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NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

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Marcos to visit LA, Hawaii after APEC

by Jean Mangaluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to travel to the Indo-Pacific command of the United States in Hawaii.

Marcos leaves for the U.S. on November 14.

An official from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the president has been invited.

“The president is being invited to visit the Indo-Pacific Command and he will also have a roundtable discussion with the Daniel K. Inouye

Joseph Alvarico

550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950

Asia-Pacific Center for security studies,” DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose said.

Marcos will be joined by the Philippine delegation during his visit to the Command.

Jose also mentioned a security briefing on West Philippine Sea is likely.

The DFA official believes the trip “adds a layer to the cooperation that we are trying to establish with like-minded states, in order to promote what we have been advocating all along – a rules-based order.”

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A Filipino educator is California’s Teacher of the Year

by daphne galvez Philstar.com

EXTENDING his exceptional dedication beyond the four walls of the classroom made Joseph Alvarico deserving to be chosen as one of California’s Teacher of the Year.

For this Filipino educator, teaching is more than just textbooks. As he puts it, “When the student comes into my classroom, I have to know what that student is feeling.”

Though he feels like a rockstar when teaching, he shines the spotlight on the real stars: his students. He believes that “In order for the kids to shine, I actually have to step back.”

With Alvarico championing empathy

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Only 8.5% of California Asians have updated their vaccine, booster FOR families everywhere, the beginning of November ushers in the excitement for upcoming holiday gatherings.

But it also means the onset of regular viral outbreaks, like the flu, respiratory virus (RSV), and, now, coronavirus.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is currently on a campaign to remind Californians to prioritize updating their vaccines, especially as national as well as cultural holiday gatherings are afoot.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine became available in September, but as of Oct. 31, only about 6.7% of all Californians have received it.

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SIMULATION. Personnel of the Manila Police District headquarters in Ermita simulate emergency situations during the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Nov. 9. The quarterly drill tests the ability and readiness of government offices and schools in case major disasters hit.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

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people.

“Our Philippine government has applied a trifocal approach towards TOURISM Secretary Christina Frasco tourism education from basic education to is leading the Philippine delegation at technical vocational to higher education, the highly regarded World Travel Market as the Marcos administration envisions the Minister’s Summit being held in London, Philippines to be the center for excellence United Kingdom. in terms of tourism training [programs],” On Monday, November 6, Frasco joined she said. global tourism leaders and ministers “We also apply a convergence approach and discussed the role of education in towards tourism education, wherein we transforming the world’s tourism industry. are in constant coordination with the Tourism education private sector by way of our Tourism Frasco underscored the Philippines’ Industry Board Foundation, a composite approach toward tourism education and of organizations from the entire tourism how the department is prioritizing it in value chain that continues to collaborate its local tourism blueprint, citing that the with government in order to ensure that government wants to deliver “quality the needs of the industry are matched with tourism education” to its asset, the Filipino u PAGE 2

by Rosette adel Philstar.com

by CRistina Chi Philstar.com

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MANILA — Legal experts and former government officials on Tuesday, November 7 filed a petition asking the Supreme Court (SC) to declare as unconstitutional the 2022 transfer of P125 million to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which is under Sara Duterte, as a confidential fund.

Petitioners also asked the High Court to order the OVP, which spent the fund in just 11 days in December last year, to return the P125 million to the government’s treasury.

In their 49-page petition, petitioners argued that the decision of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release the P125 million to serve as a confidential fund of the OVP was a “clear usurpation” of the legislative power of Congress.

The funds were released after then newly elected Vice President Sara Duterte requested P403.46 million for various purposes, P250 million of which were “confidential funds.”

The petitioners include Christian Monsod, one

DOT chief highlights Philippines’ tourism education approach at World Travel Market

Demoted again: House removes Duterte denies hand Arroyo from deputy speaker position in destabilization MANILA — The House of Representatives removed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the ranks of its deputy speakers during Tuesday’s (November 7) plenary session, stripping the former president of a House leadership title six months after she was demoted from the second-highest position at the lower chamber.

House Majority leader Manuel Dalipe said that House leaders decided to relieve Macapagal-

Malacañang file photo

SC asked: Declare Sara’s secret funds unconstitutional

Contributed photo

Ahead of holiday gatherings, health experts recommend receiving updated COVID, flu vaccines

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Philstar.com file photos

MANILA — Former president Rodrigo Duterte is baffled on how his name got dragged into supposed destabilization moves against the government.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier disclosed destabilization moves against the Marcos administration by some retired generals, and there were insinuations that Duterte is behind the moves.

“I really do not know how I was dragged into this,” Duterte said at the Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa program aired early Tuesday morning, November 7 over Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

While Duterte admitted talking with some retired generals, he denied plotting destabilization or a coup.

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A Marian statue is carried into Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart as part of a Filipino cultural procession that preceded a Mass of nearly 400 Filipino Catholic priests from across the U.S. on October 26, 2023.

National Association of Filipino Priests holds historic assembly in Newark

Archbishop Caccia leads mass for 400 Filipino priests in cultural event

IN a historic event, nearly 400 Filipino Catholic priests from across the United States came together in Newark for a cultural celebration on October 26. The gathering took place at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and featured a Mass presided over by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations.

This momentous occasion was part of the National Association of Filipino Priests (NAFP-USA)’s Fourth Assembly and marked the first time such a significant

number of Filipino priests congregated in the U.S. The festivities commenced with a joyful procession of Filipino Catholics carrying symbolic items representing the religious traditions of the Philippines, such as Simbang Gabi and Sinulog.

During the Mass, Archbishop Caccia reflected on his previous role as the Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines. He fondly recalled the warmth and hospitality of the locals, comparing it to the nation’s

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NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

DOT chief highlights Philippines’...

HOLIDAY ATTRACTION. A giant Christmas tree is the star attraction in Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City in this photo taken on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Araneta City has been putting up giant Christmas trees since 1981 to celebrate the Christmas season.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Marcos to visit LA, Hawaii after APEC...

PAGE 1 U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is a unified combatant command consisting of U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

It maintains the presence of U.S. military in Indian Ocean

and nearby portions of the Pacific.

Marcos will attend the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit 2023 in San Francisco, which will be held from November 15 to 17.

After which, he will go to Los Angeles, and then to Honolulu, said Jose.

During the trip, Jose said that Marcos will meet with the Filipino communities in all three cities. n

Demoted again: House removes...

PAGE 1 Arroyo and Rep. Isidro Ungab (Davao City, 3rd District) from their deputy speaker positions after they chose not to sign a “pivotal” House resolution to condemn “levied criticisms and scurrilous attacks against the House and its leadership.”

Of the nine deputy speakers, only MacapagalArroyo and Ungab did not sign the resolution, Dalipe said.

“By choosing not to sign the resolution, Deputy Speakers Macapagal-Arroyo and Ungab have demonstrated that their perspectives differ from the collective stance of the leadership,” Dalipe added.

House Resolution 1414, which was sponsored during Monday’s (November 6) plenary session, calls on the House to “(uphold) the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives and (express) appreciation, solidarity and support” for House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Specifically, the House resolution took exception to recent “statements made that undermine the independence, integrity and reputation” of the lower chamber.

While the resolution itself does not name names, House Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales (Pampanga) admitted during Monday’s plenary session that the resolution was in response to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s televised accusations about Romualdez’s alleged corrupt activities.

The House elected Rep. Antonio Tonypet Albano (Isabela, 1st District) and Rep. Yasser Balindong (Lanao del Sur, 2nd District) to replace the two lawmakers.

“While their contributions to the House are

PAGE 1 the curriculum that’s provided by the schools,” Frasco added.

The tourism chief cited that the DOT is working with the country’s education institutions to narrow the gap in addressing the mismatch between industry requirements for manpower, work readiness of the graduates of tourism and hospitality programs and make sure they will land employment opportunities suited for their courses.

The DOT has so far partnered with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through membership in the CHED Technical Panel for Tourism and Hospitality Programs, to provide inputs during review and updating of the curricula on tourism and hospitality courses. The department also participate in the holding of the Tourism Human Resource Congress every two years to update the industry and the academe on new trends and industry challenges.

The agency cited that it has prepared a five-year Philippine Tourism Human Capital Development Plan (2021- 2025) “to identify challenges and outline strategies to develop and harness worldclass Filipino tourism professionals.”

Aside from these initiatives, the DOT offers a Tourism Industry Skills Program which provides free regular training sessions to tourism both for formal and informal workers to retool, upskill, and equip them with new knowledge and skills to be globally-competitive.

The training sessions are delivered to tourism workforce in various sector as well as communitybased tourism organizations such as boatmen, souvenir vendors, massage therapists, taxi drivers, tourist police, among others.

Education tourism Speaking before the panel, Frasco also gave a spotlight to the Philippines as a destination shaping up education tourism, citing that the country educates not just Filipinos but also foreign professionals. She cited that the country is the fifth global provider for English as a Second Language (ESL) to international source markets such as South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand and some emerging markets like Vietnam, Mongolia and Russia.

“And so, we feel that by investing in education both by way of training as well as in education tourism, we would be able to position the Philippines towards our president’s vision of transforming it into Asia’s tourism powerhouse,” Frasco said.

The Philippine delegation to WTM, led by Frasco, is assisted by Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles. They are also joined by some 20 private sector tourism stakeholders.

Aside from tourism education, the delegation is also expected to forge connections between

appreciated and respected, the leadership believes that it is in the best interest of the House to have leaders who fully support and uphold the collective decisions and directions set forth by the leadership,” he added.

Asked for comment on why she did not sign the House resolution, Macapagal-Arroyo said in a message to reporters Monday night: “I’m currently out of the country. However, as I always said, I continue to support the leadership of Speaker Romualdez.”

A deputy speaker is the second-highestranking position in the lower chamber, right below the House speaker. Deputy speakers enjoy certain privileges that set them apart from other lawmakers, such as voting powers in all House committees and additional funding for their respective offices.

Before May, Macapagal-Arroyo used to hold the title of senior deputy speaker, which placed her above eight other lawmakers in the same position.

She was demoted to “unburden” her of the “heavy load required from the position,” Dalipe said.

Gonzales, a fellow Pampanga lawmaker who replaced Macapagal-Arroyo as senior deputy speaker, resigned from Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) during Monday’s plenary session to tag Duterte as the source of the remarks that “challenged the integrity of the House.”

Duterte is the chairperson of PDP-Laban.

In February, Macapagal-Arroyo filed a resolution to call on the House to declare its “unequivocal” defense of Duterte from being investigated by the PAGE 1 of the framers of the 1987 International Criminal Court. The resolution was Constitution; former finance also signed by Gonzales. n undersecretary Maria Cielo Magno; former Commission on Election commissioner Augusto Lagman; Ibarra Gutierrez, who served as spokesman of former vice president Leni Robredo and seven others.

Named respondents were VP Duterte for the OVP, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The petitioners argued that the transfer of funds from the national budget to the OVP is an exercise of legislative power, adding that it is Congress that decides how the budget will be spent, including on what programs or activities the money will be used.

They also argued that the transfer of the funds does not fall under the “delegated legislative power” of Congress under Special Provision No. 1 of the 2022 GAA. Under the said special provision, the Office of the President (OP) has the power to “approve releases to cover the funding requirements of ‘new or urgent activities or projects that need to be implemented or paid.’”

The petitioners said the provision does not allow Congress to delegate powers that are purely legislative, which

In this Nov. 6, 2023 photo, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco attends the World Travel Market Minister’s Summit in London.

DOT, TPB / Released

Philippine tourism product sellers and international buyers, build interest in hosting international events in the country and further promote Philippine tourist destinations.

Philippines on spotlight The country is also showcasing a Philippine Pavilion that features Filipino hospitality and talent with master weavers, mixologists, baristas to impress visitors.

Its design blends natural materials with Solihiya, a traditional Filipino pattern representing unity, strength and resilience, mirroring the spirit of the Filipino people. It also features bamboo bikes used when touring the Intramuros complex.

Visitors of the booth may also wear traditional Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog.

Frasco said the Philippines’ participation at the WTF will promote the country as a global destination with diverse offerings.

“This global exposure also helps us attract more investors that can enhance our portfolio of tourism gems and further President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal to position the country as a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” she said.

According to DOT, WTM gathers thousands of tourism professionals including leaders from across the globe such as executives of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). They convene to deliberate on tourism policy, strategy, development, and investment.

In 2022, WTM welcomed more than 35,000 tourism professionals from 184 countries. This year, it is expected to draw 20% more new exhibitors from different parts of the world, including high-profile participants from the UK. The event that opened November 6, is being staged until November 8 at the ExCel Convention Centre in London, UK. n

SC asked: Declare Sara’s secret funds...

Petitioners on November 7, 2023 file a petition against the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) “unconstitutional” spending of its P125-million confidential funds.

Philstar.com photo

includes the authority to make a complete law.

“The appropriation by executive fiat in clear violation of the legislative intent does not fall under the delegated legislative power under Special Provision No. 1 of the Contingent Fund in the GAA for FY 2022,” the petition said. Further, the petitioners argued that confidential funds do not fall under the funding allowed by the contingent fund.

The petitioners said the OVP’s budget in 2022 has items for the good governance program and traveling expenses, where the funds should have been transferred, but instead the contingency fund of the OP was sent to the “inexistent” confidential fund of the OVP. VP welcomes suit Vice President Sara Duterte

on Nov. 7 welcomed the petition challenging the constitutionality of her office’s P125-million confidential funds in 2022.

“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the legality of fund transfers. We hope that the wisdom of the Supreme Court will pave the way to finally end this matter,” Duterte said in a recorded statement.

With the petition pending before the SC, Duterte said she and her offices will remain focused on its mandates to raise “the level and quality of education in our country and protecting our students and DepEd staff from all kinds of threats and abuse.”

She also called on the public to focus on the rising prices of goods affecting “our students and their families.” n

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A Filipino educator...

An image of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila is carried into Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart as part of a Filipino cultural procession that preceded a Mass of nearly 400 Filipino Catholic priests from across the U.S. on October 26, 2023.

PAGE 1 and care for his students’ performances even in classes outside his own, his efforts have been recognized with Contra Costa County naming him as 2023 Teacher of the Year.

On top of this, he also received a call from California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announcing him as one of California’s Teachers of the Year, making him the only teacher chosen in the whole of Northern Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations, presided over a Mass of nearly 400 Filipino Catholic priests from across the U.S. at Newark’s Cathedral California.

“It’s an incredible moment,” Basilica of the Sacred Heart on October 26, 2023. he shared with his family in the Philippines.

His unexpected journey as a Filipino educator Though both his parents were teachers, Alvarico never expected to be one. This changed when he received a scholarship from De La Salle University-Manila but with a catch—he had to take up education and teach for a year.

National Association of Filipino Priests holds...

PAGE 1 humid climate. He commended the immigrant priests for their dedication to spreading the gospel across the globe, emphasizing that being a disciple is synonymous with being a missionary.

Archbishop Caccia stated in his homily, “You priests are all the light because you go and tell the good news to everyone in all parts of the world.”

The NAFP-USA’s Fourth Assembly, held from October 24 to 27, coincided with Filipino American History Month.

The gathering featured various events, including a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on October 25, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen of the Archdiocese of New York.

Auxiliary Bishop Michael A. Saporito from the Archdiocese

of Newark delivered a keynote address on “Priesthood in a Synodal Church” on October 26 at the Hilton Meadowlands.

The convention concluded on October 27 with Bishop Oscar Solis of the Diocese of Salt Lake City presiding over a Mass that emphasized the importance of unity among Filipino priests on their journey.

New Jersey is home to a substantial Filipino population, with 143,845 Filipinos residing in the state, according to 2018 U.S. Census Bureau data. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey revealed that a majority of Filipino Americans (54%) identify as Catholic.

To engage this community, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Filipino Apostolate offers various spiritual programs, gatherings, and social justice initiatives. n

Nearly 400 Filipino priests gathered for a cultural celebration and Mass at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on October 26, 2023.

Hundreds of Filipino lay Catholics — many dressed in colorful traditional attire — participated in a cultural celebration and Mass at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on October 26, 2023.

Duterte denies hand in destabilization...

PAGE 1 “What I said during our meeting, among others, was as long as there is no serious issue of corruption (there would be no coup),” Duterte said in a mix of English and Tagalog.?“What would bring the government down… is if the people would know that their money is being spent on personal matters.”

Duterte said he might have been misquoted because he does not think there is a serious issue of corruption in government at this time.

He added that he does not see any political turmoil.

“I do not see any in the horizon, however short or long. I don’t think that there are current issues big enough to create another turmoil. The biggest issue that would cause it would be corruption in government that’s rampant, uncontrolled and unabated,” Duterte said.

The former president is also confident that

the current administration has corruption under control and that the current president is not corrupt.

“Marcos, I would not say he is corrupt.

However, I would not make any categorical statement on the others because I do not have the wherewithals to enter into a discussion about it,” Duterte said.

Moreover, on a scale of 1 to 10, Duterte gave Marcos a passing rate of 6.

“He is performing not exceedingly well, but enough to make the people comfortable,” he added.

The former president also urged Filipinos to support Marcos. “Let us give the President sufficient time to attain his objectives and if he has fallen short, for him to correct it,” Duterte said. “It is still too early, let us give our support to the government.”

GMA, Ungab ousted Former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Davao City

3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab were ousted as deputy speakers last night by the entire chamber.

During Tuesday’s plenary session, Cagayan 1st District Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr. moved to replace Arroyo as deputy speaker with Isabela 1st District Rep. Antonio Albano.

Nolasco also pushed for Lanao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Yasser Alonto Balidong as deputy speaker replacing Ungab.

Without objection from any House member, the changes were declared approved by Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City Rep. Roberto Puno.

This came after the House overwhelmingly adopted House Resolution No. 1414 to show their support for Speaker Martin Romualdez against the tirades of Duterte, who earlier tagged the chamber as a “rotten institution.”

Ungab on Tuesday said he accepts the decision of the House leadership to strip him

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He then responded to an ad from Mt. Diablo Unified School District in Contra Costa County, California, and got an interview.

“They came, they actually came, the human resources came to the Philippines and interviewed me there,” he recalls.

The next thing he knew, the principal was then interviewing him via phone.

He then landed a job teaching at a middle school before moving to Ygnacio Valley High School, where he currently teaches engineering. Alvarico also runs the robotic club, where they have built 120-pound robots in just 8 weeks.

Aside from teaching, Alvarico is also passionate about diversity and college access. One project he has, through Cal Poly, is called Femmineers, which aims to encourage more girls to pursue studies in engineering.

(Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net) n

Ahead of holiday...

PAGE 1 “For many Asian cultures, we value and need this intergenerational social connectedness, as we look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also Diwali, Japanese and Chinese new years, and other Asian celebrations,” said Rohan Radharkrishna, chief equity officer for the CDPH. He added, “So, now is the time to get vaccinated to update your family and community immunity to prepare for the celebrations and winter gatherings, but the problem is that winter viruses can get in the way and pose serious health risks to our gatherings and cultural celebrations.”

While the numbers for COVID-19 are currently low, Radhakrishna said that health officials “anticipate cases to rise as it has each of the previous winters.”

As of Oct. 31, 8.5% of Asians in California are up to date on the latest COVID-19 vaccine. The rate for Asians aged 50 to 60 is 9.9%, and for those 65 and above, the rate is 16%.

“Overall, we know this is too low to be prepared for the fall and winter celebration season, so we need higher vaccination rates across the board, but especially for older Asians, who are at greater risk of getting sick,” Radhakrishna said.

He added that it is safe to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day and that the RSV virus vaccine is currently available, as well. Anyone aged 6 months or above is eligible for the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

Local officials are also stressing the importance of getting updated vaccines to avoid compacting hospitals and medical clinics.

“We have a good supply of COVID-19 and flu vaccines in Los Angeles County and there are options for everyone 6 months and older,” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “I hope that if many people take advantage of the updated vaccines, L.A. County can avoid a big surge in respiratory virus cases this winter that strains our healthcare system and leads to more deaths.”

As always, these vaccines are available for free for those who are uninsured and insured, and they are currently available at various pharmacies and through health insurance plans; patients can find vaccine providers at the state-ran https://myturn.ca.gov/.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

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Duterte denies hand... Mayor Gloria, Wounded Warrior Project announce first-in-nation collaboration

PAGE 3 of his position as deputy speaker.

In a statement, Ungab noted that he has been in Congress “long enough to understand the dynamics and interpersonal relations among its members.”

In May, Arroyo was also stripped of her “senior deputy speaker” title amid allegations that she was aiming for the speakership.

Following the demotion of Arroyo, who is a known political ally of the Duterte family, Sara Duterte resigned from the ruling Lakas-CMD party which supported her vice presidential campaign.

Go ahead, leave party Duterte is unfazed by moves of his colleagues to leave their main Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) following moves by Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio Gonzales to bolt out of the party after naming the former chief executive as a “threat” to the House.

“I respect his decision to go out of the party. And I would encourage those who are not in tune with us or hindi ninyo nagustuhan, you’re always welcome to go out,” Duterte said of Gonzales, who resigned from PDP-Laban during Monday’s (November 6) congressional session, where lawmakers adopted House Resolution 1414 which calls on the House to “(uphold) the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives and (express) appreciation, solidarity and support” for House Speaker Martin Romualdez.”

“Even if I remain to be the only one in PDP, OK lang sa akin. No problem,” he said, adding that even if he was the only one left in PDP in the whole country, “OK lang ako. Wala akong dynamics diyan.” Gonzales resigned from PDP-Laban after pointing out that it was Duterte who made the remarks that prompted the House resolution to show the lower chamber’s support for Romualdez.

Duterte was noted to have criticized Congress after it rejected the request of his daughter Vice President and Education Chief Sara Duterte for confidential funds in the 2024 General Appropriations Bill.

The former president has been cited for calling Congress ‘rotten,’ alleging that the lower House is the ‘most rotten branch of government’ and insinuating that Romualdez is behind the

distribution of certain amounts to lawmakers without any audit done.

‘No opposition, no democracy’ For Duterte, if there is no opposition, there is no democracy at all.

“In a democracy, there must always be an opposition,” Duterte said over SMNI on Tuesday.

Duterte likewise told the people not to always assume that government is always correct.

He said there are many mistakes committed along the way, whether with malice or without malice.

“Somebody has to point out these things so that the administration or the President will know about it,” he said.

And in governance, Duterte said, there must be somebody who’d be just checking and maybe try to figure out if that is the correct way.

The former president likewise said somebody must call the attention of the one running the show.

He has continued to push for a massive audit of all government offices, including the Lower House, where he said money is being distributed without the lawmakers having to account for them.

Coup plotters ‘crazy’ People who would support attempts to overthrow the Marcos administration are “crazy,” Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said amid reports that a group of retired military generals are trying to convince active military troops to join them.

“You know those who will support that are crazy,” the senator said.

He added that even if he is a retired general and served as chief of the Philippine National Police, personally, he was not aware of any destabilization efforts against President Marcos.

“It is difficult to launch a destab if you are in active (service), much more if already retired.

What are your capabilities? All you have is words of wisdom. No more capability to destab. When you get old then look for trouble?

You just retire peacefully,” he added.

He noted that retirees like him would only think of enjoying retirement, and if he is not a senator, he would be fishing in his hometown in Davao. - With reports from Edith Regalado, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Sheila Crisostomo (by Diana Lhyd Suelto/Philstar.com) n

Veterans nonprofit to sponsor city position for post-9/11 veteran with service-connected disability

SAN DIEGO – As part of his mission to make San Diego the most welcoming city for the military, veterans and their families, Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday, November 8 announced a first-in-thenation collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to create a military- and veteran-relations position at the City of San Diego.

The position will be filled by a post9/11 veteran with a service-connected disability, whose job will be to develop career opportunities within local government, strengthen partnerships with local military installations and veteran service organizations, and connect San Diego’s veteran and military community to city services and programs.

“San Diego is a proud military town that takes care of our service members, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Wounded Warrior Project on this innovative program as part of that commitment,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This new liaison will develop programs and services to help San Diego’s veteran and military community thrive as well as connect them with city jobs to continue their public service.”

The collaboration between Wounded Warrior Project and the City of San Diego builds on the already successful WWP Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill fellowships and Warrior Advocate Leaders program, which has brought hundreds of veterans to Capitol Hill. The program will be the first of its kind

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

with a local government and will provide an opportunity to a post-9/11 veteran with a service-connected disability to develop experience and exposure to broaden career opportunities within local government.

“WWP has been a dedicated member of the San Diego community for nearly two decades, with a strong commitment to honoring and empowering wounded warriors residing in the greater San Diego area or recovering from their injuries at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD),” said WWP CEO LTG Mike Linnington, U.S. Army (ret).

“This groundbreaking collaboration with the

City of San Diego empowers wounded warriors by offering them an opportunity to gain valuable experience working with the Mayor’s Office while continuing to serve military and veteran communities.

This program aligns with our vision to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded Service members in our nation’s history.”

Specifically, this individual will work in the Human Resources Department and work closely with the city’s Department of Government Affairs, the Mayor’s community engagement team and local military installations, veteran service organizations and other community partners.

“We value the contributions of our military veterans and hope this new collaboration will foster an environment where more veterans will consider a career working for the City of San Diego,” said Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan. “As a U.S. Army veteran myself, I’m proud to see San Diego taking this crucial step toward supporting veterans and developing a strong pipeline for successful employment in public service.”

The city will conduct a competitive search for the position. To be eligible, candidates must be a post-9/11 veteran in good standing and have a service-connected disability.

Those interested are encouraged to fill out an application at https://www.governmentjobs. com/careers/sandiego/jobs/4270616/ program-coordinator-veteran-engagementhuman-resources-department-u2391-un.

(City of San Diego Release) n

City of San Diego makes progress toward zero waste goals with record-high diversion rate

Highest-ever waste diversion rate of 71% means less waste is going to the landfill SAN DIEGO – Marking a significant milestone in efforts to encourage recycling and limit waste, the City of San Diego has achieved a 71% diversion rate for the amount of waste diverted from the landfill, the highest it has ever been. According to data provided by CalRecycle, the diversion rate of 71% for 2022 was based on all waste generated by those who live, work and play within the city limits of San Diego.

Diverting waste helps the city move closer to achieving Zero Waste Plan goals.

“The city’s diversion rate is a clear signal that San Diegans are embracing recycling and are

dedicated to meeting our climate goals,” said City Councilmember Joe LaCava, Chair of the Environment Committee. “This positive shift toward zero waste is the product of hard work by City staff to educate the public about the impact of waste diversion. It is in partnership with residents and businesses – who recognize the importance of recycling and the urgency to eliminate harmful greenhouse gases – that we will continue to see these diversion rates rise in the coming years.”

Zero Waste is a principle that calls for handling discarded materials as commodities for reuse rather than for disposal, and conserving those commodities

through waste prevention, recycling, composting and other technologies. The City of San Diego Zero Waste Plan is a road map to diverting almost all solid waste from going into landfills.

“We are very encouraged by our progress in 2022, and believe that 2023 will prove to be even better, after a full year of San Diegans participating in the city’s new Organic Waste Recycling Program by diverting their food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste into green bins,” said Renee Robertson, Director of the city’s Environmental Services Department.

The city’s previous highest waste diversion rate was 68% in

2012. The rate for 2021 was 63%, and the rates from 2013 to 2020 were in the 64% to 67% range.

San Diego is close to reaching an initial Zero Waste Plan goal of 75%. Looking ahead, the next goals are 82% by 2030 and 90% by 2035, with the ultimate goal of zero waste by 2040.

“Diverting waste from our landfills is a crucial part of the city’s overall climate action goals, and we are delighted to see the progress to date,” said Shelby Rust Busó, Chief Sustainability Officer with the Sustainability and Mobility Department. “We are grateful to all San Diegans who are decreasing their carbon

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Dateline PUN,hiliPPines foreign gov’ts remember

Acorda to PNP: Remain firm, united amid destabilization talk

by EmmanuEl Tupas Philstar.com

MANILA — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Wednesday, November 8 rallied the officers and personnel of the PNP to remain firm and united as he warned of challenges that may test their institution.

Acorda made the appeal in a speech during the donning of ranks and turnover ceremonies of newly appointed police commissioned officers for the lateral entry program for technical officers at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“I want us to unite as an institution. We should be one in these common grounds – in trust, unity and shared commitment to service,” he said in Filipino and English.

The PNP chief did not give specifics when he discussed the challenges that they might face in the near future.

“I hope (that this institution) will not be tested in the coming months or days, but if it will be tested, I hope that we are united,” he said.

Staying united is the only way for them to save the nation, according to Acorda.

While he did not give other details, there have been reports of possible destabilization moves against the Marcos administration by some retired

generals.

In a news briefing last Monday, Acorda said the destabilization moves have been part of their counterintelligence (CI) efforts. “(The destabilization moves) come out every now and then, and part of our CI effort, we include that in our monitoring,” he added.

Acorda assured the public that the PNP remains solidly behind President Marcos, who he said is sensitive to the sentiments and plight of police officers.

While there were issues in the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system, an issue that Acorda said some sectors tried to weaponize, he emphasized that these were already properly addressed by concerned government agencies.

“There is no reason for PNP members to be demoralized,” he said.

A total of 43 police officers passed the lateral entry program, 14 of whom are chemists, eight are medical doctors and six are lawyers.

Also included are dentists, psychologists, engineers and a priest.

Not good for Philippines While he does not see anything wrong with the former president talking to retired generals amid coup talks against Marcos, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is hoping that there would be no destabilization

as it won’t do any good for the country.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Estrada, whose father, former president Joseph Estrada, was ousted in 2001, emphasized that any destabilization would not do any good for the country and that the government has to move forward for the welfare of the Filipino people.

“I don’t want coups to happen again; we cannot move forward when there is a coup. We are going backward, nothing will happen in our country, I don’t want it to happen again,” the younger Estrada said.

The elder Estrada was ousted from the presidency following a military uprising after an impeachment trial, which his camp described as a “kangaroo court.”

He was replaced by his then vice president Gloria MacapagalArroyo.

The younger Estrada also doubted that any coup attempt would succeed since “President Marcos gave everything to improve the lives of the Filipino people.”

The senator also pointed out that there was nothing wrong with former president Rodrigo Duterte talking to retired generals, who used to serve him as their commander-in-chief.

Estrada added that he does not

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City of San Diego makes progress...

PAGE 4 footprint by recycling and reusing materials on a daily basis.”

Changes to the diversion rate (and disposal habits) are driven by changes in population, employment and economic conditions. Generally speaking, increases in any/all of these lead to increased waste generation and disposal. From 2021 to 2022, population and employment increased while disposal decreased, which is reflected in the increased diversion rate.

ESD ensures City of San Diego residents have a clean and safe environment. The department pursues waste management strategies that emphasize waste reduction and recycling, composting and environmentally sound landfill management. ESD is also responsible for collecting

and disposing of refuse, recyclables, household hazardous waste and green waste.

The Sustainability and Mobility Department leads the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. Focused on interdepartmental coordination, regional alignment, and new policies and ordinances, the Department furthers the City goals for equitable, efficient and effective mobility choices that support residents of all ages and abilities, and facilitates innovative efforts across multiple City departments to enhance equitable, economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The Department is also the custodian of the City’s transition to 100% renewable energy through San Diego Community Power (SDCP) and the administrative oversight of the SDG&E franchise.

(City of San Diego Release) n

5

victims of Typhoon Yolanda

MANILA – The United Nations and other foreign governments joined the Philippines in commemorating the victims of the devastating Super Typhoon Yolanda that struck the Philippines and killed thousands 10 years ago.

“We remember the lives that were lost and disrupted and extend our gratitude once again to the Philippine government and humanitarian partners for their support and collaboration, which played a crucial role in efforts to assist those affected by the super typhoon,” the Philippines Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez, said in a statement on Wednesday, November 8.

Yolanda battered the Philippines on November 8, 2013 and left over 6,300 people dead and thousands of families displaced.

Over 16 million people were affected in 41 provinces across nine regions.

In the immediate aftermath, the HCT said it helped coordinate assistance provided by international and national partners between November 2013 to August 2014.

A total of 3.7 million people received food

assistance, 2.3 million children were vaccinated, 110 local government units were given improved vaccine cold chain facilities; more than a million received cash aid and various assistance; and thousands were housed in emergency shelters, among others.

Beyond these, the HCT members continued to provide support to restore livelihoods as well as local institutions and public services for recovery.

Climate resilient and gender sensitive evacuation centers, and resilient permanent housing for displaced families were also provided.

“Today, we commemorate the resilience and strength of the Filipino people, who have rebuilt their lives and communities in the face of adversity.

We must continue to learn from the lessons of Haiyan to better prepare for future disasters made even more challenging by climate change,” Gonzalez said.

“Together with the government, we are committed to investing in disaster risk reduction and innovative solutions such as anticipatory action and to deepening our collaboration in building a more resilient Philippines,” he added.

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NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Building for resilience

Features

Ten years after Super Typhoon Yolanda turned much of Eastern Visayas into a wasteland, have lessons been learned in disaster preparedness and resilience? In the catastrophic aftermath of the typhoon, there was much talk about building back better and designing resilience into the reconstruction effort.

The initial response of the Philippine government had been dazed incoherence.

Fortunately, emergency response and rebuilding were made easier by the massive outpouring of aid from the international community, which sent not only relief goods but also aircraft, troops and experts who set up emergency shelters and helped restore basic utility services.

Sadly, rescue efforts came too late for many. By the time Yolanda exited, over 6,300 people were dead, with more missing and never found even when the international rescue teams with special equipment were deployed.

Yolanda affected an estimated 16 million people in 41 provinces across nine regions, but Eastern Visayas was the worst hit. Tacloban City, where four ships ran aground due to powerful storm surges up to seven

meters high, turned one of the vessels into a memorial for those who perished.

The devastated lives and livelihoods created a humanitarian crisis, with refugees struggling to rebuild their lives even as they mourned the loss of loved ones.

There were discussions about declaring certain coastal areas offlimits to human habitation, but this was deemed to exacerbate the woes of marginalized fishing communities.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration stressed that it issued accurate forecasts and warnings about Yolanda, but the national and local governments failed to grasp the seriousness of the threat posed by storm surges.

Since then, with more storm surges hitting other places across the country, the nation has developed a

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

better understanding of the dangers posed by the weather disturbance.

But whether preparedness has improved commensurately with the awareness is debatable.

Building back better for disaster resilience, through engineering and architectural interventions, has also been spotty. With the country visited

each year by an average of 20 tropical cyclones, and with limited resources, fatalism remains deeply ingrained in the average Filipino when it comes to dealing with natural calamities.

Still, there are some bright spots.

Tacloban City has bounced back, although the scars of lives lost run deep. Plantations that were

razed by Yolanda have recovered and livelihoods restored. From the tragedy, other parts of the country have enhanced protocols in preparing for storm surges. With the existential threats posed by climate change, more can be done by way of disaster preparedness and resilience.

(Philstar.com)

Worldwide concern for Israel-Hamas war increasing rapidly

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez VIDEOS and images of the atrocities committed by the Palestinian militant group Hamas when it launched a deadly attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7 are horrific and appalling – with infants, young children, men, women and the elderly killed, and hundreds dragged away as hostages.

But the latest Israel Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike in Gaza, specifically at the Jabalya refugee camp, has also left equally disturbing images of the devastation that the IsraelHamas war has wrought, with people digging through the rubble to look for survivors, the huge crater in the middle amid a backdrop of wrecked buildings somehow capturing the sense of devastation that residents must be feeling. What is even more heartbreaking for many are the photos and videos of the wounded and crying children who are unable to make sense of the chaos that

surrounds them.

The IDF said they have surrounded Gaza City, with soldiers “fighting in close quarters” as they seek out members of the Palestinian terrorist group.

But the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, warned that Israel’s soldiers would go home “in black bags.”

Needless to say, the situation is causing an ever increasing concern not only in Washington, D.C. but all over the world because of the risk of escalation that can go beyond the Middle East as malicious groups and actors try to exploit the situation. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby admitted that the United States is “deeply concerned about the potential for any significant escalation of these attacks in the days ahead.”

For one, the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terrorist group has already entered the picture – obviously supported by Iran – launching rocket and drone attacks against U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq two weeks ago.

In response, the U.S. conducted self-defense airstrikes on

weapons depots in Syria used

by Iran-backed militant groups, and may conduct even more defensive airstrikes to deter Iran-backed militias. There is U.S. intelligence suggesting that Syria has agreed to supply Hezbollah with Russian-made surface-to-air defense missile system to be delivered by the Wagner Group, although it is unclear if delivery has been made.

During his trip to Tel Aviv where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top Israeli officials, State Secretary Antony Blinken reiterated that the U.S. stands

by Israel and recognizes that it has the right and the obligation to defend itself and make sure that the horrific Oct. 7 attack will not happen again.

Visibly shaken, Secretary Blinken also expressed shock that the brutality of the attack

by Hamas against Israeli communities near Gaza seems to have “receded so quickly in the memories of so many” as he described some of the horrific videos shown him during the meeting with the Israeli leaders.

But at the same time, he also

called for humanitarian pauses in the war with Hamas to facilitate the exit of people from Gaza and allow aid to come in, saying “civilians should not suffer the consequences” for the inhumanity and brutality of Hamas.

“We need to do more to protect Palestinian civilians,” Blinken stated, admitting that “a number of legitimate questions were raised,” including the use of such pauses to maximize the flow of humanitarian assistance and the release of hostages while making sure that Hamas will not use the arrangements to its advantage.

This is a conflagration that everyone is watching very carefully, with people monitoring how things will pan out, walking on eggshells because the situation is rapidly deteriorating.

During a dinner I attended recently, I spoke with an analyst of a Washingtonbased think-tank that the U.S. political climate – with sharp divisions among legislators – is adding to the anxiety of the world as Congress gears up for a new round of resolutions

to avoid another government shutdown because the Nov. 17 deadline is fast approaching, right in the middle of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.

The Gaza conflict could also impact the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, with President Joe Biden having to manage the conflicting pressure coming from Jewish, Arab and Muslim communities whose leaders have met with the president.

While anti-Semitism is on the rise particularly on college campuses, there is also growing Islamophobia among Americans.

But what is concerning for a lot of countries including the Philippines is that the Israel-Hamas war, the volatile situation in the Middle East plus the war in Ukraine could distract the U.S. and make it lose its focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, assures us, however, that the upcoming trip of Secretary Blinken to Japan, India and South Korea following his trips to Israel and Jordan is

proof that the United States continues to be “laser focused” on the Indo-Pacific region.

Surely, the anxiety level will continue to grow until next year as there seems to be no clear sign at this time when the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine will ultimately end. So far, a small glimmer of hope for the Indo-Pacific region – although many analysts are saying that nothing substantial will really come out of it – is the meeting between President Biden and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.

It will take more than a bilateral meeting to smoothen relations between the U.S. and China. Nonetheless, it’s an encouraging sign that also brings some hope there would be some room for dialogue that could somehow ease tensions, especially in our part of the world.. (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

Is our patriotism and heroism enough?

Perceptions

aRiel NepomuceNo OUR history has countless narratives of heroism by Filipinos who were able to overcome enemies with more superior capabilities. One of these was the bravery and superior skills displayed by Col. Jesus Villamor and his 6th Pursuit Squadron in defeating the Japanese in an air battle during World War II. The invaders had 54 planes composed of the more advanced Mitsubishi G4M Bombers and the agile “zeros” who greatly outnumbered the three Filipino Boeing P26 Peashooters that were fit for the museum. Seven Japanese “zeroes” attacked the group of Captain Villamor.

In the end, four Japanese planes were shot down and the bombers were scattered.

Two of the destroyed Japanese planes were credited to then Cap. Villamor. For his gallantry

and leadership, he was given the Distinguished Service Cross medal by no other than Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Later, he joined the defenders of Bataan and fought along with other soldiers in an epic tragedy that claimed at least 10,000 Filipino and American casualties, and more than 20,000 wounded.

After the war, he was awarded the Medal of Valor, the first in our military, for his extraordinary bravery in leading his men. Such a great feat for a man who had his humble beginnings in Bangued, Abra where he was born on Nov. 7, 1914, more than a hundred years ago today.

Series of invasions that have subjugated our country created heroes amongst us. During the Spanish colonization of our country for more than 300 years, we witnessed the armed uprising of Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, Antonio Luna and many more who were more

than willing to die for the motherland. The Katipunan had been the clandestine home for all those who understood the urgency of risking one’s life to protect and defend the greater interest of the entire country.

The same heroic anecdotes were recorded during the 1899-1902 revolution against the Americans who took over from the conquistadores.

And in our recent history, from 1941-1945, we did not rest in fighting the Japanese who, under the banner of the Greater East Asia CoProsperity Sphere, launched their deadly campaign to occupy the Philippines and our neighbors.

As if not getting tired of military conflicts and overcoming the horrors of wars, we sent more than 7,400 Filipino soldiers to help the beleaguered democratic South Korea in 1950 against the communist north aided by the Chinese.

Ours is a race of proven

heroes. Yes, there’s no doubt that many of us will answer the call for the extreme mission of saving the liberty of our people.

This has been proven many times over. Our proud history has a hall of fame that portray many names that will not be forgotten by an indebted nation that recognizes the sacrifice given for our freedom and right to exist as an independent country.

However, why do we seem to still be trapped in a vicious cycle of economic poverty and political backwardness? At least 20 million Filipinos live in extreme material hardship.

At least 10 million agricultural workers are confronted with the uncertainty of having a stable income in spite of their important role of feeding the nation. Around two million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) choose to take their chances in foreign lands where they can be possibly abused or, as in the present situation in Israel and Gaza, be in harm’s way.

What went wrong? If we, Filipinos, are naturally devoted to the well-being of our countrymen and to the best interest of our country, why are we lagging behind other countries in our region?

Politically, we have even become callous and ironically thankful that there were “only 19” casualties in the recent barangay and SK elections.

This is not the fault of Comelec.

The agency did an exemplary job under the leadership of Chairman George Garcia.

What’s alarming is our pathetic acceptance of having deaths as a natural part of our political exercise.

Patriotism and heroism must be embraced by everyone – from the masses of our desperate people, up to the echelons of our higher political and business leaders. Everyone must be in unison in protecting the survival and progress of the country.

Revisit our Constitution and re-engineer our economic and political frameworks. As

I always whine about, doing the same thing and expecting a different result is foolish.

Why are we hoping for better outcomes from the same political system and essentially the same business environment that dampens real competition?

We have to first accept the existence of our collective problem. That we clearly have to pursue strategic changes that will usher in new and better results in our political and economic processes.

Patriotism and heroism are enough only if everyone, especially our leaders, will truly put the interest of the country first. And these must be coupled with the necessary adjustments, or drastic changes, in our fundamental laws. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: arielnepo.philstar@gmail.com

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

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Senate approves President’s P10.4B budget, including intel funds, for 2024

MANILA - The Senate on Thursday, November 9 approved the P10.4 billion budget of the Office of the President for 2024, including a P2.3 billion allotment for intelligence funds.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III cautioned, however, that there may be a need to question before the Supreme Court the “legality” of granting intelligence fund (IF) to the Office of the President (OP) being a civilian agency.

Pimentel, however, said

he has no “issue in the grant of confidential funds to the Office of the President, a civilian government agency with multifaceted operations, responsibilities and tasks.”

“My problem is with the intelligence expenses because our own governing document defined this as referring to those related to intelligence information gathering activities of uniformed and military personnel and intelligence practitioners,” he said.

QUAKE DRILL. Kindergarten pupils participate in the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at the Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City on Thursday, Nov. 9. The Office of Civil Defense said the NSED was conceptualized in the aftermath of the destructive earthquake in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on May 27, 2006.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

But the senator stressed, “I don’t think the OP is composed of intelligence practitioners.”

“Kung meron tayong mga (If we have) activists lawyers listening to us, maybe a case can be filed with the Supreme Court to test the legality of the grant of an intel fund to the Office of the President being a civilian agency,” Pimentel said.

“Our President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) is an Ilocano. So, I appeal to his Ilocano nature to review the amounts (for the OP’s IF),” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio attended the Senate plenary discussion of the OVP’s proposed P1.874 billion budget for 2024, which was the amount approved by the House of Representatives (HoR).

The OVP originally received a P2.378 billion allocation under the 2024 national expenditure program but it had been slashed to over P1.8 billion after the HoR removed the OVP’s proposed confidential and intelligence funds and realigned to agencies involved in ensuring national security. (By Bernadette E. Tamayo/ManilaTimes.net) n

Acorda to PNP: Remain firm, united...

PAGE 5 think that Duterte will be ever involved in an effort to oust Marcos. “(Talking with the retired generals) is his right as a former president. I don’t think he is involved in destabilizing (the present administration). Maybe, they were just chatting, the same as before,” Estrada said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. revealed that there is a group of retired military officers trying to convince military troops to overthrow the Marcos administration.

Brawner said active members of the AFP should not pay attention to the group, but instead focus their efforts on the fulfillment of the AFP’s transformation roadmap.

Amid these reports, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa called people who would support destabilization plots “crazy.”

Dela Rosa added that even if he is a retired general and himself had served as PNP chief, he is not aware of any destabilization efforts against Marcos.

If, indeed, some military generals are really espousing efforts to remove the present administration, Dela Rosa advised them to “just relax and enjoy retirement.”

He noted that he respects the opinion of the elder Duterte, but it does not mean that he shared the same view.

The former president publicly accused Romualdez of sabotaging his daughter’s request for confidential funds in the proposed 2024 budget, which the lower chamber decided to reallocate to agencies focused on defending the West Philippine Sea after several panel and plenary debates.

Imee Duterte ‘loyalist’ Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos reaffirmed her support for the elder Duterte, following the latter’s tussle with the House of Representatives’ leadership over his remarks describing the chamber as “rotten.”

In an ambush interview with Senate reporters, the Marcos vowed to continue supporting the embattled former chief executive, describing him as a “true friend.”

She declared herself a true “loyalist” to the Dutertes, being the only governor who declared support for the then Davao City mayor in 2015.

Marcos said she learned how to be loyal to her allies from the experience of her father, the late former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who had gained scores of loyalists even after being deposed in the 1986 EDSA people power revolution that sent the Marcos family into exile before their stunning political comeback.

“What is the Marcoses’ secret why we still have loyalists ready to fight for us? We have loyalists because we ourselves are loyalists. That is the legacy left behind by my father,” Marcos Sr.’s eldest daughter said. n

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NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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UN, foreign gov’ts remember...

PAGE 5 ‘Foreign gov’t aid’ The European Union, the United States, Canada, France, Japan, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and Israel were among the many embassies that also paid respect to the victims of the typhoon.

In a post on X, the European Union Delegation in Manila said it has provided EUR40 million in humanitarian assistance and early recovery interventions to help those affected.

Including the assistance from other EU Member States, the total EU aid amounts to over EUR180 million.

The United States in an X post also recalled its humanitarian and development aid totaling USD143 million, which supported the procurement of critical food, health, shelter, water, and hygiene support.

The U.S. military supported the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) response by airlifting critical relief supplies to communities cut off by the storm.

Coordination between the U.S. military and the Philippine Air Force also enabled Tacloban Airport to reopen after sustaining severe damage, allowing the rest of the world to help provide support.

“Ten years after Haiyan, USAID remembers the lives lost and upended by this catastrophe and reaffirms our commitment to work to harness that matatag spirit of community in the Philippines in years to come,” the USAID said in a statement.

Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, meanwhile, paid his respect to the Filipino people while giving assurance that Ottawa would “always stand by” its allies in their time of need.

From 2015 to 2019, Canada supported the long-term economic growth and recovery of thousands of small businesses and households in Leyte and Eastern Samar.

The Canadian government at that time initiated a matching fund and within days Canadians donated CAD85 million. The Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team

consisted of 319 personnel, C-17 Globemaster aircraft, Griffon helicopters, construction vehicles, and a Red Cross Field Hospital.

The French Embassy in Manila, meanwhile, hailed the “resilience and the spirit of unity” that followed after the disaster and reiterated France’s continuous support to those affected by natural disasters in the Philippines and worldwide.

Through the French NGO ACTED Philippines, the French Development Agency (AFD), and French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, France in 2017 helped complete new homes for 126 families.

In February 2015, French President François Hollande visited Tacloban and Guian (Leyte and Samar provinces), to express support in the aftermath of the disaster.

As part of his visit to the Philippines, former President Benigno Aquino III and Hollande launched the Manila Call to Action, a crucial step towards the mobilization of all stakeholders for the Paris Climate Summit COP 21 the same year. (PNA) n

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2023-00038123-CU-PT-CTL

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Letta Valdean Wedemeyer CASE NO: 37-2023-00040218-PR-PR-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Danielle DeVaughn per Ahmir Alexander Garcia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Ahmir Alexander Garcia to Ahmir Zion DeVaughn.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 11/27/2023 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: OCT. 11, 2023 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1278 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, and 11/10/2023 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 1278

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022301

Lucky Spa located at 9565 Jamacha Blvd, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Royal Holidays Wellness Center Inc, 9565 Jamacha Blvd, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2023.

Signature: Heidi Qi. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/01//2023.

AJ 1281 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023. AJSD 1281

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF John Hai Hoang CASE NO: 37-2023-00023564-PR-PW-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: John Hai Hoang AKA Son Hai Hoang A Petition for Probate has been filed by Szavrina Thuytien Hoang in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO. The Petition for Probate requests that Szavrina Thuytien Hoang be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 01/04/2024 Time: 1:30 P.M. Dept.: 503 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

ESTATE OF: JOHN HAI HOANG SzAvRINA THuYTIEN HOANG 2143 WATERSIDE DRIvE CHuLA vISTA, CA 91913 PubLICATION DATES: 11/10, 11/17, AND 11/24/2023 AJ 1282 AJSD 1282

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022723

Wises Barber Shop located at 5575 Baltimore Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942.

Registrant: Nathaniel Wise, 4965 Pine St, La Mesa, CA 91942.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/23/2023.

Signature: Nathaniel Wise.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/08/2023.

AJ 1284 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023.

AJSD 1284

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Letta Valdean Wedemeyer A Petition for Probate has been filed by Kitty Mateo in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO. The Petition for Probate requests that Kitty Mateo be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 11/30/2023 Time: 1:30 P.M. Dept.: 503 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

ESTATE OF: LETTA VALDEAN WEDEMEYER KITTY MATEO 9056 PENTICTON WAY SAN DIEGO, CA 92126 PubLICATION DATES: 11/10, 11/17, AND 11/24/2023 AJ 1283 AJSD 1283

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022716

Anchor Down Security located at 4455 49th St #E, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Donnell Powell, 4455 49th St #E, San Diego, CA 92115.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/09/2017.

Signature: Donnell Powell.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/08/2023.

AJ 1285 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023.

AJSD 1285

LEFT OUT TO DRY. Marivic Tagitis, a grocer in Bago Gallera, Davao City, on Thursday, Nov. 9 sun-dries the rice grains that were soaked during Wednesday night’s (November 9) downpour.

At least 26 sacks of rice in her store were drenched, worth about P56,000.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9020641

Shop For A Car located at 875 W. San Ysidro Boulevard Unit 14, San Diego, CA 92173.

Registrant: Shamiran Dawood Oshana, 875 W. San Ysidro Boulevard Unit 14, San Diego, CA 92173.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Shamiran Dawood Oshana.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/06/2023.

AJ 1272 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, and 11/10/2023.

AJSD 1272

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9020688

Pennell Investment Properties INC. located at 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Pennell Investment Properties INC., 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/30/2005.

Signature: Robert Pennell.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/09/2023.

AJ 1275 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, and 11/10/2023.

AJSD 1275

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9020999

TNT Electric located at 635 Charles Dr, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant: Tien Tran, 635 Charles Dr, Oceanside, CA 92057.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/11/2023.

Signature: Tien Tran.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/13/2023.

AJ 1273 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, and 11/10/2023.

AJSD 1273

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9020696

Pennell Property Management INC. located at 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Pennell Property Management INC., 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2004.

Signature: Robert Pennell.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/09/2023.

AJ 1276 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, and 11/10/2023.

AJSD 1276

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022101

Photo Art Genius located at 2890 Silver Medal Rd Unit 8, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: a. Renee Rose Tagulao Onate, 2890 Silver Medal Rd Unit 8, Chula Vista, CA 91915. b. John Paul Onate, 2890 Silver Medal Rd Unit 8, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/20/2023.

Signature: Renee Rose Tagulao Onate.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/27/2023.

AJ 1279 11/03, 11/10, 11/17, and 11/24/2023.

AJSD 1279

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9020319

Yamariki Sushi located at 7610 Via Campanile #148, Carlsbad, CA 92009.

Registrant: Sarangfour LLC, 12831 Western Ave Suite D, Garden Grove, CA 92841.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Namjoon Lee. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/03/2023.

AJ 1274 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, and 11/10/2023 AJSD 1274

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9020916

4 A’s Alvarado Tortilla Distribution located at 736 S 37th St, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Romel Alvarado Salazar, 736 S 37th St, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/01/2023.

Signature: Romel Alvarado Salazar.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/12/2023.

AJ 1277 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, and 11/10/2023. AJSD 1277

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022407

Bundook located at 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941.

Registrant: a. Jennifer Lesure Oswald, 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941. b. Joseph Nicholas Oswald, 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Jennifer Lesure Oswald.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/02/2023.

AJ 1280 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023 AJSD 1280

SAN DIEGO

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023

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JOURNAL ‘Here Lies Love’ will play final Broadway A busy 25th year in showbiz for Piolo performance on Sunday, November 26 N OV E M B E R 1 0, 2 0 23

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

‘HERE Lies Love’ will play its final Broadway performance on Sunday evening, November 26, 2023. As of that date, the groundbreaking new musical will have played 33 previews and 150 regular performances at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street).

The producers of ‘Here Lies Love’ said: “When we started this journey to bring this bold and original work to Broadway, we asked ourselves: Can anyone produce on Broadway in a new way? Is there a new path forward? What does the template look like? Will audiences want something radically new? Who will those audiences be?

“We have learned a great deal about the answers to those questions. Yes, new ways can work.

Artistic excellence can be achieved.

But the reality is, succeeding on Broadway means not only producing excellent work with artistic merit––it also means creating the audience for it. And how much time it takes to find and grow new audiences is out of sync with the tight timeframes for audience-building and awareness.

“Every aspect of our production brought new life and fresh ideas to Broadway, from the innovative music of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, the beautiful choreography of Annie-B Parson, the masterful staging by our visionary director Alex Timbers, and the jawdropping set, lighting, sound, and projection designs by David Korins, Justin Townsend, M.L. Dogg, Cody Spencer and Peter Nigrini, and among the most dazzling collection of costumes ever seen on Broadway created by Clint Ramos.

“As the first-ever fully binational producing team, we are deeply proud and honored to have brought this pioneering theatrical event to Broadway. The first all-Filipino acting company on Broadway received universal critical acclaim, celebrated by thousands of people from diverse backgrounds, including record numbers who experienced going to a Broadway show for the first time.

“As an artistic, cultural, and commercial enterprise, we

believe that ‘Here Lies Love’ had to be presented on Broadway.

We hope anyone who hasn’t seen the production will be able to get to the show before November 26.”

‘Here Lies Love’ will be filmed for the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. Discussions are also underway for two upcoming international productions in Japan and Australia.

‘Here Lies Love’ has been enjoyed by a wide breadth of audiences and has welcomed in especially high numbers members of the AAPI community. Industry sales data show aggregate ticket sales attributed to AAPI buyers at an average of 8% from MarchAugust 2023. ‘Here Lies Love’, in comparison, saw AAPI buyers accounting for an average 16% of total sales for the same period, peaking at 20% for the month of August 2023.

‘Here Lies Love’ introduced a myriad of innovations and groundbreaking firsts during its Broadway run, including: The People Power Disco Hour series, featuring 90-minute aftercurtain dance parties in the theater after select performances, DJ’d by DJ CherishTheLuv, Apl. de.Ap, Griffin Maxwell Brooks, and ‘Here Lies Love’’s own Fatboy Slim; The Democracy in Action ticket initiative in partnership with Gold House and The Asian American Foundation (powered by Producer Hub as a fiscal sponsor), which continues to run through the show’s final performance. Since the program’s launch in early October, more than 2,500 tickets have been provided to groups including the Asian American Federation; CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities; Chhaya CDC;

Chinese-American Planning Council; CUNY Hunter - Asian American Studies Class; LaGuardia High School; NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging); and Marymount Manhattan College; and Broadway’s first free childcare matinee, in partnership with the Parent Artist Advocacy League and Broadway Babysitters.

The producers spoke to the Washington Post recently about the show: https://wapo. st/3PSUCxx From Talking Heads frontman and writer of “Stop Making Sense” and “Burning Down the House,” David Byrne; the beat master of “Praise You,” DJ Fatboy Slim and Tony®winning director of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Alex Timbers comes ‘Here Lies Love’ — the “sensational, one-of-a-kind musical like no Broadway show ever” (Time Out New York). The Broadway Theatre has undergone an “astonishing transformation” (The New York Times) into Club Millennium, where a young woman gets catapulted to a life of fame, excess, and intoxicating power after winning the hearts of two political rivals.

Witness her dazzling rise and fall through “exhilarating songs” (USA Today) and “imaginative spectacle” (The Guardian) over “90 breathless minutes” (The Washington Post). Whether you sit in traditional seats or move on the dance floor, ‘Here Lies Love’ is “the most entertaining new show” (ABC7) and “an experience the likes of which Broadway has rarely if ever seen” (Variety).

The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway: Arielle Jacobs (In The Heights, Aladdin, Between The Lines) as “Imelda Marcos,” Jose Llana (The

u PAGE 10

Pechanga presents ‘Anne Curtis Luv-Anne The Comeback Concert 2023’

IT has been 10 years since Anne Curtis’s last performance at Pechanga, and she’s ready to put on a show for her fans.

Pechanga Resort Casino proudly presents the “Anne Curtis Luv-Anne The Comeback Concert 2023” that will be held on Friday, December 1, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 2, at 8 p.m., at the Pechanga Theater.

Anne Curtis is a FilipinoAustralian actress, model, television host, entrepreneur and recording artist. She has been dubbed the “Multimedia Superstar” and is recognized as one of the most successful celebrities of the 21st century in the Philippines.

Curtis has received many accolades throughout her career, including two FAMAS awards, a Luna award, two Metro Manila Film Festival awards, and five PMPC Star awards for television.

In 2011, she released her debut studio album, “Annebisyosa,” and described it as “super fun” and “not serious.” In 2012, she went on her first solo concert tour, “Annebisyosa: No Other Concert World Tour.” For the concert tour, she won the award for Female Concert Performer of the Year at the 44th Box Office Entertainment Awards.

Hurry, you don’t want to miss this! Buy your tickets now from the Pechanga Box Office, or by calling 888-810-8871, or visit www.pechanga.com.

Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience.

With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-ofthe-art, acoustically perfected sound, plus comfortable chairs, and an up-close view from every theater seat.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and

most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay.

Offering 5,400 of hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at

Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

FROM the silver screen, the musical theater stage, the concert hall, to the world of internet streaming, Piolo Pascual is an artist who continues to evolve and defy expectations.

With 25 amazing years already under his belt, there is no stopping the Philippines’ “Ultimate Heartthrob” from furthering his artistry amid the ever-changing world of Philippine entertainment.

“Actually, I didn’t want to necessarily celebrate or kind of highlight my 25 years because it’s just a number. Though it’s relative, I just want to keep on going,” Pascual said in a media conference.

“But those 25 years I’ve been blessed. It’s nice to reminisce or look back and just be grateful.

But I think the driving force was always to work, to do something, be better, to grow. So that was constantly in my head,” he continued.

The 46-year-old heartthrob considers 2023 as one of the busiest years in his entire career.

In June, Pascual took on the titular role of Crisostomo Ibarra, Jose Rizal’s protagonist in his novel “Noli Me Tangere,” via the original Filipino musical “Ibarra.”

“The stage was my first love. It was an eye opener for me when I started doing theater from grade school to high school and all the way to college. I just had this feeling that I wanted to act. So theater was my way in.

My friends in theater were the ones who encouraged me to audition in ABS-CBN with Star Magic,” he recalled.

“It was like going back to school or training because the discipline is very different. For a month I was in a hotel near the venue, the GSIS Theater, and I just rehearsed everyday, took voice lessons everyday and I hang out with the theater people just to really immerse myself. It

Piolo Pascual remains relevant 25 years on in showbiz. Photo from Instagram/@piolo_pascual

was worth it,” he added.

Then on October 20, Pascual held a concert aptly titled “An Ultimate Night With Piolo” directed by Johnny Manahan at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. He had special guests including Jericho Rosales, Arnel Pineda, Erik Santos, son Iñigo Pascual, and Regine Velasquez as his surprise guest.

It took 15 years for him to hold a concert again, admitting that he feels intimidated whenever he performs on stage.

“I can be shy at times, almost bordering on being an introvert.

If you don’t talk to me, I won’t talk back. But onstage, to be able to get your audience engaged for two hours, that is hard because I’m an audience member myself.

I’m not the type who likes to be the star or the host.”

Currently, Pascual is in North America for a five-stop international concert tour in the U.S. and Canada. It started in November 5 and will continue until November 19. He will be sharing the stage with comediennes Ai-Ai delas Alas and Rufa Mae Quinto.

“I like singing because I get to express myself in a different way. The way I work the camera for film or TV, it’s a different expression. I get to be more personal and that’s a totally

different side of me when I do a show because I tend to just really get intimate and personal.

You want to be as engaging as possible,” Pascual related.

“I will enjoy the whole twohour set and yeah, I’m not going to be doing something I’m not comfortable doing. But I’m going to showcase some strong songs that I’ve done through the years, through the last 25 years of being around in the industry,” Pascual continued.

Once he goes back to the Philippines, Pascual will start promoting his Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) official entries. This will be the first time Pascual will be a part of the much-anticipated film festival once again since 2002’s “Dekada ‘70.”

Pascual will lead “Mallari,” a horror film inspired by actual events in the life of the first documented Filipino serial killer. Produced by Mentorque Productions and line-produced

by Cleverminds, Inc, the film is Pascual’s first ever horror project.

In a media conference, Pascual confessed that he initially declined the project because he was doing another movie.

However, after discussing serial killers with fellow actors Joao

u PAGE 10

10 NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

‘Poor Yella Rednecks,’ Maureen Sebastian, and the power of immigrant stories

By MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

MAUREEN Sebastian’s name graces the marquee as one of the lead actors in “Poor Yella Rednecks,” the sequel to Qui Nguyen’s acclaimed play, “Vietgone.” This gripping new production masterfully unravels the complexities of immigrant life in the 1980s, offering a fresh perspective on the AsianAmerican experience.

Sebastian’s role in the play resonates deeply with her own journey. It’s a journey that began nearly two decades ago when she forged a creative partnership with playwright Qui Nguyen. Their initial encounter occurred when Sebastian was a fresh college graduate at the age of 22. Although their first meeting didn’t result in an immediate collaboration, it marked the beginning of a fruitful artistic connection that endures to this day.

Her path into the world of theater was shaped by her Filipino heritage and her family’s determined commitment to education. Sebastian pursued degrees in both theater performance and English at the University of Michigan.

Her immigrant parents, who had worked tirelessly to secure a better future, supported her passion for the arts while ensuring she had a solid academic foundation.

“My parents are very supportive no matter what but being immigrants from the Philippines, having made their way up the socio-economic ladder here in the United States with nothing, they wanted me to do what made me happy but they also didn’t know what being an actor and an artist meant,” Sebastian told the Asian Journal. “So as much as they wanted to support me, they also wanted me to have something of a backup plan.”

Though Sebastian humbly refrains from embracing the label of a “triple threat,” her skills as an actor, singer, and dancer are there. “I am an actor that can sometimes sing a song

Playwright Qui Nguyen and director May Adrales

Photos by Rebecca J Michelson

John Hoche, Samantha Quan, Ben Levin, Maureen Sebastian, Jon Norman Schneider with “Little Man” puppet, and Paco Tolson Photos by Rebecca J Michelson

and hold a beat and can learn choreography if I really need to,” she quipped.

“Poor Yella Rednecks” challenged her versatility as she dabbled in rap and hip hop music. Raised in diverse communities across the Midwest, Sebastian developed a deep affinity for hip hop, a genre that profoundly resonated with her immigrant experience.

She recalls that her persistent commitment to an acting career became evident during her high school years, where a pivotal moment set her on a course that she couldn’t ignore. Following her grandfather’s advice to pursue what made her happiest, she made a firm commitment to a life as a performing artist. Her journey from those formative years to the stages of New York City was marked by unyielding determination and the steadfast support of her parents. Despite their initial reservations, they stood solidly behind her artistic aspirations.

Jon Norman Schneider and Maureen Sebastian play the mother (Tong) and the playwright

Maureen Sebastian and her two love interests in Poor Yella Rednecks - Ben Levin and Paco Tolson

Jon Norman Schneider as the Little Man puppet and Ben Levin as Quang

Vietgone was about how these lovers met, Poor Yella Rednecks is about their relationship when they had a kid. Maureen Sebastian and Ben Levin both deliver powerful and emotional performances.

Photos by Jeremy Daniel

Sebastian’s work, particularly in plays like “Poor Yella Rednecks” holds the power to shape the cultural landscape by celebrating and valuing AsianAmerican stories. The play is a sequel to “Vietgone,” where Nguyen showed – rom-com style - how his parents Tong and Quang met at a refugee camp after escaping the fall of Saigon.

The sequel is as fun, raucous, and irreverent as the first and gives the audience a glimpse of the life of immigrants from Vietnam who settled in Arkansas in the 1980s. The amazing cast of six highlighted Sebastian and Ben Levin as the couple, with Jon Norman Schneider playing their son, the playwright. Jon Hoche, Samantha Quan, and Paco Tolson complete the powerful ensemble.

Nguyen’s narrative embodies the quintessential immigrant experience, and would resonate deeply with Filipinos who recognize the familiar dynamics.

Instances like a grandmother shouldering childcare duties due to parents’ work commitments, or the prevalence of the mother tongue at home leading to schoolyard teasing for struggling with English, strike a chord.

The playwright also pays homage to the musical “Hamilton,” emphasizing the mantra ‘Immigrants: we get the job done’ for added impact, drawing parallels to the resilience and determination of those forging a new life in a foreign land.

Sebastian is thankful that she found a great group of coworkers in the play, people who possess a remarkable level of expertise in their respective fields and demonstrate exceptional proficiency in their work.

“This cast is the most amazing group of people I’ve ever worked with in my entire life,” she quipped. “Most importantly, they’re just like wonderful, beautiful, kind, human beings.”

The play is ably directed by fellow Filipino American May Adrales and two other cast members – Jon Hoche and Jon Norman Schneider - are of Filipino descent as well.

“I feel like as an actor or like in the theater community if you’re Filipino, the first thing you talk about is like, where are you from? Where’s your family from? Where did you grow up?

What was your experience like?

You know, it’s just how do you not talk about those things,” she revealed.

As she navigates her career, she acknowledges the profound impact of her art, not only on herself but on the generations that follow. For Sebastian, acting in plays like Poor Yella Rednecks brings a sense of fulfillment, knowing she is honoring her ancestors.

She takes pride in making her family proud and contributing to the progression of celebrating and cherishing Asian American narratives in the nation. That said, she looks forward to the time when her children will have something that they can look forward to and look back and say, ‘Yeah, Mommy was a part of that’.

Through her roles in plays like “Poor Yella Rednecks,” Maureen Sebastian amplifies the narratives of immigrants, weaving threads of shared experiences and cultural richness into the tapestry of American theater. Her performances serve as a testament to the depth and complexity of Asian-American stories, dispelling stereotypes and offering a more nuanced portrayal of our diverse society.n

City of San Diego announces funding opportunities for arts and culture activities and projects Investments aim to expand access to arts and culture citywide and boost tourism

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego has announced two funding opportunities aimed at supporting arts and culture activities and projects in San Diego, and applications are now being accepted.

The Operational Support Program (OSP) provides general operating support to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, while Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD) offers projectbased support. These funding opportunities are designed to generate meaningful impacts for San Diegans, and to boost tourism and expand access to arts and culture in every City Council district.

Funding for both categories comes from the Transient Occupancy Tax, collected from overnight visitors who stay in San Diego.

“We understand the significance of arts and culture in a thriving San Diego, and we are dedicated to aligning our investments in arts and culture with the city’s commitment to equity,” said Jonathon Glus, the Director of Arts and Culture. “Moreover, arts and culture play a pivotal role in the economy, providing employment opportunities to thousands of individuals and contributing over $1.1 billion in economic activity. We are eager to see the response from artists and nonprofit organizations in this year’s application process as the

sector continues to grow.”

The OSP funding opportunity supports San Diego nonprofit arts and culture organizations in delivering activities that positively impact tourism while increasing opportunities in arts and culture. Meanwhile, the CCSD funding opportunity supports projects by nonprofit organizations that engage diverse communities in San Diego through creative endeavors. OSP and CCSD activities and projects will take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

Free online resources and assistance are available for potential applicants by visiting the OSP (https://www.sandiego.gov/ arts-culture/funding/osp) and CCSD (https://www.sandiego. gov/arts-culture/funding/ccsd) resources webpage. Applicant organizations without taxexempt nonprofit status may be eligible for CCSD funding through a fiscal sponsor.

Applications for both funding opportunities can be found online. The application deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at 8 a.m.

“These funding opportunities aim to support and empower organizations, artists and cultural workers who play a crucial role in preserving San Diego’s dynamism and diversity,” said Christine E. Jones, Chief of Civic Art Strategies for the Arts and Culture. “These activities

and projects, spanning a wide range of artistic and cultural forms such as art exhibitions, musical performances, theatrical productions and festivals, contribute to the celebration and preservation of local arts and culture. Moreover, they elevate San Diego’s national and international recognition as a thriving and vibrant creative destination.”

In addition to OSP and CCSD, the city has also released the Impact pilot funding opportunity, offering phased funding of approximately $100,000 to 10 innovative collaboration projects led by artists and nonprofit organizations based in designated Communities of Concern and in the San Diego Promise Zone. The purpose of Impact is to develop and implement change-making innovative projects within these designated geographic boundaries connecting heritage, sustainability and justice. The application deadline is Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at 8 a.m.

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/artsculture.

(City of San Diego Release) n

A busy 25th year in showbiz...

PAGE 9 Constancia and Kyle Echarri during the filming of their movie “The Ride,” they discovered a Filipino serial killer named Severino Mallari, which piqued Pascual’s interest.

He then decided to ask pitching of the project, wherein he eventually agreed on and took three characters who are all related from different timelines: the serial killer Mallari in 1812, John Rey Mallari in 1948, and Jonathan Mallari in the present day.

“I told myself, ‘Three characters? It seems quite challenging. Do I need this now? I’m busy.’

But I guess you could say I’m a sucker for good stories,” he said.

“It is complicated but if you watch the movie, there’s a lot of back stories, good narrative that you’ll be able to keep up. We did this in less than a month and everyone just brought their A-game,” he added.

As if taking the lead role in a MMFF entry wasn’t impressive enough, the award-winning actor is also part of another MMFF entry entitled “GomBurZa” in a special participating role.

He is also part of the upcoming Netflix Original series “Replacing Chef Chico” — starring alongside Sam Milby and Alessandra De Rossi — the firstFilipino-produced series for the streaming

giant.

On the international film festival scene, Pascual is one of the leading men of Brillante Mendoza’s star-studded “Moro”’ — a tragic drama about two warring brothers in Mindanao – that just recently premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.

“With [Mendoza], it was a different experience all together because he makes you do improv. It was a good exercise, you really have to know your character, you really have to know what you’re doing to be able to communicate the scene well and to convey the message that he wants to convey the audience,” he mentioned.

Lastly, this November as well, Pascual will be releasing a new album under Star Music, produced

by Jonathan Manalo. The album will contain eight tracks with Pascual performing alongside Juris, Morissette, Yeng Constantino, KZ Tandingan, Moira Dela Torre, Kyla, and Regine Velasquez.

With all these projects lined up just this year, there is indeed no signs of slowing down for Pascual.

Asked how he was able to do all them effectively, he finally shared, “If you settle for what you’ve already done, there’s no more growth.

That’s why it humbles me every time I take on new character or new work.” n

‘Here Lies Love’ will play final...

PAGE 9 King and I, The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee) as “Ferdinand Marcos,” Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” The King and I, Soft Power – Grammy nominations) as “Ninoy Aquino,” Aaron J. Albano, Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, Angelo Soriano, and Danielle Troiano.

From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, ‘Here Lies Love’ has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 2014-2015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.

The creative team for ‘Here Lies Love’ on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/

Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.

‘Here Lies Love’ is produced on Broadway

by Hal Luftig/Kevin Connor, Patrick Catullo, Clint Ramos, Jose Antonio Vargas, and Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer.

They are joined by Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Jo Koy, Apl.de.Ap/Tala Creative Live, Rob Laqui, Giselle “G” Töngi, Adam Hyndman, Eva LaBadie, Georgina Pazcoguin, Marikit Ventures/ Miranda Gohh, DJ CherishTheLuv/Garcia At Rodis, Don Michael H. Mendoza/Lora Nicholas Olaes, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney/Jeremiah Abraham, No Guarantees, Yasuhiro Kawana, Elise K. Haas, Len Blavatnik, Warner Music Entertainment, Shira Friedman, James L. Nederlander/Independent Presenters Network, LaChanze, Wendy Federman/ Suzanne Niedland, Katler-Solomon/Charlotte Cohn, Cathy Dantchik, Elizabeth Armstrong, John Gore Organization, The Shubert Organization, Hunter Arnold, Creative Partners Productions, Eastern Standard Time, Global Creatures, The Public Theater, Triptyk Studios, Iris Smith, Michael Robin Productions/Anastasia Muravyeva, Alexi Melvin/Beesham A. Seecharan, Andrew Diamond/Patrick Trettenero, Buzzy Geduld/ Gilad Rogowsky, Craig Balsam/David Brendel, Sok Sabai Productions/Ride or Die Productions, Marco Santarelli/Das Ellman & Howe, Linden Delaney/Smigelrutter Fitviavi, and Laura Ivey/Janet Brenner.

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023

Reminder to check for safety

11

HAVING set back your clocks back one • Check your emergency supplies hour earlier due to the end of Daylight kit and replace your food and stored water Saving Time, consider doing five more things so it doesn’t go bad. Emergency officials to keep your family safe. recommend that people rotate water and • Check all your home’s smoke and carbon food out of their emergency supplies kits monoxide alarms to ensure they are working, every six months. Check batteries and and check fire extinguishers to make sure medications too. they are not expired.

• Practice or at least review your home At most, it takes 10 minutes to check your evacuation plan with the entire household. devices and make sure they are functioning A guide for how to do this in the Personal properly or not expired. Families stake their Disaster Plan segment at the AlertSanDiego lives on these devices if and when a fire website (https://www.readysandiego.org/ breaks out in the middle of the night. content/oesready/en-us/make-a-plan.html).

Milejo Village, a new affordable housing development in San Ysidro.

Screen capture from YouTube video Typically, people just need to press a • Create or review your Personal Disaster button to hear the alarm activate. If it beeps, Plan in the event of fire or carbon monoxide the battery is still good. Safety experts emergency. recommend checking the battery in your • Register your cell phone with File photo/American Red Cross San Diego-Imperial Counties smoke alarm monthly and replacing the AlertSanDiego to receive emergency smoke alarms are particularly critical. battery annually. notifications and download the County’s free If you’re a senior without working smoke SDEmergency app.

Some newer smoke alarms have a special battery that has a 10-year service life that is alarms, the Burn Institute wants to help with As we are in peak wildfire season, you can not replaceable. In this case, continue to test its Senior Smoke Alarm Program, which also learn more about how you can prepare the battery monthly and replace the entire offers people over 62 who own their homes the outside of your home to lessen the risk of free smoke alarms and installation in San an ember taking hold. unit after 10 years.

MILEJO Village, a new affordable housing development in San For adults who may not be able to evacuate Diego County. Apply for the Senior Smoke (Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Ysidro, celebrated an official grand opening on Thursday, November as quickly or who may need assistance, Alarm Program online or call (858) 541-2277. Communications Office) n 2.

Located at 429 West San Ysidro Boulevard, the project features 64 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with wrap-around supportive services to seniors and families facing homelessness and mental health challenges.

The housing was built in partnership between the County of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission and Jamboree Housing Corp.

The county invested $6.7 million in the project through No Place Like Home Funding and the Innovative Housing Trust Fund.

SCAMMERS speak your preferred language. Lines are languages. There you’ll learn Business in Simplified Chinese, Milejo Village offers permanent supportive housing to families language. That’s why the open between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. how to avoid a scam, what to do if Korean, and Vietnamese. And, and individuals with incomes at or below 25% of the Area Median Federal you paid a scammer, and how to as always, check out ftc.gov/ Trade Commission Eastern.

Income (AMI) or $34,450 per year for a family of four.

Prefer to report online? In avoid scams targeting your small ordenar to order in Spanish.

(FTC) now takes reports in On-site amenities include a large community center and kitchen, a multiple languages. To report in English, visit ReportFraud.ftc. business. There’s even a fraud Whether you get FTC materials computer lab, laundry facilities, pet washing room, outdoor courtyard Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, gov or IdentityTheft.gov — or in handbook for recent arrivals to online or in print, we hope you’ll with a BBQ and dining area, a tot lot and parking. The homes are French, Arabic, Korean, Russian, Spanish, go to ReporteFraude. the United States. share them with family and also close to grocery stores, public transportation, community parks, Portuguese, Polish, and many ftc.gov or RobodeIdentidad.gov.

Prefer getting your information friends in your communities. By health centers and educational resources. other languages, call the FTC You’ll get immediate guidance in print? At ftc.gov/bulkorder, sharing what you know about People who live at Milejo have access to onsite case management at (877) 382-4357. Press 3 to on next steps. you can order free publications scams and reporting what you and counselors along with the opportunity to participate in ESL speak to an interpreter. To report multiple languages. see, you can help stop scams and But wait, there’s more. in classes, life skills training, job training, financial empowerment, identity theft, call (877) 438-4338 Now you’ll find advice in a Now, order How To Avoid a protect your community. after-school programs for youth, healthcare accessibility, nutrition and choose the option for your dozen languages at ftc.gov/ Scam and Scams and Your Small (Atty. Larisa Bungo/FTC) n and exercise classes and resident goal plans.

Milejo Village is currently 100% occupied. For more information on how to apply for Jamboree Housing please visit their website at https://www.jamboreehousing.com/pages/affordable-housingcommunities.

This is the county’s sixth affordable housing development ribbon cutting of 2023. In addition, the county has been a partner in breaking ground on nine additional affordable housing projects so far this year.

(Anita Lightfoot/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Affordable housing development in San Ysidro celebrates a grand opening

New help for spotting, avoiding, and reporting scams in multiple languages

Boy Abunda on Kris Aquino reunion: ‘It was different seeing her’

TV host Boy Abunda admitted that he turned emotional upon seeing Kris when they recently reunited in the United States.

In an episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Boy said he cried because he missed Kris, his talk show partner for many years. They were among the hosts of popular 1990s and early 2000s showbiz-oriented shows “Startalk” and “The Buzz.”

“It was a happy, beautiful reunion. It was different seeing her. Tatanggapin ko po, ako ay naging emosyonal, sinabi rin naman ito ni Kris, I was emotional,” he said.

“Pinipigilan ko pong hindi umiyak pero naiyak po ako, namiss ko si Kris,” he added.

Boy said that Kris needs to be healthy again because he is planning a show for them.

“Kris, pagaling ka. Gagawa tayo ng palabas,” he said.

The popular talk show host commended Kris’ sons, Bimby and Josh, for taking care of their mother.

“I’m just so glad that Bimb is doing everything he can. I’m so proud of him taking good care of his mother. Ang assignment ni Josh is to pray,” he said.

Boy also explained why Kris needs to stay in the U.S. “Ang dahilan po noon ay dahil ‘yung meds na kailangan ni Kris ay available lamang doon.

At saka ‘yung accessibility sa doctors ay kailangan po ‘yun,” he said.

Kris and Boy finally saw each other last October 25 since the former went to the U.S. to seek treatment for her auto-immune diseases. (By Jan Milo Severo/ Philstar.com) n

12 NOVEMBER 10-16, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588