123022 - San Diego Edition

Marcos ‘hesitant’ to extend state of calamity, restrict arrivals from China

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he is "hesitant" to extend the state of calamity in the country over COVID-19 and is also unsure of whether the Philippines should impose additional rules for arrivals from China, where cases are on the rise.

The president in September extended the state of calamity until the end of the year to allow the government to implement programs to address the pandemic and to use funds for COVID-19 response.

"We are not in a state of calamity anymore, technically speaking," Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, December 29. "That is the wrong mindset to be approaching the new year with."

However, the chief executive said the government is looking for ways to continue providing ben-

Man arrested for racist taunts on Filipino siblings in SF Bay Area

POLICE in San Ramon, California arrested a man from Denver, Colorado who was caught on video harassing three Filipino American siblings with racist taunts on Christmas morning and two Korean Americans the previous evening.

Jordan Douglas Krah, 40, was arrested Dec. 26 for violating California’s anti-hate crime law. He was caught on video harassing siblings Abigail, Adriana and Anjo Halili on Christmas morning.

“We heard a guy parked in his car yelling from his window saying keep walking you need to get away from that store, ‘you’ve been the people vandalizing and robbing these shops,’” Abigai Halili told ABC7 News. Krah allegedly followed up with obscene hand gestures.

“We didn’t know what to do and he kept

US ‘largest humanitarian donor’ in the Philippines with $29-M in typhoon aid

TYPHOON assistance through the U.S. Agency for International Development reached P1.6 billion ($29 million) in 2022, making Washington the “largest humanitarian donor” in the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy said.

“Through this funding from the American people, USAID has provided critical shelter assistance, increased access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, restored agricultural livelihoods, ensured essential sexual and reproductive health services, and provided protection programs for women and children,” the embassy said in a statement on Thursday, December 22.

The statement comes just after the USAID handed over 167 transitional shelters to Leyte residents affected by Tropical Storm Agaton (international name: Megi) earlier this year. The housing can accommodate over 900 individuals displaced in Abuyog municipality and Baybay city.

efits, such as allowances, to healthcare workers.

Earlier this week, the Department of Health sought the extension of the state of calamity, which is set to lapse on December 31. The call for an extension was backed by the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc., citing a reported 16,000 active COVID-19 cases.

DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the extension would help the agency implement the country’s COVID-19 response and allow it to establish its own Center for Disease Prevention and Control office.

Despite seeking a longer state of calamity, the DOH is not sold on imposing additional restrictions on arrivals from China, saying current precautions

COVID-19 won’t stop Marcos’ trip to China

by RHODINA VILLANUEVA Philstar.com

MANILA — With barely a week left before President Marcos’ state visit to China where COVID-19 cases are surging, the Department of Health (DOH) said the health situation in a particular area should not deter the President or anyone from performing his duties.

“The rising COVID-19 cases in a particular area should not deter us from doing our work,” DOH officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a press briefing on Tuesday,

DILG to announce new war on drugs program next year

by DALE G. ISRAEL Inquirer.net

CEBU CITY — Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Tuesday, December 27 announced there will be a “big statement” about the country’s war on drugs at the start of 2023.

In his command visit at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr. in Cebu City, Abalos announced that the statement would come from him and Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

While the performance of Azurin is

praiseworthy, Abalos said he wanted a more intensified and holistic campaign against illegal drugs.

In an interview after his speech, Abalos said the details of the “pasabog sa bagong taon (New Year’s blast)” are still confidential.

He explained that the big announcement would be on a “matter of approach” in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Everyone will have a role to play here,” Abalos said.

He said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is working hard to

DOT sets ‘conservative’ target of 4.8-M international arrivals in 2023

by ROSETTE ADEL Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Tourism bared its “conservative” targets for the tourism industry for 2023.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco happily reported that as of December 19, the number of visitor arrivals to the Philippines has reached 2.464 million since the country relaxed border restrictions to foreign tourists last Feb. 10, 2022.

Frasco said the initial target was pegged at only 1.7 million international visitors while the high-scenario was set at 1.4

December 27.

“We should understand that we are already currently living with the virus, so the visit to a particular place of an individual, even though detection of the COVID-19 virus there is high, should not hamper us from doing our work,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire maintained they have already apprised the President and his staff of the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines and in other countries.

President Marcos is set to visit China from Jan. 3 to 5 or 6, upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

NAIA third most stressful airport in Asia - study

by CRISTINA ELOISA BACLIG Inquirer.net

MANILA — For the longest time, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), considered as the main gateway to the Philippines, has been named one of the worst airports in the world and has received numerous complaints from passengers across the globe.

Ahead of the holiday season and the expected holiday rush, a new report released by the travel website hawaiianislands. com has once again ranked NAIA as among the worst airports in Asia and the world.

Last month, the travel website

released its report titled “The Most Stressful Airports in America and the World,” which was done through analysis of over 1,500 Google reviews for over 500 airports across the world.

“We analyzed the sentiment of Google reviews and ranked airports around the world and within the United States based on the percentage of reviews that indicate stress,” hawaiianislands. com explained.

Delays, long queues, and crying babies—according to the report—are just among the many reasons that air travel can be stressful for passengers, adding

FIREWORKS. People check out the various firecrackers for sale at a stall along Marikina-Infanta Highway in Antipolo City on Thursday, Dec. 29. Many Filipinos have been trooping to firecrackers stalls days ahead of the New Year’s Day revelry. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. waves to his supporters during the “Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong

Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino” at the Open Amphitheater in Rizal Park, City of Manila last Dec. 22. PNA photo by Alfred Frias

A returning Filipino couldn’t have chosen a more appropriate headgear than the native “salakot” upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City last Tuesday, Dec. 20. The Bureau of Immigration assures uninterrupted service in all ports for inbound and outbound passengers during the holiday season. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Marcos ‘hesitant’ to extend state...

are enough.

Other countries, such as the United States and Italy, have made COVID-19 testing mandatory for travelers from China. When COVID-19 started to spread around the world in 2020, the Philippines hesitated to close

its borders, with then President Rodrigo Duterte saying calls to do so were Sinophobic.

Marcos Jr. said additional restrictions should only be imposed if it’s "based on science and we feel that there’s a need."

"If it’s something that is man-

ageable then I’m sure we can find a way to not completely close our broders to China but to find a way to have a procedure so those coming from China who may have been exposed or who may have been infected will be tested," the chief executive said. (Philstar.com)

NAIA third most stressful airport in...

PAGE 1

issues such as turbulence, baggage claim, and costly beverage on the flight.

NAIA: 3rd most stressful airport in Asia

Although airports in Southeast Asia and Oceania had an average of just 34.0 percent stress levels based on reviews by passengers—the least of any region included in the report—it was still home to some of the most stressful airports in the world, including NAIA.

NAIA—with 57.81 percent of its passenger reviews indicating stress—ranked the third most stressful airport in the region next to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport in Australia (58.98 percent) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Vietnam (60.13 percent, the most stressed out reviews of any airport in Southeast Asia).

Based on recent reviews for NAIA in Google Maps, among the common complaints left by passengers were the alleged lack of organization, long lines, overcrowding, lack of seats at the departure gates, and delayed luggage release.

Other passengers also pointed out that most, if not all, food stalls and restaurants or cafes inside the airport only accept cash for payment—which several tourists and passengers found inconvenient.

Three other airports in the country were analyzed by the travel website, although not included on the worst airport list in the region. These were the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (38.9 percent of stressed reviews), Subic Bay International Airport (30.8 percent), and Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City (22.1 percent).

Disputing longstanding worst airport claims

Another travel website, the widely cited Guide to Sleeping in Airports, described NAIA as a “large and often frustrating airport.” It also advised travelers to “expect to wait in numerous long lines as you make your way to your flight.”

Similar to some Google Maps reviews, the website also noted that some shops and restaurants are mainly cash only, pushing travelers to find ATMs inside the airport.

It also warned passengers of scams and to take “extra care” of their belongings due to numerous reports about bullet-planting scams—or the “tanimbala” which became widely known in 2015— demand for bribes such as the notorious “pastillas” scheme in 2020, broken CCTVs, and general theft.”

Meanwhile, around May, global luggage storage app Bounce named NAIA as the worst airport in the world—out of 38 airports included in the study— for business class travelers, with a 0.88 out of 10 business class score.

The study looked at the airports’ number of lounges, number of destinations served, percentage

of on-time flights annually, and Skytrax rating.

According to Skytrax, NAIA is “certified as a 3-Star Airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, and staff service.”

“Manila Airport is a congested hub. Immigration and security queues can be excessive, while comfort for transfer passengers is low. Terminal spaces have poor air-conditioning, often busy and offering limited facilities and dining choices,” it noted.

However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) disputed these previous claims against NAIA, saying that such claims are “unsubstantiated.”

“While the ‘study’ shows unfavorable rating and unsubstantiated claims about NAIA, it cannot be denied that significant improvements have been carried out in the country’s main gateway in the past six years under the Duterte administration,” the transportation department said in a statement.

Then Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade also told Filipinos not to believe the Bounce study, saying it had “no fundamentals nor parameters” to support its claim that NAIA is the worst airport.

“There was some press release saying that NAIA is one of the worst business class airports. Don’t believe that. It is an app based on a study that has no fundamentals and parameters, and you don’t know how the conclusion was made,” Tugade added.

Where travelers get stressed the most

The study by hawaiaanislands.com found that out of the many airports in the world, Manchester Airport in the United Kingdom (UK) was the most stressful, with 82.5 percent of reviews indicating stress.

“Many of the millions of passengers traveling through Manchester may feel stressed from the recent staff shortages and long lines. Some of the most common terms that crop up in reviews include ‘embarrassment,’ ‘shortages,’ ‘queuing,’ ‘farce,’ and ‘jobsworth’,” the study stated.

“In April 2022, Manchester Airport apologized to customers for long security queues, blaming the inconvenience on growing passenger demand in the wake of the pandemic,” it added.

It found that nine out of 10 most stressful airports overall are in Europe, four of which are (UK) airports.

The study also saw that, surprisingly, the busiest airports are “not necessarily the most stressful.”

“While heavy passenger traffic can create long queues and other issues, the busiest airports in the world are not necessarily the most stressful. The 20 busiest airports by passenger traffic, for example, all rank outside the top 25 most stressful airports, according to our analysis,” the study explained.

“The one busy airport that does rank as particularly stressful is Amsterdam Schiphol in the Netherlands.” g

DILG to announce new war on drugs...

PAGE 1

end the narcotics problem of the country.

In the last five months, around P10 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized by policemen led by Azurin.

said, another drug bust allegedly involved agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“This is a bad sign. It is not good that a fellow policeman or PDEA agent were caught in the illegal drugs trade. This is not right,” he said.

is,” he added.

Abalos also reported that they are looking into the resurgence of e-sabong or the online gambling of cockfights, especially in Negros Oriental.

Abalos, however, cited that one of the huge drug hauls involved a policeman. Just recently, he

“What is appalling here is that you caught a fellow law enforcer. Let’s see what our approach here

US ‘largest humanitarian donor’ in the Philippines...

Agaton hit the/ country in April this year, affecting over 2.298 million individuals and 659.996 families, while displacing 69,727. The typhoon left 214 dead, according to a report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and eight injured.

“The United States is proud to stand with you and your communities to rebuild and recover from the devastating loss caused by this storm,” USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn said during the turnover ceremony held on Monday, December 26.

Aside from the housing, the USAID and the International Organization for Migration also helped assist over 12,000 residents across areas affected by Agaton. Both agencies helped the local government to identify relocation sites, as well as provide assistance with water systems and sanitation facilities, and distribute hygiene supplies.

USAID has also provided assistance for families affected by typhoon Odette and typhoon Karding, among its other projects in the country. (Philstar. com)

Man arrested for racist taunts on Filipino...

Abalos was joined by Azurin and Brigadier General Jerry Bearis, the new director of the Central Visayas police, at Camp Sergio Osmeña. g PAGE 1 PAGE 1

going on and on saying ‘you’re Filipino idiots. You probably sell cocaine. You’re dealers,’” says Halili.

The Halilis were not the only Asian Americans allegedly targeted by Krah.

On Christmas Eve, Arine Kim and her friend Elliot Ha were shooting a video for TikTok while eating at an In-And-Out Burger when a man later identified as Krah spewed racist and homophobic slurs at them.

A man off camera can be heard saying, “You guys filming yourself eating? You’re weird homosexuals.” A little later, the man says, “You’re Kim Jong Un’s boyfriend?” And moments later says, “Normally I could spit in your face…that’s some Filipino s**t.”

When the victims’ videos went viral, the police said they were flooded with tips that helped them identify Krah, who has ties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Kim and the Halilis said they were thankful for the quick arrest of Krah, as it shows that the attacks on Asians are very real, but also punishable by law. (Inquirer.net)

DOT sets ‘conservative’ target of 4.8-M...

PAGE 1

million.

The United States remains the top tourist market.

The following are the country’s top ten tourist markets as of December 19:

• United States – 461,967 visitors

• South Korea – 387,780

• Australia – 122, 971

• Canada – 112,015

• United Kingdom – 93,440

• Japan – 91,557

• Singapore – 50,964

• India – 49,330

• Malaysia – 44,357

• Vietnam – 37,028

It should be noted that the People’s Republic of China, a major tourism source market of the Philippines, was knocked off the list after the country implemented restrictions on leisure travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuous presence of Philippine Offshore

Gaming Operators.

As of October, China only registered 23,482 visitors to the country.

Frasco is optimistic that the country will further surpass its expanded target of 2.4 million international visitors and reach 2.5 million guests by the end of the year.

“If this happens, then we would have about 30% of our prepandemic arrivals. A far cry from the 164,000 international visitors that we received in 2021,” she said during the year-end media briefing.

‘Optimistic but cautious’

For 2023, the DOT chief disclosed that the agency is targeting 4.8 million international visitors as its baseline.

Before assuming office, Frasco said she saw an alarming projection that the country would only reach its pre-pandemic tourism numbers by 2025.

The country recorded 8.26 million visitors in 2019.

In view of this, she took an inward look at what the DOT can do to strengthen the tourism industry and set in goals with conservative numbers.

Director Warner Andrada of DOT-Tourism Development Planning likewise said the tourism department is “optimistic but cautious” given the various factors that are beyond the control of the DOT including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and volatile fuel prices as well as the continued lockdowns in China.

“We’re optimistic but cautious, that’s the word, because of the Ukraine-Russia war which the economic fundamentals may affect travel, especially on the oil or gasoline fuel prices,” Andrada said, saying this changing fuel price affects the movement in the country. g

Hidilyn Diaz, Filipinas lead top 7 Philippine sports moments of 2022

by Lance agcaoiLi Inquirer.net

MANILA — Philippine sports saw another successful year in 2022 as Filipino athletes continued to shine on the international stage and reach greater heights with their winning moments and record-breaking feats.

Following a banner year in 2021, where Hidilyn Diaz delivered the country’s first gold medal in the Olympics, Filipino athletes kept thriving internationally and continued to bring pride and glory to the country.

Inquirer Sports listed the Top 7 Filipinos, who delivered the best Philippine sports moments of 2022.

7. Rousing return for Carlo Paalam

It may have been a tough year for Philippine boxing with Nonito Donaire Jr, Mark Magsayo, Jerwin Ancajas, and John Riel Casimero losing their titles and Manny Pacquiao hanging up his gloves during his presidential bid.

But Carlo Paalam continued his rise to stardom as he brought home a gold in the bantamweight division of the ASBC Asian Elite Men & Women Boxing Championships.

The 24-year-old Filipino boxer stunned top seed Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan in the final by split decision, 4-1, to rule the division.

Paalam showed no signs of slowing down even coming off a historic silver medal run in the men’s flyweight boxing event of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The young Olympian missed the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam but he made a rousing return on the Asian stage.

The success of the Takalag, Bukidnon native showed the future of Philippine boxing is bright despite being one of the few silver linings of the sport in 2022.

6. Women warriors: Junna Tsukii, Meggie Ochoa, Kimberly Anne Custodio

It has been quite a year for Junna Tsukii, Meggie Ochoa, and

other Filipino women’s martial artists.

After not making it to the Olympics last year and settling for silver in the Asian Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Tsukii vowed to come back stronger this 2022.

The Filipino-Japanese Karateka delivered her promise as she won the gold medal in the women’s under-50kg Kumite at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama in July.

Tsukii also bagged a bronze medal in team Kumite in the Hanoi SEA Games last May.

Ochoa also rose to the occasion for the Philippine jiu-jitsu team as she ruled the women’s adult -48 kilogram category in the 2022 JJIF World Championship in United Arab Emirates last November.

Her teammate, Kimberly Anne Custodio also won gold in the women’s -45kg category.

Ochoa also captured a gold medal in the SEA Games along with Annie Ramirez, who ruled her weight class and brought home another gold last May.

5. No world title, no problem for Caloy Yulo Carlos  Yulo was dethroned in the world championship but he still had his winning moments in 2022.

Yulo was denied in his world title-retention bid after settling for silver in vault and a bronze in parallel bars in the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships last November in Liverpool, Great Britain.

The 22-year-old gymnast dominated the Asian stage after winning three golds in the 9th Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Doha, Qatar last June.

Yulo, who is eyeing another run in the Olympics in Paris, also ruled the floor exercise of the 55th All Japan Senior Championships last August.

The 4-foot-11 prodigy had another masterful SEA Games stint after bringing home five gold and two silver medals to surpass his previous two-gold and five-silver finish in the biennial meet three years ago in Manila.

4. Historic year for  Alex Eala The 17-year-old Alex Eala

continued to reach greater heights and show maturity beyond years after a busy 2022.

Taking her act in the professional circuit tournaments took the young netter’s game to the next level as she became the first Filipino to win a singles Grand Slam, ruling the U.S. Open juniors title last September.

Her U.S. Open title run powered Eala to her career-best world ranking at No. 214 in the second pro circuit championship in the first leg of the W25 Chiang Rai last April.

Although her third International Tennis Federation (ITF) title has been elusive in several tourneys she participated it definitely paid off as she continues to scratch the surface of her potential.

The Rafael Nadal Academy scholar, the daughter of Rizza Maniego, a former national swimming team member, also made a convincing SEA Games debut with three bronze medals from the singles, mixed doubles, and team events in Hanoi, Vietnam last May.

Eala has no plans of slowing down as she makes her professional Grand Slam debut in the Australian Open 2023.

3. EJ Obiena

It had been a rollercoaster year for EJ Obiena but it didn’t stop him from making a leap of faith in 2022.

Despite an ugly rift with the Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association that has since been resolved, Obiena still had a fruitful year, winning one gold medal after another.

The 27-year-old pole vaulter earned a total of 17 medals with 12 gold including his rare win over the World No.1 Mondo Duplantis in the Diamond League in Brussels,  two silver, and three bronze medals.

But Obiena’s biggest achievement was his bronze medal in the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States last July.

The 6-foot-2 athlete reset the Asian record at 5.94 meters and became the first pole vaulter from the continent to reach the podium of the world championships.

u PAGE 8

PH House vows to work harder to boost economy next year

MANILA — House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday, December 29 said the House of Representatives will do its mandate double-time next year to ensure that the country’s positive economic momentum will continue and be successfully translated into comfort of every Filipino.

This, as the lawmakers welcomed the good news from Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno who said the worst is over for the Philippines and better years are expected.

Romualdez said the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic definitely inspires lawmakers to legislate more laws needed to further boost the economy and improve the living condition of the Filipino people.

On Wednesday, December 28, Diokno projected faster economic growth for the Philippines in 2023 despite a looming global recession. Diokno said the Philippines is still expected to have one of the highest growth rates among six Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member economies next year.

“Many institutions and experts have predicted a global recession

in 2023, and consequently, downgraded Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) outlook to less than 6 percent,” Diokno said. "But an average GDP growth of 6.5 percent is nothing to be sneezed at: it is still one of the highest, if not the highest, growth rates among ASEAN+6 economies.

Diokno cited nine reasons for his optimistic projections for the country’s economy’s growth in 2023, four of which were the direct result of acts of Congress, namely: the early approval of the 2023 national budget; early adoption of the first-ever Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) for 2023-2028; a more favorable economic environment that removed barriers to foreign investments; and a strong commitment to expand the “Build, Build, Build” program with enhanced private sector participation.

Romualdez extended his gratitude to his fellow lawmakers for acting swiftly on vital legislative measures, which Diokno cited among the major reasons for optimism in the country’s strong economic performance.

It could be recalled that last Aug. 1, the House adopted Concurrent

Resolution No. 2, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2023-2028 MTFF.

The House approved its version of the 2023 national budget on Sept. 28 and ratified the bicameral conference committee report on Dec. 5.

Signed by Marcos last Dec. 16, Romualdez noted that it was the only budget in recent memory to have been signed in mid-December.

Amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investments Act and Public Services Act during the 18th Congress shepherded the passage of its enactment into laws by Romualdez who served as the House majority leader.

Diokno also cited the swift approval of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the strong international credit profile of the country, a stable and resilient banking system, adequate buffers against external headwinds as well as a young, tech-savvy and mostly English-speaking labor force, among the factors that bode well for the growth prospects of the economy in 2023.

‘LECHON’ BREAD. A vendor places bread that looks like a ‘lechon’ or roasted pig at the Quinta Market in Quiapo, Manila on Wednesday, Dec. 28. The vendor said the idea for making a ‘lechon’ bread is to keep up with the holiday season when Filipinos traditionally serve roasted pigs. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Celebrating with a bang

THERE is revenge travel and revenge gatherings as people come out of over two years of pandemic restrictions. Will there also be revenge celebratory fireworks displays?

There are people who will still want to greet the New Year with bright pyrotechnics displays. President Marcos, acknowledging this Filipino penchant for ringing in the New Year with a bang, has urged local government units to set up common fireworks display areas for their constituents who want to sustain the tradition.

Editorial

Rodrigo Duterte, during his presidency, had also issued a directive to encourage the organization of common fireworks display areas. Duterte reportedly preferred a ban like the one in his home city of Davao, but the fireworks industry centered in Bulacan stressed the massive job and livelihood displacements that would result.

Industry players have instead sought support for upgrading their products to be able to compete with imported items that have gained popularity in recent years. Some players have also cited the export potential of the industry, although tight safety regulation and quality control are needed.

The provision of common fireworks display areas is a compromise in sustaining the industry and keeping the public safe during revelry. But local

governments must set up more sites if they want to discourage household or personal use of pyrotechnic devices. Many people don’t want to leave their homes at the changing of the year, not just because of beliefs about welcoming luck into the house and sweeping out bad spirits, but also because of concern that burglars are on the prowl during the New Year’s Eve revelry. If the common display areas are too few and too far from communities, people will continue to prefer setting off their own fireworks at home.

At the same time, the government should decide if it wants to simply tolerate the existence of the fireworks industry, or if it wants to give it sufficient support to become a significant revenue earner. The world continues to greet special occasions with bright lights and a bang. In Manila, foreign governments compete annually in a fireworks show staged in Manila Bay. Instead of allowing one of the country’s oldest industries to wither away, the government must decide if it wants to revive it, with tighter regulations and quality standards fully enforced. (Philstar.com)

Turning point: The Philippines in 2022

failure.

RICHARD HEYDARIAN

DECADES from now, perspicacious scholars will likely look back at the past 12 months as a critical juncture in our country’s history. Almost exactly half a century since Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s declaration of martial law, his namesake son reassumed the throne. This year also saw, for the first time since the end of the dictatorship era, a Filipino president managing to garner a clear majority of votes.

Moreover, this year’s elections also saw the first proincumbency electoral victory in three decades. Fidel Ramos’ narrow triumph in 1992 was arguably the last time we saw a direct succession of similarlyminded leaders. Practically all succeeding presidents ended up on the throne by expressly running against their immediate predecessor: Joseph Estrada’s macho populism was a clear rejection of Ramos’ technocratic reformism, just as Benigno Aquino III’s good governance agenda was a direct challenge to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s business-as-usual politics.

But it was former president

Rodrigo Duterte who took this distinct tradition, which found a great habitat in a nation with no real political parties, to its logical conclusion. Duterte didn’t only juxtapose himself against the outgoing Aquino administration but also framed his presidential candidacy as a referendum on the entire post-Marcos regime, which sprung out of the mélange of aspirations and contradictions of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution.

Given his flair for the dramatic, Duterte rarely shied away from portraying himself as the country’s “last card,” namely the only thing standing between “law-abiding citizens” and the impending chaos—or, in his words, a “narco-state.” By all indications, Duterte’s antics, and his distinct brand of penal populism, were a major hit with the common folks.

Despite the reliable display of incompetence from one crisis to the other—beginning with the failure to prevent few ragtag extremists from laying siege on an entire city in 2017 and all the way to the disastrous management of the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic—he maintained skyhigh approval ratings. As for his beloved “drug war,” even Duterte admitted that it was a major

If the Duterte presidency were a movie—or, to put it more accurately, a reality show—it would have been a blockbuster with few rivals in our history. In fact, Duterte was so popular that he couldn’t help contemplating staying in power through proxies. But this is precisely where President Marcos Jr.’s decision to run for the presidency proved highly consequential. Had the latter skipped this year’s elections, the House of Duterte would have likely fully consolidated its grip on Philippine state institutions.

By all indications, Mr. Marcos was the candidate of continuity in this year’s elections. After all, he not only teamed up with the presidential daughter (Sara) under a “UniTeam,” but he also repeatedly promised to continue the outgoing president’s key domestic and foreign policies.

Thus, Mr. Marcos’ emphatic election victory, which was met with both disbelief and awe across the political spectrum, shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Looking at Mr. Marcos’ first six months in office, three things stand out. Let me briefly explain these.

First of all, his return to Malacañang marks what can be best described as the “great restoration.” After spending

three decades on the relative margins of Philippine politics, the Marcoses are once again in a historic position to shape the country’s future—as well as reshape our country’s past through a well-oiled campaign of historical denialism.

Second, Mr. Marcos’ presidency has seen a “great moderation” on every key political issue: No more Dutertestyle brutal counternarcotics operations, the demagogic attacks on so-called “oligarchs,” or the mindless fawning over China and Russia. While restoring

ties with traditional Western allies, Mr. Marcos has skipped any discussion of constitutional change and federalism in a bid to reassure democratic partners, jittery markets, and skeptical voters.

Finally, the past six months have also been an opportunity for a “great reflection,” especially by the progressive-liberal opposition. Instead of just blaming voters, and obsessing over “disinformation” alone, it’s time for the opposition to also reflect on its own shortcomings, faulty analytics, and deracinated

Modern heroism inspired by Rizal

become a better man; from an ordinary life to a remarkable life. He attempted to perfect himself through arts, education, and practical skills.

IN this contemporary period, we need to look at our definition of heroism through a new lens. We do not need to die for our country just to be considered a legitimate hero, except if there is an inevitable war. On a philosophical, ethical narrative, we need to produce a life that is exemplary and useful.

The gist: We can only give what we have.

Thus, to become a hero we need to make ourselves better. We can only inspire other people if we are inspired. We can only educate others if we are equipped with knowledge and wisdom. We can only teach what we know.

Like Jose Rizal, he made himself useful. He read lots of books. He visited museums. He traveled to many places. He prepared himself for something that was greater than who he was. And he could only reach this pillar of greatness if he himself was capable of being a great man.

Greatness needs a conscious decision and action. Jose Rizal proved distinctly that from an ordinary, good man, we can

He was able to write two novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” because from a very young age, he read and studied a lot. He prepared himself.

“You can only give what you have.” This dictum is essentially fundamental to heroism. We cannot love if we have not loved. This should not be misinterpreted as selfishness or ego-centric values. This is about helping ourselves so that we can effectively help others and our communities. We need to invest in nurturing our minds. We need to read. Seek and you shall find.

We can only be a light for humanity if we are enlightened. We can only carry the torch if we have the strength to hold it in our hands.

Jose Rizal was an enlightened being. With everything he had achieved in his short 35 years of existence, he was a great model of how to live.

Those who are prepared to die are those who are prepared to live. Jose Rizal openly embraced his death at Bagumbayan because he had prepared for a life worth

remembering. But we must remember that he made himself better not only for himself but for his fellow Filipinos and for the future of our country.

There is nothing wrong with looking after ourselves. Selflove is an inherent ingredient to purposeful heroism. How can we look after our families if we ourselves are sick and dying? How can we educate our children if we ourselves are ignorant? How can we help the community if we ourselves are poor?

So, there is nothing wrong, too, in wanting to be rich. Through our resources, we can support many poor families. But of course, we need to have our own healthy finance before we can help other people.

But the greatest investment is the investment in selfimprovement. We shall also be rich, not just in financial terms, but rich in a mind that is wise, a heart that is compassionate, and a body that is fit.

Modern heroism is about elevating ourselves from a mundane superficial existence to a meaningful purposeful life. When we find our purpose, we seek a better understanding of how we can be productive and useful—and the best way is to start with ourselves.

Heroism within is an attempt to reach a higher level of perfection where our excellence and achievement are contributory to building a progressive society.

Jose Rizal is the perfect model. May the Filipino youth of today find inspiration in Rizal’s life so that our country, The Philippines, will not lose hope in our kabataan, ang pag-asa ng bayan.

We are all heroes—only if we are willing to give ourselves a chance to become one. Nothing

is too late. We can start now. Let us help ourselves today so that tomorrow we can help others.

Jose Rizal’s letter to Mariano Ponce:

“A Filipino must be just and foremost a good man, a good citizen, who will, with his mind and heart and if needed be, with his arms as well, help his country progress.”

“Totoong bayan muna bago ang sarili. Pero sarili muna bago ang iba. Ang pagbabago ay

“thought leaders.”

Rearing a new generation of charismatic leaders should go hand in hand with solidifying grassroots networks across the country. Otherwise, the Marcoses will be on a glide path to dominating Philippine politics for another generation. (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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.

* * *

rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

The Rizal Monument in Manila

Inquirer.net photo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) with former president Rodrigo Duterte (left) Malacañang file photo

magsisimula sa ating sarili. Ito ang makabagong pagkabayani.”

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.

Rado Gatchalian is the Eastern Australia Area deputy commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal-ANZO region and the archivist of the Knights of Rizal-Northern Sydney Chapter.

PH House vows to work harder...

PAGE 5

To help sustain such a growth trajectory, Romualdez vowed to pass the remaining 12 priority measures of Marcos when Congress resumes sessions on Jan. 23, 2023.

The 12 remaining priority bills include the enactment of an enabling law for the Natural Gas Industry; amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA); the Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension; the E-Governance Act and E-Government Act; the National Land Use Act; the National Defense Act; the National Government Rightsizing Program; the Budget Modernization Bill; the Department of Water Resources; establishing the Negros Island Region; Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers; and the establishment of regional specialty hospitals.

Before the House adjourned for the Christmas break, the House passed pro-people measures, including the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the PHP5.268-trillion national budget for 2023 and 20 other priority bills of the Marcos administration, 19 of which were included in the common legislative agenda (CLA) adopted by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Romualdez said the House looks forward to the enactment of the 19 priority bills under the CLA that it has passed on third and final reading.

These include Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act or PIFITA (The fourth package under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program or CTRP); Virology Institute of the Philip-

pines; Agrarian Reform Debts Condonation; Philippine Passport Act; Waste-to-Energy Bill; National Disease Prevention Management Authority or Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Medical Reserve Corps (HEART); Internet Transaction Act / E-Commerce Law; Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone; Eastern Visayas Development Authority (EVDA); Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) bill; Free Legal Assistance for Police and Soldiers; Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Act; Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers; Real Property Valuation Reform Bill; Apprenticeship Act; and National Citizens Service Training Program (NCSTP).

Two of the 19 measures under the CLA have been signed into law by the President namely, Republic Act 11934 or An Act Requiring Registration of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) and RA 11935 or An Act Postponing the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to October 2023.

Pandemic exit strategy

BHW party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co said the HEART bill and Virology Institute of the Philippines bills would contribute to the country's pandemic exit strategy and help achieve the post-pandemic "new normal".

“The HEART bill used to be the medical corps bill. Now with this HEART bill the response team will include not just doctors, but other health professionals and public health-trained people as well,” she said.

She said the bill seeking to establish a virology and vaccine research institute that would primarily focus on the key science and technology applications in the development of vaccines for viruses and other pathogens.

While supporting the extension of the pandemic state of calamity and lauding the issuance of the emergency use authorization for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines, she said she is still expecting more details regarding the Department of Health's COVID-19 exit strategy.

“In much the same way that the community quarantine restrictions were lifted gradually by region, I believe the pandemic state of calamity should also follow a gradual, regional lifting starting with regions where there are no more or very few new COVID cases," she said.

"Only when all regions are no longer under local state of calamity, should the national state of calamity be lifted based on key metrics. This transition approach could give DOH enough time to administer the bivalent boosters to at least 80 percent of the country’s total population,” she added.

Co said the House of Representatives should also focus on strengthening the health personnel working at the grassroot level with the approval of two magna cartas.

“Next in line are the proposed Magna Carta for Day Care Workers and Magna Carta for Barangay Nutrition Scholars which are key to securing social justice for the concerned two groups of health personnel working hard at the barangay level,” she said. (PNA)

Fishers' groups to Marcos: Advance PH interest

byBELLA CARIASO ManilaTimes.net

FISHERS' groups called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to advance the interest of Filipinos, particularly the fishermen, during his state visit to China in January 2023.

Pangisda Pilipinas National Chairman Pablo Rosales said Marcos should ask China to respect the decision of the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) which ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea.

"Marcos should ask China to respect the decision of the international court and award the right to Filipinos at the West Philippine Sea. We hope Marcos will be firm on this position and show China that he is ready to defend what is ours," Rosales said.

"That's what we are asking the President to advance the welfare of our Filipino fishermen and China to respect our rights. We hope that President Marcos will relay this message during his visit," he added.

He said that fishermen no longer go to Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc after being harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard.

"They chose not to go there because of fear from the Chinese ships," Rosales added.

He said that members of the Chinese Coast Guard confiscated the fishing gear and catch of some Filipino fishermen.

"Fishermen were traumatized because of the harassment. They

chose not to go near Bajo de Masinloc and decided to fish within the municipal waters near Masinloc," Rosales said.

He appealed to the Philippine Coast Guard to provide protection to the fishermen and escort them while fishing near Bajo de Masinloc.

Rosales said that Marcos' visit to China will be beneficial if he will include the issue of Filipino fishermen in his agenda in his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Fishermen, he added, should be allowed to fish freely and benefit from the country's marine resources.

At the same time, Rosales said that he supports the proposed measure of Palawan Rep. Edward Hagedorn to declare certain parts of Kalayaan Island Group and Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea as marine protected areas.

"I support declaring the West Philippine Sea as a protected area if it will only prohibit commercial fishers and foreign intrusion but not the small fishermen. If it bans all forms of fishing, it will affect the source of living of small fishermen," he said.

Fisherfolk Provincial Council Leader in Zambales Paul Amerika said that Filipino fishermen used to take refuge at Bajo de Masinloc but were forced to stop the practice because of harassment from Chinese vessels.

"Fishermen had a place where they used to hide whenever there was a typhoon, but the Chinese oc-

cupied that place," Amerika said. He added that Marcos should defend the right of Filipino fishermen to fish in the country's territorial waters.

"We hope that the President's visit will help so that the privilege of small fishermen to fish freely can be enjoyed again," Amerika noted.

Ocean senior campaign manager Danny Ocampo said that it is important to manage the country's resources to prevent the depletion of the fisheries supplies.

"Oceana has been actively pushing for the implementation of our fisheries laws to manage our fisheries resources," Ocampo said.

He urged the government to ensure the implementation of Fisheries Administrative Order 263 on the establishment of Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) which aims to effectively manage the fisheries resources in Philippine waters.

Oceana Karagatan Patrol Administrator Jessie Floren said that the closed fishing season in Northern Palawan, Visayan Sea and Zamboanga Peninsula should strictly be observed to help the country's marine resources recover.

"Hopefully, commercial fishing vessels will respect that. They will benefit from this intervention.

Closed-fishing season aims to regenerate fish stocks and then eventually sustain our production of sardines," Floren said.

The fishing ban starts in December and will last until February. g

DOLE: Pinoy nurses opting to work as caregivers

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — Just so they can immediately leave for employment abroad and get higher salaries, Filipino nurses are opting to work as caregivers, according to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.

He explained that Filipino nurses are leaving to work as caregivers so they could avoid the two-year work experience required in hospitals abroad.

“Now, things are being turned around. It’s not exactly nurses, but the category is caregivers or health care workers so that the one-year or two-year work experience won’t be needed,” he said in Filipino.

He added that the high salaries abroad are an “attractive magnet” for Filipino nurses and other health

care workers to seek overseas employment.

Although the government has set a cap in overseas deployment, the government cannot prevent Filipino health care workers from seeking employment overseas, according to the labor chief.

Laguesma said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Migrant Workers are discussing whether to increase or lift the deployment cap.

He added that the Professional Regulation Commission was able to hold licensure examinations, ensuring enough supply of registered nurses in the country.

Last month, over 18,000 nursing graduates passed the licensure examination.

Laguesma said the DOLE is

closely working with the DOH and DMW to rationalize the deployment of health care workers abroad.

He added that the DOLE is also looking into the plight of overworked and underpaid nurses employed in private hospitals in the country.

The agency also needs to reach out to health industry workers and ensure their health and safety, according to the labor chief.

A group of local nurses claimed that since 2020, about 40 percent of nurses in private hospitals have resigned and sought employment abroad.

Local nurses have asked for the intervention of the DOLE in addressing issues of low salaries and non-payment of other benefits. g

LUCKY FOR NEW YEAR. Vendors sell round-shaped fruits at their stalls along Luzon Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 27. In the Philippines, it has been a tradition for every household to have 12 round-shaped fruits at the table on New year’s eve as it is said it will bring good fortune and luck for the coming year. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Hidilyn Diaz, Filipinas lead top 7...

Obiena also soared to his best World ranking at No.3.

He also defended his SEA Games crown with a recordsetting leap in Hanoi, Vietnam last May.

2. Year of the Filipinas 2022 has been the year of the Filipinas.

The Philippine women’s football team kicked off its historic year, booking the country’s firstever Fifa World Cup appearance in dramatic fashion.

The Filipinas secured a ticket to the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after reaching the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with a dramatic 4-3 win on penalties over Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals last January in Pune, India.

The Alen Stajcic-coached team remained hungry after qualifying

as it landed on its first SEA Games

podium after 37 years, clinching the bronze medal with a comefrom-behind 2-1 victory over Myanmar last May in Vietnam.

The Filipinas also became the queens of the region after ruling the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship with a 3-0 victory over Thailand in the finals in front of 8,000 fans at Rizal Memorial Stadium last July.

From securing a spot in the Fifa World Cup, winning a historic SEA Games bronze, to ruling a major tournament, the women’s national football team didn’t stop preparing for the 2023 World Cup with several training camps and friendlies overseas.

The Filipinas will make their historic Fifa World Cup debut in Group A with New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland starting in July 2023.

1. Hidilyn Diaz: From Olympic

gold medalist to world champion

The best Filipino athlete in 2022 was Hidilyn Diaz as she continued to add gold medals to her collection a year after she won a historic Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Diaz started the year by defending her throne in the SEA Games last May.

The 31-year-old weightlifter made a total lift of 206kgs–92kgs in snatch and 114kgs in clean and jerk–to get her second straight SEA Games gold after winning the same event in the 2019 edition in Manila.

Diaz finally added World Weightlifting Championship crowns to her trophy room after bagging three golds in Bogota, Colombia.

She tallied a total lift of 207kg to edge Rosalba Morales of Colombia and Ana Gabriela Lopez of Mexico as she finally

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING

earned the missing piece to her gold medal collection.

More than her achievement in sports, Diaz also tied the knot with her coach and long-time

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9026440

Alpha Dental located at 4276 54th Place Ste. D, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Tyler Kuwamoto DMD Inc, 5048 Merrimac Ct, San Diego, CA 92117.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/19/2022.

Signature: Tyler Kuwamoto. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/06/2022.

AJ 1083 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, and 12/30/2022. AJSD 1083

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9026582

Strictly Maids located at 105 Fourth Ave. Apt B, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Teresa Godinez, 105 Fourth Ave. Apt B, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/15/2017.

Signature: Teresa Godinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/07/2022.

AJ 1085 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, and 12/30/2022. AJSD 1085

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9026927

Kujo Eats located at 3400 E 6th Street, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Joel Sarandi Soriano, JR., 8852 Delrose Ave, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Joel S. Soriano, JR.. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/13/2022.

AJ 1086 12/16/2022, 12/23/2022, 12/30/2022, and 01/06/2023.

AJSD 1086

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9026441

Alpha Dental located at 4276 54th Place, San Diego, CA 92115.

THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO

COUNTY ON: 12/06/2013, and assigned File no. 2013-9027623

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Roy J Vegter A Dental Corporation, 4276 54th Place, San Diego, CA 92115.

This Business is Conducted by: A Corporation

Signature: Roy J Vegter.

Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/06/2022.

AJ 1087 12/16/2022, 12/23/2022, 12/30/2022, and 01/06/2023. AJSD 1087

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9025997

Cherilyn V. Mallari Singing Services located at 2327 14th St., National City 91950.

Registrant: Cherilyn Diane Viloria Mallrari, 2327 14th St., National City 91950. This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Cherilyn Diane Viloria Mallrari. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/29/2022.

AJ 1088 12/23/2022, 12/30/2022, 01/06/2023, and 01/13/2023 AJSD 1088

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9027793

Balboa Oasis Spa located at 2121 Fifth Ave #110, San Diego, CA 92101.

THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 06/10/2021, and assigned File no. 2021-9011734

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: MACNAM LLC, 1771 Royston Dr., San. Ddiego, CA 92154.

This Business is Conducted by: A Limited Liability Company

Signature: Amy T Le. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/23/2022.

AJ 1089 12/30/2022, 01/06, 01/13, and 01/20/2033 AJSD 1089

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00048678-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Michell Anh Nguyen filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Michell Anh Nguyen to Michael Khoianh Nguyen.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 01/19/2023 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: DEC. 06, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1084 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, and 12/30/2022

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

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

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee.

Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.

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

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

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

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1084

Infographic by Inquirer.net

partner Julius Naranjo in Baguio last July —  exactly a year after her historic Tokyo Olympics gold medal lift. Last August 7, Diaz took to

Instagram, baring they postponed their honeymoon to set prepare for a run at a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be her ‘last lift’. g

SAN DIEGO JOURNAL

Alden, Celeste among popular baby names for 2023

BABY names for next year are again inspired by royal or popular names, including Archie, Jolene, Celeste and Alden, according to popular baby name generator Nameberry.

Many of the entries veered away from the usual favorites leaning towards classic names and spelling. Many are whimsical and unexpected.

By KATHLEEN A. LLEMIT Philstar.com Alden Richards Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02

Floral names, Marigold and Rose, also made it to the Nameberry list.

The Asian-sounding Yuna will also see a rise in popularity. It is the name of popular Korean personalities, Olympic figure skater Kim Yuna and actresssinger Im Yoon-ah or Yoona.

Ivana, Bella, Filipina stars return in TC Candler’s Most Beautiful Faces 2022 list

By KRISTOFER PURNELL Philstar.com

Alawi figured at No. 6 spot after placing in 4th last year. In her first appearance in 2020, the actress-vlogger was a new entrant at No. 11.

2017 winner Liza Soberano dropped a few spots from No. 18 last year to No. 23, appearing on the list for an 8th time.

Actress Janine Gutierrez figured at No. 51, while Filipino-American singer-vlogger Bella Poarch was at No. 80, both indivuduals’ second time on the annual list.

The most beautiful face of 2022 according to TC Candler is Victoria’s Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes, who tops the list after eight appearances. 

Alden, a name popular in the Philippines thanks to actor Alden Richards, will be a favorite for next year for both boys and girls.

Derived from the Old English word meaning “old friend,” it is a name that describes someone who is “charming, understated, old-school and a little bit woodsy.”

The heavenly-inspired name, Celeste, meanwhile, has always been a popular unisex name especially in France and Italy. Will it provide a good omen for Celeste Cortesi as she vies for the Philippines’s fifth Miss Universe

crown in Louisiana in January next year?

Jolene and Wilde are references to popular people.   Jolene is an ode to country singer Dolly Parton, who was the voice behind the song titled after the said name.   Wilde is seen as a fancy option and spelling. It is derived from the name of popular Irish novelist Oscar Wilde.

Luxury, Everest and Sunday are surprise baby name picks.

The name is actually common in Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Ukraine and many other countries. Nameberry said that since it rhymes with the name Luna, which is currently exploding in popularity, thus, Yuna might benefit from it.  Top 23 in 2023 baby names according to Nameberry:

Ivana Alawi

Photo from Instagram/@ivanaalawi

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi Photo from Instagram/@celeste_cortesi

Liza Soberano Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano Janine Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@janinegutierrez

Bella Poarch

Photo from Instagram/@bellapoarch

CRITIC website TC Candler has released their Most Beautiful Faces for 2022 where four Filipinas have returned on the annual list, with Ivana Alawi in particular making another Top 10 appearance.

County urges people to get the best gift available – Vaccinations! 2023 brings new insurance protections for Calif. consumers

THE County Health and Human Services Agency is urging people to give themselves, their family and friends the best gift available this holiday season ― vaccinations to protect against COVID-19 and the flu.

The updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters that provide the greatest protection against COVID-19 were recently made available to everyone six months of age and older.

COVID-19 and the flu are circulating at high levels this winter and vaccinations for both are widely available at local pharmacies and medical providers. The County will also be offering vaccinations throughout the holidays at its vaccination sites. Check online here for the days and hours sites will be open.

“Many San Diegans have taken advantage of the ability to get vaccinated,” said County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H. “But we can still vaccinate and protect more people. COVID-19 remains highly prevalent in San Diego County, and we’re entering January, the month historically when we’ve had our highest peak number of cases. So please take advantage and complete your vaccinations to protect yourself, your family, and others.”

County officials report that through this week, 80.5% of eligible San Diegans have received their two-shot primary vaccinations, 60.8% have received the primary vaccinations and a booster. They also report that one in five, 20%, of all eligible San Diego residents 5 years and older have received the new bivalent booster. In addition, 40% of people 65 years of age and older have received the new bivalent booster.

People across the country and in San Diego County continue to deal with multiple respiratory diseases this winter season, including COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Public Health officials still strongly urge people to get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu.

The bivalent COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations are separate shots, but they can be given at the same visit. They decrease the chances of getting infected, but more importantly, they effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and complications like hospitalization and death. Boosters are available through local participating pharmacies and healthcare providers. People can

visit the state’s My Turn website to schedule an appointment. Booster dose availability is listed on the County’s COVID-19 vaccinations schedule webpage at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/ dc/2019-nCoV/vaccines/COVID-19-VaxEvents/ Vaccinations-Schedule.html.

Holiday prevention measures

County officials also recommend wearing a mask if you are able, particularly during indoor public gatherings, to protect yourself and those around you.

In addition to vaccination and masking, San Diegans can take other precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, as well as seasonal illnesses like the flu. These measures include:

• Cleaning hands thoroughly and often

• Staying away from sick people

• Staying home and avoiding contact with others when sick

• Regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces

• Home testing when exposed or when ill. The federal government is providing free at-home COVID-19 tests available again through the winter for a limited time. Households can order one pack of four free tests through the U.S. Postal Service. For more information about testing, go to the County of San Diego COVID-19 testing webpage at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/ programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019nCoV/testing.html.

COVID-19 vaccination progress

• More than 2.69 million or 80.5% of San Diegans received the primary series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines.

• Bivalent boosters administered: 497,928 or 20% of 2,494,948 eligible San Diegans.

• More vaccination information can be found at coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine.

Data updates to the County’s coronavirus-sd.com website will be published Thursdays around 5 p.m., with the exception of holidays. More information about the flu is available on the County’s influenza website (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/immunization_branch/Vaccine_Preventable_Diseases/Seasonal_Influenza/) (Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office)

San Diego leaders thank federal representatives for delivering $221M in community funding

Congressional delegation secures funding for 49 projects in FY2023 federal funding bill and unlocks funding for Tijuana River Valley cleanup

SAN DIEGO – A bipartisan coalition of leaders from across San Diego County on Friday, December 23 expressed its sincere appreciation for the efforts of San Diego’s congressional delegation, who secured more than $221 million across 49 local community projects as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 federal appropriations bill.

“I want to thank the San Diego Congressional delegation for continuing to successfully advocate for our city and our region,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This year, our Congressional representatives delivered nine community projects for the city totaling $21.2 million dollars. From renovating libraries to repairing streetlights to childcare support for City workers, I know these investments will have a direct impact in the lives of San Diegans and continue to transform our community for decades to come.”

Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla and Congressmembers Scott Peters, Juan Vargas, Mike Levin, Sara Jacobs, and Darrell Issa continue to deliver for the region, as they did in 2021 when they delivered over $107 million across 28 community projects.

“We are fortunate to have a congressional delegation that is effective and understands the priorities of our region,” said Nathan Fletcher, chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “As the needs of our working families grow, we thank our San Diego delegation for securing critical funding that will help us meet the mental health and substance abuse needs in our communities, better care for vulnerable at-risk youth in our foster care system, clean up pollution and improve water quality throughout the border region, and bolster our capacity to protect our region from deadly wildfires. San Diego County is safer, cleaner, and more prosperous because of these investments.”

The delegation also delivered a key regional victory by securing language that will unlock the $300 million in previously appropriated USMCA funds to help clean up the Tijuana River Valley. These funds will help deliver the proposed slate of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency projects proposed late last year.

“Congressman Issa and our local congressional delegation rightfully prioritized regional safety needs in this year’s budget process, securing funds for critical road improvements in Escondido,” said Escondido Mayor Dane White. “We are very appreciative of their leadership and look forward to continuing to collaborate in the future to bring more federal dollars to our region.”

“The City of Coronado is very appreciative of Congressman Scott Peters and the San Diego Congressional Delegation in se-

curing $3 million in funding for the Parker Pump Station,” said City of Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey. “The Parker Pump Station is a critical piece of infrastructure that is in urgent need of repair.

Community Project matching funds will help ensure long term climate resilience of our stormwater and sanitary sewer flows within Coronado.”

“The City of Del Mar is grateful for Representative Mike Levin’s support for the Del Mar Climate Resiliency and Assess Improvement Project,” said Del Mar Mayor Tracy Martinez. “With California facing the ever-growing threats of climate change, the City of Del Mar is committed to providing local solutions to meet the immediate needs of our residents and visitors. This project would provide greater public access to natural open spaces and recreation opportunities and increase safety for our residents by making the city more resilient to the effects of climate change.”

“Congressman Mike Levin’s effort in obtaining the funding to make improvements to the legacy infrastructure of a 100-year-old highway is very important for Encinitas and the region,” said Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz. “His leadership is greatly appreciated!”

“On behalf of the City of Oceanside, we are extremely excited and thankful for the excellent representation we have from our congressional delegation,” said Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez. “Congressman Mike Levin has especially been a wonderful champion for our city and region. Specifically, Mike is advocating for a crucial sewer relocation project at $3.5m. Indirectly, we stand to benefit from several other projects including up-skilling workforce at our local community college, strengthening our mobile crisis response at the county level, a county fire fighting helicopter, and rail transit corridor service improvements, all totaling $14.03m. Thank you, congressional delegation.”

“The City of Solana Beach is so grateful to Representative Levin for his request for $7 million of funding for our Lomas Santa Fe Corridor Project and thank him and Senator Padilla for their support,” said Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner. “This vital funding will help construct much-needed roadway improvements to the City’s primary east-west corridor, enhancing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. A key feature is a multi-purpose path along the entire Lomas Santa Fe Corridor from the city’s eastern boundary to Highway 101 at the Coast. For residents and visitors utilizing all modes of transportation, it will safely connect a County Regional Park to the San Elijo Lagoon Trail system, shopping centers, schools, recreation facilities and of course, to our coast and beaches.”

“Thanks to the leadership of

Congressman Vargas and our congressional delegation, SANDAG is receiving $3.5 million to complete construction of the Bayshore Bikeway,” said SANDAG CEO Hasan Ikhrata. “This shared-use path will provide walkers and bikers direct access to waterfront employment centers, businesses, and Naval Base San Diego, and brings us one step closer to meeting our mobility and climate goals outlined in the Regional Plan.”

“We greatly appreciate the $3.3 million in federal funding for installation of charging stations for all-electric Airfield Ground Support Equipment,” said Kimberly Becker, President/ CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “These stations will help the Airport Authority, City of San Diego and the entire region meet clean-air goals while ensuring the New T1 is one of the most sustainable commercial airport terminals in the world.”

“Retrofitting our existing facilities to support electric buses and building the region’s first all-electric bus facility are two critical steps to becoming a zero-emissions fleet by 2040,” said Sharon Cooney, CEO of the Metropolitan Transit System.

“This funding will go a long way toward advancing those projects as quickly as possible.”

“NCTD appreciates the continued support of Congressman Mike Levin and the entire San Diego Congressional Delegation,” said North County Transit District Executive Director Matthew O. Tucker. “The Community Project Funding secured for the SPRINTER Corridor Service Improvement Project represents a major step forward towards increasing the speed and frequency of SPRINTER trains operating between Oceanside and Escondido.”

“San Diego’s elected representatives continue to improve our region’s quality of life. This funding will allow the Port of San Diego to enhance public access to beautiful San Diego Bay, not only with park space adjacent to the famed USS Midway Museum, but an enlarged and improved beach in the South Bay that will allow visitors from surrounding communities to enjoy new amenities along the Chula Vista Bayfront,” said Port of San Diego Board Chair Dan Malcolm. “Projects like these provide environmental and recreational opportunities for future generations to enjoy.

The one-time community project funds will help fund various government, transit, planning and nonprofit entities finance infrastructure, library, park, health and human services, childcare, and research projects throughout San Diego County.

The region has received over $328 million in community project funding over the course of the past two fiscal years. (City of San Diego Release)

SACRAMENTO — Beginning January 1, 2023, Californians will benefit from newly created consumer protections as eleven new state laws sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara this past legislative session take effect. The new laws address climate change, expand health access and reproductive care, preserve health protections, protect against fraud, and ensure public safety.

“Protecting consumers is my number one priority,” said Commissioner Lara. “Partnership with the Legislature and Governor Newsom is essential to my department’s mission of bringing fairness for all in our oversight of the nation’s largest insurance market. I look forward to putting these eleven new laws into effect while taking further actions that benefit California consumers.”

New laws that start taking effect on January 1, 2023 include:

• AB 2238, jointly authored by Assemblymembers Luz Rivas, Eduardo Garcia, and former Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, directs the creation of a statewide extreme heat advance warning and ranking system based on climate and health impact information by the California Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the Department of Insurance and the Integrated Climate Adaption and Resiliency program in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. This would be the nation’s first-ever extreme heat wave ranking system when it is finalized by January 1, 2025.

• SB 852, authored by Senator Bill Dodd, authorizes the creation of Climate Resilience Districts statewide to help communities mitigate risk in advance of a disaster and promote recovery, a recommendation from the Department of Insurance’s first-ever climate insurance report that would improve access to insurance for all, so that we can better prepare ourselves from increasing climate change-related threats. CivicWell was also a co-sponsor to this measure.

• AB 2134, jointly authored by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber and former Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, establishes the “Reproductive Health Equity Program” to make available grants to providers who offer reproductive and sexual health care free of cost to patients with low incomes and those who lack health care coverage for reproductive health services, including consumers who come to California from other states that have decreased access to abortion care services. The grants afforded under AB 2134 are in addition to $40 million appropriated in the enacted 2022-23 State Budget to help cover these important health

care services. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, NARAL Pro-Choice of California, Access Reproductive Justice, Essential Access Health, and the National Health Law Program were also co-sponsors to this measure.

• AB 1823, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, aligns the definition of student blanket policies that are purchased by colleges and universities with the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). This alignment is necessary to ensure state regulatory oversight and that consumer protections under the ACA are also applicable to these student health policies sold through a university or college to their enrolled students, including Dreamers and refugee students.

• AB 2127, authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, is an important follow-up measure to Commissioner Lara’s previously sponsored “Parent Healthcare Act” last year, that would clarify and strengthen notice requirements for Medicare-eligible older adults who are seeking to be added as dependents to their adult child’s individual health insurance policy or health care service plan contract.

• AB 2568, authored by former Assemblymember Ken Cooley, creates a “safe harbor” by stating that an individual or firm providing insurance or related services to a state legal cannabis business does not commit a crime under California law solely for providing that insurance or related service.

• SB 972, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez, brings thousands of entrepreneurial sidewalk food vendors into a more equitable and well-regulated food economy by updating the “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,” which Commissioner Lara authored in 2018 as a member of the California State Senate to end the criminalization of sidewalk vending. Inclusive Action for the City, Public Counsel, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Community Power Collective, and the Western Center on Law and Poverty – all part of the California Street Vendor Campaign – were also co-sponsors to this measure.

• SB 1040, authored by Senator Susan Rubio, authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to order restitution from persons who sell insurance without the necessary license from the Department of Insurance, including “extended vehicle warranties” sold illegally through robocalls and misappropriation of consumers’ and businesses’ premiums, among other insurance scams.

• SB 1242, authored by the Senate Committee on Insurance, bolsters anti-insurance fraud efforts essential to protecting consumers from unnecessary economic loss

by further clarifying agent-broker anti-fraud education requirements as well as the process by which alleged fraud is reported to the Department of Insurance, in addition to other consumer protection proposals.

New laws that start taking effect in July 2023 include:

• AB 2205, authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, requires health insurers and health plans offering coverage through Covered California to report annually to the Department of Insurance and the Department of Managed Health Care the total amount of abortion funds. This new law will require transparency and disclosure from health carriers to regulators regarding the amount of separate abortion premium payments that are being collected from policyholders and distributed as claims. As we consider options available for payment of abortion services, this new law will help regulators and policymakers identify available funds to support abortion patients in California. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the National Health Law Program were also co-sponsors of this measure.

\• AB 2043, authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer Sr., requires all bail fugitive recovery agents, commonly known as “bounty hunters,” to be licensed by the Department of Insurance to ensure that appropriate education and training requirements are met prior to licensure and that all applicants successfully pass fingerprint-based background checks, obtain an appointment from a licensed bail agent or surety insurer, and maintain a minimum $1 million liability insurance policy so that harmed consumers have an avenue to collect damages.

\In addition to these new laws, in October, Commissioner Lara enforced the nation’s first wildfire safety regulation to help drive down the cost of insurance for Californians at risk of wildfires, further protecting vulnerable consumers across the state. Commissioner Lara’s regulation is the first in the nation requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under the Safer from Wildfires framework created by the Department of Insurance in partnership with state emergency preparedness agencies. The regulation is now state law and enshrined in the California Code of Regulations. Under the new regulation, insurance companies are required to make new rate filings including wildfire safety discounts and comply with new transparency measures starting in April 2023. (CA Dep’t of Insurance Release)

SDPL kicks off the new year with all-ages reading challenge

SAN DIEGO – Start off 2023 with a new book and join the San Diego Public Library’s (SDPL) Winter Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is “All the Feels” to encourage readers of all ages to explore how reading affects their emotions.

“The new year is a great time to read something you enjoy, whether that’s discovering a new book or picking up an old favorite,” said Library Director Misty Jones. ”We hope the Winter Reading Challenge encourages people to visit their local San Diego Public Library location or check out the online catalog to find something engaging and inspiring to start 2023.”

The Winter Reading Challenge runs from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, 2023 and is open to readers of all ages.

Participants can earn prizes by completing a combination of five books, five hours of reading or literacy-based activities, like attending storytime at an SDPL location or sharing a favorite book with a

friend. Upon completion, readers will be eligible for prizes including a “design your own” lunchbox or a cooler lunch bag.

Participants can register online and view a list of recommended books and activities by visiting sandiego.gov/WinterReading. Registration is also available in-person at any SDPL location and participants can visit the SDPL calendar to find storytimes and book discussions near them.

With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www. sandiegolibrary.org. (SDPL Release)

Fraud reports and losses: Not just a grandparent’s story

YOU might have heard that scams mostly affect older adults, but reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tell a different story. Last year, adults under 60 — our Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z neighbors — were more likely to report losing money to fraud than people 60 and over. And what did they report the most? Losing money to online shopping fraud, often when things pitched to them on social media never arrived.

Compared to older adults, those under 60 were more than four times as likely to report losing money on an investment scam, often a fake cryptocurrency in-

vestment opportunity, and more than five times as likely to report losing money to a job scam. Many college students reported losing money to phony job offers sent to their school email addresses.

Overall, adults under 60 most often reported losing money to scams that started on social media, a website, or an app, and their median reported fraud loss was $500.

People over 60 were less likely to report losing money to fraud, but their reported losses were higher. The median reported loss was $800 among people in their 70s and jumped to $1,500 for

people over 80. Older adults were more likely to report losing money to tech support scammers — cons who urge people to pay for unneeded computer repairs — and prize, sweepstakes, and lottery scams that demand payment but never give a prize. About one in four of the older adults’ loss reports said the scam started with a phone call.

Sharing what you know about scams helps protect people of all ages around you. Learn more at ftc.gov/PassItOn. If you see a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud. ftc.gov. (Bridget Small/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)

Las Vegas has a more positive outlook for 2023

By REALTOR FELY QUITEVIS-BATEMAN

KNOWN as a gambling and entertainment capital in the world, Las Vegas locals and residents have so many things to dabble in.

While the pandemic may have stunted its phenomenal growth for a couple of years when shutdowns took place, it is recovering nicely.

If the calendar for 2023 is to be looked at as a gauge, it is going to be a great year for Sin City. And that may continue for the next few years as Las Vegas officials try to bring big events to the city.

2022 was already a remarkable year for the area as a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal showed that Southern Nevada “record levels of population, employment, income, consumer spending, gross gaming revenue, corporate profits and airport passenger counts.”

The Year of the Rabbit has a lot in store for locals and visitors.

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a multi-billion project that has taken

some time to get completed, will finally open its doors in late 2023. Along with large meeting/ convention spaces, the property will showcase a hotel and casino, and two floors of retail space that is expected to showcase luxury retailers.

Also in late 2023, Formula 1 Racing will come back to the city. Not since the ‘80s has Sin City seen the world’s best Formula 1 racers compete for glory – in November 2023, these drivers will be racing in Las Vegas streets in a track complete with a straightaway, twists and turns, all situated against the backdrop of the Strip’s iconic properties.

Already, tickets to the event are selling fast, with global fans of racing buying their tickets well in advance of the dates.

Beyond that, 2024 is the year that Las Vegas will host the National Football League’s (NFL) finale, specifically Super Bowl

LVIII. In addition, the city will host the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games this year (February 2023) at multibillion Allegiant Stadium – this is a week-long celebration of player skills that will also spotlight Flag football. The games will feature new challenges which will showcase football and non-football skills of NFL players in unique types of competition, surrounded by their families and fans. The AFC versus NFC Flag game featuring Pro Bowl players takes place on Sunday, February 5.

Just as they have established a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise, the Las Vegas Aces, who are the current league champions, Las Vegas officials and multiple suitors and groups are actively campaigning for an NBA franchise to get started in the city. Although league administrators have said that they haven’t begun considering adding more teams to the current make-up, they have indicated that Las Vegas and Seattle are frontrunners if and when the NBA decides to add more cities/teams.

Beyond that, sports events within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are on the horizon for Las Vegas. A consortium successfully bid for the 2028 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship; it will also be the site for the Final Four. It will have time to practice for the big dance as it hosts championship games from several member conferences of the NCAA, including the 2023 West Regional. In all, the city is set to host nine other NCAA championships before 2026.

Additionally, a group led by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO and president Steve Hill has set its sights on hosting a future NCAA Football Championship.

Las Vegas is continually improving and developing its casino-hotel-resort properties in order to cater to the needs of the U.S. and global populations. Many major players in Las Vegas, whether along the Strip or in other areas of the valley, have upgraded or have plans to upgrade the hotelcasino-resort properties in their portfolio in order to effectively compete for the money coming from thousands of tourists who visit Sin City.

That is why Las Vegas has become a place where gambling is not the only alternative to visitors. Musicals, specially-developed shows, and residencies by today’s

biggest musical stars (Taylor Swift, U2, BTS, Adele, Katy Perry, Journey and Rod Stewart, to name some) are littered across the landscape.

Las Vegas is also a major choice for conventions, trade shows and expos, with its ever-expanding number of meeting space. While the pandemic affected the holding of these events and attendance, 2022 has seen a comeback for these gatherings. The next couple of years will see more of these types of events going on in Las Vegas, all supported by the city’s infrastructure, as developed by city planners and officials.

That’s why you see a lot of construction going on in Las Vegas these days. It is a sign that the city is building more infrastructure in anticipation of bigger swathes of tourists visiting Las Vegas in the future.

While the current housing market in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada has reflected what is happening in the national scene, there is still demand. Right now, serious buyers have a good inventory of homes and properties to look at – the current climate also allows buyers to negotiate with sellers, unlike the past couple of years when buyers had to sign up for waitlists in order to be considered for a home/property they wanted to buy.

Now is a great opportunity for you to consider buying a home or real estate in Nevada (whether in Las Vegas or Pahrump) while prices are affordable. Real estate has traditionally increased in value

over time, which is the reason why many people include these in their portfolios or assets.

I have been a Realtor for many decades, assisting clients who are looking for their first home, second/vacation homes, investment properties or land (for future use/development). I can assist you in looking for these opportunities, given your budget and things you are looking for.

Many of my clients have begun to reap the benefits of their investments, including turning their properties to rentals or Airbnb, or getting a good return

on investment for the properties they bought in previous years. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties. com or fely.precious@gmail. com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman takes a photo of the changing skyline for the northern portion of Las Vegas Blvd., which includes the much-anticipated Fontainebleau Las Vegas (blue building on the left side of photo) that is scheduled to open in late 2023. The multi-billion-dollar project features lots of convention/ meeting space, as well as two floors of retail shopping, aside from the hotel, casino and other amenities.

The glove factory to be built in Pahrump, Nevada is moving forward. A fruitful meeting was held recently; photo above shows (from left) Realtor Fely QuitevisBateman, Jenny Truong, Alka Products CEO Andrew Hoang and Huo Truong.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman is shown inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which is home to the city’s NFL team, the Las Vegas Raiders. Allegant Stadium will play host to Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, one of many significant sports events taking place in the city in the next few years.