100722 - San Diego Edition

Fil-Am official accuses fellow Daly City colleague of physical assault

DALY CITY – A Filipino American councilwoman in Daly City accused a fellow council member of physically assaulting her in City Hall.

Councilmember Juslyn Manalo tearfully accused Councilmember Pamela DiGiovanni, whom she said had been bullying her, of slamming a door on her back, causing injuries.

She released photos on social media of herself with her arm in a sling and of bruising on her back.

Manalo spoke of the incident during a council meeting Monday, Sept. 26, saying “Councilmember DiGiovanni assaulted me in City Hall.”

Manalo said she walked into a conference room in City Hall Monday afternoon when DiGiovanni told her she was in a meeting and allegedly slammed the door on her back as she was on her way out, NBC Bay Area News reported.

Manalo said she was shocked, broke down in tears and called paramedics as well as filed a police report. She is also asking the city for an internal investigation, saying it was not an isolated incident.

DiGiovanni denied the incident during

Unpacking California’s record-breaking $54 billion climate budget

AMID unprecedented heat waves and major wildfires, California signed off on the state’s most ambitious effort to combat climate change with a $54 billion spending package designed to cut emissions and phase out fossil fuels.

The $54 billion funding “complements” a group of bills that Governor Gavin Newsom signed on Sept. 16 that aim to move the state closer to 100% clean energy, Newsom’s office said.

“We’re not interested in doubling down on stupid. We’re not interested in investing in the industries that have created the problems we’re trying to mitigate,” Newsom said after the signing at an event at the U.S. Forest Service office on Mare Island.

Newsom, who has sought to become a national leader in climate change action, said that this iteration of California’s efforts to confront climate change is the first step of a larger plan that spans decades.

Among other things, cut carbon dioxide

Biden marks Fil-Am History Month by celebrating ‘innumerable

by AJPress

of Fil-Ams in US

rich heritage” of the Fil-Am community.

“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,” Biden wrote in a message posted on Twitter and Facebook.

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 Fil-Am History Month, following Congress’ declaration in November 2009. The month was chosen to mark 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

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.”

Foreign governments air alarm over PH media killings

by Dexter Cabalza, Krixia subiNgsubiNg, tiNa g saNtos Inquirer.net

MANILA— Several governments from Europe and North America took a rare collective stand against media killings in the Philippines by urging law enforcers to deliver swift justice to the assassins of veteran broadcaster Percival Mabasa, the second journalist murdered under the Marcos administration.

On Tuesday, October 4 the Canadian and Dutch embassies — co-chairs of the global Media Freedom Coalition — were the first to voice grave concern over the killing of the hard-hitting government critic and vlogger known as Percy Lapid, who was

gunned down on Monday night, October 3 less than a kilometer from his home in Las Piñas City.

“Journalist killings strike at the very core of media freedom and can create a chilling effect that curtails the ability of journalists to report news freely and safely,” they said in a joint statement on Twitter.

German Ambassador to Manila Anke Reiffenstuel, in response to the CanadaNetherlands tweet, conveyed her full agreement.

“Germany remains committed to advocate

u PAGE 4

Palace defends BBM trip to Singapore, says he was still performing job as President Day of exits: Angeles, Calida resign; Rodriguez out

by CatheriNe s. ValeNte ManilaTimes.net

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, October 4 defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after receiving heavy flak over his unannounced trip to Singapore to watch the Formula 1 night race over the weekend.

Speaking to reporters, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that Marcos carried out his duties as president while he was in Singapore.

“We cannot be defensive about it. I am not going to be defensive about it. I would even dismiss yung [the]

by Nestor Corrales Inquirer.net

Philippines tops global disaster risk index

by KayCee ValmoNte Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines ranked first on the list of global disaster risk hotspots based on the latest World Risk Index report, which measures a country’s exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards.

one of the countries identified vulnerable to disasters caused by extreme natural events, which include earthquakes, storms or flooding.

India trailed in second with an index score of 42.31, Indonesia came third with 41.46 and Colombia ranked fourth at 38.37. Mexico, Myanmar, Mozambique, China, Bangladesh and Pakistan also formed part of the world’s top 10 countries with the highest disaster risk scores.

[That is] insensitive. You are entitled

your own

The study, prepared by Germany-based Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at Ruhr University Bochum, showed that the Philippines logged an index score of 46.82.

The Philippines was also

“Risk hotspots” were said to be located in the Americas and in Asia.

The study assessed how

People clean their flooded homes in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Noru in San Mateo, Rizal province on September 26, 2022. Photo by AFP/Jam Sta Rosa

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

The commander-in-chief took to social media to “celebrate” the “innumerable contributions and

CONDOLENCES. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (in black shirt with logo) visits the wake of veteran broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as “Percy Lapid”, in La Funeraria Paz at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Abalos has offered a P500,000 reward for any information to find those behind Lapid’s ambush on the night of October 3. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

President

Biden marks Fil-Am History...

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.” n

Fil-Am official accuses...

the council meeting, saying she “would never do such a thing” and the accusation was “politically motivated.”

DiGiovanni is running for re-election, and Manolo has endorsed three of her opponents for city council seats.

Manalo has hired an attorney and is mulling possible civil action against DiGiovanni.

Last year, during a council meeting, DiGiovanni accused Manalo, who was then-Mayor, of a conflict of interest while working with a group teaching self-defense to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, according to NBC Bay Area News. The state fair political practices commission concluded there was no conflict of interest case against Manalo. (Inquirer.net) n

From The FronT Page

Day of exits: Angeles, Calida resign...

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 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 U.S. 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. n

WHO STAYS,WHO GOES. The new Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin is now the “little president” and No. 1 member of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official family. He and other Cabinet members bypassed by the Commission on Appointments last week retake their oath before Marcos at Malacañang on Tuesday, October 4. The Palace has not announced replacements for Commission on Audit Chair Jose Calida and Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles, who both quit their posts also on Tuesday. Former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, despite earlier reports, was not given a new position as presidential chief of staff.

Malacañang photo

FOR THE ELDERLY. News and Information Bureau (NIB) assistant director Lee Ann Pattugalan (with mic) leads the distribution of goods donated by NIB personnel during their outreach program at the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases (GRACES) in Quezon City on Thursday, Oct. 6. GRACES envisions providing a friendly and home-like atmosphere to vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized senior citizens. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Celebrating the ‘past, present, and future’: Filipino...

Filipino American History Month is often mistaken as Filipino American Heritage Month, but FAHM was 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 second-largest 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.

Foreign governments air...

for freedom of the press and of speech. Those responsible for this crime must be brought to justice,” she said.

The British Embassy in Manila, in another post replying to the Canada-Netherlands tweet, urged Filipino authorities to create a safe environment for all journalists in the Philippines.

The European Union delegation in the Philippines, along with the embassies of Denmark and France, posted similar sentiments of solidarity and sympathy.

“France reaffirms its resolute, unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and protection of journalists,” the French Embassy said.

Homes in Barangay Talon Dos. Azurin said investigators were looking at “different persons of interest.”

“But at this time, the investigation on determining the motive of the crime is still ongoing. We want to be very careful in determining the motive for the killing of Percy Lapid,” Azurin said.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, acting director of the National Capital Region Police Office, earlier gave Las Piñas police chief Col. Jaime Santos 24 hours to solve the case.

But according to Azurin, the family wants investigators to be prudent in handling the case.

Difficult to drop names

The United States on Wednesday, October 5 said it welcomed the country’s law enforcement agencies’ investigation of Mabasa’s death.

”Freedom of expression is essential to building the future the people of the Philippines want and deserve,” the US Embassy in Manila said on Twitter, also in answer to the CanadaNetherlands post.

Show of unity

It is rare for foreign embassies to make such a public show of unity on a domestic matter, such as the killing of a Filipino journalist.

But despite their appeal for a quick resolution of the case, the police have not identified any suspect as of Wednesday, more than 24 hours after a selfimposed deadline to track down Mabasa’s assailants.

Still, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. assured Mabasa’s family that the police would not stop until they identified, arrested and charged not only the gunmen but all persons involved in the murder.

The 63-year-old Mabasa was known for his biting criticism of former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He hosted a radio commentary show “Lapid Fire” on dwBL, but his biggest audience was on social media, including a YouTube account with 218,000 subscribers and a Facebook page with almost 50,000 followers.

He was shot twice in the head inside his car at the gate of BF Resort Village on Aria Street around 8:30 p.m., as he was driving toward his daughter’s residence, only about five minutes from his own house at San Beda

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.” n Philippines tops...

“It is difficult for us to just drop the name of any person without sufficient evidence,” said Azurin, who visited Mabasa’s wake at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Wednesday morning, October 5.

The PNP chief ordered Col. Kirby John Kraft, director of the Southern Police District, to comb through all closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the crime scene.

In a phone interview, Kraft said the special investigation task group had only acquired footage from the dash camera of Mabasa’s vehicle but was in the process of obtaining recordings from the village management.

“We are looking to recover [footage from] at least 10 CCTVs along the street where the incident happened,” he said.

Ballistic examination of two empty shells recovered at the scene showed they were fired from a .45-caliber pistol.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who also attended Mabasa’s wake, offered P500,000 of his own money as bounty for crucial information leading to the arrest of suspects.

Mabasa was the first journalist killed in Metro Manila since tabloid columnist Alex Bacoba was gunned down in Quiapo, Manila, in May 2016.

Media groups fear that his death could portend a brutal treatment of the press under Marcos, similar to the military rule of his late namesake father that was marked by tortures, killings and enforced disappearances of critical journalists.

The Philippines remains one of the deadliest places in the world for the media with 197 journalists killed in the line of duty since 1986, including Mabasa. —with a report from Angel Yabut n

Palace defends BBM trip...

do something, you should not be moved or impacted by others who may not agree with you,” Bersamin said during a media interview.

Whether it was a fully paid trip or not, the new executive secretary said, is “irrelevant.”

“I am sure if that was the trip of the President, you don’t need to be too particular about where the funds were sourced kasi he was still performing his job as President when he was abroad, although that is not an official state visit,” Bersamin said.

“He met there with many people who were very relevant to our business activities or the running of our government here. Whether it was a fully-paid trip or not is irrelevant,” he added.

The Palace official said Marcos’ race tickets were probably free or that he must have been invited to the event. n

193 countries are more prone to disasters using an updated index, which now uses 100 indicators versus the previous 27.

“In particular, the inclusion of indicators on how populations have been affected by disasters and conflicts in the past five years, as well as on refugees, displaced persons and asylum seekers in the new index — also against the backdrop of the major global migration movements — results in a significantly more accurate representation of the realities of life in many countries,” IFHV Research Associate Daniel Weller said.

Emerging technologies

This year’s report also focused on how digitalization and emerging technologies can help countries prepare for natural events and create responsive systems to aid affected communities.

It recommended that data from digital systems must be kept safe and discouraged organizations from making a business out of digital techniques, among other suggestions moving forward.

In 2021, the Philippines ranked eighth on the risk index with a score of 21.39 and placed ninth among countries with the highest exposure to disaster.

The Philippines is battered by an average of 20 typhoons each year and is geographically located in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Earlier this year, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked Abra in August, affecting over half a million individuals or155,911 families. The strong quake also left 11 dead and 609 injured. It damaged an estimated P74.896 million worth of agricultural products and over P9.732 million in livestock, poultry, and fisheries.

Most recently, Super Typhoon Karding (international name: Noru) left 12 dead, including five rescuers, 67 injured, and five remain missing after moving across Luzon last week, affecting 1.07 million people.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already called for a review of the government’s disaster response procedures to streamline multiple agency response systems. n

CALL

PRUDENCE. The family of journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa asked the police to be cautious in investigating his murder on Oct. 3. Visiting his wake at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Wednesday, Oct. 5, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said there were “different persons of interest” but no suspect yet in the killing.

Photo by Grig C. Montegrande / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Filipinos unhappy with Marcos’ handling of inflation problem

by Ian nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

MANILA — Majority of Filipinos are unhappy with how President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is handling the country’s inflation woes, a problem that could shake his administration’s popularity if left uncontrolled.

A nationwide survey of 1,200 adults from September 17 to 21 showed 42% of respondents believe Marcos is doing a bad job in controlling inflation, while 31% said they were satisfied with the government’s actions to tame rising prices, polling firm Pulse Asia reported Thursday, October 6.

That yielded a net approval rating — or the difference between the approval and disapproval scores — of -11%, the only area where Marcos received a negative performance rating.

He got positive net scores in other areas, receiving the highest ratings in responding to the needs of areas affected by calamities (+75%) and controlling the spread of COVID-19 (+74).

Interestingly, the president also netted positive performance ratings in creating more jobs (+47%), boosting wages (+46%) and reducing poverty (+13%) despite public dissatisfaction with his management of the inflation problem.

But the rapid price increases remain a sore point for the new administration.

Results of the September survey showed 66% of respondents ranked inflation as the top national concern that Marcos should tackle first, trumping other problems with corruption, law enforcement and pandemic response.

That reading was 9 percentage points higher than 57% who gave the same response back in the June round of the opinion survey. Pulse Asia explained this means public concern on inflation has become “more pronounced”.

‘Growing threat’

Sought for comment, Anthony Lawrence Borja, political science professor at the De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, said inflation appears to be “a growing threat” to Marcos’ popularity.

But Borja added: “Inflation’s negative impact on Marcos’ popularity might be reduced by: (1) the capacity of Filipinos to excuse him by blaming other actors from economic managers to foreign governments; (2) high approval in relation to other pertinent economic issues like job creation and increasing salaries; (3) ‘maghigpit ng sinturon’ mentality or an endemic sense of resilience and survival sans the government.”

Government data showed inflation sizzled 6.9% year-onyear in September, the hottest in 4 years. This, as supply chain disruptions believed to be a byproduct of the pandemic are worsened by a crashing peso.

survey

The Marcos Jr. administration’s economic team admitted that the government would likely miss its 2-4% annual inflation target this year. They said it is only in 2024 that inflation is forecast to return to the state’s target. To fight inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas has so far raised rates by a total of 225 basis points this year to temper demand and bring it in line with limited supply.

Meanwhile, there were discussions about continuing the cash aid and fuel subsidies implemented by the previous Duterte administration, although fiscal constraints could force Marcos to stop these programs next year.

It remains to be seen whether Marcos would resort to populist cash handouts to save his popularity, which would be a big problem for his economic managers who must strike a balance between meeting Marcos’ short-term political needs and sustaining growth. For DLSU’s Borja, the chances that such a scenario would happen in the future would “depend on whether approval towards the government addressing other economic issues collapses.”

“Specifically, if hyperinflation becomes a real possibility, and if the mismatch between personal income and the price of basic necessities becomes intolerable… Albeit, before the year ends, he (Marcos) might be compelled to project an idea of security to the general public,” Borja said. n

Boracay Asia’s top island in Condé Nast Awards

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 postpandemic, our focus is to continue building confidence 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. (By Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino/ManilaTimes.net) n

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

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez

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 self-sufficiency.

The dialogue with NuScale Power – whose groundbreaking proprietary technology in designing advanced nuclear

order. Senators, however, cleared Rodriguez of accountability in the mess.

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

A ‘new dawn’ in Philippines-US economic ties

small 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)

* * *

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.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Saving water & building a more resilient future

CALIFORNIA’S climate has changed. We are experiencing more extreme weather – hotter temperatures, longer and more severe droughts, worsening wildfires and dangerous flash flooding. We’re seeing this not just in California, but across the entire American West.

These changes mean we must continue adapting to a hotter, drier future. Without action, state officials believe extreme weather could diminish California’s water supply by up to 10 percent by 2040.

The state has implemented unprecedented measures to cut water use, build storage capacity and increase supply. And it’s also up to all of us to keep doing our part to curb our water use.

California is investing billions of dollars into concrete actions that will secure the future of our state’s water supply. These key actions are part of a comprehensive water resilience plan, “California’s Water

Supply Strategy, Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future,” which my administration released in August to highlight how we can stretch existing supplies and develop new sources to replace the water we will lose in this new era of warming temperatures.

The plan outlines our aggressive, science-led approach to addressing California’s water future by reimagining the way we source, store and deliver water statewide for future generations. To match the pace of climate change, we know we must move smarter and faster –and we’re doing that.

Californians have repeatedly answered the call to use less water in past droughts. As the state prepares for the possibility of a fourth dry year and potential weather extremes, it’s more important than ever that all of us adopt water conservation as a way of life.

For many homeowners, most water use and waste happens in our yards – in some areas, up to 75 percent of residential water use comes from sprinklers and other outdoor irrigation.

The good news is there are simple actions we can take right now to help save water in a big way. Simply watering your lawn less and fixing leaks inside and outside the house can save thousands of gallons of water each year.

If you’re ready to make bigger changes outside, updating yards with native landscaping that includes water-wise plants and hardscaping elements, like pavers, granite or bark, can create year-round outdoor living spaces that eliminate the need to weed, mow and water regularly.

The state is working closely with local water agencies and other partners to ensure that Californians have access to the resources you need to help. Check with your local water agency for rebates to help cover some of these costs and to find out about community resources that can help you replace grass with water-smart landscaping that you, your family and your pets can all enjoy.

Californians know how to meet the moment, and together, we can create necessary change for a water-

smart future. The recently enacted state budget includes $3.6 billion over four years for immediate drought support and long-term water resilience. Including allocations in the 2021 state budget, a total of $8.7 billion has been dedicated to support drought resilience and response. This includes $175 million for lawn replacement and other water conservation strategies.

By making saving water a way of life, we can adapt and thrive. And if we each do our part, we can make our water last for generations to come. Together we can save water, and save California. (Ethnic Media Services)

opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

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)

GoveRnoR Gavin newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsom Photo from Facebook/GavinNewsom

Unpacking California’s record-breaking...

emissions by 85% by 2045, ban the sales of gaspowered vehicles by 2035, and build 3 million “climate-friendly homes” by 2030.

Previously, the California Legislature approved $54 billion of funding for climate projects over the next five years. Of that funding, $6.1 billion would be allocated toward electric vehicles, which would include battery-powered school buses. It would also direct $14.8 billion toward transportation projects, $8 billion toward power grid stabilization, $2.7 toward efforts to mitigate wildfires and $2.8 toward drought prevention.

California, which is ranked as the fifth-largest economy in the world, is working to make good on its California Climate Commitment, which Newsom’s office said will work over the next two decades to cut air pollution by 60%, reduce state oil consumption by 91%, reduce fossil fuels by 92%, and create 4 million new jobs within these sectors.

Since environmental justice became a major political talking point, advocacy groups argue that the climate change conversation often lacked an important part of the equation: the direct impact of global warming and its affect on disadvantaged communities, that largely include Black, Latino, and immigrant residents, located in areas of high risk.

“We believe that what happens with environmental policy in California mostly affects communities of color that live in frontline communities along freeways, rural regions, [and] industrial corridors around the state. But the reality is that they don’t often get a say in these discussions,” said Arturo Carmona, managing partner at Tzunu Strategies, which recently hosted an ethnic media roundtable exploring climate change policy and its effect on communities across the Golden State.

The plan to build climate-friendly homes, climate experts said, could be significant for communities of color and immigrant communities. These homes would replace gas appliances with electric ones and include solar panels; the legislation states that

half of these must be installed in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The plan also includes allocating $1.4 billion of surplus toward extending operating life of Diablo Canyon, California’s last surviving nuclear power plant, which was slated for closure. Newsom argued that the power plant played a recently pivotal role in providing emissions-free electricity during the September heat waves.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was among the supporters of keeping Diablo Canyon open, penning a letter to the State Legislature: “The alternative to the closure of the reactors at Diablo Canyon will most likely be additional natural gas generation, which would reverse progress on emissions reductions and worsen air quality.”

But Edward Smeloff, managing director of the environmental justice lobbying group Vote Solar, believes this “troubling aspect” of Newsom’s plan takes focus away from smaller projects that could directly benefit local communities.

“There’s no certainty that it will run reliably and putting $1.4 billion into that alternative just takes that money away from other purposes that could have a clear, positive impact,” Smeloff said, adding that the funding could have been put toward “community-based solar and battery storage projects” near communities of color and disadvantaged communities that bear the brunt of climate change’s harshest effects.

Smeloff acknowledged that although Newsom administration’s commitment to clean energy is groundbreaking, he said that lawmakers ought to “prioritize programs that impact disadvantaged communities and citizens in general rather than just big projects.”

These new actions by California are part of a larger movement across the nation to combat pollution and curb the overheating of the planet.

The Biden administration approved a $370 billion investment into wind, solar, and nuclear power, but at the behest of climate experts, states also have a responsibility to prioritize clean energy.

(By Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

4 TIPS ON COVID-19 TESTING

Testing can help reduce the spread of the virus and help protect those most vulnerable from severe illness and death.

1. Watch for symptoms and get tested immediately.

Get tested whenever you experience symptoms like fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, vomiting, fatigue, body aches, or headaches.

2. If you test positive, isolate, notify others, and get treatment if you’re eligible.

Isolate to avoid spreading the virus and alert those you have been around you tested positive for COVID-19. New treatments can reduce symptoms of the virus when taken early. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you’re eligible.

3. Keep at-home test kits handy or find a test site near you.

You can book a test appointment, find a walk-in test clinic or buy a self-test kit from your local drugstore. Visit www.covid19.ca.gov to learn more.

4. Test before and after you travel, or after attending a high-risk event.

Spending time close to others, especially crowded indoor spaces, poses a higher risk for COVID-19 exposure. Test before and 3-5 days after you travel or attend an event, especially large events.

‘PH ready to lead peace efforts in Southeast Asia’

MANILA — As the world faces uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions, the Philippines is ready to take a lead role in efforts to maintain peace in the region as part of its role to protect its territory and its people, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos said while it is not enough for one country or head of state to spearhead peacekeeping efforts, the Philippines hopes to be among those who are leading such measures, citing the recent security concerns affecting the region.

“I do not think we have a choice. We must play a leadership role because it is in our interest. And if we do not do it, we are not doing our jobs as the protectors of our country, of our state, of our territory, of our people, if we do not take that leadership role,” the president told officers and members of the Manila Overseas Press Club in Pasay on Wednesday, October 5.

“I think it has been thrust upon us. And as good Filipinos, we face up to challenges and we face up to responsibilities so we will face up to this one as well,” he added.

Proposals to ASEAN Marcos bared plans to propose measures that would address regional conflicts during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings next month.

“In the upcoming ASEAN conferences that are coming up in November, I intend to propose several actions that ASEAN can take specific to the different conflicts that we are seeing in our region. And if the Philippines can play a part, then that would certainly be a good thing,” Marcos said.

Marcos cited the “push and pull” between China and the U.S. over Taiwan, the threat posed by North Korea, the Rohingya issue confronting Myanmar and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He called for the strengthening of the ASEAN, saying the regional bloc can do more in addressing the tensions.

“But again we must present a united front and that is something that I believe is the best way forward simply because the moral suasion at the very least of several member countries of ASEAN is probably in many ways more effective than just a single country,” Marcos said.

“Although we don’t dismiss bilateral contacts, bilateral negotiations, multilateral negotiations outside of ASEAN, within ASEAN. Again, I think we should continue to try and push our member

neighbors to present that united front and to move that united front forward so that we can say that ASEAN as a political, geopolitical aggrupation, economic aggrupation, has certainly shown that it has a function to do in the normal scheme of the geopolitics,” he added.

“And that again is something wherein I believe the Philippines can play a large part.”

Nuclear weapons Marcos reiterated the need to abandon the idea of having a stockpile of nuclear weapons as a deterrence, a message he delivered during his address before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last month.

“We should remove that kind of Cold War thinking already from our geopolitics and remove and lessen, lower the stockpiles...And finally to at some point, to remove from the face of the earth any nuclear weapons,” the President said.

Marcos warned that if Russia uses tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine and it becomes acceptable, other nuclear powers might be encouraged “to think in that direction” and start using their nuclear stockpiles.

“So we have a very important part to play in that because we have a great interest. It must be a subject of central concern in our foreign policy and in the defense of the nation in the Philippines,” he added.

Engagement with Myanmar junta

Marcos also cited the need to discuss the Rohingya issue with Myanmar’s military government.

“We have as yet been unable to bring Myanmar to the table. And I think it’s time to put forward some concrete proposals on what we can do to at the very least bring...at least representatives of the military government to the table so we can begin to talk about these things,” Marcos said.

“I’m a great believer in engagement. And I think once the lines of communications have closed, then any hope of a compromise has ended. And so let us continue with that,” he added.

During his address before the UNGA, Marcos reiterated that the Philippines would be “a friend to all and an enemy to none” and highlighted the need to resolve disputes peacefully through international law. He has also called on UN member-states to support the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (By Alexis Romero/ Philstar.com) n

This file photo shows flags of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Interaksyon.com photo

DEFENDING DMW BUDGET. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Maria Susana “Toots” Ople (right) defends the PHP15.2 billion 2023 proposed budget of the DMW during the budget deliberation at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Ople said the reintegration program of the government under the newly created department has included the social preparation for unification of returning overseas Filipino workers with their families, children, and grandchildren. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020120

JohnnieLetters located at 8455 Happy Way S, El Cajon, CA 92021.

Registrant: a. Joanne Liezl Emerick, 8455 Happy Way S, El Cajon, CA 92021.

b. Robert Jay Emerick, 8455 Happy Way S, El Cajon, CA 92021.

This business is conducted by Married Couple.

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

Signature: Joanne Emerick. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/08/2022.

AJ 1035 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, and 10/07/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9019142

a. Anye Trading located at 830 E Ave., Apt A, Coronado, CA 92118.

b. Anye Marketing located at 830 E Ave., Apt A, Coronado, CA 92118.

c. Avocado Queen located at 830 E Ave., Apt A, Coronado, CA 92118.

d. La Mexicana Produce located at 830 E Ave., Apt A, Coronado, CA 92118.

e. Teddy Tomatoes located at 830 E Ave., Apt A, Coronado, CA 92118.

Registrant: Anye Produce Inc., 830 E Ave., Apt A, Coronado, CA 92118.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/16/2016.

Signature: Natalia A. MerienneMorales.

Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/24/2022.

AJ 1036 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020234

Robert’s Auto Service located at 4630 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109.

Registrant: Ghobadi Ventures Inc., 16550 Vanowen Street, No. 114, Van Nuys, CA 91406.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

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

Signature: Hamid Ghobadi.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/09/2022.

AJ 1037 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, and 10/07/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020305

Mr. Moto Pizza located at 4646 Convoy St., Suite 114, San Diego, CA 92111.

Registrant: Convoy Moto Corp., 1929 Cable St., Suite 2B, San Diego, CA 92107.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/02/2022.

Signature: Gibran Fernandez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/09/2022.

AJ 1038 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, and 10/07/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020535

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020119

West Marine Services located at 16301 Oak Springs Dr., Ramona, CA 92065.

Registrant: Edward Villanueva West, 16301 Oak Springs Dr., Ramona, CA 92065.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Edward Villanueva West.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/08/2022.

AJ 1041 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, and 10/14/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020582

PW Holdings LP located at 244 Palomar St., Ste A/ Office, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: PW INC, 244 Palomar St., Ste A/Office, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Limited Partnership.

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

Signature: Robert Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/14/2022.

AJ 1044 09/30, 10/07, 10/14 and 10/21/2022.

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020592

D ’sminipancakes_SD located at 1417 13th St., Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

Registrant: Diana Moreno, 1417 13th St., Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

This business is conducted by Individual.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9021556

Go-Out-Terra-Carpet Cleaning Company located at 440 Blackshaw Ln, San Ysidro, CA 92173.Registrant: Juan Manuel Cervantes, 440 Blackshaw Ln, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

1038

Elevated Pool Service located at 216 Via Las Brisas, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant: Matthew Escalona, 216 Via Las Brisas, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Matthew Escalona.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/14/2022.

AJ 1039 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, and 10/07/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020691

Ray Alcantara Real Estate, LLC located at 1833 Fabled Waters Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Ray Alcantara Real Estate, LLC, 1833 Fabled Waters Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/15/2022.

Signature: Ray Neil Alcantara.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2022.

AJ 1040 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, and 10/14/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020882

a. SF FINANCIAL SERVICES INC located at 669 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

b. FERREGUT SERVICES INC located at 669 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: SF FINANCIAL SERVICES INC, 669 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/09/2022.

Signature: Selene B Ferregut.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/19/2022.

AJ 1042 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, and 10/14/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020585

PW LP located at 244 Palomar St., Ste A/Office, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: PW INC, 244 Palomar St., Ste A/Office, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Limited Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/04/2004.

Signature: Robert Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/14/2022.

AJ 1043 09/30, 10/07, 10/14 and 10/21/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020549

Pacific West Coast Properties located at 244 Palomar St., Ste A/Office, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: PW INC, 244 Palomar St., Ste A/Office, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/04/2004.

Signature: Robert Pennell.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/14/2022.

AJ 1045 09/30, 10/07, 10/14 and 10/21/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9020786

HOSALKAR INJURY INSTITUTE OF SAN DIEGO located at 2323 E 8TH STREET SUITE 101, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950.

Registrant: ALLIANCE MEDICAL GROUP, INC., 2323 E 8TH STREET SUITE 101, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/2016.

Signature: HARISH HOSALKAR.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/14/2022.

AJ 1046 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, and 10/21/2022.

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

Signature: Diana Moreno.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/14/2022.

AJ 1047 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9021403

Three Men Crew Fume located at 1630 Coolidge Ave., National. City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Fernando Zuniga Barragan, 1555 Satellite Blvd., San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Fernando Zuniga.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/27/2022.

AJ 1048 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2022.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/28/2022.

Signature: Juan Manuel Cervantes.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/28/2022.

AJ 1049 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, and 10/21/2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9021419

Harris Luxury Suites LLC located at 4300 Newton Ave., Unit 43, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Harris Luxury Suites LLC, 4300 Newton Ave., Unit 43, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/30/2022.

Signature: Jamal Harris. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/27/2022.

AJ 1050 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, and 10/28/2022.

1037

SAN DIEGO

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

by Donnabelle GatDula arevalo / AJPress

UST in time for this year’s celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM), the award-winning Fil-Am indie comedy feature film, “Lumpia with a Vengeance” rolls out in major theaters across the country.

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 favorite at Filipino gatherings and a crowd-pleasing snack for all ages.

The film has received an endorsement from the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), which is officially co-presenting the film nationally.

Lumpia with a Vengeance’ is proud to be unabashedly Filipino American and doesn’t apologize or need to explain why. It’s a glimpse to not only our culture but into our nuances, our humor, and more importantly our history,” said Ginelsa, during a recent special screening at the Ray Stark Theater at the University of Southern California, where he graduated 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 superheroes 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 branding isn’t fictional,” he added.

True to its catchy and funny title, 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 together. 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 lumpia!,” 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 focuses on a group of high school friends who are targeted for mockery by thugs. To defend themselves 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 rolls-armed hero, dressed in a Philippine national costume Barong Tagalog called Lumpia man.

“It was during the 10th year anniversary of the first sequel Lumpia’ 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 awardwinning 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, teenager 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 Lumpia Man (also known as Kuya) to prevent a mysterious crime boss from destroying her town, and her parents’ dream wedding.

Though “Lumpia with a Vengeance” took about a long seven years to finish, it made history at the fully-packed San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), the world’s foremost pop culture event, last July when it was overwhelmingly received by over 400 attendees at its panel.

And after making its World Premiere at the 40th edition of the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), “Lumpia with a Vengeance” has coveted HIFF’s Audience Award for Best Narrative.

Filmed primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, the special effects-laden action comedy 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 comic 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 bayanihan spirit that supporters made through inkind 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 special effects) artists.

“I’d like to think we captured that genuine, risky, independent spirit of filmmaking. Despite all the challenges and financial hardships, we would always circle back and rely on our backers to motivate us and push us through the finish line. So here we are, ready to showcase and represent our delicious film!

It took longer than what we anticipated, but we felt a huge responsibility to deliver a feature film that was worthy of their support,” he said.

He added, “From the very night it was kickstarted, ‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’ was established as a fun platform from which the community 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 audience waiting for it to come out.”

According to Ginelsa, “Lumpia with a Vengeance” may be an action comedy on the surface, but at heart, it’s a community film developed, funded, and starring the community. And it makes use of the one iconic food that defines our communityLUMPIA!”

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

As for what’s next for the ‘Lumpia’ 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 supporters.

Ginelsa, who has a lifelong obsession for comic books, said the “Lumpia with a Vengeance” comic books published independently by Kid Heroes Productions have allowed the creators to expand upon the movie’s story and universe with art by the same artists and illustrators that have contributed to the actual movie.

“The variant covers and contributions from legendary creators such as Whilce Portacio (X-Men, Wetworks) and other upcoming artists have resulted in limited editions provided with every screening,” he added.

The movie is tentatively scheduled to be shown in select theatres 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, Honolulu, Pearl City, Kapolei, Chicago, Irvine, Riverside, Virginia Beach, Boston, West Covina, Sacramento, Oceanside; October 21 (New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Anchorage, Stockton, Ontario, Tampa, Guam, Houston). Tickets via virtual box office are available now. For the latest updated ticketing and theater schedules, visit LUMPIAMOVIE.COM.

J

“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.

“Lumpia With A Vengeance” actors Darion Basco and Meriden Villanueva bookend director/ writer/producer Patricio Ginelsa at the USC School of Cinematic Arts-hosted preview screening of their film.

City Council approval completes implementation of Commission on Police Practices

Voter-approved ballot measure established independent oversight of city law enforcement

SAN DIEGO –

The City Council on Monday, October 3 approved the ordinance that implements the Commission on Police Practices, fulfilling the will of San Diego voters who in 2020 overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that calls for independent oversight of law enforcement policies and practices. The implementation ordinance approved today establishes the Commission’s composition, appointment process, and other operational matters.

“After a clear mandate from voters and months of work, my administration is proud to operationalize the city’s new Commission on Police Practices that will independently investigate instances of officer misconduct and ensure we have the very best serving on our police force,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.

“With this approval of the composition and interim operating procedures of the commission, their important work can get under way. This would not have been possible without Council President pro Tem Montgomery Steppe, and I

thank her for her leadership.”

City Council President pro Tempore Monica MontgomerySteppe has been the leading voice on the City Council to get Measure B on the ballot and the Commission operational.

“I’m proud of the transparent process that has amplified the voices of the most impacted in our community,” said Council President pro Tem Montgomery Steppe. “Today marks a historic win for our communities, who deserve accountability and

transparency from our law enforcement department. This ordinance moves us toward a proper checks and balances system as we continue to reimagine public safety.”

Under the change to the City Charter from the ballot measure, the Commission was established as independent of the Mayor and the Police Department, with mandatory duties and discretionary power. The Commission’s responsibilities include making reviewing misconduct investigations and proposed discipline of the city’s police officers.

If the Commission makes a finding of misconduct by a police officer, the city must afford the police officer an administrative appeal, in accordance with California law.

The Council can mandate additional duties and authorize additional powers for the Commission, provided they are consistent with the Charter and applicable federal and state laws.

“Accountability is a cornerstone of justice and of a healthy democratic society. That is especially true when it comes to accountability for those entrusted with power. Today, our City Council invoked the will of the People, who overwhelmingly chose to establish the Commission on Police Practices in order to provide San Diegans with the confidence of knowing there will be transparency and accountability when abuses of police power occur,” said Council President Sean EloRivera. “I thank and congratulate Council President Pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe and her team for their years of hard work to make San Diego a safer and more just community.”

The city will continue to engage in collective bargaining with the city’s recognized employee organizations over the administrative appeals process following sustained findings by the Commission, as well as the permanent standard operating procedures for the commission.n

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.

‘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 Fil-Ams 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 FilAm 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. n

Increase applies to all employees who work within the City of San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Next year many San Diegans will receive more money in their paychecks. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, employees who perform at least two hours of work in one or more calendar weeks of the year within the geographic boundaries of the City of San Diego will receive a minimum wage increase from $15 to $16.30 an hour. The change is in accordance with the city’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, approved in 2016.

“With the cost of living rising, this increase could not come at a more needed time for workers and working families,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This increase means a better ability to make ends meet, put food on the table and spend in our local businesses.”

Since 2019, the minimum wage in the city has gone up annually by an amount corresponding to the prior year’s increase, if any, in the cost of living. The Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance is applicable to all industries and businesses and there are no exceptions. Tips

and gratuities do not count toward payment of minimum wage.

Updated notices for employers to post in their workplaces are available on the city’s Minimum Wage Program webpage. Employers are required to post these notices in a conspicuous place at any workplace or job site in the City of San Diego.

Employees will continue to earn sick leave, either by the accrual or “front load” method, in accordance with the ordinance. Employees may use earned sick leave for all of the reasons described in the ordinance, which include, but are not limited to, time for their own medical care or for the medical care of a family member.

Employers may limit an employee’s use of earned sick leave to 40 hours within a benefit year.

Anyone who believes an employer is violating the ordinance is encouraged to file a complaint, in writing, with the city’s Minimum Wage Program.

To contact the program, call 619-615-1565.

(City of San Diego Release) n

San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria File photo/www.sandiego.gov

During the state costume contest on Sunday, Oct. 2, Gabriel donned a blue and crystalcovered outfit — to represent the bluebonnet, Texas’ state flower — made by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena.

Photos courtesy of R’Bonney Gabriel/Instagram

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.

$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 20,000-seat 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 highend 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, 805-559-2476 and 702-5384948 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 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.

Realtor