2 MARCH 9-11, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front
LA County continues to... PAGE 1 shelters and on public transit, aligning with both federal and state guidelines. While any mask is better than no mask, it is important to recognize that well-fitting respirators provide the most protection, especially for those at elevated risk. Respirators such as a N95, KN95 and KF94 are designed to filter out very small particles, with N95 and KN95 respirators filtering at least 95% of airborne particles and KF94s filtering at least 94%. Respirators that fit well and provide a tight seal on the face provide more protection than a cloth mask or a medical mask. They may be less comfortable because they fit more tightly. When choosing a respirator, residents should consider how well it fits and read the manufacturer instructions on how to wear, store, and clean or properly dispose of the respirator. Well-fitting medical masks, also called surgical masks, provide less protection than respirators, they are better than cloth masks. The best medical masks have a nose wire and at least three layers of non-woven
or spun bound fabric and meltblown fabric, which are often made of polypropylene. Cloth masks without a filter or layer of synthetic non-woven material provide the least amount of protection. At all sites where masking indoors is no longer mandatory, employers are required to offer, for voluntary use, medical grade masks and respirators to employees working indoors in close contact with other workers, customers and/or members of the public. “I send my heartfelt condolences and wishes of healing to the countless people who have lost a loved one to this pandemic,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Although masking is not required, both the state and our Public Health Department are strongly recommending masking, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public spaces. And those who are at elevated risk, or who live with someone who is at elevated risk, should wear a well-fitting respirator, as they provide the best protection against COVID-19. COVID
related illness can be quite dangerous for many, since even those initially experiencing relatively mild illness can go on to develop long COVID. Taking sensible precautions remains the best way to keep everyone as safe as possible.” LA County Public Health confirmed 43 additional deaths, 531 cases on Sunday, March 6 and 1,144 new cases being reported on Monday, March 7. Of the 43 new deaths reported for Sunday and today, two people were between the ages of 30-49, 12 were between the ages of 50-64, 12 were between the ages of 65-79, and 17 were aged 80 years or older. Of the 43 newly reported deaths, 35 had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in LA County is 31,046. Public Health has reported a total of 2,805,119 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County. The positivity rate is 1.0%. There are 731 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 11,488,400 individuals, with 22% of people testing positive. g
PH orders mandatory evacuation of Filipinos... PAGE 1
government “undertakes mandatory evacuation procedures at government expense.” The embassy assured it will extend assistance to Filipinos in Ukraine together with a rapid response team, which is currently assisting Filipino
nationals for repatriation and relocation. The DFA said it continues to closely monitor the political and security developments in Ukraine. Before the government raised crisis alert level 4, the repatriation of Filipinos from Ukraine was only voluntary.
So far, more than 30 Filipinos, including Filipino-Ukrainian children, have been repatriated to the Philippines since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in late February. Meanwhile, 21 Filipino seafarers from Ukraine are set to arrive in the Philippines on March 8. g
California cop who killed mentally ill Fil-Am... PAGE 1 Hall during a jaywalking stop. Hall was cleared by an internal sheriff’s probe; the DA’s office is reportedly still investigating that shooting. Hall’s conviction is the first successful prosecution of a law enforcement officer in Contra Costa County for an on-duty killing. Superior Court Judge Terri
Mockler said Hall acted contrary to his training in dealing with chases, and put colleagues and civilians in danger. Police body and dash cameras show Hall running around the front of his patrol car, gun drawn, and coming face to face with Arboleda’s sedan and shooting into the car while backing away, inflicting nine gunshot wounds on Arboleda.
Arboleda’s mother, Jeannie Atienza, told the court that her son was suffering a mental health crisis. Police found him loitering in a neighborhood where he used to reside. She had asked for the maximum sentence of 17 years. Arboleda’s family settled a federal lawsuit with the sheriff’s office for $4.9 million. (Inquirer. net)
ESSENTIAL. A farmer is hauling dried palay (unhusked rice) along a highway in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday, March 8. The government is keeping a close watch on soaring oil prices, which may also result in an increase in food prices due to higher production and transportation costs. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
‘Hide-and-seek’ from debates? Marcos Jr. can’t...
PAGE 1
ahead of the requests for media appearances.” “He can take the consequences for not attending the debates and media fora, but not the loss of trust of his leaders and supporters with whom he had confirmed appointments,” he said. “Because his words are his bond,” he added. Rodriguez also said Marcos Jr. had accepted media interviews and joined presidential fora “whenever his tight campaign schedules.”
“His participation in the Boy Abunda, Korina Sanchez, DZRH, DZBB, and TV5 presidential interviews and the SMNI debate will disprove Mr. Tañada’s assertion,” the spokesperson added. In his statement, Tañada also said the camp of Marcos Jr. is embracing a different kind of “cancel culture” amid the former senator’s no-show at some events. Tañada particularly mentioned the called-off political rally scheduled in Antique. “On Mr. Tanada’s claim of
cancel culture, the local folks in Panay island knew that those scheduled rallies were canceled for the sake of peace and unity among the residents in the community because of the growing tension during those scheduled dates caused by political partisans,” Rodriguez said. “The UniTeam cannot afford the disunity among local folks because its advocacy is for unified citizens to face the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” he added. g
US delivers 4 million Pfizer jabs, largest... PAGE 1
Health Office director Michelle Lang-Alli joined Philippine government officials and other stakeholders at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to receive the latest vaccine shipment. Meanwhile, another shipment of 1,167,660 Pfizer doses procured by the government through the World Bank was set to arrive on Monday at NAIA Terminal 3 on Air Hong Kong flight LD456. Only for seniors, vulnerable A second booster shot is only recommended for senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said. “For the more vulnerable
population, the 60 years old and above and immunocompromised, these are the ones we are pushing to be given a second booster for better protection against the severe form of COVID,” Solante explained in English and Filipino. He added that the younger and healthy population don’t need additional shots as they are “immune competent” and are already protected by vaccines against severe infection. Based on Department of Health data, 74.22 percent of A2 or the senior citizen population have been vaccinated, as well as 70.76 percent of the target population nationwide. The government is looking to provide booster or additional
doses to over 55 million fully vaccinated individuals, particularly seniors. Virology Institute The passage of Senate Bill 2241 that will create the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) is key to enabling the local development and manufacture of vaccines for humans, animals and plants, Science and Technology Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said. “Having our own Virology Institute is one of the first steps to make the country self-reliant in developing and producing vaccines,” Guevara said. Currently, there is no government institution that focuses on vaccine development, she noted. g
Dateline USa
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
When teens blow off parents’ pleas to get...
PAGE 1
Apex, North Carolina. “The more a mother’s lips move, the less the ears on their male children open.” Both young people recently died of COVID — Kennedy on Feb. 11, Tyler last September. The vaccines had been available to them for months before their deaths. Parents of teenagers and young adults are familiar with this tug of war: Their kids, soonto-be full-fledged adults, resist parental input and think they know what’s right. They learn about COVID from friends and posts on social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok — not always the most accurate sources. Parents often have enough leverage to compel their kids to get vaccinated — but not always. “Take their cell phone away. It would be three hours before they were lining up at the clinic,” Lee Stonum said. However, that option wasn’t available to him because Kennedy lived primarily with her mother, Stonum’s exwife, in another part of Orange County. COVID deaths among young people are uncommon, but Kennedy Stonum and Tyler Gilreath are certainly not alone: For example, an unvaccinated 15-year-old girl from Pensacola, Florida, died in September, as did an unvaccinated 16-year-old high school football player from Mississippi. Vaccination rates remain low among young people: Just over 57% of kids ages 12 to 17 and 62% of 18- to 24-year-olds are fully vaccinated, compared with 69% of the entire vaccineeligible population of the United States. That is in part due to a feeling of youthful invincibility, amplified because the disease is far less deadly among young people than older Americans. Children and adolescents account for 22% of the U.S. population but an estimated 3% of COVID-related hospitalizations and less than 0.1% of COVID deaths. Of the nearly 1 million people in the United States who have died of COVID, the vast majority have been 65 and older. Teen vaccine resistance is also hardened by a stream of social media posts, confusing and shifting recommendations from public health officials, and a youthful skepticism of authority,
experts say. Kennedy “spent a lot of time on TikTok and on social media, and I think she was picking up some misinformation there,” said Lee Stonum, sitting on the back patio of his home on a warm, brilliantly sunny day in late February. Kennedy was also hearing from her peers that the vaccines could cause sterility, Stonum said. “Her biggest stated reason for not wanting to do it was that we didn’t know what the longterm impact on fertility was,” he said. Gilreath was wary of the new vaccines, particularly the potential impact on his heart, said Demello. “He did a lot of research — a lot of times more than I did,” she said. But he also listened to “a lot of the conspiracy stuff,” she said, and he had that youthful sense of immortality, telling her: ‘“If I get sick, I’ll only get sick for a couple of days, and I’ll get over it. I’m healthy.’” Rupali Limaye, deputy director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, understands the dynamic. “We’ve created a bit of a perfect storm in which individuals are thinking, ‘I don’t believe the doctor; I don’t believe the government; I’m going to listen to my friends.’ And that has really allowed conspiracy theories and other misinformation to flourish,” she said. Many adolescents and 20-somethings also don’t believe COVID can hurt them because they think “‘I’m young, I’m healthy, and I don’t see why I need to be concerned about this,’” Limaye said. But young people who remain unvaccinated court danger. Data from December shows that unvaccinated kids ages 12 to 17 were six times as likely to be hospitalized with COVID as their vaccinated peers. “Most kids get mild illness, but there’s a percentage of kids who get very sick,” said Dr. Colleen Kraft, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Two to six weeks out, kids can develop this multisystem inflammatory condition, where they can get inflammation around their heart and liver and other organs, and they can die from that.” Kraft also pointed to the risk of diabetes after a COVID
infection and of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Research shows the rate of myocarditis or cardiac injury in people who have had COVID is 100 times as high as the rate of myocarditis that has been linked to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Kraft said she tries to convince her young patients to get vaccinated by appealing to their desire for a return to normalcy. “Kids want to go to sports games. They want to hang out with their friends. They want to go out to have pizza with them. They want to have sleepovers again,” she said. “The only way we get back to normal is to have as many people protected as we can, and the best way to do that is through vaccination.” It’s hard to counteract all the forces pushing young people away from vaccines, but failure to do so can be tragic. Kennedy came down with mild flu-like symptoms in early January. A few weeks later, two days after her 17th birthday, her mother took her to urgent care because her eyes were turning yellow. Doctors there were alarmed and sent her to the emergency room in an ambulance. At first, Kennedy’s condition improved rapidly, and doctors called her response to the treatment “miraculous,” her father said. But then she took a sharp turn for the worse. Doctors struggled to control one life-threatening crisis after another, Lee Stonum said. “It was sort of like playing whack-a-mole. Her body was just under attack at that point on multiple fronts,” he said. On Feb. 10, Kennedy was transferred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Shortly after arriving, her pupils stopped being responsive, and a CT scan revealed a massive brain bleed, Stonum said. She died the next day. Demello, Gilreath’s mom, nearly persuaded her son to get the shot. She had been vaccinated in March 2021 and was on him frequently to do the same. Gilreath finally agreed last August when Demello told him that getting vaccinated could be his birthday present to her. But he wanted to wait until he arrived in Wilmington, a port city 140 miles southeast of his PAGE 5
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 9-11, 2022
3
‘Not just a woman’: Filipinas carve their niches... PAGE 1
of the struggle of Filipino women for national freedom, civil liberty, equality, and human rights,” it added. The following year, through Republic Act No. 6949, the country finally declared the eighth day of March of every as National Women’s Day. As the country observes the holiday this year and celebrates women who are making strides, defying stereotypes and making history every day in the Philippines and across the globe, INQUIRER.net will detail “HERstory” and highlight the achievements of every “Juana” throughout the years. ‘Babae, hindi babae lang’ According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), this year’s National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) aims to highlight the “gains achieved for women and girls, assess actions toward gender equality and look forward to steps that must be taken to ensure progress in empowering women.” “With the country still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, studies and data show that the health crisis stalled movements toward gender equality, worsening inequalities, further exposing gender gaps, and exacerbating vulnerabilities in social and political, and economic aspects,” the PCW added. Since 2017, the PCW has followed the same theme for the celebration of National Women’s Month—“WE Make CHANGE Work for Women.” This year, however, the PCW raised the following questions: Did WE Make CHANGE Work for Women? How and to what extent? Moreover, the 2022 NWMC will also follow a sub theme: “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” “It will be a celebration of women exercising their choices, taking chances to make their voices heard, and benefitting from and trailblazing changes,” said PCW. “It is a celebration of Filipino women’s power to take the narrative, raise priority issues that matter to them, and call for concrete actions,” the commission continued. “It will be a celebration of women exercising their choices, taking chances to make their voices heard, and benefitting from and trailblazing changes. It is a celebration of Filipino
women’s power to take the narrative, raise priority issues that matter to them, and call for concrete actions,” it added. The theme this year likewise highlights the sentiment of many Filipino women—and men— which could be summarized in a few words: “Babae [ka/ako], hindi babae lang.” (You are/I am a woman, not just a woman). Women in science For the longest time, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been male-dominated not only in the Philippines but across the globe. However, a recent analysis by consumer company Statista of data on female inventors, who had applied for international
patents in several countries, showed that the number of women inventors has been increasing each year. The analysis also showed that the Philippines had the secondhighest share of female inventors who applied for international patents last year. Around 38 percent of patent applicants in the Philippines last year are female inventors. Last month, at the celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) paid tribute to five Filipina scientists who have PAGE 5
4 MARCH 9-11, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline USa
When teens blow off parents’ pleas to get...
PAGE 3
mom’s house, where he was planning to attend the University of North Carolina. But he never even got the first shot. A few days after he arrived in Wilmington, he caught COVID from one of his roommates. He died a little more than a month later, of a COVID-related brain infection. Demello said she was “extremely proud” that some of her son’s organs saved the lives of three men. But his heart
was rejected by the body of its recipient. “I would have loved to know his heart was still beating somewhere in the world,” Demello said. “That was hard to take.” Stonum wishes he could have forced his daughter to get vaccinated but felt his influence was limited because she didn’t live with him full time. He said the thing he loved most about his daughter was her sense of humor. “She was really funny,” he said. “I loved laughing with her.”
He knows that what happened to Kennedy was extremely rare and deeply regrets that she didn’t get the vaccine that would likely have saved her life. “You don’t really care whether something was a one-in-a-million chance of happening when it happens,” he said. (Bernard J. Wolfson/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
women will try to secure a spot in the nation’s top positions— president, vice president, senator. Although they are still outnumbered by male candidates (83 male candidates) aiming for the same government positions, the figures this year were a bit higher than that in 2016 with 11 female candidates running for top government seats. Of the 11 female candidates for president, vice president, and senator in 2016, only three were elected—Leni Robredo, Risa Hontiveros, and Leila de Lima. In 2010, the numbers were higher, with 16 total female candidates for the top three government positions. Out of those, only two were successful. This year, among the list of women running for president, vice president, and senator are: • Vice President Leni Robredo • Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte • Agnes Bailen • Sen. Leila de Lima • Samira Gutoc • Sen. Risa Hontiveros • Nur-Mahal Kiram • Loren Legarda • Emily Mallillin • Marieta Mindalano-Adam • Dra. Minguita Padilla • Astra Pimentel • Lady Anne Sahidulla • Carmen Zubiaga Their decision to run for the country’s top seats came at a time when even the current President—Rodrigo Duterte— questioned the leadership skills of a woman and whether or not women can run the country. Last year, Duterte said that the presidency was no job for a woman. “This is not for women. You know, the emotional setup of
a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. So… that is the sad story,” said Duterte—who is known for his comments often deemed offensive, sexist and misogynistic. The Philippines has had two women presidents, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2010 and Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1992. “I long for a time when we no longer need to remind the world that women are gifted,” said Robredo in a speech last March 7 during the Gobyernong Tapat, Kababaihan Angat event in Quezon City. “We have a month to remind them of our greatness as women, but I hope that someday we no longer need to prove ourselves, to show evidence, that we are [as strong as our male counterparts],” Robredo said. “I hope that no voter will choose not to vote for a candidate just because she is a woman,” she added. Award-winning Filipinas Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, notable Filipino women have made headlines for their achievements and awardwinning successes in different fields. In July, weightlifting star Hidilyn Diaz delivered the country’s first Olympic gold ever, after lifting a record 127 kg in the clean and jerk during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Neshty Petecio, despite not being able to bring home a gold medal, likewise made history during the Tokyo Olympics as the first Filipino female boxer to medal in the Olympics. Petecio ended up with the silver medal in the women’s u PAGE 8
‘Not just a woman’: Filipinas carve their niches...
PAGE 3
made significant contributions to Nuclear Science. Among those who were recognized by the DOST-PNRI for their outstanding work in the male-dominated STEM field were: • Former PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa • PNRI career scientist and Atomic Research Division Chief Dr. Lucille Abad • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific Director Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya • PNRI Nuclear Reactor Operations Section Head Dr. Alvie Astronomo • PNRI research specialist Dr. Jasmine Albelda The Philippine Science Heritage Center looked back and celebrated the wisdom and contribution of 11 Filipinas, who changed the game in the field of sciences in the country. Among these remarkable Filipino women include: • Fe del Mundo • Luz Oliveros-Belardo • Carmen Velasquez • Encarnacion Alzona • Cara Lim-Sylanco • Dolores Ramirez • Gelia Castillo • Clare Balatazar • Lourdes Cruz • Perla Santos Ocampo • Mercendes Conception “Our people should rejoice that the WOMEN of this country are capable of such amazing patience and endurance which are without parallel in other countries in the world,” Alzona once said. Let women lead In the coming national and local elections, at least 14
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 9-11, 2022 5
SFIO announces new F&B expansions in Malaysia, regional headquarters in Dubai GLOBAL investment holding company Starfleet Innotech, Inc. (SFIO) (OTC: SFIO) announced a series of expansions across new markets for their food and beverage businesses. Through their Malaysia-based team, SFIO has launched Hungry Dudes, a mall kiosk concept for cafe fare in Kuala Lumpur, with additional sites reserved for later this year. SFIO will soon be converting these Hungry Dudes kiosks into locations for their flagship F&B business, Epiphany Cafe. Over the next two years, the company is targeting to launch at least 100 licensed outlets, establish centralized commissaries to service them, and strike strategic partnerships with convenience stores to boost brand awareness. By the end of 2023, SFIO plans to have flagship sites for Epiphany Cafe in 10 major regions. To that end, SFIO also just opened their regional headquarters in the United Arab Emirates, following the successful completion of their registration in Dubai. This office will oversee the conglomerate’s growth in the region, beginning with negotiations with key distributors for the company’s Gorgeous Coffee products. SFIO’s Dubai team is now conducting market research and feasibility studies, paving the way for Epiphany Cafe’s entrance into the Middle East. This regional office will also serve as the remote hub for SFIO’s technology division, managing the conglomerate’s subscription-based software and hardware offerings, such as the Neurosky health monitoring wearables that the company recently secured exclusive distribution rights over within the United Arab Emirates. “We kicked off this quarter with the announcement that 2022 will be the year we begin expanding aggressively,” said CEO Jeths Lacson. “Not even halfway through the quarter, we’ve already made significant progress entering two new markets with our F&B offerings.” “That said, it’s important to note that we are taking a ‘measure-twice, cut-once’ approach to this growth –
entering markets only after we’ve done the requisite studies and properly localized our playbooks,” Lacson said. “We’re excited about all the immediate growth we’re seeing, both in terms of global footprint and shareholder value. But we want to ensure this growth is sustainable in the long-term. So, we’re investing heavily in understanding the markets we’re entering.” To further facilitate that growth, SFIO is also building out the capacities of its Philippines-based technology division. Richard Prodigalidad, who leads SFIO’s technology efforts, describes this division as the “scaffolding supporting this period of hyper-growth”. “Right now, we’re expanding in multiple important directions,” Prodigalidad said. “We’re entering new markets, while also striking partnerships to fund and accelerate those expansions. Behind all that is a global team, operating across time zones and various markets. The only way to ensure this is all scalable is through technology.” Prodigalidad leads a stable of developers, designers, project managers, and communications specialists working across blockchain, artificial intelligence, wellness technologies, e-commerce, and learning management systems. Currently in the technology division’s pipeline is one such learning management system, designed to consolidate and streamline the training resources for businesses like Epiphany Cafe. Catering to the brands’ franchisees and employees across different
markets, this digital learning platform replaces traditional training methods, allowing for more affordable, scalable, and localized onboarding processes. In addition to being a knowledge hub for Epiphany Cafe’s franchise operations, these platforms will also see use across SFIO’s other units – offering on-demand access to the entrepreneurship master classes of The Global Academy and training courses for the real estate division’s agents. According to Statista, the global online e-learning market is forecasted to grow exponentially to reach over $370 billion by 2026. This growth is led in large part by the use of learning management systems, which in 2019 generated roughly $18 billion in the U.S. alone. “Having a platform like this allows us to grow rapidly while ensuring the quality of our operations and our workforce, keeping us aligned around latest developments and shared values,” Prodigalidad said. “Eventually, we’ll be developing this proprietary learning management system into a subscription service for other organizations like SMEs that want to scale their knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and training processes. We’re planning to roll out this subscription service by the third quarter of this year.” In the meantime, SFIO’s learning management system will be servicing new and existing Epiphany Cafe locations across New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, and the United States as early as Q2 2022. (Advertising Supplement)
6 MARCH 9-11, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
OPINION
Gender equality for sustainability
FEATURES
ON the eve of International Women’s Day, President Duterte signed a law raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16. This should improve the country’s efforts against statutory rape, child prostitution and online sexual exploitation of children, with girls still the biggest victims. Beyond protecting women and girls from sexual abuse, this year’s Women’s Day continues to focus on achieving gender equality, with the United Nations emphasizing its importance in sustainability efforts. The world has come a long way in terms of gender equality. Even during the pandemic, women have been in the front lines of providing health care. Women are also actively participating in research for COVID vaccines and treatments. In the past year, Danish toy giant Lego ended its gender-targeted packaging of its products. Women accounted for a record 49 percent of athletes who participated in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. And U.S. electronic stock exchange NASDAQ required 3,000 publicly traded companies to include in their boards at least one woman and one self-identified LGBTQ+ as well as promote racial diversity. Also last year, Kamala Harris was sworn in as America’s first woman vice president, and the first of Black and Asian descent. For the first time, the World Trade Organization also picked
a woman and African as its head: Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In 2021, several countries elected or swore in women heads of state or government: Barbados, Estonia, Moldova, Tanzania, Samoa, Uganda, Tunisia, Sweden and Honduras. Gender equality is one area where the Philippines has ranked high in international surveys. The country has had two women presidents, and the incumbent vice president is running for the highest office in May. Filipino women have distinguished themselves in many sectors and have broken the glass ceiling in areas long dominated by men. The country has passed landmark laws against gender discrimination, domestic violence and sexual harassment including catcalls and wolf whistles. Enforcement, however, has been spotty, and many women are unaware of their rights guaranteed by law. It also took time before legal impediments against the full implementation of the reproductive health law were removed.
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Apart from the political sphere, the UN is pushing for greater participation of women in climate change adaptation and response. The theme for today’s observance is “gender equality today for
a sustainable tomorrow.” Climate change will be around long after the COVID-19 pandemic has reached endemic state, and women play a critical role in confronting climate change. (Philstar.com)
The silent majority is silent no more, and the trapos are desperately trying to stop the Leni momentum
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SURVEYS had been touted by the campaign of Bongbong Marcos as proof that the Filipino people are now solid in supporting the son of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos who was ousted by the 1986 People Power Revolution. This surely emboldened the Marcos family who hired Cambridge Analytica to “rebrand” the Marcos family, that they are, indeed, on their way back to Malacañang through Bongbong’s candidacy for president. After all, they invested a lot of money on those YouTube videos, TikTok contents and troll farms to spread disinformation to achieve two goals: Make Marcos be the hero and the underdog, by historical revisionism, and paint Bongbong as smart, hardworking, intelligent, patriotic, high achiever. They claim that Bongbong will continue his father’s legacy but at the same time counterargue with “The sin of the father is not the sin of the son”, when the atrocities, human rights violations, and abuse of the Marcos dictatorship are brought up. The second goal is to destroy Vice President Leni Robredo by creating memes, maliciously edited/spliced videos to attack Robredo, the Aquino legacy, the Liberal Party and Marcos’ critics — painting them as the “lutang,” “bobo,” salot ng lipunan,” komunista,puppet, bayaran, etc. Trolls are paid to create a toxic discourse online by using expletives, name-calling, intimidation and even threats
aimed at Marcos critics and Leni supporters. They immediately respond to pro-Leni and antiMarcos posts and dominate the discussion threads with the aim of silencing the critics. The Marcos campaign dominated the conversation and the surveys, for a while until the official start of election campaign season in February, when people had the chance to watch Leni, hear her talk and discuss about her vision and platform toward “Gobyernong Tapat” -- beyond the online propaganda of the Marcos campaign against her. And with caravans and political rallies moving from province to province, with fora and debates, EPIPHANY happened… Let me quote Ding C. Velasco’s post on Facebook: “The Team Leni - Kiko Grand Rallies have now become an upmanship on cultural exposition extravaganzas, with provinces outdoing other provinces in good fun and cheer. It started in the Proclamation Rally in Naga City on February 8; the Quezon Circle Mass on February 13, then the February 18 rallies in Cagayan de Oro. Loren tried to sabotage the February 20 rally in Antique (while theirs was postponed) then Cebu happened with the biggest crowd there in the Visayas but outgunned by Iloilo City a night later, then Little Balic-balic in Sampaloc stole the show, then another miracle followed in small Calapan on March 3 (where Marcos cancelled their March 7 Grand Rally). Two nights later at General Trias, Cavite the Team Leni rally
Photo shows presidential candidate Leni Robredo at a campaign event in Silang, Cavite. Photo courtesy of Facebook/@VP Leni Robredo
was sabotaged in many levels of obstacles but VPLR capped the night riding a motorcycle just to join the massive 47,000 crowds of Caviteños gathered. The next night, Bulaceños timidly opined that Cavite was a hard act to follow but as things proceeded later in the bday 45,000 Bulaceños graced the Malolos rally where gorgeous fireworks and the singing RobreDocs stole the show with their rendition of “Les Miserables” in Tagalog. In every way, the nation aside from Leni were the winners. Clearly, the unique cultural traditions of each province get displayed, night after night in a friendly upmanship game awakening rich cultural displays each time. This is a good thing. Not only are hundreds of thousands more people are engaged, but the political momentum has been clearly manifested that it has started in Cavite when the people there defied their governor not
only in numbers showing up but the variation of personal placards and tarps ridiculing the promise to deliver Caviteños to Marcos Jr without asking the electorate. Who will follow Bulacan? Albay says they want another stab at another grand rally in their province, but Northern Luzon beckons where Leni Robredo would be most interested to test her Robredo People’s Councils against the established sway of the dynastic politicians of the Solid North. Leni Robredo has the momentum. It had been a miracle that in all these massive rallies the People’s Councils shouldered the expenses in order to make her their Guest of Honor each time. It’s a beautiful thing too, to watch that our national culture is being dragged by Leni’s momentum to full display, every night. We are witnessing a miracle a unique chapter in socio-politics never witnessed before.” The political network of Bongbong Marcos campaign
was caught flatfooted because of their own lies and disinformation that they did not anticipate the growing open support for Leni Robredo by the Filipjno people. They scrambled to try to turn the momentum back to their favor by doubling down on their dirty tactics that would appear to violate election laws. “Res Ipsa Loquitur” — Latin word for the thing speaks for itself: videos of the Marcos campaign in violation of election laws as stated in the Omnibus Election Code Article XX11 Section 261 on vote buying, hakot, public officials intimidating and accusing Leni’s supporters of receiving money to attend her rallies without evidence, etc. And then there are questions on the integrity of the May 9, 2022 elections because of questions and doubts on the impartiality, objectivity and independence of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) because of recent developments. The COMELEC junked the Disqualification Case against Marcos despite strong black and white evidence that he did not pay taxes for years as evidenced by a guilty verdict by the Regional Trial Court that should have imposed sentenced jail time and ban from running for any political post, had it not been for the Court of Appeals that overturned the sentence. The COMELEC’S apparent favoring the Marcos campaign in setting up election materials while violating the rights of citizens in the privacy of their own homes by destroying the
tarps, posters, billboards they put up in support of Robredo. President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent appointment of veteran election lawyer Greg Garcia as new COMELEC Commissioner. Garcia’s clients include Bongbong Marcos, who he represented in the electoral protest vs Robredo in 2016. Isn’t this conflict of interest, especially because of the unholy alliance between Duterte and Marcos, with the President’s sonSara Duterte-Carpio being Marcos’ running mate? Are there no other qualified candidates to fill this position without raising even more doubts about COMELEC’s impartiality? And the DEBATES issue! Marcos and Duterte declared they would not participate in any debates. Would COMELEC enforce its new rule that candidates who skip the COMELEC debates will be denied streaming time on the poll body’s e-rally channel on Facebook. (To be continued…) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos
Women who lead: Breaking barriers, breaking the bias Commentary
MAICA TEVES THIS month, we celebrate International Women’s Day. As the entire world celebrates with the theme #BreakTheBias, we join in dreaming of and fighting to achieve a gender equal world that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. But allow me to step back and share what it’s actually like for girls—behind the façade, behind all the women empowerment campaigns and slogans:
Whether a girl sets herself to build something—her name, a family, a business empire, a life—it is always an uphill battle. She finds challenges every step of the way. The road is always narrow and difficult. Often, she is alone wandering and wondering whether the path she chooses is the right one. The naysayers, the doubters, the controllers that surround her are enough for her to stop dreaming and climbing the ladder. I, like hundreds and thousands of women, have been on that path of uncertainty. I believe that this path always comes out of nowhere, like a forked road. It surprises you and presents itself to challenge how much you believe in yourself. Imagine if this road
gives you a way out, a map posted on the sign: surrender. This signage asks you to let the people surrounding you decide for you. Without resistance, there is no need for struggle. Imagine if this were the case, that your life purpose is dependent on others and not yours. Would you feel fulfilled? Would you be that kind of person you wanted to be? Imagine if Rosa Parks, “The Mother of the Freedom Movement,” gave up her seat on the bus to a white man? Imagine if Hedy Lamarr, dubbed as “The Most Beautiful Woman in Film,” did not develop a new method of “frequency hopping” that paved the way to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology? Imagine if Katherine Johnson,
one of the first Afro-American scientists in Nasa, did not become a mathematician who manually calculated the precise trajectories that would let Apollo 11 land on the moon. Because of the women who came before us, we have role models and icons and leaders whose accomplishments we can aspire for. We have Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first one to win it twice, and our very own Fe del Mundo, who was the first Asian woman to be admitted into Harvard Medical School. All these women broke barriers. All these women made their name. All of them went through an arduous journey not only because of their chosen fields but because they were women.
During their time, and they come from different milieus and eras, the first thing that they needed to break was patriarchy coupled with sexism and/or racism. It was not enough that they had a dream and were smart, they had to prove that their gender would not hinder their way to success. Centuries later, we still need to shatter that illusion that men are better than women and that men should be the standard to aspire for. Girls and women all over the world are not only standing up for their purpose and for their life but they are also standing up to pave the way for the other generation of girls and women who are still not convinced that they can. We owe it to our
girls to continue to achieve the gains of the women before us. We must remain relentless, we must continue to shake things up, and challenge the status quo and every shape and form of inequality where it exists. *** 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.
*** Maica Teves is the executive director of Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran Inc. (SPARK Philippines), an NGO working for women empowerment and gender equality. SPARK is a founding member of the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN.) (Inquirer.net)
*** Women Who Lead is an initiative of PhilWEN.
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief
MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor
US HEADQUARTERS: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines
IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal
DING CARREON Videographer
ANDY TECSON Photographer
Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind. ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
Da te lin e PH iliP P in e S
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 9-11, 2022 7
Duterte signs law increasing age DOH wary but economic advisers of sexual consent from 12 to 16 eager for shift to loose Alert Level 1 by ANGELICA
Y. YANG
Philstar.com
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed a bill increasing the age of sexual consent to under 16 years of age, from 12 years old, which means that those who engage in sexual activities with children below the newly-prescribed age are liable for statutory rape. A copy of the legislation, Republic Act (RA) 116481, was uploaded on the Official Gazette's website today, although Duterte signed the law on March 4. The law amends several portions of the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Rape Law and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. RA 116481 says that someone with carnal knowledge of an individual who is "under 16 years of age or is demented", is now liable for committing rape. It said, however, that there will be no criminal liability for people who engage in sexual activities with those under 16 years of age when the age difference between
parties is not more than three years, and if the act is consensual, non-abusive and non-exploitative. "If the victim is under 13 years of age, this exception shall not apply," RA 11681 said. The penalty for lascivious conduct with a minor under 16 years is a medium-term reclusion temporal. The law also requires the Department of Education to teach age-appropriate subjects to children on their rights and protections based on the Act. 'New law will protect kids' On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the author and co-sponsor of the law, said this legislation will protect kids from malicious people from taking advantage of them. "At thirteen or fourteen, our kids cannot make informed decisions about sex yet, especially sex with adults... With this law, we will be definitively drawing a line that adults cannot cross. They cannot say a kid below sixteen gave them consent. That is statutory rape, plain and simple," he said in a statement released Monday.
MANILA — Officials of the Duterte administration have yet to reach a consensus on whether the country is ready for a nationwide shift to the "new normal" of Alert Level 1 — the loosest risk classification status in the government's alert level system — although the health department is wary of the proposal. "Not yet at this point. We don’t want to waste our successes. We need to be careful. I’m sorry. It’s because my principle in life is that it’s better to be prudent and conservative," Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in Filipino in an interview aired over DZBB Super Radyo earlier on Tuesday, March 8. Duque is chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases. For his part, vaccine czar and National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez was much more open to the idea. "We are looking into it. Based on the data presented by Secretary Duque, all areas are now at minimal risk. Based on cases, we are qualified for Alert Level 1. It is also important to meet the matrix to vaccinate 80% of senior citizens and 70% of the appointment went through a rest of the adult population," he thorough vetting process. “Dumaan ‘yan sa vetting process, dapat respetuhin natin ang prerogative ng Pangulo na pumili. Hindi naman ito basta by ZACARIAN SARAO basta lang pinipili. Napakahabang Inquirer.net proseso, may vetting process. It’s not easy to choose, especially sa MANILA — Presidential quasi-independent body like the candidate Vice President Leni Comelec,” Andanar said. Robredo said on Monday, March (It went through a vetting 7 that she would want to turn the process, let’s respect the Philippines into a maritime power prerogative of the President by boosting the shipping industry. to choose. They are not just “It has become evident, randomly picked. It had gone especially over the past couple through a long and rigorous of years, the maritime industry is vetting process.) really key to the country’s overall The new Comelec officials economic resilience,” Robredo still need to be confirmed by said during an online session Commission Appointments, with the Filipino Shipowners’ which is composed of members Association (FSA). of the House of Representatives “Empowering and strengthenand the Senate. ing should be a national imperaThey are ad interim appointees tive. I have been very public about who can immediately assume my desire to really focus on the office now that Congress is maritime industry as the core inon break due to the campaign dustry, not just for the maritime period. sector but for the recognition that Zubiri said he hopes the law will also lessen the instances of teenage pregnancy in the country. According to him, the law broadens the definition of rape. Before, rape was defined as an act committed between a man and woman. With RA 11681, rape is defined as an act committed by a person against another person. Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs his chamber's justice and human rights committee, welcomed the passage of the law increasing the age of sexual consent in the Philippines and called it a "big step in children's rights." "We are thankful for the passage of this bill, which ends the stigma of the Philippines having the lowest age of sexual consent in Asia. It fortifies protection of children's rights, and criminalizes perverted minds," he said in a separate statement. Citing data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Gordon said that in 2015, many victims of rape and child incest were aged 14 to below 18.
Duterte names new Comelec chairman, commissioners by DAPHNE
GALVEZ Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has designated three officials that will fill up the vacated positions in the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar on Tuesday, March 8 confirmed that Duterte has signed the appointment paper of Saidamin Pangarungan as the ad-interim chairman of the Comelec. Duterte has also signed the appointment papers of George Erwin Garcia and Aimee Neri as Comelec commissioners. “The directive of the President is to ensure an honest, peaceful, credible and free elections,” Andanar said in a Palace briefing. They will fill out the positions vacated by former chairperson Sheriff Abas, and excommissioners Antonio Kho and Rowena Guanzon who retired from the Comelec in February.
New Comelec chair Pangarungan served as the secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and as governor of Lanao del Sur. New poll exec is Marcos Jr.’s ex-lawyer in VP case Meanwhile, new Comelec commissioner Garcia was the lawyer who represented Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his 2016 VP electoral protest. He also represented Senator Grace Poe in her citizenship case before the Supreme Court. Neri, for her part, was a former undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Andanar refused to comment if Malacañang sees a conflict of interest with Garcia’s appointment since his former client Marcos is currently running for president and is facing disqualification cases, deferring the question to the poll body. He, however, assured that the
COVID-19 vaccines are brand new BASED ON DECADES OF RESEARCH. SHARE THE FACTS, NOT THE VIRUS. MyTurn.ca.gov | 833-422-4255
said in Filipino at a media briefing Tuesday morning. At President Rodrigo Duterte's "Talk to the People" Monday night, National Economic and Development Authority chief Karl Kendrick Chua urged the nationwide implementation of Alert Level 1 "at the soonest possible time" to offset the economic effects of the RussiaUkraine conflict. "While we cannot prevent the risk from coming from the global perspective, we can strengthen our domestic economy to provide the people with more jobs and opportunities," he said. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion shared Chua's sentiment, saying that increased mobility and open economic activity will help keep businesses afloat amid the fuel crisis brought on by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. "We can’t stop the war in Europe, but we can help the country brace for a crisis...We are a consumer-led economy. We depend on mobility," he said in a statement. "It’s now become more urgent for the Philippines to maintain its Alert Level 1 status until the end of the year. Schools and offices have a massive multiplier
effect in spurring economic activity, especially with MSMEs like cafeterias, retail shops, and transport." Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who is running for president, said he was supportive of the idea but urged the government to be judicious in its decision-making. "Our economy has taken a bad beating from the lockdowns and imposed alert levels over the past two years and needs to recover especially at this time. That said, our government authorities must also be prepared for the next pandemic or any variant that might again endanger the health situation in the country," he said. "As I always say, there is no trade-off between health and economy. We must always be prepared to confront the problems affecting both. We cannot afford a repeat of 2020 when the government was caught unprepared." To date, the Department of Health has recorded 3,668,268 cases of coronavirus in the Philippines, 48,437 of whom are still classified as active cases. The department's new weekly cases bulletin, however, no longer indicates the percentage of tests that came out positive. (Franco Luna with a report from Angelica Y. Yang/Philstar.com)
Robredo wants to turn PH into a maritime power will help the economy of the entire country,” she added, speaking partly in Filipino. Robredo set a goal of doubling the maritime sector’s size from 6% to 12% of the economy. “How can we reach this goal? We need to modernize and renovate our ports and harbors to make our infrastructure more integrated,” she said. “This serves a purpose that permeates beyond the maritime sector – a stronger national link through an integrated intermodal national logistics system allows trade to grow at the community level, which feeds into our strategy of looping the grassroots into the economic ecosystem,” she added. Robredo also discussed plans to add a course on maritime industry to the senior high school
curriculum, increasing the ratio of officers to ratings among Filipino seafarers, encouraging ships to register as Philippineflagged vessels, and making the country a logistics hub. She acknowledged inefficiencies in the regulatory framework, particularly on the matter of ship registration,. She said she would fix this through genuine stakeholder engagement, a stock-taking process, and a proper road map to introduce new policies. “With such a Philippineflagged fleet, we can maximize our waters: creating employment, lowering the cost of logistics, bringing goods and services faster and farther into our islands. We will become the maritime power we should be,” Robredo said.
8 MARCH 9-11, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline PhiliPPines
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
45% expect life to improve in a year SC stops Comelec’s ‘Oplan Baklas’ by Janvic
Mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — The number of Filipinos who expect the quality of their lives to improve in the next 12 months has reached its highest since the start of the COVID pandemic, results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Monday, March 7. SWS’ fourth quarter survey conducted from Dec. 12 to 16 found that 45 percent of the 1,440 respondents expect a better quality of life within a year. It was 12 points higher than the 33 percent obtained in a similar survey conducted in September 2021, and the highest since the pre-pandemic level of 48 percent in December 2019. Meanwhile, the number of those who expect their lives to worsen in the next 12 months dropped from seven to three percent, while those who said it would stay the same remained at 42 percent. The remaining nine percent of the respondents did not give an answer, SWS said. The latest survey resulted in a “net optimism” score of +42, classified as “excellent” by the polling firm. It was up 16 points from the “high” +26 obtained in September. The “net optimism” score is obtained by subtracting those
EMPLOYMENT
The petitioners were the St. Anthony College of Roxas City Inc., represented by Geraldine Denoga; Pilita Liceralde of Isabela for Leni; and Anton Mari Hao Lim of Zamboangueños for Leni, all volunteers supporting Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo's presidential bid. In the petition, the group assailed the removal of their tarpaulins and posters. They said that the materials were produced or procured at their expense. They further said that the same were constitutionally protected speech. The poll body launched "Oplan Baklas" to remove campaign materials that were placed in prohibited areas. g
PAGE 5 featherweight final after Japan’s Sena Irie denied Petecio of gold as she beat the Filipino for the third time in four meetings since 2019–albeit a controversial victory. Another Filipina athlete who competed in Tokyo Olympics, Margielyn Didal, made headlines due to her infectious energy which charmed the public. In October last year, journalist Maria Ressa became the first Filipino to win the Nobel Peace Prize for defending freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Ressa, who is also the chief executive officer of online news site Rappler, shared the award with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov. In 2020, the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), the country’s 98-year-old professional nurses’ organization, awarded the Bayaning Nars award to 15 nurses—14 of whom have sacrificed their lives at the frontline of the fight against COVID-19. The Bayaning Nars award recognizes “unsung hero nurses… who have done valiant, and extraordinary deeds that exemplify love of God and country, caring, and integrity beyond her call of duty,” the PNA said. Among the awardees was Mary Lorraine Pingol, who shot to fame for helping a homeless woman give birth on a sidewalk that same year. She was the sole living recipient of the said award.
Three of the 14 nurses who were granted posthumous awards were women. They were: • Shella Malto, from Bacoor, Cavite; died on April 6 • Faye Marie Palafox, head nurse at Philippine General Hospital handling the COVID-19 ward; died on April 17 • Ma. Theresa Cruz of Cainta Medical Hospital; died on July 22 In June 2021, Duterte conferred the Order of LapuLapu on Philippine General Hospital (PGH) health workers who led the evacuation of patients and newborn babies as fire hit the facility in May. Among the health workers who received the Order of LapuLapu were Kathrina Bianca C. Macababbad, Esmeralda E. Ninto, Phoebe Rose C. Malabanan—all of whom were nurses of PGH’s neonatal intensive care unit. Overseas, several Filipinas have made their names in their respective fields or careers. One of them was Rodelia Pedro Villar, a Filipina domestic helper from Western Visayas, who became the first-ever Filipina to clinch the Lion Rock People’s Choice award during the 8th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in November 2020. Villar was recognized for the support she provided to the domestic worker community through Domestic Workers Corner, a group she founded in 2017. Villar has been staying in Hong Kong for more than 17 years.
Through her group, she was able to assist fellow domestic helpers who were victims of romance scams, sexual harassment, and termination of contracts. Last year, a Filipina nurse in the United Kingdom has been awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her outstanding work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Charito Romano, a staff nurse at the Arbrook House Care Home in the UK, was among those included in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s honors list. Filipina nurse Minnie Klepacz, who works as a matron for ophthalmology and leads the hospital’s Black Asian Minority Ethnic Network at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, likewise received a British Empire Medal for her “tireless work to support her colleagues and community” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evelyn Tumalad, a Filipina English and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher at Clackamas High School, was named Oregon’s teacher of the year in Oct. 2021. Most recently, Filipina filmmaker Martika Ramirez Escobar was given the Special Jury Prize for Innovative Spirit at the World Cinema Dramatic section for her film-within-a-film “Leonor Will Never Die.” Escobar, through her directorial debut, became the first Filipino feature film director to win at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, which was held online for the second year in a row. g
Canlas ManilaTimes.net
On this photo people gathered in Manila Zoo on Sunday March 6, 2022 as government declared alert level 1 in NCR and 38 other areas from March 1 to 15. Philstar.com photo by Irish Lising
who said their lives would worsen from those who said their lives would improve in the next 12 months. Due to the pandemic, the country recorded its historic low net optimism score of -19 in May 2020, with 24 percent expecting their lives to improve while 43 percent saying it will worsen in the next 12 months. It slightly improved in July 2020 at -10 (26 percent optimist, 36 percent pessimist) and bounced back to positive scores in the succeeding surveys. Compared to the most recent survey in September, the latest poll showed improvements in the “net optimism” score in across all areas and education groups.
It was highest among those in Balance Luzon at +48 (from +28), followed by Metro Manila at +47 (from +24), Mindanao at +46 (from +30) and the Visayas at +20 (from +18). SWS also noted that optimism for a better life is higher among those who said their lives improved in the past 12 months compared to those whose lives worsened or remain unchanged. Earlier, the survey firm said that 24 percent of the respondents in the December survey said their lives improved in the past year. Forty percent said it worsened, while 36 percent said it was the same. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 2.6 percent for the national percentages. g
Comelec suspends MOA with Rappler MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, March 8 suspended its memorandum of agreement (MOA) with online news website Rappler a day after the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to nullify the deal. In a one-page memorandum signed by Comelec acting chair Socorro Inting, all activities in connection with the fact-checking MOA are ordered on hold. "Given the allegations against Rappler and the subsequent filing of the Petition with the Supreme Court, it is judicious for the Commission to hold in abeyance the implementation of the provisions of the MOA until the issues are settled and/or decision of the court is rendered," Inting said. "All actions in connection with the MOA shall be deferred, including coordination between
THE Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) "Oplan Baklas" or the removal of campaign posters on private property. SC spokesman Brian Hosaka said that the tribunal, in its en banc deliberations on Tuesday, March 8, issued the TRO to the Comelec and poll body's director and spokesman James Jimenez. The petitioners sought the issuance of a restraining order while a resolution on their petition before the Comelec is pending. Hosaka said that the TRO
prohibits "the respondents from implementing Section 21 (o), Section 24, and Section 26 of the Comelec Resolution 10730 with respect to the poll body's order to dismantle, remove, destroy, deface, and/or confiscate all election materials that are privately owned and privately funded solely by volunteers and private citizens and posted and/ or installed within their private properties." Comelec Resolution 10730 contains rules and regulations implementing Republic Act (RA) 9006 or the "Fair Election Act." Respondents were also ordered to comment on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.
by Jomar
the Commission and Rappler on matters of the MOA," she added. Last month, the OSG sent a letter to Comelec, asking it to unilaterally rescind the MOA with Rappler because of undue delegation to Rappler of the Commission's authority; its alleged violation of the Constitution and the laws; its alleged record of reporting false and grossly biased information; and its supposed violation of the State policy to be fully independent from foreign interference and secure integrity of elections. In its petition, the OSG asked the high court to issue a temporary restraining order and to declare the MOA as void. On February 24, the Comelec and Rappler signed the agreement on voter engagement and fighting disinformation in connection with the upcoming May 9 national and local elections. The National Press Club, one of
the country’s oldest and biggest media organizations, has also opposed the partnership between the Comelec and Rappler. In a letter to Comelec, the NPC president Paul Gutierrez said “your choice of Rappler, certainly, is a step in the wrong direction.” “Nevertheless, we call your attention to the fact that most of Rappler's current legal woes arise first, from its being a foreignfunded media outfit, contrary to what is provided for in our Constitution. Its chief executive, Maria Ressa, has been convicted of criminal libel by a Manila court for biased reporting, a fact that cannot be obscured by the many 'awards' given to her by foreignbased media organizations. We can go on and on citing reasons why we object to your MOA with Rappler. But our central message is, the credibility of the coming election that we all aspire for is not enhanced by your choice,” Gutierrez said. (PNA)
EMPLOYMENT
‘Not just a woman’: Filipinas carve their niches...
EMPLOYMENT
FOR SALE
The Asian Journal
MDWK MAGAZINE
Wednesday MARCH 9, 2022
asianjournalpublications
@asianjournalcom
@asianjournal
www.asianjournal.com Los Angeles | Las Vegas | Orange County/Inland Empire | Northern California | New York/New Jersey
It’s a family aff ffaair as pop duo Dingdong, Jessa embark on ‘Revelation: The US Tour’ by Donnabelle
A
arevalo / AJPress
FTER two years of waiting, TFC Events is staging its first live in-person concert, “Revelation: The U.S. Tour,” featuring the Original Prince of Pop Dingdong Avanzado and the Phenomenal Diva Jessa Zaragoza with their daughter Jayda, the newest music wonder. The concert tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for all music lovers who will be in for a great treat of “revelations” from this musically-inclined and multi-awarded family of performers. Conceptualized by Anvanzado, the Revelation Concert Tour will showcase a repertoire that combines the couple’s nostalgic songs and the latest hits from Jayda’s debut album. Asked about the title of the concert, Avanzado said, “The Revelation concept came to me late last year. We were here in the U.S. that time and I remember attending bible studies. We encountered and learned a lot from the Book of Revelation.” “I realized that during this pandemic, there are so many things that are revealed to us in so many aspects of our lives. We discovered some things about ourselves that probably we don’t realize we had or we lack. At the same time, it’s like a perfect way for a great reveal for Jayda, her new undertakings and accomplishments as a singer, a composer and an artist,” Avanzado said. More layer of that “revelation,” he said, is that they will also be celebrating more than two decades of their marriage. “We will be celebrating our 21 years of being married. We are going to reveal a lot about our marriage,” he said. “ And we will also want to reveal more things like the stories behind the songs like why and how we made them,” he added. Zaragoza, for her part, said they are grateful that they are given the opportunity to be the
first to hold a live concert in the US. “We feel so blessed. We will give our best for this concert. There’s a lot of pressure on us. But we will make sure that our audience will love the show,” she said. The Avanzados, who used to live in Northern California, said they also are excited the perform with their “kababayans.” “It’s really an amazing experience for me to be able to be part of this event and not just as a milestone in terms of my career in the sense that this is one of the first live shows that I will be playing with my first debut album out now into the world. The first live show that I did was back in early 2020 before the pandemic hits so this is really a big thing. But I am also excited for our kababayans since this is a milestone for the Filipino community since this is one of the first official comebacks into the live concert scene,” Jayda said. “There’s nothing like performing with live audience. The timing is perfect and it all
Again, Paalam na and Walang Kapalit. Over the years, he has honed his craft to become a highly-respected multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, concert director and total entertainer. In the early 90s, Zaragoza already catching everyone’s attention being a star with a very distinct musical voice on the hit program that time, “That’s Entertainment”. In 1997, she released her first album, “Just Can’t Help Feeling” which contains the single, “Bakit Pa”, which rose to the Photos from Instagram_@dingdongavanzado top of the chart and became the national anthem for many Filipinos worldwide. It turned came together as planned,” Platinum eight times and one Avanzado said, noting that of the biggest selling debut especially now that the COVID albums in the Philippines music restrictions seem to be easing history. She continues belting up. out unforgettable songs such Avanzado said these are as “Diba’t Ikaw,” “Paano also concerts for a cause. Some Kaya,” “Baliw na Puso,” “Siya of the proceeds from the LA ba ang Dahilan,” “Ibigay Mo show will go to the JIR (Jesus Is Risen) Foundation while portion Na” and “Hindi na Bale” which permanently etched in the heart of the San Francisco’s ticket of Pinoy music lovers around the sales will help the victims of world. The hitmaker is also an typhoon Odette, through an ongoing campaign of ABS-CBN award winning artist. Born in June 1, 2003, Foundation. “It’s nice to know that we will Jayda, Janelle Amanda Loyola Avanzado, is being touted as be having fun and at the same time, help people in need. It’s all encompassing. We really want it to be more meaningful and the fact that this is one of the first or the first Filipino show being done here in America now (after the pandemic) makes it special for us and we want to live up to the expectation,” Avanzado said. Avanzado started his illustrious career in 1987, with his hit songs Ikaw Lamang, Tatlong Beinte Singko, Maghihintay Sa Iyo, Makapiling ka Sana, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, To Love
Marcelito Pomoy excited to barnstorm 14 states for his US concert tour By
MoMar G. Visaya AJPress
MARCELITO Pomoy’s happy demeanor and positive outlook in life belie the pain and hardship he had to go through to be where he is today. Barnstorming across the United States until April for a series of shows, Pomoy sat down in a chat with the Asian Journal to promote his concerts and share his inspiring tale. As of press time, Pomoy and his team are midway through their 18-city, 14-state tour. “I’m so happy to be back. Mahaba-haba rin na walang events kaya ako ay nagpapasalamat at nakabalik ako dito sa U.S. and yung mga OFW dito, yung mag Pilipino, gusto ko siiang mapasaya,” the singer said. He said he is looking forward to performing for kababayans even in states and cities where Filipino shows are rare as his concert tour will bring them to Biloxi, Wichita, Memphis, and Northern Arkansas. Pomoy won Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) in 2011 and nine years later, made it to America’s Got Talent: The Champions as one of the 40 acts from Got Talent franchises around the world who were invited to participate. His uncanny talent of seamlessly shifting between soprano and tenor voices made him a household name in the United States and he felt the momentum building up as there were offers for concerts left and right. “After ng AGT, biglang nagkaroon ng COVID, ng pandemic kaya nawala yung excitement,” he said, noting that it was just another hiccup that they had to recover from.
That was how they were able to get into Ellen’s radar, catching the attention of the show’s producers who invited him to appear on the show. Pomoy, who had picked to sing Celine Dion songs for the episode, mentioned to Ellen that she was his favorite singer. The host arranged for Pomoy and his wife to go to Las Vegas to watch Celine’s concert and have a meet-and-greet, a memory that he says he’ll treasure for life. Pomoy told the Asian Journal that he credits whatever he does now to the upbringing he had, hardships and all. Marcelito Pomoy His story may have been Photo from Instagram/@marcelitopomoy8 heartbreaking - his mother left the family when he was only two Pomoy acknowledged and years old and his father was in paid tribute to his wife Joan, jail for arson - but his spirit was the wind beneath his wings, for never broken. being able to rise above life’s He became - in his own challenges. words, a “palaboy” at the age of He shared that there was a point when he wanted to give up eight years old because he left the home of his adoptive parents because his career was getting who got him from his father in nowhere after he won the title prison. in the Philippines. When he was Little did he know that the at his lowest, his wife was there cousins he grew up with in that guiding him and telling him not to give up because as long as he household were actually his has his voice, the possibilities are siblings. He only found out when he sold balut to someone who endless. turned out to be a best friend It was also Joan who was of his father’s when they got to responsible for Marcelito’s talk about their lives. Marcelito appearance in The Ellen Show. She was also the one who egged was 16 years old then when he him to perform on the Wish Bus, met his father for the first time which has become a platform for and the truth about his past was revealed. viral performances that made it He took on odd jobs: he around the world. became a pin boy, sold ice “Nag-away pa kami kasi drop during the day, and balut ayoko talaga. Sabi ko ako na during the evening. He earned lang mag-handle ng negosyo. fifty pesos a day as a pin boy, Pinasampa niya talaga ako sa which was not enough to buy WishBus kaya napilitan ako,” he three square meals a day so recalled. sometimes, he ended up eating That performance became the epitome of viral as hundreds only one meal per day. Then he became a of non-Filipino reactors made their respective reaction videos. Continued on Page 10
the next artist to watch out for. She has shown an extraordinary musicality even with the very early age, writing her first song at the age of 12. Her single “Paano Kung Naging Tayo?” became a hit and won the Best Music Video Award on International Film Festival Manhattan 2021 in New York. She also bagged the Best
Performance by a New Female Performing Artist in Awit Awards in 2019. The Revelation: U.S. Tour will be held on March 12, 6:30PM at Alex Theater in Glendale, CA, ticket prices start at $50, call 818-2548426; and on March 26, 6PM at Fox Theater, ticket prices start at $35, Redwood City, CA, call 650-443782.
10
entertainment
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 9, 2022
TOURNAMENT OF A&E GOLF CLUB. (From L-R) Jun Gonong of A&E Golf Club, Butch Orpilla Longest Drive Class A Champion, Jigs De Guzman of Birdie Buddies Class B Champion, Alvin Santos and Class C Joey Peralta.
BONDING WITH GROUP OF AIM FiL-AM. (From L-R) Bob The Follower, Charlie Bonilla Chairman of Athlete in Motion Fil-Am, The Basketball Star Legend Nonie Robles, Star Guard Banjo Gilbuena of Mapua Cardinal, Mr. Lao and Mr. Biboy Robles the Golfer.
MEETING OF ATHLETE IN MOTION FIL-AM. (From L-R) Basketball Star Legend Rene Canent, Mr. Charlie B, Banjo Titus, Bay Canet and PBA Star Center Victor Rambo Sanchez and Star Player of FEU Patrick Costales.
Marcelito Pomoy excited to...
From Page 9 construction worker and after a hard day’s work, his co-workers would ask him for a round of drinks. He would beg off because he didn’t want to spend money so the co-workers would cover his portion and would just ask him to sing a few songs. Singing became his ambag, his contribution. Pomoy is a firm believer in the adage “We Rise by Lifting Others” and during the height of the lockdown during the pandemic, he stepped up. “Nasa puso ko talaga ang pagtulong siguro dahil naging pulubi ako at naranasan ko kumain ng tira-tira sa mga restaurant sa sobrang gutom,” he recalled. “Ibinabalik ko lang yung mga biyayang natanggap ko sa mga taong walang-wala.” The singer said he is happy to share his blessings and this is evidenced by the numerous charity work and various acts of kindness like distributing food, milk, diapers, and supplies, and supporting local schools, in the town of Calauag, Quezon where he now lives with Joan and their growing family. Marcelito and Joan are expecting baby number two, their first kid Marcella Janiah is now six years old. He wanted a boy but according to the gender reveal, it’s going to be another girl. “Gusto ko sana lalaki pero ok naman ako sa kahit anong kasarian, kasi bigay ng Panginoon,”
he said. For his followers who may be downtrodden or are going through tough times, Pomoy said they shouldn’t give up. “Hindi ako bumitaw dahil alam ko, may Diyos,” he said. “Huwag kayong bumitaw sa inyong mga pangarap, always pray and magtiwala kayo sa sarili ninyo.” This is also the reason why he always sings The Prayer, which has become his signature song, the one that propelled his name to reach greater heights. The Prayer was his winning song for Pilipinas Got Talent and became his audition song for America’s Got Talent: The Champions. It was also the song that gave Wish Bus millions of views. Today, the song’s message resonates more than ever, which is not lost on the singer. “Hindi pa tapos ang COVID-19, ngayon may giyera naman sa Ukraine. Hindi na natin maintindihan ang mga nangyayari sa mundo kaya mag-pray na lang po tayo,” he told his Las Vegas audience last week before singing the Celine Dion and Andrea Bocceli duet. (Catch Marcelito Pomoy in his U.S. and Canada tour. For tickets and details, pleasetext or call Sherly Cheng (503) 746-3900 or Elvie Ferell (971) 344-866))
FASGI fundraiser features Becca Godinez
of medical and holistic healing for THE Filipino American Service physical, mental and emotional Group, Inc. (FASGI), a nonwellbeing.” profit organization in Historic Co- Executive Producer Filipinotown dedicated Trinity Foliente, owner of to serving the Filipino Individual Health Care community, will kick start Services said, “I have a year of raising funds known and partnered to support on-going with FASGI since programming. In Yey Coronel became its 40th anniversary, Executive Director FASGI has helped in 2015. Under her millions of individuals leadership, I have seen through programs FASGI’s dedication that include mental to serving the Filipino health education, American community naturalization increase and expand. application assistance, FASGI always goes the extra arts incubation, health mile to help the community and wellness, and assistance in any way possible. They are to WWII veterans. FASGI has dependable and efficient and also implemented programs to deal with COVID protocols and Filipina actress and singer Becca Godinez never cease to amaze me.” Tickets for the one-night-only prevention. Together with Individual Health Care concert on Saturday, March 12 are $100/$60/$45 Services, Inc., FASGI will be executive producing and can be purchased by contacting Yey its first concert featuring actress/singer Becca Coronel 818-271-0901 [phone/text] and Trinity Godinez. Entitled “Becca Godinez: In My Life,” Foliente 818-455-2132 [phone/text] or via email the concert is Becca’s most intimate show at admin@fasgi.org. Special balcony pricing to date as she revisits her time as one of the of $25 is available for seniors, military, and Philippines’ most in-demand performers during students by calling 818-271-0901. Tickets are the 1970’s and 1980’s. This musical journey will also available at the Aratani Theatre website by trace Becca’s career from hit-music recording visiting www.jaccc.org or by calling 213-680artist, concert singer, television host, and 3700. thespian with Repertory Philippines. Joining FASGI’s Acting Board Chairperson, Celina her on stage are special guest artists Mike Taganas-Duffy is excited for the concert. “Over Monserrat (dancer/choreographer and member the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see of the original “Penthouse 7” crew), Spanky Becca perform. She’s truly amazing and we’re Rigor (co-founder/musician of the 70’s hit group honored she’s headlining this benefit concert VST & Company), Broadway actors Jennifer to raise funds and further FASGI’s mission to Paz (“Evita,”and “Songs for a New World”), provide vital services to our community.” She Red Concepcion (“Miss Saigon,”and “Priscilla is joined on the Organizing Committee by Queen of the Desert”), Nicole Santiago (“Mama Co-Chairperson Ronnie Cross (FASGI Board Mia” and “Criers for Hire”) and Natasha Member), Mae Abeleda (FASGI Board Kaiserman (Becca’s daughter), who will be Treasurer), Ferdinand “Bong” Soriano (FASGI making her L.A. concert debut. Board Member), Ethel Provido (FASGI Program Becca will also be joined by guest vocalists Director), Evelyn Andamo (Principal, Westin Charmie Morales, Leah Auditor and Tina Cruz. Enterprises, Inc.), Ethel Rubio (Principal/Owner, Myke Gonzaga, one of the most in-demand Ethel G. Rubio Assoc. AIA, PRO, Kalayaan musical directors, leads the band which also Incorporated, Community Leader), Rosalie features Abe Lagrimas, Jr. (drums), Bryant Caratao (Community Leader) and Thelma Sugay Simpson (bass), Sandro Rebel (keyboards) and (President, Filipino American Press Club of Michael Seaman (piano). The concert will also California). feature a special virtual appearance by Cocoy FASGI and Individual Health Care Laurel, one the Philippines’ legendary actors and Services are honored to have LA City Becca’s co-star in many theatrical productions. Commissioner Dr. Cris B. Liban and his wife, When asked what the audience will experience, Benel Se-Liban (Managing Partner of JBC Becca said, “Gosh, my career spans about 50 Group, LLC) as the presenting sponsor for the years!! I chose each guest because they were all show. Other sponsors include Asian Journal; part and parcel of what I’ve done as a performer Joel & Luchie Pengson, Eleos - The Cognitive – from hosting TV shows, to being a theatre Center of Southern California, MVCMG – the artist.” Moreno Valley Community Medical FASGI’s Executive Director Yey CoronelGroup; Joel A. Pengson, M.D., A Medical Alcid stated, “The FASGI Board wants all our Corporation; Josie Jones, Admiral Home Health fundraisers to be memorable and fun. We know Inc., Admiral Hospice Care and Alpha Hospice that this concert will truly entertain because it Care; Ronson Provido, P.E., Century Engineers, combines Becca’s talent, charisma, and energy Inc.; D-1 Productions, MonteMaria Cellars; and with her showmanship, creativity, and style. BayaniPay. More importantly, Becca understands and shares The Aratani Theater strictly follows current FASGI’s passion in helping those in need to lead State, County and City COVID protocols, which richer and more fruitful lives. change daily. To maintain a safe environment for It is important for FASGI to raise additional the artists and the audience, patrons should be funds because most of our programs have prepared to wear masks once inside the theater either limited or no funding. Our clients become for the duration of the entire show and may be part of the FASGI family, so we commit to asked to present valid vaccination cards. The care for their needs and provide the utmost venue will not accept negative COVID tests quality in services. We embrace our motto, results. Patrons should be vaccinated and/or “Happy to serve; Honored to help!” Any funds boosted prior to entering the theater. raised will go towards additional services for For more information on the concert, please seniors, human trafficking survivors, and artists/ visit The Filipino American Service Group, Inc. performers with our Arts Incubator Program. at www.fasgi.org. Becca Godinez: In My Life is We will also create a revolving loan fund for US produced and directed by LXV Enterprises, LLC citizenship applicants who find costs prohibitive; to benefit the Filipino American Service Group, and resume the Kalayaan Festival, a whole day Inc.
Immigrant Living: 101 and BeMonette AdevA MAglAyA STORIES have the power and influence to touch the heart that a cut and dried essay or a report does not have. Somehow the lessons and insights we learn from stories have a longer shelf life. They stick. Along the way, I have met many whose stories seem like the stuff of fiction. Other stories are cautionary and some are horrific. A lot of what I write are stories told to me. I view them from my personal lens and filter. I listen quietly, file them away and sort things out. I fictionalize story elements to protect their privacy and some elements, for purposes of conciseness and flow. Like the deft fingers of a tapestry maker, I hope to weave the colorful threads together, conjure a composite character from different, engaging people I have met just to tell a story. Hopefully these series warm and lift the heart just a tad. For as long as we live, we all need a boost daily. The first of these stories is Abigail’s. Abigail is the name of my first granddaughter, now eleven years old. I used her name for the story of a real live person among us (who shall not be named) whose story is so much more enchanting and heart-warming than fiction only because it’s true.) Abigail thought of her husband who passed away five years ago and her tears fell as though it was just yesterday. People say that time heals all wounds but hers seems to be a stubborn, festering, open wound. She remembers the one audacious move she made in her entire life. Abigail still squirms
Once upon a time series
Abigail’s story “Will you marry me?” she asked him. at the thought and smiles at the unbelievable chutzpah it took her to say three words that would change her life in a mysterious way. Twenty years ago, she came to America as a single person on a tourist visa and overstayed. It was a tough time to be. She was alone in a strange land trying to nurse a broken heart from a guy who just walked away for no apparent reason other than love wasn’t there to hold them together. She was going to deal with the heartache and tune out matters of the heart with tons of work instead. Although she tried as best as she could to find a company sponsor her and work her way to a green card, it just didn’t happen. She heard about paying a citizen to get hitched on a fake marriage until she got her papers – a pure hushed-up business transaction. But Abigail wouldn’t live a lie. Staying true to herself, she would have none of it. If marriage was her route in being allowed to stay in the country, SO BE IT. But it had to be the real thing or none at all. She would pack her suitcase and leave if it came to that. She didn’t know how to drive a car and she believed she needed to learn this skill if she were to have a modicum of career success. She picked off numbers of driving instructors from a phone book. She called several until she spoke to one who was the owner and instructor himself. He must have given her a good vibe over the phone. The instructor picked her up from her apartment for the first lesson. The guy was
easy on the eyes and her first driving lesson was pleasant and smooth. She began looking forward to the next lessons. Mike, her instructor, was tall and quiet. He was from a few generations of a modest, hard-working, immigrant family from Poland. He was always on time, clean-shaven and smelled fresh from the shower each time for her driving lesson. He was polite and kind and — dear heavens – a devout Catholic just like her. Abigail learned he had long been a widower from a short-lived marriage and had no immediate plans to remarry. Before she was to take her driving schedule for her license, Abigail prayed hard and while choking on her words in pure embarrassment, asked Mike, “Will you marry me?” He was stunned and so was she. She didn’t know what got into her. She remembered her face felt hot and flushed and wanting to take back her bold words as soon as they were out. As tiny as she felt at the time, she felt like diving into her purse to hide. She gulped several times and told him of her predicament — the whole enchilada. She came clean. She wasn’t going to deceive Mike of the reason she propositioned him. All her cards were out on the table. To both their surprise, after the shock had worn off, he accepted and they became a genuine item with the traditional rite of passage — romance, marriage and the delicious daily discovery of one another as a gift. They were Continued on Page 12
Why do sophisticated investors prefer Pahrump, Nevada? THERE are many reasons why people go to Pahrump, Nevada. Time Magazine did a poll on projected population growth or loss by percent for the period 1980 to 2000, entitled “America in The Year 2000,” which said that the State of Nevada, one of the most rapidly of all is growing states then, was expected to increase its population from about 800,000 to almost 2 million by the start of the 21st century. In 1996, there were 30 million tourists that came to Las Vegas. According to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, each tourist spent an average of $300 which meant $9 billion in gross revenues for the city. Additionally, the estimated population of Nevada in 2021 was approximately 3.14 million, with Clark County estimated to be at 2,388,515, for a growth rate of 1.73%. What is the effect of this population boom in Las Vegas? It creates a large demand for Pahrump land. In fact, many residents of Las Vegas are now moving out and relocating to Pahrump, many of whom are my clients. Not all of them are retirees. Many still work in Las Vegas but preferr to live and raise their families in Pahrump where they believe it is peaceful, tranquil and a great place to raise their kids. The major reasons cited for their preference in Pahrump over Las Vegas are heavy traffic, crowded classrooms and the growing crime rate. Pahrump is about 60 miles from Las Vegas and is an estimated 45- to 55-minute drive. Pahrump is dubbed as the “bedroom community of Las Vegas” not only to seniors but also for the young as well. Pahrump is a perfect example of an “EXURB”. Many are aware of the words suburban and urban communities. An “EXURB,” according to Harry Dent, a well sought economist and advisor to major 500 Fortune companies, is an area that is between 60 to 80 miles away from a center of development that has hit a million in population or more. The County of Clark where Las Vegas is located just hit 3.14 million in 2021, and it is still growing.
community
11
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 9, 2022
Celebrating with my clients, Jorge and Reggie Bondoc of Houston, Texas, after getting their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on a commercial lot.
The Time Magazine report in 1983 showed that Nevada was one of the few states with a projected population growth of more than 100%.
Among the many factors that contribute to the tremendous growth of the valley include the Sun Belt climate, improvements in Highway 160 between Las Vegas and Pahrump, better medical facilities and the rapid influx of retail businesses. For instance, Walmart and Home Depot employ a large number of Pahrumpians. According to reliable source Silverton Hotel may break ground in May and the Spring Mountain Motor Sports is building many of its presold million-dollar homes, including those already built featuring a 26,000-square-foot house with 17 bathrooms. Another job on the pipeline is the glove factory to be built on a 10-acre parcel by my investor, Andrew Hoang from Orange County, CA, which will create hundreds of jobs in Phase 1. Also, notable is the Front Sight that attracts hundreds of members and tourists each month that create room
Fely Quitevis (extreme right) with Hung (SBA Loans) and Annie Yeh who bought commercial lots near Highway 160.
shortage in Pahrump. With several banks, casinos, wineries, drugstore outlets and all burger chains (except In and Out Burger), Pahrump almost has everything. Many huge projects in neighboring Las Vegas under construction such as The Sphere, and the Drew Hotel with proposed grand opening next year with 3,000 rooms and about 6,000 jobs, will definitely attract thousands of new residents and heavier foot traffic for Las Vegas, which is one another huge reason why old-time residents are moving out to Pahrump. Precious Properties is a full-service company serving its clientele since 1992 and can be reached at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-538-4948. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.
Realtor Fely Quitevis with Alka Products CEO/President Andrew Hoang, who is building a glove factory in Pahrump.
(Advertising Supplement)
A young investor, IT specialist Chris Dela Cruz of San Antonio, Texas, with Fely Quitevis.
Realtor Fely Quitevis (2nd from left) with Philippine Realtor Bing Palma Gil Roldan and repeat investors Jorge and Reggie Bondoc, the King and Queen of
community Is Elisse’s relationship with McCoy on the rocks?
12
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 9, 2022
By Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
NETIZENS speculated that celebrity couple Elise Joson and McCoy de Leon are having a
rough time in their relationship. This after Elisse took to Facebook to share that she’s already exhausted. “Akala ko ok na pero nakakapagod pala. Gabi-gabi na
lang ako walang tulog. Babad sa isip ko kung paano matitigil yung paghihirap namin ni baby. Ayoko na,” she wrote. She later edited her post, omitting the word “Ayoko na.” Minutes after, McCoy also posted something on Facebook that seems to be a reaction to Elisse’s post. “Maya’t maya akong nagchecheck para siguraduhin na okay kayo. Wala na rin akong maayos na tulog,” McCoy wrote. “Pero sana kahit ganito, hindi tayo susuko dahil gagawin ko ang lahat mapasaya at maprotektahan kayo ni baby,” he added. Last November, McCoy shared on Instagram that their daughter Felize is not only a gift from God but also a hope to him and Elisse to continue their relationship. “Binigay ka ng Diyos hindi lang isang regalo, binigay ka rin niya dahil binigyan mo kami ng pag-asa ng nanay mo. Nagtuloy-tuloy ang pagsasamahan namin dahil sa’yo, kasi alam naming ikaw ang magiging dahilan kaya kami nabubuhay sa mundong ito,” McCoy said. “Walang hanggang kasiyahan ang binibigay mo sa amin. Simula nung nakita namin hanggang ngayon. Bawat ngiti mo nawawala lahat ng pangangamba namin. Aamin ko natatakot ako sa minsang magulong mundong ito, pero kahit anong mangyari poprotektahan kita hanggat buhay ako. Mamahalin kita nang higit pa sa sarili ko. At ngayon masayang masaya kami ng nanay mo na ipagmalaki ka sa buong mundo,” he added.
Modifying down child and spousal support obligation after a divorce Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes DIVORCED parties are sometimes ordered to pay child support and spousal support in the divorce judgment. The support orders are generally based on the parties’ financial situation and custody arrangements at the time of the settlement or trial. However, what if your income decreases after the divorce or what if your spouse’s income increases after the divorce due to a promotion or a better paying job? Do you have the right to modify your support obligation? If your income has gone down substantially from the time that the child or spousal support determination, you may be able to file a modification of your support obligation. Losing a job or having less income constitutes a material change of circumstances that would allow the court to modify down your support obligations. Child support in California is based on guideline formula. One of the factors that is considered in the guideline formula is your gross income. Usually the court would look
at several months or even an average of the last 12 months income. If your average income has decreased, you may be able to modify your child support to a lower amount. Bear in mind that there are other factors that come in the equation such as the amount of actual timeshare you spend with your child and the income of the other parent. If the other parent’s income has gone down, this may adversely affect your child support obligation. Spousal support may also be modified unless you stipulated in a divorce judgment that it is non modifiable. However, spousal support are usually calculated differently than guideline. The court will look at other factors in deciding whether to modify this. Those factors are listed in family code section 4320. If you are unemployed, the other party may be expected to try to impute income on you. However in light of the recent cases in California, they would have to prove that you had the ability and the opportunity to obtain employment. If your income has gone down or your spouse’s income has increased as a result of a new job, a promotion, or you got laid off or hours cut, it may be possible to modify both your child support and spousal support obligation. Without modifying the order, the current order will continue to be in effect
and the same amount will accrue regardless of whether your income declined or your spouse income increased. It is important to file a post judgment request for order to modify support as soon as your financial situation changes. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Abigail’s story...
From Page 10 childless but the gift of each other was more than enough of a heaven-sent blessing. Abigail never expected their marriage to turn out the way it did. It wasn’t perfect but they were both quick to overlook things — Mike more than her. That is how good he was. Mike turned out to be the gentle, kind, thoughtful person he was from day one — the type of guy countless women the world over would pray for on their knees. For her part, she responded in kind. Abigail knew early on that she had won some kind of cosmic lottery because she dared to boldly say three little words. They had a good, wonderful run until one day, Mike didn’t feel right. He had a diagnostic procedure that revealed pancreatic cancer. He was in pain and Abigail ached with him Celebrity couple McCoy de Leon and Elisse as well through the short, grueling months until the end came. Joson with daughter Felize Photo from Instagram/@therealmccoydeleon Abigail didn’t know what hit her. She walked
in a daze after the funeral going through the motions like a robot. It has been five years. Healing would indeed come. With each memory, Abigail realized that Mike was the one marvelous gift to her from the God of love and mercy. In time, Abigail realized and became thankful at the core of her being that Mike was and will continue to be the gift that keeps her going doing good in every way she could for the rest of her mortal life. She likes to imagine that one day in God’s perfect timing, Mike will pick her up and drive through the clouds through the pearly gates to heaven where they might be together. ***
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.
***
To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 9, 2022
13