111812 - Las Vegas Edition

LAS VEGAS

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

NOVEMBER 18-24, 2021 Volume 32 - No. 46 • 12 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M MU N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

USA

DATELINE Elderly Filipino man speaks out after knife attack in San Diego FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

AN elderly Filipino victim has spoken out after being brutally attacked outside a trolley station in El Cajon, California earlier this month.

“It...feels good to be alive,” Jose Serra told ABC 10 San Diego on Friday, November 12.

Serra, 71, was walking to a nearby manufacturing facility at the Arnele Avenue trolley stop around 5 a.m. on Nov. 3 when he was attacked by a man with a 12” knife, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

He recounted what happened before the incident, saying a man got on the trolley and sat a few seats behind him.

“When he got on the trolley, all he did was ask me how to get to Spring Valley,” said Serra.

Later, he and the man both got off at the Arnele Avenue stop.

According to Serra, the attack came as a surprise because there were no interactions between them while they were walking.

“There was no change in his expression.

Nothing. He just pulled out the knife and

Marcos, Duterte-Carpio confirm tandem for 2022 national polls

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Marcos made the announcement Tuesday, November 16, saying that he and DuterteCarpio have completed the process for their IT’S official: Former Senator Ferdinand partnership.

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor “Naitawid na namin ni Mayor Inday Sara Sara Duterte-Carpio will run as a tandem in the Duterte ang proseso para sa tambalang inaasamupcoming 2022 national elections. asam ng aming mga taga-suporta – ang BBM-

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

Ressa delivers lecture at Harvard University

u PAGE 4

u PAGE 2

DOT’s Puyat looks forward to PH tourism recovery, optimistic that ‘revenge travel’ will happen

u PAGE 2

NOBEL Peace Prize winner and Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa on Tuesday, November 16, delivered the prestigious Salant Lecture on Freedom of the Press at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS).

In the hour-long lecture moderated by Kennedy School professor Latanya A. Sweeney, Ressa talked about disinformation, democracy, and freedom of speech.

“In 2017, an invisible atom bomb exploded in the global information ecosystem forever changing it, but insidiously manipulating us.

And we don’t know that it happened,” she said.

According to Ressa, there’s a government tactic focused on manipulating social media called “patriotic trolling.” “[It is] state-sponsored online hate and harassment campaigns that’s meant to silence and intimidate,” she said. “Flood the market with lies, with disinformation — and think about it like this, right? If information is power, disinformation is abuse of power.”

Ressa noted that women were a “favorite” and “easy” target of patriotic trolling across

SARA sa 2022 (Sara and I have completed the process for a tandem that our supporters have long wanted to see – BBM-Sara for 2022),” he said in a statement.

“Napagkasunduan namin at ng aming mga partido ang pagsusulong ng mapagkaisang

DONNING OF RANK. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte fixes the hat of newly-promoted chief of the Philippine National Police Gen. Dionardo Carlos during the donning of rank and oath-taking ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, November 7. Carlos replaced Gen. Guillermo Eleazar who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on November 13.

Presidential photo by Robinson Niña

THE Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) led

by Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat is encouraging Filipinos in the diaspora to travel and explore the Philippines again, after a long hiatus due to pandemicrelated travel restrictions.

Puyat said that they are looking forward to welcoming balikbayans and tourists back especially now that COVID-19 travel restrictions are slowly being eased.

“I know that most of you have made it an annual tradition to celebrate the December holidays in the Philippines, where the Christmas spirit begins to be felt on the first ber month with December just around the corner,” Puyat said in a speech she delivered at a recent virtual Kapihan sponsored by the Filipino American Press Club of New York, Department of Tourism New

u PAGE 2

PH remains closed to foreign tourists, says BI

by ZACARIAN

SARAO

Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) clarified on Tuesday, November 16 that the Philippines is still closed to foreign tourists.

According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the bureau will continue to limit the entry of foreign tourists until the government decides to open the country’s borders.

“The country remains closed to foreign tourists. Only those under the allowed categories as set by the IATF (InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases), if coming

from green or yellow countries may be admitted to enter,” he said in a statement.

Morente said his clarification was prompted by reports that BI offices were being swamped with queries from persons who assumed that foreign tourists can now enter the country after Metro Manila was placed under the less restrictive COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

However, Morente reiterated that presently, only Filipinos, balikbayans, and foreigners with valid and existing visas issued by the BI and other specialized Philippine government agencies are being allowed to enter the country.

Meanwhile, those who wish to travel to

u PAGE 2

President Rodrigo Duterte (left) confers with Acting Spokesman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (right) during the meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malacañan Palace.

Inquirer.net file photo

Fact check: No, Pacquiao did not withdraw Palace: Pres. Duterte’s candidacy after meeting with Pres. Duterte senatorial bid has ‘nothing to do’ with ICC probe

by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com

Sen. Manny Pacquiao

Philstar.com file photo

MANILA — Following a meeting between Sen. Manny Pacquiao and President Rodrigo Duterte, “bloggers” and other accounts claiming to report news in the Philippines are claiming that Pacquiao has dropped out of the presidential race to give way to presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

CLAIM: On November 9, posts started coming out claiming that Pacquiao has backed out of his candidacy for president in the 2022 elections.

One video posted on YouTube channel “BANAT NEWS TV” presents the claim as a “latest update” from the Commission on

Elections.

The video’s unidentified narrator “confirmed” that Pacquiao “allegedly changed his mind” after the meeting with President Duterte.

RATING: This is misleading.

What did the posts say?

The same video also spoke of “news reports” claiming that Pacquiao may be “waking up to the reality that he should not continue his run for president because there are more deserving candidates.”

“Those are allegedly former Sen. Bongbong Marcos and presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio,” the video claimed as he reminded users to hit “Subscribe.”

u PAGE 4

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to run for senator is not related to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the killings linked to his antinarcotics crackdown, according to Malacañang.

“Wala namang kinalaman sa ICC case ‘yung decision ni Pangulong Duterte na tumakbo

bilang senador (The ICC case has nothing to do with President Duterte’s senatorial run),” Acting spokesman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Tuesday, November 16, during an online press briefing.

Nograles stressed that Duterte just wants to continue serving the Filipino people long after his term as President is over.

“Ang pagtakbo ni Pangulong Duterte as senator ay dahil gusto

u PAGE 2

2

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

November 18-24, 2021 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

From The FronT Page

Marcos, Duterte-Carpio confirm...

PAGE 1 liderato sakaling kami ay palarin sa darating na halalan sa Mayo 9, 2022 (We agreed together with our parties to push for a unified leadership in case luck is on our side in the upcoming elections on May 9, 2022),” he added.

Over the weekend, Marcos’ party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), had adopted Duterte-Carpio, who is running under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), as its vice presidential candidate after she formalized her candidacy.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio revealed that the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino– Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) rejected her when she sought support for her tandem with Marcos.

“Ang aking partido ay nakipag-alyansa at humingi

ng suporta para kay Bongbong Marcos at para sa akin matapos kong tanggapin ang inyong hamon at panawagan.

Tinanggihan ito ng PDP at naiintindihan natin ito (My party forged an alliance and sought support for Bongbong Marcos and myself after I accepted the challenge to run. PDP rejected this and we understand it),” she said in a video message.

PDP-Laban, the party her father Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte chairs, is supporting the presidential bid of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go. Go withdrew his candidacy for vice president and filed one for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) after Duterte-Carpio announced her decision to run for the secondhighest post in the country.

Duterte-Carpio, for her part, maintained that no one was put at a disadvantage over the new developments.

“Pero gusto ko lamang na linawin — walang pangalan na sinisira o dinudungisan, walang sinasagasaan, walang inaagrabyado, inaaway, pinapaiyak o inaapi (But I just want to make it clear — no name is being slandered or defiled, no one is being abused, aggrieved, fought, made to cry, or oppressed),” she stressed.

She also assured that building on her father’s legacy is the reason why she decided to run for vice president.

“Sa muli, nananawagan ako ng pagkakaisa. Ang layunin natin ay hindi lamang ituloy ang mga magagandang nasimulan ni Pangulong Duterte kundi ang mas pagbutihin at mas palawigin pa ang mga ito (Once again, I’m calling for unity. Our goal is not only to continue what President Duterte has started but also to improve and expand them),” said DuterteCarpio.

“The people will make me strong. And it is through our solidarity and unity that we will be able to build a stronger nation,” she added.

Further, Duterte-Carpio noted that the electoral battle is just starting.

“Nagsisimula pa lang ang ating laban. Alam ko na mahaba at mahirap ito (The fight is just starting. I know it will be long and difficult),” she said.

“Pero kampante ako na sasamahan at tutulungan nyo ako hanggang sa dulo, hanggang maipanalo natin ito para sa ating mahal na bayan at kapwa Pilipino (But I am certain that you will be with me and help me until the end, until we emerge victorious Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and outgoing Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte- for country and people),” she Carpio ManilaTimes.net photo added. n

PH remains closed to foreign tourists...

PAGE 1

the Philippines under a tourist visa may only do so if they apply for temporary visitors’ visas and secure an entry exemption document (EED) from Philippine posts abroad.

“We advise the public to refer to our website and social media pages to keep themselves updated on our latest advisories on guidelines and requirements for international travelers,” he said.

Morente previously announced that the BI is ready for foreign tourists after presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the country will accept international tourists “in due time.” n

BOOSTER VAX CARD. Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III shows one of the vaccination cards used during the booster vaccination ceremony at the NKTI gymnasium in Quezon City on Wednesday, November 17. The administration of booster shots for the A1 priority group (frontline health workers) is voluntary, with healthcare workers given the option to choose their preferred vaccine brand.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Palace: Pres. Duterte’s senatorial bid...

PAGE 1

niyang magpatuloy ng kanyang serbisyo sa taong bayan (Duterte wanted to run for senator because he wants to continue serving the people),” he said.

“He believes in his heart that he still can contribute to public service, no longer as President but now as senator if he wins in the national elections of 2022,” he added.

Nograles further reiterated that Duterte is not running for senator to evade the ICC’s probe.

“Wala pong pag-e-evade ng

prosecution ito at lahat ng mga batikos na narinig po natin ay wala pong katotohanan ang lahat ng akusasyon na ‘yan (There is no need to evade prosecution because all of the accusations are not true),” he stressed.

According to Nograles, Duterte can contribute a lot in the Senate.

“Ako po’y naniniwala na magiging malaki ang kontribusyon ni Pangulong Duterte sa Senado (I believe that President Duterte will have a huge contribution in the Senate),” he said.

On Monday, Nov. 15, Duterte filed his candidacy for senator via a representative.

The decision came after his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced that she was running for vice president in the 2022 national elections under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

Meanwhile, Duterte will run under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), replacing Mona Liza Visorde, who withdrew her COC for senator. n

DOT’s Puyat looks forward to PH tourism...

PAGE 1

York and Orientours.

“We are optimistic that revenge travel will soon materialize. We recognize the need to move forward and go along with the tide in order for us to transition into the new normal,” Puyat shared.

“You know how we Filipinos are it will take more than a pandemic to keep us down and stop us from getting back up. And travel and tourism will be a fun way to help reboot the Philippine economy.

Puyat also discussed the high vaccination rates of tourism workers in key travel destinations, including Baguio and Boracay which have recorded 100 and 99 percent vaccination rates respectively. Over 90 percent of tourism workers in Bohol and Coron are vaccinated.

She emphasized that the swift immunization of the tourism workforce is essential in the recovery of the industry, citing the experience of Thailand when it used Phuket as an experiment.

Called the Phuket Sandbox, it was Thailand’s pilot run for reopening the tourism sector and was launched on July 1. Tourists who wanted to go to Phuket were required 14 days of quarantine on the island. The country reopened Bangkok and other leading tourist destinations such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai to fully-vaccinated foreign tourists from 46 designated “low-risk” countries.

“That was my inspiration.

I have a better chance if I start with our destinations. I’m so happy that there’s no vaccination hesitancy among our workers,” she said. “In fact in some areas, we’re already vaccinating friends and families of our tourism frontliners.”

In Boracay, the vaccination rate has reached more than 100 percent, which means that more workers are being hired back.

The tourism industry employed 5.7 million Filipinos in 2019 and last year, more than 1.1 million lost their jobs.

Puyat mentioned that the Philippines has one of the shortest quarantine requirements in Asia.

Travelers from the USA and Canada are only required to undergo facility-based quarantine with RT PCR testing on the fifth day. Upon the release of a negative RT PCR test result, travelers may continue home quarantine until the 10th day.

Upon entry into the Philippines, vaccinated travelers from the

USA can conveniently present their CDC vaccination card or their digital ID or certificate as proof of vaccination.

“Again, may I stress this is as of today because protocols are forever changing. We in the Philippines continue to prioritize the health and safety of our people, including that of our overseas Filipinos and former Filipinos who are returning to the country,” she said.

She reported that balikbayans and their foreign spouses and children may already enter the country, along with foreign spouses and minor children of Filipino staying in the Philippines are also allowed to enter the country subject to prevailing guidelines implemented by the IATF. Since May this year, Puyat said that the DOT has been pushing for the relaxation of testing and quarantine protocols for fullyvaccinated individuals from countries that are classified as low-risk following the lead of some of the country’s neighbors in the ASEAN as well as the models that are being implemented in Western countries.

“As early as last year, December, the Philippines was already open to balikbayans and I have to give credit to Mr. Jojo Clemente and Miss Marge Munsayac because they were always pushing for that,” Puyat said.

Clemente is the p[resident of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines while Munsayac is chair of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Inc. Tourism Recovery “We are now moving from survival to recovery and rebuilding after two years of actual struggle for survival. The revival of tourism is a big part of this and that is why we are looking forward to welcoming back our balikbayans, Filipino Americans, Filipino Canadians, and even foreign tourists from all over the world,” said Josen Perez de Tagle, Philippine Airlines’ Vice President of Corporate Communications.

He said that they are looking forward to having more flights into the country as they rebuild route by route.

Puyat also announced that the first-ever Philippine Specialist Program will be launched this month to educate North American travel advisors about the Philippines.

DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat Inquirer.net file photo

“What was perceived as a challenge has actually become an opportunity to reach a wider audience through digital marketing activities through webinars, the online promotion of culinary tourism, virtual cookbooks, social media marketing, and supporting virtual Filipino community events,” she said.

The tourism attaches assigned in the United States - Francisco Lardizabal in New York, Soleil Tropicales in San Francisco, and Richmond Jimenez in Los Angeles - continue to engage with airline partners or operators, travel advisors, and consumers to strengthen business relationships and keep the Philippines as a top of mind destination.

There has also been a shift towards more open spaces, outdoor activities, and more personalized and immersive travel.

“We are focusing on products that will cater to the new normal travelers’ preferences,” she shared.

Among these are 41 tourism circuits spanning the entire country - from food trips to eco-tours, fun farm circuits to pilgrimage tours, biking circuits, art and adventure, and dive and drive packages.

Addressing the Kapihan audience, Puyat said she hopes the kababayans consider returning home.

“Hopefully we really have more good news in the next couple of weeks. We can’t wait to see more of you, we really miss our balikbayans,” she said. n

Elderly Filipino man speaks out after...

PAGE 1 started slashing. It was a complete surprise,” he said.

“As soon as the knife started coming, I fell to the sidewalk, because I was bleeding like crazy,” he added.

In a news release, the El Cajon Police Department noted Serra “had numerous life-threatening stab wounds and had been severely slashed across his face.”

“The victim’s ear was nearly severed off and he had lost a significant amount of blood,” it said Thursday, Nov. 11.

Additionally, the ECPD released a photo of the suspect: 24-year-old Ezekiel Valdivia, a

convicted felon who is out on early release.

Valdivia is described as a Hispanic man, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and numerous tattoos on his body, including a large “V” tattoo on his face.

Valdivia also has a history of assault, elderly abuse, and weapons charges.

While police have not yet ruled if the attack on Serra was racially motivated, the Filipino American community is urging officials to get involved.

“Why did it take almost a week to get the word out that there is a

dangerous man on the loose that had done this heinous crime,” said JoAnn Fields of the Filipino Resource Center.

She added, “We have to hold people accountable. If we are going to stop the cycle of violence then we need not just see something but to say something.”

Anyone with information on Valdivia’s whereabouts is urged to come forward and call El Cajon Police at 619-579-3311 or Crimestoppers at 888-580-8477.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Serra with the medical expenses as he recovers from his injuries. (Ritchel Mendiola/ AJPress)

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Date lin e USa

Vaccinating kids can help win the battle against COVID, experts argue

by Jenny

Manrique Ethnic Media Services

Nearly one million children ages 5 to 11 have been vaccinated in the United States since the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved for this age group on September 20. efforts to immunize 28 million infants could mark a turning point in the battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, but many parents are still reluctant to vaccinate their kids.

“We received phone calls, emails and text messages from families that were just eagerly awaiting the vaccine for their children,” said Jennifer Miller, a pediatrician with east Bay Pediatrics during an ethnic Media Services briefing on Nov 12.

“But we also have another group of patients who have been more cautious and more hesitant.”

The first group of families, Miller noted, were looking forward to resuming some semblance of normalcy without having to worry about isolating or quarantining their children: being able to send them back to school or traveling together as the holidays come.

The latter, mostly families of color, are afraid to vaccinate their children because they do not know the long-term consequences of the shot, or because they are afraid of side effects

such as infertility (denied by scientists) or myocarditis (inflammation in the heart that has occurred exceptionally in men after the second dose and it is very easy to treat.) although many parents have been vaccinated, they prefer a wait-and-see approach when it comes to their children because they feel the burden of making decisions on behalf of people too young to decide for themselves.

Dr. Miller cites the mental health impacts she is seeing among her young patients as another reason for ensuring they get vaccines.

“Not only are we dealing with a pandemic because of COVID, but we are dealing with a mental health pandemic,” she said.

“Children and adolescents have been removed from their school routine, their peers, their sports and their clubs. They are depressed and anxious due to the loss of family members to COVID; they experience frequent sadness.

“These children need to get back into school full time,” the pediatrician added. “We have kindergarteners that didn’t learn how to read and kids with special needs who didn’t get their own occupational therapy.” These educational disparities occur much more commonly in families of

color. “If those families do not go out and get vaccinated, these kids will continue to fall behind and won’t be able to compete with their peers.”

There have been more than 6 million positive COVID cases in children in the United States since the pandemic began, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulting in 64,000 hospitalizations and 650 deaths.

That’s why CDC Director rochelle Wollensky endorsed the advisory group’s recommendation on immunization practices to move on mass childhood vaccination.

“There is no doubt that children are less at risk for severe disease from COVID,” said Monica Gandhi, Professor of Medicine at UC San Francisco School of Medicine. “even though the risk is lower, during the Delta variant surge, COVID was the sixth leading cause of death in children.”

Gandhi cited three reasons why children should be vaccinated: to protect them against the virus; to reduce transmission to others, especially older parents and grandparents; and because the dose is safe. These reasons are particularly relevant for communities of color which have a higher incidence of diabetes, PAGE 4

IMPROVED PH-ISRAEL TIES. Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss (right) cites the continuously improving cooperation between the Philippines and Israel, especially in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Thursday, November 18. Also in photo is forum moderator and Kamuning Bakery owner Wilson Flores.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • November 18-24, 2021

3

4

November 18-24, 2021 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

Date lin e USa

Fact check: No, Pacquiao did not withdraw...

PAGE 1 That Pacquiao “might be waking up” runs counter to the original claim of the title that he had already withdrawn. It is also unclear which reports the page was pointing to that made those “allegations.”

Another page, “B0ngb0ng Marc0s Supp0rters Info” on Facebook, posted the same video with the caption: “MATAPOS ang PAG-UUSAP sa MALACANANG ni PDUTERTE PACQUIAO nagWITHDRAW BBM-SARA TANDEM2022.”

Graft convict and former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada, a social media personality who refers to himself as an “investigative journalist” despite regularly peddling fake news, also claimed in a post that his “informants” said even Pacquiao “wants to withdraw.”

“Withdrawing his candidacy is the best thing that Senator Manny Pacquiao can do right now...

But his advisers are insisting that he stay in the race,” Mejorada claimed in a Facebook post that received 7,700 interactions.

What they left out The boxer-turned-senator indeed visited the president at the Palace on the night of Tuesday, November 9.

“It is a meeting between national leaders who discussed certain matters related to people’s interest and Mindanao development,” Pacquiao’s camp said in a statement, adding that the meeting centered on the “infrastructure and power industry.”

Pacquiao himself has said that the latest developments in the

election landscape do nothing to change his plans.

“It wasn’t a political meeting but provided us an opportunity to talk about our shared vision... my decision to run for president hasn’t changed,” he said in a statement two days later.

Essential context Pacquiao and Duterte belong to the ruling PDP-Laban party.

But infighting in past months within resulted in the administration party splitting into two: one led by Pacquiao and the other by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

The Cusi-led wing fielded Sen. Ronald dela Rosa as its standardbearer and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go for vice president, both of whom have since withdrawn their candidacies with the party.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is running with Rep. Lito Atienza (Buhay Party-list) as his vice-presidential candidate.

Their meeting in Malacañang was their first recorded encounter since the rift began.

Pacquiao earlier accused Duterte of defending his allies under investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for alleged irregularities in pandemic spending.

Why does this matter?

Even after Pacquiao’s camp issued their statement belying the claims in the wake of the meeting, similar posts to circulate on social media as of this writing.

Since it was posted on November 11, the video by Banat News TV has amassed 640,447 views and over 6,300 likes on YouTube.

CrowdTangle, a social media monitoring tool, counts 768 Facebook posts mentioning Pacquiao’s withdrawal in the past 7 days, which have garnered 170,960 interactions.

The posts came to a peak on the same day the meeting took place on November 9, where they garnered some 50,900 interactions.

But according to CrowdTangle, similar posts still received some 7,500 interactions as of Monday, November 15.

What type of misinformation is this?

The statements in the flagged videos and posts are examples of false claims.

This classification of misinformation includes posts that can make use of genuine statements and media, such as the meeting that indeed took place in the Palace, but are used to push a false narrative.

Claims that presidential candidates have backed out of the race to the Palace have been rampant on social media, particularly from troll accounts supporting the tandem of Marcos and Duterte.

The practice is not unique to the coming 2022 elections, though, as rumors and claims that a bed has withdrawn from the race or have died have been a form of disinformation since before the internet.

In October, at least three videos were posted and later went viral claiming that the Comelec has ruled to disqualify Robredo from the 2022 polls, supposedly due to crowdfunding efforts that foreigners may have donated to. n

DOWNTIME. Delivery riders wait for their orders at a mall lounge in Fairview, Quezon City on Monday, November 15. The sector’s growing number has prompted establishments to allot areas where riders can rest and comfortably wait for their goods.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Ressa delivers lecture at...

PAGE 1

many countries.

“In the Philippines, our data showed us that women were being attacked at least 10 times more than men,” she added.

The Nobel laureate identified the steps in patriotic trolling, which included attacking someone’s credibility.

“This is gaslighting to the nth degree, and then you repeat it,” said Ressa.

“One of the things we’ve learned is that when you say a lie a million times, it becomes a fact. People believe it. This is the age of social media,” she added. “In Mark Twain’s time, truth can catch up.

And now, it literally changes our reality.”

Ressa also discussed how the Facebook algorithm impacts democracy, citing a three-part series she and her colleagues at Rappler wrote entitled “Propaganda War: Weaponizing the Internet.”

“These algorithms that make you doubt reality, when social media becomes a behavior modification system that essentially turns us into Pavlov’s dogs. This experimentation, where research has shown as early as 2018, that lies laced with anger and hate, spread faster and further on social media,” she said.

“If you have lies, meaning you don’t have facts. If you don’t have

facts, how can you have truth?

How can you have trust? If you don’t have these three, you don’t have democracy. You don’t have a shared reality,” she added.

To combat misinformation and disinformation, Ressa said U.S. policymakers should revise key sections of federal internet law. She also cited the European Union’s Digital Services Act, calling it “the most effective” example of a policy that focuses on changing “algorithms of bias.”

“EU Digital Services Act [is] probably the most effective right now in terms of looking, not downstream at the content, where you run into all the freedom of speech questions, but upstream, where you look at algorithms of bias, algorithms that prioritize the spread of lies, hate anger and conspiracy theories,” she said.

“Let’s cut it off upstream. Not here, where it becomes a choice of content,” she added. “Content is the byproduct of the toxic sludge.”

Ressa also stressed that independent journalism and community are “critical” in fighting misinformation and disinformation.

“Part of the reason we can be resilient is that you need to tell people how they are being manipulated,” she explained.

“Most of the time, Americans will say, ‘Ah, that doesn’t happen

Maria Ressa Photo from Instagram/@maria_ressa

here,’ and then you see how quickly democracy can collapse,” she added. “One of the things that technology has shown us, and it is both good and bad, is that humanity around the world — we actually have far more in common than we have differences.”

The Salant Lecture on Freedom of the Press is delivered annually by a prominent journalist, scholar, or practitioner.

In October, Ressa made history as the first Filipino to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

She received the Peace Prize for her effort “to safeguard freedom of expression,” with the Norwegian Nobel Committee calling her a representative of journalists “who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.” (Ritchel Mendiola/ AJPress)

Vaccinating kids can help win the battle...

PAGE 3 high blood pressure and high cholesterol, making them more vulnerable to COVID. “During the (clinical) trial with 2,268 children, there was a reduction in COVID symptomatic infections of 90.7%.” Gandhi said. Because of the rare cases of myocarditis, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Pfizer to provide a 10 mg dose for children ages 5 to 11, in contrast to the 30 mg that adults receive.

In Moderna’s case, the dose is higher: 100 mg.

Gandhi suggests that there will be greater efficacy in children if the doses are given more than three weeks apart, based on data from the National Institute of Public Health in Quebec: Canada chose to administer the doses eight weeks apart which was 92% effective versus 82% effectiveness when the doses were given closer together.

“We are still at about 68% for

the vaccination rate across the country among eligibles over 12 years of age,” Gandhi said.

“With 28 million vaccinated children, the virus will be able to find fewer and fewer susceptible hosts.”

Misinformation and fears Maria Meraz, Founder-Director of Parent Engagement Academy, works annually with around 3,000 parents in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, 90% of them immigrants and first-generation Latinos. She said that the misinformation spread about the vaccine on networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube is “terrible”.

“These parents are low-income families and many of them don’t have access to (cable) TV… they get their information from sources that are not the best such as friends and family.” Meraz works with several school districts that provide social-emotional support services to guide parents through

a dilemma that causes them great anxiety: While many do not agree with vaccination, they know they have no other option.

“They have to send their children to school because they have to go to work,” Meraz said.

Madison Sandoval, a Bay Area school nurse, cited a new fear that children who have not been vaccinated may wind up becoming targets for cyberbullying.

“I can definitely see the potential for bullying to happen, and that’s why it’s really important for schools to get ahead of that kind of dialogue and really focus on vaccines’ benefits, not assigning blame or shaming any child because ultimately it is not their decision,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval recalled that masking and ventilation are really effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID within schools and that as long as vaccines are not mandatory to attend classrooms, they should be implemented. n

D ateline PhiliPPines PH to continue asserting sovereignty over WPS

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • November 18-24, 2021

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, according to Malacañang.

“As we have in the past, we will continue to assert our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over our territory,” acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday, November 18.

The statement was issued following reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Command saying Chinese Coast Guard vessels harassed two Philippine boats on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Nograles also lauded the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for acting swiftly.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs has acted swiftly and has con-

demned the incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard,” he noted.

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, three Chinese vessels “blocked and water cannoned” two Philippine supply boats en route to transport food supplies to military personnel deployed in Ayungin Shoal.

According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., no one was hurt in the incident but the boats had to abort their resupply mission.

“I have conveyed in the strongest terms to H.E. Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing our outrage, condemnation and protest of the incident,” he said in a statement.

Locsin also pointed out that the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions were “illegal,” stressing that China must “take heed and back off.”

“Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as the Philippines’

exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” he said.

“The acts of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels are illegal. China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas. They must take heed and back off,” he added.

Further, the Foreign Affairs chief said that the incident “threatens the special relationship” between the Philippines and China.

“This failure to exercise self-restraint threatens the special relationship between the Philippines and China that President Rodrigo R. Duterte and President Xi Jinping have worked hard to nurture,” said Locsin.

“The Philippines will continue to provide supplies to our troops in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal). We do not ask permission to do what we need to do in our territory,” he added. n

5

SWAB TEST. A father carries his son who is undergoing swab testing for Covid-19 at the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program depot in Quezon City on Thursday, November 18. The tests are part of dispatch procedures before their travel to Negros Oriental on Friday, November 19. .

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

PH lifts face shield mandate Filipinos’ lifetime productivity losses in areas under Alert Level 1-3 due to COVID-19 to hit P2.3 trillion

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines has lifted its mandatory use of face shields in areas under Alert Level 1 to 3.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, November 15, approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to drop the face shield requirement in certain areas.

“Ang decision ko is okay, tanggalin nyo na yung shields. Pwede na ninyong (My decision is okay, you can remove the shields. You can), you dispense with the shields but not the mask),” he said in his pretaped public address.

However, the Chief Executive stressed that face masks will remain mandatory amid the pandemic, saying that COVID-19 “will be here for a long time.”

“You have to obey what the government will tell you to do because it’s for the good of the country and for you. Sumunod lang kayo (Just obey),” added Duterte.

Earlier that day, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum saying face shields will be worn “on a voluntary basis for areas under Alert Levels 3, 2, and 1.”

On the other hand, face shields will remain mandatory for areas under Alert Level 5 and granular lockdowns.

For areas under Alert Level 4, local government units and private establishments are given discretion to mandate use of face shields.

by Ben

o. de VeRa Inquirer.net

Cebu residents wearing mask and face shields in public.

Philstar.com file photo

“The above protocols are without prejudice to the continuing mandatory use of face shields in medical and quarantine facilities, and the required use thereof by healthcare workers in healthcare settings,” the memo read.

Currently, Metro Manila is under Alert Level 2 until Nov. 21.

The IATF first issued the use of face shields outdoors in December last year.

In September this year, Duterte limited the use of face shields in places that fall under the “3Cs” category: crowded, closed, and close contact.

The Philippines is the only country in the world that requires using face shields in addition to masks. n

MANILA — On top of the pain inflicted by COVID-19 on the health sector, losses in Filipino workers’ wages and productivity have been estimated to hit as much as P2.3 trillion during their lifetime, the state-run think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said.

In his paper titled “The Multifaceted Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which he also discussed during a webinar on Thursday, PIDS senior research fellow Valerie Gilbert Ulep pointed out that this economic cost mostly came from the COVID-19 pandemic’s indirect impact, such as many people suffering from other diseases who were unable to be treated as hospitals prioritized coronavirus infections, as well as school closures, which impacted on children’s learning.

“The long-run productivity losses because of both direct and indirect [health and other impact of COVID-19] is around P2.3 tril-

lion, in net present value,” Ulep told the webinar.

Ulep and other Philippinebased researchers as early as March this year flagged in a separate paper released by the Washington-based think tank Center for Global Development (CGD) that the number of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) claims to cover 12 “high-burden” diseases dropped last year as medical care focused on COVID-19.

In June, another CGD paper coauthored by Ulep pointed to risks to Filipino children’s health and growth, as their research showed up to 70-percent year-on-year decline in 60 government hospitals’ admissions for pediatrics during the second quarter of last year — at the the height of the most stringent COVID-19 lockdown imposed in the Philippine to control virus spread.

The drop in hospital admissions among children was faster than the 40-percent decline among adults, such that CGD said “the sharp decline in pedi-

atric cases suggests that children are bearing the brunt of the pandemic.”

In his Nov. 17 PIDS paper, Ulep said increases in food security among households due to job losses would not only increase stunting in children but also inflict P633.8 billion in life-long losses.

In a report in June, the World Bank said the Philippines was suffering from a “silent pandemic” — childhood stunting as a result of undernutrition. Stunted kids were smaller in height compared to healthier children of the same age.

World Bank estimates showed that in 2019, 29 percent of Filipino kids who were aged five and below were stunted. In the East Asia and Pacific region, the Philippines had the fifth-highest stunting prevalence; worldwide, the country was among the top 10.

Ulep said a decline in treatment of tuberculosis (TB), meanwhile, would result in P28.9 bil-

u PAGE 8

6

NOVEMBER 18-24, 2021 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Goodbye, face shield

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

FEATURES

ON top of the face mask, the face shield aggravates difficulty in breathing and can be exceptionally uncomfortable in a poorly ventilated area on a hot day.

Accusations of overpricing and sweetheart deals brokered by administration cronies intensified public distaste for the face shield.

Last Monday, November 15, amid falling COVID-19 cases, President Duterte announced his approval of a recommendation to make the use of face shields voluntary in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3 including Metro Manila, except in places such as hospitals. On Tuesday, November 16, transport officials also lifted the face shield requirement in public utility vehicles.

Health experts went along with the recommendation, but continued to encourage the voluntary use of face shields as added protection against COVID-19, especially in the so-called three Cs: closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close-contact settings.

While acknowledging the discomfort in wearing face shields, the health experts maintain that they provide a measure of protection for the eyes, which are entry points for viruses and other pathogens.

The experts say the added protection is important especially as complacency spreads and people

stop using even masks in public places such as open markets.

The shields can stop biological droplets such as those expelled in a sneeze from hitting the eyes, according to health experts, who point out that healthcare workers in COVID wards use medical goggles to protect their eyes.

President Duterte himself is warning the public against complacency, amid reports of a new wave of COVID infections particularly in western Europe that is forcing a return to lockdowns. Scenes in Metro Manila since the region was eased to Alert Level 2 have shown people ignoring physical distancing, with many no longer wearing masks.

In such environments, health experts say a face shield on top of a mask can reduce the risk of catching COVID. Even with the lifting of the face shield requirement, experts warn that under certain settings, you discard it at your own risk.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MARK your calendar. Next year Monday, May 9, 2022, eligible citizens of the Philippines will be heading to the polls to vote for their new President, Vice President, Senators, Representatives, as well as their local government public officials headed by the Governor, Vice Governor, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmen/Councilwomen.

This should be a very important milestone in our Motherland’s history for dual citizens like me who can now have our voices heard and help steer the nation to the right direction moving forward.

Even if you are not a dual citizen, and you still have your family permanently living in the Motherland, you know that the election results will be consequential to their lives and livelihood in the Philippines. Or perhaps like me, you are also sending money every month to the Philippines to help your

May 9, 2022 is Election Day in the Philippines: How does the electoral process compare to the US? family back home.

Our sense of history is another important reason why whatever happens to our Motherland is something we want to know more about because our life in the Philippines — good or bad — will always be part of who we are.

So let us compare and contrast the Presidential Election in the Philippines and in the United States — our adoptive country.

The Philippine Presidential Elections happen every six years. Here in the United States, we head to the polls to exercise our right and duty to vote every four years.

There are pros and cons for both. If you are fortunate to have elected a good, honest, hardworking, effective, leader with integrity and brilliant vision, then six years in the Philippines seem too short and Philippine laws allow only one term for President. However, if the people elected an abusive, lawbreaker and divisive president, then six

THE Senate looms as the likely post-election rallying ground of the Marcos-Duterte forces campaigning under different banners to capture key government positions in the May 2022 national polls.

President Duterte could become Senate president if the alliance delivers with him a majority of the 12 Senate seats at stake.

With that number, plus the residual pro-administration senators, Duterte could be next to the new vice president in the line of succession to the presidency.

The allies continue to scatter optics in the media to paint a fake picture of the parties disagreeing on many issues. There is an effort to hide the MarcosDuterte modus vivendi so as not to provoke negative reactions from the public.

Will the Senate, with Duterte and his loyal squad in control, become the new political center of gravity? The answer depends largely on who will win the presidency: • If Leni Robredo of the opposition wins as president, despite the whiff of fresh air, there would be a constant tension between Malacañang and a Dutertedominated Senate. The battle of Change vs Continuity (or more of the same Duterte style of governance) will rage on.

years feels like eternity.

Here in the U.S., the President can have a maximum of two consecutive terms. Those who did not live up to the expectations of the electorate, have not delivered on their campaign promises, did not protect the people and the Constitution and abused the power and public trust accorded to the Presidency become one term president.

Here in the United States, there is a short list of former presidents who ran for office as president again after leaving office as president, and this does not include presidents who sought reelection to a consecutive term while still in office.

Just like in the Philippines, there there have been a few US presidents who ran for a seat in Congress, or governor.

Most of them, however, retire from public office and just do charitable works through their own foundation, write books, and if the Constitution and

democracy is threatened, some call out the sitting president.

Here in the United States, the candidates for president and vice president are a TEAM belonging to the same party. They share the same ideology, policies, platform and visions for the country. The voters elect the President and along with this vote is the vote for the presidential candidate’s running mate.

In contrast, the candidates for President and Vice President in the Philippines are elected separately in the ballot.

I prefer our system here in the United States. The President and Vice President should be elected and sworn into office as a TEAM so they can work together toward fulfilling their campaign promises to the people. And if something happens to the President that will prevent him/her from fulfilling his/her duties and responsibilities like death or chronic serious illness (including mental incapacity), or be deposed from office through

impeachment, then the Vice President will carry out the programs and initiatives they were elected to fulfill for the people.

This does not happen in the Philippines where the President and Vice President(VP) come from two different parties. Oftentimes, the VP is marginalized by the president for fear of being more popular than him/her and therefore, will diminish the chances of his/her party to hold on to power in the next election cycle.

Differences and even animosity are also inevitable when the President and VP come from different parties because they have opposing views, visions, policies and programs to begin with. And if the VP exercises his/her Constitutional duty to call out the President for any violations of the law or of public morals and ethics, then this will not be taken well by the President and his/her party and will do everything to silence and

marginalize the VP. These are some major differences between the U.S. and Philippine President Elections.

However, since both countries are democratic forms of government, then both should adhere to the principles of democracy enshrined in their respective Constitutions. But I will discuss more of that topic in future editions of this column.

Abangan! *** 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.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

A grand pretense: Marcos vs Duterte

Postscript

FEDERICO D. PASCUAL JR.

Philstar.com photo

• With Marcos as president, the collaboration will continue between the son of the late dictator exulting in his family’s recapture of the Palace and Duterte who had tried his best to improve on the original Marcos autocracy.

Some of the Duterte troops are camped under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), a party allied with the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban), one of whose two factions is under Duterte.

These Duterte groups appear to be allies of Partido Federal Pilipino, the party being used by Bongbong Marcos as the vehicle in his drive for the presidency.

The PFP is apart from the Lakas-Catholic Muslim Democracy (Lakas-CMD) under which Davao Mayor Sara Duterte signed up as its nominee for vice president. The PFP has “endorsed” Sara as its vice presidential nominee, sealing the Marcos-Duterte partnership.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, the Lakas-CMD president and a cousin of Marcos, has said that his party will include President Duterte in its senatorial ticket. The MarcosDuterte love affair continues.

Among those awaiting the President in the Senate are Duterte diehards Sens. Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go, the latter now running for president under PDDS. His challenging Marcos’ presidential bid is part of the

pretense of being political foes.

Dela Rosa the good soldier who earlier followed orders to run for president under the Duterte wing of PDP-Laban must have been relieved in being able to back out as the battle lines were getting clearer.

Also worth watching is Senate President Tito Sotto, a graduating senator who is running against Sara for vice president. If he loses, he won’t be able to saunter back to the “august chamber” as casually as dropping in on the set of the “Eat Bulaga” TV show of his dabarkads.

Bong Go used to be the reluctant nominee for vice president of the PDP-Laban’s Duterte wing. He dropped that tag amid the confusion in the party and the potential clash at the polls with Duterte’s own daughter Sara who had decided to be the VP candidate of Marcos.

But now Go has been assigned to run as PDDS presidential bet.

When he fails in this token candidacy, he could simply go back to the Senate with his boss the President, and join in singing “Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.…”

It has all been pretense.

Many others in the chamber who had been pretending to be independent (of Malacañang) may then be emboldened by the luminescent presence of their lord in their midst to openly profess their faith.

What would then happen to Sen. Dick Gordon, chair of the

Blue Ribbon committee that had irritated Duterte no end with exposés of multibillion-peso deals of Palace cronies who allegedly had taken advantage of the rush procurement of equipment for fighting the pandemic?

Theoretically, we the people are supposed to set and secure the boundaries of good governance and the good conduct of government officials. Unfortunately, we have a flawed democracy and we do not seem to agree on how to fix it.

The 2022 elections are supposed to give us another chance at reforming both the system and the people managing it.

Let’s see.

US aid for Pampanga hospitals Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda met on Monday with Consul General Elmer G. Cato in New York and the Asia-Eurasia regional director of Americares, a non-profit organization that provides medicines and medical supplies to various countries around the world.

Pineda updated Cato, who happens to be a Capampangan, on the COVID-19 situation in Pampanga and the measures the provincial government has been taking to look after the cabalens.

He also discussed his initiatives in peace and order, trade and investment, education, arts and culture and sports.

In turn, Cato briefed the governor on how the consulate has been promoting trade and

Former Senator Bongbong Marcos and President Duterte

investment in the Philippines, including the Clark Freeport in Pampanga and surrounding areas, as well as improving the delivery of consular services.

The governor said he was pleased to learn of the consulate’s coordination with US officials in protecting the interests of the Filipino community in the 10 states under its jurisdiction.

Recently, several Filipinos have been victims of Hate-Asian violence.

Supporting Cato’s promotion of Filipino culture in the US, Pineda gave the consulate two giant Pampanga lanterns for display at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue in New York during the Yule season. The parol display at the Center, right in the heart of Manhattan, is expected to mesmerize the more than

Inquirer.net file photos

200,000 pedestrians who pass by it every day.

Pineda also met with Joan Littlefield, director for Asia and Eurasia Programs of Americares, a non-profit organization based in the East Coast. The meeting, arranged by the consul-general, is expected to result in donations of medicines and medical supplies for the provincial medical center, district hospitals and other local health units in Pampanga. (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.

*** NB: All Postscripts are also archived at ManilaMail.com. Author is on Twitter as @ FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.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.

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

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

ROBERT MACABAGDAL Vice President & General Manager Las Vegas Asian Journal

With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego. Philippines MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

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

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

Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition.

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

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

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

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

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

Date lin e Ph iliP P in e s

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • November 18-24, 2021

Pacquiao to invite 10 international billionaire friends to invest in PH

by JAvier Joe isMAel ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao will use his global celebrity status to lure foreign direct investments to the Philippines and provide jobs for the country’s poor.

Going around Bulacan and Metro Manila, Pacquiao said he has at least 10 international billionaire friends who are committed to investing their money in the Philippines.

He said their only condition is for him to get rid of corruption, which has been a big turn-off for foreign investors and address the country’s unreliable internet and power supply.

“May mga kaibigan ako na

mga malalaking negosyante at mga mayayaman sa ibang bansa na naka-ready na tumulong sa Pilipinas. Ayaw lang talaga nila itong napakatinding korapsyon sa ating gobyerno (I have friends who are big businessmen and rich in other countries who are ready to invest in the Philippines.

But they have questioned this intense corruption in our government),” Pacquiao said.

“Mahirap din po talagang makakuha ng investors sa bansa kung ang mga katabing bansa ay nasa 20 porsyento lang ang corporate tax. Kailangan nating pababain ang ating corporate tax at palakasin ang ating non-tax revenues (It’s really hard to get investors to come to the country if our neighbor countries are im-

7

posing corporate tax at only 20 percent. We need to lower our corporate tax and strengthen our non-tax revenues),” Pacquiao added.

Pacquiao said that even before the pandemic which forced many businesses to shut down, many FDIs have moved elsewhere primarily because of the country’s unpleasant business climate.

Aside from having a very unreliable infrastructure for businesses, Pacquiao said the government’s reliance on taxes and the instability in economic policies are a big turn-off for potential investors.

Pacquiao said that once elected, he would ask Congress to legislate sweeping tax reforms to foster a better investment climate ARTIFICIAL TREES. Workers of the Public Safety Office install artificial trees with pink leaves at Kadiwa park on Congressional Road, Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Thursday, November 18. The activity is part of the beautification project of the city government.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga for the Philippines. n

Lacson assures: No martial law under my leadership Harry Roque: Stint as Duterte spokesman

by Neil

Senator Panfilo Lacson

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson has one assurance to the public should he be elected as president of the country in next year’s national elections: No martial law under his leadership.

Lacson made the remark after he was asked in a press forum if he will declare martial law under his leadership as a known “disciplinarian.” “’Yan ang pwedeng itaga sa bato… Dun sa martial law, hindi mangyayari (You can cast it in stone… Martial law won’t happen),” Lacson said.

One of Lacson’s competitors for the presidency is former Inquirer.net photo Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong”

Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Marcos Sr. has been hit for the number of human rights abuses following his declaration of martial law.

Meanwhile, in his final State of the Nation Address back in July, President Rodrigo Duterte suggested that his successor should declare martial law if he or she wants to reform the government and rid it of corruption.

The suggestion was made after the President again claimed that nobody could eradicate corruption across the bureaucracy.

But under the 1987 Constitution, the president may only proclaim martial law in case of foreign invasion and rebellion when public safety requires it. n

Filipinos’ lifetime productivity losses due...

PAGE 5 lion in losses. TB was among the diseases whose PhilHealth claims dropped last year, reflecting fewer treatments amid the pandemic.

A drop in treatment of HIV would inflict P16.8 billion in losses, while slower child immunization against other diseases as the government prioritized mass vaccination against COVID-19 would cost Filipinos P278.3 billion in lost opportunities, Ulep said.

Ulep’s estimates also showed that the premature deaths

caused by COVID-19 would inflict P94 billion in lost household incomes, while premature deaths due to other diseases which took a backseat to the deadly coronavirus would cost a bigger P398 billion.

Those who got sick with COVID-19 were estimated to lose P66 billion in wages during their lifetime, while incomes of those with non-coronavirus morbidities that had lack of healthcare amid the pandemic would be short of a larger P1.7 trillion.

“In the Philippines, in-patient care for high-burden diseases

sharply declined during the first year of the pandemic. The poorest population suffered the biggest decline. So children and a lot of vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of the pandemic,” Ulep said.

To address this, Ulep said “the government must find innovative ways on how non-COVID-19 patients can still access healthcare services during the pandemic,” specifically by investing in electronic health information systems to digitize monitoring and surveillance, as well as by incentivizing the use of telemedicine. n

doesn’t erase past work as rights advocate

by Alexis

roMero Philstar.com

MANILA — Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, now a candidate for senator, brushed aside criticisms of him for working for President Rordigo Duterte, who has been accused by various groups of endorsing human rights violations and curtailing press freedom.

Roque, who has drawn flak for defending Duterte’s policies, said his efforts to promote and protect human rights cannot be undone by his stint in Malacañang.

“I don’t care if they don’t like me because I am secure and confident about what I did... They could hate me for what I did, I couldn’t care less because my record speaks for itself,” Roque told hosts of One News channel’s “The Chiefs.”

“I am not bothered. I don’t have any insecurities. I don’t have to be liked by people. I know what I did and I am confident I made a difference in the promotion and protection of human rights,” he added.

Roque cited his role in securing a ruling from the UN Human Rights Committee that criminal libel is contrary to freedom of expression, the conviction of the Ampatuans over the Maguindanao massacre, and the passage of the Universal Healthcare Law. “As far as my personal posi-

Roque to support Go On Wednesday, the PRP announced that it is adopting Duterte’s daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as its candidate for vice president.

Carpio is the runningmate of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdnand Marcos and presidential bet of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

Roque said members of the PRP executive committee would meet to decide on the presidential aspirant to be supported by the party.

While he vowed to go by the decision of the committee, Roque admitted that it would be very hard for him not to support Sen. Bong Go, who is running for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan.

“I (would) be hypocrite If I were to say that I cannot support Sen. Bong Go because he was my colleague in the cabinet for a long time and one of the closest political allies that I have,” Roque said.

“So I have to be honest, regardless of the decision of the party, PRP, I think it will be very difficult for me not to support Sen. Bong Go,” he added.

Marcos was Defensor-Santiago’s running mate in the 2016 elections. Marcos lost the vicepresidential race to then-Rep. Leni Robredo of Camarines Sur. n

Clark County Building Department 4701 W. Russell Road • Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 455-3000 • Fax (702) 221-0630

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

tions are concerned, I was very clear but people simply could not comprehend that as presidential spokesperson, you are supposed to speak only for the president and ignore your personal opinions,” he added.

Asked to talk about his stint as presidential spokesman, Roque replied: “Well I guess, the highest point is everyone knows me.

The lowest point is not everyone likes me. Those who dislike the president dislike me even more.”

“As a presidential spokesperson, I really could not ventilate my personal opinions. But on issues, I have legislative records to speak for itself,” he added.

The Duterte administration had nominated Roque to a seat in the International Law Commission but various institutions and civil society groups opposed his nomination, accusing him of defending human rights violations under the president.

The former Palace spokesman failed to win a seat in the body, securing only 87 votes, the lowest among nominees from the Asia Pacific region.

Last Monday, Duterte resigned as presidential spokesman to run for senator under the People’s Reform Party (PRP), which was founded by former Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Santiago, who served three terms at the Senate, passed away in 2016.

Jerome A. Stueve, P.E., Director Samuel D. Palmer, P.E., Assistant Director • Jim Gerren, P.E., Assistant Director

Nobyembre 9, 2021 Patalastas sa Publiko: Mga Mungkahi’ng Pagbabago sa Kodigo ng Lalawigan ng Clark Tungkol sa: Titulo 22, Kabanata 22.02

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEGAL SERVICES

RFQ NO. Q22018 NOVEMBER 2021 Submission Deadline: DECEMBER 9, 2021, 10:00 AM (PST)

Mangyari’ng bigya’ng pansin na ang isang patakaran ay iminumungkahi ng Lupon ng mga Komisyonero ng Lalawigan sa Lalawigan ng Clark tulad ng sumusunod: Isang ordinansa upang Baguhin ang Titulo 22, Kabanata 22.02 ng Kodigo ng Lalawigan ng Clark at idagdag ang mga kasalukuya’ng gawi na may kaugnayan sa mga simple’ng bayarin sa permiso, mga ulat sa pagtatasa sa inspeksyon ng pinsala at mga pagbabawas ng bayad para sa mga kwalipikado’ng proyekto ng abot-kaya’ng pabahay, pagtatanggal ng mga kinakailangan para sa pagsusumite ng mga kopya nang dokumento na kasama sa mga aplikasyon sa permiso, at nililinaw at idinagdag ang ilang partikular na uri ng trabaho na bukod ang mga kailangan para sa permiso: 22.02.035 – Idagdag ang kahulugan ng Ulat sa Pagtatasa sa Inspeksyon ng Pinsala.

22.02.043 – Idagdag ang bago’ng seksyon, Pagtatasa sa Pinsala sa mga Gusali at Istraktura.

22.02.165 – Baguhin ang Marka, Konstruksyon o Permiso sa Pagkabit nang mga Hiwalay sa Kailangan.

02.22.190 – Baguhin ang Permiso sa Gusali Pagbubukod A at idagdag ang AC. 02.22.195 -- Idagdag ang Permiso sa Tuberyas Pagbubukod H 22.02.200 – Baguhin ang Permiso sa Electrikal mga Pagbubukod M, N, O, P, Q, R, S. 22.02.230 – Baguhin ang Pagsusumite ng mga Dokumento ng Konstruksyon.

22.02.235 – Binago’ng Impormasyon sa Mga Plano at Ispesipikasyon upang idagdag ng Pangkalahata’ng Liban at mga permiso sa demolisyon.

22.02.335 – Baguhin ang Paglakad sa Madaliang Plano.

22.02.345 – Baguhin ang Permiso at Bayad sa Repaso ng Plano upang magdagdag ng Liban.

22.02.347 – Magdagdag ng bago’ng seksyon, Bawas-Bayad sa Abot-Kaya’ng Pabahay.

22.02.350 – Baguhin ang Pagkawala ng Bisa ng Repaso ng Plano.

22.02.395 – Baguhin ang mga bayad sa permiso ng elektrikal.

22.02.400 – Baguhin ang mga bayad sa permiso ng mekanikal.

22.02.405 -- Baguhin ang mga bayad sa permiso ng Tuberyas.

22.02.430 – Baguhin ang Iba pang mga Pagsusuri sa mga Plano, Inspeksyon at iba’t-ibang bayad upang maisama ang DAIR. 22.02.510 – Baguhin ang Mga Espesyal na Inspeksyon.

22.02.525 – Baguhin ang mga Tungkulin at responsibilidad ng Ahensya ng Pagtitiyak ng Kalidad, at Espesyal na Inspektor.

Bago ang pagpapatibay sa iminumungkahi’ng panuntunan, ang Lupon ng mga Komisyonero ng Lalawigan sa Lalawigan ng Clark ay inaatasan ng NRS 237.080 na gumawa ng isang pinagsama-sama’ng pagsisikap upang matukoy kung ang panukala’ng panuntunan ay magpapataw ng isang direkto at malaking pasanin sa ekonomiya nang isang negosyo o direkto’ng paghihigpitan ang pagbuo, pagpapatakbo o pagpapalawak ng isang negosyo. Dahil dito, ang mga samahan sa pangangalakal, may-ari at mga opisyal ng mga negosyo na malamang na maapektuhan ng iminumungkahi’ng panuntunan na ito, at ang iba pang interesado’ng mga tao ay kinakailanga’ng patalastasan at bigyan ng pagkakataon na magsumite ng mga komento, datos, o argumento sa Lalawigan tungkol sa kung ang iminumungkahi’ng panuntunan ay: a) Magpapataw ng isang direkto at malaking pasanin sa ekonomiya nang isang negosyo; o b) Direkto’ng paghihigpitan ang pagbuo, pagpapatakbo o pagpapalawak ng isang negosyo.

Ang mga komento ay kailanga’ng isumite nang hindi lalampas sa 5:30 n.h. sa Disyembre 13, 2021 tulad ng sumusunod:

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT 340 North 11th Street, Suite 180 Las Vegas, NV 89101

Tel: (702) 477-3144 - Fax: (702) 922-6648 - TDD: (702) 387-1898

Sa Pamamagitan ng Koreo sa:

Clark County Building Department Attn: Theresa Atimalala, Executive Assistant 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118

Sa pamamagitan ng Pagdadala sa:

Clark County Building Department Customer Lobby 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Attn: Theresa.Atimalala@ClarkCountyNV.gov Lunes-Huwebes 7:30n.u. – 5:30n.h.

Sa Pamamagitan ng email kay:

Theresa.Atimalala@ClarkCountyNV.gov

Ang isang kopya ng iminumungkahi’ng panuntunan ay makukuha din para suriin sa: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/building___fire_prevention/codes/index.php at Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Gusali at Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Una’ng Palapag Para sa mga Kostumer 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118.

Taos-Puso, /s/Jerome A. Stueve Jerome A. Stueve, P.E., CBO Direktor/Kagawaran ng Gusali ng Lalawigan ng Clark BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MARILYN KIRKPATRICK, Chair • JAMES B. GIBSON, Vice Chair MICHAEL NAFT • ROSS MILLER • WILLIAM McCURDY II • TICK SEGERBLOM • JUSTIN C. JONES YOLANDA T. KING, County Manager

8

November 18-24, 2021 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL Las vegas ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

VEGAS&STYLE

November 18, 2021

Journal

inside

LifestyLe • Consumer Guide • Community • MARketpLAce

Alden, Bea finally start shooting first film together this November

by Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

Network’s Instagram page on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

“Now, another good news has come, especially for the fans of Asia’s Multimedia Star [Alden Richards] and New Generation Movie Queen [Bea Alonzo], as Viva Entertainment executive Vincent Del Rosario confirmed that their movie will begin shooting this November,” the network

stated.

The upcoming movie, which is a Philippine adaptation of the KoALDEN Richards and Bea rean film “A Moment to RememAlonzo are about to start filming ber,” will now reportedly be titled for their first movie together this “Special Memory.” Richards and month, almost a year after the Alonzo signed their contracts for project was announced. the film in March, though talks The news was confirmed by about the project were reported Viva Entertainment executive as early as December last year.

Vincent Del Rosario, as per GMA Richards said in August 2020 that it was his dream to work with Alonzo in a movie, admitting that she is “one of his idols” and that he is a fan of her pairing with actor John Lloyd Cruz.

“A Moment to Remember” tells the story of a couple who face hardships as a result of Alzheimer’s disease suffered by one of the characters. It is based The Fabulous Filipino Brothers, produced by Cignal Entertainment, stars (from left) real-life brothers Dionysio, Derek, Darion and Dante Photo from Instagram/@dantebasco on the 2001 Japanese drama Basco. The movie about a Filipino-American family is Dante’s directorial debut.

“Pure Soul.”

Richards will be playing the character of Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, while Alonzo will be Dante also looked back at how a part of that. That world also By nathalie tomaDa taking the role played by actress their collective experiences in out there, the other artistas out Philstar.com Bea Alonzo and Alden Richards Photo from Instagram Instagram/@aptentertainment.ph Son Ye-jin.

Hollywood ultimately led to the there.”

HOLLYWOOD star Dante Bas- making of the film. “All of us Dante, whose father’s side is co makes his directorial debut in brothers together, we’ve been in from Pangasinan and his mothThe Fabulous Filipino Brothers, Hollywood for 35 years — danc- er’s family is from Zambales, dea film that draws both inspira- ing, acting, writing, poetry, ev- scribed each homecoming to the tion and participation from his erything. But all the experiences Philippines as beautiful and he

by JanviC mateo Philstar.com own Filipino-American family. and everything we’ve done have wanted to reflect that in the viDante also stars in the film led us up to making this movie gnette where his character gets RECENT photos of actor Edu alongside his real brothers Dar- right now. It’s unbelievable that, to return to the country.

Manzano and actress Cherry Pie ion, Dionysio and Derek. They you know, the world’s gonna be “I really wanted to infuse all Picache sparked rumors that the all get the chance to shine in the able to see the film on Netflix the romance and love, and the celebrities are playing sweet mufilm that is told through four vi- and it’s exciting. But make no feeling that I feel like the warmth sic together. gnettes. mistake, this started when we of going home and being acEdu and Cherry Pie co-star in “I think, it was time for me to were children.” cepted and being embraced by the ABS-CBN teleserye “Marry direct the film as a story that’s Given its autobiographical ele- my homeland. And what wonder Me, Marry You,” where they play been in my mind, that I’ve been ments, the film naturally carries that is for a lot of us, being Filias each other’s love interest. developing for a while. And it’s actual footage from when the pinos abroad.

In her Instagram account, all based on intimate stories brothers were touted as the “Fil“Whether you’re FilipinoCherry Pie posted photos of their from my family. The whole film ipino Jackson 5” and even offi- American, Filipino-Australian recent New York trip. is based on true stories,” Dante cially recognized in Los Angeles and Filipino anywhere else in “Amazing and lovely moments told The STAR in a recent one- as the “First Filipino Entertain- the world, of course, we’re very in the city that never sleeps,” she on-one interview. ment Family.” proud to be Filipinos. But the wrote in the caption.

“And I was able to do what I — Asked how it felt to be revisit- ability to go home and reconnect In their photos together, Cherwhen I get to talk at film schools ing their past through the movie, with just the community, the culry Pie and Edu were seen always Edu Manzano and Cherry Pie Picache Photo from Instagram/@yescppiache and drama schools — tell young Dante shared, “It’s really, really ture, the family is an experience seated next to each other. Some filmmakers that if you want to beautiful. I think it starts with a that changes you. Even though photos showed them together “Eh yung kinikilig ako sa inyo are no longer following each oth- write, write what you know, conversation that I’m having with that’s not what the vignette is ulwith Janine Gutierrez, Arci Mu- ni @realedumanzano,” she com- er on Instagram, fueling breakup and that’s really what I did. My the film community, right? Be- timately about, I want that to be ñoz, Yam Concepcion and Tim mented. speculations and his alleged ro- brother (Darion) and I wrote this cause the generation that grew a part of that particular vignette.

Yap. The actress replied with smil- mance with Cherry Pie. film, its first draft, that’s how it up with me and my brothers in And, you know, just the magic of VIU Philippines Chief Content ing face with three hearts and Edu and Cherry Pie are yet all began.” the Filipino-American commu- that all.”

Officer Garlic Garcia commented smiley throwing a kiss emojis. to reveal the real score between The film tells the story of four nity, the kids that grew up in Interestingly, Hook, which on Cherry Pie’s post.

Edu and girlfriend Iryne Garcia them. brothers from Pittsburg, Califor- the ‘80s and ‘90s, (they) grew gave Dante his first big shownia as they prepare to reunite for up watching me and us grow up biz break, is celebrating its 30th a wedding. Along the way, they through all the stuff we’ve done year this 2021. Since then, he have individual experiences that in television and film.” has also become known for his challenge their beliefs on family, He continued, “We had a band voice-acting career, most norelationships and culture. that would go around. We were table of which are Prince Zuko The Fabulous Filipino Broth- like, in our own way, the Fili- from Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The ers is produced by Cignal En- pino Jackson 5. For the Fil-Am Last Airbender and Jake Long tertainment and will be available (community), they knew who we from Disney Channel’s AmeriAccording to Chan, the al- on Netflix worldwide, except were. They’ve known what the can Dragon: Jake Long. He now ing the lyrics for “The Bells at

by Deni afiniDaD-BernarDo bum’s main message is to never for North America and Europe, conversation was and those pic- hosts a popular podcast Avatar: Christmas.”

Philstar.com “’Going Home To Christmas,’ forget the spirit of sharing and starting tomorrow, Nov. 17. tures (in the film) kind of give us Braving the Elements, the official FOLLOWING the success of the title track, is dedicated to giving despite hard times like “We’ve developed a lot of films a little bit of history of who these companion podcast for the world his 2015 album “Christmas in OFWs (Overseas Filipino Work- the pandemic. at the same time, and I’m thank- guys are, could have been. of Avatar from Nickelodeon.

Our Hearts: 25th Anniversary ers) who might not be able to go “I always tell my friends that ful that when we were pitching “But it’s interesting for people The 46-year-old shared his Edition,” Christmas songs hit- home due to the pandemic but this pandemic gives a wonder- films out, Cignal Entertainment outside the community to see thoughts about his Hollywood maker Jose Mari Chan returns the love of their family will bind ful opportunity to us to live the was very gracious to produce it because you get to see, you journey. with 22 new tracks for his latest them virtually,” Chan shared. spirit of Christmas. Why? Those this film with me.” know, these Filipino actors. You “It’s amazing. Hook was 30 album, “Going Home to ChristWhat makes “Going Home to of us who were blessed with sufDante has been the face of get to see four leading men that years ago, 1991, and now it’s mas.”

Christmas” different from his ficiency, this is a wonderful op- Filipino and Asian representa- are Filipino, that are in the same 2021. It’s just crazy, you know, First released in 2012, “Going other Christmas albums, he said, portunity to share our blessings tion long before what he had family, that are totally differ30 years! It goes by so fast. I Home to Christmas” is a mix of is that the songs here also fea- with those in need, those who described as the “golden age ent.” started off years before that as a Filipino and English songs writ- ture the voices of his three sons, are unemployed, those who are of Asian filmmaking” due to Dante further noted how im- breakdancer. It has been a wild ten by Chan and his collabora- two daughters and granddaugh- hungry in our country. I’m sure, the successes of Parasite and portant it is “in this new era of ride in Hollywood, from breaktors in recent years. ter, whom he shares “Song of that message is there in the al- Crazy Rich Asians. He entered filmmaking — at this Asian gold- dancer, to actor to voice actor to During a recent virtual press the Firefly.” bum, ‘Going Home to Christ- the mainstream entertainment en era of filmmaking with Crazy poet to writer-producer to now conference for “Festival of “A Christmas Song for You,” mas’,” he said. scene through the 1991 Hol- Rich Asians and Parasite — for director, author and podcaster.

Lights: Virtual Edition,” Chan most especially, is his love song “The spirit of Christmas will lywood blockbuster hit Hook. us to tell a Filipino story and add But it’s been amazing.” thanked lyricist Jimmy Santia- for his wife. be there with or without the pan- In the film directed by Steven to what’s going on in the moveDante reflected on the current go, who worked with him in his For more information about demic. Actually, during this time Spielberg and topbilled by the ment, and to give four Filipino state of Asian representation in past songs, including “Pagdat- the album, or to buy it as a in the pandemic, we need to in- late Robin Williams, Dustin Hoff- leading men this whole thing.”

Hollywood: “Where we are as ing ng Pasko,” the 11th track Christmas gift, check out Jose- still that love with our people. man, among other heavyweights, Of course, they aren’t just any Asians in the industry, we’re in in the new album. Chan also marichan.com and/or Facebook. And most especially, the spirit Dante starred as the leader of Filipino leading men; they have the highest profile we’ve been thanked Pinky Valdes for writ- com/josemarichan. of giving and sharing.”

Neverland’s Lost Boys, Rufio. a long history with the industry since the beginning of HollyBefore his breakout role in that deserves to be shared to wood. So, this is a pioneering Hook, a San Francisco Chronicle a wider audience through this time for Asians in pop culture feature article said that in 1986, film. media, of course, with the big Dante and his three brothers, Besides the Basco brothers, bang of Crazy Rich Asians and chaperoned by their mother, their only sister and parents are then the Oscar-winning Paramoved to Los Angeles with $100 also in The Fabulous Filipino site. baon from their father and a Brothers. Other actors come “Even Shang-Chi is coming “deadline of about a year to find from their extended family, or out, Marvel’s first Asian supersuccess in the entertainment in- people they grew up and studied hero. So, it’s really amazing dustry.” with, including actresses Liza times here in Hollywood. We all You could say that The Fabu- Lapira and Cheryl Tsai, and co- know each other. We’re all conlous Filipino Brothers was borne median Joey Guila. nected. We’re all inspired by out of his fabulous adventures As the film had scenes shot each other. Me doing this film is and perhaps, misadventures in the Philippines, Dante got to really just adding a Filipino story with his brothers through the work with Solenn Heussaff who to this movement. years. This film, he added, es- plays a love interest. He was also “Of course, before me, resentially started when “we were happy to have acted anew with cently, Yellow Rose came out, born.” veteran actor Tirso Cruz III who a beautiful film. Jo Koy has his “The thing about it is, I’ve played his father in the first Fili- Easter Sunday film coming out. known these guys, the Fabulous pino-American film, The Debut, I’m very hopeful for what’s to Filipino Brothers, my whole lives, back in 2000. come. There’s more Filipino so there’s no (singular event “Actually, I’ve been going filmmakers in the wings, making that) sparked it… Every story (vi- back to the Philippines for a few things and so I think the future’s gnette), everything yet, is based years now, working with vari- bright for us as Filipinos and as on one, if not a few things in our ous artists from Jericho Rosales Asians in the industry. It’s relives. If you’d ask each brother, to Rhian Ramos,” he said, not- ally a golden era at the moment they would know exactly where ing that Rhian was his co-star and I don’t think it’s gonna stop I’ve pulled each story from and in Empty By Design, which was anytime soon. We’re all trying to how we changed it to be more also co-produced by Cignal En- keep pushing this envelope, betertainment. “So, I love being ing inspired by each other.”

Jose Mari Chan’s signed ‘Going Home to Christmas’ album Philstar.com photo like this story,” he said.

Dante Basco and his fabulous Filipino family

Cherry Pie, Edu go viral, rumored to be dating

Jose Mari Chan dedicates new Christmas album to OFWs

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Fe atU Re s

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • November 18-24, 2021

9

SFIO officially signs $100-M agreement with Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center to develop a resort condotel in Batangas, Philippines THE memorandum of agreement will see Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc., a subsidiary of Filipino publicly listed company AbaCore Capital Holdings, contributing land by the bay of Batangas for SFIO to develop into a resort-like condotel property. The announcement of the project has been made official by offering further details to the public.

In a recent announcement, SFIO revealed that they signed last October a memorandum of understanding with Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc. to pursue a joint venture that would see a two-hectare, bayside property in Batangas, Philippines developed into a $100 million eco-friendly, tech village.

SFIO said that the planned development, which is strategically located in Montemaria, Batangas City, just south of Metro Manila, will service residents looking for a new kind of work-life balance, with it being at the crossroads of breathtaking marine biodiversity, historical religious sites, and a suite of modern amenities fit for a better normal.

Asset management company SFIO, recently named one of the “20 Promising Companies Everyone Should Know in 2021”

by Global Business Leaders Magazine, will be developing the 500-unit tech village as part of a 10-year development plan with Omnicor’s parent company,

AbaCore Capital Holdings, Inc. This agreement establishes SFIO as the preferred developer of projects across AbaCore Capital Holdings’ over 200-hectares of real estate around Montemaria.

As part of SFIO’s investment roadmap into future-oriented industries, this tech village blends residential luxuries with the hyper-connected amenities necessary for modern work. Ground floor office and retail spaces give way to resort-like recreational facilities and residential units, making it an ideal space for high-value firms and professionals to embrace remote work.

Just a few miles from the Verde Island Passage, one of the most biologically diverse water ecosystems in the world, the tech village project will embrace eco-friendly development practices, such as solar roofing. An environmental compliance certificate has already been issued over the site, allowing immediate commencement of preliminary survey and design.

The project also aims to cater to religious pilgrims looking to visit the Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace, a 316-foot tall statue of the Virgin Mary. Taller than New York’s Statue of Liberty, and nearly three times taller than Rio De Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, this is the world’s tallest statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Intended for longer-term residents, the tech village will be de-

signed as a timeshare concept, catering not only to working professionals and tourists but also to expatriates and Filipinos from around the world looking for a vibrant community to spend a short vacation or their

retirement years in.

While SFIO and AbaCore Capital Holdings see this project as the first of many that will thrive in the coming post-pandemic economic boom, both companies see health and wellness as a continuing priority across all their future projects.

Work is already underway at SFIO’s recently established Technology and Software Development Division on a suite of state-of-the-art, smart-building technologies designed to ensure the long-term, holistic well-being of communities. Set to be piloted in Montemaria, these technologies are expected to set a new gold-standard for community health systems across resorts and residential developments.

SFIO, which has just filed their Q3 financial reports in line with their broader plans to uplist onto the Nasdaq Exchange, aims to complete this development project by 2024. Permits to commence pre-selling of units are already pending approval.

(Advertising Supplement)

10

Fe atu re s

November 18-24, 2021 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

Tax Tips Victor Sy, MBA, cPA (retired) WHAT Is an Estate Tax? An estate tax is a levy on estates whose value exceeds an exclusion limit. Only the amount that exceeds that minimum threshold is subject to tax. This tax is calculated based on the estate’s fair market value (FMV) at time of death, not what the deceased originally paid for its assets. The tax is levied by the state in which the deceased person was living at the time of death. In summary: • The estate tax is a financial levy on an estate, based on the current value of its assets.

• Federal estate taxes are levied on assets in excess of a certain amount.

• Assets transferred to spouses are exempt from estate tax.

Current Tax Law:

Health @Heart PhiliP S. chuA, Md, FAcS, FPcS WHY the COVID-19 pandemic will most likely be with us for years is vividly demonstrated by the following well-publicized news: “A federal appeals court has called President Joe Biden’s vaccine and testing requirements for private businesses ‘fatally flawed’ and ‘staggeringly overbroad,’ arguing that the requirements likely exceed the authority of the federal government and raise ‘serious constitutional concerns’…the requirements criticized as a onesize-fits-all sledgehammers.”

If the courts succeed in derailing the president’s plan, there will be more infections and more deaths in those sectors as a result of wanting to be fully “constitutional.”

That’s only one instance. There are governors/legislators/protestors against masking/social distancing early on and now against vaccine mandates because they are ignorant, spineless, and want to be politically correct in order not to lose votes. Their inaction, baseless statements, and the chaos that followed have resulted in the massive loss of precious human lives, the total death count as of last Tuesday morning, November 16 is at almost 5.12 million worldwide, with nearly 784,000 in the U.S., and about 45,800 in the Philippines. This is gross negligence and dereliction of duties on the part of the Biden administration, Congress, and the governors and other leaders against federal mandates. They looked the other way as people, children included, languished and died…and the toll from COVID-19 is still rising.

I am no lawyer, much less a constitutional expert, but to me, as a person and as a cardiac surgeon, it is most evident that the federal judge in this case was more concerned (and only considered) the constitutional technicality of the issues, rather than discern if President Biden’s “mandate” would save lives or kill more people. No discussion about the effects of the ultimate verdict on human lives, just “constitutional concerns” and correctness.

To me, saving lives, preventing deaths, or reducing loss of lives to the minimum should be the primary objective of any action, constitutional or not. We must uphold and protect our Constitution, yes, but when technicalities would cause misery and death of people, who the Constitution and our courts and government

EMPLOYMENT

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Estate tax rate changes Biden tax plan series • The current unified gift and estate tax exemption is $11.7 million per person.

• The top estate tax rate is 40% for estates valued at a larger amounts.

Proposed Tax Changes: • Proposed laws would retain the current estate and gift tax rules.

• Another proposal would establish a progressive taxation system for estates transferred at death: • Estates valued at death of $0 to $3.5 million would be taxed at a rate of 0% • Estates valued at death of $3.5 to $10 million would be taxed at a rate of 45% • Estates valued at death of $10 to $50 million would be taxed at a rate of 50% • Estates valued at death of $50 to $1 billion would be taxed

at a rate of 55% • Estates valued at death of more than $1 billion would be taxed at 65% (applies to most of us).

• Note: Earnings that were already taxed when earned during lifetime, will get taxed again upon death. Sad. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

Politics deadlier than COVID leaders are supposed to protect, the obvious just choice is to save people’s lives as primary, and the constitution’s propriety, secondary.

The Founding Fathers brilliantly crafted the masterpiece called the Constitution of the United States in 1787 with the main objective of protecting and safeguarding this great nation and its people, especially the marginalized, the weak, the infirm and the helpless from foreign and domestic threats, and even from their own selves.

And here we are today, 234 years later, using constitutional (wording) technicalities to justify going against the proper scientific protocol to end this deadly pandemic and allowing thousands more Americans to die…all in the name (an excuse) for exercising equality, civil liberties, individual rights, and the freedom to refuse.

The right thing Scientifically, the proper and most effective way to manage a pandemic, which is much like a world war, is a universal, unified, federal strategy mandating quarantine, isolation, masking, social distancing on the first day the pandemic is declared, and a national mandate for vaccination for everyone, the very day the vaccine is available. This is the epidemiologic and evidence-based protocol to follow strictly, one that is medically accepted worldwide.

All science, no politics. This is the right thing to do. If this strict medical protocol had been mandated, we could have prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths and we would be having a normal Christmas this year. The way our government leaders have mishandled the pandemic and the abuse of the constitutional freedom to choose by more than 50 million people who refuse the vaccines, we should brace ourselves for an extended misery and greater loss of human lives for a few more years before we see the end of COVID-19, if at all.

It is unrealistic for people to expect a perfect 100 percent protection from masking, social distancing, and now the vaccines for COVID-19 that are 100 percent safe. There is no such thing. Even aspirin, introduced to us in 1899, though used since antiquity, is not 100 percent safe or effective. The bulletproof vests used by SWAT teams and other law enforcement agents are not 100 percent safe, but they have saved countless of lives. While the vaccines for COVID-19 are not 100 percent risk-free, the risk of an adverse side-effect is a tiny fraction of 1 percent, while the risk of dying from COVID is one hundred to a

thousand times greater. It is a nobrainer that getting the vaccine is wiser, more prudent, and a lot safer because COVID-19 is a serious killer. So far, there have been almost 7.5 billion vaccines administered around the world. The vaccines have long been proven safe and effective even before its first millionth mark.

COVID-19 is a world war Medically speaking, President Biden’s requirement and mandates, if not thwarted by the courts, could save lives among the people in those businesses involved. The only question is why the president is limiting it only to that small segment of society in as pandemic that is akin to a world war? He should have declared federal mandates on all matters related to our global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the entire nation and all 332.9 million Americans. Anything short will allow the virus to live on, replicate, and mutate to deadlier strains and continue to kill more people.

Of course, people have the right to choose not to get the vaccine. They even have the right to hurt or kill themselves, but they do not have the right to infect and take with them and kill other Americans who also have their rights – the right to be careful and get the vaccines, the right to remain healthy and live. Any choice we make that hurts other people is unjust and criminal, certainly not the kind of freedom of choice the framers of the Constitution had in mind when they ensured those civil liberties for us. All our personal rights come with grave responsibilities and obligations to society and to our fellowmen. The 50 million who refuse the vaccine on constitutional grounds should seriously reconsider in order to keep our nation as one people united in our war against COVID-19. Divided, we cannot win.

And justice, to be true, must be served with Solomonic wisdom and compassion.

Politics, as shown by the way this pandemic has been managed, is indeed a deadlier killer than COVID-19. *** 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. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and antigraft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT

McDonald’s USA addresses financial hurdles facing underserved Asian Pacific Islander American Students with APIA Scholarship 55 APIA students set to receive $500,000 total in scholarships to help advance their academic journeys

CHICAGO – A student inventor, a formerly homeless nursing major, and an aspiring teacher, can put more focus on their dreams and less on how to pay tuition this school year. On Monday, November 8, McDonald’s USA in partnership with APIA Scholars – one of the nation’s leading non-profit organizations for Asian Pacific Islander American college scholarships – announced its 2021 McDonald’s/ APIA Scholarship recipients.

Furthering its longtime commitment to providing resources to students, the scholarship program, established in 2019, is dedicated to addressing the financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing higher education.

According to Pew Research, Asian Pacific Islander Americans are the most economically divided ethnic group in the U.S., with the top 10% earning nearly 11 times more than those in the bottom 10%. Pew Research also found that income inequality is rising most rapidly within the APIA community.

“There are tremendous socio-economic hurdles within the Asian Pacific Islander American community, which are often overlooked because of the model minority myth. APIAs are not a monolith and income disparities in our community are very real,” said Noël Harmon, President and Executive Director of APIA Scholars. “We’re proud to work with McDonald’s to address these issues and help underserved students reach their full potential.”

Aligning with the program’s mission to aid students who face challenges paying for college, 67% of this year’s scholarship recipients are from families in significant financial need. Half a million dollars in scholarships will be awarded to 55 APIA students, which includes 15 fouryear scholarships for $20,000 each and 40 one-year scholarships for $5,000 each. The scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic achievement, leadership ability, and community involvement.

Many of this year’s McDonald’s/APIA Scholars have overcome personal hardships that have inspired them to uplift their communities through education.

Some of their stories include: • Daisy, 19, is a FilipinoAmerican student from Las Vegas, who is formerly homeless and a survivor of domestic violence. Inspired by the help she received during her time of need, she is pursuing a career in nursing to take care of others.

• Shanay, 18, is an IndianAmerican student inventor from Madison, Mississippi who created an affordable 3D-printed prosthetic after witnessing the

daily struggles of his double amputee aunt. He plans to develop a prototype for global production.

• Harjot, 18, is an IndianAmerican aspiring teacher from Kent, Washington on a mission to diversify U.S. history curriculum. In addition to ensuring inclusion of different voices and perspectives, he hopes to increase minority representation among educators.

“These are tough times, but we remain committed to helping students reach their dreams regardless of their financial limitations,” said Elizabeth Campbell, Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, McDonald’s USA. “Maintaining our partnership with APIA Scholars enables us to identify those in need and make a difference in their lives.”

Representing 17 Asian Pacific Islander American subgroups across 28 states, this year’s class of McDonald’s/APIA Scholars are both ethnically and geographically diverse. Additionally, 94% of the recipients are first generation immigrants and 56% will be the first in their family to attend college. The ethnic breakdown of the recipients is as follows: 38% are Southeast Asian (Vietnamese, Hmong, Cambodian, Filipino, Karen, Burmese, Chamorro/Guamanian, Fijian, Tahitian, and Tongan) 29% are East Asian (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) 20% are South Asian (Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani) 9% are Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 4% are West Asian (Afghan).

“As small business owners, we are committed to serving our local communities and know the importance of investing in communities of color,” said Willie Cho, a Seattle-based McDonald’s Owner/Operator and National Diversity Marketing Committee Lead. “Through initiatives like the McDonald’s/APIA Scholarship and APA Next, we are feeding and fostering communities, and remain inspired to make a difference.”

The scholarship is a signature program of APA Next, a recently launched education platform by McDonald’s, created to empower and uplift Asian Pacific Islander American students through their education journey– both in and out of the classroom and beyond. Some of APA Next’s other initiatives include: • A partnership with the Shine wellness app to provide mental health resources for students • The APA Next content series featuring Asian Pacific Islander American thought leaders • Virtual education workshops led by academic professionals.

Learn more about the upcoming 2022-2023 APIA Scholar-

SERVICES

ship application and APA Next by visiting APANext.com.

Below are the 2021 McDonald’s/APIA Scholarship recipients: Addison Zou from Collierville, TN attending Williams College; Ahmad Zaki Amin from Des Moines, WA attending Highline Community College; Akiko Jindo from Bronx, NY attending Williams College; Alexandria Shavers from Oakland, CA attending University of California-Berkeley; Alicia L. Kanapilly from Tinley Park, IL attending University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Annie Xiong from Sacramento, CA attending California State University-Sacramento; Arrianna Anastasia Ebert from Carrboro, NC attending Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte; Brandon Kaniala William Kohatsu-Robeson from Waimnalo, HI attending Creighton University; Christina Pham from San Jose, CA attending DeAnza College; Daisy P. from Las Vegas, NV attending University of NevadaLas Vegas; December Paw from Des Moines, IA attending Drake University; Delia Zhou from Oakland, CA attending University of California-Berkeley; Diamond Thlang from Saint Paul, MN attending Stanford University; Eric Wang from Saint Paul, MN attending Yale University; Ester Paw from Hartford, CT attending College of the Holy Cross; Hanako Rose Lynn Gurley from Anderson, IN attending Indiana University-Bloomington; Harjot Singh from Kent, WA attending University of Washington-Seattle; Jason Lin from Brooklyn, NY attending Stony Brook University; Jayson Lin from Montezuma, GA attending Harvard University; Jennifer Le from Washington, D.C. attending Yale University; Jessica Le Ta from Buckeye, AZ attending Arizona State University; Jian Ming Chen from Oakland, CA attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology; John Gabriel Espinas Flora from Las Vegas, NV attending University of Nevada-Las Vegas; Joymin Sarker from Corona, NY attending CUNY Queens College; Kazi Maisha Begum from Danbury, CT attending University of Connecticut; Keryn Ear from College Park, GA attending Kennesaw State University; Kevin Lin from Milford, DE atPAGE 11

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

EntE rtain m E nt

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • November 18-24, 2021

11

Heart not leaving acting, just exploring creativity Blind items don’t bother Joshua, and here’s why

By Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

HEART Evangelista remains connected with acting as her work in I Left My Heart in Sorsogon will show.

Fans definitely miss her effortless beauty and amiable personality on the small screen. Heart fits any romance-comedy project, even with a dash of drama. It’s a sight to behold that Heart is again a part of a director’s “moving canvas.”

Her character Celeste, described as a fashion designer and socialite, is somehow close to her creative pursuits. Heart is known as a fashion icon that wears designer and luxury brands and a painter that captures images of women. At the core of it all, Heart is first and foremost an actress.

“I feel like it’s time din with my life,” said Heart of giving her nod of approval to the GMA romancedrama series in a recent virtual media call, “and there (are) things that I will be doing. I’ll be leaving also for a while, so parang I felt that now is the time. I just really wanted to do something for Sorsogon for GMA na ang tagal ko na ring di nagawa.”

Similar to how she approaches her every piece of art that could see her work on it for months and take a year to finish, Heart put her stamp of dedication to her comeback show. “You know, to come up with a project that I will really make sure I will give my 101 percent,” said she. “I don’t know if this might be my last, you’ll never know. I felt it was time for me to do one and to make it really, really good. I just thought it was just the perfect time.”

Heart, who is into creative collaborations, clarified that “(I’m) not naman taking a break (from showbiz), (but) just prioritizing a different angle in my career, I guess, in a way. And also personally, I’ve also been really working a lot and I feel that I just want to take a breather, a little bit lang, but I’m not gonna go anywhere.

I’m still very, very out there. It’s just that I just want to concentrate on something.”

Soon, that artistic endeavor will be generously revealed by Heart, who is happy with how I Left My Heart in Sorsogon came to be.

“I was touched,” explained Heart why she got teary-eyed while watching the I Left My Heart in Sorsogon music video. “With the lock-in taping, you would see how the dynamics in taping (had been) changed by the pandemic

Heart Evangelista on starring in the Kapuso latest primetime series, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon.

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

and how hard everybody worked, we were all away from our loved ones. Talagang makikita mo yung pag-miss namin sa pamilya namin and how we’re all getting over that and how we’re all just working hard in this whole bubble. Ma-eemotional ka talaga kapag nakita mo na maganda yung kinalabasan nang ginawa niyo. Nakakatuwa lang na iba talaga yung nagagawa ng group effort.”

Director Mark Sicat dela Cruz could attest to it and the collaboration that actors like Heart showed in the entire new-normal taping of I Left My Heart in Sorsogon.

“We were very collaborative,” said he. “I would ask (Heart), ‘How’s this?’ and if this is OK with her and she would also do the same. Yun yung ginawa namin para mas maganda yung portrayal niya as Celeste.”

Aside from the romance that involves Celeste, and the men in her life, Mikoy and Tonito, played

by Paolo Contis and Richard Yap, respectively, the series will give viewers a visual tour of Sorsogon.

“Pinakita ko yung mga magagandang places, not only the places but also kung paano magsalita yung mga Bikolano and also the food,” added the director. So, viewers are in for some “eat and love” kind of entertainment.

“I’ve worked with her many times,” said Paolo of his team-up with Heart. “Kuya nga niya ako sa pelikulang Trip. You really appreciate her professionalism, ang laki ng mina-ture niya as an actress and as a person. I didn’t expect

her to be the leader that she (was) on set. She did little things for us that we all (appreciated).”

For Richard, who worked with the actress for the first time, had this to say: “As you know, when I first came to GMA, I always said I wanted to work with Heart. This is a dream come true to me… ang sarap ka-trabaho si Heart and of course, the rest of the cast. Ang galing niya.”

This speaks of the rapport among stars and the working team and the friendly environment they all created for themselves.

“Wala kaming stage na nangapa para sa akin,” said Paolo. “We had to thank Heart for that kasi siya yung nag-bi-bind to us. She (made) sure na OK kaming lahat, she (made) sure na nakakapagusap ang lahat. Sobrang naging (ma)dali. She (was) the earliest (to arrive on set), she (was) always ready. Siguro malaking bagay na ang unang lock-in taping namin ay sa Sorsogon, talagang malayo kami sa lahat at naka pag-bond kami ng maayos.”

Richard also agreed with Paolo, saying: “Masaya kaming lahat on the set. I would like to thank Heart also. Since from the start, kahit hindi kami magkakilala, first scene namin, she made sure na hindi ako naiilang. She was very accepting, open and welcoming.

So parang nawala na kaagad yung parang tension na hindi kayo magkakilala and first time kayong magkaka-trabaho. Dun pa lang nakita ko na how good an actress and how good of a person Heart is. It was so easy right after that.”

Like everybody in the team, Heart is excited to share the fruits of their labor, yes, with all her heart.

“With what I’ve been through in life, parang ngayon lang talaga nagamit ang lahat ng aspect nang pinagdaanan ko sa buhay ko and how parang meticulously all are (in place) when it comes to each scene, each character and every accessory, every continuity of the accessory,” said she, “everything, we’re all so in the zone. I’m nervous in a good way because I’m excited na makita nila how we’ve all leveled up our game in terms of our craft and in terms like of the details… Na-excite ako para sa kanila (I’m excited for the viewers to see) how beautiful this project is. I really must say that with all my heart, I feel like this is the best thing I’ve ever been part of.”

Heart indeed has never left acting. She just keeps on expanding her artistic horizons.

by alex

Brosas Inquirer.net

BEFORE rumors about celebrities go viral, these start out as blind items. Actor Joshua Garcia knows how to handle such blind items — he says he ignores them.

“Kasama iyon sa trabaho namin. Hindi ko masisisi kung bakit ginawan ako ng blind item. Kasi ‘yung reaction ko before noong ginawan ako ng blind item, kasi ikinuwento lang sa akin, sabi ko, ‘Hayaan mo na.’

Parang ganoon lang ang sinabi ko,” Garcia said, recalling how he handled a blind item about him, during the online press conference for “Viral Scandal” last week.

(That’s part of our job. I can’t lay blame on why a blind item was made about me. My reaction at that time was just to tell the person who told me about it, “Just let it go.” I think that was all I said.)

Social media is right at the core of “Viral Scandal” as it tells the story of Rica (Charlie Dizon) who got embroiled in a scandal which went viral. Meanwhile, Garcia believes that dignifying a rumor about him does not improve the situation, so he deems it wise to just ignore rumors.

“Kasi the more na mag-focus ka, the more na pagtuunan mo siya ng pansin, the more na ma-

papansin din siya ng mga tao.

Kung nabasa mo ‘yung blind item at hindi ka sang-ayon, ‘di ba, parang ‘wag mo na lang pagtuunan ng pansin. Baka mamaya mali naman ang sinabi nila,” he explained.

(The more you focus on it, the more you give it attention, all the more will people notice it. If you read the blind item and you don’t agree, just ignore it.

Maybe what it says isn’t even true.)

Good thing that Garcia is also not so much into social media, it keeps him protected to a degree.

“Hindi ako mahilig mag-social media. Iyon ‘yung maganda rin sa akin. Medyo aware din ako, alam ko na medyo wild ang social media, medyo wild ang mga tao doon,” he said.

(I an not into social media.

That’s what’s good in my case.

I am also sort of aware, I know that social media can be wild, people can be wild there.)

Garcia plays architect Kyle Constantino in the series, which started airing Nov. 15, on the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWant TFC, and A2Z Channel 11 and TV5.

The series also features Maxene Magalona, Jameson Blake, Markus Paterson, Gian Magdangal, Louise Abuel and Dim- Joshua Garcia Photo from Instagram/@garciajoshuae ples Romana, among others.

McDonald’s USA addresses financial hurdles...

PAGE 10 tending University of Delaware; Khandaker Aqib from Buford, GA attending Stanford University; Krystal Nguyen from New Port Richey, FL attending St. Petersburg College; Kushal Kevin Prasad from Elk Grove, CA attending University of California-Santa Cruz; Lexis Sablan from Barrigada, GU attending Columbia University in the City of New York; Lisa T. Thai from Fort Smith, AR attending University of Arkansas-Fort Smith; Maheono Teinaohiva Guilloux-Chevalier from Las Vegas, NV attending University of Nevada-Reno; Meng Moua from Milwaukee, WI attending University of Wisconsin-Madison; Mohammad Muntakim from Detroit, MI attending Wayne State University; Muhammad Ali Raja from Las

Vegas, NV attending College of Southern Nevada; Nazmin Begum from Dorchester, MA attending University of Massachusetts-Boston; Nina Gao from Philadelphia, PA attending University of Pennsylvania; Nuo Xu from East Longmeadow, MA attending University of Massachusetts Amherst; Pa Houa Xiong from Saint Paul, MN attending Metropolitan State University; Pravdeep Banwait from Houston, TX attending The University of Texas at Austin; Quy Nguyen from Miami, FL attending Florida State University; Raqeebullah Hasan from Edison, NJ attending Stevens Institute of Technology; Rayyan Siddique from Ozone Park, NY attending New York Institute of Technology; Sarah Hwang from Los Angeles, CA attending University of

Southern California; Selena Nguyen from Burien, WA attending University of Washington-Seattle; Shanay Desai from Madison, MS attending Vanderbilt University; Thuy Kien from Des Moines, IA attending University of Iowa; Thuy An Hoang from Blaine, MN attending Century College; Tien Dang Le from Lawrenceville, GA attending Middlebury College; Tiffany Zhang from Wamego, KS attending Rutgers University-New Brunswick; Tou Lao Moua from Saint Paul, MN attending Minneapolis College of Art and Design; Yati Phuepwint from Austin, TX attending Colorado State University-Fort Collins; Yebin Lee from Auburn, AL attending Auburn University; Yuan Yang Liu from Philadelphia, PA attending Temple University.

12

november 18-24 2021 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678