093023 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

RAMPANT inflation in all sectors of the U.S. economy is the top concern for AAPI voters, concluded the Pew Research Center in a survey released this week.

The data was drawn from a survey of 7,006 Asian American voters, conducted from July 2022 to January 2023. The survey was offered in six languages: Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), English, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Asian Republican voters are more likely than their Democratic counterparts to view inflation as the most important issue facing the community they live in. 58% of Asian American Republicans cite inflation as their top concern, while violent crime came in second. 32% of Asian American Democrats say inflation is their top concern, with economic inequality coming in second, and climate change and racial discrimination tying for third.

Support for Marcos administration slips

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

SENTIMENTS favorable to the administration of

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have slipped, while sentiments opposed to the Marcos administration have risen, a survey conducted by Publicus Asia found. In Publicus’ third-quarter survey, the results of which were released recently, 43 percent of respondents expressed pro-administration sentiments, down from

48 percent in the second-quarter survey.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 28, the polling firm said the decrease indicated “that fewer individuals are aligned with the current administration as well as its priorities compared to the previous quarter.”

Anti-administration sentiments grew from 18 percent in the first quarter to 23 percent in the third quarter.

The shift indicates that a “greater number of respondents” are opposed to or dissatisfied with the

administration’s leadership, Publicus said.

The National Capital Region (NCR) had a substantial drop in pro-administration support, from 47 percent to 35 percent, while anti-administration support went up from 17 percent to 30 percent.

Southern Luzon saw a decline in pro-administration support, from 41 percent to 36 percent, but Mindanao continues to support the Marcos administration (56 percent).

The respondents remained neutral toward their

by Jean Mangaluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 29 stressed his commitment to continue to protect the Philippine territories following China’s installation of floating barriers in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos finally broke his silence about the issue on the floating barrier installed by Chinese vessels that surfaced last Sunday, September 24.

The Philippine Coast Guard has removed the barriers on the orders of the commander in chief.

“Hindi tayo naghahanap ng gulo,” the president stressed in an ambush interview with media in Surigao.

(We are not looking for trouble.)

AS Medicare Advantage continues to gain popularity among seniors, three Southern California companies are pioneering new types of plans that target cultural and ethnic communities with special offerings and nativelanguage practitioners.

Clever Care Health Plan, based in Huntington Beach, and Alignment Health, based in nearby Orange, both have plans aimed at Asian Americans, with extra benefits including coverage for Eastern medicines and treatments such as cupping and tui na massage. Alignment also has an offering targeting Latinos, while Long Beach-based SCAN Health Plan has a product aimed at the LGBTQ+ community. All of them have launched since 2020.

While many Medicare Advantage providers target various communities with their advertising, this trio of companies appear to be among the first in the nation to create plans with provider networks and benefits designed for specific cultural cohorts. Medicare Advantage is typically cheaper than traditional Medicare but generally requires patients to use in-network providers.

“This fits me better,” said Clever Care member Tam Pham, 78, a Vietnamese

Marcos says PH not a ‘damaged culture’

by Michael Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — President Marcos rejected the notion that the Philippines has a “damaged culture,” a phrase used to describe the country notably in an article published by The Atlantic in 1987.

The article was written by James Fallows, whose view of the Philippines was that of “a nation not only without nationalism but also without much national pride.”

Marcos issued the rebuttal during his speech at Malacañang on Thursday, September 28 honoring Metrobank Foundation’s 10 Outstanding Filipinos of 2023.

“We are not a damaged culture. I hate

that. We are a great people and you are the example of that greatness. Filipinos are really great,” he said.

The chief executive lamented that Filipinos sometimes forget their positive traits but admire people in other countries.

“Look at the Filipinos who go to other countries, especially during the pandemic. We are really celebrated worldwide because of the quality of their work,” he said in Filipino.

“We can hurdle whatever challenge we will face here in the Philippines,” he added.

The president on Thursday awarded the medallion of excellence to the awardees of Metrobank’s annual career-service award which consisted of four teachers, three

US, PH to hold military drill

by Francisco Tuyay

THE Philippines and the United States will conduct a two-week bilateral military drill in October at the Naval Forces Southern Luzon area of operations.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office head Lt. Col. Enrico Ileto said this year's edition of Exercise Samasama aims to strengthen further international defense cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines and to inculcate in the military of both nations the doctrine of rules-based international order.

He added that 733 navy troops from the Philippines and 632 from the U.S. will participate in the drill. Other foreign participants will join the exercise, including those from Canada (244), Japan (169), the United Kingdom (34), France (7), Australia (3), New Zealand (1) and Indonesia (2).

The participants from New Zealand and Indonesia will act as observers.

The vessels that will be used in the drill are the BRP Antonio Luna, a Jose Rizal-class of guided missile frigates; USS Dewey and Wally Schirra; UK HMS Spey; Royal Canadian HMCS

“Basta gagawin natin, patuloy nating ipagtatanggol ang Pilipinas, ang maritime territory ng Pilipinas, ang mga karapatan ng mga fishermen natin namangisda doon sa mga areas kung saan sila

strips VP Sara of

by Delon Porcalla anD elizabeth Marcelo Philstar.com

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte and the Department of Education (DepEd) which she heads will not have confidential funds next year as lawmakers decided to realign the amount –totaling P650 million – in the 2024 national budget that the House of Representatives approved in record speed on Thursday, September 28.

The House appropriations committee declared late Wednesday, September 27 that confidential funds sought by the Office of the Vice President and the DepEd have been realigned to agencies involved in intelligence

work.

“As discussed, we will realign the confidential funds of various civilian agencies. Now is the time to give our intelligence community the means to perform their duties, especially in these pressing times when we’re facing serious concerns in the West Philippine Sea,” committee chairman Rep. Zaldy Co said. Duterte enjoyed large confidential funds – reaching up to P460 million a year – even during her stint as Davao City mayor, based on reports of the Commission on Audit (COA).

New Medicare Advantage plans tailor offerings to Asian Americans, other groups

“The country’s safety and security are of paramount importance. To protect our territorial integrity from external threats, Congress is giving top priority to agencies directly in charge protecting the country’s safety and securing its borders,” the Ako Bicol party-list lawmaker added.

This was in line, he said, with the “unanimous decision” of all party heads in the House under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez – to augment funding for the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

“The CIFs from other departments and agencies will be realigned to the NSA, NICA, PCG and BFAR to boost the country’s monitoring and operational capabilities in protecting our territorial waters and securing the rights and access of Filipino fishermen to their traditional fishing grounds,” he said.

“So far that’s what we have identified, but we’re still looking at other sources,” he said, referring to the CIFs Duterte had pushed for the OVP and DepEd. “The House leadership will exercise its mandate with care

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and determination to ensure that public funds are used properly and where the money is needed most for the good of the country.”

Old privilege A review, meanwhile, of COA’s annual audit reports (AARs) on Davao City government from 2016 to 2022 showed that it has been incurring confidential expenses amounting to hundreds of million pesos from the time Duterte succeeded her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, as local chief executive after the May 9, 2016 elections.

The AARs showed that Davao City government’s confidential expenses grew to P293 million in 2017 during the first full term of the younger Duterte as mayor, from P144 million in 2016.

Duterte officially assumed office as Davao City mayor on June 30, 2016. The city’s confidential expenses ballooned to P420 million in 2018, then to P460 million yearly from 2019 to 2022.

Duterte was succeeded by her brother Sebastian as Davao City mayor after the May 9, 2022 elections.

The AARs on local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies can be downloaded from the COA website.

The Davao City’s confidential expenses were included in the breakdown of its annual Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses. The MOOE breakdown can be found under the Notes to Financial Statement section of COA’s AARs.

It was not stated in the audit reports where exactly under the Davao City government’s funds its confidential expenses were sourced from.

Duterte is currently in hot water after it was revealed – also through the COA’s AAR – that the OVP incurred P125 million in confidential expenses in 2022, from zero confidential expenses in 2021 during the last full term of her predecessor, Leni Robredo.

The COA said the OVP’s confidential expenses “pertain to the expenses for the safe implementation of various projects and activities under the Good Governance Program and the conduct of official engagements, and functional representation in international and domestic events as instructed by the president.”

The revelation in the audit report became controversial as the OVP had no confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) allocation under Republic Act 11639 or the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

It was later revealed that the P125 million fund came from the Office of the President (OP), after Duterte wrote a letter dated Aug. 22, 2022 to the Department of Budget and Management, asking for a total of P403.46-million budget augmentation supposedly to “ensure continuous operations of the OVP under the current year.”

In her letter, Duterte requested for P250 million in confidential funds, saying that the OVP is “committed to formulate programs, projects and activities relevant to national security and peace and order.”

While the OP only transferred P125 million in CF to the OVP, several incumbent and former lawmakers, including Sen. Risa Hontiveros, former Senate president Franklin Drilon and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman slammed the budget augmentation as unconstitutional, as there was no allocation for such fund for the OVP under the 2022 GAA.

Lagman, leader of the opposition Liberal Party, said that transfer of funds from the OP to another office like the OVP was prohibited under Article 6, Section 25(5) of the 1987 Constitution.

He said the Constitution also provides that the transfer of funds for augmentation must come from savings of the source office.

“Transfer for augmentation must be from savings of the office concerned. It was admitted that in the president’s contingent fund, the savings in 2022 was only P50 million but the release to the OVP was P125 million,” Lagman said.

“In other words, it was not from savings. Moreover, the OP, through its sponsor, repeatedly said that the release of the amount was not from savings,” he added.

It was also revealed during the budget hearings at the House of Representatives that the OVP spent the P125 million CF it received from the OP in just 19 days or from Dec. 13 to 31, which translates to about P6.5 million per day. n

Support for Marcos administration...

political leaning toward the opposition or the Liberal Party, which remained at 45 percent. Pro-opposition support remained statistically stable at 20 percent, slightly higher than the 18 percent in the previous quarter. Antiopposition support was 33 percent, slightly lower than the 35 percent in the previous quarter.

Publicus said that while the percentage of respondents dissatisfied with the administration has dropped, there are reservations regarding backing the opposition party.

“This group may include individuals who adopt a ‘waitand-see’ approach, cautiously anticipating improvements from the current administration while refraining from full commitment to the opposition until concrete changes are observed,” it said.

It added that the respondents’ political leanings toward the opposition, which is likely represented by the Liberal Party, remained stable. This implies that while there have been changes in support for the current administration, they have not

translated into a significant shift toward the opposition camp.

“It is important to note that respondents may have a variety of reasons for this stability, such as continued trust in the opposition’s agenda or dissatisfaction with both sides of the political spectrum,”

Publicus said.

The survey, conducted from

September 7 to 12, had 1,500 respondents that were drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by PureSpectrum, a U.S.-based panel marketplace.

The respondents were divided geographically into five areas: NCR, North Central Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. n

Marcos speaks up on China’s barrier...

nangigisda daan-daang taon

na,” he said.

(We will continue defending the Philippines, the maritime territory of the Philippines, and the rights of our fishermen who have been fishing in those areas where they have been fishing for hundreds of years.)

According to the president, he was refraining from using

any hostilities, but the barriers needed to be removed.

“Umiiwas tayo sa mga maiinit na salita, ngunit matibay ang ating pagdepensa sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas,” said Marcos.

(We avoid heated words, but our defense of Philippine territory is strong.)

Marcos, who is also the agriculture secretary, emphasized that the removal of

the barriers had to be done for the fisherfolks. He said the barriers were cut, and fishermen could get 164 tons of fish in the area.

“Again, many of these are operational issues and that I really cannot talk about,” Marcos said.

“But in terms of taking down the barrier, I don’t see what else we could do,” he explained. n

Marcos says PH not a ‘damaged...

soldiers and three police officers. “Your accomplishments bring us also closer to Bagong Pilipinas (new Philippines) that we are determined to build—a nation that has a globally competitive education system, a safe and empowered citizenry, and a society that offers equal opportunities for all,” he added.

Awardees of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino include Rex Sario, a master teacher from Bukidnon, June Elias Patalinghug, a modern teacher influencer from Davao City; Edgar Durana, an educator for people with special needs from Rizal; Jovelyn Delosa,

an assessment strategist for modern educators from Bukidnon.

Also awarded are Staff Sergeant Danilo Banquiao, a civil-military officer from the 103rd Brigade; Lt. Col. Joseph Bitancur, executive officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Command Staff for Operations; Col. Joseph Dator, assistant chief of staff for operations of the Presidential Security Group; Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Bendo, police mentor for the out-of-school-youth and children-in-conflict-with-the-law from Manila; Police Major Mae Ann Cunanan, police community relations chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection

Group; and Police Col. Renell Sabaldica, chief of the morale and welfare division of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management. Marcos praised the awardees for going beyond what is expected of them, saying they belong to the most important, rewarding and fulfilling professions.

“And I used the word ‘vocations’ carefully because what you have done (has) gone above and beyond. And this is beyond the job description that was given you. And you have gone far beyond that. And it is because you have taken on this profession, not as a job, not as a duty, but as a vocation,” he said. n

Inflation is the top priority for Asian...

Raucous Republican debate

Jobs and the economy are among the topmost concern for Latino voters as well, concluded panelists at a Sept. 26 briefing organized by the Brennan Center for Justice.

While most Republican Presidential candidates skirted around the issue during a raucous debate Sept. 27 evening former South Carolina governor — hosted by Fox Business and Univision — Nikki Haley outlined her detailed plan to uplift the middle class. “We are paying higher gas prices, higher grocery prices, amounting to $7,000 more a year for families.”

Haley outlined a plan of tax cuts, concluding: “Let’s focus on what it takes to get cash back into workers’ pockets.”

Child tax credit Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, addressed the fact that many parents are spending more than half their paychecks on child care, with costs up to $15,000 per year per child. “When I helped write the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we actually lowered a single

mother’s taxes by 70 percent on the federal level, for dual-income households by 60 percent. Then we went a step further. We doubled the child tax credit and made it refundable.”

“By doing that, more parents had more resources to make the decisions how to take care of their family. The one thing we should do is let the American people keep their money. When that happens, the greatest opportunities rise from the ashes,” said Scott.

Income inequality

43% of foreign-born Asian Americans cite inflation as their top priority. Asian registered voters born in the U.S. are slightly more likely than their immigrant counterparts to view economic inequality as the most important issue facing their community, according to the Pew survey.

Narrowing it down by AAPI subgroup, 28% of Japanese Americans cite income equality as the biggest issue currently facing the US. 15% of Indian registered voters say climate change is the most important issue facing

their community. Among other AAPI subgroups, climate change ranked in single digits, in terms of priorities.

Racial discrimination

Surprisingly, given the uptick in hate crimes aimed at the AAPI community over the past three years, addressing racism and racial discrimination is not a top priority for AAPI voters of either party. Only 6% of Republican AAPI voters and 11% of Democrats cite racial discrimination as a top concern. Also surprisingly, given the community’s fervor for getting into good schools and universities, just 3% of AAPI voters from either party cite education access and quality education as a top priority. Health is also a low priority for voters from both parties. Gun control Conspicuously absent from the Pew survey was the issue of gun control. A survey released jointly last year by APIAVote, AAPI Data, and Asians Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC noted that 77% of AAPI voters said the U.S. needs stronger gun laws. And a Gallup

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Malacañang photo

by Donnabelle GatDula-arevalo AJPress

LOS ANGELES — CSI

Professionals Inc., one of the premier employment agencies in Southern California, is expanding its operations in the Philippines as part of its goal to continue to give back to the community and to help dreams of a better life become realities.

In an interview with the Asian Journal on the sidelines of CSI’s 30th year anniversary celebration, CSI founder and president Marge Ordiales-Martinez said it is high time for the company to extend its reach and help fellow Filipinos in the Philippines, to find greater opportunities in the United States.

“Yes, we will be putting up an office in the Philippines in the last quarter of this year,” Martinez said, when asked about the company’s expansion plans for the near term.

In July this year, the LA-based employment agency had sent a team, headed by CSI International Business Specialist Anamika Sangwan, to conduct numerous collaborative and informative efforts in the Philippines and India.

At the end of the collaboration meetings and information drives in mid-August, the team were able to visit at least 21 educational institutions in Manila and nearby provinces including Asian Institute of Management, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, St. Scholastica’s College, University of Batangas and among others.

Armed with its 30 years experience, CSI has been able to deliver thousands of jobs

from internships, to permanent placement to all job seekers.

Over the past years, the premier employment agency has been registering a steady growth of about 15% to 20% in terms of permanent job placement for specialized occupations or those with specialized knowledge or bachelor’s degrees. With this planned expansion plan, the company sees this level to further increase to 30%.

Coinciding the celebration of CSI’s three decades of existence, Martinez, who is also the chairperson of Los Angeles County Filipino American Employees’ Association (LACFAEA), celebrated her birthday as well.

“As I celebrate another year of life, I'm reminded of the powerful words from Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,”she said.

“These words have been a source of inspiration and comfort throughout my journey. While I

will be the first to acknowledge how blessed and grateful I am to be doing what I am doing, I will also be the first to admit that the journey has been far from easy. Aside from challenges at work, the personal and health issues that I had to face and still have to deal with at present, certainly tested me in ways I could not have predicted. Nonetheless, I choose to continue and move forward,” Martinez said in her celebratory speech.

“I’m not only looking back on the memories and milestones but also looking forward to the future with hope, more faith and eager anticipation,” she added.

In her speech, Martinez, who was moved by the warmth greetings from her family, friends, company staff and clients, also personally expressed her esteem gratitude to her husband, Edwin, for being very supportive of her endeavors for the past three decades.

“On a more personal note, the achievements of the past years would not have been possible

by Klarize MeDenilla AJPress

LAST week, President Joe Biden released a firstever formal proclamation celebrating educational institutions that serve significant populations of lowincome Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

The Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) program was first established in 2007 to provide resources to colleges and universities that boast high numbers of AAPIs and Native Hawaiians — similar to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

It was designed to broaden outreach and increase accessibility to underserved AAPI and Native Hawaiian communities, “many of whom

are low income and the first in their families to attend college,” according to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI).

“For so many, higher education is a ticket to a better life. But while talent, creativity, and determination are found in people all across this country, not everyone has an equal shot at higher education,” Biden said in a statement.

Currently, there are almost 200 AANAPISIs across the United States.

According to the Department of Education, AANAPSIs are colleges or universities that possess an undergraduate enrollment that is 10% AAPI or Native Hawaiian. Moreover, more than half of the student body must be low-income.

According to WHIAANHPI, these institutions — despite taking up a small percentage of universities overall — enroll

almost half of the nation’s AAPI and Native Hawaiian students. For example, in California, 14 universities under the California State University (CSU) system are considered AANAPSIs: East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Maritime, Northridge, Pomona, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, and Stanislaus.

Biden’s proclamation of AANAPISIs is part of a larger effort from the Biden-Harris administration, which has invested in “minority-serving” institutions, seeking increased funding from Congress to bolster higher education for students of color.

“This generation of students is the most gifted, talented, and tolerant in American history — and it is up to all of us to give them the resources and opportunity they need to reach their full potential,” Biden said. n

above shows the CSI LA and Manila teams with one of its board members, Renato Martinez and emcee for the evening, along with Philippine Consulate General-LA Deputy ConGen Ralph Jacob Viloria during the September 22 event at Castaway.

RICE AID. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of premium rice to 2,265 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries from Siargao Island and 1,000 from Dinagat Islands during the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” launch in the Caraga Region, held in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on Friday, Sept. 29, assisted by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian (in red, 2nd from right). The sacks of rice distributed are among the 42,180 smuggled sacks of rice worth PHP42 million forfeited by the Bureau of Customs during a warehouse raid in Zamboanga City early this month. PNA photo by Alfred Frias

New Medicare Advantage plans tailor offerings...

American from Westminster, California. Speaking to KFF Health News via an interpreter, she said she appreciates the dental care and herbal supplement benefits included in her plan, and especially the access to a Vietnamese-speaking doctor.

“I can always get help when I call, without an interpreter,” she said.

Proponents of these new culturally targeted plans say they can offer not only trusted providers who understand their patients’ unique context and speak their language, but also special products and services designed for their needs. Asian Americans may want coverage for traditional Eastern treatments, while LGBTQ+ patients might be especially concerned with HIV prevention or management, for example.

US, PH to hold military...

Vancouver; and Japan Maritime

Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) — JS

Akebono.

A parallel training module will be held to improve maritime integration and combined

interoperability with the JMSDF, Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Canadian Navy, and the United Kingdom Royal Navy through subject-matter expert exchanges and humanitarian assistance and disaster response

drills.

The participation of the U.S., Australia and other Philippine allies in the drill is a display of support for the country's contention for territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea. n

Inflation is the top priority for Asian...

PAGE A2

poll released in July of 2022 noted that 57% of Americans want stricter gun laws, even as 45% said they had a gun in their home.

The Pew survey also found that 97% of Asian American voters believe a candidate’s policy

positions are more important than their race or ethnicity when deciding whom to vote for. At the same time, 68% say it’s extremely or very important to have a national leader who can advance the concerns of the U.S. Asian community. This is especially relevant as — for the first time in

history — two Asian Americans, Haley and biotech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy — vye for the Republican nomination. Neither candidate has attempted to make inroads into the AAPI community, choosing to demonize China instead. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)

Health policy researchers note that Medicare Advantage tends to be lucrative for insurers but can be a mixed bag for patients, who often have a limited choice of providers — and that targeted plans would not necessarily solve that problem. Some also worry that the approach could end up being a new vector for discrimination.

“It’s strange to think about commodifying and profiting off people’s racial and ethnic identities,” said Naomi Zewde, an assistant professor at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. “We should do so with care and proceed carefully, so as not to be exploitive.”

Still, there’s plenty of evidence that patients can benefit from care that is targeted to their race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

A November 2020 study of almost 118,000 patient surveys, published in JAMA Network Open, underscored the need for a connection between physician and patient, finding that patients with the same racial or ethnic background as their physicians are more likely to rate the latter highly. A 2022 survey of 11,500 people around the world by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi showed a legacy of distrust in health care systems among marginalized groups, such as ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities.

Clever Care, founded by Korean American health care executive Myong Lee, aimed from the start to create Medicare Advantage plans for underserved Asian communities, said Peter Winston,

the senior vice president and general manager of community and provider development at the company. “When we started enrollments, we realized there is no one ‘Asian,’ but there is Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Japanese,” Winston added.

The company has separate customer service lines by language and gives members flexibility on how and where to spend their allowances for benefits like fitness programs.

Winston said the plan began with 500 members in January 2021 and is now up to 14,000 (still very small compared with mainstream plans). Herbal supplement benefit dollars vary by plan, but more than 200 products traditionally used by Asian clients are on offer, with coverage of up to several hundred dollars per quarter.

Sachin Jain, a physician and the CEO of SCAN Group, said its LGBTQ+ plan serves 600 members.

“This is a group of people who, for much of their lives, lived in the shadows,” Jain added. “There is an opportunity for us as a company to help affirm them, to provide them with a special set of benefits that address unmet needs.”

SCAN has run into bias issues itself, with some of its employees posting hate speech and one longtime provider refusing to participate in the plan, Jain recounted.

Alignment Health offers a plan targeting Asian Americans in six California counties, with benefits such as traditional wellness services, a grocery allowance for Asian stores, nonemergency medical transportation, and even pet care in the event a member has a hospital procedure or emergency and needs to be away from home.

Alignment also has an offering aimed at Latinos, dubbed el Único, in parts of Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and California. The California product, an HMO cobranded with Rite Aid, is available in six counties, while in Florida and Nevada, it’s a so-called special needs plan for Medicare beneficiaries who also qualify for Medicaid. All offer a Spanishspeaking provider network.

Todd Macaluso, the chief growth officer for Alignment, declined to share specific numbers but said California membership in Harmony — its plan tailored to

Asian Americans — and el Único together has grown 80% year over year since 2021.

Alignment’s marketing efforts, which include visiting places where prospective members may shop or socialize, are about more than just signing up customers, Macaluso said.

“Being present there means we can see what works, what’s needed, and build it out. The Medicare-eligible population in Fresno looks very different from one in Ventura.”

“Just having materials in the same language is important, as is identifying the caller and routing them properly,” Macaluso added.

Blacks, Latinos, and Asians overall are significantly more likely than white beneficiaries to choose Medicare Advantage plans, according to recent research conducted for Better Medicare Alliance, a nonprofit funded by health insurers. (Latino people can be of any race or combination of races.) But it’s not clear to what extent that will translate into the growth of targeted networks: Big insurers’ Medicare Advantage marketing efforts often target specific racial or ethnic cohorts, but the plans don’t usually include any special features for those groups.

Utibe Essien, an assistant professor of medicine at UCLA, noted the historical underserving of the Black community, and that the shortage of Black physicians could make it hard to build a targeted offering for that population. Similarly, many parts of the country don’t have a high enough concentration of specific groups to support a dedicated network.

Still, all three companies are optimistic about expansion among groups that haven’t always been treated well by the health care system. “If you treat them with respect, and bring care to them the way they expect it, they will come,” Winston said. (Stephanie Stephens/KFF Health News)

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

INTERWINED. It’s a mayhem of wires in Barangay Corazon De Jesus, City of San Juan as photographed on Friday, September 29 The wires are a combination of legal and illegal electricity, telecommunications and cable television connections. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Fil-Am agency CSI to expand to PH...

without the support and help of my family and my loved ones. I have my wonderful parents to thank because I had their full confidence and support from day 1. I’m also grateful that I had my patient and enduring partner in life, who never hindered in any way my business and career growth, even if it meant, less quality time with family and friends. My office affairs and events became one!

That's why today, as he flourishes as the reigning President of LACFAEA, I have made it a point that his projects and goals are supported by yours truly, in any way I possibly can,” she said.

During the anniversary and birthday celebrations, Martinez also announced the launch of the CSI-MHO Global Foundation, in honor of her late mother, Dr. Norma Huvilla - Ordiales.

“I have learned the value of community, and of reaching out and giving back. It is in her honor that we launch CSI-MHO Global Foundation. I had been blessed and giving back is my way of sharing the blessings that I have received. I have preferred to call this as “Global” because I do not want this to be limited to the local community, but to encompass borders, race, and culture,” Martinez told over a hundred of guests who attended the event.

Pledging to be in the forefront of this newly-launched Foundation, Martinez said they have chosen two beneficiaries: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and St. Scholastica’s College Manila.

Explaining why she chose these beneficiaries, Martinez said, “the first beneficiary I have selected is the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, an institution with advance research for children with cancer.”

“I chose this organization because being an only child has not been easy for me, though I can say that I was not lacking in support system from family, extended family and friends. Children hold a special place in my heart, much more so because they where my mom's specialization as a Doctor (Pediatrician),” she said.

“With this foundation, I, together with those who want to join me in this endeavor, will be able to provide assistance to children who need medical care,” she added.

In choosing the second beneficiary of the foundation, she said, this is a way of showing appreciation and giving back to her high school alma mater, St.

Scholastica Manila.

“This will enable me to continue the outreach program that I coheaded during my younger years, by extending quality education to the less fortunate children in Manila, whose parents are not quite successful in sending their kids to school. Again, this is my way of giving back,” she said.

During the triple celebration, Philippine Consulate of Los Angeles Vice Consul Ralph Jacob Viloria, on the other hand, commended the CSI group for their unwavering commitment to the mission of helping professionals attain their aspirations.

“As you commemorate this organization’s 30th year anniversary with great pride and joy, I hope that your passion will continue to inspire actions that give back to the community,” said Viloria, who has served as Principal Assistant at the Department of Foreign Affairs-Manila’s Office of Asia and Pacific Affairs prior to his first foreign assignment here in Los Angeles in May 2023.

“Tonight you do not only celebrate the many achievements and triumphs that you garnered over the last three decades, you also honored all the hard work and sacrifices you have gone through in pursuit of excellence,” Viloria said.

Viloria likewise expressed the consulate’s unrelenting support to Filipino business community’s strive to continuously deliver

quality services to fellow Filipinos.

“The consulate general in Los Angeles is always ready to support, especially for the benefit of our Filipino community here,” the vice consul said.

Other guest speakers during the event were: Kathleen King, Tony Mendoza, Heidi Entao, Atty. William Gilmore, Atty. Ruzanna Poghosyan and Atty. Mary Sanga.

CSI specializes in employmentbased visa petitions: J-1, F-1 (CPT & OPT), H-3, H-1B & Labor Certifications involving EB-3 & EB2. With these employment-based petitions, international applicants with advance degrees are able to pursue with employment-based change of status and proceed to permanent resident ( or Green Card) later on.

CSI initially started its operation in Chicago, Illinois in 1993, providing legal expert counsel in the field of immigration and employment. In September 1995, the company put up a Los Angeles branch. Its headquarter, where it serves as its corporate office and training facility, is located in Glendale.

Most of its partner/affiliate companies are: manufacturing; legal entities specializing in medical and personal injury cases; real estate and corporate law; commercial and real estate property management; information technology, construction; and artificial intelligence. n

Marge Ordiales-Martinez (3rd from left) with her high school best friends from St. Scholastica’s College Manila – Arleen, Kathleen, Florence and Marilyn.

Marge Ordiales-Martinez (2nd from left) poses with LA County Employees Association board members.

Onerous fees

AGRICULTURE producers and dealers have long complained about the problem. On Friday, September 29, Malacañang released an order from President Marcos, telling local government units to stop or suspend their collection of fees imposed on motor vehicles transporting goods along national roads and other routes that were not financed by the LGUs.

The so-called pass-through fees, according to Executive Order No. 41 dated Sept. 15, include, among others, “sticker fees, discharging fees, delivery fees, market fees, toll fees, entry fees, or mayor’s permit fees.” Passthrough fees were collected by certain LGUs even at the height of the COVID mobility restrictions, when supply chains were severely disrupted and delivery trucks were supposed to be waved through checkpoints.

Editorial

Unfortunately, as many people know, “public welfare” is rarely top of mind for the so-called public servants in this country. Instead their policies and actions are geared first and foremost toward serving personal and partisan interests, and raising as much funds as possible even if the fees are onerous, redundant, a disincentive to private enterprise and a bane to legitimate livelihoods.

Amid recent spikes in the prices of agricultural commodities such as eggs and vegetables, producers and dealers have said among the reasons are the pass-through fees that they have to pay in transit from farm to market, not only to city or municipal government authorities but even to barangay and police personnel. It’s not unusual for the fees to be informal, with no receipts issued.

As in most laws, rules and executive orders in this country, the devil will be in the implementation of EO 41. Signed for the president by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the EO states that “all LGUs must refrain from imposing” the fees “in the interest of public welfare…”

Suspending the collection of the pass-through fees, according to the EO, is in line with the “overarching” policy of the Marcos administration “to consolidate all essential components within the value and supply chain, and reduce the costs of food logistics, which play a pivotal role in effectively tempering the inflation rate in the country.”

Any executive order is only as good as its enforcement. The EO warns of administrative and disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply. But there is still the chance that certain LGU and barangay officials will behave like independent republics and ignore the order – especially if they expect weak monitoring for compliance by the national government.

Just say no

tapped when the expenses for her globe-trotting exceeded the allocated budget.

THREE cheers for the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Asked by senators during budget deliberations if the DFA was asking for confidential funds, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said no.

How many other heads of agencies can do the same will indicate the level of commitment to transparency under Marcos 2.0.

A senator said Department of Migrant Workers officials had also turned down confidential funds, in memory of the late DMW secretary Toots Ople, who would have rejected secret funding. But with Sen. Raffy Tulfo endorsing the funding, DMW officials have tossed out the memory of Toots, even before the end of the 40-day period of mourning over her demise.

In the case of the congressional pork barrel, only two senators had eschewed the allocation: Panfilo Lacson and Joker Arroyo. Everyone else found a reason to hold on to it, until the Supreme Court scrapped the pork barrel system.

Even the so-called progressive congressmen found excuses to keep their pork barrel. Rodrigo Duterte and his anti-communist task force would later accuse the congressmen of funneling their pork barrel to the communist insurgency.

Giving public officials wide discretion in the use of people’s money is always risky. During the Arroyo administration, part of her contingency fund was

Officials can always find an event they can attend overseas to justify a public-funded junket.

All those so-called roadshows declaring the Philippines open for business have failed to pull the country out of its bottom spot among the ASEAN-6 in terms of foreign direct investments and per capita GDP. * * *

The confidential funds are the civilian agency equivalent of intelligence funds for state security and law enforcement agencies.

Surprisingly, the champion of opaqueness in government, Ombudsman Samuel Martires, also said his office could do without the P51-million confidential funds proposed for 2024.

Maybe he has seen the trouble engendered by confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. VP and concurrent DepEd chief Sara Duterte said she would bow to Congress on the issue – which goes without saying, since Congress is the one that approves the funding allocations.

On Thursday, September 28, the House of Representatives approved its version of the 2024 appropriations bill, stripping the OVP of confidential funds.

Where VP Sara’s heart lies on the issue can be inferred from her letter dated Aug. 22, 2022 to the Department of Budget and Management, for P403.46 million additional funding for the remainder of the year, including P250 million in confidential funds. The DBM released P125

million of the P250 million for what the VP described as “various projects and activities under the Good Governance program.” Last year, the OVP said this program covered public assistance projects.

The DBM also released P96.424 million as “augmentation” for financial aid released by seven OVP satellite offices in the giftgiving ’ber months of 2022.

Those intended purposes don’t fall under the Commission on Audit (COA) definition of confidential funds. Also, as Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman has pointed out, the P150 million was sourced from the contingent fund of the Office of the President (OP). Contingency and confidential funds are two different animals, and not just in spelling; Lagman said contingent funds cannot be used for confidential purposes, especially when there isn’t even an item for confidential funds approved in an agency’s budget for the year.

The OVP’s budget for 2022 was prepared in 2021, of course by the VP at the time, Leni Robredo, who had no use for confidential funds in all her six years in office. Lagman said the fund transfer – or “augmentation” of a non-existent item in an approved budget, purportedly from savings that were already depleted – is unconstitutional.

On Wednesday, September 27, VP Sara tangled with Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo. The VP insisted that the P150 million was spent in 19 days in December, as originally reported, and not 11 days as Quimbo had clarified, citing a COA report. You don’t know if we should laugh or cry over this. The Philippine Coast Guard was

allocated a total of P118.7 million in secret funds in 17 years, from 2006 to 2023.

Citing growing threats in the West Philippine Sea, lawmakers are now realigning all confidential and intelligence funds or CIF for 2024 to the military, police, intelligence and state security agencies as well as the coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

* * * It’s interesting that VP Sara’s letter requesting for the confidential funds was made public. On Thursday, a COA report also surfaced, showing Inday Sara’s predilection for confidential funds even when she was Davao City mayor and enjoyed P460 million a year in secret funds from 2019 to 2022 – up from P144 million when her father became president in 2016.

How far is the super majority prepared to go on this issue?

Lagman says the fund transfer from the OP to the OVP is unconstitutional. This can be an impeachable offense. Will the super majority impeach BBM’s avowed BFF?

While VP Sara wasn’t the one who approved it, she was the one who requested and used the funds. The budget chief who approved the fund transfer may also have to face charges.

Short of impeachment, the VP can be prosecuted. Unlike a sitting president, the VP is not immune from suit while in office. Will VP Sara be charged in connection with illegal fund diversion? Certainly not by the ombudsman, who was appointed to the seven-year position (with a fat pension) by the VP’s father.

If Congress realigns all CIF to the agencies that genuinely

engage in non-partisan intel gathering, VP Sara can always say she can live without the confidential funds.

Pinoys call this being “forced to good” – a situation wherein one is left with no choice but to bow to the inevitable.

Other agency heads who understand the importance of public accountability, and who honestly see no need for secret funds should not wait to find themselves in such a forced situation.

When asked by lawmakers if confidential funds are needed to carry out their mandate, the agency heads can simply say no. (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.

Freedom of speech and its limitations

TO be specific, freedom of the press is defined as the right to disseminate opinions in print without censorship by the government. In the United States, Americans enjoy freedom of the press under the First Amendment of the Constitution, which states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. As a foundation of democracy, freedom of the press is an essential right in the U.S., as a free press helps

maintain the balance of power in government. As we know, hundreds of journalists have been killed globally while fulfilling their roles in the pursuit of truth in what could be described as a dangerous profession. In 2016, former President Rodrigo Duterte created the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), an interagency task force with the goal of protecting the life, liberty and security of media workers. The UNESCO even reported that since its creation, other countries around the world have also begun to put up task forces in order to protect their journalists.

Since its creation until today, the PTFoMS continues to provide capacity building for the safety of journalists in the country. But like all things, and while we all live in a free and democratic Philippines, the freedom of speech also has its limits, especially when harmful content can lead to hate speech and false statements against people. The president himself has said that Filipinos suffer from misinformation and disinformation and as a matter of principle, fake news should not have a place in modern society. Not too long ago, the Philippines ranked 148th out of

180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index and to date, the current administration assures the media that it will continue to serve and protect its rights. With issues such as drug and substance abuse on the rise, including many other dilemmas that continue to affect our country today, media reports carry on with vigilance as they tackle current trends and events that may have an impact on our lives.

Having said this, a critical and independent press is with greater reason more important in order to ensure a responsible society. The right to report news or circulate an opinion without

censorship from government was said to be considered as “one of the great bulwarks of liberty” by the founding fathers of the United States, and the ability of reporters to report freely on matters of public interest is indeed a crucial benchmark of democracy.

Yet, as a free press functions as a watchdog and is an integral part of freedom of speech, defamation and inciting to hatred and discrimination is impermissible hence, in both principle and practice, some limitations are always exercised.

In conclusion and as Benjamin Franklin once said, “Without freedom of thought,

there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.” Freedom of the press provides the people a platform for a great number of voices to be heard but despite that, the fake content industry which has produced serious effects on press freedom in turn weaken journalism, where massive disinformation jeopardizes the right to truthful information. (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.

Malacañang should send a strong message early on that it means business. The president is also the concurrent secretary of agriculture, and taming food inflation is laid at his door. (Philstar.com)

Asked by senators during budget deliberations if the DFA was asking for confidential funds, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said no. Philstar.com file photo

Filipino workers want to upskill in AI, but poor internet access and lack of time are hurdles

MANILA — Knowing how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a must-have digital skill for workers in the Philippines, a new study shows, but the country’s poor internet infrastructure is also the top hurdle for those who want to self-study.

China belittles PH action on floating barrier in shoal as ‘self amusement’

by Bernadette tamayo ManilaTimes.net

CHINA, through its foreign ministry, described as "self amusement" the Philippine government's removal of the floating barrier that its coast guard installed in Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea. Wang Wenbin, Foreign Affairs spokesman, made the remark when asked to comment on the action of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cutting the rope holding the floating barrier.

The China Coast Guard reportedly later removed remnants of the floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc, which the Chinese call Huangyan Dao.

A wire reporter asked Wang whether China's position on its sovereign claim over Huangyan

Dao has changed and whether Beijing will continue to install the floating barrier in the area.

"I would like to reiterate that

Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory," the MoFA spokesman said in a statement shared by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines.

"What the Philippines did looks like nothing more than selfamusement.

China will continue to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao," Wang said.

The PCG said the CCG installed the floating barrier last September 22 to prevent Filipino fishermen from going inside the lagoon which the Philippines insisted was a traditional fishing ground for both Filipino and Chinese fishermen.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in a statement last

September 25, said the Bajo de Masinloc is an "integral part of the Philippines over which we have sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction according to Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)."

"China's reported installation of barriers and its negative impact on the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk or any other activity that infringes upon the Philippines' sovereignty and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc are violations of international law, particularly Unclos and the [2016] Arbitral Award," the DFA said.

In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China's expansive claim in the South China Sea through its "nine-dash line" policy, which encroached on the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. n

Herbosa named interim DOH chief; new OP, judicial appointments bared

by Jean mangaluz Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. has appointed Teodoro Herbosa as the Interim Secretary of Department of Health (DOH) after Commission on Appointments (CA) bypassed his confirmation.

Herbosa’s interim appointment was announced by Presidential Communications Office in a Facebook post on Friday, September 29.

The hearing of CA on his confirmation was previously terminated after four hours due to lack of time.

Meanwhile, former chief of staff of Armed Forces of the Philippines Andres Centino was named Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns.

The post has a rank of Secretary, under the Office of the President.

The Judiciary also gained

new appointees, said the Palace.

Juliet Manalo-San Gaspar was named as an Associate Justice of Sandiganbayan.

In Court of Appeals, Lorna Francisca Catris Cheng, Ma. Consejo Gengos-Ignalaga, and Raymond Joseph Javier were appointed Associate Justices.

Meanwhile, Henry Angeles was named as Associate Justice in Court of Tax Appeals. n

A 2023 study conducted by The Economist Impact and supported by Google shows that 42% of Filipino employees want to acquire new digital skills related to AI and Machine Learning (ML), among others — a rate higher than their Asia-Pacific neighbors (33%).

However, despite the demand for opportunities to upskill, around 41% of Filipinos said that poor internet access is a major hindrance to enrolling in online courses while nearly 40% said they don’t have the time required to invest in learning new skills.

Course fees were cited as a barrier by 30% of respondents, while another 30% noted the absence of training opportunities in their workplaces as a hurdle.

However, the survey also shows that most Filipinos only consider AI and ML skills as the 7th most important digital skill to learn, with IT support (65%) and data analysis and visualization (55%) topping the list. With Filipinos appearing to exhibit higher-than-average interest in digital upskilling compared to the Asia-Pacific region, Google Philippines’ Yves Gonzales said this implies that there is a substantial “gap” in the knowledge of Filipino workers who already see the importance of digital skills but don’t have it.

The recent surge in popularity of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has ushered wild speculations about how AI could dramatically change workplaces and the availability of jobs in the market.

A recent study by the United Nations' International Labor Organization found that the wave of generative AI is more likely to "complement" rather than "substitute" jobs but warned that clerical work would most likely be the most affected category of jobs.

Another study by LinkedIn found that as many as 76% of Filipinos agree that AI will change their jobs in the next year, with most Filipinos saying they were

“excited” about how to use AI tools at work.

Riding the AI wave

The rapidly expanding digital economy in the country means that Filipino workers have to learn new skills to take advantage of the creation of new jobs in the field, Department of Information and Communication Technology Director Teresa Magno-Garcia said during Google Philippines’ launch of the study.

Citing a 2019 study by the International Telecommunication Union, Magno-Garcia said only an estimated 6% of Filipinos aged 15 and above have basic digital skills or the ability to copy and move files on a computer. Meanwhile, just 2% have standard digital skills, while less than 1% have advanced digital skills.

Magno-Garcia said that while the DICT has yet to partner with the Department of Education on teaching students advanced digital skills in AI, it has already formed plans to increase students’ digital literacy.

During the event, Google launched free generative AI skills development courses under its Cloud Skills Boost Program. These courses cover various topics like Introduction to Generative AI, Large Language Models,

Responsible AI, among others.

The tech giant has also opened applications to fund startups that seek to use AI as the core technology to develop products or solutions.

“Through the Google for AI Startups Cloud Program, startups now have the opportunity to access much-needed cloud credits of up to US$350,000 over two years,” Google said in a press release. It has also launched three new digital courses — Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity– in its Google Career Certificates program.

“These certificates are professional credentials that help enable people from all backgrounds to earn job-ready skills in high-growth digital fields such as IT Support, UX Design, E-commerce and Digital Marketing,” Google said.

“Google is a committed partner of the country in helping build a Digital Philippines. Through our technology, skilling programs, and partnerships, we will continue to help unleash the potential of the digital economy and empower the workforce of the future,” said Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario. (Philstar.com)

floating barrier placed by China to stop them from fishing in rich waters. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions from Kapamilya in Manila on Citizen Pinoy

IN the sixth and final installment of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Manila, leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel provides answers to several important immigration inquiries from Kapamilya in the Philippines.

• Vilma’s U.S. citizen son petitioned her back in 2020. She wants to know what is causing the delay with interview schedule.

• Ester has a tourist visa, and she visits the

U.S. every year and stays for five months to care for her sick mother and sister. She wants to know how she can lengthen her stay with her family.

• Karla’s husband filed separate petitions for her and for their daughter. Karla wants to know if it will affect their petitions if her husband naturalizes.

• Allen’s grandmother filed an F-3 petition for his father, which was converted to F-1 when

Atasha Muhlach makes showbiz debut as E.A.T. host

By Patricia Dela roca Philstar.com

Rising star and showbiz scion Atasha Muhlach made her showbiz debut on TV5’s noontime program E.A.T. as the newest . The Legit Dabarkads of E.A.T. gave a warm welcome to the daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez who has joined as a regular host. The new host was unveiled through a performance number where Atasha showcased her stage charisma and flair for dancing just like her mom who used to host a dance-variety show.

“Gusto ko lang sabihin [na] magandang tanghali sa inyong lahat! Maraming-maraming salamat po. Sobrang masaya po ako to be here sa E.A.T.

kasama ng legit Dabarkads !”

Atasha concluded her introductory performance number with a message to the

problema nakakaya’: Kim Chiu reacts to MTRCB denying ‘It’s Showtime’ MR

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

audience and her co-hosts. She added, “Maraming salamat po sa warm welcome

PhilDev is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, innovation organization with a mission to enable the success of Filipino professionals and tech entrepreneurs worldwide.

At PhilDev, we are pioneers in STEM scholarships and Technopreneurship training. Specializing in nurturing the innovative mindset and fostering entrepreneurial skills, we are dedicated to unlocking the unique talents and capabilities of Filipinos across the world. By building a vibrant network of Filipino entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry experts, we propel conversation on representation and success in today's tech-driven world.

Our aspiration is simple yet profound: to empower Filipinos to break boundaries and achieve recognition in the tech industry as engineers, professionals, entrepreneurs. We envision a world where Filipinos are synonymous with innovation and success, and every day, we're making that vision a reality.

Join us, as we shape the future - one mind, one idea, one success story at a time.

E.A.T. main hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon welcome Atasha Muhlach, the daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez to the Dabarkads family. Philstar.com file

MMFF goes Hollywood, will be launched Nov. 2

By Ruben nepales

METRO Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the beloved and popular annual event that celebrates Filipino cinema and its talent in the Philippines, is going Hollywood.

The overseas edition of MMFF, named Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), will screen the eight 2023 MMFF entries in Los Angeles in late January 2024.

MIFF will climax with an exciting and glamorous awards gala.

An MIFF opening premiere and a meet and greet will also be held. Stars and filmmakers representing the eight entries will be invited to grace the Hollywood staging of the MMFF.

Four of the eight entries to this year’s MMFF, scheduled from December 25, 2023 through the first weekend of January 2024 in the Philippines, have already been selected, based on their script submissions alone.

The first four entries, announced by MMFF last July, are: Nuel Naval’s “A Mother and Son’s Story,” written by Mel Mendoza Del Rosario, starring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards; King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon,” written by Dodo Dayao, starring Beauty Gonzales and Derek Ramsay; Jason Paul

Laxamana’s “Penduko,” which he also wrote, starring Matteo Guidicelli and Cristine Reyes; and Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind,” written by Enrico Santos and starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. The remaining four entries will be chosen from completed film submissions.

The four-day festival in Los Angeles showing the eight entries is anticipated to draw a diverse audience from all over California, home to the biggest Filipino population in the United States, and generations of immigrant families from various

countries.

MIFF will be launched in Hollywood on Thursday, November 2, at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) with a screening of three films chosen from the eight entries in the inaugural summer edition of MMFF (Metro Manila Summer Film Festival – MMSFF) held last April in the Philippines.

These three films to be screened in the MIFF launch at the DGA on famed Sunset Boulevard are Jun Lana’s “About Us But Not About Us,” starring Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas, which won several

Kalayaan, Kinabukasan at Kasaysayan Raffle Promo:

MMSFF awards, including best picture; Chris Martinez’s “Here Comes the Groom,” starring Enchong Dee, Miles Ocampo and Gladys Reyes, MMSFF special jury prize winner; and JP Habac Jr.’s “Love You Long Time,” starring Carlo Aquino, Eisel Serrano and Ana Abad Santos.

The LA launch will feature a VIP reception and a meet and greet with the stars and filmmakers behind these three films from MMFF’s first-ever summer version. Tickets to the November 2 screenings and events, to be held at DGA (7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046), including screening and event times, are available at: https:// manilainternationalfilmfest.com/

The Hollywood edition is part of the celebration marking the 50th edition of the MMFF in 2024. In 1975, with the establishment of the Metro Manila government, the annual event was renamed Metropolitan Film Festival with the inclusion of the other towns and cities in the metropolis.

In 1977, the festival was renamed as Metro Manila Film Festival, its name to this day. A cherished festival organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), MMFF is now held nationwide. Celebrating its half a century of existence, the festival continues its highly anticipated parade of floats,

bearing stars of the film entries, which kicks off the festival every December 25 in the Philippines.

MIFF is expected to continue MMFF’s tradition of bringing families together to the cinemas and to discover and appreciate the talents and variety of genres of Philippine cinema.

The MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz, chairman; Ebradu Udarbe, president; Lisa Lew, executive producer; Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants; and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz,

chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; and Cindy Sison, consultant. MMFF is led by MMDA acting chair and MMFF concurrent chairman, Atty. Romando Artes and executive director, Atty. Rochelle Ona. MIFF’s festival venues in LA will be announced soon. For MIFF launch and festival sponsorship inquiries, contact Erickson Ilog (eilog@ manilainternationalfilmfest.com) and Ron Ramores (rramores@ manilainternationalfilmfest.com).

Megaworld International (MWI) is commemorating the Philippines’ 125th Independence Anniversary in grand fashion. Teaming up with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), MWI proudly presents the Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, at Kasaysayan (KKK) raffle promo. This exciting campaign offers participants a chance to win once-in-alifetime prizes, including a brand new condominium unit at One Eastwood Avenue, an investment for education, and a limited-edition home furniture piece designed by the renowned Filipino artist, Ito Kish.

The KKK raffle promo aims to showcase the artistic prowess, warm hospitality, and world-class investments the Philippines has to offer to the global community.

With esteemed partners such as Megaworld Corporation, GlobalEstate Resorts, Inc., Suntrust Properties Inc., Emperador Inc., Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Megaworld Club Access, Pick-ARoo, Ito Kish, Makina Watches, and The Roots Collective, this promotion is set to be an extraordinary celebration of Philippine heritage and luxury living.

At the heart of this raffle promo lies the major prize, the One Eastwood Avenue condominium. Situated within the illustrious Eastwood City, this exquisite residence embodies the epitome of highclass living. Eastwood City, the first master-planned IT Cyberpark in Libis, Quezon City, has become an iconic township renowned for its harmonious blend of live, work, play, and learn.

One Eastwood Avenue, with its 47 and 52-storey twin towers adorned in a striking allglass façade, offers residents direct access to a myriad of modern facilities within the township. From the Lifestyle Mall to wellness centers, retail hotspots, high-end office towers, and world-class learning institutions, One Eastwood Avenue ensures that luxury and convenience surround its

privileged residents. Embracing the concept of a “city within the city,” it provides a tranquil sanctuary amidst the bustling metropolis.

The story of Eastwood City itself is one of triumph and innovation. Launched by Megaworld in 1997, this 18.5-hectare mixed-use development complex became the catalyst for the growth of the Information TechnologyBusiness Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry in the Philippines. In just a decade, Eastwood City emerged as the most successful IT business park, securing the prestigious special economic zone status from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). This recognition attracted foreign investments and propelled Eastwood City to become a prominent Cyberpark. With notable companies like IBM, Dell, Citibank, Canon, Trend Micro, and Siemens establishing their presence, Eastwood City solidified its reputation as a hub for top employers and a major contributor to the country’s economic prosperity. Today, Eastwood City continues to thrive with renowned names like Accenture, The Results Companies, Tech Mahindra, and many more, cementing its position as a driving force in the IT-BPO industry.

One of the key factors behind Eastwood City’s success lies in its live-work-play concept. This innovative approach creates efficient and selfsustaining communities where residents have everything they need within reach. No longer burdened by long commutes or early morning stress, professionals can seamlessly transition between work and leisure.

Families can enjoy the convenience of world-class education and a wide array of entertainment options without compromising on quality. Eastwood City’s accessibilitydriven success has fostered a harmonious environment where employees are happier,

healthier, and more productive, benefiting both companies and the community at large.

The outstanding accomplishments of Eastwood City have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, it was honored with the “Highly Commended MixedUse Development” award at the Asia Pacific Property Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This prestigious recognition acknowledged Eastwood City’s significant contributions to the business process outsourcing industry while successfully integrating the live-work-playlearn-shop concept into a cohesive and vibrant community.

Furthermore, Eastwood City holds the distinction of being an Accredited Tourism Entertainment Complex, as recognized by the Department of Tourism. This seal of approval solidifies the township’s commitment to providing unparalleled quality and serves as a testament to its continuing growth and success.

The Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, at Kasaysayan (KKK) raffle promo represents more than just an opportunity to win incredible prizes—it embodies the spirit of Filipino artistry, hospitality, and forward-thinking investments. Megaworld International, in collaboration with NHCP and its esteemed partners, invites the global community to experience the luxurious lifestyle offered by One Eastwood Avenue and the vibrant township of Eastwood City. As the raffle promo unfolds, participants are invited to embrace the grandeur of Philippine heritage and the promise of a brighter future.

The KKK raffle promo truly exemplifies the remarkable achievements and limitless potential that await those who engage with the dynamic and thriving Philippines.

For more information, visit https://kkkrafflepromo. megaworldinternational.com/w

Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ megaworldintlmktg

Instagram: https://instagram. com/megaworld_intl/

LOS Angeles-based nonprofit Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California (APIDC) will be reaching out to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) in efforts to engage those communities in the national All of Us Research Program. APIDC will be attending the Mid-Autumn Festival at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California on Sept. 30-Oct. 1 and the Artesia International Street and Diversity Fair in Artesia, California on Saturday, Oct. 7 to provide information about this program. Attendance at more community events in Southern California and other states are planned.

For the third year in a row, APIDC has been selected by the Asian Health Coalition to join other communitybased organizations and national organizations to form the AANHPI Engagement and Recruitment Core (ARC). The All of Us Research Program is a groundbreaking effort by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to gather health-related data from one million or more people living in the United States, building one of the most diverse biomedical databases in history. This rich information

will be utilized to develop and uncover new and targeted ways to treat and prevent disease.

The ARC’s goal is to increase AANHPI participation in All of Us Research Program through engagement and education within diverse AANHPI communities which have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials and biomedical research. The ARC will shape and implement the All of Us Research Program strategy and roadmap to create culturally appropriate, cost-effective and scalable education and outreach for AANHPIs. The Chicagobased Asian Health Coalition provides training, technical support and collaborative efforts to drive engagement and participation within AANHPI communities across the country.

Currently, AANHPIs comprise approximately 3% of the All of Us database compared to 52% of whites, 17% of black/African American and 16% of Hispanic/ Latino. Globally, Asians make up the majority of the population but only account for 16% of all biomedical research participants. In the United States, this proportion is smaller with about 2% of participants in biomedical research being AANHPI, despite being one of the fastest growing ethnic

groups in the United States. The lack of representation of AANHPIs in biomedical research can be troubling when it comes to treatment development. A widely successful heart drug clopidogrel (Plavix) was heavily marketed in Hawaii, despite being ineffective for 45% of Asians and 77% of Pacific Islanders.

Increasing representation of AANHPIs in biomedical research can ensure all populations are taken into account when it comes to developing medical treatment.

The All of Us Research Program is a cornerstone of the NIH’s Precision Medicine Initiative. Precision Medicine is a revolutionary approach to disease prevention and treatment that considers individual differences in biology, environmental and lifestyle. Through the All of Us Research Program, researchers will use data collected to learn more about how these individual differences can influence health and disease. Also, participants in the All of Us Research Program may be able to learn more about their own health and contribute to an effort that may advance the health of generations to come. (Advertising Supplement)

APIDC joins All of US research program to increase AANHPI participation in biomedical research

Bro. Jeffrey Arroyo, the quintessential APO fraternity brother

MY fraternity brothers and sisters, children Gennelle and Gilchrist, Kumare Hilda, sister of Brod Geoffrey, Oscar Jornacion. Brod Geoffrey’s favorite brother-in-law. We are here today not to mourn the untimely passing of our dear

fraternity brother Geoffrey but to celebrate his life.

Why do I pay tribute to him? Brother Geoffrey is the embodiment of an APO frat man that follows the three principles of our great fraternity: Leadership, Friendship and Service. He also epitomizes our 12 jewels that’s patterned after the Boys Scout Law: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. And I may add, he is a devoted brother and a good friend. No wonder, Brod Geoffrey became an awardee for his exemplary service: the prestigious Dr. Librado I. Ureta Award, the highest honor named after APO Philippines founder Dr. Bado Ureta.

You might ask me, why I am so confident about my tribute to our beloved brother Geoffrey?

We’ve known each other and became very close since 1983 when I first met him together with his ka-chap Bro. Paul Languisan. I was working then at California Examiner, a FilAm newspaper published by his brother-in-law who became my compadre. When I reported to work one day, Bro. Geoffrey was in an animated conversation with Bro. Paul – embellished with endless laughter and good-

nakakaya

natured ribbings. I asked them, why are you both so cheerful and lively? They chorused, because were are fraternity brothers. I quipped, ‘Sya nga? Out of curiosity, I followed this with another question: What’s the name of your fraternity? The answer was an emphatic: Alpha Phi Omega. Obviously, my quick response was, ‘I’m also an APO brod. That started my deep personal relationship and friendship with Brod Geoffrey. And of course, so too with Brod Paul. Because of this friendship, Brod Geoffrey asked me to be the godfather or ninong of his favorite daughter, Gennelle.

Not long after our first meeting, he attended our caucus meeting in a park in Torrance during the birthday party of Brod Gil Magno which I helped organize. Brod Geofrey also attended. This started our active participation with the first APO alumni outside of the Philippines -- until now. Matagal at malalim ang aming pinagsamahan ni Bro. Geoffrey. Imagine, 40 years since 1983, we are still active together? Once an APO is always an APO for a lifetime. Brod Geoffrey might not have been a president or chairman of the Board of APOGLA. For PAGE B5

Atty. Gurfinkel answers...

PAGE B1

his mother died in 2019. As a derivative, he has aged out, but Allen wants to know if he still qualifies for CSPA. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 6 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Manila. Watch this brand-new episode

Bloc, on Thursday, September 28, Kim said they will remain strong despite the denial.

“Lahat naman ng problema nakakaya namin. Lalo na ang ‘Showtime.’ Nasa 13 years na sa noontime show. Wala namang problema na hindi nakakayanan,” she said.

“Test of time naman kami lahat. Lahat naman tayo natetest tayo ng time at may natutunan tayo and nilu-look forward ‘yon,” she added.

Kim said the whole “It’s Showtime” family is grateful for their fans’ support.

“We’re just very grateful na

ang daming sumusuporta sa ‘Its Showtime’ at ayon po ang mahalaga,” she said.

In a statement released last September 28, the MTRCB affirmed its August 17 decision to suspend “It’s Showtime!” for 12 airing days following complaints of an alleged indecent incident during the show’s “Isip Bata” segment last July 25.

In the July 25 episode, hostcomedian Vice Ganda licked icing off the fingers of co-host and real-life partner Ion Perez. MTRCB also cited the show’s past preventive suspensions in dishing out its latest decision.

Atasha Muhlach makes...

PAGE B1

and I’m really excited to be part of such a beautiful and kind-hearted family.”

Atasha was also introduced as Tash, making her the youngest member of the artificial intelligence (AI) family, whose faces resemble the hosts and are also voiced by some of them.

On her debut day, she smoothly engaged in playful banter with the AI version of the comedic duo Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, who were stationed outdoors at the time for the Sugod Bahay Mga Kapatid segment of the program.

Atasha thanked her parents in a sentimental message, “Marami akong gustong sabihin sa mga magulang ko pero maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng suportahan at love mula bata pa ako at mahal na mahal ko kayo.

Thank you.”

E.A.T. mainstay Joey de Leon also took to social media to welcome Atasha into their crew.

“Welcome our new Dabarkads , Atasha Muhlach!

BUO na ang Dabarkads at yung anak ng ORIGINAL

TITLE na pag-aari namin , the last three letters ay narito na!— Eat BulAGA! #TVJonT V5

#Legit Dabarkads ,” the veteran comedian-host wrote in the caption along with the

Dabarkads group photo.

Atasha graduated with honors from her business degree at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. She officially entered the showbiz industry after signing with Viva Artists Agency last July. She said she wanted to try everything — hosting, singing and acting.

“This (performing) is something that I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was 10 years old when I did (the musical play) Sound of Music. That’s when I realized that I really do love to perform. I love to sing,” she told The STAR at that time.

Aga had also previously told this paper that as a kid, Atasha was already showing interest in the field of her parents.

“I saw it in her really,” the proud father said then of Atasha. “When we did our commercials before, when they were growing up, ang dami naming ginawa, nakikita ko sa kanyang mukha talaga, pag-tumitingin talaga siya.

Tapos ‘pag-sinabi ng director ‘Atasha, look to your left, ’ she knows… Parang she has it…

“And gusto niya yan. School niya siya namili, saan niya gusto mag-aral, ano gusto niya gawin. Then she said she wanted to work already.

So, I told her, go! Para maramdaman mo, makita mo.”

‘Lahat ng problema

...

Photo from ABS-CBN

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers the questions of Kapamilya from Manila – Vilma (left) and Ester (right).

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel is shown here with Karla (left photo) and with Allen (right photo).

Five benefits of establishing a revocable living trust

Barrister’s Corner

THERE is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest friends (BFFs) and family members are even deserving of inheriting from your estate. In doing so, you should also think about which vehicle you plan to use in implementing your estate plan. One of the best vehicle in implementing your estate plan is a revocable living trust. Five major benefits of establishing a revocable living trust are:

1. Your estate can avoid the time, cost, and hassle of going through the probate court process.

If you pass away without a will (intestate) in California, one of your close family would have to file a petition in probate court to probate your estate. Your estate will be divided and distributed according to the California probate code rules of intestate succession. Even if you have a will when you pass away, your family would still need to file a petition in probate court if your estate is worth over $184,500 and go through the probate process. This can become a circus if certain beneficiaries contest the validity of the Will or the distribution of the estate. Your estate will pay for attorney’s fees, probate referee fees, appraisers and other experts, CPA fees, etc. If people contest the case, your estate would end up paying legal fees to defend the estate in litigation. The entire process can take anywhere from 9 months to years depending on the contentiousness of the probate case.

With a revocable living trust, your trustee or successor trustee if you were the initial trustee, would administer the trust and distribute the estate according to the trust document without

having to open a probate court case. If the trust is funded with all your assets, it is possible to administer and distribute the trust assets without any Court involvement at all. This process is a lot faster than going through probate.

2. Your estate is not public record

When you file a probate case, the public has access to your probate case file. The public will know the assets of the estate including the values of those assets. If the Will is admitted into probate, the terms of the Will is open to public scrutiny.

Establishing a revocable living trust makes your estate affairs private. Strangers do not have access to the terms of your living trust. Only certain beneficiaries and possible heirs can request a copy of the revocable living trust after you pass away.

3. You can dictate who will inherit from your estate.

If you pass away without a Will, your estate will be divided and distributed in Probate Court following the rules of intestate succession in the California probate code. Certain relatives will be entitled to a share of your estate even if you feel they are not deserving. By establishing a revocable living trust, you can designate who you want to inherit from your estate. You can designate what and how much each one will received from your estate after you pass away. The assets distributed to each beneficiaries does not have to be equal. The people you designate as beneficiaries of your living trust does not even have to be close family members. You can designate anyone as a beneficiary, with certain exceptions, of your estate.

4. You can structure your estate to minimize estate taxes

If your estate is valued above the estate tax exemption, establishing a trust can allow you to divide up your estate into smaller sub trusts to minimize the overall estate tax effect on your estate. It allows you to set up a vehicle for certain charitable giving which carries tax advantage and asset protection.

5. You can choose who

will administer your estate after your death

When you establish a revocable trust, you can appoint someone else as trustee or you can appoint a successor trustee if you are the initial trustee. The trustee will be administering (managing) the trust after you pass away without a need to open a probate court case. This allows for continuity in operating the trust and the efficient and cost effective distribution of estate assets. If you are concerned about whether you can trust any family members as your trustee, you can appoint an institution as a professional trustee to carry out the terms of the declaration of trust. These type of trustee services are often offered by banks, financial institutions, wealth management firms, and business management firms for a reasonable fee. This minimizes conflicts within the family and prevents negligence and wrong doing by inexperienced family members.

* * *

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation.

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenryeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

The City of Los Angeles launches emergency renters assistance program

LOS ANGELES — In a continued effort to prevent individuals from becoming unhoused, the City of Los Angeles Measure United to House LA (ULA) launched the Emergency Renters Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance toward back rent to low-income renters at risk of homelessness due to COVID-19 or other financial hardships. There are only a couple of days left to apply; the application period closes October 2, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

“The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is a vital opportunity for renters who owe back rent to resolve their debt and stay housed,” said Ann Sewill, General Manager

of LAHD. “I encourage Angelenos to go online or call the hotline to determine eligibility, and apply if eligible. The program will pay landlords up to 6 months of unpaid rent on behalf of tenants who have experienced a financial hardship.”

To be eligible, a household must be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling and meet the following requirements:

1. Be a resident of the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status. To verify if you live in the City of Los Angeles, go to neighborhoodla. org.

2. One or more individuals within the household have experienced a loss of employment, reduction in household income,

$36M settlement in class action alleging fitness instructors were made to work off the lock and forego breaks

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr

requiring that they spend at least 12 hours a day at the gym.

incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship between April 2020 to present.

3. Have unpaid rent due to their current landlord for any month(s) between April 2020 through present.

4. The current household income is at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Renters can apply three ways: online at housing.lacity. org seven days a week, 24 hours a day, by phone at (888) 3793150 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and in-person by visiting housing. lacity.org for application intake office locations.

To learn more about the program, visit http://www. housing.lacity.org.

(Advertising Supplement)

Bro. Geofrey Arroyo, the Quintessential...

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some reason, he just opted to be the second fiddle or behind the scenes, not the front or center of a leadership team.

Thus, when we officially revived our fraternal alumni association – after a hiatus of two years. He became my Deputy Secretary General under the presidency of Brod Toti Ayo in 1984. And at the time of his death, Brod Geoffrey was one of our APOGLA’s board members. Through the years, he also occupied several roles and positions assigned to him. When APOGLA which was named APO of California then APO of Southern California in the early 1980s, Brod Geoffrey became again my assistant in the 1st APO Treasure Hunt Car Rallye from Los Angeles to Lake Perris and another one from Los Angeles to Lake Isabela. Oh boy, he was so loyal

and conscientious with his role. In fact, someone referred to me as “Don Quixote de La Mancha” and Brod Geofrey as Sancho Panza, my squire or sidekick. The Man of La Mancha is authored by Miguel de Cervantes of Spain in 1615 during the period of Inquisition. He might not have become a president or board chairman, but assign Brod Geoffrey any role, expect him to carry out his duties without complain, without question, without growling, without grumbling or what have you. He will fulfill his assigned task in his humble and humorous way. I know it because when I was APOGLA’s president in 2015, I requested him to pick up the food at Brod Jun Chin’s Restaurant in Los Angeles for our general meeting in West Covina, Good gracious, Brod Geoffrey picked

it up cheerfully -- without hesitation. That’s being cheerful, helpful and obedient, three of the Scout Law or our fraternity’s 12 jewels.

Brod Geoffrey is our utility man, a runner, problem solver and many more. He is quickwitted, humorous, smart-aleck sometimes, the life of the party with boundless energy not because he wants attention to himself but brings smile and laughter when everyone is tense and agitated.

I’m reminded of the scriptures in Ecclesiastes, meaning an “earthly wisdom that would rise to the level of spiritual wisdom” found from the old scriptures written by Qoheleth identified as King Solomon. I will paraphrase them: There is an appointed time for everything and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born

A PENDING settlement in a class action filed by fitness instructors against Equinox— an operator of high-end luxury gyms in major cities throughout the United States— reminds us that employers who don’t take seriously the strict wage-andhour laws in California likely do so at a price.

A class action was filed against Equinox on behalf of their California-based personal trainers and group fitness instructors, alleging that Equinox failed to comply with California-specific requirements regarding breaks and prohibition of averaging of wages.

Plaintiffs alleged that Equinox placed intense pressure on their trainers and instructors to recruit and retain clients, which compelled employees to spend 70 – 80 hours a week hustling for clients. A New York Times article described how these employees routinely slept in cars, curled up on yoga mats, or dozed off with heads resting on tables to meet the company’s requirements. Trainers described the high-pressure sales demands at Equinox as “Hunger Games-style,”

and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter the stones, and a time to gather them again; a time to embrace and a time let go of the embrace. A time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

However, the above practice runs afoul of California law’s requirement that employees be paid for all hours worked. Many of the work tasks associated with client recruitment and retention were done off the clock and thus, unpaid.

Plaintiffs alleged that Equinox encouraged employees to perform so-called “session-related activities,”. These included talking with prospective clients, planning routines, setting up exercise programs, and meeting with their supervisors, off the clock. Instead, trainers and instructors were paid a fixed piece rate when they completed an individual training session or group class. Under California law, a piece-rate compensation scheme that pays employees for tasks performed cannot be averaged out to also meet California’s requirement that every hour worked be compensated at a rate at least equal to the minimum wage.

Plaintiffs’ class action therefore sought recovery for unpaid wages earned for employees’ off-the-clock session-related activities.

Plaintiffs’ class action also asserted rest-break violations arising from Equinox’s policy requiring instructors to teach at least four, one-hour training sessions in a row without being able to take a rest break. Under the California

A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate, a time of war and a time of peace.”

I’m also reminded of the scripture in the New Testament Mathew 5:14-16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your works and give glory to our Heavenly Father.”

Brod Geoffrey, we will miss you, we love you. We continue to remember your

Labor Code, employees must be afforded the opportunity to take a paid rest break of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours of work, or major fraction thereof. Labor Code Section 226.7 requires that employees be paid a premium wage—equal to one hour of pay at their regular hourly rate—for every day that a mandated rest break is not provided.

The $36 million proposed settlement in the case was granted preliminary approval in March 2023. In a hearing earlier this month, the Court indicated that it would likely grant final approval of the settlement.

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

* * *

The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential  and at no cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than  25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and  consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal,  consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for  Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]  (Advertising Supplement)

devotion to our fraternity and your accomplishments. We’ll celebrate everything that you have accomplished. May you rest in eternal peace.

* * * 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.

* * * denino1951@gmail.com

Two-week program provides financial assistance to city residents who owe back rent

The rippling waters of giving and reaching beyond ourselves

Focus: Rev. Pastor Adiel DePano and Legay Square in Santa Ana Part 2 of 2

Rhizomes

Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D.

“The joy in loving is guaranteed by loving one another as Jesus loves us. God’s love goes round and round! His circle of Love is humankind! Thank you for giving me that kind of love. – With the love of the Lord, Fr. Camilo Pacanza, 2016.

Fr. Pacanza wrote that, in giving me Pope Francis’ book: ‘The Joy of Love.’ It meant a lot that he understood my life’s theme: leave a legacy of service to others, each place better than you found it. He made it simpler - to write love in people’s hearts.

Hearts Expanded with Indescribable Sweetness of Love

Two weeks after the wildfires and the crazy winds whipping them in Lahaina, as if aerosolized gasoline, frenzied fundraising was held in Chino Hills by small businesses, around Kokua Maui, the call of Chef Charles Akau, who shared that Kokua is unconditional support without expecting anything in return, on September 9, 2023.

His beautiful wife, Jamie Borromeo Akau, was days from defending her dissertation, “The Polysemy of Diversity in the State of ChaosMos: A Design Thinking Approach to Diversity Management.” towards a doctorate, which she obtained with high honors. Had we not responded to Chef Charles’ call, we would be weaker and more anxious.

Amy Besa, who lives in New York, graciously took the time to design a new post on Facebook and led her New Yorker friends to give, as she did. We did, too. Jamie and Charles reported exceeding their goal of $10,000 reaching $12,000, selling plate lunches, orchid arrangements,

and t-shirts. Days after, the monies got remitted and confirmed by texts, as received.

“That we may awaken,

To live to the full

The dream of the earth

who chose us to emerge

And incarnate its hidden might

In mind, spirit and light

-John Donohue’s ‘Bless The Space Between Us’, who was a poet, scholar, and had a Ph.D. in philosophical theology.

Pope Francis described the Benedictine Nuns, with “their hearts expanded with indescribable sweetness of love,” similar to what these folks did.

The goodness to Lahaina is also what Pastor Adiel DePano’s life as a Pastor of the United Methodist Church is all about. Having served in six churches, he ascends with unwavering faith, and in his abilities to collaborate and unify diverse cultures and languages, with his signature warmth and love for all.

DePano Embodies the Wesleyan

Spirit: The World Is My Parish!

Bishop Dottie EscobedoFrank, resident bishop of the California-Pacific Conference, is described as a catalyst for church transformation in the United Methodist Church. She describes herself as “I am Immigration,” embodying both cultures of American and Mexican. She has pioneered founding a church Farmer’s Market, including working with immigrants and opening a hospitable transition place, called “The Inn,” for gathering the community folks crossing the borders and looked upon as potential residents with diversity richness to offer. I requested her to describe DePano, who reports to her.

“Rev. Adiel DePano embodies the Wesleyan spirit of “The World is my parish!” He cares for his community and works tirelessly to bring hope and Christ’s love in all spaces and places. Grace y Paz, -Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, 2023.

It is a beautiful statement of “I see you, I see your essence.”

DePano graduated in Ateneo in 1981, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, where he learned to be “a man for others,” while Claremont broadened his scope to “The World is My Parish.”

DePano was hailed by Claremont School of Theology as one who lives the values of his alma mater, as seven others who embody Compassion, Justice and Belonging. He was a 2021 Distinguished Alumni. The School recognized their lives are in moral alignment, leaning more to altruism for others, as well as selfsacrifice.

I wondered how DePano’s family thought of him as head of the household? Katerina DePano, the eldest daughter of Pastor Adiel, wrote: “When I think of Dad, I think of his faith, leadership, and love for our family. Everything about his life and leadership is rooted in his faith, and he has blessed many people with his ministry and service. When I think of Dad and our family, I think of him in the kitchen! He enjoys cooking for us and I’m thankful for his spaghetti and sinigang (Filipino sour soup with meats and vegetables) – my faves! Dad has always been and continues to be an example of unwavering faith, service and love for our family and community.”

God’s Favor in Leading Six Churches and Leaving Them Better Than He Found Them

He served at the First FilipinoAmerican United Methodist Church (7 years) in San Gabriel Valley, his greenhorn assignment. As luck would have it, this is where he met Brenda, the granddaughter of two parishioners, and got married after a year. He credits the congregation for hosting their wedding with 500 guests, from all over the country and Manila, “Both of us immersed in growing the Christian education ministry, youth group’s camps and retreats, adult ministry. He led the transfer of the church from Covina UMC to its present home, Hacienda Heights.”

He got transferred to National

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of long-time parishioner, Aurora Valeriano Galicia.

Aurora, lovingly known as Auring, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loving family on Monday, September 25th, 2023. She was 99 years old.

Aurora, the second of six children, was born on the seventh of July, 1924 to Mariano Valeriano and Consuelo Martinez, in Bulacan, Philippines. She was born five years before the Great Depression and, as a teenager, witnessed the Japanese invasion of her Philippine Islands. So worried was her family about marauding Japanese soldiers that they applied charcoal to her face to make her look ‘less beautiful.’ Aurora’s father died at an early age, leaving her mother Consuelo to raise the family on her own. This is where she, at an early age, learned to be strong, self-sufficient, resilient, and caring. Aurora’s mother had a home-based catering business to take care of her family’s needs, which is where she learned early on not only to be of service but to love the art of cooking.

While helping her mother, Aurora attended school at St. Theresa’s College and graduated with a Secretarial degree. She worked at Luzon Brokerage firm in Manila for over 24 years where she met her one true love who at that time Gene would leave her ‘secret’ love letters. She eventually married one of the most handsome men in Asia, Genaro ‘Gene’ Galicia, and had eight children—all girls! Aurora and Gene lovingly called their daughters the “Darling 8.” She eventually became a full-time mother taking care of all the needs of her growing family. She shared her motherly love equally among her eight daughters, never showing favoritism although each felt she was the favorite. Aurora nurtured her family with love and instilled a deep Catholic faith. She prepared 3 square meals a day for 10 people! For breakfast before school, she would write our initials in milk on the porridge bowl for her daughters. She would ring a bell from the top of the stairs to announce that it was time to pray the Angelus and that dinner would soon follow. Her family was always well nourished physically and spiritually!

Soon, all her daughters married and had children. She was truly loved by her sons-in-law and was always cheerful toward them. There is this urban legend about men and their mothers-in-law but her sons-in-law would tell everyone that was never the case with Mommy. All she wanted was for her children to be happy.

Through her globe-trotting daughters, she was able to travel extensively throughout the world—Europe, the United States, the Middle East including Saudi Arabia and the Holy Land which she visited at 90 years old! She was always eager to tell you about the places she’d visited. She was the peripatetic babysitter/grandma that earned her MBA (Masters in Babysitting Abroad), taking care of 15 grandkids in the Philippines, Madrid, California, New York/New Jersey. She was ‘on call’ to travel anywhere she was needed and happily took care of her grandchildren.

Aurora was a faithful parishioner of Cathedral Chapel for over 28 years and loved attending the 10am Mass where some of her families are choir members and ministers. She cheerfully greeted everyone who would come to her and ask for a blessing. Aurora never stopped being steadfast in her faith and was always cheerful…right up to the end. She even stared down death waiting for her two daughters to arrive from France, grandchildren and great grandchildren to be at her bedside. Aurora lived a long and exemplary life, reflected by her daughters’ love and devotion to her. She is now in heaven reunited with her one true love, her husband Gene.

Aurora has always been the guiding star of the family, who taught all of her children and grandchildren the most important thing in life: how to love unconditionally. She leaves a wonderful legacy and example to us all, “Be happy and give thanks to our Lord!” God Bless You Mommy/Lola (Grandma).

Aurora is preceded by her husband Genaro “Gene” Galicia who died on October 7, 2008. She is survived by her 8 daughters and families: Carmencita “Carms” (Scott Feinerman), Angelita (+Bernard Teyssendier), Mercy, Caroll (+Charlie Day), Maria Aurora “Rory” (Kenneth Strange), Susan (Jean Luc Mitry), Nancy (Michael Sheehan), Gina (Jiggs Ibarrola), 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A funeral mass for Aurora and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 9:00am for rosary and viewing, followed by funeral mass at 11:00am at Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana, 923 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-930-5976.

City (7 years) where he united the Filipino Ministry with the chartered Caucasian congregation and together, “addressed the deferred maintenance of the church campus, built up Christian education and family ministries, undertook the contemporary worship ministry, youth ministry and together with his wife, Brenda, introduced family camp program, and participation in ecumenical grouping of churches.”

“My family and I found ourselves totally at home in this multicultural congregation, St. Paul’s Oxnard (7 years) and we were deeply involved in leading the church in developing a discipleship system, renovating the campus with new roofs, upgraded church office and classrooms, “Turning Point’ coffee house, confirmation classes, Friday study and prayer groups, active membership in the Interfaith Clergy Association in town, membership in the choir.”

He was then promoted to become the New Pasadena District Superintendent. Little did he know that this promotion would present challenges for growth and mental fitness.

“Becoming part of Bishop Mary Ann Swenson’s cabinet for 5 years represents the pinnacle of my service as a United Methodist ordained elder. I never imagined nor did I seek to be part of the bishop’s cabinet. My ministry was focused on administration and conflict management. I am strong in administration. But, I loath managing conflict (my DNA at work). This deflated me, causing two stress-related episodes of anxiety attacks that landed me in the emergency room and soul-searching and self-doubts.

Through Bishop Swenson’s encouragement and colleagues’ support, I recovered and fulfilled all my responsibilities. Before I could finish another year to a

6-year term, the Bishop appointed me to lead Pasadena UMC. Being a district superintendent opened up the world to me, taking me to travels like Lake Junaluska, in North Carolina; Kauai and Oahu in Hawaii, South Korea, Japan, Saipan, and Philippines.”

Fellow clergy whom I served, he continues, “express their continuing gratitude for my leadership, kindness, support, wisdom, guidance and spirituality, leading to a bishop nomination, which I gratefully declined.”

He was then presented with another challenge at FUMC, Pasadena (2 years), where the congregation was in transition from their predecessor’s departure and healing their collective wounds from a dysfunctional atmosphere under the prior pastor. He had to endure the suffering with them.

This prepared him for his next assignment at St. Andrew’s by the Sea (3 years) where “I learned to suspend my views, in favor of a higher calling of being a shepherd to God’s flock in the community.”

DePano now heads the Santa Ana United Methodist Church whose parishioners speak Cambodian, English, Filipino, French, Korean, Spanish, Peruvian, Puerto Rican and Tongan. Imagine how he immerses in their cultures, being particularly sensitive to each by balancing their needs with all others.

How do they become all gracefilled people, I asked? They agreed to love others, as they love God, being a positive force for goodness, towards gentle humanity.

Legacy Square: A Triumph of Humanity Abraham Verghese described the Cochin heat as “The Cochin [Santa Ana] heat and humidity are so stultifying that houseflies lose

altitude and tumble to the floor.

Shop boys sit heavy-lidded after lunch, as unmoving as the cement barriers in the harbor. The city will come to life again only in the evening, when it is cooler.”

It is similar to the Santa Ana winds, dry, humid, and deaden folks. Picture downtown with encampments from the street – living folks inside their tents, drenched as they attempt to stay incognito, but cannot. They change into their clothes on the sidewalks; do their basic necessities, even brushing their teeth, while trash litter and stench permeating your nostrils for at least a thousand feet mark their daily existence.

Next to downtown Sta. Ana is a row of century old, well maintained French style houses in a row called French Street. The contrast is glaring, in your face, asking you to do something, Santa Ana United Methodist Church (SAUMC) had to talk to these residents about building a complex of 93 apartment homes. From 2017 – 2018, the congregation was persuaded to approve the idea of repurposing their downtown site into an affordable housing complex.

The following year was on vetting developers and the Renaissance Corporation was chosen, their first collaboration with a church. For 3 years, 2019 – 2021, community support, permits and funding have to be lined up and finally, two years to complete the construction.

Legacy Square is situated near a Metro station, a bus stop and a stone’s throw away from downtown. Its courtyard is inviting with a children’s playground and some picnic tables. SFUMC inaugurated the complex June 21, 2023 and residents were just moving in. Each unit is spacious and the rent is based on their income, 30 to 60% of $15,000 a year. They had 6,000 applicants for 93 units, an indicator of a huge need for affordable housing.

I found it to be well designed which allows tradewinds into the open hallways and to move warm air, and other improvements to make it eco-friendly. It included improvements to the streets, to the sidewalks, and turnabouts for controlled traffic. It has a community center as well as flexible space that could be used for piano lessons, computer lessons and other workshops needed by the residents.

In Oakland, then led by Mayor Jerry Brown, who was behind the construction of a multistory

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Renovated Balingog United Methodist Church Photos courtesy of Pastor Adiel de Pano of Santa Ana Methodist Church

RevUp Rally: A must-attend event for real estate professionals

LOS ANGELES – The RevUp Real Estate Rally (R3-23) is touted as the most exciting real estate event of the year. It is a two-day high-energy event where real estate professionals can connect with like-minded professionals, expand their network, and connect with key decision-makers in the industry. Taking place October 13-14, 2023, RevUp Real Estate Rally is a place for professionals to tap into a world of innovation, business growth opportunities, and cuttingedge technologies in the world of real estate. This event is co-produced by Janice Jimenez and Angelo Varsobia, an investor, venture capitalist, CEO of the Varsobia Group of Companies serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist. RevUp Real Estate Rally (R3-23) is an exceptional platform that brings together professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from the real estate sector. With a focus on innovation, networking, and business growth, this rally will provide valuable insights, cuttingedge technologies, and opportunities to connect with key decision-makers in the industry. Advance registration is required to attend this free event.

While attendance is free, participants can upgrade and pay to attend the VIP Live Entertainment Event on Friday, October 13th dubbed as the Salsa Night Networking which will be led by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The evening allows one to network with the Keynote Speakers and real estate industry professionals.

“This event puts together every professional and business that feeds into the real estate industry, not

just here in California, but also the neighboring states and the rest of the United States,” says Janice Jimenez, CEO and Chief Organizer of the RevUp Real Estate Rally.

“The overall vision is to create an annual venue where everyone involved in the real estate industry is given opportunities to create awareness for their services, learn from the best in the business through the speakers and workshops we offer, and maximize business results for our participating sponsors and vendors. We estimate a total attendance of 3,000 for both days.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends, gain valuable insights, and connect with industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a real estate enthusiast, or someone looking to enter the market, this rally is designed to provide attendees with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in the real estate world.

The emcees for RevUp Rally are

Misty Kerrigan (Director of Community Based Services at Oak Grove Center for Education, Treatment and the Arts) and Moe Rock (World-Renowned Content Producer, Investor, Speaker, Thought Leader, and Author.)

The event features a robust speaker line-up including: Sharon Lechter (Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author, Financial Literacy Advocate and Successful Businesswoman, Co-Author of Rich Dad Poor Dad)

Larry Steinhouse (Radio Talk Show Host, Author of Money Hacks,

The rippling waters…

apartment building where students are co-residents of lowincome working mothers and those on welfare.

Much like the First AME Church that is now managing over 300 rental units for working families while offering training on HVAC, air conditioning and electrical to prepare the residents for living wages - jobs. Its membership has grown to 19,000 and several ministries within 13 corporations.

It is a church that is prayerempowered, Christ-centered in spreading love to the community and Holy Spirit-led Church, socially active, a church of growth that is a result of God’s faithfulness and care for others.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has succeeded in cutting the construction period of affordable housing from the usual 2 years to 47 days. Imagine what city permitting expedited process has changed to.

“That interior law of charity and love begins with vision. Long before love is a corporate virtue that improves team performance, it is a personal leadership stance. The love-driven leader possesses the vision to see and engage others, as they are, not through the cultural filters, prejudices, or narrow-mindedness that diminishes them. Jesuits view [AmerIndians] with the same divine energy that gave them “existence, life, sensation, intelligence” and made them God’s temple. If the interior law of charity and love begins with a vision, it is completed in action… to achieve what Voltaire called “a triumph of humanity.” – Chris Lowney on Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-yearold Company that Changed the World. Adiel means an ornament, a treasured jewel of God. True to his name, “I want people to know me as somebody who tried to follow Jesus – sa aking pagkatao si Cristo. It is a daily battle. As I learned in Ateneo to be “a man for others,” I also know that we are inherently good and we are inherently flawed. I have my demons to fight.”

For example, St. Photini who said to Jesus: “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and whom it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

DePano also heads the Fil-Am United Methodist Foundation, now in its 50th year. He is nearing

the end of his 2nd year two-year term, which ends December 2024. Recently, the foundation raised funds to support [ a church whose membership ] is 95% farmworkers in rebuilding their chapel of worship. Nearly 800 came to the concert featuring Dodjie Simon and Odette Quesada, exceeding the goal of $15,000 to $25,861, about 172%.

Dodjie Simon is a composer and songwriter of over 100 songs, some popularized in commercials, film and television, and a friend of Pastor Adiel DePano for 45 years, wrote: ”Reverend Adiel DePano is a humble, kind, and committed servant of God. His leadership is founded on the principles of teamwork, democracy, dedication and alignment with God’s will. My brother and I have a long history of friendship with the DePano family since our teenage years at Kamuning First United Methodist Church in Quezon City.”

Telly Encarnacion recalls growing up as a Methodist in Quezon City, where he credits the Methodists for her fond childhood memories: “attending daily vacation church school every summer, becoming a teacher in the kindergarten level one summer, a member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship and annual 5-day Christmas Institute (sleep away camp for 5years). I was shy and this structure was very helpful for me to have regular fellowship with youth from other churches.”

Adiel DePano might have been named God’s ornament, but each day, he lives as God’s humble servant, where community service is a component of worship. “There is no personal piety without social impact. Social holiness rests on personal holiness – they feed into each other. We are meant to be in community. We are poorer by our inability to come together in person.”

* * * Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 12 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the U.S., in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

Public Speaker, Entrepreneur, and CEO of investorschooling.com)

Dr. Hoa Nguyen (Blacksteel Investment Group CEO/Co-Founder, Eye Pieces Dallas Optometric Glaucoma Specialist)

Dr. Jaime Gonzalez (Blacksteel Investment Group President, Real Estate Syndicator, Optometrist)

• Bill Walsh (Founder & CEO of Powerteam International, Venture Capitalist & Business Coach, Best Selling Author, Speaker, Event Producer, Empowering Professionals

To Create Massive Success)

Paul Rubio (Co-Founder at California Economic Club, CEO of Rubio Aviation, CEO of Trillion Air Aviation)

• Janice Jimenez (Real Estate Broker with over 15 years of Experience, Financial Services

Provider, Retirement Designer, Insurance Services Provider, and Medicare Advantage Agent)

Michelle Seiler Tucker (Founder and CEO of Seiler Tucker Incorporated, Sold Over 500 Businesses, Author of WSJ & USA TODAY Bestseller Exit Rich)

The 2024 RevUp Real Estate Rally is already scheduled to take place at the Ahern Event Center in Las Vegas, NV on April 26-27, 2024. “We invite and encourage every real estate professional and business to participate in this one-of-a-kind gathering,” added Jimenez. www. revuprealestaterally.com.

To learn more about Janice Jimenez, visit her online at www.JaniceJimenez. com or text Text REGAL to 26786.

Pastor Adiel DePano and Dodjie Simon Photos courtesy of Pastor Adiel de Pano of Santa Ana Methodist Church