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MARCH 24-30, 2022

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

Volume 33 - No. 12 • 12 Pages

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Duterte’s party endorses Marcos Jr. for president by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte’s party endorsed Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. as its presidential candidate for this year’s national elections. The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban), chaired by Duterte, adopted a resolution on Monday night, March 21 to formalize its endorsement of Marcos. In the resolution, the PDPLaban described Marcos as the candidate whose platform is most aligned with the party’s

11-point agenda. “After careful and exhaustive deliberations, the National Executive Committee endorses the candidacy of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for President of the Republic of the Philippines in the forthcoming 2022 national elections,” it said. Victor Rodriguez, spokesman of Marcos, thanked the PDPLaban’s “kind endorsement” of Marcos, saying “the trust it placed in him inspires us beyond measure, for it signals that our message of national unity is gaining ground.”

“We are glad the PDP-Laban has joined the bandwagon of support for the BBM-Sara UniTeam of major political parties in the country. It is truly reassuring, but at the same time challenging us to be even more prepared and vigilant in light of growing rumors of possible poll fraud in the coming elections,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “All the national surveys indicate a runaway advantage for Marcos Jr., but we cannot be complacent as the forces that try to put him down ever since, has not ceased, and apparently

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Leni-Kiko Pasig rally draws biggest crowd so far

USA

DATELINE NaFFAA-NV celebrates Women’s History Month

CRUCIAL PROJECT. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go while riding the train from Shaw Boulevard Station to Santolan Station following the completion ceremony of the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 rehabilitation project at the Shaw Boulevard Station in Mandaluyong City on March 22. Duterte described the newly-rehabilitated MRT-3 as “proof” that the government is keeping its momentum in improving connectivity and mobility, which is critical in sustaining economic growth and development. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano

by JEANNETTE

I. ANDRADE, KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING Inquirer.net

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by GLORIA

T. CAOILE

“WOMEN’S History Month is a time to commemorate and celebrate the oftenoverlooked contributions of women in history. For us Filipino Americans, history is not just the past. It is what we are making as individuals and communities, every single day!” states Jacque de Joya, Chair, NaFFAA Nevada. “On behalf of NaFFAA Nevada, we invite you to celebrate with us Women’s History Month” announces Ms. De Joya. NaFFAA-Nevada’s Women’s History Month event will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 6 p.m. at Dance Starz Café (3399 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146). Tickets are $40.00 per person. “At our evening together, women who

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Can K-6 grade children safely return to school without masks? CHILDREN ages 5-11 have one of the lowest vaccination rates of any group but are now returning to elementary schools which have no masking requirements and do not require them to stay at home if a classmate is infected. “2022 could well be the worst year of the pandemic for children,” said Beth Jarosz, Deputy Director, and Program Director of U.S. Programs for Kids Data, at a March 16 news briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health’s Vaccinate All 58 initiative. The briefing was held during the CDPH’s “Week of Action.” Alarmingly, more than 30 percent of child COVID deaths across the whole pandemic in California have happened just in the first two and a half months of 2022, noted Jarosz. Less than one-third of 5 to 11-year-olds in California are fully vaccinated, she said. One of the bright spots in the state is Imperial County, a largely agricultural region where 58 percent of 5 to11-year-olds have been fully vaccinated, said Jarosz. She credited trusted

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MANILA — A Pasig River wave of pink washed over Emerald Avenue in Pasig City as early as noon on Sunday, March 20 that saw skyscrapers with splashes of presidential candidate Leni Robredo’s color. A predominantly young crowd of at least 137,000, according to the Pasig City police, spilled over to EDSA and adjoining streets from the entire stretch of Emerald at the Ortigas business district. The crowd estimate was later placed by organizers at Tens of thousands of supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo surge like a wave on Emerald 180,000. Avenue in Pasig City during Sunday’s (March 20) “PasigLaban” grand people’s rally. It was by The grand people’s rally, held 50 days far the largest crowd her ticket has gathered 50 days ahead of the May 9 vote. Inquirer.net photo by Elmer Gatchalian before Election Day, was the largest crowd

the ticket has gathered so far. Crafting a so-called Pasig River wave, starting from the main stage, the tail end of the wave could barely be seen from its starting point. The crowding prompted program hosts to remind the audience to strictly observe health protocols and to make sure to call the attention of medics should they feel nauseous due to the warm weather. The PasigLaban grand rally also saw the birth of a “Leni-slide” dance move, to supposedly usher in a win for the

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PH bound by treaty to side with US if First of its kind, a new digital Putin destruction of Ukraine spreads bank caters to the financial by CRISTINA

ELOISA Inquirer.net

BACLIG

MANILA — As the destruction of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin’s military unfolds before the eyes of millions, the United States went all out in its support for the former Soviet republic, drawing reactions from world leaders, including Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. But where Duterte stood in the conflict is still murky although the Philippine ruler has dropped hints. On March 4, Duterte said he believed that the Philippines has to remain neutral

but “in the end,” may have to choose sides between Russia and Ukraine. “For me, we should stay neutral. But reality tells me that in the end, we’ll just have to select which side we will be,” Duterte said. While Duterte has yet to be categorical on which side the Philippine government will be, a more recent statement by Manila’s top diplomat to Washington seemed to unveil plans to support one of the countries involved in the war. The country, however, was neither Ukraine nor Russia. Instead, it was the

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Telecommunications, airlines, expressways and tollways, railways, and shipping in the country will now be open to full foreign ownership after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, March 21 signed into law Republic Act No. 11659 amending the 85-year-old Public Service Act (PSA). The amendment excluded these economic sectors from the definition of public utility in the PSA and are thus no longer subject to the 40-percent foreign ownership cap on public utilities under the 1987 Constitution. The amended PSA limits public utilities to the distribution and transmission of

by DONNABELLE

AJPress

ARAVELO

FILIPINO Americans can now sign up for the first-ever digital bank built with their cross-border financial responsibilities in mind. BayaniPay has tied up with California-based East West Bank  PAGE 3 to launch a pioneering neobank that will cater to the banking needs of more than 4 million Filipinos based in the United

Telco, airlines now open to full foreign ownership by LEILA B. SALAVERRIA ROY STEPHEN C. CANIVEL

needs of growing Filipino American population in US

electricity, petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transmission systems, water pipeline distribution and wastewater pipeline systems, seaports, and public utility vehicles. The president thanked Congress for approving the measure that he said would help lead the country toward economic recovery amid the pandemic. “I believe that through this law, the easing of foreign equity restrictions, we will attract more global investors, modernize several sectors of public service, and improve the delivery of essential services,” Duterte said. “It is also expected to generate more jobs for Filipinos, improve basic services for Filipino consumers, and allow for the exchange of skills and technology with the

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States. A neobank, also referred to as a challenger bank, is a financial technology firm that partners with a traditional bank to provide federally insured banking services. Launched on March 16, BayaniPay’s neobank services will include the Easy Digital Checking Account powered by East West Bank, a Visa

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BayaniPay announced a partnership with East West Bank to bring the first-ever Filipino American neobank to market, offering a digital checking account, a co-branded Visa debit card and a lineup of financial services, like zero-fee remittances to the Philippines.

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MARCH 24-30, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From The FronT Page

Duterte’s party endorses... PAGE 1 has even intensified their gutter ways,” he added. Marcos, running mate of the President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, is running under the Partido

Federal ng Pilipinas party. The duo’s campaign has centered on unity, saying it is the first step to overcome the crisis brought about by the pandemic. As part of its COVID-19

pandemic recovery plan, the UniTeam has pledged to revive the agriculture sector and continue President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program to generate jobs and jumpstart the economy. g

Leni-Kiko Pasig rally draws biggest crowd... PAGE 1

presidential candidate. Senators in the tandem of Robredo and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan delivered their campaign speeches, with Robredo finally addressing the crowd late in the evening. The grand rally ended at 8:45 p.m. False bomb threats Meanwhile, the last surviving members of the 1971-1972 Constitutional Convention assembled under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos regime on Sunday came out in support of Robredo. The 13 signatories — which include Sen. Richard Gordon, Chief Justice Hilario Davide, and lawyer Lilia de Lima — said “only Leni Robredo … meets and fits the highest credentials for the presidency.” “To address and face up to these formidable challenges [facing the country], we need a tried and tested leader who is capable, caring, sincere, focused,

and most of all godly, who does not steal and does not lie,” they added. In supporting Robredo, the 13 delegates cited her concrete action programs, unblemished track record, and her long public service in marginalized sectors of the country as proof that she was more than qualified for the presidency. Gordon, the youngest delegate in the convention, is also a guest candidate on Robredo and Pangilinan’s ticket. On Sunday, the Philippine National Police warned persons posting bomb threats on social media that they could be held liable under a Marcos law punishing false bomb threats. The Facebook page of a group organizing the grand rally in Pangasinan for Robredo and Pangilinan was hounded by bomb threats, possibly from supporters of rival candidates. Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, said in

a message on Sunday that false bomb threats included those posted on social media. “The law is clear on this,” she said, referring to Presidential Decree No. 1727, which was signed into law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1980. Fajardo particularly cited a provision where the law explicitly provides sanctions for “lawless elements and other persons popularly known or described as ‘pranksters,’ having been conveying, propagating or otherwise disseminating false information or willfully making threats regarding the alleged presence of bombs, explosives, incendiary devices, or any similar device or means of destruction in buildings, tenements, and other places, by word of mouth or through the use of telephones, telegraph, the mail, and other means of communication, for the purpose of causing or creating public confusion and disorder.” g

Telco, airlines now open to full foreign... PAGE 1

country’s foreign partners,” he added. Ranked as the third most restrictive economy in the world based on the 2020 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report, the Philippines will benefit from the amended PSA as it will attract foreign capital, generate more jobs, and introduce innovation that can lead to improved quality and lower prices of public services. More jobs, lower prices The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on Monday said the signing of the amended PSA, as well as the earlier enactment of investment-easing measures, made the Duterte administration “very business-friendly.”

“AmCham is thrilled that the bill is being signed today. It is a major legislation that will further open up the Philippines for more foreign investment which will create jobs,” AmCham executive director Ebb Hinchliffe said in a Viber message to the Inquirer. “There are several U.S. companies [which I’m] not at liberty to name at this time that are waiting for the bill to be signed. Add this to the CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) bill, retail trade bill, the amendments to the FIA (Foreign Investments Act), and now PSA, this has been a very business-friendly Congress and administration,” he said. The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), which groups nearly all foreign companies operating

in the country, has described the amended PSA as a gamechanging law. According to JFC, this would match the foreign investment policies of Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. It also complies with commitments the Philippines made in the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement to open investment in services to other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as part of the Asean Economic Community. “We pledge our efforts to bring the reform to the attention of firms in our membercountries in the United States, Australia-New Zealand, Canada, Korea, Japan and Europe. We PAGE 4

First of its kind, a new digital bank caters to... PAGE 1

Debit Card, and zero-fee, faster remittances to the Philippines. Powered by East West Bank, the largest publicly traded bank headquartered in Southern California, BayaniPay users can apply and open a checking account, which will be insured by Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) up to $250,000. It has no minimum deposit or balance maintenance requirements. Associated with the Easy Digital Checking Account, BayaniPay will also offer an East West Bank co-branded Visa debit card that can be used at retailers and in-network automated teller machines (ATMs) across the U.S. The company said soon, the debit card will provide cash back and other rewards on purchases. Many immigrants continue to choose to keep their funds in cash because of the barriers associated with traditional banking, including high fees and paperwork-heavy application processes. The latest data shows that the estimated 4.2 million U.S.-based Filipinos account for $145 billion or 14.4% of the $1.3 trillion Asian American spending power in the U.S. “Despite their significant market size and buying power, no bank has catered to their financial needs and responsibilities both here and in the Philippines,” BayaniPay chief executive officer Winston Damarillo said during the company’s press launch on Wednesday, March 16 in Los Angeles. Damarillo, a serial entrepreneur with three Silicon Valley exits, shared how BayaniPay came about based on his experience migrating to the United States and having to adapt to the country’s banking system. “As an immigrant myself, I’ve had firsthand experience with how financial services for global professionals were solely lacking or came with high fees. That’s why we created BayaniPay,” he said. East West Bank executive vice president and chief operating officer Parker Shi said this is the first time that the bank will make its digital banking platform available to enable banking as a service. “As a premier financial bridge between the United States and

BayaniPay CEO Winston Damarillo speaks to his experience immigrating to the United States and how it helped create the company, which is now the first-ever neobank for Filipino Americans through East West Bank’s digital banking services. He was joined on stage during the company’s press launch by BayaniPay board vice chairman Phillip Thong (center, back) and Parker Shi, East West Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (right). Photos courtesy of BayaniPay

Philippine Consul General Edgar Badajos speaks at BayaniPay’s press launch in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 16.

Asia, we have developed robust digital banking capabilities to meet our customers’ crossborder needs,” Shi said. “We introduced direct-to-consumer digital banking services to provide customers around the world with comprehensive solutions that fit their lifestyle. This partnership enables fintech providers like BayaniPay to embed our products and services to serve a whole new group of customers.” Moreso, BayaniPay customers can also continue to enjoy its core features — market-leading exchange rates and zero-fee remittances, now completed in real-time — when they apply and are approved for the Easy Digital Checking Account. Offering competitive exchange rates, Damarillo said, is a commitment made possible by BayaniPay’s strategic partnership with East West Bank and BDO Unibank Inc., the largest universal bank in

the Philippines, through its subsidiary BDO Remit (USA) Inc. By connecting two banks, BayaniPay is able to take out the middlemen common in many remittance services, Damarillo added. There’s the agent that collects the cash, the bank that stores it, and somebody in the middle in the forex and the other side in the Philippines that you pay for distribution. If you limit that to East West Bank in the U.S. and BDO in the Philippines, it’s pointto-point,” Damarillo said. BayaniPay is able to offer zero-fee remittances because “the customer now is doing everything themselves, by using their apps. Now our job is to bridge the two banks and provide the very powerful and secure application,” he added. In line with this, BayaniPay has also partnered with Seafood City, the largest Filipino-run supermarket chain in the U.S. PAGE 4

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Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2022

PH bound by treaty to side with US if... PAGE 1

United States, a longstanding ally of the Philippines and now an important supporter of Ukraine. ‘If push comes to shove’ According to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Romualdez, Duterte said the Philippine government may open its facilities to the U.S. if Putin’s quest to destroy Ukraine spilled over to Asia. “He [Duterte] says he might not be able to go [to the U.S.] but to give them the assurance that if ever it is needed, the Philippines is ready to offer whatever facilities, or whatever things that the United States will need, being a major, our number one ally, in using the facilities in the Philippines, without any restrictions,” said Romualdez. “He says if they are asking for the support of the Philippines, he was very clear if push comes to shove, the Philippines would be ready to be part of the effort especially if this Ukrainian crisis spills over to the Asian region,” he added. According to Romualdez, Duterte’s assurance is that the Philippines will honor its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States if the situation warranted it. The MDT, signed between the two nations in 1951, calls for both nations to come to each other’s defense in case of an armed attack. “I’m pretty sure that the President meant this to be an emergency situation where— let’s pray that it doesn’t happen— but if this spreads out into our part, the Asian region, for some reason or another, the President obviously sees the need for us to make a choice and our choices, obviously, since we have an MDT with the United States, we have this special relationship, our military alliance,” Romualdez said. Possible locations Duterte, according to Romualdez, has mentioned that the Philippines would be “ready to open its doors” and allow the U.S. to use facilities that might be needed if an “emergency situation” breaks out. In a more recent statement, Duterte said if Putin launched nuclear weapons to achieve his goal of destroying Ukraine, China, a Russian ally, could start the invasion of the Philippines. According to Romualdez, some of the facilities which the

Philippines might allow to be used by U.S. forces could include the former American air and naval bases in Subic, Zambales and Clark in Pampanga. “He said that he is allowing the use of facilities, which I assume would be the use of Clark for instance, for some of the aircraft that the United States may need,” said Romualdez. “And perhaps Subic. We have a repair facility there that is going to be used not only by the United States but by other countries, Japan, Australia, and other countries. It’s a commercial business. Hanjin is now ready to be opened again for use by many of the ships, both private and military ships or Navy ships that may want to use it for repair or for other activities,” he added. The United States maintained a naval base in Subic until 1991 when the Philippine Senate refused to renew a military bases agreement between the two countries. The Philippine decision also led to the dismantling of a U.S. airbase at Clark, Pampanga province. Subic and Clark have since been redeveloped into free ports, bustling economic hubs that have withstood the pandemic. However, Romualdez clarified that while the Philippine government has expressed its willingness to lend its facilities to the U.S., there is no need to craft a new treaty—which would allow the U.S. to establish military bases in the country. “The bases are no longer there. In other words, if the U.S. will need our facilities, it will only be temporary,” he said in an interview over radio station dzBB last March 14. “Most likely it’s only for their supplies or an area in Subic where they can repair their ships,” he added. Divided views Duterte’s statement expressing possible support to the U.S. amid Putin’s destruction of Ukraine, however, was met with mixed reactions. In a statement, Sen. Leila de Lima slammed what she described as “an irresponsible and premature statement” on the Philippines’ supposed role should Putin’s destruction of Ukraine spill over to Asia. According to De Lima, such a statement “engenders an escalation in the language of the conflict” and such is not yet being discussed by leaders of

Europe and the U.S. “The Philippine government should not be issuing statements that are counter-intuitive to conflict resolution and which almost amount to sabre-rattling. The call of NATO and the U.S. is for peace and the withdrawal of Russian forces,” the senator said. “For the Philippines to be talking about its role in the event of the expansion of the conflict, while NATO is even steadfast in its own outright refusal to put NATO boots on Ukrainian soil, only reflects Duterte’s ‘utak pulbura’ world-view,” she added, using a Filipino term for war freak. De Lima, a staunch critic of Duterte, also said that by issuing the statement, Duterte might be putting the U.S. on the spotlight if indeed the U.S. is also projecting a worldwide conflict arising from Putin’s aggression. “Of course, the U.S. is not expected to respond to Duterte’s invitation, premature and irresponsible as it is in light of the critical nature of the U.S. relations with Russia as of present,” said De Lima. “Southeast Asia as of now is still very remote from the conflict, other than feeling the war’s economic repercussions,” she continued. “To talk about Philippine involvement means that the conflict has already expanded to other parts of NATO Europe and the U.S., for the Philippines to be taking into consideration its defense arrangements with the U.S. This also means that the conflict has approached a global scale, heading towards a third world war,” she added. On the other hand, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he believed that the Philippines must be “fully prepared” for a possible spillover of Putin’s aggression to Asia. Lacson said the Philippines must walk the talk, given that the Philippines has already supported the United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We signed the UN General Assembly resolution condemning the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. So we should walk the talk. If our facilities are needed whether it be on land, sea or air, that is but proper,” Lacson said in an interview on radio station dzRH last week. “It is better to be prepared PAGE 4

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NaFFAA-NV celebrates Women’s History...

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we respect and admire will share with us their journey through life with a focus on the women who have influenced them the most. They will encourage us to be bold and live life on our own terms.” exclaims Asela Engel, NaFFAA Nevada Program Chair “Telling their life stories in

their own voices encourages each of us to take pride in our own personal stories.” states Amie Belmonte, NaFFAA NV WHM Committee Member. This promises to be a fun, meaningful evening with surprises to boot! Please send your RSVP no later than March 25, 2022 and

payment to: Zelle – mountaindesert11@ gmil.com w/note WHM22 For Further Information: Asela Engel (702) 812-8737; Amie Belmonte (702) 664-5495; Cynthia Derequito (703)3388570; Olive Enriquez (702)4993908; Veronica Mallard (792) 937-8092. g

First of its kind, a new digital bank caters to... PAGE 1

with an average of about 1 million visits from customers every week. The startup currently has activation booths in stores across California with ambassadors who are helping customers sign up with their accounts. With a minimum remittance of $99 and maximum daily transaction of $1,999, remittances through BayaniPay can be received within 24 hours or less —or 12 hours or less with the digital bank account. Remittances can be claimed through major Philippine banks or any 1,400 BDO branches, 4,400 BDO Unibank ATMs, or over 8,000 BDO Cash Agad outlets; plus rural banks, pawnshop partners, and Cash Pick UP Anywhere locations including: BDO branches, SM Forex, Business Centers, PinoyCenters, Palawan Pawnshop, Banko Mabuhay, Villarica Pawnshop, RD Pawnshop, Card Bank, Bank of Florida, QCRB and Rang-ay Bank. Asked how fool-proof is their system, Damarillo assured that all BayaniPay services will undergo a rigid KYC (know your customer) safety check to ensure seamless and secured digital banking transactions for all app users. “We are backed by two big banks. On the U.S. side, its FDIC insured up to $250,000 and in the Philippines, its Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) insured. At

BayaniPay CEO Winston Damarillo shares the vision of the fintech startup in reaching global professionals, starting with the sizable Filipino American market, during a press launch on Wednesday, March 16 in Los Angeles, where the company is headquartered. Photo courtesy of BayaniPay

the two ends, it’s highly secured to begin with and guaranteed by the federal governments,” he said. “The transmission is between a bank and a bank and the likelihood of the money going away is very less. In addition to that, we’ve shown you the biometric KYC that makes it more secure because of the facial recognition. No remittance companies do that, I think we’re one of the first ones that had it,” he added. Asked about their future expansion plans, Phillip, Thong, vice chairman of the BayaniPay board, said after saturating the U.S. market, they would eventually offer their digital platform services to other countries with large Filipino immigrant populations like Canada. BayaniPay, which entered the market in November 2021

offering remittances, was formed in partnership with Talino Ventures Labs, the Asian Journal, and Wavemaker Partners. (The Asian Journal is a partner of BayaniPay but maintains editorial independence.) “It is beneficial not only to overseas Filipino families but also to the Philippine economy. For all these things, the arrival of BayaniPay is such a wonderful thing. But what makes it more remarkable is that it was developed by Filipinos for overseas Filipinos,” said Philippine Consul General Edgar Badajos during Wednesday’s launch. BayaniPay will initially be available to California residents sending money to the Philippines. The company plans to offer its financial services to other states in the coming months. g

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MARCH 24-30, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Telco, airlines now open to full foreign... PAGE 2

will encourage them to invest in the Philippines and support better public services for the Filipino people with capital and technology,” JFC earlier said. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, who is also chair of the Board of Investments, had also said that such an amendment to the PSA would pave the way for more foreign investments in the Philippines. “Foreign equity restrictions will be eased, which will attract more global players that will modernize several sectors such as telecommunications, shipping, airlines, railway, and subways. Similarly, there will be increased competition in terms of services and products which will generate better quality of services and competitive pricing to the benefit of the consumers. Higher investments will also generate more jobs and income for the people,” Lopez said. “I am confident that we can make economic recovery happen in the Philippines this year.

With the amended [PSA], we expect the entry of new foreign investors and the introduction of modern and new technologies in these sectors,” he said. Retail trade easing The amendment of the PSA completes the three foreign investment liberalization bills pushed by the Duterte economic team instead of amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which would have taken a longer time and has been controversial despite attempts to amend only its economic provisions—among the most restrictive in the world that has made the Philippines a laggard in attracting foreign investments in Asean. In April last year, President Duterte urged Congress to fasttrack three bills that would further open up the economy to more foreign investors and, according to his economic managers, help the economy recover from pandemic-induced recession. In an April 12, 2021, letter to Senate President Vicente

Dateline USa

Sotto III and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, the president said he certified the immediate passage of amendments to the PSA, the FIA, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act. The team had argued that foreigners’ bigger participation in local industries would not only further promote domestic competition but also create more jobs. The amended FIA is positioned to attract more foreign investments amid the COVID-19 pandemic as it provides less stringent requirements for potential foreign investors to enter the Philippine market. The proposed amendment to the retail trade law seeks to bring down the ceiling for the capital required of foreign-led retailers to set up shop in the Philippines. Duterte signed RA 11595 amending the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 in January 2022, while RA 11647, which amended the FIA of 1991, was signed last March 2. g

PH bound by treaty to side with US if... PAGE 3

than be surprised,” the senator said, adding that the Philippines “must be consistent—we must maintain close ties with allies who will help ensure our security from external threats.” Aside from the economic consequences of Putin’s aggression—which are already being felt in the Philippines through oil prices–it is not yet clear what consequences the Philippines might suffer once the U.S. finally uses facilities in the country, as Duterte has stated. However, early on, Putin has already made a clear and chilling warning against countries that will provide aid and support to Ukraine as his forces push forward to the former Soviet republic as part of what the dictator described as a “special military operation.” “Whoever tries to hinder us, or threaten our country or our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to consequences that you have never faced in your history,” Putin said in a televised broadcast last Feb. 24. “We are ready for any turn of events. All necessary decisions in this regard have been made.

I hope that I will be heard,” he added. Despite Putin’s warning, however, U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. allies imposed a series of swift and sweeping sanctions against Putin and Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. These tough penalties by the U.S., as well as its Western allies, aimed to impose extreme economic costs on Russia and its people. The U.S. has also been sending military support to Ukraine since the attacks started last Feb. 24, which included so-called lethal aid or weapons. Last March 17, Biden approved an additional P41.9B ($800M) for its military aid package to Ukraine, bringing the cost of total U.S. security aid to Ukraine since the Putin invasion began to P52B ($1B). The lethal aid included sophisticated weapons like the Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile system and the Stinger shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile system. Both weapons systems had been described as “fire and forget” because of the ease with which these could be launched by a single soldier and their accuracy. For the first time, Biden also

called Putin a “war criminal.” A few days earlier, on March 11, the U.S. Senate approved the P712B ($13.6B) emergency military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine and its European allies—P340B will be given to the Pentagon while P350B will go to care for refugees. So far, Russia has only produced and approved a list of countries and territories that have conducted “unfriendly actions” against Russia and its citizens over Putin’s bid to destroy Ukraine. On the list, according to a report by Al Jazeera, were Albania, Andorra, Australia, Great Britain, including Jersey, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, European Union member states, Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, United States, Taiwan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland, and Japan. Tension continued to escalate between the Russian government and the U.S. as concerns were expressed over Chinese military aid to Putin, a close ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping. g

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FUEL DEPOT. Petron gas station supervisor Joseph Balmes (left), 41, holds the inner safety sealed lock of a fuel storage while refilling a gas tanker on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, March 22. Oil firms have implemented a big-time rollback in pump prices -- P11.45 per liter for diesel, P5.45 per liter for gasoline and P8.55 per liter for kerosene. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Can K-6 grade children safely return to school... PAGE 1 partners and community-based organizations for getting the word out about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for children. “A lot of people believe that kids don’t get COVID. But what we find is that they are getting it, but it’s not as severe as in adults. But thousands of children have been hospitalized with COVID, and hundreds of children have died from COVID,” said pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Miller of the Oaklandbased East Bay Pediatrics. Parents who are vaccinated themselves are often reluctant to get their younger children vaccinated. “They’re not sure that the disease is severe, they’re not sure that they believe that the kids are going to get that sick,” said Miller, drawing upon her own experience with the parents of her patients. “Some families worried that the vaccine affects fertility in their reproductive years,” or that “corners were cut in the production of this vaccine” which could lead to longer-term consequences. “There’s no data that shows this at all,” Miller stressed. “In fact, the data suggests the opposite… that this vaccine is safe and effective. It’s been rigorously tested. No corners were cut, and no steps were skipped in the approval of this vaccine.” Dr. Sohil Sud, who leads the Safe Schools for All initiative of the California Department of Public Health, pointed to downward trends in the numbers of new

infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. At the peak of Omicron last year, one out of every four tests administered for COVID was positive; that number is down to 1 out of every 100. Hospitalization and death rates from COVID mirror that trend, said Sud, who is a pediatrician with two children in the 5 to 11 year range . Given the dramatic drops, California has changed its policy guidelines for schools, he said. As of March 12, students in California are no longer required to wear masks in schools; the state has transitioned from a mask mandate to a “strong recommendation.” “This means we are still asking students and staff to continue wearing, just as we stated for the general public a few weeks ago. But the state no longer requires that schools track and enforce this,” said Sud, adding that school districts can still choose to make a local masking requirement: the state has released guidelines on how to effectively do so. The state is also encouraging school districts to use a notification based model for managing students exposed to COVID-19 at school, instead of a quarantine based model. Sud explained that if someone in class has COVID, they should isolate at home. But others exposed to that individual can and should stay in school, wearing a mask, and being on high alert for symptoms. The state also aims to get more children vaccinated by providing

vaccine clinics at school sites and providing test kits for students to take home. “I think we’re taking steps in the right direction. We’ve come a long way since schools were first shut down two years ago,” said Sud. Dr. Veronica Kelley, chief of mental health services at the Orange County Health Care Agency, spoke about the profound mental health impacts of COVID isolation on K-6 grade children. “They’re sitting at a kitchen table with Zoom for school, and they aren’t surrounded by their friends. They interact with their friends and other adults differently,” she said. In 2021, children’s hospitals in California reported a 14 percent increase in mental health emergencies, and a startling 42 percent increase in self-harm, which included suicide attempts. “Our kids have experienced many losses, including missing the first day of school, missing graduation, participating in sports and ceremonies like Quinceañeras and baptisms,” said Kelley. She noted that an estimated 167,000 children in the state have lost a parent or caregiver to COVID. Distress in kids can show up as irritability, anger, changes in behavior and sleep patterns. “So, if you see something, let your kid know that you are there, and don’t be afraid to ask a health professional for help. There are a lot of free resources available through every county,” said Kelley. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2022

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Dateline PhiliPPines

‘PH economy to grow fastest in Southeast Asia in 2022’ by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of rich nations expects the Philippine economy to grow fastest in Southeast Asia this year, even as its labor market could take time to recover due to the scarring inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In its “Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India 2022” report launched on Tuesday afternoon (Manila time), the OECD projected 7-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippines in 2022, at the lower end of the government’s 7 to 9 percent target. “The outlook is for robust growth. A faster implementation of investment projects in infrastructure, plus the recovery in cash remittances by overseas Filipino workers constitute upside

risks to the forecast, although pandemic-related uncertainties continue to tilt the risk balance to the downside,” the OECD said. The OECD’s estimated real GDP growth in the Philippines this year outpaced the forecasts of 5.2-percent expansion for Indonesia, 6-percent growth for Malaysia, 3.8 percent for Thailand, 6.5 percent for Vietnam, 3.5 percent for Brunei Darussalam, 4 percent for Singapore, 5.6 percent for Cambodia, and 4.6 percent for Laos. Myanmar’s GDP, on the other hand, was forecast by the OECD to shrink by 0.3 percent. Including other emerging Asia economies, the Philippines’ estimated economic growth this year would also outpace China’s 5.1 percent, but below India’s 8.1 percent. For 2023, the OECD projected the Philippine economy to grow by 6.1 percent, also within the government’s 6 to 7 percent goal. However, the OECD said

the COVID-19 pandemic “inflicted substantial damage on labor markets in emerging Asia — this deterioration has been particularly acute in the Philippines and Vietnam.” Last week, the government conceded that while the 6.4-percent unemployment rate last January dipped to its lowest during this prolonged pandemic, the number of jobless Filipinos would have been smaller than the 2.93 million at the start of this year if not for the stricter restrictions imposed during the Omicron-induced surge in infections. “In terms of individual sectors across emerging Asia, the impact has been especially heavy for the micro-, small- and mediumsized enterprises. Sectors of the economy that are especially cyclical, and indeed those that rely on face-to-face interactions, have endured the gravest job losses since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis,” the OECD said. g

8,900 US and PH troops join forces for Balikatan by JOhn

eric MendOza Inquirer.net

MANILA — A total of 8,900 members of the Philippine and American military will join forces for the upcoming Balikatan exercises this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday, March 22.

The largest military exercises of the two longtime allies will take place over Luzon from March 28 to April 8, the AFP said in a statement. AFP said some 3,800 military personnel and 5,100 U.S. military forces will train to “to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures

that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” according to Major General Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General. This year’s Balikatan is much bigger than 2021, which only saw some 1,000 Filipino and American troops. g

5

Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov

STATE OF NEVADA ) ) ss: COUNTY OF CLARK ) I, JOSEPH P. GLORIA, the duly appointed Registrar of Voters of Clark County, Nevada, do hereby certify that the following State, District, County, Town Advisory Board, and Township offices are the offices for which candidates are to be nominated at the Primary Election to be held on the 14th day of June, 2022, in Clark County, Nevada. Judicial and Non-Judicial candidate filing will be conducted March 7th through March 18th, 2022. Candidates filing for district offices and candidates filing for municipal offices will file within their own jurisdiction at the following locations: • Candidate Filing (Judicial and non-judicial): Clark County Government Center, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, 1st floor, Pueblo Room, Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm • City of Boulder City, City Clerk’s Office 401 California Avenue, Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 6:00pm; Closed on Fridays; except Thursday, March 17, 2022 open from 7:00am – 5:00pm • City of Henderson, City Clerk’s Office, 240 Water Street, Monday – Thursday 7:30am – 5:30pm; except Friday, March 18, 2022 open from 8:00am – 5:00pm

FEDERAL PARTISAN OFFICES UNITED STATES SENATE, 6-year term REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 2-year term Districts 1, 3, and 4* STATE PARTISAN OFFICES GOVERNOR, 4-year term LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, 4-year term SECRETARY OF STATE, 4-year term STATE TREASURER, 4-year term STATE CONTROLLER, 4-year term ATTORNEY GENERAL, 4-year term STATE SENATE, 4-year term Districts 2, 8, 9, 10, 12, 20, and 21

• City of Las Vegas, City Clerk’s Office, 495 S. Main Street, Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm • City of North Las Vegas, City Clerk’s Office, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 5:45pm; except Friday, March 18, 2022 open form 8:00am – 5:00pm • City of Mesquite, City Clerk’s Office, 10 East Mesquite Boulevard, Monday – Thursday 7:30am – 5:00pm Offices identified with asterisks (*) represent districts that are shared with other counties. Candidates for those offices will file with the Secretary of State at the Las Vegas or Carson City offices.

CONSTABLE, MESQUITE TOWNSHIP, 4-year term CONSTABLE, MOAPA TOWNSHIP, 4-year term CONSTABLE, MOAPA VALLEY TOWNSHIP, 4-year term CONSTABLE, NORTH LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP, 4-year term

CITY OFFICE (ALL NONPARTISAN) LAS VEGAS

MOAPA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, LOGANDALE, 4-year term MOAPA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, OVERTON Vote for two 1 Seat, 4-year term 1 Seat, 2-yar unexpired term

COUNTY RECORDER, 4-year term

COUNCILMAN WARD 2, CITY OF LAS VEGAS, 4-year term COUNCILMAN WARD 4, CITY OF LAS VEGAS, 4-year term COUNCILMAN WARD 6, CITY OF LAS VEGAS, 4-year term

VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, MESQUITE, 4-year term Vote for two

COUNTY CLERK, 4-year term

COUNCIL WARD III, CITY OF HENDERSON, 4-year term

TRUSTEE, CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL, 4-year term Districts D, F and G

COUNTY PARTISAN OFFICES

COUNTY ASSESSOR, 4-year term

MAYOR, CITY OF HENDERSON, 4-year term MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE, DEPT. 2, CITY OF HENDERSON, 6-year term

VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, MESQUITE, 4-year term Vote for two

DISTRICT ATTORNEY, 4-year term

CITY OFFICE (ALL NONPARTISAN) HENDERSON

CONSTABLE, SEARCHLIGHT TOWNSHIP Office eliminated on April 20, 2021. Not on ballot in 2022. See Clark County Ordinance 2.15.010.

STATE ASSEMBLY, 2-year term Districts 1 through 23, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36*, 37, 41, and 42

COUNTY COMMISSION, 4-year term Districts E, F, and G

COUNCIL MEMBER, BOULDER CITY, 4-year term

VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, BUNKERVILLE, 4-year term MOAPA VALLEY TELEVISION MAINTENANCE DISTRICT Vote for not more than five 2 Seats, 4-year term 3 Seats, 2-year unexpired term

MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE, DEPT. 1, CITY OF LAS VEGAS, 6-year term MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE, DEPT. 4, CITY OF LAS VEGAS, 6-year term MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE, DEPT. 6, CITY OF LAS VEGAS, 6-year term CITY OFFICE (ALL NONPARTISAN) MESQUITE COUNCIL MEMBER, SEAT 1, CITY OF MESQUITE, 4-year term

OVERTON POWER DISTRICT 1, OVERTON, 4-year term

COUNCIL MEMBER, SEAT 3, CITY OF MESQUITE, 4-year term

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR, 4-year term

OVERTON POWER DISTRICT 2, LOGANDALE, 4-year term

COUNCIL MEMBER, SEAT 4, CITY OF MESQUITE, 4-year term

STATE AND DISTRICT NONPARTISAN OFFICES

OVERTON POWER DISTRICT 4, BUNKERVILLE, 4-year term

CITY OFFICE (ALL NONPARTISAN) NORTH LAS VEGAS

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, 6-year term Seats A and E

OVERTON POWER DISTRICT 6, MESQUITE, 4-year term

MAYOR, CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS, 4-year term

TOWN ADVISORY BOARD, BUNKERVILLE, 2-year term Vote for not more than five

COUNCIL MEMBER, WARD 1, CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS, 4-year term

TOWN ADVISORY BOARD, LAUGHLIN, 2-year term Vote for not more than five

COUNCIL MEMBER, WARD 3, CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS, 4-year term

TOWN ADVISORY BOARD, MOAPA, 2-year term Vote for not more than five

MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE, DEPT. 2, CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS, 6-year term

TOWN ADVISORY BOARD, MOAPA VALLEY, 2-year term Vote for not more than five

MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE, DEPT. 1, CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS, 2-year term

TOWN ADVISORY BOARD, SEARCHLIGHT, 2-year term Vote for not more than five

TOWNSHIP NONPARTISAN OFFICES

COUNTY TREASURER, 4-year term

COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE, 6-year term Departments 1, 2, and 3 DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, 4-year unexpired term (Clark County Eighth Judicial District) Department 11 REGENT, STATE UNIVERSITY, 6-year term Districts 6, 7, 8* and 13 COUNTY NONPARTISAN OFFICE CONSTABLE, BOULDER TOWNSHIP, 4-year term CONSTABLE, BUNKERVILLE TOWNSHIP, 4-year term

SHERIFF, 4-year term

CONSTABLE, GOODSPRINGS TOWNSHIP, 4-year term

CITY OFFICE (ALL NONPARTISAN) BOULDER CITY

CONSTABLE, HENDERSON TOWNSHIP, 4-year term

MAYOR, BOULDER CITY, 4-year term

CONSTABLE, LAUGHLIN TOWNSHIP, 4-year term

COUNCIL MEMBER, BOULDER CITY, 4-year term

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP, 6-year term Departments 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, and 16 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP, 2-year unexpired term Department 10

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the County Seal at my office in North Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada this 17th day of March 2022

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, arrive at Subic Bay International Airport ahead of Balikatan 22 in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters (Seal)

AMENDED PUB: March 25, 2022, Las Vegas Asian Journal

6

MARCH 24-30, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPiniOn

Double Barrel Finale

FeatURes

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

WITH pandemic restrictions eased last year despite two deadly COVID surges, the Philippines improved a notch in the latest World Happiness Report of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The rankings are not based on cheerfulness and the ease by which people find happiness, but on quality of life indicators using three-year data from the Gallup World Poll: gross domestic product, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption. With the pandemic dragging the country into its worst recession, the Philippines fell from 52nd place in the 2020 report to 61st in the 2021 rankings, improving slightly to 60th this year among 146 countries. Not surprisingly, the advanced economies have consistently led in the World Happiness Report. This year, Finland maintained its top ranking, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Rounding out the top 10 are Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Israel and New Zealand. At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan. The

rest of the 10 least happy countries are Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Botswana, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines at least ranked second after Singapore, which placed 27th. Thailand followed the Philippines closely at 61st place, ahead of Malaysia (70th place), Vietnam (77th), Indonesia (87th), Laos (95th), Cambodia (114th) and Myanmar at 126th. Brunei was not included. Considering the hardships caused by the pandemic, 60th place is not too bad. The Philippines has a strong social support network, which helped people cope with the pandemic. Filipinos, however, also face serious and long-entrenched problems such as corruption and human rights issues, including the killings of thousands of drug suspects and the murders – many unsolved indigenous groups and environmental advocates. – of militants, journalists, legal professionals, The COVID pandemic highlighted the weaknesses

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS ARGUING in favor of keeping family dynasties alive and kicking in Philippine politics, the son and namesake of the deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos says he wants to "serve", sister Imee wants to "serve", his son Sandro also wants to "serve" and is “very qualified” to run for Congress. It seems the word “serve” has been used and abused by politicians especially during election season. The Oxford Dictionary defines the word “serve”: perform duties or services for another person or an organization. In the context of politics, to serve is more of “giving” of one’s self for the greater good, offering one’s time, effort, even resources and denying one’s own needs and wants to fulfill the solemn vow of “serving” the people. Public office is actually a position of “service” — elected officials earn meager salaries and are held up to a higher standard of ethics and morality because public office is accorded with public trust in governing the country and managing hard earned taxpayers’ money that is used to finance all government spending to provide service to the people. Public servants are also role models of abiding by and defending the Constitution and the rule of law. This is where I am having

Demand and Supply BOO CHANCO THERE was this story about a politician who was told by his son that he wanted to take up engineering as a career. The politician objected and told his son he should take after him because politicians make more money. Besides, who will inherit the family business? A powerpoint presentation by UP professors (Tadem and Tadem) revealed that out of the 200 elected House of Representatives, 169 (84.5 percent) were members of pre1972 traditional families. This signified the continuing general trend in Philippine politics whereby 70 percent of the 15th Philippine Congress is dynastic. It is not any better now, and most likely it is worse. Political dynasties used to infest LGUs and the lower house of Congress. But now, it is at the Senate too. The next Senate is likely to have a mother and son, a father and daughter, a brother and sister and two half brothers. Why should four families be over represented

Philstar.com photo

of public health care. The country cannot rest at 60th place; it can still do better. (Philstar.com)

Bongbong Marcos professes he is running for president to ‘serve’ amid his tax evasion conviction and the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth and P203 billion unpaid estate tax

difficulty swallowing and digesting Bongbong Marcos’ claim that he is running for President to “serve’, especially in light of his record of breaking the law and serving his own needs above the needs of the people he professes to want to serve. Bongbong Marcos was convicted in 1995 of failing to file his income tax returns for several years while he was supposedly “serving” the people of Ilocos Norte as their Vice-Governor, and later as Governor. Bongbong broke the law enacted by his own father Ferdinand when he was the country’s president. On top of Bongbong's income tax delinquency, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine Commision on Good Governance (PCGG) confirmed that the Marcos Family owes the Philippines a whopping P23 Billion in estate tax (inheritance tax) that has ballooned to P 203 Billion, including interests and penalties, for failure to pay their obligation to the country in violation of Philippine laws. BIR chief Caesar Dulay said “the BIR did send a written demand to the Marcos heirs on December 2, 2021 regarding their tax liabilities,"disputing Bongbong Marcos’ claims that this case was still pending and that this report was fake news. Bongbong is fully aware of these obligations. This man who wants to be President is “not only aware of his family’s

stolen wealth but has also been a key administrator of the Marcos estate since his father, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, died in exile" in 1989, according to Ruben Carranza, a former commissioner of the PCGG.. "That P203 billion, if you do not collect that in five years, you do not even send a demand letter that prescribes, hindi mo na makolekta yan (you can no longer collect that),” Carpio warned in a report by the Inquirer. Add to that P125 Billion in ill-gotten wealth. "That’s really the problem. If Bongbong Marcos becomes president, I do not expect the P125 billion to be recovered anymore. He’ll probably abolish the PCGG,” Carpio added. True enough, Bongbong said he was ‘open” to "recreating" the PCGG so it would not be “anti-Marcos” as he alleged it was created postPeople Power Revolution of 1986. Read that as "goodbye P125 Billion dollars". The P328 billion worth of “illgotten” wealth and unpaid taxes from the Marcos family may no longer be recovered if former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. gets elected as president, Carpio warned. THAT is a LOT of taxpayers’ money that is supposed to go toward services for the needs of the Filipino people especially during these challenging times. Just how much is that money? In President Rodrigo Duterte’s

Family business

at the Senate? Academics trace our political dynasties to the Spanish era. Traditional political families have ruled in local governments where they monopolize political power and public offices from generation to generation, and treat the public elective office almost as their personal property. To a great extent, the perpetuation of poverty and underdevelopment, socioeconomic inequality, and the continuing prevalence of massive corruption can be blamed on political dynasties. The families have no incentive to do good. They have locked in political power forever. It is not just in rural areas. Cities within Metro Manila suffer from political dynasties too. One city has a husband as congressman in one district, his wife in another, the brother is mayor and a sister is senator. Many cities in NCR have not had a mayor with a different surname for decades. These personal political fiefdoms explain the strong resistance to an elected Metro Manila government that could better manage the whole region. For this year’s presidential

election, Julio C. Teehankee, a political science professor at De La Salle University, noted the creation of an alliance of powerful families. This marks the peak of dynastic politics, Teehankee said. It seems to be aimed at protecting them from lawsuits and political persecution. Another study noted that a majority of the positions in government are held by politicians who are members of political dynasties. When incumbents can no longer run due to term limits, those who would take their place may even have no previous political background or experience except their family connections. In a study done in 2012 by economists Beja, Mendoza, Venida, and Yap, it was estimated that 40 percent of all provinces in the Philippines have a provincial governor and congressman who are related in some way. Another 2014 study done by Querubin of the Department of Politics in New York University estimates 50 to 70 percent of all politicians are involved or associated in a political dynasty within the Philippines. The same study concluded that approximately 70 percent of all

2022 budget, the Department of Education got P36.8 billion. The Department of Health was given P188.3 billion. Rappler reported that “to provide support for the most vulnerable sectors of society who took a hit from the pandemic’s impact on the economy, P5 billion has been allocated for the government’s social amelioration program while P25.02 billion is going to social pension for indigent senior citizens” Furthermore, the budget provided for the program called “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (under the social welfare department) gets P39.87 billion. The conditional cash transfer program for poor households, called the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, was given P107.67 billion”. DO YOU SEE how much the Marcoses willfully stole from us and deprived the Filipino people of the much-needed help we need by choosing not to pay their debts and taxes? These are the basic services needed by the poor Filipinos for education, health, amelioration services alone in one year? How many lives could have been saved? How many more children could have been sent to college to fulfill their dreams of saving their families from poverty? How many parents could have chosen to stay in the Philippines instead of leaving their children so they could

work abroad to support their families? How many farmers and fishermen and small businesses could have been helped to recover from their losses? And this Bongbong Marcos wants to be President to “serve”? I read from social media: If Bongbong really wanted to serve, he and his family could have paid their taxes and obligation in a timely manner! But they chose to wait and wait and wait until these debts prescribed. Poor Filipinos got conned by the Marcos family! WHY is Bongbong running for President? Reuters reported: “Political analysts say at 64, his run could be the family's last chance to return to the Presidential Palace. Mother Imelda, a formidable force behind the Marcos political machinery, is 92”. The Marcos family hired the services of Cambridge Analytica, a British political consulting firm “to erase the 1986 (people power) revolution, and to restore the glory and fully rehabilitate the image of the Marcos regime.” This in included inundating us with the toxicity of fake news and troll farms. “His push for the presidency has been aided by what political analysts say has been a decades-long public relations effort to alter public perception of his family and supporters. Critics accuse the Marcoses of attempting to rewrite history,”

Reuters reported. This is also why Bongbong Marcos is shunning the debates. He complained the same questions are being asked all the time. Certainly he did not want to be transparent and accountable, nor did he want to apologize for his and his family's transgressions against the Filipino people. They invested a lot of money in brainwashing the Filipino people, after all. "Perception is real. Truth is not," Imelda Marcos said in an interview with Lauren Greenfield in the docu-movie "The Kingmaker". The Marcos mantra. Money. Power. Marcos Family brand. And Sandro, Bongbong’s son, is next in line to continue “serving”, unless we, the Filipino people, break this Marcos curse with the power of our vote. ***

jurisdiction-based legislators in the current Congress are involved in a political dynasty, with 40 percent of them having ties to legislators who belonged to as far as three Congresses prior. It is also said that 77 percent of legislators between the ages of 26 to 40 are also dynastic, which indicates that the second and third generations of political dynasties in the Philippines have begun their political careers as well. The term “relative” refers to anyone with a family connection such as a wife, a son or daughter, a cousin, etc. Sometimes, even a mistress. The party list system should have alleviated the problem somewhat. But the political dynasties managed to use it as well to expand their representation in the lower house of Congress. The current Constitution has a provision that calls on Congress to pass an anti-political dynasty law. Of course that never happened. Over the last 35 years, Congress simply ignored the Constitutional mandate. The old ruling elite, national and local, has succeeded in perpetuating power in their hands. This also explains why there is no fear of anti-corruption laws because the next administration is likely to be headed by a family

member. There is no danger of being held accountable for corrupt acts. That makes a public office nothing more than a family business. A mayor’s relatives set up construction, office supply, and other businesses that can corner contracts from the LGU. There is little distinction between the money of taxpayers and that of the ruling families. No wonder sons and daughters of powerful dynastic officials do not have to sweat it out in a real productive job outside of government. Genetics provide them a guaranteed means of supporting themselves from cradle to grave. Yet, there are dynastic politicians who first did well in private business. But they still get wives, sons, and daughters into politics to protect the business. This gives them an unfair advantage through influence in government decision making. The people have the power to stop this debilitating characteristic of our democracy. We can end political dynasties through the ballot. But our social and economic circumstances make that impossible. The poor are particularly indebted many times over to these families one way or another. One study I read classified

political dynasties two ways: the thin dynasty and the obese dynasty. In the thin dynasty, family members take turns in serving. In obese dynasties, they take all the positions they can at one time, as in the case I cited earlier. Those of us who can, should start to do our nation a favor and simply not vote for any candidate who is part of an obese dynasty. Serving one after another is probably alright under our circumstances. But there are more than enough qualified independent candidates to vote for instead of members of obese family dynasties. In a properly functioning democratic government, public office is a public trust, an opportunity to serve the common good. Given a public servant’s salary, a true public servant should leave public office poorer rather than richer. Getting rich in public office is a sure sign of corruption, a betrayal of the public trust. (Philstar.com) ***

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** 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

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.

*** Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@

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Martha Millan grabs the spotlight as an undocumented Filipino character in ‘The Cleaning Lady’ by

MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

MEET Martha Millan, a Filipino actress who recently made a splash in the barrier-breaking and history-setting Fox series The Cleaning Lady as Fiona de la Rosa, an undocumented immigrant in America. The Cleaning Lady’s diverse cast is led by French-Cambodian Elodie Yung who fans might recognize as Elektra on the Netflix series Daredevil. The show has broken barriers by having Southeast Asian leads and a core storyline as it celebrates diversity, not just in the cast and the issues it tackles but also in the people involved in it, from the writers, producers, editors, and directors. The series premiere became the highest-rated new drama debut in two years for Fox. It’s not every day that Filipinos are treated to a mainstream series (or a Spiderman film, hello Ned’s Lola) where we can hear the characters converse in Filipino so when we see it happen, we rejoice. “It’s wonderful. I mean, to be honest with you it is the first time I get to dive into a role completely as Filipino and flesh it out over a season,” Millan told the Asian Journal. “So it’s just been an incredible ride and my family who is also Filipino are eating it up because they see all the references here and there, and obviously, my accent is

slightly Filipino, Filipino enough for them to enjoy.” Millan describes her experience doing the show as “an amazing journey right from the beginning.” The global pandemic has just started and she was teaching acting workshops online at the time because there was no work. Her manager asked her to do a self-tape for an audition which was then sent to the casting directors. She got a callback and eventually booked the job as the pandemic peaked and plateaued. They shot the pilot pre-vaccine and she remembers flying in from New York to Albuquerque to shoot it and to be on the set where everybody was masked. “We’ve been so blessed that everybody on set is just so lovable. I mean, we’re all like family off the set. The children who play my kids - Sean Lew, who plays Chris and Faith Bryant, she plays my daughter Jazz - they’re just so down to earth and so just real and loving,” Millan said. “Elodie and I have become very close off set as well. So that also transcends through the screen.” She first met Elodie through Zoom and felt the chemistry right away. The relationship has evolved into a deep friendship similar to their characters on the show.

Elodie Yung and Martha Millan play cleaning ladies in the Fox series. Yung is Thony dela Rosa, a Cambodian doctor married to a Filipino while Millan is Fiona dela Rosa, an undocumented immigrant and Thony’s sister-in-law. Photos from ©2022 Fox Media LLC

“She was so lovely and she had her props ready. And we were just really bonding online. It was just an amazing kind of process to experience especially since normally you’re in the room with people and this is the first time that it was all through Zoom and yeah, it was just magical,” Millan shared. “And now it being out there, the response has been so positive, and you just never know shows have been taken by the viewers and especially this being such a groundbreaking show.” Filipino stuff Bits and pieces of Filipino culture and issues make it to the show. From an episode title (“Kabayan”) to a Filipino movie or teleserye playing on the background to the names on the end credits – an editor by the name of Diva Magpayo, music by Ruby Ibarra, an episode directed by Marie Jamora – to the numerous Tagalog words blurted by the characters, there definitely was no shortage. And then there’s Lou Diamond Phillips in a guest role. “It was extremely intimidating. I mean, not because of him, just me because he was…it was our first movie as a family that we saw in the cinema – La Bamba,” Millan recalled. She remembered feeling so nervous that she was actually going to be acting with him that she couldn’t get her first line out. “He is so gracious and humble, and just so much fun on set and giving as an actor. It was just an amazing experience to work with him. And then on top of that, his real daughter plays his daughter on there. So it’s kind of family feeling on set and it was very touching to see them work together as father and daughter but it was an incredible experience.” she said. Episode 6 was directed by Marie Jamora, a Filipino American director and writer. Millan describes her as amazing and working with her is a real honor. “She communicates with the actors in a very nurturing way and it allowed me just to be safe and comfortable to explore all sides of the scenes whenever we’re working,” she shared. “She has so much energy and she’s just so sweet as well. At the end of the shoot, she brought in all these Filipino treats like bibingka and ube for everybody to eat and sugar up. Journey to Down Under Millan’s family immigrated from the Philippines to Australia when she was only four years old. Her mother is from

Pampanga while her father is from Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. They’re still based down under and Millan gets to go home and visit them once in a while. “My mother, she’s the matriarch of the family. She’s the first one that actually immigrated there and then brought her whole family, eight brothers, and sisters over to Australia and it was something very special to me, obviously with the show,” she shared. “I can relate a lot of my experiences, of the transitions that my family had, to the experiences that Fiona is having with her children as well.” She admitted that she saw herself in the fights that her character Fiona had with her son Chris. “I saw myself as Chris and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I was such a little brat.’ I know who he is and that was me. So I really empathize with my parents, I probably put them through hell growing up,” she said laughing. Millan’s parents thought that her dream of becoming a performer was just going to be a phase especially since she was already accepted at the University of Sydney where she was going to take either business, law, or communications. “And then I ended up doing English history, Greek mythology, and stuff. I needed to take a break and my mother was ‘Well, you can’t just go gallivanting around this joy courses’ and I said, ‘Okay, fine. I’m going to take a summer course in acting in LA’ so I actually took it and I loved it,” she shared. When she visited some family in New York, she applied to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and got accepted. “I guess they just kind of had to give up on their idea of what I was supposed to be, especially since I already started working and financially supporting myself doing what I love to do. So, yeah, they’re very proud though. They’re so supportive. I mean, every week I get feedback and reviews from them.” Creating Fiona “Initially I thought that I was very different from her but now watching it, I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness. I think there are too many similarities,’” she said. “She is a very strong woman, but at the same time, in the way she handles her situation of being undocumented, a single mother and these are all extraordinary situations, that her Filipinoness of being light-hearted – always finding a way to kind of dance, eat, laugh through those times, I think was essential to her character.”

Martha Millan plays the role of Fiona dela Rosa in the Fox series ’The Cleaning Lady’

Millan said she wanted to amplify those things about her that she knew growing up were very important as Filipinos. She related with the fire that Fiona had and her resilience and wove it into the way she attacked the role. She knew that the character was complex enough for her to shift from strong and feisty to caring and vulnerable, approaching it with a nuanced and tempered perspective. “For me, I knew that this was reality for many people in terms of being undocumented, a single mother, and I wanted to be careful in how I portrayed that because these are human beings dealing with emotional and extraordinary circumstances,” she said. From Rejection to Representation Millan has been working as an actor for 25 years now. Eagle-eyed fans might recognize her for her stint in HBO shows such as Entourage and Succession. As someone in the industry, she knows all too well that there’s so much rejection to deal with in show business that she learned to build a certain layer so she could move forward and continue to fight. She has faced multiple rejections in her career, not because she couldn’t act but because she was either “too Asian” or “not Asian enough” for the token Asian role that she was up against other Asian American talents.

“And you know, back then 25 years ago, the roles were very limited for Asians in general, and then to be specific for Filipinos. You end up playing stereotypes, but in a way that you couldn’t show the humanity, it was very just like a two-dimensional portrayal,” she revealed. That is why she appreciates that showrunners Miranda Kwok and Melissa Carter wanted to create a platform for marginalized people and show the humanity in them. “So, for me, the representation is necessary only because the world is changed in how we see ourselves, we’re constantly on social media where we are exposed to so many cultures,” she explained. “To ignore that, for the media to ignore that is a disadvantage in not representing those cultures because that’s what people want to see now in terms of different con-

Carla breaks ground for her dream home No longer the young belter, Mackie by Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

CARLA Abellana is finally building her dream home, and she marked the milestone with a ground-breaking ceremony. Abellana’s sister Erica Espiritu revealed that the actress is set to have a new home by showing her sister posing with a shovel at an empty lot on her Instagram Stories last Wednesday, March 17. “Proud of this smart, strong and independent woman, [Carla Abellana]. Here’s to your future dream home, [sister] abu!” Espiritu said. Meanwhile, Abellana is hoping to sell her condominium unit in Pasig City with a price slashed by P2 million, which she stated is “below market value.” This comes amid rumors that Abellana and her husband Tom Rodriguez have separated. The actress’ father Rey “PJ” Abellana earlier revealed in an interview with columnist Cristy Fermin that there was a “one-night stand” involved in the couple’s marital woes, though he later retracted his statement. Speculations on Rodriguez and Carla’s supposed split circulated last January, when eagle-eyed fans noticed that the pair unfollowed then followed each other again on Instagram. Carla was also spotted without

learns to love his new voice

by alex

Brosas Inquirer.net

TNT Boys member, Mackie Empuerto, feels a bit frustrated now that he’s got a new, low voice, and he could no longer hit the high notes. There was a time when Empuerto was able to perfectly sing songs by hitting high decibels, but growing up, his high registers vanished. “Sobrang taas ng voice ko dati (My voice before was really high),” Mackie said in a virtual press conference to promote his latest single, a cover version of “Can This Be Love.” “Bumibirit kami talaga,” he said about his group, TNT Boys. “Sobrang taas.” (We really belt. Really high notes.) But that was then. Now that his voice has gone lower and he initially felt frustrated by it. “‘Yung paglaki ng voice ko, naging awkward for me. Na frustrate ako at na-sad. Sobrang hirap, kasi may mga songs na ipapakanta sa akin pero hindi ko na kaya,” he admitted. (The change in my voice felt Carla Abellana Photo from Instagram/@carlaangeline awkward for me. I got frustrated Carla and Rodriguez tied the and sad. It’s so difficult, because her wedding ring in her YouTube vlog last Feb. 5. Despite rumors, knot in October 2021, after there are songs that I am asked to Rodriguez declared love for his about seven years of being a sing but I can’t.) wife last Feb. 11. couple. He also believes that him

Mackie Empuerto

Photo from Instagram/@iammackieempuerto

reaching puberty had something to do with the transformation in his voice. But Empuerto has learned to accept the fact that he can no longer belt out. In time, he was able to overcome the frustration and learned how to use his new voice. “Eventually, nasanay na din ako,” he said. (Eventually, I got used to it.) With his new voice, Empuerto advises guys his age or boys who are in the puberty stage to not

give up. “Don’t stop singing. Normal ‘yan na dumadating sa buhay ng mga lalaki, ‘yung paglaki at pag-iba ng boses. Pero katulad ko, nakahanap ako ng genre na bumagay sa boses ko. Accept your new voice,” he said. (Don’t stop singing. It’s normal among males, the voice getting bigger and changing. But like me, I was able to find a genre fit for my [new] voice. Accept your new voice.)

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Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2022

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Pahrump, areas outside Las Vegas eyed by home developers as land prices increase by RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

REAL estate in the gaming capital of the world, Las Vegas, continues on its upward trend as the area’s population continues to grow. With construction projects on the horizon and with it more jobs and employment opportunities, Las Vegas home buyers are feeling the crunch when it comes to searching for affordable homes. The frenzy for home buying in the area has taken its toll on prospective homeowners as many compete for available, affordable homes. A recent article even stated that some builders have put buyers

on waiting lists, and that buyers have had to contend with raising of prices, overbidding and lottery draws. That is probably the reason why home builders will be looking at areas outside of Las Vegas to develop new homes, especially since per square foot costs in these areas are cheaper when compared to Las Vegas. Take a look at Pahrump, which is about 62 miles west of Las Vegas. Easily a drive of about an hour or less, it is an area where a person employed in the world’s gaming capital can drive to and from work,

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman with Tim Lai (left), who is looking at parcels to build apartment units to meet the rental shortage in Pahrump.

and still enjoy the comforts of a quieter, peaceful neighborhood, and far from bustling traffic, crime and other problems associated with big cities. Today’s Pahrump is no longer a backwards place. Still an unincorporated town, Pahrump has currently an estimated population of nearly 48,000 from the latest Census data (by comparison, in 2000, the town had an estimated population of just under 25,000), and has many major stores that can be seen in big towns like Walmart Supercenter, Albertson’s, Safeway, Home Depot and Dollar General, as well as a variety of businesses that serve its burgeoning population. Aside from these, Pahrump is also site to the Front Sight Firearms Training Institute and Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch. It also has wineries, casinos, drugstores, many restaurants, and legal brothels. Public education is administered by the Nye County School District. Although land prices in Pahrump may not be as low as was decades ago, it is still an affordable alternative to the rising real estate prices in Las Vegas. Plus, real estate in Pahrump has appreciated about 155% over the last ten years alone, according to latest data available, which puts the unincorporated town in the top 10% nationally for areas whose real estate values have appreciated exponentially. Due to this, many observers see Pahrump as being one of the best long-term investments that people can make in the United States over the past

Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos (extreme right, holding golf club) was impressed playing golf at Mountain Falls Golf Resort during his visit to Las Vegas many years ago. With former President Ramos in photo are Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman and her family.

decade and into the future. Despite a downturn in the housing market, Pahrump’s real estate portfolio has continued to appreciate. Millions of dollars are being pumped into construction projects in Pahrump which will greatly benefit the town. A glove factory on 10-acre parcel of land being developed by one of my investors Andrew Hoang, will create hundreds of jobs. While the market is still affordable, now is the time to look for opportunities to invest in real estate in Pahrump and neighboring communities in Las Vegas. Even the Las Vegas Review Journal, in a recent article, said

Victor Covarrubias (left), owner of Ford dealership in CA, looking for his 2nd dealership in Pahrump with (from left) Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman and Jennifer Benedict, another investor in Pahrump.

that a broader acceleration in areas like Pahrump, Mesquite, Indian Springs, Moapa Valley and Laughlin may take place to address the needs of home buyers in the lower price ranges as residential developers eye other regions for potential projects. Besides, for those looking to invest in real estate in Pahrump like some of my clients who are now reaping the benefits of their investments, settling in places like Pahrump in Nevada has distinct tax advantages, including a competitive business state tax, a county sales tax of 6.75% (not on food items), and no taxes associated with estate/inheritance, Jorge and Reggie Bondoc of Houston (extreme right and extreme left), the No. 1 top seller of Ritello USA From left: Atty. Jack Ross of Las Vegas, Gloria Estillore from Silicon Valley (who in 2021, bought 3 lots last year on their first visit to Pahrump. They are in photo with Realtor Fely Quitevis- is eyeing to build assisted living facilities), Weenah Cadiz (considering Pahrump franchise, gift, inventory/interstate commerce, corporate income and Bateman (center). as her retirement destination) and Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman.

personal income. ‘Whether you are looking to be gainfully employed, retire or just own a second home or land as an investment, Pahrump is a great place to start your search, and I can help you. Having seen the growth of this community since 1992, I can assist you, my kababayans, in your search for the best opportunities. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company serving its clientele since 1992 and you can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)

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Features

MARCH 24-30, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS AS COVID-19 surges the past few days in dozens of provinces in China, in Hong Kong, and in Shanghai, sowing confusion and chaos, with 2,000 cases a day, USA Today Network on Monday, March 21, 2022, reported “New COVID variant is spreading across the U.S.” It was referring to Omicron variant BA.2, the “Stealth Omicron,” first detected two months ago and now “spreading more quickly in the Northeast and West.” The U.S. CDC announced that Stealth Omicron “appears to be on its way to becoming the dominant coronavirus strain, having roughly doubled each week for the past month…It has a different genetic sequence from BA.1 and was first dubbed the ‘stealth variant’ because it wasn’t as easy to detect. Around the world, infections are largely from the BA.2 version of omicron… In the U.S., BA.2 accounted for about 39 percent of the cases for the week ending March 12, up from 14.2% the week ending March 5.” Last week, a total of 15,412 new COVID-19 cases were reported in New York, a jump from 11,323 a week prior, many from the Stealth subvariant which is expected to become the dominant strain across the country soon. The mask mandate on airplanes and public transit has been extended by TSA through April 18, 2022. Sadly, only 65%! Meanwhile, Covid vaccine rates in Africa are still low, averaging about 14 percent across the continent, and public health experts predict a fifth wave of COVID-19 in Africa in the coming months, which could potentially be caused by a future more lethal variant that could endanger the whole world. The more unvaccinated people there are in an area or a country, the greater the chance that the the virus they harbor could replicate and mutate in their bodies acting as a reservoir factory of new strains of the virus. The United States, a world leader whose population is mostly educated, has a vaccination rate of 65 percent (fully vaccinated) as of Sunday, March 20, 2022 which, sadly, is lower than many other countries. There were 7,844 COVID-19 cases and 83 deaths on that day alone. Global vaccination More than 5.86 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally, albeit not equally distributed around the world. Malta, with its half a million people, boasts the top vaccination rate on earth, with 82.82 percent, followed by the United Arab Emirates, with 79.97 percent of its

COVID-19 fifth wave? Governor Sisolak announces $5 million commitment toward free community college efforts

9.7 million population. Singapore, Portugal, and Qatar are among the top five. China, with its 1.4 billion people has 69.38 percent, the U.S., 65 percent. The UK, France, Italy, Germany, all with a population of more than 50 million, have among the best vaccination rates. Hope and caution There is general optimism about the pandemic across the country as spring comes, but in some cities in the U.S. and across the world “warning lights are blinking,” as the World Health Organization reported there were 11 million new cases around the globe in the week ending March 13, up 8 percent over the previous week, the first increase since late January 2022. In the UK, almost 256,000 re-infections were recorded as of the first week of January 2022. Some people around the world were reinfected more than twice. News updates As of 3:24 PM (EST), Tuesday, March 22, 2022: Total global COVID-19 cases -473,329,373, new one-day cases - 1,698,105, total deaths - 6,108,307; U.S.: 81,450,502 total cases, new one-day cases - 2,101 (Monday, March 21 new cases total was 46,608), total deaths - 998,936; the Philippines: 3,674,694 total cases, new one-day cases - 415, total deaths - 58,276. The New York Times reports “the U.S. faces a potential uptick in cases because about a quarter of eligible adults have yet to be vaccinated”; only 65 percent have been fully vaccinated. A study of 1.1 million school children revealed that mask mandates significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission. According to the New York Times, some of the largest school districts in California will continue masking after the state requirement for masks ends, a move greatly supported by parents knowing a significant number of children have been infected and died from COVID-19. China is being ravaged by its worst COVID-19 outbreaks since 2020. The Omicron variant is raging over Asia, with South Korea having a record 400,741 daily cases last Wednesday, March 16. China has imposed a lockdown on 9 million residents of the northeastern city of Changchun. This week, China had 4,500 cases of COVID-19 in one day. Another wave of Omicron could potentially hit Europe because its highest per capita cases in the world are now going up. Germany is approaching record levels and the cases are going up in Italy, Belgium, France and other countries. This was thought to be because Europe loosened its pandemic restrictions “too soon,” fueling the spike, the waning vaccine immunity, and the spread of the BA.2 subvariant. Wastewater sampling for SARS-

CoV2 could be an indicator of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States, where 38 percent of the sampling sites showed an increase in coronavirus levels from February 24 to March 10, 2022. The Times quoted an epidemiologist saying, “Europe’s worst periods throughout the pandemic have been a harbinger of what was to come in the United States.” Hence, the serious concern in the U.S. about a possible fifth wave. At this juncture of the pandemic, 26 months since COVID-19 hit the U.S., we have learned a few things: that masking and distancing are most beneficial; that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious infection, hospitalization, and death; and that those unvaccinated are the prime target of the virus and have the highest risk for hospitalization and death. As stated above, sadly, only 65 percent of the people in the U.S. are vaccinated. We also now know that even those fully vaccinated (2 initial shots plus a booster) could still get infected by a new variant, but the chances of getting infected are much lower and the clinical course milder, with a lower risk for hospitalization and death. With so many unvaccinated among us, new strains could still emerge. With the recent surges in Asia and Europe, the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is still elusive, with the Stealth (BA.2) Omicron being 50-60 percent more rapidly transmissible and now the dominant virus. I have been so used to masking the past two years that today I could not breathe comfortably (in my mind) without my mask, especially with these new surges. If I could not avoid a crowd, I use a gaiter over my mask because I am a high-risk individual. Let us continue to be vigilant and treat this virus with humility, not with arrogance or surrender.

*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and antigraft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Angelica pregnant with first baby by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Angelica Panganiban Photo from Instagram/@iamangelicap

EMPLOYMENT

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KAPAMILYA actress Angelica Panganiban revealed that she’s pregnant with her first baby with boyfriend Gregg Homan. In her Instagram account on Sunday, March 20, Angelica posted photos and a video of her ultrasound. “Ay! Na post!!” she captioned the post. “Sa wakas!!! Magagampanan ko na rin ang pinaka hihintay, at pinaka importanteng papel ng buhay ko. Magiging ganap na INA na po ako,” she added. Angelica thanked family and friends for the prayers and support. “Opo, may matres ako mga baklaaah! Ipagpapasalamat ko na

rin ang mga kapamilya, kaibigan, at mga marites na sumuporta, nagdiwang, nagdasal at patuloy na nagdadasal para sa pamilya namin. Waaaaaah! Huhuhu. May pamilya na ko. Kaiyaq pramis,” she said. Angelica and Greg will celebrate their 2nd anniversary as a couple on July. It was on November 2020 when Angelica was rumored to be in a relationship again after failed relationships with Carlo Aquino, Derek Ramsay and John Lloyd Cruz. On New Year's eve that year, she confirmed speculation by posting a photo of her kissing a man. She publicly introduced Greg with a selfie on her Instagram account a month after.

FOR RENT

CARSON CITY, NV – Today, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced he has set aside up to $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars toward the goal to explore ways to make community college or other apprentice and training programs free for more Nevadans by 2025. The Governor announced his intention during his State of the State address and tasked the Workforce Development Committee to explore ways to make community college or other apprentice and training programs free for more Nevadans by 2025. The Governor’s commitment builds upon existing programs, like the Nevada Promise Scholarship, which allows certain Nevada high school graduates to attend community colleges in the

State at a substantially discounted cost. The federal funding, as set aside from the Governor, will help kickstart any initial recommendations from the committee while they work toward the larger goal of making these programs free for more Nevadans by 2025. “We know that skills training is essential to our workers and businesses," the Governor said during the speech. “A high school education isn’t enough, and we should recognize that it’s no longer “pre-school through grade 12,” but at least “preschool through community college or other post high school training.” The committee - chaired by Dr. Melody Rose, Chancellor of

the Nevada System of Higher Education - was formed after the 2021 Legislative Session with the intent of aligning workforce training and programs offered by community colleges in Nevada to ensure that Nevadans are trained and ready for the demands of the current workforce. Any funding plans put forward by the committee to help achieve this goal must fall into the rules and regulations as laid out by the federal law. The committee may also make additional community college funding recommendations for the next legislative session. More information on the committee can be found here: https://nshe.nevada.edu/ leadership-policy/administration/ public-affairs-and-advancement/ ccwtp-committee/

Dingdong returns to ‘revitalized’ Family Feud by Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

IF an informal survey is conducted at this moment, among fans, on the Top Three talents that Dingdong Dantes possesses, it will yield dancing, acting and hosting as answers. This is true since viewers often see him on TV as a passionate actor and an engaging host — and a graceful dancer in special occasions. Starting today at 5:45 p.m. before 24 Oras, Dingdong returns to the Family Feud stage as its game master and proves the fun facts above. “When I had my briefing on the show’s mechanics, parang medyo kinakabahan nga ako na parang meron bang nag-iba dito (I got nervous a bit regarding some changes on how it would be run),” replied the Kapuso actor when asked about doing the show again after more than a decade in a virtual press conference via Zoom. The GMA 7’s version of Family Feud found its first host in Richard Gomez, who was temporarily replaced then by Dingdong, when the former decided to take a leave. “Siyempre, as game master, you master (all the aspects) of the game. Kailangan hindi ka na ngangapa, hindi ka magkamali, yun yung kaba na naramdaman ko nung unang ‘pag-tapak ko sa stage na yun.” When he entered the studio and stepped on the Family Feud stage, with all the visual spectacles around him, Dingdong said that some past memories of the show came rushing back to him. “While we were getting started and doing the dry run, memories really came back and made me recall that (tuwing) ginagawa ko ito, nandito ako, parang umaapak ako dyan,” added he, “parang may mga bumabalik na movements, parang nauulit but this time, it will be different.” Such mental and muscle memory only shows that Dingdong is serious and at home with hosting. Dingdong shared that he is impressed by the new look that the show now sports. “Unanguna ang ganda ng stage, it was different from the one we had before, ang ganda nung mga LED wall, tapos yung ilaw, hanep,” added he, “Talagang ‘Wow, Ibang klaseng game show’.” Pre-pandemic, Family Feud would accommodate a large number of studio audiences. In the new normal, Dingdong said, it has 20 energetic members of the studio audience. “Everything came back and that (hosting it again) became easy for me,” added Dingdong. “I imagine if I start from zero (from scratch), perhaps I will have a longer

Dingdong Dantes

adjustment period, although di ko naman sinasabi na completely adjusted na ako.” What he likes about being the game master of Family Feud is every episode promises a new experience for Dingdong. “Hindi siya pareho bawat araw (It’s not always the same each day),” he said of running the show and dealing with contestants, who represent unique demographics. “So, imagine that I’m meeting eight individuals every episode. So, ganun katindi yung possibilities, ang daming possibilities (of having different studio players, that’s why my approach is not) one size fits all. It’s a new experience every episode with eight interesting individuals.” Dingdong will carry on given the variety of hosting assignments he has taken on in his career. You know, from weekend variety shows, reality talent searches and reality shows, to drama documentary anthologies, beauty pageants and informative programs. “Well, of course, if it’s infotainment, I’m very straightforward, parang kung ano yung facts, talagang sasabihin mo lang siya (I just state the facts),” said Dingdong of the nuances in presenting a particular show. “Ito mas maihahambing ko ito nung, halimbawa, nag-SOP ako dati, the variety show (I can compare hosting Family Feud to doing SOP). When we are in a variety show, although we perform in it, (hosting it) seems close to who we are, sa aming tunay na pagkatao yun, meaning kami talaga yun. We’re not in a character.” “Through this game show, Family Feud, makikita talaga nila kung sino ako behind the camera. That’s the plan, to make it as relaxed, kung ano talaga yung ngayon (like how I am doing this interview), nag-uusap tayo,” added he. “Siguro kung paano ako sa bahay. Yung stage parang bahay ko. I welcome families every episode and then, I’m like a host (holding a fun party) in

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GMA photo

my house, (I ask everyone like) ‘Kamusta ka? Eto may Family (Feud), laro tayo,’ very, very at home ang pakiramdam. When I’m in the show, I just imagine that I’m doing a Christmas party at home, kasi kapag Christmas party, may pa-games.” Hands down, Family Feud’s charm lies in its entertainment value that members of two families come together to answer survey questions correctly and compete. Dingdong said the term family could also be applied to, let’s say, a group of friends and workmates, who, if one may add, share common interests, values and beliefs. On national TV, studio players get to bond with each other and with Dingdong, too. That gives the contestants and the game master an unforgettable, fun experience. “The bottom line is, it is very entertaining,” affirmed Dingdong, “plus the fact that contestants have the chance to bring home prizes, as well as those viewers at home (via a guess to win promo).” The studio players can win as much as P300,000, from Mondays to Fridays. Aside from anticipating the possible answers to the surveys and rooting for contestants to win the game, viewers can look forward to the segment, in which Dingdong gets to show his dance moves and revisit his Abztract Dancers days. “Araw-araw pinaghahandaan namin yung dance step na yan,” said he. “I’m not the only one dancing. Since it’s really fun, even the contestants will dance, too. Sasamahan ko silang sumayaw whether they will win or lose. Talagang enjoy. Other nationalities have their own ways of celebration. Of course, Pinoys love to dance when they celebrate something, right? So, it’s one thing that we will get to showcase as well.” With that, the spur-of-themoment survey is right that Dingdong’s another skill is dancing and he still has the flair for it.

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EntErtainmEnt

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2022

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Calista: PH’s new girl group takes centerstage Gerald prefers to share his work ethic rather than give colleagues advice by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

SINCE their debut early last month, Calista — the country's newest girl group — has gone full throttle, sharing their music and artistry with Filipinos and the rest of the world. With every aspect of their look, dance moves and singing style carefully thought out, practiced and delivered 100 percent every time, it was also fitting that they launched their first single on International Women's Day and announced that their gearing up for their first major concert. But first, who is Calista? Comprised of Olive May Bihay, Laiza Comia, Dain Leones, Elle Pascual, Denise Pello, and Anne Tenorio, Calista was formed to create a girl group that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the industry and, ultimately, the rest of the world. Tyronne Escalante Artist Management (TEAM) and Merlion Events Production Inc. searched high and low across the country to discover six unique and talented ladies to make it happen. In March 2021, over 100 girls in their teens and twenties held their first round of auditions. The number was downsized to 50 percent, then 25 percent until the final six members were chosen. All these happened at breakneck speed, and the group was formed within three months amid the pandemic. Bihay, the emerging team leader of the group, came up with the name "Calista," which is a Greek word that means "most beautiful." Following their brief celebration and naming, the challenges started all over again for the successful six. If they thought they were through the worst at auditions, they quickly learned that their journey had only begun. Over the last year, Calista's members submitted themselves to intensive and extensive skills and enhancement training. They underwent daily training under globally-renowned choreographer Nesh Janiola and built their vocal strength with voice coaches Amie Mendaros and Mamie Jereza. The girls also took on a body conditioning program to build their stamina and personality development and public relations classes. The last two have greatly helped them interact with their followers and the media, as they regularly have to do so today. Living in one place together to keep up with their varied training, the girls also made sure to keep up with their online studies in the past months. "It's absolutely incredible how Calista was formed and how these girls have endured training and studying amid this pandemic. They're exceedingly tough, and we're all very much proud of them. With all their hard work, we're sure that they're ready to wow the Philippines and the world," their devoted manager Tyronne Escalante enthused. Women spirit "Race Car" is the title of Calista's

by Marinel

Calista was formed with the goal of having a new girl group that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the music industry, locally and internationally. Photo from Facebook/CalistaPH

debut single launched on March 8. The grand face-to-face event also saw the single's music video premiere Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City. Written and composed by Marcus Davis, Race Car is all about Calista's sprint to the industry's top. "These girls are on the rise, and they're getting there fast. Calista promotes women's empowerment, and 'Race Car' is an anthem. The song is for every girl who has a strong drive to reach the top and isn't afraid to get what they want," Escalante said. "We launched the video today, very aware that it's International Women's Day because Calista represents all women that are claiming their space. They're here, and they're ready to prove themselves," he added. Shot over three days, the music video came to life across the Asian Aerospace airplane hangar in the NAIA Complex, Pasay; I'M Hotel's rooftop bar Antidote in Makati City; and Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga. "The music video features a helicopter and sports car-symbols of what you can achieve if you work hard. Our production team took the song to heart and worked tirelessly for days to ensure the success of this music video. From finding the right venues to editing, this music video is the result of everyone's full effort and dedication," Merlion CEO Javier Flores proudly noted. Onto the next 'stage' With their career on fast track indeed, Calista is now looking forward to their next big project: their first major concert titled "Vax to Normal" on April 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Calista will share the stage with the best of Philippine showbiz including special Yeng

Pinoy filmmaker wins NY prize AWARD-winning Filipino filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist Richard Soriano Legaspi won the Special Honor Mention at the sixth edition of the 21 Islands International Short Film Festival in New York City. Legaspi added another feather to his cap when his experimental short film "Job Order" was announced winner of the special prize during the festival's awarding ceremony on February 23. The film reflects on the daily journey of migrant workers in Taiwan as it shows the geography and culture of the island through a fast-moving narrative and as a reflection of their limited time. The 21 Islands ISFF features animation, experimental, and live action films "from island nations, island states, island cities and island territories around the world." This year, it also screened selected films from Australia, Canary Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Madagascar, Madeira Island, Malta, Manhattan, Montreal, Puerto Rico, Sardinia, Sicily, Singapore, Taiwan, Tenerife, United Kingdom, and Vancouver Island. “We showcase short films that depict stories that express cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic perspectives shared by artists living and producing their work in islands and their respective audiences," 21 Islands ISFF curator, filmmaker, and media producer Melisa Ramos explained. "Job Order" was selected "from thousands of multilingual submissions originating in hundreds of qualifying locations worldwide." The experimental film was previously shown at the 17th Athens Digital Arts Festival in Greece last October. Completing the circle of winners

cruz

Inquirer.net

Multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Richard Soriano Legaspi Photo from Instagram/@ richardcycloneloop

are "Hedy" directed by Andy Clarke (Ireland), Best Film; "Martin's Vantage Point" by Chedey Reyes (Canary Islands), Best Script; "Before the Beauty is Gone" by Mackai Sharp (Vancouver Island), Best Editing; "The Hole" by Fang Hsin Kai (Taiwan), Best Animation; "Hello" by Oldren Romero (Cuba), Best Cinematography; "Nostos Algos" by Juan Diego De Leon (Dominican Republic), Best Direction; "Pacing the Pool" by Radheya Jegatheva (Australia), Best Documentary; and "Cacos" by João Brás (Madeira Island), Audience Award. Legaspi is a three-time Gawad Alternatibo awardee of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, winner in the screenplay category of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, and a recipient of the Unesco-Aschberg Laureate, eventually becoming a resident artist of the Università delle Idee, Cittadellarte-Fondazione Pistoletto, and winner of the ILLY Can Prize Design – Art for Social Change in Italy. (ManilaTimes.net)

Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elmo Magalona, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto, and Ken San Jose. As the title suggests, "Vax to Normal" is a tribute concert for the country's frontliners, especially healthcare workers who have been bravely fighting Covid-19 since the pandemic began.

MORE than giving out pieces of advice, actor Gerald Anderson said he’d rather set a good example for the people he works with to follow. “When you come to the set, you have to be prepared,” the 33-year-actor said. “But more than that, you have to be kind to your coworkers. Working on the set these days is not a joke. We’re in lock-in taping for a long period of time and we’re away from our families. Everyone is tired. To be kind should be the first thing on your mind, and then professionalism.” Gerald, who renewed his contract with home network ABSCBN in February, said he chose to remain a Kapamilya because he values the relationships he has built with people within the company through the years. “I like to be around people who are equally passionate about work as I am. I draw strength from them,” he explained. “I also give importance to the memories I’ve shared with them outside of work. When we attend out-of-town mall shows, we would always have side trips. We would explore the city, or in my case, do river rafting after work. I’ve had ups and downs in my life and career, and they also chose to stay beside me during the most difficult times,” recalled Gerald. “They’re my family. We share the same house. If something happens to your house, like you

Gerald Anderson

failed to pay rent, for example, you don’t stop being a family. You choose to stay together,” said Gerald, explaining why he opted not to leave ABS-CBN despite its failed franchise bid and eventual shutdown in 2020. Resilience “Choosing to stick together, that’s how we are able to test our resilience, our sense of being a Kapamilya. After all the trouble, you emerge as a group of more mature people, closer to each other more than ever,” he declared. Gerald entered show biz via the

Photo from Instagram/@andersongeraldjr

reality talent search “Pinoy Big Brother” at 17. He won third place in the competition. Gerald said his view of competitions has changed through the years. “I’ve always been competitive; that’s the reason I lasted this long in the industry. I value that trait,” he began. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic. There are very few projects being produced, and there are a lot of us actors hoping to find work. We’re all fighting for roles and shows. I’m in a very competitive industry but I’m lucky to be able to find friends from among my competitors.”

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MARCH 24-30, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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