101823 - Southern California Midweek Edition

OCTOBER 18-20, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 83 • 12 Pages

PH gov’t to evacuate Filipinos in Gaza DATELINE USA by bernadette e. taMayo

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

City of LA to celebrate Fil-Am History Month

THE city of Los Angeles will celebrate Filipino American History Month (FAHM) with a ceremony highlighting Filipino culture, cuisine and the lighting of LA City Hall in the colors of the national flag of the Philippines.

Los Angeles County is home to more than half a million Filipino Americans, the largest population of Filipinos in the world outside of the Philippines.

The ceremony at City Hall on Friday, October 20 will honoring outstanding Filipino-American leaders across a range of work, including those who have dedicated themselves to the arts.

This year’s honorees include: standup comedian and actor Nico Santos, chef Margarita Manzke, DJ E-Man, fashion designer Puey Quinones, beauty u PAGE 5

ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) placed Gaza under the highest alert level of 4 to pave the way for the mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

There are 137 Filipinos in Gaza that have to be pulled out before Israeli forces launch an invasion.

On Friday, October 13, the Israeli military instructed about a million residents in northern Gaza to evacuate within 24 hours, an indication that an

assault is imminent.

DFA spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement on Sunday the Philippine government has "accounted for 131 of our nationals in Gaza, and at least 78 of them are now situated near the Rafah border crossing near Egypt."

"All the rest have left northern Gaza or Gaza City, which is expected to be the main site for hostilities," Daza said.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the government is "calling on our nationals to leave" Gaza.

Marcos vows repatriation of caregiver slain in Israel-Hamas conflict

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

California governor signs 56 bills fast-tracking affordable housing SACRAMENTO — Amid California’s housing crisis, 56 bills signed by Gov. Newsom Wednesday, Oct. 11 expedite low-income housing, notably on church and college land.

The two landmark bills in the package are sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D — San Francisco). Support for these bills from historically opposed environmental and labor groups suggests the beginning of an unprecedentedly pro-housing majority bloc in California politics.

SB 4 Wiener’s SB 4 is formally known as The Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act and informally known as “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY). It opens 171,000 acres of land across California by allowing institutions of faith (e.g. churches, synagogues and mosques) and nonprofit colleges to build 100% affordable housing on their property “by right,” bypassing most local permitting rules and environmental reviews.

It passed 32-2, with support from faith groups like the Jewish Public Affairs Committee and pro-development groups like the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing.

According to an August 2023 study by UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation, half of land owned by nonprofit colleges and religious organizations are in the “highest” and “high” resource areas improving u PAGE 4

ARRIVAL HONORS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) arrives for the celebration of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) 122nd founding anniversary at Pier 15 of South Harbor, Port Area, Manila on Tuesday, October 17, welcomed by Admiral Artemio Manalo Abu (left). He lauded the PCG’s integrity, discipline and professionalism, which have helped the administration advance its collective vision of a stronger, more harmonious, and more resilient Philippines.

PNA photo by Alfred Frias

by MIchaeL Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — Two alleged operatives of the Hamas militant group now at war with Israel were in the Philippines and attempted to operate and ally themselves with local extremists in 2018 and 2022, according to the National Security Council.

NSC assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said one was a bomb expert who was arrested and deported five years ago.

“We saw there was intent by Hamas to launch activities in the Philippines. In fact, in 2018, there was a Hamas bomb maker

that was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and deported to Turkey,” he said.

“And also last year, there was an operative that talked to local extremist groups in order to operate in our country,” he told on Monday’s (October 16) Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing mostly in Filipino.

Malaya revealed that based on the PNP investigation, the Hamas operatives who tried to infiltrate the country had four main goals.

“Number one, kill Jews in the Philippines, that was the plan. Second, raise funds. And

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

Former Senator Leila De Lima has been detained since 2017 due to her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade inside New Bilibid Prison with three cases filed against her. She has been acquitted in two of the three cases.

Philstar.com file photo

PRESYONG

SULIT

NOT YET A MEMBER?

SIGN UP & SAVE!

FALL SEASON SAVINGS

TEXT BONUS TO 87573 OR ASK OUR CASHIERS ON HOW TO

0% Save 4

WILD | USA

PORK LEG WITH SKIN BONELESS

FRESH CALIFORNIA SQUID

2.29 Fresh

$

/LB

WAS $3.29/LB | SAVE $1.00

% Save 70

GREEN ONION

50¢

/EA

WAS $1.69/EA | SAVE $1.19

2.99

$

CATCH

% Save 38

/LB

WAS $4.99/LB | SAVE $2.00

% Save 33

ISLAND PACIFIC JASMINE RICE 25LBS

DATU PUTI VALUEPACK

$

$

19.99

/BAG

WAS $31.99 | SAVE $12.00

PROMO SALE VALID OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reassured the family of the third deceased Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) of the repatriation of her remains.

In a phone call with the victim's family on Sunday, October 15, Marcos said that the remains of Loreta Alacre can be repatriated to the country once the Egypt and Gaza is opened.

"Hinihintay muna natin kung ano ‘yung magiging sitwasyon doon sa Israel dahil talagang napakagulo masyado ngayon at sarado lahat,” Marcos said.

(We are just waiting for the development of the situation in Israel because right now it's chaotic and everything is closed.)

Alacre, a 49-year-old OFW from Negros Occidental, is the third Filipino casualty of the ongoing conflict.

She is a caregiver working on Haifa and Tel Aviv.

In a statement on Monday, October 16, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also hopes for u PAGE 3

Hamas tried to infiltrate PH in 2018, 2022 – NSC

u PAGE 3

2 witnesses in last drug rap vs De Lima withdraw testimonies

% Save 30

"If they stay, they do so at their own very grave risk," de Vega said in a separate Viber message.

The first batch of eight Filipinos in Israel who requested repatriation was scheduled to arrive home on Monday, October 16.

Gaza remains under a strict blockade. The DFA said it is collaborating with diplomatic partners in the region to facilitate the safe passage of Filipinos through the Rafah border crossing.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration u PAGE 3

SHOP GROCERIES ONLINE DOWNLOAD THE NEW MOBILE APP

3.99

/EA

WAS $5.99 | SAVE $2.00

MANILA — Two witnesses recanted their testimonies in the third drug case against former senator Leila De Lima, according to a document seen by Philstar. com.

Former policeman Rodolfo Magleo, the witness who accused De Lima of being involved in illegal drug trade with late high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian, withdrew his testimony together with fellow witness Nonilo Arile because they were “bothered by good conscience.”

“We are bothered by our

conscience. We do not want you to be victim of mistrial. We will reveal in due time. We are assuring you all that the last case will be dismissed," the witnesses wrote in a letter dated Oct. 12, 2023, addressed to De Lima.

The witnesses also said that they wanted to recant their testimonies since 2018 but were restricted "due to impossibility of communication." They did not elaborate the communication mentioned.

According to Magleo and Arile, five other witnesses will also withdraw their testimonies.

De Lima has been detained since 2017 due to her alleged u PAGE 3

Vice President Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte

Malacañang file photo

House leaders condemn ex-President Duterte

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

LEADERS of the political parties in the House of Representatives hit former President Rodrigo Duterte for criticizing the chamber over the reallocation of confidential funds and for declaring that the funds that would have been allotted to the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education aim to crush communists.

The political leaders urged the former president to "avoid making threats or insinuating harm against any member of the House or the institution."

"Our foremost duty as public servants is to the Filipino

people, and it is incumbent upon us to rise above personal and political divides to prioritize their welfare and the nation's advancement," they said.

Duterte earlier defended his daughter over the use of confidential funds, noting that it would be used for the creation of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.

The former president added that Sara intends to use the intelligence fund to "target the communists in Congress."

"The primary target of the intelligence funds should be France [Castro], the communists that I want to kill, tell that to her," Duterte said. He was referring to ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. u PAGE 4

2 OCTOBER 18-20, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 18-20, 2023 3

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

From the Front Page

PH gov’t to evacuate Filipinos...

PAGE 1

(OWWA) will pay for the repatriation expenses, including bringing home the remains of Filipinos killed in the fighting.

The government asked the public to rely only on official statements and advisories and to refrain from spreading unverified information.

It also advised Filipinos against traveling to Israel until the security situation there stabilizes.

Sen. Maria Josefa Imelda "Imee" Marcos on Sunday, October 15 cautioned concerned officials against issuing statements for or against Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza.

In a radio interview, Marcos said she was worried that the Philippines could become a target of local supporters of Hamas.

"We're afraid that their support

[for Hamas] will be reignited.

That's why we should be careful with our pronouncements. We should first ensure the safety of our fellowmen in Israel," Marcos said in Filipino.

"But we condemn all kinds of terrorism. Likewise, many say that the reported bombing of Gaza constitutes a human rights violation. So, the situation of the Filipinos there is quite scary," she said. n

Marcos vows repatriation of caregiver slain...

PAGE 1

the opening of the Rafah border in order to evacuate Filipinos affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“DFA is hopeful for a solution to be reached soonest in order for the Rafah crossing to start receiving foreign nationals, so that our kababayans in Gaza will be allowed to cross into Egypt,” the agency said in a statement on Monday.

“From there, our teams will work on their repatriation to the Philippines,” it added.

The agency released a statement a day after declaring Alert Level 4 in Gaza, which made evacuation of Filipinos mandatory.

On October 13, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De

Vega said that there are 131 Filipinos in Gaza citing data from the Philippine Embassy in Jordan.

Rafah crossing, which is the sole border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, is the only possible humanitarian corridor for refugees due to the Israeli blockade on the West Bank.

Although there is no specific date announced, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken assured that the Rafah crossing will be opened for humanitarian purposes.

"Rafah will be reopened. We’re putting in place with the United Nations, with Egypt, with Israel, with others, a mechanism by which to get the assistance in and to get it to people who need it," Blinken said in a press

conference in Cairo airport on Monday (PST).

However, according to an Egyptian official in a Saturday interview on CNN, the Palestinian side of the border has been damaged due to the aerial bombardment of Israel.

Reports also mentioned that Cairo is hesitant to open the crossing, citing concerns about the current migrant situation.

The presence of nearly a million refugees from other African countries makes them uneasy about accommodating additional Palestinian refugees, numbering over a thousand.

Meanwhile, in an update on Monday afternoon, Israel prime minister's office denied reports of any 'ceasefire' in Gaza. (With reports from AFP)

UN MONTH. Eusebio Encoy (in yellow shirt) arranges his displays of national costumes for rent at a market in Toril, Davao City on Tuesday, October 16. Students are assigned different nations during the celebration of United Nations Day every Oct. 24.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

2 witnesses in last drug rap vs De Lima...

PAGE 1 involvement in the illegal drug trade inside New Bilibid Prison with three cases filed against her. She has been acquitted in two of the three cases.

The former senator and former justice secretary was acquitted in her second case after Rafael

third, to use social media to spread their propaganda. And one more, to stage rallies at embassies and different places to create apparent disunity or chaos,” he said.

Malaya made the revelations in relation to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año’s earlier announcement that the country’s Anti-Terrorism Council will push to have Hamas designated as a terrorist organization.

“We know that Hamas is a terrorist organization, that’s why it was declared as such by the United States, European Union, Australia and many other countries,” he said.

Malaya said Año’s move to have the militant group declared as terrorists is being done in solidarity with Israel and to also

50 years of building relationships.

We opened our doors in 1973 with a simple mission—to connect customers with opportunities.

50 years later, that spirit is stronger than ever. We’re still building bridges between cultures that give everyone in our communities a path to success. As we grow, we’ll continue to build relationships that give you the confidence to Reach Further. eastwestbank.com/50

that month.

The Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 Presiding Judge Gener Gito last August ordered three witnesses including Magleo, former policemen Froilan Trestiza and gang leader Jaime Patcho to testify in court hearings against De Lima. n

Hamas tried to infiltrate PH in 2018...

PAGE 1

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls the family of the 49-year-old slain caregiver from Negros Occidental on Oct. 15, 2023.

Malacañang photo

Ragos, a former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge who was a star witness against De Lima, recanted his allegation.

De Lima’s last pending case was raffled to the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 last July after two judges inhibited from the proceedings

protect the Philippines.

According to him, the 2018 and 2022 Hamas attempts to gain a foothold in the country were foiled with the help of other nations.

“We stopped them. So this declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organization is to protect our countrymen. This is also a domestic act to ensure our security and prevent any Gazalike scenario,” he said.

Malaya explained that declaring Hamas as a terrorist organization will help Philippine authorities apprehend them easier or faster even without arrest warrants and detain them for a certain period of time.

He said it will also stop terrorist financing since the Anti-Money Laundering Council would be able to quickly freeze the assets

of persons or groups declared as terrorists.

“This is a clear message by the Philippine government that we won’t allow Hamas to operate here,” he stressed. “We are making sure of the safety of our countrymen and… we are expressing our solidarity with the state of Israel with whom we have had a long and fruitful relation.”

Asked to comment about the statement of a certain group that declaring Hamas as a terrorist group will not resolve the ongoing conflict and violence in Israel and Gaza, he said resolving the problem is not the main intention.

“We do not intend to resolve the Palestinian question,” he said, noting this was a problem dating back decades and the Philippines was not one to give the solution to it. n

4 OCTOBER 18-20, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

California governor signs 56 bills fast-tracking...

PAGE 1 “economic, educational, and health outcomes for low-income families,” while 13% is within a half-mile of “high-quality transit.”

The law, which takes effect in 2024 and will sunset in 2036, comes as California’s housing crisis worsens. An estimated 172,000 of the state’s population — 30% — is homeless, as jurisdictions statewide fall behind in building a state-mandated total of 2.5 million homes over the next 8 years, 1 million of these being affordable.

SB 423 Wiener’s SB 423 extends by a decade the 2026 sunset of SB 35, a bill by the senator requiring local governments falling short of state housing goals to streamline affordable multifamily housing projects, i.e. to bypass many local zoning, permitting, and environmental review rules.

SB 35, which took effect in 2018, has already expedited over 19,000 ELECTION PREPS. A City Treasurer’s Office employee is dwarfed by ballot boxes for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) homes, with about 60% of these stacked at the Quezon City Hall compound on Tuesday, October 17. The BSKE will be held on Oct. 30, two days after the Oct. 19 to 28 campaign being affordable. period.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon The new bill passed 27-7, with support from staunchly prohousing groups like the California Housing Consortium and California YIMBY. PAGE 1 Given that the most costly and zero confidential years supported many of his allocated and intelligence funds to lengthy hurdle churches and Rep. France Castro, one of own legislative priorities." civilian departments colleges face in converting surplus They defended the other those who opposed the grant of confidential funds to Vice reallocation of confidential and including Agriculture, Foreign land into housing is that this land intelligence funds to security Affairs and Information and is not zoned for residential use, President Sara Duterte.

In a statement sent by House agencies, noting that it was Communications Technology," those spurred on by the YIGBY bill to build affordable housing will use Secretary-General Reginald taken in the best interest of the leaders said.

They added that the decision SB 423 to expedite the process.

Velasco on Saturday night, national security.

Weakened labor, "Aside from the Office of to reallocate the funds was for October 14, the leaders said that it was unfortunate that the the Vice President and the the benefit of the nation and environmental opposition For this reason, however, former leader "chose to malign Department of Education, the not as a personal affront to any several members of the League of the very institution that for House of Representatives also individual. n

House leaders condemn...

California Governor Gavin Newsom

California Cities opposed SB 423, citing concerns that it allowed the state to develop housing unregulated by local zoning standards, community input, and comprehensive environmental review.

Last July, environmental groups like the Coastal Commission also opposed the bill — which removed exemptions on streamlined housing in coastal zones — but withdrew all opposition when Wiener amended the bill to state that it wouldn’t apply to “environmentally sensitive or hazardous” areas, like those prone to fires and flooding.

Labor unions like the state Building and Construction Trades Council also opposed both SB 4 and SB 423 — which mandate 100% affordable developments to pay average union-level wages but not necessarily to hire union workers — until Wiener added union protections for larger projects.

Some groups like the California Conference of Carpenters, the California Council of Laborers, and the Conference of Operating Engineers broke from their allies to express unprecedented outright support on the grounds that more high-paid construction jobs take precedence over guaranteed union jobs.

What it means for California SB 4 was Wiener’s third attempt to open church and college land to housing; he lost a 2020 version due to similar opposition from church and college sponsors on

File photo

the grounds that union wage requirements would make affordable housing development untenable.

While the opposition is nothing new, however, the fact that it was not enough to prevent overwhelming support this year suggests a majority sea change in favor of more housing.

This political split on the part of California’s historically unified labor groups, and concession on the part of its historically litigious environmental groups, were key to removing local affordable housing barriers on such a scale as to have been a legislative pipe dream as recently as 2016, when Wiener was elected.

That year, for example, then-Gov. Jerry Brown pushed a “by right” affordable housing streamline package similar to Newsom’s. It died without a legislative hearing due to opposition from many of the same environmental and labor groups.

Other bills in Newsom’s package penalize misuse of the California Environmental Quality Act (which allows litigation under aesthetic standards like the shadow a proposed building casts); let affordable housing developers increase density above the maximum in a city’s General Plan; limit tenant security deposits to one month’s rent; and replace 5,800 affordable homes in San Francisco lost to “urban renewal” of poor neighborhoods from the 1950s to the 1970s. (Selen Ozturk/ Ethnic Media Services)

PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG IBINIBIGAY ANG PAUNAWA na ang Lupon ng mga Superbisor ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa isang iminungkahing Pagbakante sa Bukas na Espasyo gaya ng sumusunod: IMPORMASYON SA PAGDINIG: Petsa: Oktubre 25, 2023 Oras: 9:00 a.m.

Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, California 92101 PAKIKILAHOK NG PUBLIKO - Ang sinumang miyembro ng pangkalahatang publiko ay puwedeng lumahok sa Pampublikong Pagdinig alinsunod sa mga regulasyong ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita sa https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/cob/bosa.html para sa impormasyon kung paano ito gawin.

APLIKANTE: Rebecca Abbott, P.E. sa ngalan ng East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Power Authority at Padre Dam Municipal Water District MGA NUMERO NG PROYEKTO/KASO: East County Advanced Water Purification Project Open Space Vacation; PDS2023VAC-23-001, PDS2023-ER-23-14-011 PAGLALARAWAN NG PROYEKTO: Ang Proyekto ay isang panukalang bakantehin ang isang 0.25-acre na bahagi ng isang 10.47-acre na Biological Open Space Easement (Doc No. 2005-0687366) na naitala noong Agosto 11, 2005, alinsunod sa Pangwakas na Mapa 15458. Ang Pagbakante na ito ay kinakailangan para payagan ang panghihimasok at pagtatayo ng isang bahagi ng East County Advanced Water Purification Project (ECAWP), na kinabibilangan ng tubo sa ilalim ng lupa sa loob ng umiiral na Kadalian sa Bukas na Espasyo (Open Space Easement). Ang ECAWP Project ay aayusin ang natatapong tubig na nabuo sa mga lugar ng serbisyo ng Awtoridad ng Pinagsamang Kapangyarihan, isang pakikipagsosyo sa pagitan ng mga pampublikong ahensya (Munisipal na Distrito ng Tubig ng Padre Dam, Lungsod ng El Cajon, County ng San Diego, at Distrito ng Tubig ng Helix), at i-recycle ang tubig upang lumikha ng napapanatiling supply ng inuming tubig para sa Silangang County. Sa pagkumpleto ng Proyekto, ang nabakanteng lugar ay isasauli at muling bubuo sa bukas na espasyo. Ang kahilingan sa Pagbakante ay alinsunod sa Patakaran ng Lupon I-103: Mga Pagbakante sa Kadalian ng Bukas na Espasyo at ang Seksyon ng Kodigo sa Kalye at Lansangan 8325.

LOKASYON: Hilaga ng Lake Jennings Park Road sa pagitan ng El Monte Road at Laurel Canyon Road sa Lakeside Community Planning Area, sa loob ng unincorporated San Diego County (APN 395-014-24).

KALAGAYAN SA KAPALIGIRAN: Ang proyekto ay nasuri bilang pagsunod sa Batas sa Kalidad ng Kapaligiran ng California (CEQA). Isang addendum sa dating nakumpletong Kasunod na Binabaang Negatibong Deklarasyon Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (Clearing House ng Estado No. 2022040551) ay naka-file sa Mga Serbisyo sa Pagpaplano at Pagunlad bilang Numero ng Pagsusuri sa Pangkapaligiran PDS2023ER-23-14-011.

TULONG PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN: Available ang mga agenda at talaan sa mga alternatibong format kapag hiniling. Makipag-ugnayan sa opisina ng Clerk ng Lupon ng mga Superbisor sa 619-531-5434 para sa mga tanong o para humiling ng tirahan na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan. Ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng mga tagasalin ng sign language ay dapat makipag-ugnayan sa Countywide ADA Title II Coordinator sa (619) 531-4908. Sa abot ng makatwirang posible, ang mga hiling para sa akomodasyon o tulong ay dapat na isumite nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang pulong upang magawa ang mga pagsasaayos.

Ang isang lugar sa harap ng mga silid ng pagdinig ay maaaring italaga para sa mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng paggamit ng wheelchair o iba pang naa-access na mga aparato.

TANDAAN: Kung hahamunin mo ang aksyon na maaaring gawin sa panukalang ito sa korte, puwede kang limitado sa pagsulong lamang ng mga isyung isinusulong mo o ng ibang tao sa pampublikong pagdinig sa itaas, o sa nakasulat na sulat na inihatid sa Katawan ng Pagdinig sa o bago ang pagdinig.

Maaaring limitahan o ipataw ng Mga Panuntunan ng Lupong Pagdinig ang mga kinakailangan sa pagsusumite ng naturang nakasulat na sagot.

Para sa dagdg na impormasyon tungkol sa panukalang ito, makipag-ugnayan kay Cathleen Phan sa (619) 756-5903 o sa Cathleen.phan@sdcounty.ca.gov.

10/11, 10/18/23 CNS-3744677# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USa

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 18-20, 2023

5

Bengals’ Fil-Am rookie Andrei Iosivas Survey shows Asian Americans’ lands 1st NFL touchdown on birthday religiosity driven by family, culture

by Hans Carbonilla Inquirer.net

IN an iconic National Football League moment, a FilipinoAmerican rookie marked his 24th birthday with a spectacular touchdown.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ promising wide receiver, Andrei Iosivas, caught a threeyard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Burrow.

Born in Japan to a Filipino mother and a Romanian father but based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Iosivas displayed exceptional skills and composure as he gave his team a lead of 14-7, firmly establishing presence on the NFL stage.

The thrilling play unfolded with 12 minutes and 20 seconds remaining in the second quarter, igniting the stadium with an eruption of cheers and applause.

In an interview with Spectrum News, the athlete shared that it was one of the best birthdays he had. “I had a couple of good ones as a kid. A TD on your birthday is comparable.”

The Hawaii native was drafted

Andrei Iosivas Photo from Instagram/@andreiiosivas

in the sixth round and made his second successful catch in his sixth game of the season.

Additionally, the team he plays for achieved two consecutive wins for the first time during the current season, and their overall record improved to 3 wins and 3

losses.

Get to know Andrei Iosivas more With his remarkable journey from college to the pros, the player with a mixed ancestry was nicknamed “The Romanian Rocket” as a child. His rich cultural background played a role in the young Iosivas’ ability to adapt to various environments throughout his upbringing.

He set his sights on the prestigious Ivy League, enrolling at Princeton University in 2018.

During his freshman year, he joined the junior varsity football team, where he honed his skills as a wide receiver.

According to Kollective Hustle, that season turned out to be quite exceptional and memorable, as it coincided with Princeton’s triumphant Ivy championship year, marking their first undefeated season since the historic milestone of 1964.

On Instagram, he posted some snapshots of his first NFL game, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of this momentous milestone in his football career. n

City of LA to celebrate Fil-Am History...

PAGE 1 entrepreneur Patrick Starrr, artist and cultural ambassador Anna Lisa de Guzman, and Broadway musical “Here Lies Love.”

The week after on Friday, October 27, the LA Board of Public Works, with Fil-Am commissioner Susana Reyes, will also present FAHM during its board meeting and honor and recognize Fil-Am employees from the Department of Public Works.

October marks the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, according to the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).

October 1992 was the first time the month dedicated to Filipino Americans was celebrated in the United States, a year after FANHS passed a proclamation.

In 2009, U.S. Congress declared October as Filipino

American History Month, and in 2015, then-President Barack Obama celebrated the first FAHM at the White House.

For 2023, FANHS shared this year’s theme as “1898: Recognizing 125 years of Philippine-American History,” marking the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris agreement between Spain and the United States that ended the Spanish American War and led to the U.S. annexation of the Philippines.

"As a result of the Treaty of Paris, Filipino people gained access to the U.S. during an era when other Asian countries were prohibited from doing so,” FANHS wrote.

Through the treaty, Filipino migrants were considered U.S. nationals until 1965 and could migrate to the U.S. and its territories without restrictions.

With this, many Filipinos contributed to the agricultural labor force in Hawaii and the west coast of the U.S. The Pensionado Act of 1903 paved the way for Filipino students

to attend U.S. universities until 1943, while American curricula and educational systems were introduced to the Philippines, FAHNS shared. This resulted in English proficiency and the recruitment of Filipino nurses, teachers and other professionals to the U.S. "The year 1898 also marks an important year in Philippine history. After centuries of Filipinos fighting against Spanish colonizers – with the most successful uprising being the Philippine Revolution (1896-1898) – the people of the Philippines declared their independence on June 12, 1898,” according to FAHNS. Throughout October, areas across the U.S. proclaim their own recognitions of the month, host celebrations and festivals, and other activities to highlight the community’s contributions to the country’s history.

Several events and exhibitions honoring the Filipino American community will be held throughout LA during this month. (AJPress)

74 percent of Filipino Americans identify themselves as Christians while 23 percent as religious nones

by Hans Carbonilla Inquirer.net

A SURVEY released on Oct. 11 by the Pew Research Center reveals a significant shift in religious identity among Asian Americans where it unveils an increasing pattern of nonreligious stances.

However, it is also important to note that 40 percent of the surveyed individuals, spanning various backgrounds, including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans, express a sense of religiosity driven by factors such as strong familial and cultural bonds.

It is a given fact that the Philippines is often referred to as a predominantly Christian country, which plays a significant role in the Filipino culture and societal norms. With the majority of its population adhering to Christianity, the Philippines stands as one of Asia’s largest Christian nations.

This is revealed by the survey with 74 percent of Filipino Americans identifying themselves as Christians, with 23 percent as religious nones or religiously unaffiliated.

Within the Filipino-American community, a nearly even distribution exists between Protestantism and Catholicism.

In addition, Born again or evangelical Protestants constitute 10 percent of the religious landscape.

The survey offers a glimpse into the complex nature of religions within Asian American cultures, particularly Filipinos. Religion has not only shaped beliefs but has also been intertwined with customs, traditions, and even national identity, creating a rich tapestry of faith that defies simple categorization.

This deep-rooted connection is evident in the country’s history, numerous churches, familial values, and religious festivals.

Importance of religion in Asian Americans Furthermore, Filipino Americans along with Koreans tend to have a higher rate of regular religious attendance

36 percent of Asian Americans report having an altar, shrine, or religious symbol within their homes, indicating the significance of personal and familial spirituality.

Unsplash.com photo by Isabella Fischer

compared to Vietnamese, Japanese, or Chinese Americans.

This means that they hear mass or go to church and have an altar at home for worshiping, which is fairly common among Filipinos who are Christian, with 66 percent of them in the survey saying that they have an altar at home.

Moreover, 36 percent of Asian Americans report having an altar, shrine, or religious symbol within their homes, indicating the significance of personal and

familial spirituality.

You may also like: Survey shows most Fil-Ams reluctant to move back to PH The findings provide insights into the complex relationship between religion, culture, and familial connections within the Filipino-American community and the broader Asian American population. It also highlights the ongoing process of redefining and reimagining religious identity in today’s multicultural society. n

6 OCTOBER 18-20, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Features

OpiniOn

Another hazing death

DESPITE the passage of two laws prohibiting violent initiation rites in fraternities and sororities, hazing is believed to have claimed another victim.

Police said Ahldryn Lery Bravante, a fourth year student of the Philippine College of Criminology, was dead by the time he was brought to the Chinese General Hospital on Monday night, October 16 by two members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

Bravante, 25, reportedly suffered difficulty in breathing and lost consciousness after being beaten and burned with cigarettes by fraternity members in an abandoned building in Sto. Domingo, Quezon City. It’s unclear if there were other hazing victims.

Police arrested the two men who brought Bravante to the hospital: Justine Artates, a third year criminology student in the same school, and Kyle Michael de Castro. Two others – Lexer Angelo Manarpies and Mark Leo Andales – surrendered to the Quezon City Police District early Tuesday, October 17. Police said the four – three of them just 20 years old – admitted participation in the hazing.

Whether training for the officer corps or pursuing a criminology course, some prospective members of the Philippine National Police seem to think violent initiation is a requirement for a career in law enforcement. The PNP Academy continues to be rocked periodically by reports

of cadets being beaten to death as part of hazing rites. Deadly hazing cases also continue to be reported at the Philippine Military Academy, whose graduates have been allowed to enter the PNP as officers despite the different skills sets required.

The slow pace of Philippine justice has to be among the reasons for the impunity.

Even when lethal hazing attracts national attention, the wheels of Philippine justice turn exceedingly slow to serve as a deterrent.

The parents of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castillo, for example, are still waiting for justice for the fatal hazing of their son in September 2017 at the hands of Aegis Juris fraternity members.

Violent initiation can be particularly worrisome for those who are preparing to pursue a career in law enforcement. The PNP faces enough problems trying to instill respect based methods of criminal investigation, along for human rights among its personnel. What with public support in crime deterrence and the police service needs is efficient, science- maintenance of peace and order. There must

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

be no room in law enforcement agencies for the senseless violence fostered by violent initiation rites. (Philstar.com)

Our world is on fire

Babe’s Eye View BABe roMuAldez NEVER in the recent history of the world have we seen so much devastation taking place in the past five years alone. It’s as if we all woke up one morning to the reality of a nightmare – catastrophes, calamities and conflicts that have set the world on fire.

When news first came out in December 2019 about a mysterious respiratory illness that was afflicting the residents of Wuhan in China, no one could have imagined that this would result in a nightmare that would kill tens of millions of people worldwide without a single bullet being fired.

Caused by a virus named SARSCoV-2, the COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives of people across the globe, not caring whether you’re rich or poor, utterly disregarding age, gender, race or religion. The pandemic’s impact has been overwhelming, with over 771 million cases of infection recorded to date,

while the death toll associated with COVID-19 is estimated at close to 30 million. While the World Health Organization has declared an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency last May, there are still new cases of infection today, with scientists wary about virus mutations.

People lost jobs as a lot of businesses closed. And just as many countries were starting to see a glimmer of hope in recovering from the economic ramifications of the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year set it all back, with millions displaced and experts warning that two decades worth of economic progress would be lost with the conflict dragging on.

As a United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs article had described it, the war in Ukraine will leave “lasting scars” on the global economy. President Marcos, in calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, warned that the effects would be “so far-reaching and profound to the detriment of the many economies and the food supply of everyone in the world.”

Today climate change is upon us – with heatwaves, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, storms and typhoons increasing in frequency and intensity. In July, temperatures rose to record high proportions of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit across three continents – North America, Europe and parts of Asia – to the point that climate experts likened the heat to a giant pizza oven. But while some nations experienced hellish heat, other countries were battered by heavy rains and strong typhoons that caused devastating floods and displaced hundreds of thousands, among them the Philippines.

And now, the raging IsraelHamas war that began on Oct. 7 when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a horrific attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of at least 1,300 Israelis that include women, children and the elderly, while hundreds of soldiers and civilians, including foreigners who took part in the Supernova music festival in the Negev desert, were taken to Gaza as hostages. In response to the horrific massacre, Israel

launched air strikes that has also resulted in the death of over 1,300 people.

It was heart-wrenching to see photos of the slain, especially that of an infant whose body was covered in blood – victim of the brutal assault launched by Hamas. Among those killed are three overseas Filipino workers, one of them a nurse named Angeline Aguirre who refused to leave her elderly patient behind when the Hamas militants attacked Kibbutz Kfar Gaza.

In a post on X, Jerusalem deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum paid tribute to the heroism of Angeline. “Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining by Nira’s side during the violence, resulting in both of them being brutally murdered by Hamas,” Hassan-Nahoum shared.

Angeline embodies the kind of dedication that OFWs put into their work – even to the point of sacrificing their lives – unique in many ways for Filipinos and a trait much appreciated all over the world.

Admitting that it was a “most

difficult phone call” to make, President Marcos assured families of the slain OFWs of his utmost support and directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to look for the three that remain missing, and to work on exit options for Filipinos seeking repatriation from Gaza.

Not surprisingly, the world is looking at the United States and expecting it to play a major role in helping de-escalate the conflict, with State Secretary Antony Blinken assuring Israel of unwavering U.S. support and traveling to countries in the region – Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain – for ways to release American and other hostages and prevent the conflict from further spreading.

But the world is concerned about how the United States would help deter the conflict from spreading due to the political situation, as the House has yet to elect a new Speaker and the budget is once again uncertain with the temporary stopgap running out on Nov. 17. The U.S. domestic political situation combined with the two major worldwide conflicts taking

place simultaneously are making countries uneasy because a distracted U.S. could encourage some countries in making aggressive moves, particularly in the Indo Pacific region.

The conflict has triggered student protests from pro-Israel and pro-Palestine sympathizers, with universities across cities in the U.S. becoming flashpoints.

Street demonstrations from opposing sides of sympathizers have also started in Rome, Barcelona, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Vancouver, Paris, Pakistan – with fears that this could increase in intensity, putting people on edge that the situation would be exploited by terrorist groups.

It is said that “violence spawns more violence,” which only means we can expect more future violence. As Christians, we can only hope and pray for God’s mercy. (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

An embarrassment of secrets

Sketches

AnA MArie PAMintuAn NOT too long ago, there were only “contingent” and “special” funds. The meaning was deemed to be straightforward: a contingency refers to an emergency, or an unforeseen special event requiring the rapid allocation of public funds.

“Intelligence funds” were associated mainly with national security and peace and order matters. Except for the sectors targeted in the counterinsurgency campaign, few people questioned the allocation of intelligence funds for the military, police and other agencies with security-related mandates.

Today we’re confronted with a dizzying array of terms for billions of pesos in public funds that are subjected to practically zero government auditing, with their utilization up to the full personal discretion of the beneficiary agency or its head.

Apart from contingent and special funds, there are the “confidential” funds for civilian agencies, and the “extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses” for

the two chambers of Congress.

Local government units, meanwhile, seem to have both confidential and intelligence funds – the whole CIF hog. LGUs are authorized to declare, at will, up to a third of their annual appropriation as secret funds.

The amounts involved are not peanuts: a chartered city, for example, can have an annual budget of P1.5 billion, which will allow the mayor to declare around P460 million as confidential funds. *** Vice President Sara Duterte has not deigned to enlighten the public about how she intends to spend P500 million in confidential funds for the Office of the VP plus another P150 million for the Department of Education, which she concurrently heads.

But with the House of Representatives rejecting her secret funding proposal, former president Rodrigo Duterte, in a rare public defense of his daughter, said he saw VP Sara’s intended purposes.

These, he said, include conducting seminars, field trips and other activities that would ignite patriotism among the youth.

“She will be spending it on strengthening the PMT in high school to instill a love for the

country among the youth,” he said, referring to the preparatory military training.

But why should such expenditures require secret funding? All along we thought such expenditures must be sourced from the regular budget of government offices, covered by official receipts, properly identified for funding during congressional budget deliberations and subject to regular full audit.

“Special funds,” we’re finding out, can also be used for public relations and entertainment purposes. “Public relations” can cover expenses for “KBL” – kasal, binyag, libing (wedding, baptism, funeral).

Those pakimkim, abuloy and wreaths you receive from “generous” elected officials for KBL, folks, came from your own tax money. As we say in Pinoyspeak, you’re being fried in your own oil.

Why do such expenditures have to be exempted from regular audit? It’s understandable that people who provide intel to security forces would want to keep their identities top secret, for their personal safety. But why would owners of venues for seminars and special events, and operators of restaurants

and flower shops want to keep their identities and businesses confidential? They are required by law to issue official receipts and pay taxes. Unless they are engaged in illegal government deals, surely they would even want to have their enterprises publicized to invite more business.

Unlike in the security sector, where the sources of intel are the ones who need full confidentiality, officials in civilian agencies are the ones who want to keep their utilization of people’s money top secret. This goes against constitutional provisions on public accountability. *** Duterte, in his uncharacteristic public defense of his daughter, lashed out at Speaker Martin Romualdez, widely believed to be the ambitious “tambaloslos” (a mythical monster with oversized cojones) whom VP Sara had slammed after that failed attempt to unseat President Marcos’ favorite cousin from the top House post.

Romualdez has been “feeding congressmen with cash” because of his presidential ambitions, Duterte claimed, as he called for an audit of House expenditures.

A former political adviser said Duterte, who should know

whereof he speaks, could be referring to the annual extraordinary expense allocation of P1.5 billion to P2 billion enjoyed by a House speaker.

No wonder Gloria MacapagalArroyo allegedly plotted a coup (she denied it) to replace Romualdez. And when GMA consequently was stripped of her post as senior deputy speaker, her ally VP Sara threw a fit and quit the Lakas-CMD. The House super majority is circling the wagons, taking offense at Duterte’s description of the chamber as the “most rotten institution” and pointing out that the Office of the President had the greatest surge in its CIF during his watch.

House secretary general Reginald Velasco said the House has no CIF and its extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses are subject to regular accounting and auditing rules. The House has passed the COA audit, he said.

Senators led by Senate President Migz Zubiri said the same thing, denying like the House members that they have confidential funds.

Duterte’s former spokesman Harry Roque, a former party-list congressman, said extraordinary and miscellaneous

expenses are worse than CIF in the public accountability department, with no OR or other documentation required. During his stint in Congress, Roque said all that was required was a “certification of expenses.” That sounds more opaque than an “acknowledgment receipt.”

Panfilo Lacson had been saying this all along, having served as a senator: while the pork barrel was officially removed, lawmakers have many other ways of circumventing the prohibition. But accounting expertise and patience are needed to peel away the layers that conceal these “pork” replacements in the national budget.

Thanks to what is shaping up as warfare and disintegration of the vaunted UniTeam, these replacements are gradually coming to light.

Taxpayers have a message to those who believe they are entitled to “unli” authority without accountability in using people’s money: a pox on all your houses. (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.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

US HEADQUARTERS: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 18-20, 2023

7

Sotto, Go top senatorial preference survey Air Force general appointed new PSG chief

by William B. Depasupil

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named Brig.

Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as the new head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), Malacañang announced on Tuesday, October 17.

“Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson B. Morales has been appointed as the Commander of the Presidential Security Group, taking the place of Brig. Gen. Ramon P. Zagala,” Communication

ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Senate president Vicente "Tito" Sotto" III and Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go would be sure winners if the midterm elections were held today, an independent , non-commissioned survey conducted by a nongovernment organization showed.

On the third spot was partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo with 64.5 percent, followed by Senators Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. with 63.8 percent and Francis Tolentino with 63.6 percent.

Sen. Ma. Imelda Josefa "Imee" Marcos was in the sixth spot with 55.8 percent, followed by her first cousin, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, with 53.4 percent.

Rounding up the top 12 were Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and former vice president Leni Robredo with 51.7 percent and 50.9 percent, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Sen. Pia Cayetano with 40.3 percent and 39.6 percent, respectively.

Several presidential candidates from the previous election were also in the rankings.

Former senator Manny Pacquiao led the group with 37.2 percent, positioning him in the 12th to 14th spot.

He was followed by former senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson

Former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go. File photo

(36.9 percent) and former Manila City mayor Isko Moreno (36.5 percent), also in the 12th to 14th range.

Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid got 25.3 percent; Dr. Willie Ong, 24.7 percent; ex-vice president Noli de Castro Jr., 20.2 percent; former senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, 19.8 percent; and television personality Willie Revillame, 19.4 percent.

Former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista completed the list, ranking 20th with a voter preference of 17.1 percent.

Dr. Paul Martinez from RPMD said the "2025 Senatorial Preferences" is a segment of the "Boses ng Bayan" nationwide survey.

Martinez said that a robust sample of 10,000 respondents was meticulously selected

randomly from a vast panel of 65.75 million registered voters across the country.

For equitable representation, the percentage of participants was judiciously distributed across various regions of the country: 12 percent were from Metro Manila, 23 percent hailed from Northern Luzon, 22 percent were residents of Southern Luzon, 20 percent were from the Visayas, and the remaining 23 percent were from Mindanao.

The survey included only registered Filipino voters who are not affiliated with any political entity, ensuring that the outcome authentically mirrors the unbiased sentiments and preferences of the voting demographic. The results of this extensive survey carry a marginal error of just 1 percent (+/-). n

PH hailed as ‘Asia’s best cruise destination’

by Ghio onG Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has been recognized by an international body as the “best cruise destination in Asia” for this year.

The country was awarded as “Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023” at the World Cruise Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last Sunday, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The Philippines bested other nominees India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, the website of the World Cruise Awards said.

In a statement on Monday, October 16, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the agency is grateful for the accolade, which was given to the country for the first time.

“This first-time recognition as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 is a big win for Philippine tourism as it reflects a resounding global preference for our island destinations,” Frasco said.

The World Cruise Awards is the “sister event of the World Travel Awards,” which also hailed the Philippines as “Asia’s leading dive destination” for this year.

Meanwhile, the country is expecting 128 cruise calls at 33 destinations, which could “bring in more than 101,000

passengers and some 50,000 in estimated crew,” according to Frasco.

So far, Manila and parts of Palawan and Romblon have received passengers and crew from cruise ships this year.

Popular beach destination Boracay as well as Subic are also expecting the arrival of cruise ships, while Mindanao is being groomed by DOT as a cruise destination.

The agency has vowed to make the Philippines become more attractive to travelers onboard cruise ships as part of the government’s efforts to revive the tourism industry battered by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. n

Huwag maghintay para mapangalagaan ang iyong kinabukasan.

KUMILOS NA NGAYON

1-866-861-6809

CaMortgageRelief.org Higit pa sa kaluwagan sa utang

Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

Morales served as the deputy wing commander of the PAF’s Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, based in Davao City.

Garafil said Zagala would assume his new role as commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Zagala comes from a family whose military heritage spans three generations – his

grandfather, Col. Ramon Zagala, and father, Maj. Gen. Rafael Zagala.

He entered the Officer Candidate School in 1993 and became his class' 1st Captain, earning him the Chief of Staff Saber.

He was commissioned to the regular force on Aug. 9, 1994.

After he graduated from the Officer Candidate School in 1994, Zagala was assigned to different Army and general headquarter units. (PNA)

New bill makes EDSA anniversary permanent holiday

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

MANILA — A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to make the historic overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship a permanent annual holiday after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. dropped the EDSA People Power anniversary from next year’s holiday schedule.

Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay, 1st District) on Monday, October 16 filed House Bill 9405 declaring February 25 of every year as a regular, national public non-working holiday to commemorate the mass demonstrations that ousted the president’s father.

The annual declaration of the 1986 EDSA People Power as a national holiday has largely been left up to the discretion of presidents as there is no law that designates it as such, unlike Ninoy Aquino Day, which became a holiday through Republic Act 9256.

Instead, February 25 was declared a "special national holiday" through a presidential proclamation in 2000 by thenpresident Joseph Estrada.

This year, Marcos moved the EDSA People Power anniversary commemoration on February 24 — a Friday.

Malacañang made the announcement just a day before, saying that it would create a long weekend and promote holiday economics.

For 2024, Malacañang has defended the event’s exclusion from the list of holidays, saying that the event has "minimum

socioeconomic impact" as it falls on a Sunday and “coincides with the rest day for most workers/laborers.”

In filing HB 9405, Lagman said that the exclusion of the democratic milestone from the country’s holiday celebrations is a “continuing distortion of the verities about the evils and repression of the Marcos martial era.”

Past presidents have declared February 25 as a day of national celebration “irrespective of whether or not it falls on a Sunday,” Lagman said.

“The more Marcos Jr. would sweep under the rug of historical perfidy the profligacy and oppression of his father’s dictatorship, the more unreachable reconciliation and justice will be,” Lagman added.

Lagman said that the president and his allies in Congress — the lower chamber of which is ruled by his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez — are “forced to good in agreeing with the bill” because doing so otherwise would make them appear to support the excesses of the Marcos dictatorship.

“Why is the bill filed only now? We forgot that Filipinos are forgetful and sitting presidents would treat in varying degrees the celebration of the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution,” the lawmaker said.

“For this reason, albeit belatedly, there has to be a law memorializing the Filipino people's relentless crusade for freedom and democracy which

culminated in the ouster of Marcos, Sr,” Lagman added.

The bill's explanatory note also highlighted the importance of designating events as national holidays in preserving a nation's collective memory of its past.

"The imperative of memorialization cannot be overemphasized. In fact, an October 2020 report of the current United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence focused on memorialization processes as a fifth pillar of transitional justice,” the bill stated.

The Department of Education last month decided to shorten “Diktadurang Marcos” to a mere “Diktadura” in the Grade 6 Araling Panlipunan syllabus in the revised curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10.

Several anti-martial law advocates and human rights groups condemned the curriculum change — which became public knowledge due to an internal DepEd memorandum that circulated online — saying that the Marcos name cannot be detached from the rights abuses and ill-gotten wealth that characterized the Marcos dictatorship.

In 2022, Marcos was quick to dismiss any concerns that his administration would rewrite or remove history lessons pertaining to the abuses during his father's regime — once in his inaugural speech and again in his first State of the Nation Address. n

The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday OCTOBER 18, 2023

MAGAZINE

asianjournalpublications

@asianjournalcom

@asianjournal

www.asianjournal.com Los Angeles | Las Vegas | Orange County/Inland Empire | Northern California | New York/New Jersey

Pia Wurtzbach takes center stage at Mark Bumgarner’s LA show By kristel saMbile Inquirer.net

MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach continues to make her mark on the international fashion scene.

After capturing the audience at Milan Fashion Week, she mesmerized the fashion crowd again as she graced the Los Angeles show of Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner.

As the final muse for the show, Wurtzbach walked the catwalk with grace, donning a striking black strapless corset gown with a plunging neckline, a sheer bodice, and an elegant train.

Bumgarner’s collection was celebrated not only for

its exquisite designs but also for the hard work of his team.

“So many beautiful pieces

with Bumgarner, recounting how he had been dressing her for significant events since her Miss Universe days.

Bumgarner, in return, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Wurtzbach, who had flown from Europe to attend his Los Angeles show.

“I’m forever grateful. Love you to the moon and back.”

As Wurtzbach continues to shine on international runways, her accomplishments serve as an inspiration for individuals looking to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Without a doubt, Pia Photo from earlsemitara/Instagram Wurtzbach’s journey from beauty queen to fashion in this new collection,” said forerunner is a story of Wurtzbach. She also shared persistence and passion. her long-standing friendship

Soberano in Lotte World wearing a Korean high school uniform.

Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano

Liza Soberano’s top picks on what to do while in Seoul and Manila

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

Actress Liza Soberano, who has been traveling from Seoul to Manila and back for business reasons, has these recommendations for tourists who would love to explore both cities.

“Theme parks in Korea are so much fun,” Liza told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent virtual chat. “It’s also fun to experience them in a Korean high school uniform. I highly recommend it.

To be honest, it felt awkward for me at first, but when I saw older people doing it, I just thought of enjoying it.”

Another recommendation was to “just walk the streets and explore them on your own,” Liza said. “I’ve been to Korea quite a few times just by myself and it’s fun to kind of get lost in the city and not have any plans at all. This is a shock coming from me because I’m the kind of a traveler who likes to plan out everything. But when I’m in Korea, my trips are always last-minute and I’ve had a few times when I would just go out and walk and walk until I can’t walk anymore. I just try different types of food. I also like to sit in cafes and daydream or watch people walking.”

Fun experience According to Liza, another fun experience is visiting Dongdaemun market. “It’s the Korean version of Divisoria’s 168, but it’s different in the sense that Dongdaemun is like a mega mall for business people.

You can only shop there if you have a business permit or if you buy wholesale, so I got to

experience Dongdaemun for my series (‘Liza in Korea,’ now streaming on YouTube).”

She continued: “There are so many people trying to sell, mostly clothing products and accessories. You will see different people, including Chinese and Japanese. What they like to do is go to the different shops and livestream the products. It’s similar to liveselling. I know that there are a lot of business-oriented people in the Philippines and maybe this is something that they would like to explore. ”When it was time for her to give her Top 3 recommendations on what to do while in Manila, Liza said: “This is so hard! I have a lot of K-poploving friends who come to the Philippines to watch concerts and they are always asking me what is there to do in Manila.

To be honest, I don’t know because I’m such a homebody. I don’t really go out unless it’s for work.” Very diverse Liza added: “Whenever my friends would ask, I would always say I don’t think Manila is the perfect representation of what the Philippines has to offer. Yes, it’s full of our culture, but I think it’s also very diverse.

In fact, they get shocked that a lot of people in Manila speak English well. I tell them that, ‘If you really want to experience the Philippines for what it has to offer, go to places like Cebu or Palawan; go to the beaches in the provinces because traffic is always heavy in Manila. But if you want to see or understand more of the culture, you can go to the museums or to Intramuros.’”

Juan Karlos Labajo sets new records with ‘Ere’ By lyka niCart Philstar.com

OPM singer-songwriter Juan Karlos Labajo has made “history” with his latest single ‘Ere’ becoming the first Filipino song to enter Spotify’s global chart. The emotionally charged track is also the Philippines’ most streamed local song in a day this year.

According to a post by Chart Data on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, ‘Ere’ debuted at the No. 177 spot with 1.22 million streams. As of Tuesday, it occupied the No. 58 spot on Spotify Top Songs Global.

‘Ere’ also broke the alltime record for the biggest single-day stream on Spotify Philippines with 1.39 million streams, surpassing American pop star Taylor Swift’s Mine (Taylor’s Version).

As of presstime, ‘Ere’ simultaneously ranks at No. 1 on the Philippine charts of audio-streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, iTunes and Deezer, Chart Data further said.

On the other hand, the music video on YouTube featuring the singer’s live performance has garnered 10 million views and is still trending at No. 2 for music.

Juan Karlos, also known as JK, first released ‘Ere’ in August. It is part of his Sad Songs and Bullsh*ts Part 1

JK Labajo’s Ere is the first Filipino song to enter Spotify’s global chart. It’s also the Philippines’ most streamed local song in a day this year.

Photo from Philstar.com

album launched last September.

“This album originally started out as a compilation of all the love songs that I made for someone whom I gave so much of myself to,” JK described his album in an Instagram post.

He added, “Eventually, things didn’t turn out the way I hoped for. The songs started to not make any sense. All the songs for love turned into songs for sadness.”

The 22-year-old singer also performed the song inspired from a breakup on the mysterythriller series Senior High where he stars as Gino.

community

9

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 18, 2023

PH Ballet Theatre presents ‘Music in Motion’ at UCLA campus on Oct. 21

Scene from “Unbreak My Heart”

ABS-CBN Entertainment

Gabbi Garcia stands by her ‘mean’ TV character

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

I DON’T approve of what she’s doing,” said Gabbi Garcia, who added that if she had her way with Xandra Zhang, her character in the drama series “Unbreak My Heart,” the latter wouldn’t have come out so rude and unforgiving.

“It’s true that audiences have opposing opinions about her.

Sometimes, people approach me in malls and say, ‘You’re so mean’ or ‘You have an attitude!’ While it’s a different story if you place Gabbi in the same situation, I try not to judge my character.

If I start forming an opinion about her, then portraying her would not be believable. Those are her own decisions. In order for the character to work, I have to really believe in her,” said Gabbi during a recent media gathering to promote the program’s final five weeks of airing.

Gabbi plays Rose, the estranged daughter of Jodi Sta. Maria.

Xandra grows up feeling angry toward the mom she never knew.

When they meet, secrets and sins emerge, threatening to break hearts that have already started to heal.

For Gabbi, what happened to Xandra in the finale “is justified in a way, but I feel that there should have been more,” she said.

“That’s what viewers have to watch out for.”

Gabbi has been getting rave reviews for playing Jodi’s daughter and leading lady to Joshua Garcia, who plays Renz.

“Aside from hard work, it also requires discipline,” she pointed out. “I’ve learned a lot from doing the series, especially from my directors (Emmanuel Palo and Dolly Dolu). It’s a project that I really wanted to do. It was intentional. I wanted to grow as an actor. Even I was surprised with myself. I realized that I just had to trust the people I work with, take the risk, and then jump.”

A different connection “Unbreak My Heart” is a groundbreaking project between GMA Network and ABS-CBN. It was partly filmed in Europe and is currently seen in 15 territories outside of the Philippines via the video-streaming service Viu. Gabbi said working with Jodi in “Unbreak My Heart” drew them close. “I never expected that she would end up as my big sister. We both think that connection we created was different.

Even off-cam, we jive,” the actress said. “After the show, I was still able to visit Ate Jodi in her home. Ours isn’t just a ‘taping relationship.’ It went beyond that. It’s rare for me to find that kind of relationship in this industry, so I really treasure and value it.”

Gabbi said she knew Joshua prior to working with him in the series, but it was on the set that they were able to have “deep conversations.”

She explained: “He’s always been very open. But since it’s usually the two of us who are together on the set, our relationship grew closer. When it came to deep conversations, these really helped because we trusted each other even more.”

Jodi is known to share words of wisdom with her younger coactors so Gabbi was asked to recall those she heard from Jodi Continued on Page 10

LOS ANGELES – The Philippine Ballet Theatre, the pre-eminent ballet company in the Philippines under the aegis of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, is set to perform “Music in Motion” at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA on Saturday, October 21. The 26-member company will present a stunning program that weaves classical ballet with indigenous and traditional Filipino dances in a presentation that features special appearances by the acclaimed concert pianist Dr. Raul Sunico as well as the Concert King of the Philippines, Martin Nievera.

“Act 1 is called ‘Ibalon’, an original Filipino ballet lifted from the well-known Bicolano,” explained Marilou Magsaysay, president of Philippine Ballet Theatre. “It is a story of love and kindness, the very things this world needs most of. It features Ron Jaynario’s choreography of colorful dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao accompanied by original music from Paulo Zarate.”

Executive producer Rosie Chua is planning an unforgettable night of entertainment. “Our dear friend, Martin Nievera, will be singing some of his most popular songs accompanied by acclaimed concert pianist Raul Sunico,” explained Chua.

“And they will be joined by the PBT dancers on stage for a spectacular celebration of the upcoming holiday season!”

“I always look for an excuse to sing before an L.A. audience,” confessed Nievera.

“And to be able to sing my hit songs, including a Christmas song that I wrote myself and put to dance would be a treat, especially for me!”

There are many other surprises awaiting patrons of the one-night-only presentation.

A pre-concert VIP reception will showcase the contemporary designs of Cora Manimbo.

The self-taught designer

creates wearable fashion from indigenous Philippine textiles (piña cloth from Aklan; abel from Ilocos Norte; malong and yakan from Cotabato; Ifugao from the Mt. Province, etc.) and has made a name for herself amongst her Philippine fashion-conscious clientele.

The reception will also present traditional Philippine cuisine prepared by Arko Foods. The VIP reception package includes priority seating.

“Music in Motion” marks Philippine Ballet Theatre’s third appearance in Los Angeles with a new presentation. “Their

performances are always breathtaking and inspiring, and I know that our audience will be amazed!” said Chua, who is overseeing this special evening of Philippine cuisine and talent.

All audience members will be eligible for a raffle drawing with the winners receiving a genuine pearl necklace, domestic airline tickets to destinations of their choice and other prizes. The grand prize winner will receive a roundtrip ticket to the Philippines sponsored by Philippine Airlines, the major sponsor of “Music in Motion.”

During the Holiday celebration segment, the stage will be decorated with Philippine made parols especially designed for this performance. Audience members will have the opportunity to purchase these parols after the show and can also enjoy traditional Christmas treats and delicacies from Arko Foods. The evening show will be hosted by ABC7 field reporter Christiane Cordero. “This show is also a small fundraiser,” added Chua. “We will be supporting the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.”

“Music in Motion” is proudly sponsored by Asian Commodities, Philippine Airlines, Arko Foods, Island Pacific Supermarket, GTT International, LBC, Ascott Limited Philippines, Ambrosia Delights, One La Salle, Gerry’s Restaurant & Bar, Print Hub USA, Mama Sita’s and Max & Lucy’s along with support from Asian Journal, So Jannelle, US Asian Post and Weekend Balita.

UCLA students, faculty, staff and administration can take advantage of a $5 discount on any price tiers by showing a valid UCLA I.D. at Central Ticket Office.

“We hope the Bruin campus population can support this fantastic ensemble of artists who are coming from the Philippines to share their talents in this unforgettable show,” said Ted Benito, who is producing the presentation for LXV Enterprises, LLC. “It’s rare for audiences to experience this magical mix of traditional classical ballet and indigenous Philippine dance.

It’s going to be a phenomenal performance!” he exclaimed.

Tickets are $200 (which includes the VIP-reception package), $100, $75, $50 and balcony seats at $35. Patrons should go to ROYCEHALL. ORG or call 818.859.3108 or 213.458.0582 for tickets and further information.

10 community The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 18, 2023

Gabbi Garcia stands by her ‘mean’ TV...

From Page 9 that struck her the most. “She told me, ‘You’re not a robot.

It’s okay to make mistakes or feel tired.’ I appreciated the gesture. Ate Jodi also told people that she enjoyed working with me because I take my craft very seriously. It’s because of those compliments that I feel more inspired, that I now have a stronger drive to work.”

‘I’m only human’ However, Gabbi clarified that there was never a point when she felt burned out or that she wanted to quit being an actress. “Ate Jodi just had to remind me that I’m not a robot because I had worked on ‘Urduja,’ which is a primetime series on GMA 7, before flying to Europe to shoot for ‘Unbreak.’ I had no breaks at all,” she explained. “When I got back to Manila, I did ‘Urduja’ again and then did ‘Unbreak’ immediately after.

Exhaustion was really a big factor. I’m only human, it’s normal to feel tired,” she said.

Gabbi said she enjoyed her long chats with Jodi the most. “We can talk for four hours straight. With the two of us, the flow of topics seems endless. We didn’t just talk about show biz. I would seek her advice on something, while, sometimes, I would just rant to her. On some occasions, she would open up to me. We’re always updated with what’s happening to each other,” Gabbi declared.

“She also suggested that we bond while she’s cooking dinner, since her house is just close to mine. We’re both from the South. I’ve already met her whole family—her mom, as well as her famous cat, Naia. I love pets in general. And like me, Ate Jodi also has a senior dog,” she said.

In this interview with Inquirer Entertainment, Gabbi

revealed that she would be doing a film by the end of the year, but isn’t allowed to share specifics about it just yet. She also admitted that the project she was supposed to do with Jericho Rosales got canceled.

“I was just told that there’s no more chance for that one to happen. Of course, I felt sad, especially because I’ve already read the script and liked it. I just feel that there’s a reason for everything. I believe in perfect timing. I’m sure we will cross paths again soon,” she stressed.

The event, held on Friday night (Oct. 13) at the ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City, was also attended by GMA 7 senior vice president for programming Annette GozonValdes and Viu Philippines deputy country manager Vinchi Sy-Quia, as well as cast members Maey Bautista, Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, Nikki Valdez and Sunshine Cruz.

What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes WHAT is the difference between a divorce and an annulment? Many people think these concepts are the same and interchangeable. There are many differences between the two concepts. A divorce ends a valid existing marriage.

In a nullity, a determination is made about the validity of the marriage itself. When a marriage is annulled, it has the same effect as if the marriage never existed. A nullity results in a void.

In California, any spouse can obtain a divorce regardless of the reason. A common basis used is a catchall phrase “irreconcilable differences.”

However, anyone who wants to end a marriage can end the marriage and there is nothing the other spouse can do to stop that. However in a petition for nullity, the court will not automatically grant you the nullity. There has to be a legal basis for seeking the nullity as outlined in the family code. Some of the basis are 1) entering into a bigamous marriage 2) incestuous marriage 3) fraud in obtaining the other spouse’s consent to marriage 4) incurable physical incapacity 5) unsound mind among others. The petitioner would have to prove one of these grounds in court to be able to get a nullity.

In a Nullity, there is a statute of limitations. That means you have to file your

nullity within a certain time period depending on the basis for seeking the Nullity.

Each ground has a different statute of limitation. For example, if you are filing the nullity based on fraud, you have to file within 4 years of discovering the fraud. If you blow the statute of limitation, this can be used as a defense to dismiss your case. On the other hand there is no statute of limitation in a divorce. You can file a divorce at any time regardless of how long you have been separated from your spouse.

In a divorce, husband and wife are presumed to be the parents of children born during the marriage. In a Nullity, the marriage has no validity so it will affect the presumption of parentage of the children.

The Court will have to make a finding of parentage for the children on a different basis before it can make orders relating to custody, visitation, and support.

The treatment of spousal support (alimony) is different between the two. In a divorce, the spouse that has less earning capacity and access to resources may seek an award of spousal support. This is not available in a Nullity since the marriage is invalid and there is no spouse as a result.

The division of property is also different. In a divorce, community property is divided equally between the spouses.

In a nullity, since there is no valid marriage, there is no community property created and properties are not divided between the spouse. Similarly, neither party can receive survivorship benefits and inheritance rights from the other party in a Nullity.

Finally, there are different immigration consequences between a divorce and a nullity when an immigrant spouse is involved. In a divorce, the immigrant spouse who obtains a greencard from a US Citizen spouse stands a bigger chance of keeping his or her greencard and ultimately become a U.S. Citizen. In a nullity, the immigrant spouse may lose their greencard status when the marriage is found to be invalid since it is the basis for the greencard. It can jeopardize the immigration status of the legal permanent resident spouse. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Calendar of events OCTOBER: FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH OCTOBER 21

Pista Sa Nayon 2023-BASC 36th Anniversary 6pm - 12mn DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park 700 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620 For inquiries email us at info@basc87.org.

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 9

Debbie Torres Jazz Pianist 7pm Catalina Jazz Club 6725 W. Sunset Blvd. Hollywood www.catalinajazzclub.com

NOVEMBER 17 - 26

LA Auto Show 7pm Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 https://laautoshow.com/

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 18, 2023

11

12

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 18, 2023

PRESYONG

SULIT

NOT YET A MEMBER?

SIGN UP & SAVE!

FALL SEASON SAVINGS

TEXT BONUS TO 87573 OR ASK OUR CASHIERS ON HOW TO

PROMO PERIOD | OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

SEAFOOD SAVINGS

% 0 3 e v Sa

Fresh

0% Save 4

CATCH

PORK LEG WITH SKIN BONELESS

WILD | USA

FRESH CALIFORNIA SQUID

2.29

$

2.99

$

/LB

/LB

WAS $4.99/LB | SAVE $2.00

WAS $3.29/LB | SAVE $1.00

MEAT SULIT SAVINGS

% Save 20

% Save 30

% Save 50

ISLAND PACIFIC FPFC

WILD | USA

YELLOWFIN TUNA STEAK

2.99

CHICKEN BREAST BONELESS

1.99

$

FARM | TAIWAN

MILKFISH (BANGUS)

$

/LB

3.99

$

/LB

WAS $4.29/LB | SAVE $1.30

WAS $4.99/LB | SAVE $1.00

WAS $3.99/LB | SAVE $2.00

% Save 34

PRODUCE SULIT SAVINGS % Save 70

1.99

$

/EA

WAS $1.69/EA | SAVE $1.19

2.99

$

/LB

WAS $2.99/LB | SAVE $1.00

WILD CAUGHT | NORWAY

FARM | ECUADOR

NORWEGIAN SABA MACKEREL

JUMBO WHITE SHRIMP HEAD-ON

5.99

2.29

OKRA (LADY FINGERS)

HONEY TANGERINE

50¢

% Save 14

0% Save 4

% Save 33

GREEN ONION

/LB

$

/LB

$

/LB

WAS $6.99/LB | SAVE $1.00

WAS $3.49/LB | SAVE $1.20

WAS $4.99/LB | SAVE $2.00

/LB

GROCERY SULIT SAVINGS % Save 28

% Save 38

% Save 37

% Save 30

% Save 33

EXCELLENT CANTON NOODLES 16OZ

UFC BANANA SAUCE (REGULAR) 19.5OZ

WAS $4.99/EA | SAVE $2.98

WAS $2.39/EA | SAVE $1.78

2FOR/$7 % Save 30

% Save 29 ISLAND PACIFIC JASMINE RICE 25LBS

PAMPANGA PORK TOCINO 12OZ

DATU PUTI VALUEPACK

$

$

$

4.99

19.99

/BAG

WAS $31.99 | SAVE $12.00

MAGNOLIA ICE CREAM ASSORTED FLAVORS 1.5QT

0% Save 4

8.99

$

/EA

WAS $10.99 | SAVE $2.00

INDOMIE MI GORENG VALUEPACK (CHICKEN/ REGULAR/HOT & SPICY)

2.99

$

% Save 24

REBISCO FUDGEE BAR SELECT VARIANTS 10PACK

/EA

WAS $3.69 | SAVE 70¢

/EA

WAS $5.99 | SAVE $2.00

WAS $6.89 | SAVE $1.90

% Save 19

% Save 18

3.99

/EA

2.99

$

/EA

WAS $4.99 | SAVE $2.00

Same Day Delivery & Curbside Pickup | Just download the app

Use code

FREE60

11.99

/PK

WAS $16.99 | SAVE $5.00

2FOR/$7

WAS $4.59/EA | SAVE $1.00

at checkout

% Save 37

MAGNOLIA CHEEZEE SPREAD (PLAIN/PIMIENTO) 17.6OZ

6.99

$

4FOR/$3 WAS $1.59/EA | SAVE $3.36

SMC COFFEE 3-IN-1 SUGAR FREE MILD/ORIGINAL/ STRONG) 10PACK

2FOR/$5

/EA

WAS $3.99/EA | SAVE $2.98

WAS $9.99 | SAVE $3.00

% Save 62

% Save 53

REBISCO CUP KEYK (ASSTD/ BUKO PANDAN/NUTTY CHOCO/ REGENT (CHEESE RING/ CHEEZY CHEESE/CHOCO SWEET CORN/SNACKU) 85G MOCHA) 10PC

YOUR FAVORITE FILIPINO SEAFOOD AND GROCERIES

Delivered FREE!

MAGNOLIA (PORK/ CHICKEN) BBQ 10PC

$

2FOR/$3

Save

REGENT (LOBSTER/ TEMPURA/KING CRAB) 100G

4FOR/$5

NORA (ARROZ CALDO/ CHAMPORADO/GINATAANG MAIS/GINATAANG MONGGO/ CHICKEN SOPAS) 48-90G

WAS $3.29/EA | SAVE $2.18

1.99

$

/EA

WAS $2.09/EA | SAVE 10¢

PROMO AVAILABLE AT ISLAND PACIFIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STORES LONGBEACH | WEST COVINA | CERRITOS | OXNARD | CANOGA PARK | SANTA CLARITA | TEMECULA | NATIONAL CITY | LAKE FOREST | GRANADA HILLS

ACCEPTED