100622 - Las Vegas Edition

Home care agencies cited with misclassifying workers, must pay over $1.8M

FILIPINO home care workers are among those who have been improperly misclassified and subjected to wage theft violations, according to a citation issued by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.

Two Long Beach-based companies have been cited for improperly misclassifying 66 home health care workers as independent contractors and must pay more than $1.8 million for the wage theft violations.

Angel Connection Inc., an agency that provides staffing at clients’ homes for health aid services, and J Jireh, a staffing agency with close ties to Angel Connection, acted as joint employers and misclassified workers avoiding payment for minimum wage, overtime wages, worker’s compensation premiums, payroll taxes and meal periods premiums.

The workers, the majority of whom are Filipino immigrants, reportedly worked 24hour shifts, six days per week for as little as $6.25 an hour with no overtime, according to the investigation.

Together, Angel Connection and related entities have been ordered to pay over $1.8

US, PH defense leaders discuss strengthening MDT, maritime cooperation

MANILA — Priority areas for the alliance of the Philippines and the United States included strengthening mutual defense treaty commitments, and enhancing maritime cooperation, the top defense officials of the two countries said on Friday, September 30.

Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., officer-incharge of the Department of National Defense, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III met at Camp Smith in Hawaii to discuss ways to deepen the cooperation between Manila and Washington.

“We discussed several priority areas for the alliance including strengthening our mutual defense treaty commitments and enhancing maritime cooperation, building on our mutual defense posture, and improving interoperability and information sharing,” Austin said.

“By deepening our cooperation and modernizing our alliance, we can help secure

Biden marks Fil-Am History Month by celebrating ‘innumerable contributions’ of Fil-Ams in US

by AJPRESS

UNITED States President Joe Biden paid tribute to the strength of Filipino Americans as the country celebrates October as Filipino American History Month.

commander-in-chief took to social media to

the “innumerable contributions and rich heritage” of the Fil-Am community.

and I are proud to recognize Filipino American History Month and celebrate the innumerable contributions and rich heritage of Filipino Americans across our nation,” Biden wrote in a message posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Marcos to slain journalist’s kin: ‘We are ready to help’

by BEATRICE PINLAC Inquirer.net

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has relayed through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin that the government is “ready to help” the grieving family of slain veteran broadcaster Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid.  Bersamin and Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara visited Lapid’s wake in Parañaque City on Thursday, October 6.

“We are ready to help. The President wants to send that message,” Bersamin told Lapid’s

bereaved wife and son.  Bersamin said that Marcos had since ordered Palace officials to keep an eye on the investigation into the journalist’s killing.  Bersamin also assured Lapid’s family that under the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, “everything will be done to get to the bottom of the crime.”

The Philippine National Police earlier vowed to bring justice for Lapid. It has already formed a special investigation task force to look into the case.

Lapid, a fierce critic of the Duterte and Marcos administrations, was shot dead

Day of exits: Angeles, Calida resign; Rodriguez out

by NESTOR CORRALES Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s threemonth-old administration lost three key officials in one day with the resignation of Commission on Audit (COA) Chair Jose Calida and Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles, and an announcement of former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez’s official departure from Malacañang. Angeles cited health conditions in quitting her post on Tuesday, October 4 while Calida gave multiple reasons that were not immediately disclosed to the public. Rodriguez, who was supposed

to have assumed a new Cabinetrank office as the presidential chief of staff, “is no longer a member” of Marcos’ official family, according to the new Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The day of Cabinet exits began with Angeles’ brief statement to reporters: “I tendered my resignation this morning, effective end of business hours today due to health reasons.”

“It was a pleasure working with you,” she said.

No replacement yet

Speaking to Malacañang reporters on Tuesday afternoon, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara

The message continued with, “We support, honor, and thank you for all you have done to help fulfill the promise of America for all of us.”

In the U.S., October has been commemorated as FilAm History Month, following Congress’ declaration in November 2009. The month was chosen to mark

Celebrating the ‘past, present, and future’: Filipino American History Month celebrates 30 years of honor and recognition of Fil-Am excellence

by KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

THOUGH it feels as if Filipinos only just made it to the United States in the mid-to-late 20th century, it’s worth knowing that Filipinos made their mark centuries earlier.

The first recorded Filipinos to touch North American soil arrived on Oct. 18, 1587; Filipinos arrived in Morro Bay, California before the United States was founded.

The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) — the Seattle, Washington-based that first commemorated October as Filipino American History Month — declared FAHM 2022’s theme as “Celebrating Our History and Legacies: 50 years of Filipino American Studies, 40 Years of the FANHS, and 30 Years of Filipino American History Month.”

Filipino American History Month is often mistaken as Filipino American Heritage Month, but FAHM was

Fil-Am sworn in as US ambassador to Mongolia

by ARIC JOHN SY CUA ManilaTimes.net

FILIPINO American Richard Buangan has taken his oath as the U.S. ambassador to Mongolia, the U.S. State Department has confirmed.

“I was honored to swear in Richard Buangan as @USAmbMongolia,” tweeted U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Tuesday, October 4. “Distinguishing himself through hard work, skilled diplomacy, and positive, collegial relationships, Ambassador Buangan will reinforce our pride as Mongolia’s Third Neighbor.”

U.S. President Joe Biden appointed Buangan as ambassador to Mongolia last April.

Current U.S. ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson congratulated Buangan on Twitter.

“Congratulations to my good friend, Richard!” she wrote on Tuesday, adding that her friendship with the career diplomat goes “a long way back.”

Based on his State Department profile, Buangan joined the U.S. Department of State in 1999 and was assigned to Israel, China, France and the Ivory Coast. He also served as an executive assistant to then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and more recently as the acting assistant secretary to the Bureau of Global Public Affairs from April 4 to June 30.

Born to a Filipino family in San Diego, California, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and speaks four languages

CONDOLENCES.

Ambassador Richard Buangan Photo from the U.S. State Department

Biden marks Fil-Am History...

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the recorded presence in the continental United States as far back as October 1587.

October 1992 was the first time that Filipino American History Month (FAHM) was celebrated in the United States – a year after FANHS passed a proclamation (spearheaded by Fred Cordova). Since then, FAHM has been celebrated annually all over the country – with initiatives by FANHS chapters, local community nonprofit groups, government organizations, and

college student organizations.

The “advancement of Filipino Americans and as a time to renew efforts toward the examination of history and culture in order to provide an opportunity for all people in the U.S. to learn more about Filipino Americans and their historic contributions to the Nation,” read Congress’ proclamation.

Last year, Biden also recognized the month by highlighting the contributions of Fil-Ams during World War II and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He acknowledged the service and sacrifices of Filipino Americans frontliners during the pandemic, saying they are an “essential part” of the strength and diversity of the U.S.

The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) announced the FAHM 2022 theme as “Celebrating Our History and Legacies: 50 Years of Filipino American Studies, 40 Years of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), and 30 years of Filipino American History Month.” g

US, PH defense leaders discuss strengthening...

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the Philippines’ future, tackle regional challenges, and promote peace and security in the Indo Pacific,” he added.

Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the two countries recognized that “an armed attack in the Pacific on either of the parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declared that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

According to Faustino, officials from the two countries tackled “forward-looking, practical, and tangible ways on how to empower our partnership to improve defense cooperation across various lines of effort […] with the end view of further enhancing the credibility of our alliance.”

When asked if Manila would help Washington in defending Taiwan in case of Chinese aggression, Faustino said the Philippines adheres to the One China Policy.

“We urge all concerned parties to exercise restraint, and diplomacy and dialogue must prevail,” the former military chief said.

“We continue to update and enhance our contingency plans. It is also imperative to regularly update and exercise the Philippines-US mutual defense concept plan under the ambit of the MDT based on our dynamic security environment,” he added. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)

Celebrating the ‘past, present, and future...

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first established in 1992 to honor the past and to look back on the history of struggle, triumph, and evolution of Filipinos in America.

FANHS has emphasized the importance of recognizing history (as opposed to heritage) as it is a broader area to explore that includes understanding historical figures, events, and the lives of Filipinos rather than just cultural customs and traditions.

From the Morro Bay arrivals in the 16th century to the appointment of the first Filipino American attorney general in 2021, Filipino Americans have established themselves as a culturally significant community without which the United States would never be the same.

In 1982, Dorothy Laigo Cordova and her husband Fred Cordova — both of whom had been active in Filipino American advocacy since the 1950s as students at Seattle University — founded the FANHS, which was the first “national group committed to promoting and preserving Filipino American history,” according to FANHS’s website.

Through FANHS, the Cordovas made it their mission to educate Filipinos and nonFilipinos through community workshops and lectures, national conferences, and artistic and multimedia presentations. FANHS currently has 42 chapters across the United States.

Among the many milestones FAHNS is highlighting for FAHM 2022 includes the emergence of Filipino American history being taught in schools.

In 1962, UCLA and UC Davis taught the first Filipino American Studies (FAS) courses, which spawned other similar courses at other colleges in California — like San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco — and across the country, like Western Washington University and University of Hawai’i and other colleges in Oregon,

Michigan and Virginia, according to FAHNS.

Over the next several decades, more schools and educational institutions would adopt FAS classes, from college-level courses to elementary school social studies curricula.

Since the mid-20th century, Filipinos in academia also began to pave the way across all disciplines. In addition to history, scholars from archaeology, psychology, communications, the sciences, and other areas of expertise would help establish the growing volume of academic journals, theory, and other research-based works that continue to help others better understand Filipino American history and identity.

FAHM 2022 marks the 30th official celebration since FANHS formally proclaimed October as Filipino American History Month.

The month of October was chosen to commemorate the Morro Bay arrival in 1587, but it was also chosen to honor renowned labor leader Larry Itliong, whose birthday falls on Oct. 25.

The impact of FANHS’s proclamation reached a head in 2009 when former President Barack Obama officially declared October as FAHM. On Oct. 2, 2015, Obama would celebrate the first FAHM at the White House in which 175 Filipino American community leaders, donning traditional Filipino garb, were present for the historic gathering.

Since Obama’s first official recognition of Filipino American History Month, every U.S. president has recognized October as FAHM, issuing a statement of solidarity and acknowledgement of the Filipino American’s indelible impact on American history and identity.

President Joe Biden took to his social media on Oct. 1 to acknowledge the national observance of FAHM, saying, “Jill and I are proud to recognize

Filipino American History Month and celebrate the innumerable contributions and rich heritage of Filipino Americans across our nation. We support, honor, and thank you for all you have done to help fulfill the promise of America for all of us.”

Filipinos comprise the secondlargest Asian group in the United States, behind Chinese and Chinese Americans. The Filipino American community itself is a diverse populace with a very rich immigrant community. According to Pew Research, 69% of Filipino American adults were born outside the U.S.

As the community grows — and as the country at large becomes more diverse — Filipino Americans today are making history of their own.

Over the summer, the first major studio film with a majority-Filipino cast premiered in theaters. Pop stars Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R., and Bruno Mars continue to be pop music mainstays on, not just American charts, but global charts as well.

Perhaps most notably, the scores of Filipinos in medicine — nurses, doctors, epidemiologists, and more — continue to guide the country and the world through a global pandemic.

The opportunities that are available to Filipino Americans are more bountiful than ever and despite the economic, social and cultural strifes that have come in the way, Filipinos today are more emboldened than ever to establish milestones and create their own paths.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who became the first Filipino American attorney general in California in 2021, tweeted on Oct. 1, “I’m grateful for our community’s incredible contributions to building this state and nation, and I reaffirm my ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers and widening pathways of opportunity for the Filipino American community.”

Marcos to slain journalist’s kin: ‘We are...

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Monday night by a motorcycleriding assailant at the gate of a subdivision in Las Piñas City.

Police said that a sport utility vehicle, believed to have been

driven by an accomplice, was seen rear-ending Lapid’s vehicle before the shooting happened.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Lapid is the

second journalist to have been killed under the Marcos administration. The first is radio broadcaster Rey Blanco, who has stabbed to death in Negros Oriental last September. g

EARLY GIFTS TO KIDS. Government officials, led by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (3rd from left), and State of Qatar Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki (right) pose for a souvenir photo with children at the Atrium of the Mandaluyong City Hall on Thursday, Oct. 6. Duterte led the gift-giving and distribution of learning materials to daycare students. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Day of exits: Angeles, Calida resign...

confirmed that Angeles had resigned because of “certain medical conditions.”

The official said Marcos had not appointed a replacement for Angeles, even as the chief executive thanked her for her service to the administration.

“Hopefully in the near future we will have a new press secretary,” Guevara said.

Angeles’ resignation came weeks after she committed a blunder during a September press briefing when she falsely stated that only Marcos had been accommodated by US President Joe Biden for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, out of many requests from other nations.

In August, the Office of the Press Secretary also courted controversy when Angeles said state-run media would get priority access to information and interviews under the president’s “single-messaging policy.”

Angeles, along with Calida and Rodriguez, was among the Cabinet officials bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) as the body ran out of time to confirm presidential appointees before Congress went on its mandatory recess last week.

On Sept. 17, Rodriguez announced his resignation after only 79 days as the president’s executive secretary, a position informally called the “little president” as the top-ranking executive in the Office of the President.

Rodriguez had said he was leaving office because he wanted more time with his family, describing being executive secretary as “a 24/7 job with myriad topics expected to be attended to every day.”

“Equally valuable, however, is to witness firsthand your young family grow and evolve into how every parent would wish them to become and they most need me too,” Rodriguez said.

Shortly after his resignation, Angeles announced that the president had given Rodriguez a new role, under Administrative Order (AO) No. 1, as the presidential chief of staff, a position with “the rank and emoluments of a Cabinet secretary.”

Not in Cabinet anymore But on Tuesday, Bersamin told Palace reporters that Rodriguez was not in Marcos’ Cabinet anymore.

The former chief justice also denied the existence of AO 1, saying: “To our knowledge, there is none.”

“He (Rodriguez) is no longer a member of the Cabinet. You must recall that he resigned due to a specific reason and that reason is well-published,” Bersamin added.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile had warned of potential complications with Rodriguez’s appointment as Marcos’ chief of staff.

In a Sept. 15 memorandum to the President seen by reporters, Enrile wrote that: “There is no need to create the position of the presidential chief of staff, much less grant it so much power.”

Rodriguez’s brief stint had been marred by scandals, including his purported role in an “illegal” order to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar, supposedly to address a shortage that had steeply raised its retail price.

But the Palace defended Rodriguez and the Senate President cleared him of complicity after a series of hearings.

In July, early into Marcos’ term, Rodriguez’s name was also dragged into an alleged scheme that offered a plum government position for P100 million to a potential appointee who had the backing of a religious group. He denied the allegations, saying: “We cannot be held to explain something that is unverifiable or plain rumor.”

Bypassed COA chair

At the same briefing, Bersamin announced that Calida had resigned from his post as head of the COA, an agency that examines how public funds are spent.

“He tendered his resignation for many reasons but it’s up to him to later explain to you or

publish to you what were his reasons but we accepted that with regret and we commended him for his patriotism for serving for a short while,” Bersamin told reporters.

Calida served as the solicitor general during the Duterte administration, defending the government in high-profile cases before the courts.

At the COA, however, he had mostly kept out of the public eye.

Also on Tuesday, President Marcos readministered the oaths of the officials who were not confirmed by the CA.

Along with Bersamin, Marcos reappointed Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Housing Secretary Jose Acuzar.

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, who was also bypassed by the CA, was also reappointed but could not take his oath as he was in Romania, according to Bersamin.

The last two Cabinet members confirmed by the CA were Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Sept. 28, the last day of session.

Under the rules of the CA, which is composed of senators and House members, bypassed appointments “shall be returned to the President and, unless new nominations or appointments are made, shall not again be considered by the Commission.”

Congress resumes its session on Nov. 7. g

Former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez and former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles Inquirer.net file photos

Updated vaccines: How to update your protection against COVID this fall

“BEEN there, done that.” People are feeling like they’ve heard enough about COVID-19. But staying on top of the facts, vaccinations, and level of spread in the community is still important to keep your family and communities safe. In fact, updated vaccines that can better protect against the highly transmissible Omicron variant and its subvariants are now available in the United States.

Here is what people should know about the updated COVID vaccines:

First, complete the primary series of a COVID vaccine.

While more than 224 million Americans have been vaccinated, many could still get protection by completing a primary series with any of the available vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax.

COVID vaccines are available to everyone age 6 months or older living in the United States at no cost.

Updated vaccines provide extra protection. Recently, both Pfizer and Moderna have updated their vaccines to target the Omicron strains of the COVID virus that are causing nearly all COVID infections in the United States. The updated vaccines also provide protection against the original COVID virus.

Updated vaccines are available to anyone age 12 or older who has already completed the primary vaccination series. As the virus continues to change, vaccines will be updated annually to target the dominant variant.

Updated vaccines are now available. Updated vaccines are available for free and they are easy and convenient to get. Tens of thousands of sites including pharmacies, doctor’s offices, community health centers, and other places have the updated vaccines available. Most people will now be able to get one COVID vaccine, once a year, each fall. Just like your annual flu shot, get an updated COVID vaccine sometime between Labor Day and the end of October.

It doesn’t matter how many or few boosters you’ve had before. Anyone age 12 or older who has completed a primary series can get an updated vaccine regardless of whether they previously had zero, one, or more boosters. As long as at least two months have passed since the last dose, it is safe to get an updated vaccine.

Community spread matters.

While being up to date on vaccinations provides the best protection from severe illness, hospitalization, and death from

COVID, additional actions can further lower the risk of these complications, especially when COVID is increasing in your community. Paying attention to the level of COVID transmission locally can help make decisions about what actions to take. For example, when there is an increased level of spread of COVID in your community, wear a mask in public indoor spaces, regardless of whether you’ve been vaccinated.

People who have not been vaccinated against COVID are at increased risk of severe illness and death. Vaccines, including the updated COVID vaccine, provide strong protection against hospitalization and death from COVID. Vaccination also reduces the spread of COVID and the emergence of new variants, further reducing risk for the entire community, especially those most vulnerable to COVID risks. This means that everyone can stay healthier and enjoy spending time with their loved ones during this fall and upcoming holiday season.

For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www. vaccines.gov. (We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign)

(Advertising Supplement)

Dateline

Boracay Asia’s

by Ma. Reina Leanne ToLenTino ManilaTimes.net

TRUE to its reputation, Boracay again emerged as the top island in Asia in the 2022 Readers' Choice Awards of the travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

Palawan ranked eighth among the top 10 islands in Asia among the magazine's readers.

Moreover, the Philippines ranked 30th among Condé Nast Traveler readers' top 48 countries.

"We are extremely grateful for these international awards for the Philippines based on the opinion and experience of travelers from all over the world," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.

"As we usher in this new era of travel post-pandemic, our focus is to continue building confidence

island in Condé Nast Awards

Mayor 4 na Taong Termino Pamela A. Goynes-Brown Pat Spearman

toward travel to the country by ensuring improvement in ease of access, prioritizing tourist safety and convenience, and encouraging sustainable tourism practices," she added.

The Department of Tourism

"is one with all our tourism stakeholders, from the local government units, private sector partners, and our fellowmen in celebrating these victories for the Philippines from Condé Nast Traveler," she said. g

PH to UN rights council: Marcos government doing ‘transformation’ reform of justice, law enforcement

MANILA — The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is undertaking a “transformational reform” of its justice and law enforcement sectors, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Human rights watchdogs, however, stressed there is a disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and the situation on the ground.

At the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, Remulla claimed the Marcos administration has a “deeply human approach” to law enforcement and the internationally-condemned “war on drugs.” He cited the president’s reminder to the Philippine National Police that the use of force must only be utilized when necessary.

“President Marcos has refocused the anti-illegal drug campaign — tackling the source of the problem. He has stated that criminal masterminds must be apprehended and punished, not small scale users on the street,” Remulla said, adding the government’s focus is the rehabilitation, prevention, and assistance to victims and their families.

Remulla added the justice department is aiming to have 5,000 persons deprived of their liberty released by June 2022, working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Supreme Court, and streamlining the investigative and accountability processes of prosecutors and law enforcement agents.

“We want to inject human

rights into every step of our law enforcement and judicial processes… We are reforming our system to deliver what our people deserve — real justice in real time,” he said.

The justice chief also called on civil society organizations, witnesses, and families to provide information and file appropriate cases that will help the DOJ-led review panel, which is created to re-examine cases that occurred in the context of the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

‘Dire’ situation remains Human rights groups, however, said that "drug war" killings, redtagging of rights defenders and government critics, and other violations continue without let up.

“The human rights situation in the Philippines remains dire. Domestic remedies remain largely ineffective in pursuing successful prosecution of perpetrators of extrajudicial killings and other violations,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in an oral statement delivered during the council’s session.

For Human Rights Watch senior researcher Carlos Conde, Remulla said things that the international community that has been monitoring the situation in the Philippines wants to hear.

“But the forces on the ground are doing something else altogether. There is a disconnect between rhetoric and what’s happening on the ground,” Conde said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel Thursday, October 6.

“The challenge now for the Human Rights Council

is to really make sure that the government makes good on those commitments,” he added.

HRW earlier criticized the council for failing to pass a resolution that will ensure continued on-theground scrutiny of the country’s human rights situation.

Joint Programme

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations resident coordinator for the Philippines welcomed the commitment of the Marcos administration to enhance the implementation of the UN Joint Programme.

The program, signed in July 2021, provides technical assistance and capacity building to improve the human rights situation in the Philippines.

“At the same time, I cannot help but to note that polarization and a deficit of trust among different actors remains a critical obstacle,” said Gustavo Gonzalez, UN resident coordinator for the Philippines.

In a report released last month, the UN rights office said the Philippines has taken initiatives to advance accountability for human rights abuses, but access to justice remains very limited.

“Numerous victims and their families still await justice. So, in the time remaining in the Joint Programme, together with other efforts, concrete progress on accountability is expected—to help bring about human rights reforms that will prevent recurring violations,” said acting UN rights office chief Nada Al-Nashif. (Philstar.com)

US hands over P11.5-M COVID supplies, humanitarian aid to Surigao del Norte

MANILA — The United States delivered P11.5 million ($200,000) worth of humanitarian assistance and COVID-19 response supplies to assist communities affected by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) in Surigao del Norte.

“In collaboration with our partners, these efforts to bring COVID-19 cases down to manageable levels challenge us to work toward adaptive solutions to further strengthen the resilience of local communities,” USAID Philippines Health Office Director Lang-Alli said.

The latest round of donations bring the US Agency for International Development’s total aid for Typhoon Odette victims to P1.7 billion ($29.650 million). This includes COVID-19 support

for vaccinations and responders, training for gender-based violence, and support for the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of crisis-affected communities.

On September 27, the USAID team brought 10 generator sets and field tents, 22 laptops and routers, 50 oxygen tanks, 10 oxygen concentrators, and equipment for vital sign monitoring to Surigao del Norte.

“USAID has been a steady and reliable partner as we pick up from the devastating effects of the typhoon and rebuild lives as we continue to grapple with the pandemic,” Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers said.

“USAID assistance enabled us to provide vaccines and

further improve patient care and management of COVID-19 cases.”

Surigao del Norte in the Caraga region was among the hard-hit provinces, which include Palawan, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Southern Leyte, Leyte, and Dinagat Islands.

According to the final report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coucil, Odette affected over 7.846 million individuals and almost 2.273 million families. In July, the United Nations estimated that over 3,000 remain displaced because of the typhoon.

The typhoon left 405 dead and 1,371 injured after damaged houses were pegged at P62.675 million and infrastructure damage stood at P29.763 billion. (Kaycee Valmonte/Philstar.com)

Home care agencies cited with misclassifying...

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million in lost wages and penalties.

“When I joined the investigation against Angel Connection, I did not realize that hundreds of thousands of dollars were stolen from me as an in-home caregiver. I vowed that I, together with other caregivers, will continue to fight to win our wages back! I am happy that after many years of investigation, a citation is now issued to recover our back wages. It’s time for Angel Connection to change their ways and pay their workers what they are supposed to,” said Maria, a caregiver who prefers to use a pseudonym given the sensitive nature of her case.

Shirley Bautista, an in-home caregiver who worked for Angel Connection for almost six years, will also recover her lost wages.

“Caring for the elderly is hard work but work we do with love,” Bautista said. “This is money that we worked for. We’re not asking for anything that is not rightfully ours. I don’t want Angel Connection to do to others what they did to me. I know a lot of workers are scared to stand up to Angel Connection, but if we don’t fight for our rights, then who will?”

The Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC) and Bet Tzedek Legal Services

referred the case to the state Labor Commissioner agency and assisted in identifying workers during the investigation.

“The courageous caregivers who came forward in this case cast a spotlight on issues that domestic caregivers routinely face - multiple around the clock shifts with no breaks and no overtime pay,” said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of PWC.

“These unscrupulous agencies also misclassified workers as independent contractors in an attempt to do an end-run around workers’ basic rights. These essential workers deserve to be paid what they are owed and treated with respect.”

The investigation revealed that Angel Connection Inc, owners Merjilyn Chu and Joseph Fotunato, and J Jireh, the staffing agency, acted as joint employers and misclassified workers avoiding payment for worker’s compensation premiums, payroll taxes, minimum wage, overtime wages, and meal period premiums.

It also found that an employee of Angel Connection Inc., Annabella Ricasata, opened the J Jireh Group and classified all the home care workers as independent contractors.

Combined, Angel Connection, J Jireh, Chu, Ricasata and Fortunato, have been ordered to pay nearly $1.9 million in lost wages and penalties including $1,021392.99 in wage violations and interest. Twenty-two workers were affected by wage theft and 66 were misclassified.

Filipinos and other immigrant communities continue to be disproportionately affected by wage theft, often facing language and legal barriers to coming forward with complaints.

PWC and other communitybased organizations work have been working with the Labor Commissioner to address labor violations that workers in these marginalized communities face.

“Misclassification robs people of their wages and in many cases the employer is well aware of the fact that they are cheating workers and violating the law,” said Yvonne Medrano, a lawyer at Bet Tzedek representing the employees.

“These practices of requiring inhome caregivers to work 24-shifts without proper compensation and breaks is illegal. Caregivers like Shirley and Maria bringing these working conditions to the public’s attention will encourage other caregivers to get justice.” (AJPress)

Boracay

Floating status

A new executive secretary has been sworn in, and he says there is no order creating the new position of presidential chief of staff. Administrative Order No. 1, supposedly signed by President Marcos creating the new post for his former “ES” and campaign spokesman Victor Rodriguez, has not been published in the Official Gazette or released to the public.

So what is the status of Rodriguez? The first “little president” of the new administration stepped down in mid-September amid the controversial import order for 300,000 metric tons of sugar signed by Leocadio Sebastian, a career civil servant whose current status in government is as unclear as that of Rodriguez.

Editorial

Sebastian believed he had the authority to approve the sugar importation, based on a detailed description of his functions as Department of Agriculture undersecretary and chief of staff of the DA chief, as provided in an order signed by Rodriguez that has been made public. Sebastian told a congressional inquiry that he informed Rodriguez several times about the looming importation. In the absence of any comment from Rodriguez, Sebastian said he proceeded with the import order, amid a sugar shortage that the government initially denied.

Sebastian has since been placed under preventive suspension and recommended by the Senate for administrative and criminal indictment in connection with the sugar import order. Senators, however, cleared Rodriguez of accountability in the mess.

Babe’s Eye View

AS instructed by the President, we prepared a fully jam-packed schedule for him during his six-day working visit to the United States.

He had countless meetings and dialogues with business executives of top American companies, as well as forums/ roundtable discussions with organizations that include the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Asia Society and the World Bank Group.

The meetings covered key sectors that include digital infrastructure, business process management, information technology, aviation, security, agriculture and energy as well as climate change and disaster response.

The discussion with global food corporation Cargill for instance centered on boosting agricultural productivity and how the Philippines can attain food security and selfsufficiency. The dialogue with NuScale Power – whose groundbreaking proprietary technology in designing advanced nuclear small

Commentary

RNC CHAIRWOMAN RONNA MCDANIEL

OCTOBER marks the start of Filipino American History Month. During a consequential election season, it’s important to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices Filipino Americans have made as well as the impact they will continue to have as we look toward Election Day.  Filipinos have been in the United States since the very beginning of our nation. Their strong work ethic and love for America has strengthened our country while Filipino Americans serve as health care workers, small business owners, and servicemembers in our military.

But over the last two years, Filipino families find themselves working harder to put less food on the table and less gas in the tank. Democrats like Catherine Cortez Masto have taken the Filipino American

Rodriguez himself announced he was stepping down with the President’s approval, saying in a press statement on Sept. 17 that he would continue “serving… the country” as the Malacañang chief of staff. The Office of the Press Secretary announced that Marcos had signed AO No. 1 creating the Office of the Presidential Chief of Staff, which would be under the direct supervision of the Office of the President. The press secretary provided details of the functions of the OPCOS.

Chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, however, said the broad powers supposedly given to the COS would duplicate or overlap with those of other offices in the OP including his own, and create tension. Retired chief justice Lucas Bersamin, upon being sworn in as the new executive secretary on Sept. 27, reportedly said he was not aware that AO No. 1 had been signed by the President.

Bersamin is currently holding office in the Office of the Executive Secretary, so his predecessor must be “floating” around Malacañang. While Palace intramurals even in the early months of a new administration are not unusual, care must be given to prevent

such controversies from adversely affecting governance. The floating status of Rodriguez also smacks of indecision that could reflect

badly on the President himself. This issue must be resolved with dispatch and decisiveness. (Philstar.com)

A ‘new dawn’ in Philippines-US economic ties

modular reactors has made it an industry leader – was very informative as it delved on clean energy and the potential of nuclear in lowering electricity costs and mitigating climate change. Other companies that met with the president include Boeing, WasteFuel and Procter & Gamble.

A key engagement was the Philippine Economic Briefing, and joining the president were members of his economic and infrastructure teams that include Finance Secretary Ben Diokno, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, NEDA chief Arsenio Balisacan, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Transportation Secretary Jimmy Bautista, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy.

Among the big names that composed the business delegation that joined the president in New York are Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin Aboitiz who is also lead convenor of the Private Sector Advisory Council, ICTSI chairman Ricky Razon, the SM Group’s Hans Sy, San

Miguel Corp. chairman and CEO Ramon Ang, JG Summit president Lance Gokongwei, Michael Tan of the LT Group, Armscor CEO Martin Tuason, George Barcelon of PCCI and Magsaysay Group president and CEO Doris Ho.

President Marcos invited “strategic investors” to participate in the country’s economic resurgence, saying that “key structural reforms have been set into place to allow for wider participation in our industries. With the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or what we refer to as CREATE and the economic liberalization measures, we have expanded the space for foreign investments in previously protected sectors, especially those that employ advanced technologies and research and development activities.”

He spoke about the strong and enduring ties between the United States and the Philippines in all aspects of the relationship that include the areas of trade, commerce and development, with the U.S. being our third largest trading partner and fourth major source of foreign direct investments. He also assured businessmen about the

reliability of the Philippines as a host for international partnerships, highlighting the country’s favorable business climate, sound macroeconomic fundamentals and the clear roadmap towards economic recovery and sustained growth, stressing that an even wider space has been created for mutually beneficial investments.

Meeting him in person, the U.S. business executives, institutional investors and fund managers who took part in the economic briefing welcomed the openness of the President in listening to their concerns. The way PBBM articulated his economic recovery program resonated extremely well with the businessmen, giving them confidence and the assurance they needed to hear, during the economic briefing.

As Sabin Aboitiz put it, the President has the ability to “bring together the best minds in business, use them to find real solutions to real problems and then immediately implement them like he was flipping a switch.”

Several American investors also privately told me that they were encouraged by what they heard from the President and his team, all looking at expanding

their operations in the country while some are mulling the possibility of diversifying their manufacturing activities or moving their operations out of China due to the supply chain disruptions brought about by the pandemic, increasing labor wages and costs, the trade war between the U.S. and China, among other issues.

Those that could benefit from the situation are ASEAN member-nations that include the Philippines. In fact, a lot of global companies have been resorting to the “China Plus One” strategy, which is simply the diversification of their manufacturing businesses to other Asian countries, with the ASEAN region a strong contender with its combined GDP of $3.3 trillion in 2021 amounting to 3.4 percent of world GDP, according to IHS Markit.

“Over the long-term, the ASEAN region is expected to overcome the protracted negative economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be one of the fastest growing regions of the world economy,” IHS Markit said in its report last August.

While we work closely with our ASEAN brothers here

in Washington to enhance relations between the regional bloc and the United States, as diplomats, we also have our national interest and specific agenda that we must pursue for our respective nations –making us competitors in one sense. My description is that “we are gladiators by day, but collaborators at night.”

PBBM has always been interested in business and had always wanted to be a businessman. Judging from the outcome of his working visit to New York, he is turning out to be our number one marketing executive – promoting the country as the “smart investment choice” – and that the best time to do business with the Philippines is now.

While we generated $3.9 billion in investment pledges, that is really just the beginning of what I see to be a “new dawn” in our economic relationship with the United States – and that moment has come. (Philstar.com)

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

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babeseyeview@gmail.com

Filipino Americans strengthen our country. Democrats don’t.

vote for granted and abandoned Filipino families. The results have been disastrous. Violent crime is skyrocketing. Lethal drugs like fentanyl are pouring over the border and finding their way into our communities, destroying our children’s lives.

The record is clear: Joe Biden and the Democrats have failed Filipino Americans on every issue. Worse, they don’t care.

Many Filipinos came to America to make a new life because this is the land of opportunity. But thanks to Biden, the American Dream is getting further out of reach every day.  Democrats fueled historic inflation by spending trillions of dollars and American families are paying more at the grocery store and gas pump. American workers have taken a pay cut as real wages have fallen under Joe Biden. This could cost families a shocking $11,500 more per year as skyrocketing prices are crushing hardworking families.

Instead of focusing on

solutions like cutting spending, Biden bailed out the wealthy with a student loan bailout whose cost could exceed $1 trillion while most of the benefits go to the top 60 percent of earners. Democrats couldn’t care less about the Filipino parents who worked extra shifts or took a second job to send their children to school. On top of that, Cortez Masto voted for Biden’s bill to hire 87,000 new IRS agents who will be unleashed to audit the middle class.

Democrats have abandoned the safety of Filipino American families in favor of a radical agenda. Cortez Masto votes 93% with Joe Biden and Democrats who have repeatedly called to defund the police, gutted bail policies, and supported downgrading crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. In fact, at least 14 Democrat-run cities broke homicide records in 2021, and at least six major blue cities are now on pace to break violent crime records set

last year. It’ll only get worse if Democrats stay in power.

Instead of enforcing the rule of law, Joe Biden and the Democrats created a humanitarian crisis that has led to 4.4 million undocumented immigrants crossing the border. This means that more undocumented immigrants have crossed the border since Joe Biden became president than the 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the entire United States. Biden’s open border opened the floodgates to crime and drugs. Fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45, and just last month 56 pounds of fentanyl were seized by Nevada troopers. This lawlessness is a slap in the face to Filipinos who played by the rules and came to this country legally. No one should be rewarded for breaking our nation’s laws, but it’s an everyday occurrence in Biden’s America.

The stakes of the upcoming

midterms could not be higher and the choice could not be clearer. Democrat policies have caused historic inflation, a nationwide crime wave, and a crisis on our southern border, and partisans like Cortez

Masto have backed them every step of the way. Meanwhile, Republicans like Senate Candidate Adam Laxalt will champion policies that will lead to economic prosperity, a secure border, and safe communities.   Republicans are invested in meeting Filipino voters and hearing what matters to you.

The RNC has opened five Asian Pacific American community centers across the country, including one in Las Vegas where you can tell us what matters to your family so we can build a stronger country together. The polls show that our message is resonating.

Asian Americans are leaving Democrats behind as they move further and further left.

Our country owes so much to the Filipino community.

Now, Filipino voters have the power to impact the future of the Silver State. The choice is clear: another term of radical Democrat rule or commonsense conservative leadership under Laxalt and Lombardo. The GOP stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Filipino families. Restoring the American Dream begins with voting Republican on Election Day.

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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.

* * *

Ronna McDaniel is the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Prior to her tenure at the RNC, Chairwoman McDaniel served as the Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, She began her career in politics as a grassroots activist, serving as a precinct delegate, a district committee executive member, a state party committeewoman in Michigan, an RNC committeewoman and as a national delegate to the 2012 Republican National Convention representing Michigan’s 11th District.

BABE ROMUALDEZ

photo

Action-comedy film ‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’ rolls out in theaters nationwide

by Donnabelle GatDula arevalo / AJPress

“Lumpia with a Vengeance” is a representation of Filipinos’ unique character, heritage and culture rolled into one like a wrapped lumpia,” said the film’s producer and director Patricio Ginelsa, in an interview with the Asian Journal

Lumpia, the eggroll filled with a savory mix of ground pork, beef and veggies, is an all-time favor ite at Filipino gatherings and a crowd-pleasing snack for all ages.

The film has received an en dorsement from the Filipino American National Historical So ciety (FANHS), which is officially co-presenting the film nationally.

Lumpia with a Vengeance’ is proud to be unabashedly Filipi no American and doesn’t apolo gize or need to explain why. It’s a glimpse to not only our culture but into our nuances, our humor, and more importantly our histo ry,” said Ginelsa, during a recent

special screening at the Ray Stark Theater at the University of South ern California, where he graduat ed with a bachelor of arts degree in cinema production.

Asked how they came up with the film’s title, Ginelsa said, “While it’s obviously done for laughs, the hero taking on such an odd icon as his superhero symbol is common in the comic book world.”

“One of the most popular su perheroes dresses like a bat while another takes on the symbol of the spider. So why not lumpia? It’s the most iconic food of the Filipino community. It’s a parody but the idea of weaponizing  lumpia as a source of pride and cultural brand ing isn’t fictional,” he added.

True to its catchy and funny ti tle, Ginelsa said the film is made to be enjoyed by movie enthusiasts — who after two years of hiatus due to the pandemic — deserve a

good laugh.

“Hopefully, people will enjoy it and have fun. We need to laugh nowadays, just to have fun. I think a lot of us were so quarantined to gether. What a good time to watch a big screen and just enjoy each other’s company. We hope you enjoy our movie as much as we enjoyed making it. Love that  lum pia!,” he said.

Lumpia with a Vengeance” is a sequel from the 2003 homegrown, minimal budget film “Lumpia” (also directed by Ginelsa), which takes place in the late-90s at the fictional Fogtown High School. The plot of the original film fo cuses on a group of high school friends who are targeted for mock ery by thugs. To defend them selves from these thugs, they rely on the protection of a hero named the Silent Avenger, whose powers come from lumpia Ginelsa recalled that the first film became a surprise hit and received

positive reviews. After 17 years, a sequel of the indie classic was made featuring a new egg rollsarmed hero, dressed in a Philippine national costume  Barong Tagalog, called Lumpia man.

“It was during the 10th year an niversary of the first sequel ‘Lum pia’ in 2013 that we decided to crowdfund the sequel to see if there is still an appetite for it,” Ginelsa said. “Lo and behold, we were able to raise $50,000 with over 800 backers.”

The director is also an associate producer of the award-winning film “The Debut” released in 2000.

In the latest crowdfunded action comedy, the  lumpia-slinging hero returns to Fogtown, America’s version of Manila. Much like how Metropolis and Gotham City are comic book counterparts to New York City, Fogtown is inspired by the director’s hometown of Daly City in California, whose ethnic make-up is mostly Filipino.

This new sequel’s plot now features a female lead, teenag er Rachel, a maid of honor at her own parents’ wedding, who finds herself tangled up with a crime syndicate selling drugs masked as food. She teams up with  Lum pia Man (also known as  Kuya) to prevent a mysterious crime boss from destroying her town, and her parents’ dream wedding.

Though “Lumpia with a Ven geance” took about a long seven years to finish, it made history at the fully-packed San Diego Com ic-Con (SDCC), the world’s fore most pop culture event, last July when it was overwhelmingly re ceived by over 400 attendees at its panel.

And after making its World Pre

miere at the 40th edition of the Hawaii International Film Festi val (HIFF), “Lumpia with a Ven geance” has coveted HIFF’s Audi ence Award for Best Narrative.

Filmed primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, the spe cial effects-laden action come dy stars Mark Munoz (former UFC champion), April Absynth (STARZ Blindspotting”, Katrina Dimaranan (Miss Philippines Universe Tourism 2021), Darion Basco (“The Debut”), Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Earl Baylon (Netflix “Tomb Raider”), and a talented ensemble including the original film’s cast, Francis Custodio and Edward Baon.

“We utilized our network to include as many notable Fil-Am stars and professionals in front of and behind the camera as a way to showcase the force of talent in our community. So, we used that same playbook when crafting ‘Lumpia with a Vengeance,’ a crazy com ic book action comedy starring a kick-ass Fil-Am role model as its action lead. It has all the potential ingredients needed to capture a universal audience while being an empowering experience for those who want to see more people that look like them in the lead roles,” Ginelsa said.

He likewise noted the  bayani

han spirit that supporters made through in-kind donations or even through donating their talent in front of the camera as background actors or behind the scenes as production assistants or even post-production VFX (visual spe cial effects) artists.

“I’d like to think we captured that genuine, risky, independent spirit of filmmaking. Despite all the challenges and financial hard ships, we would always circle back and rely on our backers to moti vate us and push us through the finish line. So here we are, ready to showcase and represent our deli cious film! It took longer than what we anticipated, but we felt a huge responsibility to deliver a feature film that was worthy of their sup port,” he said.

He added, “From the very night it was kickstarted, ‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’ was established as a fun platform from which the com munity could contribute to, learn from, and play in. And ultimately, it all came together because we believed in what we were doing, knowing we had an eager audi ence waiting for it to come out.”

According to Ginelsa, “Lumpia with a Vengeance” may be an ac tion comedy on the surface, but at heart, it’s a community film de

“Lumpia With A Vengeance” principal cast members Mark Muñoz (Kuya), April Absynth (Ate) and Katrina Dimaranan (Jemini) with director/writer/producer Patricio Ginelsa at the sold out “Origins of The Deep Fried Universe” panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.

Cast and crew of “Lumpia With A Vengeance” gather for a team shot at San Diego ComicCon 2022. Photos courtesy of Winston Emano, mYm media

$3B entertainment hub planned for south area of Las Vegas Strip

by RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

IN major news announced this past Spring, Las Vegas will add another jewel to the glittering skyline in the Las Vegas Strip’s southern part as a major player in building arenas in the United States unveiled plans to build a major arena, entertainment hub and casino.

The Oak View Group, according to reports, have acquired 25 acres in an area just minutes away from Harry Reid International Airport. It plans to break ground and start construction by next year, and says that the property should be operational by 2026.

As with other aspects of Sin City, this new development will cater an experience for those who can afford it.

Customers, reports claim, will be able to purchase a package for hotel and a live event, with their hotel suite key granting them access to a private club in

the arena. The hotel is likely to be able to accommodate about 2,000 guests, while the 20,000seat arena can host concerts for major music acts and even be a home to a professional sports team.

According to a Bloomberg article, Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke said that they are “going to go after every big event that exists” and described the experience they want their clients to have as, “It’s exclusive, it’s high-end and it will be built in a way where it’s the perfect experience for those willing to spend the money to have the greatest experience in live entertainment.”

It was revealed as well that the arena will be built to the highest specifications of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as the league has indicated before that it would consider adding a team in a couple of areas,

including Las Vegas, should the NBA decide to expand. The arena would be an option for the NBA, although the Oak View Group is well aware that nothing is set in stone yet.

Having an NBA team would add to the allure of Las Vegas, which already is home to professional teams in sports like women’s basketball, football, hockey, soccer and baseball. Recently, the city's WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces, won the WNBA Championship by defeating the Connecticut Sun in four games, which capped off a dominant season where the team went 26-10 in the regular season and was the top seed in the playoffs.

And adding another great arena in the ever-expanding landscape of Las Vegas would be beneficial as the city has become used to hosting big events in the last few decades. Las Vegas was host to the most recent Grammy Awards, which features the world’s greatest musical acts, and will be featuring the world’s most famous Formula 1 racecar drivers in an event scheduled for late 2023. Las Vegas will also will host the Super Bowl in 2024

Live entertainment will be a major calling card for the planned entertainment hub as one of its founders is music mogul Irving Azoff.

The planned arena is expected to attract many of today’s artists as the Oak View Group has ample experience in building venues. In fact, the Oak View Group operates places in Seattle, New York and Austin, and plans to build at least a dozen more venues.

Actually, it used to be thought that when artists’ or performers’ careers were on a downward trajectory or if they are in the last legs of their musical journey, then they would start performing or getting residencies in Las Vegas. That is not the case today, as artists like BTS, Adele, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Celine Dion and Lionel Richie have performed in concerts or established residencies in the various major hotels in Las Vegas. The demand fueled by the influx of tourists and money in Las Vegas will only make the city’s arenas more attractive to musical acts looking to touch base with their fans and bring an experience to them like no other.

The planned arena, according to the same Bloomberg article,

will be at a reported cost of $1 billion, double the amount it took to make T-Mobile Arena, which is now the home of the Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey team.

With the renovations going on in the downtown area, and with this arena and other plans on the horizon for Las Vegas, it is a great time to consider investing in real estate property in Las Vegas and its surrounding neighborhoods. With more inventory available in the area right now due to a slowdown in sales, buyers have more options to look at and have the ability to negotiate prices with sellers.

The developments in Las Vegas will have great impact on outside neighborhoods, including Pahrump, which is about 62 miles west of the gambling and entertainment capital of the world, as more people will be looking for affordable alternatives.

The state offers great opportunities for the savvy and forward-thinking – great returns on your investments in real estate and a host of tax benefits for Nevada residents (competitive business state tax, a county sales tax of 6.75% (not on food items), and no taxes associated with estate/inheritance, franchise, gift, inventory/interstate commerce, corporate income and personal income).

I can definitely help you look for the best opportunities for real

estate in Las Vegas, Pahrump and other areas. Now is the time to take advantage of deals in land and real estate properties. I have had decades of experience in helping people look for that piece of real estate heaven they want to build their special place or something that their budget can afford.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service

company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)

Realtor

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman inside the $1B Allegiant Arena in Las Vegas.

Russ Bateman at the Las Vegas Ballpark Arena in Summerlin.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman with former Nevada State Senator Sue Lowden, one of the owners of the 27 acres between Sahara Hotel and Turnberry Place where former NBA player Jackie Robinson will build his proposed All Net Resort & Arena along the Las Vegas Strip.

Health @Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

NOTHING to date can dissolve kidney stones, in spite of various marketed herbal substances or “natural and home” remedy potion or pills which claim to be able to do so. Don’t be fooled by false advertisements which are only after your hard-earned money.

If you are prone to develop kidney stones, drink lemonade. It cannot dissolve kidney stone crystals, but it can slow down the development of stones. It is a delicious way to control your stone formation.

“When treating patients in our kidney stone center, we put everyone on lemonade therapy,” says Steven Y. Nakada, chair and professor of urology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. at a previous annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Atlanta.

Potassium citrate is usually prescribed for patients with kidney stones. Citrate is a kidneystone preventing substance, and lemonade (lemon juice) is full of citrate. The pill is more potent but the citrate in lemonade has been found to also slow down kidney stone formation. An alternative to “another pill” to take.

Liquid biopsy?

The term biopsy conventionally means cutting a piece of solid tissue for microscopic analysis to make a diagnosis. Liquid “biopsy” is a new promising procedure for detecting early-stage cancers by blood test, which replaces cutting a “solid tumor,” hence termed “liquid biopsy.” The article about this futuristic, much less invasive way of finding cancer at its early stage, edited by William E. Chavey, MD, MS, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Science Translational Medicine.

The report says, “The technique allows assessment of sequence changes in circulating cell-free DNA. Researchers used the method to look for alterations in nearly 60 cancer-related genes in blood samples from 44 healthy individuals and 200 patients with colorectal, breast, lung, or ovarian cancer. None of the healthy patients showed genetic changes related to solid cancers, while the test detected genetic alterations in 60%–70% of those with stage I or II cancer.”

The researchers say the ap proach could “in principle” be implemented for cancer screen ing, pending validation studies. Early detection and intervention are likely to be the most effective means for reducing morbidity and mortality of human cancer. When it is validated and accepted as a standard diagnostic proce dure, “Liquid Biopsy” could save hundreds of millions around the globe.

Your mouth and diabetes

Most people do not know or

Lemonade for kidney stones

realize that poor dental/oral health increases our risk for diabetes

T2 and, in turn, this metabolic disease adversely affects our teeth.

It is a vicious cycle of cause and effect highlighted by the American Dental Association.

The ADA “two-way-street”

clarification: “Blood sugars fueling the acidity that leads to tooth and root decay and gum disease, and dental disease that leads to infection and boosts blood glucose when the body’s immune system responds. The 2017 publication recognizes the close association of dental disease and diabetes, even though ADA acknowledges that causes and effects aren’t yet universally understood.”

Also, dental/oral infection, and infection (inflammation) in any other parts of the body increase our risks for cardiovascular diseases and cancer too.

This is why dental hygiene and regular visit to the dentist is paramount.

Sleep and diabetes

Impairment in sleep raises our risk for metabolic disease, like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular illnesses like heart attack and stroke, and even cancer. Yes, lack of restful sleep leads to increased proneness to all these major ailments, including deadly cancers. Indeed, sleep is that important to our health and well-being.

More and more, physicians today are far more vigilant about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as a most common cause of impairment of sleep and its association and role to the development of (and as a worsening factor) for the major illnesses listed above.

About 3-7 percent (roughly about 10 to 16 million) of the U.S. population have sleep apnea, more among men. There are countless undiagnosed OSA cases. Almost 25 percent of individuals with diabetes T2 also have OSA.

In OSA, there is frequent (could be hundred times a night) breath holding, severely reduced oxygen level, and the person wakes up gasping for breath. Some do not even wake up at all, suffering anoxia and heart attack or fatal heartrhythm problem. The constant reduction in oxygen due to OSA every night also leads to fatigue, sleepiness during the daytime, lack of concentration, poorer decisionmaking, and inferior performance. Depriving the body oxygen and rest also increase the risk for those major diseases mentioned above, including cancer.

Among diabetics, SleepDisordered Breathing (SDB), OSA, and all other stresses impair the metabolism of our body in general and, among those with diabetes, the body’s ability to allow the medications to work fully.

Metformin, the most popular drug for diabetes T2, which acts to reduce the glucose production in the liver and reduce the cell insulin resistance, acts less than 100 percent when the patient has an untreated sleep disorder. This makes the treatment less optimal.

And the same thing is true among those patients with high blood pressure or other major ailments on treatment. A good restful sleep every day is essential for all of us.

After a Sleep Study has confirmed the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the best treatment is the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) whenever going to sleep. CPAP has saved and improved countless lives.

Undermining global health

The pernicious and criminal modus operandi of tobacco companies, particularly Philip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT), of running secret campaigns to block or undermine the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and governmental negotiations was shown at the FCTC Conference of Parties (COP), according to the investigative reports by Reuters and The Guardian in Bangkok July 14, 2017.

These companies are under mining, not only health gover nance but the health of the people around the world, all in the name of income and profits as they act as the purveyors of diseases, family disruption, misery, and deaths.

The report says “the investi gations reveal multiple tobacco industry offensives across at least 14 countries in Africa, America, and Asia, including Vietnam, and how they subvert the treaty on multiple levels.

This poison called tobacco kills more than half a million annually in the ASEAN region, creates poverty among the users, and burdens the national economy with more than ten billion U.S. dollars in healthcare costs each year because of tobacco-related diseases and premature deaths.

These unconscionable criminal companies and their principals ought to be prosecuted and held accountable for their crime against humanity.

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

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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

Action-comedy film ‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’...

veloped, funded, and starring the community. And it makes use of the one iconic food that defines our community - LUMPIA!”

The film is also co-produced by A.J. Calomay, Lawrence Iriar te, Lisa Chong, Jeff Lam and Rey Cuerdo.

As for what’s next for the ‘Lum pia’ series, Ginelsa said there could be another film, but it will depend on the audience’s response.

“Again, I wanna throw it back to the community, if they want to see [the third movie] quicker. I already have a cool story I wanna tell. The Part 3 has to be bigger than Part 2. It has to be bigger in terms scope and in terms budget,” he said.

Moreover, the film has spun off its own comic book series, also crowdfunded by its support ers.

Ginelsa, who has a lifelong ob session for comic books, said the Lumpia with a Vengeance” comic books published independently by Kid Heroes Productions have al lowed the creators to expand upon the movie’s story and universe with art by the same artists and il lustrators that have contributed to the actual movie.

“The variant covers and contri butions from legendary creators such as Whilce Portacio (X-Men, Wetworks) and other upcoming artists have resulted in limited edi tions provided with every screen

ing,” he added.

The movie is tentatively sched uled to be shown in select the atres nationwide on Oct. 7 (New York, Queens, Dublin, Fairfield, Los Angeles, North Hollywood and Cerritos); Oct 14 (Las Vegas, Jacksonville, Eugene, Seattle, Washington DC, Lansing, Hono lulu, Pearl City, Kapolei, Chicago, Irvine, Riverside, Virginia Beach, Boston, West Covina, Sacramen to, Oceanside; October 21 (New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Anchorage, Stockton, Ontario, Tampa, Guam, Houston). Tickets via virtual box office are avail able now. For the latest updated ticketing and theater schedules, visit LUMPIAMOVIE.COM.

‘Very proud Filipina Texan’: Miss Texas R’Bonney Gabriel wins Miss USA title

Gabriel will represent the U.S. during Miss Universe

by AJPress

ON the third day of Filipino American History Month, Miss Texas R'Bonney Gabriel made FilAms proud as she was crowned Miss USA 2022 on Monday, Oct. 3.

Gabriel, a 28-year-old ecofriendly clothing designer and model, was named this year’s Miss USA, becoming the first Filipina American to be crowned in the pageant. She will go on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant in Jan. 14, 2023 in New Orleans.

“I feel at peace knowing I have put in the work to develop into the truest form of myself. I’ve learned the importance of embracing who I am,” Gabriel wrote on instagram. “I’m here to represent Texans, Filipina Americans, and those who push past self doubt to reach their greatest potential.”

During the state costume contest on Sunday, Oct. 2, Gabriel donned a blue and crystal-covered outfit — to represent the bluebonnet, Texas’ state flower — made by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena. Her interview outfit, which she designed, also paid tribute to her parents, who got married in Manila, and the traditional Maria Clara collar design.

“[My parents] got married in Manila, Philippines. I handpainted the same flower design from my mother’s wedding dress onto my sleeves and tied in a traditional Maria Clara Filipina collar shape. I have immense gratitude for the [opportunities] my parents provided me and wanted to express my love to them through this,” Gabriel wrote in an Instagram post.

The titleholder previously made history when she became the first Asian American and Fil-Am to earn the Miss Texas USA title.

In an interview with ABC

News, Gabriel shared that her father moved to the U.S. from the Philippines on a college scholarship and met her mother, who is from Beaumont, Texas.

"My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket. He wanted to pave a new life for himself. He met my mom in Texas, who is a country woman from Beaumont,” Gabriel told ABC News’ local affiliate in Houston. “I'm a very proud Filipina Texan.”

A graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in

fashion design, Gabriel has her own brand called R’Bonney Nola, which pushes for sustainability.

“I foresee myself in really dreaming about having a bigger brand that is focused on sustainability and being a leading voice in the industry that's helping the industry push to a more environmentally friendly practice," she said.

In addition to Gabriel, there’s another Pinay Texan to look out for: Miss Texas America Averie Bishop who will compete in the Miss America pageant later this year.

The FACCGN 2022 officers take their oath

The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce Greater Nevada (FACCGN) held its 2022 swearing-in of officers and made its debut as the Creative Chamber last September 22, 2022, at +63FIFTY FilAm Central, the newest event space serving the community in Las Vegas.

Throughout the night, people from various industries, cultures, political affiliations and ages gathered together to celebrate the dedication of these individuals to work together for the sake of small and medium businesses today and in the future. The diversity of this community and the willingness of professionals and leaders to come together and promote a creative economically revitalizing future were demonstrated by the resounding success of the night's event.

The Installation Event was administered by Marie Cunning, President of the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) and officially witnessed by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom.

The new officers are: Joel Enriquez, President; Mark Mabaquiao, Vice President, External Affairs,; Tess Godinez, Vice President of Membership,; Amy Nicolas-Goldberg, Secretary; Felipe Danglapin, Treasurer; Ayesha Connolly, Communications Director; Olive Enriquez, Creative Director; Gwynne Dumbrigue, Legal Counsel.

The Board of Advisers who had all been with the chamber since its inception in 2011 are: Rozita V Lee, Senior Strategic Adviser for Government and Community Relations; Ben Menor, Senior Adviser for Parliamentary Procedures and Governance; and Lorna Lardizabal-Deitz, Adviser for Media and Strategic Communications.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada, in its rebranding effort, will be called the Creative Chamber, adhering to the vision that “The Future of Business is Creative”.

For more information about the FACCGN, go to www.faccgn.org.

Left to Right: Joel Enriquez, President; Rozita V. Lee, Senior Strategic Adviser; Marie Cunning, President, FPACC; Mark Mabaquiao, VP External Affairs; Amy Nicolas-Goldberg, Secretary; Tess Godinez, VP Membership; Felipe Danglapin, Treasurer; Olive Enriquez, Creative Director; Princess Ayesha Connolly, Communications Director; Commissioner Tick Segerblom.

Born to a Filipino father and Caucasian mother, Miss Texas R’Bonney Gabriel designed an outfit for the Miss USA interview segment that proudly paid tribute to her heritage and the Maria Clara style.