos expressed hope for an improved Philippines-U.S. cooperation in the fields of economics, energy and agriculture. Malacañang photo u ex-congressman arrested on dozens of fraud charges
LAS VEGAS Volume 33 - No. 33 • 12 Pages Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA AUGUST 18-24, 2022 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879 T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER by AJPRESS u PAGE 3 u PAGE 3 u PAGE 2 Sen. Cortez Masto visits AAPI small businesses in Las Vegas’ Chinatown
Get a boost against COVID: What you need to know about boosters COVID vaccines and boosters have reduced the threat of COVID, allowing many people to gather, travel, and celebrate with more peace of mind. Vaccines and boosters provide the best protection against the worst outcomes of COVID, yet people still have many questions around boosters. As of August 10, CDC data showed that while Asian Americans were among the highest boosted group—with nearly 70 percent of those eligible having received their first booster doses—only 14 percent of fully vaccinated Asian Americans 50 years or older have gotten their second booster. First booster rates are still low for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, with less than half of the population age 5 and older receiving their first booster doses. To that end, the We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign has engaged community-based organizations as partners to increase vaccine and booster uptake across the country.
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday, August 17 he will be extending the state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic untilAskedyear-end.bya reporter whether he will lengthen the state of public health emergency, which is different from the state of national calamity also declared due to COVID-19, Marcos answered in the affirmative. Saying that amending emergency procurement laws could take time, he told reporters at the sidelines of a vaccination event in Manila that “we will likely extend it (state of public health emergency) until the end of the year.”
"I’m honored to be here with Nelson and Hang to celebrate the success of their restaurants right here in Chinatown," said Cortez Masto. “I will always fight to make sure our families and small businesses have the support they need to grow and thrive in Nevada.” “Without the help of Senator Cortez Masto, we would have not been able to get the relief loans we needed to stay open through the pandemic,” said Hang Wong, owner of Matcha Maiko. “We are honored to show her all that we have accomplished today, and she will always have our support at Matcha Maiko.” Cortez Masto, who is running for re-election, in May introduced the bipartisan Supporting New Businesses Act, which would make it easier to start and grow a new
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Sys of SM retain wealthiest title in Forbes’ 2022 list
SENATOR Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) recently joined Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders on a tour of Las Vegas-area businesses. Cortez Masto joined Clark County Planning Commissioner Duy Nguyen and small business owners Nelson Huynh of District One and Hang Wong of Matcha Maiko on the tour and to talk about issues facing their respective businesses.
by RAMON ROYANDOYAN Philstar.com
A state of public health emergency was u PAGE 2 first declared in March 2020 by then President Rodrigo Duterte in Proclamation No. 922 as the country logged its first 10 cases of COVID-19.Theproclamation provides that the state of public health emergency “shall remain in force and effect until lifted or withdrawn by the president.” This has never been lifted or withdrawn.Whatis expiring on September 12 is the declaration of a state of calamity which allows national and local governments to tap into funds allocated for disasters to respond to the ongoing health crisis. Duterte first declared a state of calamity due to COVID-19 on March 16, 2020, which FRESNO, California – FBI investigators on Tuesday, August 16 arrested Filipino American former Central Valley congressman Terrance John “TJ” Cox on dozens of fraud charges. A 28-count indictment was unsealed Tuesday at the Eastern District of California charging Cox, 59, with 15 counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of money laundering, one count of financial institution fraud, and one count of campaign contributionAccordingfraud.tothe indictment, Cox perpetrated multiple fraud schemes targeting companies he was affiliated with and their clients and vendors. He was booked at Fresno County Jail. Cox is accused of creating unauthorized off-the-books bank accounts and into which he allegedly diverted over $1.7 million in client and company funds, investments and loans through false representations and promises. Cox allegedly received mortgage loan funds from a lender to buy property purportedly for his useFormer Central Valley congressman Terrance John “TJ” Cox as primary residence, submitting multiple false representations, including fabricated bank statements. However, Cox allegedly bought the property to rent it to someone else. The indictment also accuses Cox of fraudulently getting a $1.5-million construction loan to develop a recreation area in Fresno known as Granite Park. Cox and his business partner’s nonprofit could not qualify for the construction loan without a financially viable party
PH immersion program for young Fil-Am leaders returns
AN immersion program in the Philippines for next-generation Filipino American leaders announced its return after a two-year hiatus from the pandemic. The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) — has selected 10 to 15 high performing next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries every year to travel to the Philippines — is now taking applications for its program scheduled for November. FYLPRO was established in 2012 by Former Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States of America, Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Mrs. Victoria J. Cuisia in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government. The organization recently celebrated its 10th anniversary "Reunite and Reconnect" weekend took place on July 21 to July 24,
Cortez Masto sits down with Clark County Planning Commissioner Duy Nguyen and Hang Wong of Matcha Cafe Maiko in Las Vegas.
Cortez Masto and Commissioner Nguyen also stop by District One to meet with owner Nelson Huynh.
The Department of Health had warned that lifting the state of calamity would affect the emergency use authorizations granted to vaccines and medicines for COVID-19 and also the benefits enjoyed by healthcare workers. (Xave Gregorio/Philstar.com) Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto meets with the staff at District One restaurant in Las Vegas as part of a recent tour of businesses in Chinatown. AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
There were notable names that broke bank but did not rank among the top, such as the Uys of broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions, the Po family of Century Pacific Food Inc, and real estate developer Sylvia Wenceslao. These corporations likewise benefitted from aid in the form of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises law passed by the Duterte administration within the pandemic. n
Sen. Cortez Masto visits AAPI small businesses... business. This bill will require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide annual awards that would encourage states and localities to reduce red tape and streamline the process for starting a newDuringbusiness.thepandemic, Cortez Masto fought to deliver critical relief funding to Nevada, helping over 118,000 businesses keep their doors open and their employees paid, including Matcha Maiko, according to her office. The senator recently announced her Advisory Council of AAPI leaders, a group of individuals who are spearheading the campaign's AAPI outreach across the state of Nevada.
Marcos says to extend state of public... was extended six months after its effectivity and extended anew for a year after that.
Fil-Am ex-congressman arrested on... guaranteeing the loan. Cox allegedly falsely represented that one of his affiliated companies would guarantee the Granite Park loan, submitting a fabricated board resolution guaranteeing it. But no meeting took place, and there was no loan guarantee. It later went into default, leading to a loss of more than $1.28 Accordingmillion.tothe indictment, when Cox was a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2018 election, he schemed to fund and reimburse family members and associates for donations to his campaign. Cox in 2017allegedly arranged for over $25,000 in illegal straw or conduit donations to his campaign.Ifconvicted, Cox faces • a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud and money laundering; • a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for wire fraud affecting a financial institution and financial institution fraud. • a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for campaign contribution fraud. (Inquirer.net)
August 18-24, 2022 • LAs VEgAs AsIAN JOuRNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-66782 From The FronT Page PAGE 1
As little as 6 inches of water can sweep a person off their feet, and a foot of water can cause a car or truck to float. Turn from flooded roadways no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving.
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Sys of SM retain wealthiest title in Forbes’... billion), Isidro Consunji and siblings ($2.65 billion), Tony Tan Caktion ($2.6 billion), Jaime Zobel De Ayala ($2.55 billion), Ramon Ang ($2.45 billion), and Andrew Tan ($2.4 billion).
PH immersion program for young Fil-Am...
A partnership between Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM) and Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) has humanized the numbers behind those lost to COVID-19 with a curated community exhibit titled, Toe Fo’i: The Return. Through the power of storytelling from 6 Pasifika artists, Toe Fo’i: The Return evokes a narrative that “reminds visitors the stories of those lost are the stories of those who survived,” says Kiki Rivera, PIEAM Guest Curator and EPIC Storyteller.“COVID-19 devasted our Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders,” says Rivera, “We are as dedicated to drawing awareness to the importance of vaccines and boosters as we are to guiding our communities through the hurdles of misinformation, fear, mistrust, and entitlement that surround theHeretopic.”is what people should know about the COVID boosters: Boosters provide the best protection against severe illness and death. Over time, vaccines may become less effective at preventing COVID, and just because you’ve had COVID doesn’t mean you can’t get it again. Getting boosted extends your protection and keeps you safer from emerging variants. A booster shot is another dose that — as the name suggests — boosts immunity to the virus as time passes. Vaccinated people who have also had a booster are less likely to get sick; but if they do catch the virus, the illness is usually less severe. For adults ages 65 or older, boosters can more than double their protection. Vaccines and boosters protect vulnerable populations against COVID. Everyone 5 or older who has completed their initial COVID vaccination series should get a booster. Individuals who are up to date on COVID vaccines not only receive protection for themselves, but they also help reduce the spread of COVID to people who are at high risk due to age or compromised immune systems. Second boosters provide added protection for people at higher risk. Adults age 50 or older and immunocompromised individuals can improve their protection even more with a second booster. CDC recommends second boosters, with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, for:
2022 in Washington D.C. The celebration was coordinated by FYLPRO board members Joyce King, Jessica Velasco and Sabrina Sayoc.The anniversary celebration kicked off with a mixer on Thursday July 21. On Friday, July 22, alumni and members participated in a Capitol tour in the morning and ended the evening with a formal presentation and dinner at the Philippine Embassy. The evening program included special guests Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr., Embassy, Vice Consul Mark Dominic E. Lim, Embassy Consul General Iric C. Arribas, and Nancy Hsiung from the Booz Allen Foundation. “I had the privilege of witnessing how FYLPRO evolved from the time of its launching to when its members started addressing existential questions and challenges such as whether or not it should apply for 501(c)3 organization status or encouraging active participation among the alumni,” said Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. “And here you are now, a 501(c)3 organization celebrating its 10th anniversary!” As part of the program, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Ascalon and 2021 FYLPRO President Louella Rose Cabalona completed the final signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Embassy, FYLPRO, and the Ayala Foundation Inc (AFI) extending the partnership until December 2025. Previously, the MOU was signed via a virtual ceremony last December 2021. The evening’s program also included the official launch of Project Ligtas Bata (Project Safe Child) and a tribute to Francine Maigue, a member of the first batch in 2012. She passed away surrounded by her family on Feb. 22, 2022 after battling Stage 4 lungFYLPROcancer. President Leezel Tanglao announced the restart of FYLPRO’s signature immersion program.“Weare excited to bring this life changing program back,” said Tanglao.Theannual immersion trip has been the signature piece of the partnership with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ayala Foundation and FYLPRO since 2012. The program was deferred the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The week-long program brings 15 young leaders from across different industries to the Philippines where they meet with business, community and civic leaders in an effort to bridge and strengthen ties between the United States and the Philippines. The immersion program is scheduled to take place the week of November 20, 2022. In addition, the immersion program committee has decided to raise the eligibility age limit to 45 to account for those who might have aged out during the last two years. Previously, the program age eligibility was 25 to 40. Applicants must complete the application form, pay a $20 processing fee, essay questions and obtain recommendation letters by the Sept 5, 2022 deadline (Sept. 12, 2022 last day for recommendation letters to be submitted).Fil-Amsinterested in applying can go to immersion-application/.https://fylpro.org/ n
• People age 50 or older who got their first booster four months or more ago, • People who got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine and their first booster with a Johnson & Johnson dose at least four months ago, • Residents of long-term care settings, • People with certain underlying medical conditions that impact their immune systems, and • Pregnant and recently pregnant people. Boosters are readily available to all vaccinated people ages 5 years or older. Just like the vaccines, booster shots are available at no cost to anyone living in the U.S. People who got Pfizer or Moderna vaccines should get a booster five months after the initial doses. Vaccinated adults 18 or older may choose any available vaccine as a booster, regardless of the type or brand of vaccine received previously. Only the Pfizer vaccine is available as a booster for those ages 5 to 17. For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www. vaccines.gov. (By the We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign) (Advertising Supplement)
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com 3LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-24, 2022Dateline USa PAGE 1PAGE 1 Get a boost against COVID: What you need...
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) stopped a group of United States lawmakers from entering its compound where former senator Leila de Lima was being detained.BGen.
MLQ BIRTH ANNIVERSARY. The tomb of former President Manuel L. Quezon and his bronze statue inside the Quezon Memorial Circle on Thursday, Aug. 18. On Friday, August 19, the country will mark the 144th birth anniversary of Quezon, who served as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944. PNA photo by Ben Briones
Marcos eyes stronger PH-China ties by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net by FranCiS earl Cueto and Bernadette e tamayo ManilaTimes.net by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA — As many as 10,000 former communist rebels may avail of the amnesty to be offered by the government, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.' peace adviser said Wednesday, August 17. State media Philippine News Agency quotes the Armed Forces of the Philippines saying last week that the New People's Army is down to around "more than 2,000" active fighters. The military has claimed in recent years that thousands of rebels have surrendered to the government, although the Communist Party of the Philippines disputes this. Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez, Jr. said members of the CPP and NPA are encouraged to talk to the government so the country can achieve peace. The CPP has stressed addressing landlessness and other root causes of conflict will lead to peace.TheNational Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
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PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bong bong" Marcos Jr. expressed hope that relations between the Philippines and China will become stronger under his ad ministration.Marcosrenewed this com mitment during his meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian in Malacañang on Wednesday, August 17. The President did not disclose what they discussed during their meeting but said he was happy that Huang visited him.
AUGUST 18-24, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-66784 Up to 10,000 former communist rebels seen to avail of proposed amnesty On 2,000th day of detention, De Lima laments ‘broken’ justice system PNP stops US delegation from entering headquarters Department of Business License VINCENT V. QUEANO DIRECTOR 500 SOUTH GRAND CENTRAL PKY, 3RD FLOOR BOX 551810 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89155-1810 Phone: (702) 455-4252 Toll Free: (800) 328-4813 Fax: (702) http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/businesslicense386-2168 August 11, 2022 NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION PERIOD FOR SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNIT LICENSES IN UNINCORPORATED CLARK COUNTY To All Interested Parties: Starting on September 13, 2022, through March 13, 2023 (“the application period”), the Department of Business License will be accepting applications for business licenses to operate a Short-Term Rental Unit. Applications will be available either through our online portal or submitted in-person by appointment only. To apply online or schedule an appointment, please visit: www.clarkcountynv. Thegov/businesslicense/STRCountyordinanceregulating Short-Term Rental Units that was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on June 21, 2022, is available for review on the County’s website at www.clarkcountynv.gov/businesslicense/STR, under the Adopted Clark County Ordinances section. Upon submission of an application, an identification number will be assigned to the application. Please note that during the application period, changes to an application will not be accepted. Following the close of the application period, the identification numbers will be placed in a random number generator to determine the order of priority in which the applications will be processed. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or issuance of a license. Applications are subject to review and investigation by the Department of Business License and other related agencies as applicable. Additional information on application requirements, including a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), can be found at: www.clarkcountynv.gov/ Forbusinesslicense/STRmoreinformation, please email: STR@ClarkCountyNV.gov
Roderick Augustus Alba, chief of the PNP-Public Information Office, said that while the PNP Headquarters Support Service can present a briefing to the visiting delegation, led by U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, they should first seek permission from the court if they want to see de Lima. "The PNP will extend utmost courtesy and assistance to a foreign delegation from the U.S. Senate that will check on the conditions at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, consistent with existing guidelines and procedures on visitorial privileges in the detention facility," Alba said in a Soughtstatement.fora reaction, the U.S. Embassy "confirms that Senator Markey (Massachusetts) is leading a congressional delegation in Manila".Itsaid that the delegation met with "Secretary of Justice (Crispin) Remulia and President (Ferdinand) Marcos (Jr.) today (Thursday), and is meeting with legislators from the Philippine Congress this evening. The delegation's meetings will continue tomorrow (Friday)."However, the embassy neither confirmed nor denied the visit to the PNP headquarters. De Lima was detained on drug charges under the administration of then president Rodrigo Duterte. Authorities have refused to release her even after supposed witnesses recanted their testimonies. n
"We welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Huang Xilian, in a courtesy call on Wednesday," Marcos said in a Facebook post on Thursday, August 18. "We are very grateful for the visit, and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples," he added. Photos of Marcos' meeting with Huang were also uploaded on the President's official Facebook page.The Chinese envoy, for his part, said he was "greatly honored" to pay a courtesy call on Marcos. Under the new administration, Huang expressed optimism that cooperation between China and the Philippines would further grow."We exchanged views on further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples," Huang said in a statement on Thursday. "I'm fully confident that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Marcos, ChinaPhilippines relationship will further grow and achieve more benefits in the years to come," he added. n
MANILA — Former Sen. Leila De Lima said Tuesday, August 16 that her continued detention on illegal drugs charges she claims are trumped up is proof that the Philippines has a “broken” justice system. “My continued detention on the basis of evidently and utterly false cases is yet another reminder to the world that the justice system in our country is broken,” De Lima said on the 2,000th day of her detention in a written dispatch from her cell in Camp Crame in Quezon City. She vowed to continue fighting for her “own deliverance from injustice and vindication … in spite of futile attempts to break [her.]”Atleast three personalities, including a government star witness, have retracted their allegations linking De Lima to illegal drugs and have since admitted that their testimonies were false and were made due to Despitethreats. this, government lawyers said they are not dropping charges against De Lima, who has been acquitted in one of three drug cases. The Office of the Ombudsman also recently cleared her in a bribery complaint. “By fabricating spurious charges against me to deplatform and silence me, the former wannabe dictator only proved my point and solidified his status as an oppressor, demonstrating his vindictiveness,” De Lima said, referring to former President Rodrigo Duterte whom she tried investigating in the Senate over his brutal “war on drugs.” “I wait for the day when justice returns in our country,” De Lima said. “In the meantime, #LabanLang ( we fight .)” (Xave Gregorio/Philstar.com) (NTF-ELCAC) is continuously conducting local peace engagements, he added, referring to a new tack of engaging local rebel commanders instead of the National Democratic Front, which represents the rebels at peace"Wetalks.are seeing more or less 8,000 to 10,000," Galvez said at a press briefing when asked how many rebels are expected to avail of the government's amnesty offer.Galvez explained that the figure only covers possible surrenderees from the CPP and the NPA and does not include rebels from other communist groups. He added that of the 26,414 rebels that have surrendered, about 1,000 or 2,000 are facing cases. In 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte granted amnesty to former rebels, except to members of the CPP-NPA. The administration, Galvez said, is waiting for "guidance" from the Senate with regard to the amnesty program.Filipino Maoist rebels have been fighting with the government for more than five decades, making it the longest-running communist insurgency in the world, according to some experts. In 2017, then President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he was ending peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF because of their "acts of violence and hostilities" and their supposed failure to display sincerity in pursuingDutertepeace.hasalso accused the communists of pushing for a coalition government, a powersharing set-up that he said is against the constitution. Last month, the NTF-ELCAC recommended offering an amnesty to rebels to prevent the resurgence of the commnist rebellion especially in isolated and disadvantaged areas. The task force also recommended the implementation and enhancement of programs designed to empower local governments, strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, ensure peace and law enforcement in the communities, and provide assistance to former rebels. n
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Editorial EARLIER this month, President Marcos Jr. met America’s most senior diplomat in Malacañang. For U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, widely known as U.S. President Joseph Biden’s alter ego, it was his first official visit to Manila. Make no mistake: This was no routine exchange of pleasantries.Overthepast half-a-century, the relationship between the Marcoses and America has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Almost four decades ago, the notorious dynasty had to flee the same halls aboard a U.S. Air Force plane in order to avoid the fate of less fortunate fallen tyrannies (think of Romania or Russia).Thetwilight decades of the 20th-century America, at once, represented both a vital ally and a political sanctuary for the Marcoses, who spent their brief yet luxurious exile in Hawaii, as well as a site of numerous court cases based on allegations of widespread human rights violations and corruption during the dark days of martial law. And it goes without saying that the Marcoses weren’t pleased with the Reagan administration’s eventual, albeit initially reluctant, embrace of the democratic opposition. Thus, Mr. Marcos’ meeting with Washington’s most senior Cabinet member represented a major juncture in both Philippine-U.S. relations, as well as the dynasty’s ties with America. Ahead of Blinken, the new Filipino president held a flurry of meetings and exchanges with top Western officials, including a cordial phone conversation with Biden as well as in-person meetings with two of the most capable diplomats in Washington, namely Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and the new U.S. ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson. Right off the bat, the new Filipino president made it clear that his term won’t be a poor replica of his Beijing-friendly predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who made anti-Western pronouncements a centerpiece of his stream-of-consciousness foreign policy speeches. Mr. Marcos signaled that the fundamentals of the alliance will remain intact after six years of disruptive populism under Duterte.“We cannot, we 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,” Mr. Marcos told his guest. On his part, Blinken made it clear that Washington treats Manila as an “an irreplaceable friend, partner, and ally” and reassured his hosts that “an armed attack on Philippines’ armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under that [Mutual Defense] Treaty.” What made the meeting even more interesting, however, is Mr. Marcos’ statement on the ongoing crisis in neighboring Taiwan. Instead of laying blame on the U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to the self-ruling island nation, Mr. Marcos nonchalantly stated, “To be perfectly candid, I did not think it raised the intensity, it just 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.” No other Southeast Asian nation has so categorically shut down Beijing’s (self-serving) narrative on what many have come to see as the “Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis.” The Taiwan issue is particularly sensitive for Manila for two major reasons: First is the “tyranny of geography,” since the Luzon strait separates the two nations by just over 200 miles; and second is alliance entanglements since the Philippines will almost inevitably serve, or be treated, as a major base of operations for U.S. and allied troops in an event of contingency. Early in office, Mr. Marcos rebooted Philippine foreign policy toward major powers. While open to robust commercial ties with China, Mr. Marcos has effectively tossed out his predecessor’s often fawning, if not slavish, predisposition toward the Asian superpower. Shortly after securing the presidency, the new Filipino president underscored his commitment to a more proactive defense of his country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, as well as a more critical, results-oriented approach to the largely “high rhetoric, low output” strategic relations with China. This has clearly been music to Washington’s ears. It also underscored Mr. Marcos’ determination to fully restore, if not further expand, a centuryold alliance on the verge of collapse only a few years earlier.
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Human rights advocates have called for a holistic approach to the problem, addressing not only the law enforcement aspect but also the demand, which is a social and health problem. The previous administration tried to adopt this approach, but in line with repeated pronouncements from the president, the focus remained on the law enforcement aspect, characterized by overwhelming police response to suspects who purportedly resisted arrest or “nanlaban.” The brutal campaign drew complaints that prompted the International Criminal Court to launch a preliminary examination of the conduct of the war and the possible indictment of certain Philippine officials for crimes against humanity. Apart from showing the ICC and the world that the country is fully capable of conducting its own probe, the government must show that police abuses are rare exceptions rather than the rule in the continuing campaign against the illegal drug scourge. (Philstar.com)
BaBe Romualdez
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OFeatures
DURING my early years as a news reporter assigned to cover Malacañang, one of those whom I had the opportunity to interview was General Fidel V. Ramos, popularly known as FVR. From the way he spoke and the manner by which he conducted himself with his upright posture, FVR struck me as someone who was every inch a soldier and totally disciplined with his Duringcomments.thetimes he would be waiting to see President Marcos Sr., I would spend time talking with him outside the study room at the Palace. On one occasion, Enrique Zobel, a close personal friend of General Ramos, invited me for lunch at the BPI executive lounge. During that lunch EZ hosted sometime in 1982, FVR revealed that he was really looking to continue in public service even after his retirement.Thatwas perhaps the first indication – at least to me – that the general would be treading a different path, as the turn of events served as the impetus for Fidel Ramos to become the 12th president of the Republic of the Philippines. His tenure generally marked by a perception of political stability, FVR used his great prowess at psywar to confuse and perplex perceived political enemies. He was undoubtedly an excellent drumbeater who was able to lead the country on a steady course of economic growth, positioning the Philippines as the next tiger economy of Asia. I saw this for myself when I joined several of his trips as part of his business delegation, particularly in Los Angeles, in San Francisco and during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Vancouver, Canada in November 1997, and then on to Seattle. When the 1997 Asian financial crisis hit, the Philippines was not as badly hurt as the other countries in the region because, as FVR explained it, we kept our economy open and enhanced our competitiveness – summed up in his trademark battle cry of “Kaya natin ‘to!” (roughly translated as “We can do this!”). That’s because he was not afraid to take the bull by the horns, so to speak, when he fast-tracked an energy program – even utilizing power barges – to solve the energy crisis that saw the country suffering from 12-hour daily brownouts that began in 1990 and continued until the early part of his presidency. As a result, he was able to add 1700 megawatts of new electric capacity, prompting many to say that he saved the country from ruin because the “dark days” came to an end and investors started coming in. Age had not dimmed his intellect because long after he left the presidency, he would regularly send me copies of his articles printed on paper with the RPDEV (Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Inc.) letterhead along with a handwritten note as well as comments on the margins, in his trademark red ink. There is no doubt that Fidel Ramos was an extraordinary individual who immensely contributed in making people proud of their country with his positive outlook and trademark thumbs up sign. In fact, this was the very same reason why we honored him with the Max Soliven Lifetime Achievement award during the “2018 People of the Year” awards, in recognition of the indelible mark that he had left in our country’s history.Alot of people, friend or foe alike, appreciated the gesture of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in giving credit for all the things that FVR has done in spite of what happened in the past, making it a point to be present during the late president’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. As President of the republic, BBM wanted to show unity and the appreciation of the people for all the contributions that FVR made in helping stabilize the country, describing him as a great leader and a dedicated statesman. The relationship between the Philippines and ASEAN as well as the United States was one of its best during FVR’s term. In a statement, the U.S.ASEAN Business Council mourned the loss of “an elder statesman and enduring ally for U.S.-Philippines and U.S.ASEAN relations,” noting that he “strengthened democratic institutions by ensuring the supremacy of civilian authority over the military,” which ensured the country’s economic prosperity.Weshould remember that the long journey home of the Balangiga Bells which were taken as war booty by American soldiers in September 1901 first gained traction when FVR personally asked President Bill Clinton for the return of the bells. As President Clinton seemed amenable to the idea, FVR instructed then-Philippine Ambassador to Washington Raul Rabe to start the work of recovering the bells, which were displayed at Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne in Wyoming.Theefforts to recover the bells met with a lot of resistance compounded by legal obstacles, but the impassioned speech of former president Duterte during his State of the Nation Address in July 2017 revived the clamor for their return. Together with many groups that include U.S. veterans, private American individuals like our honorary consul in Florida Henry Howard and countless friends who worked to overcome the obstacles – it was truly an honor for me that the bells were returned to the Diocese of Borongan in Eastern Samar in December of 2018. I have to thank FVR, too, because when I was first offered the post of ambassador and I initially declined, FVR was one of those who urged me to accept the job – and I must admit, he was right: there is nothing more humbling and gratifying than to be given the opportunity to serve your country, most especially during challenging times. (Philstar.com) * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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An alliance restored: Marcos Jr.’s US policy
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor
Continuing the war OF course the Philippine National Police will continue going after drug offenders, as promised by the new PNP chief, Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. No country has fully eradicated the drug scourge, and the world has never run out of people seeking the illegal substances.
The only question is the way the campaign is carried out. The architect and first implementer of Rodrigo Duterte’s Oplan Tokhang and Double Barrel, now senator Ronald dela Rosa, has openly said his main regret in the bloody campaign is his failure to first carry out a thorough cleansing of the PNP, to prevent police abuses that have bred accusations of extrajudicial killings. Mind-altering and habit-forming drugs have been around for centuries, with governments launching regular crackdowns against banned substances. But with continuing demand, there is constant supply, with colossal profits because of the risks involved in trafficking illegal items. Rodrigo Duterte, who promised during his campaign to eliminate the drug scourge within six months of his presidency, conceded six years later that he underestimated the extent of the problem. He urged his successor to continue his campaign, but Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been silent on the issue.
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com 7LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-24, 2022 Bigyan ng boost of confidence ang iyong summer. Kung ikaw ay 50 years old or older, lalo kang nanganganib sa pinakamasamang mga epekto ng COVID. Pero relax lang, maaari pa ring maging enjoyable ang iyong summer. Ang mga booster ng COVID ay nag-aalok ng extra protection mula sa malalang sakit, pagpapa-ospital at pagkamatay mula sa COVID. Kaya’t magpa-booster at mag-enjoy with confidence ngayong summer. Maghanap ng mga booster na malapit sa iyo sa vaccines.gov Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Getting to know Fil-Am triple threat Frankie McNellis
“These girls are so talented, so amazing. They are also beautiful human beings and that’s why (this) couldn’t have happened to a better franchise and I’m so glad that World of Wonder decided to put their eyes on the Philippines and showcase the amazing Philippine drag that is really world-class,” she expressed.Jigglyended her speech by expressing her love and support towards the Season 1 contestants of Drag Race Philippines, calling them her younger sisters and thanking them for the sisterhood formed during filming. “Sa akin lang, my Philippine drag sisters in the United States, we’re already sisters. Being a RuGirl, you’re part of a sisterhood. Tinitignan ko kayong lahat, napakabait ng mga bunso kong kapatid,” she tearfully said. KaladKaren, on the other hand, said it was an honor to have been part of the judges’ panel of Drag Race Philippines and see the contestants show their most authentic selves to the world. “Seeing all of you, being yourself, enjoying yourself, showcasing your talents all over the world, you all deserve to be seen on the world stage,” the impersonator-host told the competing queens. “When you guys were introduced to Jiggly and I, we’re both so emotional because we realized that you guys deserve this platform and this is time, this is the moment that we take up space (in) the whole drag community and the whole LGBT community, not only in the Philippines but in the entire world,” she added. KaladKaren concluded her speech by saying how the competing queens deserve the spotlight given to them by Drag Race“DeservePhilippines.na deserve niyo. Kaya kami ngayon naiiyak kasi panahon na, eto na ’yon and I know lahat kayo ginawa ang best niyo to showcase your talent, to be who you are, so congratulations, ladies,” she said. Drag Race Philippines had its two-episode premiere last Aug. 17 and is currently available on streaming sites Discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus. Its Untucked episodes, which feature behind-the-scenes drama and unseen footage from the show, will be aired today, Aug. 19. RuPaul’s Drag Race, created in 2009 by RuPaul and World of Wonder, has featured the excellence of past Filipino drag queens in the Emmy Awardwinning series and its several international franchises, including the likes of Ongina, Manila Luzon and Rock M Sakura.
by MoMar G. viSaya / AJPress
MEET Frankie McNellis, a 16-year-old Filipino American triple threat - she’s an actress, singer, and dancer prodigy. The young star plays the role of Lucy in the new Netflix fea ture adaptation of Broadway’s “13: The Musical,” streaming on Netflix starting this Friday, August 12. “I am so honored and bless ed to be playing Lucy Hallman in the film,” McNellis told the Asian Journal. “Liz Gillies orig inated the role on Broadway back in 2008, so it is so cool getting to play the role for the nextThegeneration.”musicalfollows 12-yearold Evan Goldman (played by Eli Golden) who, following a move from NYC to a small town in Indiana, plans to have the ul timate Bar Mitzvah, while grap pling with his parents’ (Debra Messing and Peter Hermann) divorce and the complicated social circles of a new school. The film also features new mu sic from three-time Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, who served as the composer and lyricist for the Broadway production.McNellis remembers she was on the set of another projectHoney Girls - working in her very first dance rehearsal for the film when she learned about bagging the Netflix project. “I was asked to join a call where the Netflix team told Frankie McNellis Photo by @juliannekaye me and the rest of the cast we booked the job. The audition process was long but so worth it in the end,” she recalled. She played a lead role in Sony Pictures’ “Honey Girls,” a Build-A-Bear Entertainment’s live-action feature film based on the top-selling product line from Build-A-Bear Workshop. She appeared opposite Ashan ti, Tessa Brooks, Aliyah Mas tin, and Ava Grace in this film which was released in the fall of 2021 and is also streaming on Netflix. Her Story Francesca Angelika Santos McNellis was born in Gilbert, Arizona on March 28, 2006. Her dad John McNellis is from Butte, Montana while her mom Agnes traces her roots to San Fernando, Pampanga in the Philippines.Hergreat grandfather’s mid dle name was Frances and the closest female name was Fran cesca. Her nickname Frankie came from her Auntie Amy who said it once and it just stuck. She hopes she can go back and visit the Philippines again soon.“Iused to go to the Philip pines almost every summer when I was younger,” she re called. “I remember always drinking mango smoothies.”
The competing queens of Drag Race Philippines are Brigiding, Corazon, Eva Le Queen, Gigi Era, Lady Morgana, Marina Summers, Minty Fresh, Precious Paula Nicole, Prince, Turing, Viñas DeLuxe and Xilhouete. HBO photo
13: The Musical McNellis said working on 13: The Musical was an amazing experience and she is thankful for the opportunity to work with a wonderful cast. “The cast of 13: The Mu sical is so insanely talented and I have never met kids that work harder. They are my best friends and we are all so incred ibly close now,” she revealed. She said she was pretty fa miliar with the musical when she first auditioned because she used to watch YouTube videos of Ariana Grande and Liz Gil lies on Broadway back in 2008, which is why it excited her no end when she found out she got the role of popular cheerleader Lucy.The film was shot during the pandemic from March 2021 to August 2021. They got tested multiple times a week and re hearsed with masks and shields. They also had sanitary carts for eachHerperson.IMDB bio describes Mc Nellis as “an actress, singer, and dancer prodigy” so we asked if she prefers to focus on all three or if she has a prefer ence, and she was quick to re spond.“Icould never choose one over the other. I have a love and passion for all three and I couldn’t live without them,” she explained.Asifthat’s not enough, she also enjoys writing songs and making music, her priorities whenever she gets free time. For now, it is all about nur turing her dream and working extra hard to achieve her aspi rations.“My dream is to be a suc cessful pop star and to inspire others to follow their dreams and do what they love,” she said.
‘We message a lot’: Bella admits crush on Joshua Garcia Filipino drag takes center stage on a global platform
VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE August 18, 2022 INSIDE
She is thankful and grateful that her parents helped her de velop her passion for perform ing as she admits she has been singing ever since she could talk. Dancing, piano, and vocal lessons followed suit to further hone her talent. “I feel like I’ve always known wanted to be a performer and I am so grateful for my parents because they are my biggest supporters. They put me in pri vate lessons when I turned 5,” sheMoresaid.than that, she is thank ful to her mom Agnes for incul cating her traditional Filipino values, and for teaching her how to cook.
The competing queens of Drag Race Philippines were formally introduced to the public via an exclusive viewing party of the show’s pilot episode held on Aug. 16 at the XYLO at the Palace. Brigiding, Corazon, Eva Le Queen, Gigi Era, Lady Morgana, Marina Summers, Minty Fresh, Precious Paula Nicole, Prince, Turing, Viñas DeLuxe and Xilhouete were all decked out in their fierce, jaw-dropping ensembles as they joined Drag Race fans and members of the press in watching the first episode of the Filipino franchise of the Emmy-winning show RuPaul’s DragAlsoRace.present were main host and head judge Paolo Ballesteros, permanent judges Jiggly Caliente and KaladKaren, and rotating judges BJ Pascual and Rajo Laurel who joined fans in screaming over the fierceness, glam and drama brought by Drag Race Philippines’ first of many episodes. After the preview, the event’s hosts G3 San Diego and Tim Yap asked Jiggly and KaladKaren to describe the feeling of being part of the Drag Race Philippines judges’ panel. The former, who was a contestant on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, highlighted the many firsts the Filipino franchise had to “Thisoffer.franchise is the first of many. We are the franchise to have two transwomen at the helm of the judges’ table. We are also the first franchise to have the (RuPaul’s Drag Race) Untucked because we are also very dramatic as f**k,” she Moreover,said.Jiggly expressed gratitude to World of Wonder, the production company that created RuPaul’s Drag Race, for the opportunity to showcase Philippine drag on a global platform.
Frankie McNellis stars in the Netflix film “13: TheHairMusical”.colorby @mrkimvo Hair styled by @mikahairstylist Make up and photograph by @juliannekaye Styled by @adeel_k Managed by @mattiemanagement
AUGUST 18-24, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-66788 Dateline PhiliPPines
by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com by adaM laurena Philstar.com
FILIPINA American singer Bella Poarch admitted that she has a crush on Kapamilya actor Joshua Garcia. In a report by ABS-CBN News, Bella said Joshua is her favorite Filipino actor. "My favorite Filipino actor right now is Joshua Garcia. Crush ko 'yun eh. Crush ko 'yun eh si Joshua,'" the TikTok sensation said. She added that Joshua already knew her feelings for him. "We message a lot. He already knows what I'm gonna say," she said.Joshua was featured in Bella's recent TikTok video where she was supposedly "cooking" unpeeled apples, but she gets distracted by constantly thinking about the "Singeractor.ba siya?" Bella captioned the video. Joshua posted three peeking emojis on her post, which prompted Bella to reply with a shushing emoji.
“My mom taught me how to sing and pray in Tagalog. She also loves to teach me how to cook Filipino dishes and they’re so yummy; my favorite is toci no,” she added. The best advice they’ve given her?“My parents taught me that practice doesn’t make perfect, but permanent,” she shared proudly.
Bella Poarch Photo from Instagram/@bellapoarch
BY now, many newspapers have covered the recent decline in home sales in Nevada, particularly home sales in cities like Las Vegas and Pahrump.
Spurred in part by the Federal Reserve raising interest rates in order to cool inflation and to slow down the dramatic rise in home prices, home sales have slightly dipped in both areas – Pahrump down by 18.6% from June 2022 to July 2022, and Las Vegas down by 24.7% in the same period. In Pahrump, the median home price is pegged at $369,715 (or $197/sqft) in July 2022, while in Las Vegas, median home price is at $402,717 (or $240/sqft), also for July 2022. These prices still represent a big difference over prices from a year ago, with Pahrump homes up by $70,456 (23.5%) over July 2021 numbers, and Las Vegas up by $75,195 (23%) over July 2021 prices. The average sale time for homes have a big difference though in these two areas – Las Vegas has remained steady at 16 days from the period of July 2021 to July 2022, while Pahrump’s AST has gone up from 18 days to 37 days in the same period. While Las Vegas continues to be in a seller’s market, Pahrump has moved to neutral territory. These numbers were presented in reports by the Pahrump Valley Times and Las Vegas Review Journal in recent stories, gleaned from numbers presented by Rocket Homes, which, in turn, got its data via the internet data exchange program of the Las Vegas Realtors® MLS. According to the same news reports, the number of homes for sale in Pahrump (328) went up by 10.4% in July 2022, from an inventory of 297 in June 2022. In Las Vegas, the jump in number of homes for sale was at 11.2% in the same period (3,627 in June 2022 versus 4,034 in July 2022). This meant more homes available for buyers looking to purchase in both areas. While Las Vegas experienced an increase of nearly 10% or more in availability for homes in the 2-bedroom to 5+ bedroom range, homes in the 1-bedroom category declined by a little bit more than 4%. In Pahrump, the availability of 1-bedroom and 5+ bedroom homes declined, but 2- to 4-bedroom homes experienced anInincrease.bothmarkets, it was indicated in the numbers that buyers may be able to get a good deal when looking to purchase homes – 39% of homes were sold below the asking price in Las Vegas, while in Pahrump 45.8% of homes sold in the town were sold below asking price. The advice given to buyers: homes are selling fast in both markets so quickly fast if you are planning to purchase a home. This means a good deal for buyers looking to purchase a home, or even real estate in Nevada.Moreinventory, fewer sales and price cuts mean more negotiating power for buyers. According to a local LVR official interviewed by the Pahrump Valley Times, while rising interest rates and today’s prices may present challenges to poten tial buyers, the availability of more homes, particularly in the Las Vegas area, presents a boon to would-be home buyers as more choicesPerhaps,abound.more importantly, buyers are negotiating more with sellers based on the fact that there are more choices, unlike a year ago when buyers had to concede a lot to sellers, oftentimes going over the asking price or many buyers being put on a waiting list in order to be able to just see home they were interested in purchasing.Thisisjust normal in the ebb and flow of real estate – there are periods of lull and periods of frenzy. Still, what is important is that real estate and home prices continue to be above the levels of what they were from a year, a decade, or even two decades ago. Nevada, including the areas of Las Vegas, Pahrump, Boulder City and Henderson, continues to be an affordable market for the home buyer or investment seeker, especially when you compare to other areas in the United States. With many development and housing projects slated for cities and towns like Las Vegas and Pahrump, and an expected 1 million people added to the population of Clark County where Las Vegas belongs to (plus a couple of thousand for Nye County where Pahrump belongs to), housing will always be indemand in these areas. As tourism bounces back in Sin City, and visitors embrace the Las Vegas experience, more and more people will be looking at opportunities in Nevada, whether it will be in the form of employment, housing or investments.Ihavebeen a Realtor for decades and have helped many of my clients pursue their American dream of home/land ownership, whether it is in Las Vegas or Pahrump. In fact, many of my clients have reaped the rewards of entering the real estate market sooner, with some renting out their properties for Airbnb, or selling their investments at a good price, or growing their real estate portfolio many-fold over the years. Now that the market is moving towards a buyer’s market, it is time to put your resources to work for you. My team and I will help you find the best opportunities in the market – be it for a first home, a second/vacation home, a land/ property investment, or simply an addition to your real estate holdings.Mycompany, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@ gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.
by RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com 9LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-24, 2022Features Pahrump, Las Vegas home sales decline, but prices still up from 2021
Pahrump used to be a farming community so anything grows in the town. Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (3rd from left) friend’s garden in Pahrump attracted her investors, Chris and Vicky, who bought several land parcels. Meet my future neighbors in Pahrump, Rose and Jessica Pacheco of North Las Vegas. We are working together towards the construction of their new home. Rose has a God-healing gift, does feng shui and numerology. Rose can be contacted at 702-249-6959. Photo above shows (from left) Rose Pacheco, Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman and Jessica Pacheco.
Mr. & Mrs. Hung Yeh, with Realtor Rely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme right), bought an acre-plus on Highway 160. They will be bringing a national chain to be one of their tenants in their planned development.
TELEVISION personality Kuya Kim Atienza has embraced his new role as the "dean" of the satirical university, the International State College of the Philippines (ISCP), and wants his "students" to emulate his healthy lifestyle. Kuya Kim shared with the media his initial reactions to the ISCP's viral posts on Saturday during his launch as the ambassador for Watsons Philippines' Vitamin B-Complex brand. "Noong una akala ko fake. I said it was a scam kasi ang ganda ng mga art cards. 'Yun pala satire, so, sinakyan ko na lang," Kuya Kim shared, adding that he was worried at first that his name was being promoted for false reasons. The administrators of the fictional school explained that it was all for fun, and Kuya Kim admitted to having been fooled. He eventually joined in the joke. "I'm excited to seeing them face-to-face... now I'm really theKuyadean."Kim even shared that the ISCP has around two billion enrollees from different galaxies, including from "branches" on the sun, moon, and the legendary underwater city of Atlantis, and anything he announces ends up with over a thousand comments. "Requirement sa lahat ng students ko sa ISCP to switch to Watsons, mas makakatipid kayo sa medicines at 'pag nakatipid kayo, mas marami makakain sa recess," Kuya Kim joked. On almost a serious note, Kuya Kim encouraged ISCP "students" and all individuals to eat healthy, exercise, and to consider the popular health and wellness brand when looking to save on purchasing medicines.
* * * 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.
Actors thrive with the passing of time. Christopher de Leon and Jean Garcia know that. Among the things they have mastered are to disappear into every role and get out of it at the proper time. It’s essential for thespians to keep a safe distance from the roles they portray to the hilt. “What we do as actors is right after a take or a scene, you know, pinapagpag kaagad namin (we try to stay away from the character) for a while,” answered Christopher when he and Jean were asked about handling characters, like their powerful couple Armando and Dona Banson in Lolong, who are full of intense emotions, in a recent virtual press conference. “So, we (have time) to get ready for the next scene. That day after the shoot or taping, pinapagpag kaagad namin. Well, I do that. After a while, when you do it every day, you know, it gets into you, and then, nagiging masungit ka na rin (the role gets into you and you become, like the role, grumpy),” added he. As for Jean, she admitted that essaying her character is tiring. “Minsan iniisip ko na mas gusto ko pang umiiyak kaysa nagagalit (Sometimes, I think I would rather cry in a scene than getting angry).” However, their years of experience have equipped them with techniques and training to sustain their energy and endure demanding roles. “When the scene is being taken and you’re in that situation, your energy gets drained. After the director says, ‘Cut!’, (all I have to do is), take one deep breath, (then) tapos na (I feel fine and am ready for the next scene),” said she. Recently, Lolong has welcomed new characters played by Vin Abrenica, Alma Concepcion, Rafael Rosell, Lucho Ayala and Thea Tolentino. Viewers may entertain the possibility of how they will tip the balance, narrativewise. Tuning in to Lolong after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad, they may also look forward to the changes these dramatis personae bring to Armando and Dona. Kapuso viewers can also watch it at 9:40 p.m. on GTV and on GMA Public Affairs social media accounts. “Dire-diretso pa rin ito, kasi yung hatred ng mag-asawa hindi siya matatanggal kasi sobra yung nangyari sa kanila, hindi ba? Nawalan sila ng anak (Their hatred will continue and won’t easily disappear because of what happened to them, they lost a child),” said ChristopherJean.agreed with her by saying, “Tuloy ang laban, tuloy ang paghihiganti (Their fight and revenge carry on). Actually, these will intensify more… there will be more revelations, (along with) new characters and events that will come and unfold in the comingWhatepisodes.”Jeanloves about Christopher’s Armando and her Dona is, the Lolong couple are given the back story that explains the contexts of their characterization. “I’m happy… (the story shows) where the couple’s (hatred) is coming from, why they act that way, why they hate the Atubaw (a group of people) and the crocodiles, but tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang gulong gagawin nang mag-asawang ito kasi hindi natatanggal yung galit sa puso Asidenila.”from love for acting, the sense of family on set and support from colleagues made work easier for Christopher and Jean. The same reasons they were able to deal with homesickness and stress. “We were like a family during our bubble taping,” said theBasedactor. on the way things are going in their careers, Christopher and Jean remain committed to and in love with their craft. They stay inspired as actors. The actress shared that she is still excited about portraying roles and has no plans of retiring. The actor added that one good thing about acting is, there’s no retirement age. “I love to act and I’m enjoying it,” said Jean, who appreciated the support GMA has for her. “Andyan yung suporta at pagmamahal nila palagi… walang tapon kasi ang character na binibigay sa akin (The support and love of the network are always there. They never gave me characters that are not worth my time). I’m very grateful.”“Binibigyan ako ng mga characters na binabasa ko pa lang, ay parang gusto ko ito. Pini-pitch pa lang sa akin yung character, na-e-excite na ako (They give me characters that I already like just from reading the script, or when they’re just pitching a character, they get me excited),” added Jean. “Ang dami nang tumatakbo sa isip ko (and then, a lot of things are going on in my mind). The roles that have been given to me are different. Merong nakakaawa, merong mabait, mayroon namang salbahe. That’s why I always give my best every time.” Through her screen characters, Jean is able to show the talent God has given her. As for Christopher, what keeps him going and doing acting boils down to this: “I love telling stories. I come from a family of actors. Nasa dugo na namin yun. We are entertainers. I love telling stories. I love being part of a story. I like to create characters.” With that, one can say that Christopher and Jean further understand human emotions and conditions through the eyes of their characters, Armando and Dona.
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* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
How Christopher and Jean stay in love with their craft ‘Dean’ Kuya Kim advises his ‘students’ to live healthy EMPLOYMENT
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
UNIVERSITY of Nevada, Las Vegas’Asian and Asian American Studies Program and the Department of Interdisciplinary, Gender, & Ethnic Studies, in collaboration with the MinorityServing Institution Student Council, is proud to present its first theater/performance event at the Philip J. Cohen Theatre. A Filipina’s heartbreaking homage to her uprooted parents’ fractured lives & dislocation in a new land. A multi-ethnic Hawaiian woman’s comical takedown of bullies & clueless teachers who butcher her name; a Vietnam War refugee’s reckoning of the promise of the American Dream; These are some of the raw, comical, and poignant stories that will be performed at MY OWN STORY: GREATEST HITS, a unique show that combines autobiographical andareexperienceprismnarratives.dynamics,identity,explorationvisceral,storytelling/monologuesperformance/inano-holdsbarredthemessuchasracism,familyrituals/andimmigrantPerformedthroughtheoftheAsianPacificIslanderandperspective,thesestoriesthatarerarelyseenheard;storiesthathave
been historically stereotyped, under represented, and to a great extent ignored and/or forgotten by mainstream media/culture. Directed by suchartsbeenandLives”,1989,OWNandtheaterGREATESTjointorefuseyourselfpoignancy.filledunforgettableHITSofperformedatvoicesbeyondtheaterautobiographicalGREATESTAlexperformance/theatercritically-acclaimedartistLuu,MYOWNSTORY:HITSisthatrareliveperformance/showthatdigsdeepthesurfacetoreveal&experiencesthatareoncepersonalanduniversal,&toldthroughtheeyesthosehavelivedit.MYOWNSTORY:GREATESTpromisestobeanperformancewithhumor,honesty,andComeandimmerseinstories&voicesthattobesidelinedanddeservebefrontandcenter.ComeusforMYOWNSTORY:HITS!AlexLuuisasoloperformance/artist,writer/director,founder&facilitatorofMYSTORY(MOS).Sincehisone-manshow“ThreeperformanceworksMOSproductionshavepresentedattheaters/organizations/campusesasLosAngelesTheater Center, Highways Performance Space, San Francisco’s Asian American Theater Center, New York’s Asian American Writers Workshop, Mondavi Performing Arts Center, Boston Center for The Arts, Berklee College of Music, Japanese American National Museum, Harvard University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, East West Players, and the Ford Theatre, garnering critical acclaim from Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, South End News, Asian New Yorker, Orange County Weekly, LA Alternative Press, as well as receiving Critic’s Pick from LA Weekly and Backstage West. He is a Lifetime Teaching Artist with the Los Angeles County Arts Education Collective and former Teaching Artist with the Ford Theatre Foundation and East West Players.WHAT: MY OWN STORY: GREATEST HITS WHEN: 7pm / September 16, 2022 [one night only] WHERE: PHILIP J. COHEN THEATRE (in Student Union) University of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89154
My own story: Greatest hits to debut at the Cohen
Theatre at University of Nevada,
FOR RENT SERVICES Polio in NYC PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
@HeartHealth THE Polio virus was detected in the sewage system in New York City, a discovery that signals this dangerous virus has been spreadingPoliomyelitislocally. (Polio) is a contagious, disabling, and lifethreatening disease caused by the poliovirus which infects the spinal cord and results in paralysis. It can lead to meningitis and death. The polio virus enters the mouth, through feces-contaminated hands.Amost popular polio victim infected in 1921 at age 39 was U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the early 1950s, before the polio vaccines were available, it was a most feared disease, with outbreaks of 15,000 cases of paralysis among children and adults per year. Like the vaccines for COVID-19, the vaccines for Polio are safe and very effective as the historical statistics below show. With the introduction of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in 1955 and the oral polio vaccines (OPV) in 1963, the polio cases dropped precipitously to less than 100 in the 1960s and less than 10 in the 1970s. Last month, a man in his 20s in New York was found to be infected with polio and is now paralyzed.People who have not been vaccinated for polio are at a great risk and are advised to get vaccinated. Consult your physician about this matter. COVID new rules Last Tuesday, August 9 in the United States, there were almost 130,000 cases and 555 deaths from COVID-19, with 40,406 hospitalizations. In spite of these statistics, the CDC revised its mitigating guidelines to the following: (1) “Instead of quarantining if you're exposed to COVID-19, wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on or after day 5, irrespective of vaccination status;” and (2) “quarantine is no longer recommended for persons exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.” This departure from pure science, particularly from the principles in epidemiology in dealing with serious infectious diseases, like COVID-19, might cause a rebound. Let’s continue to be vigilant and see what happens with this lowering of our guard.For those who are concerned and want to be careful, especially seniors and those with weak immune system, there is no law against wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, and doing social distancing to prevent infection, even if others don’t. Scary racing heart This is a response to an email query about a “scary rapid heart rate.” The incident, as described by the reader, could be SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia), where the heart suddenly beats much faster from usual (60100), pulse becomes weak, a sense of “palpitation” and mild chest fullness, sometimes light headedness, and then the beat slows down to normal. Alcohol, smoking, drugs, stress, low oxygen, tiredness, could cause it among some individuals. SVT is not life-threatening, but could be scary. Valsalva (taking a deep breath, holding it, straining, for 10 seconds and repeating it, side of the neck (carotid) massage, cold water on the face, are maneuvers one could try, while waiting to see you physician, for confirmation of the diagnosis (to rule out other conditions) and treatment. GERD-COPD COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a lung disease usually caused by smoking, which, over time, burns the lung tissues, rendering the air sacs to thin out and inefficient in oxygen transfer from the lungs to the blood. This leads to chronic hypoxia (low blood oxygen level) and shortness of breath, which could be so severe as to require continuous nasal oxygen treatment. But a significant number of COPD is seen among non-smokers who have gastroesophageal regurgitation (reflux), where the sphincter between the esophagus (food pipe) and the stomach becomes loose, allowing acid fumes (normally in the stomach) to rise up and get inhaled into the lungs. Over time, this burns the lung tissues, and leads to COPD, some shortness of breath. This condition is milder than smoking-related COPD. Treatment is primarily aimed at the gastric reflux. Vitamin D Anti-inflammatory foods, like various vegetables (except night shades), fruits, nuts, and certain supplements are known to reduce the risk for development of diseases. Night shades, which are bad for arthritis, include white potato, tomato, eggplant, pepper,“Therepaprika.ismounting evidence that improvement in vitamin D status reduces risk for autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” according to Dr. Michael F. Holick, professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine as stated in Medical News Today. Adults who took 2000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily for up to five years the reduced risk for all autoimmune diseases by 22 percent compared to those who did not. Do not start taking any drugs without consulting your physician. Microbiome There are approximately 40 trillion different organisms living in our gut and in our mouth and skin. This world of microbes plays a critical role in our health. It is important for us to have a healthy balance between the good and the bad microbes in us to prevent or minimize various diseases. Besides inflammation as the inducing cause of diseases, unhealthy microbiome is now recognized as a vital initiating factor in the causation of most illnesses, and not only gut ailments. That shows how important a balanced microbiome is for health maintenance. The human gut microbiome is essential for body development, immunity, and nutrition. The bacteria in our gut help us digest food, control our immune system, and produce vitamins our body needs. What we eat or drink affects our microbiome. Each person has a unique gut microbiome.Symptoms of an unhealthy microbiome include constipation, bloating, diarrhea, gassy stomach, and inflammation, all due to an unbalanced microbiome.Avoiding or minimizing red meat to once to twice a week; eating a lot of fish, vegetables of various colors, fruits, nuts, and pre- and probiotic supplements; daily physical exercises; no smoking; disciplined alcohol intake or abstinence; stress management are ways to help maintain a health microbiome in our body.
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com by Jerry Donato Philstar.com
Las Vegas
AUGUST 18-24, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-667810 Features
Kuya Kim Atienza shares a moment with Philstar.com to talk about the satirical International State College of the Philstar.comPhilippines.photo
Christopher de Leon and Jean Garcia GMA photos
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com 11LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-24, 2022EntErtainmEnt Andre on dad Jomari Yllana: ‘Nasanay na ako na wala siya’
ANDRE Yllana, Aiko Melendez’s son with former husband Jomari Yllana, admitted that although he currently shares a good relationship with his father, the young actor is used to Jomari’s absence in his life. Andre disclosed that while he is happy that he and Jomari are getting along with each other, the longing he has for his father is not the same as before. Andre talked about this during a conversation with Melendez, as seen in a vlog on her YouTube channel on Sunday, Aug. 14. “Minsan kasi may mga bagay na it’s too late na. Siguro ‘yung thirst ko for a father dati, hindi na rin gano’n — kung dati grabe ako maghabol kay dad, siguro nasanay na rin ako na parang wala siya,” Andre said. (Sometimes, it is already too late for some things. Maybe my thirst for a father now is not the same as before. If before, I used to reach out to him too much, maybe now I am used to not having him by my side.) “Kaya pasensya na rin dad kung may mga times na nakakalimutan kita,” he added, addressing Jomari. (So I am also sorry dad if there are times when I forget about you.)
Andre also recalled the Aiko Melendez, Jomari Yllana and their son Andre Photos from Instagram/@aikomelendez, @andreyllana instances when he tried to reunite his parents by lying and saying compliments for the both of them, making them believe that the compliments were from each other. Andre then stressed that although his parents did not get back together, he never hated his dad for their setup. “Kahit ano namang mangyari, I’ll always still be here for you through thick and thin, kaso nga lang like I said, may mga bagay na hindi na kasing init dati,” he told Jomari. “Sana ‘yung mistake mo dati sa akin ‘wag mo nang ulitin sa mga kapatid ko dahil bata pa sila.” (Whatever happens, I will always still be here for you through thick and thin. But just like what I said, there are things that are not like how they were before. I hope you do not repeat the same mistake you had with me to my siblings because they are still young.) During the conversation, Andre also expressed his hopes of having a complete family and being “the best father” in the future, as he knows how hard it is to long for a father.Melendez and Jomari got married in 2000 and separated about a year after. Their marriage was annulled in 2003. In 2006, Melendez married model Martin Jickain, with whom she shares her daughter Marthena; their marriage got annulled in 2010. Melendez is currently in a relationship with Zambales congressman Jay Khonghun.
by Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net by anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net
MISS Universe Philippines organization pageant director Shamcey Supsup-Lee reacted on the international pageant’s statement that they will allow mothers and wives to join the competition starting 2023. In a Facebook message sent to Philstar.com via a representative, Shamcey said that they will wait for the official statement of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) before they can issue a statement. “No comment muna, we have to wait for their official statement,” Shamcey said. In a move to be more "inclusive," Miss Universe recently announced that mothers and married women are now allowed to join the world's biggest pageant starting 2023. According to the official Instagram account of the national director of Miss Universe Dominican Republic, Magali Febles, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) will start accepting married women and mothers with children starting the 72nd Miss Universe pageant season in 2023 since many countries have already chosen their representatives for the 2022 edition this December. The president of Miss France Society, Alexia Laruche-Joubert, said in a comment she made with The Limited Times news portal last July 13 that as an evolution of the Miss France regulation for 2023, she said that "the ban on married women and/or mothers from participating is also over."
The recent Zoom chat with Inquirer Entertainment was to promote his latest film project, Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan’s “Blue Room,” which is an entry to the 18th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. The film tells about how a progressive rock band composed of privileged teenagers get arrested for drug possession, and are brought into the “Blue Room” where they must make the difficult choice between freedom or standing up for what they believe in. Blue AccordingRoomto Ma-an, there is an actual Blue Room in most police precincts, which functions as a holding room for VIP detainees. “For the film, it’s where the band members were detained while negotiating for their release,” the director explained. The movie features JK Labajo, Harvey Bautista, Nourijune, Keoni Jin and Elijah as the members of the band called Rebel Rebel. Elijah described his character as “probably one of the more serious ones in the group.” He explained: “We all have drama scenes but Troy’s past is going to get dug up. The incident will cause his past to unravel.” “When people watch it, I want them to know that while it’s not 100 percent based on reality, it’s based on factual evidence and that stories like this happen to a lot of Filipinos. The abuse of power is real, not everyone gets due process. That’s one of the highlights of this film. Yes, it’s a fun film, but it also has a lot of important things to say,” said Elijah.Ma-an added that “Blue Room” is a reflection of her view, both as a filmmaker and a Filipino. “Everything is in the film. We know that inequality exists as long as people with prejudice are still in power,” she explained. “However, having power has its pros and cons. In the movie, for example, the band has the power to influence other people with their music. At the same time, my power is the story I wrote that was later translated into a film.”
2023 What makes Elijah-Miles relationship click despite 4-year age gap by
Elijah Canlas and girlfriend Miles Ocampo during a recent road trip to Baguio. Photo from Instgaram/@elijahcanlas
“SHE doesn’t feel like an artista, but a real human being. I guess you will naturally find a connection if you’re both honest and true,” said actor Elijah Canlas, who claimed to have never really imagined himself dating a fellow actor until he met Miles Ocampo. In 2020, Elijah and Miles worked on the TV5 teleserye “Paano ang Pangako?” Elijah insisted that he didn’t court Miles while they were working on the show, but afterwards, “because I wanted to stay professional.”
Miss Universe Philippines organization pageant director Shamcey Supsup-Lee Photo from Instagram/@supsupshamcey
Shamcey reacts to Miss Universe reportedly allowing moms, wives to join in Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
“We hardly talked on the set even though we were romantically paired in the story. We were comfortable with each other pero may kanya-kanya kaming mundo. I didn’t think of her until we shot the whole thing. I swear on this! Just ask the people in my life. I’ve long been saying that I’m not interested in dating artistas, but for some reason, Miles is more than that,” Elijah told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent virtual chat.Elijah has just stepped out of his taping bubble in Baguio City for the TV series “Suntok sa Buwan,” which is currently airing on TV5. He said Miles is so supportive that she even drove up to Baguio to see him a couple of weeks ago. “These days, she’s busy with ‘Eat … Bulaga!’ because it’s a daily show. I drove her to work this morning,” the actor said. Old soulsWhen asked what he thought makes him and Miles click, the 21-year-old replied: “We were discussing this only recently—why we think we are compatible—and we realized that it’s because of a lot of reasons. One is that we’re both old souls. On the negative side, we both tend to overthink. We’re also very passionate about what we do. We find a lot of things funny about each other. For some reason, even if I’m really taking myself seriously, she would laugh really hard at me. I’ve never done comedy in my life, but I feel like I’m a comedian in front of her. Miles is naturally bubbly and funny.”Elijah also swore that his fouryear age gap with Miles, 25, has never become an issue. “I’m turning 22 in a couple of weeks, but you ask her who the real boss is between us,” he said, laughing. “It’s never an issue for us because we’re always on the same wavelength. It’s also weird that we’re not super close with people our age. We hang out with friends who are older than us.” Elijah said he hoped to work with Miles again soon. “That’s one of our wishes. I hope it happens soon. If there are filmmakers out there who will trust us and make a story with us, we promise that we won’t let you down,” he declared. “Since we both studied film, we can also write something on our own and just make it by ourselves, but at this point, we both lack the time to do this.” “We’re really excited to work together again. We feel that we will be able to bring out the best in each other because even now, while working on different projects, we’re very involved in helping create each of our characters,” he pointed out. “We discuss work a lot. I changed my hair color for ‘Suntok sa Buwan’ and suggested that she change hers, too. For a while, she had orange hair. I would also get a copy of her script and write my notes and observations for her. She does the same for my script. We’re like that as a couple.”
