040922 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

APRIL 9-12, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 28 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

USA

DATELINE Civil rights org continues bystander intervention trainings amid hate surge FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Overseas voting for the 2022 Philippine elections begins Eligible Filipino voters in US to receive ballots by mail

Philippine national elections. representatives. The monthlong overseas voting period, “In North America (U.S. and Canada) where from April 10 to May 9, will enable registered overseas voting is going to be by mail, the ballots TO help put an end to the proliferation of antiELIGIBLE Filipino voters can begin casting Filipino voters to vote for their preferred will be sent out upon the start of the voting Asian hate and harassment, Asian Americans  PAGE A2 Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing their ballots about a month ahead of the May 9 president, vice president, senators and party-list Justice-LA) is offering free virtual bystander intervention trainings in the native Filipino language. Starting last fall, Advancing Justice-LA began offering trainings in Tagalog as well as other Asian languages. Jeanette Sayno, Advancing Justice-LA community legal advocate, said these workshops are aimed at empowering everyone to build a world that is free of all types of harassment. “Our work focuses on turning the care we have for each other into simple, creative and effective action, and we really would like by AJPRESS to reach Tagalog speakers and other Asian language speakers with these resources,” AFTER a momentous win in the U.S. NCAA men’s Sayno said, noting that training participants basketball championship, University of Kansas guard  PAGE A5 Remy Martin proudly put his Filipino heritage on display in a new Instagram post. The 23-year-old Burbank native helped the Jayhawks come back from a 16-point deficit to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels and claim their fourth national title on Monday night, April 4. In the post, Martin wrote “This Is Bigger Than Me” in a photo showing off the NCAA trophy as he wore a Philippine flag on his back. He added in another Instagram story post, “Know my story you will understand me better! I represent BALIKATAN 2022. U.S. and Philippine Marines and sailors conduct a bilateral amphibious landing at Claveria, Cagayan. Balikatan, the Tagalog THE Filipino community of New York and its my culture. And love who love me!” word for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” is a longstanding bilateral exercise highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between the Philippines and allies are up in arms against hate as numerous the US. Photo courtesy the U.S. Embassy in Manila  PAGE A4 community members continue to be viciously attacked. Different organizations and individuals gathered in a united front with one agenda, to keep the community safe. “This rally marks just the beginning of a united Filipino community,” remarked Rachelle Ocampo, who hosted the program. “This is not the city that I imagined my family to live and pounds, test positive for COVID-19, have mild work in. I am scared. We are all scared, angry, by AJPRESS to moderate symptoms, and are at high risk and honestly fed up with these unprovoked for progressing to severe disease. These two attacks on our community.” LOS Angeles County is expanding its "test therapeutics must be started within five days “We just all wanted to make sure we were to treat" program and is adding additional of a patient experiencing symptoms. doing something because last year, almost tele-health services to make COVID-19 Residents currently have the option of exactly one year ago, this happened to Vilma treatments more accessible to residents in accessing these medications by going to one Kari and the fact that it’s happening over and the region. of 58 Test to Treat sites in the county, one of over again, it’s time that we make sure that our Two oral COVID-19 oral therapeutics the 26 DHS-Fulgent Testing sites, or one of voice is heard,” added Deirdre Levy, one of the (Paxlovid and Molnupiravir) are available in 24-year-old Karina Santos of by KLARIZE MEDENILLA three Public Health vaccination sites (Market event organizers. AJPress Lancaster; and 33-year-old Casey LA County, which have been found effective Street Center in Santa Clarita, Obregon Levy, along with Fr. Julian Jagudilla, against Omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2., Loya of Lancaster and Palmdale. Park in East Los Angeles, and Ted Watkins Ocampo, and Steven Raga were discussing the according to the LA County Department of According to the release, ELEVEN individuals attached Memorial Park in South Los Angeles). recent spate of attacks particularly the case of Public Health. These therapeutics are for use The federal government “Test to Treat'' to a California-based “marriage Benitez was the alleged leader  PAGE A3 in children and adults who weigh at least 88  PAGE A4 fraud ‘agency’” have been of the so-called agency, which sham marriages charged for allegedly arranging arranged hundreds of fraudulent marriages between U.S. citizens and foreign to bypass legal immigration nationals for at least 400 clients channels, the United States between October 2016 and Department of Justice (DOJ), March 2022. According to the DOJ, eight MANILA — Presidential conducted between March 17 and confirmed in a statement released of the alleged conspirators, candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” 21, when official campaigning was on Thursday, April 7. At least six of the 11 alleged including Benitez, were arrested Marcos Jr. has retained a big lead underway. At least two presidential in the latest survey conducted by debates, both of which Marcos Jr. fraudsters are Filipino nationals on Thursday in California. “This case is a prime example Pulse Asia ahead of the May 9 skipped, also took place during and based in Los Angeles: Marcialito “Mars” Benitez, 48; of multiple agencies working as elections, but the rating of Vice the period. Marcos Jr. and Robredo were Engilbert “Angel” Ulan, 39; a team to uphold and protect our President Leni Robredo has picked up significantly across all regions trailed by Manila Mayor Francisco Nino Reyes Valmeo, 45; Harold [country's] lawful immigration and income classes covered by the “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (8 Poquita, 30; Juanita Pacson, system,” said Alanna Ow, Director percent), Sen. Manny Pacquiao (6 45; and Felipe Capindo “Pilipi” of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration opinion poll. Services, San Diego District. Voter preference for Marcos Jr., percent) and Sen. Panfilo Lacson David, 49. The other individuals attached “Protecting America’s promise the son and namesake of the late (2 percent). Other presidential dictator, dropped to 56 percent candidates included in the poll to the “large-scale” conspiracy is at the core of what we do and from 60 percent in the previous were Faisal Mangondato (1 who were charged include I’m very proud of our Fraud Pulse Asia surveys in January and percent), former presidential Peterson Souza, a 34-year- Detection and National Security February, while Robredo’s support spokesperson Ernie Abella old Brazilian national living in unit for the steadfast work they jumped to 24 percent from 15 (0.1 percent), cardiologist Jose Anaheim; 26-year-old Devon do to fulfill the agency’s mission Montemayor Jr. (0.05 percent), Hammer of Palmdale; 25-year- on a daily basis.” percent the month before. The operations were allegedly Pulse Asia’s Ulat ng Bayan face- labor leader Leody de Guzman old Tamia Duckett of Lancaster, Palmdale, and Inglewood; to-face survey of 2,400 people was Presidential candidates Leni Robredo and Bongbong Marcos Inquirer.net photos  PAGE A5  PAGE A3

by AJPRESS

After NCAA win, Fil-Am basketball player Remy Martin puts Filipino heritage on display

‘We’re scared and angry’: Filipinos rise up against Asian hate in NYC

LA County expands access to Several Filipinos in California ‘test to treat’ COVID program charged in sham marriage,

fraudulent green card operation Eleven individuals in total have been charged for illegally circumventing immigration laws from 2016 to 2022

Pulse Asia: Marcos keeps lead, but Leni Robredo narrows gap

A2 APRIL 9-12, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Overseas voting for the 2022... PAGE A1 period,” the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) spokesperson James Jimenez wrote on Twitter. “Expect to receive your ballots after April 10.” Overseas voting in the United States will be done by mail and registered overseas voters included in the certified list of voters released by COMELEC will receive ballot packets through their registered mailing addresses. All election paraphernalia, consisting of the Vote Counting Machines (VCM) and sealed ballots, that were shipped by Comelec from Manila have arrived in Los Angeles, the Philippine Consulate General in LA announced this week. After filling up their ballot, voters can either mail their ballot back to the Consulate using the envelope and stamp provided by the COMELEC, or drop it off at the Consulate during office hours. All ballots must be received by the Consulate before 4:00 a.m. on May 9, 2022 (PDT). Ballots received after this time will be considered “invalid” and not be counted. Ballots received by the Consulate between April 10 and May 9 will be submitted into the VCMs by the Consulate General’s Special Boards of Election Inspectors every

A representative of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles shows members of the media one of the Vote Counting Machines sent by the Commission on Elections, which will count the votes of registered Filipino voters who submit their mail-in ballots to the Consulate office during the overseas vote period from April 10 to May 9. Photos courtesy of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

Monday and Thursday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. during the voting period until it closes

at 4:00 a.m. on May 9, 2022 (PDT), upon which a final count of all the ballots shall commence. Accredited poll watchers and members of the media are also invited to observe the biweekly ballot feedings, as well as the final count. Outside of the Philippines, over 1.5 million Filipinos overseas are registered to vote for the 2022 national elections, with nearly 200,000 registered in the United States, according to the COMELEC. The Philippine Consulate General in LA covers Southern California (the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, and San Luis Obispo); Southern Nevada covering the counties of Clark, Two individuals fill out test ballots for the 2022 Philippine national elections at the Consulate Lincoln and Nye; and the state of General in Los Angeles. Arizona. g

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DATELINE USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 9-12, 2022 A3

‘We’re scared and angry’: Filipinos rise up... PAGE A1

the 67-year-old elderly Filipina in Yonkers who was assaulted and struck more than 125 times as she was entering her apartment building in Westchester County. In less than two weeks, they organized a network and decided to stage the rally in Foley Square. They worked with community organizations such as Damayan, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Little Manila in Queens, NAFCON, among others. “I don’t feel safe. This is the first time in my 16 years that I haven’t felt safe in New York City,” said Kalayaan Mendoza, who works with Nonviolent Peace Force. “I do this for a living, and this is what I do in my spare time and if I feel completely unsafe, I can’t imagine what others, especially our elders are experiencing right now.” The last reported attacks before the rally were that of two Filipino men in unprovoked attacks that happened in broad daylight. The first one is a 73-year-old man who was attacked on the corner of Eighth Avenue and 40th Street while he was on his way to church while the second one, a 53-year-old man was just buying his breakfast at the McDonald’s on Seventh Avenue near 34th Street when he was assaulted from behind. Like the Yonkers attack, everything was caught on CCTV cameras, and to catch the perpetrators, the police released the videos. “It’s infuriating. It also disgusts me to see the complacency in New Yorkers when that happens. New Yorkers, I know that we’re not nice, but we are kind. And I think every New Yorker has it in them to be an upstander when violence happens,” Mendoza added.

Noel Quintana was one of the high-profile cases of anti-Asian hate last year when he was attacked and slashed in the face while riding the subway. He has been active in sharing his story in rallies across the city. He called on other victims of crimes in the city or anywhere in the U.S. to speak out and complain. “We want to hear your stories too. It is not your fault to be a victim of crime,” Quintana said. “Be active in gatherings like this because there is force in number. For the elderly, have a whistle or pepper spray with you and if possible, always have somebody with you. Fr. Julian Jagudilla started a Facebook page called Filipino American Network Against Asian Hate upon hearing about the Yonkers case. He said some of the victims he has personally met do not want to divulge their names because they are afraid their relatives in the Philippines would find out or that they are undocumented and are worried about their immigration situation. “Nakakagalit kasi kababayan natin inatake, for what? Random acts of violence? So what is the city’s response? Our response is very concrete that we have to unite and speak as one community,” he said. Like Fr. Jagudilla, Jo-Ann Yoo is also asking for a concrete response from city officials. Yoo is the executive director of Asian American Federation, an organization that has been at the forefront of fighting against Asian hate which dramatically increased at the start of the pandemic in 2020. “I want to know where is the help that our community needs? Where is it and when is it

Several Filipinos in California... PAGE A1 carried out of physical offices in Los Angeles, where Benitez employed the reported co-conspirators as agency staff. According to the DOJ, four of the Filipinos — Pacson, Poquita, Ulan, and Valmeo — falsified and submitted tax returns and other immigration documents for the agency’s clients. Meanwhile, Ducket, Hammer, and Santos, recruited U.S. citizens who were willing to marry the agency’s clients in exchange for money — an upfront fee and monthly fees — from their undocumented spouses. These payments were to keep the U.S. citizen quiet and “cooperative” until their undocumented spouse gained lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, the DOJ said. The agency would then stage weddings in chapels, parks, and other locations and hired officiants. They would stage photoshoots in front of wedding paraphernalia to include in fraudulent immigration petitions that would allegedly be sent to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency in charge of grinding LPR status. If the U.S. citizen became uncooperative during the interim before LPR status was granted, Benitez and his co-conspirators would then allegedly assist their clients with obtaining green cards under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), falsely claiming that the undocumented individuals had been abused by their American spouses, the indictment read. Among other things, the VAWA — which was enacted in 1994 — has a special provision that allows non-citizen victims of spousal abuse to apply for LPR status without involving the spouses. “These defendants’ alleged exploitation of this system for profit is an affront to our nation’s tradition of welcoming immigrants and prospective citizens,” U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. said. “Their alleged fraudulent behavior makes things harder for the vast majority of immigrants who follow the law and respect our immigration system. Beyond that, by allegedly submitting false applications that claimed domestic abuse, these charged defendants did further harm, this time to real victims and survivors of domestic violence.” Anyone who is charged with marriage fraud is typically fined $250,000 and sentenced to up to five years in prison and three years of supervision after release. 

PAUNAWA SA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG SA LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY PANUKALALANG FY23BUDGET Ang Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig para sa FY23 Panukalang Budget nito (Hulyo 1, 2022– Hunyo 30, 2023) sa 1:30 ng hapon sa Miyerkules, Mayo 18, 2022. Alinsunod sa California Executive Order N-25-20 at ang mga paghihigpit sa Safer at Home na ipinatupad sa oras na nakaiskedyul ang pagdinig, ang pagdinig na ito ay isasagawa nang virtual.. Upang marinig at mapanood ang mga gagawin sa pagdinig, ilalagay ang isang link para i-stream ito sa loob ng agenda ng pampublikong pagdinig na ipo-post nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang petsa ng pagdinig. Ang link para mapanood ang pagdinig nang live ay makikita rin sa metro.net/ about/board/board-directors-meetings-audio-archive/. Ang mga interesadong miyembro ng publiko ay hinihikayat na lumahok at sumama nang virtual sa paparating na pampublikong pagdinig upang magbigay ng patotoo. Ang mga taong hindi makalahok ay maaaring magsumite nang nakasulat na testimonya na naka-postmark o ipinadala hanggang 5pm, Mayo 17, 2022. Maaaring isumite ang mga komento nang electronic sa BoardClerk@metro.net; dapat naka-address ang mga sulat sa: Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority One Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-3-1 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2932 Attn: Collette Langston Upang makahingi ng karagdagang mungkahi mula sa publiko at mga stakeholder tungkol sa taunang budget, ang mga workshop sa budget ay naka-iskedyul sa Abril at Mayo kasama ng Metro Regional Service Councils, Public Safety Advisory Committee, Policy Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Council, San Gabriel Valley COG-Transportation Committee, Valley Industry & Commerce Association, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, Bus Operations Subcommittee, Streets & Freeways Subcommittee, Accessibility Advisory Committee, at Local Transit Systems Subcommittee. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa proseso ng Proposed Budget Development ng FY23, upang tingnan ang mga resulta mula sa survey ng budget ng FY23, mga iskedyul ng pagpupulong ng stakeholder at iba pang mga detalye ng pagbuo ng budget, mangyaring bisitahin ang www.metrobudget.net . Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng budget ay makukuha para sa pampublikong pamamahagi 15 araw bago ang pagdinig at maaaring makuha mula sa Records Management Center (RMC) sa pamamagitan ng email sa RMC@metro.net. Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng budget ay maaari ring kunin sa RMC sa lebel ng Plaza ng Gateway Building o tingnan online sa www. metro.net. Ang paparating na pampublikong pagdinig ay gaganapin alinsunod sa mga kinakailangan ng pederal na pampublikong pagdinig na nakabalangkas sa Seksyon 5307 (b) ng Titulo 49 U.S.C., at mga alituntunin sa pampublikong pagdinig na nakabalangkas sa Seksyon 2-50-025 ng Administrative Code ng Metro, gaya ng sinusugan. MGA KINAKAILANGAN NG ADA: Kapag hiniling, ang interpretasyon ng sign language, mga materyales sa mga alternatibong format at iba pang mga akomodasyon ay magagamit ng publiko para sa mga pagpupulong at kaganapan na inisponsor ng Metro. LIMITADONG KAKAYAHAN SA ENGLISH: Kapag hiniling, ang mga interpreter ay maaaring magamit ng publiko para sa mga pagpupulong at kaganapan na inisponsor ng Metro. Ang mga agenda at minuto ay mababasa rin sa ibang mga wika kapag hiniling. Ang lahat ng mga kahilingan para sa mga makatwirang akomodasyon, mga serbisyo ng interpretasyon at mga materyales sa ibang mga wika ay dapat gawin nang hindi bababa sa tatlong araw ng trabaho (72 oras) bago ang nakatakdang petsa ng pagpupulong. Mangyaring isumite ang mga kahilingan sa pamamagitan nang pagtawag sa (213) 922-4600 sa pagitan 8 ng umaga at 5 ng hapon, Lunes hanggang Biyernes. Ang aming TDD line ay (800) 252-9040. Ang mga indibidwal na may kapansanan sa pandinig o pagsasalita ay maaaring gamitin ang California Relay Service 711 + numero ng telepono ng Metro. CNSB#3571912

coming? Why haven’t our elected leaders reached out to us to say, ‘we know what is happening, we hear you, we see you because we watch those tapes too.’ They need to show up for us because we can do this by ourselves,” she said. Yoo also mentioned the Yonkers case, saying that the Filipina attacked there who was seven years older than she could have been someone’s sister or mother. “Somebody told me ‘Don’t watch it’ and it took me days to not watch it. I don’t even know what to say and every political person is trying to use that to score political points, you can score points after you help us and you take care of us,” Yoo said. “This is horrible. How many times do we have to come out here and demand recognition and visibility.” Rising Together The greater Asian American community has rallied support for the Yonkers survivor with an official GoFundMe fundraising campaign that has raised almost $50,000 through more than 1,000 donations as of Wednesday, April 6. The woman’s name was withheld by the organizers of the fundraiser to protect her and her family’s privacy. They posted a letter from the children of the woman who was assaulted in front of her own home. “In this despicable, unprovoked attack, she suffered serious head trauma and internal injuries. She is currently stable and out of the hospital, but has extensive injuries that requires constant outpatient care,” her family said.

Noel Quintana, (right) one of the first anti-Asian hate survivors last year, listens to speakers at the Filipinos Rise Up rally in downtown Manhattan last week. He recalled what happened on February 3, 2021 when a man slashed his face with a box knife aboard the L train from Brooklyn. He is calling for more police visibility not just in areas where most tourists visit and he is asking victims of crimes to speak out. “Our silence is interpreted as ‘it’s okay for us Asians to be violated’,” he said. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

“It’s a miracle that she’ll be able to make a full recovery, but it will be a long journey and we don’t know when she’ll be able to go back to work.” “We want to protect our mother any way we can, so we ask to stay anonymous so that she can focus on her recovery without being bombarded by the media or having more fears for her safety,” the family added. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love for our mom and any support you’re willing to contribute to her medical bills, rehabilitation, and mental health services, and move to a new home.” “What we have here tonight is an outpouring of anger and heartbreak,” said Lara Gregory, founder of Filipino Americans for Racial Action. Gregory believes that the rally

is an opportunity to reframe the “Filipino culture of hiya (shame) or not wanting to rock the boat” because it stops people from reporting the attacks to the proper authorities. “We need to recalibrate that, a misplaced value of hiya is not what we need right now. We need to celebrate the strength to survive of these hate crime survivors,” she said. “To the 67-year-old lady in Yonkers. I want you to know that we have the self-defense class because of you and your strength to survive.” Community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis described the spate of attacks as atrocious and alarming. “We have to stand up and say ‘Enough already. Tama na!’ It’s getting worse,” Lewis said.

“Those who are mentally ill or for whatever reason, are now giving their hatred towards us just because our eyes are different, we speak with an accent or even just the color of our skin.” Lewis, who is the first Filipina accepted to the New York State Bar in 1975, believes that the law about hate crimes has to be changed. The law says that unless the attacker says Asian slurs, it’s just an assault. She called on kababayans to stand up and protect themselves. “We are getting a little bit braver,” Lewis said, adding that the rally is a good start. “We have to stand up and get alarmed. Get some things to protect yourself and learn karate if necessary. Be careful because Asian hate is real.” (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

A4 APRIL 9-12, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

DATELINE USA

LA County expands access to ‘test to treat’... PAGE A1

program currently includes 20 CVS Minute Clinics and 11 Walgreens locations in L.A. County that allow patients to walk in to get tested, evaluated, and treated on the same visit at the same location. States and local jurisdictions have also been identifying other clinical sites that can offer similar services. Residents can find current “Test to Treat” locations in LA County at: ph.lacounty.gov/ covidmedicines. Beginning this week, residents having difficulty accessing medications or a “Test to Treat” location have several additional options. Individuals can contact our Public Health Call Center seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. at 833-540-0473. Call center staff will answer questions and connect patients to services as needed. Patients who are looking for testing or treatment will be referred to a site, and patients who already have a positive test result but are looking for access to evaluation and treatment will either be referred to a nearby Test to Treat center or connected to the Public Health telehealth services.

Telehealth services are available seven days a week to screen patients for eligibility and determine which medication, if any, would be appropriate for the patients. Medications are then shipped to the patient’s home overnight or the patient is referred to a nearby Test to Treat site to ensure timely access. Public Health has also partnered with Healthvana and 26 Department of Health ServicesFulgent testing sites located in under-resourced communities hard-hit by the pandemic. This pilot project allows patients who test positive at one of these sites to receive a test result text from Healthvana, and if symptomatic, the text directs them to contact the Public Health Call Center to report their result. These patients will then be routed to a Public Health telehealth visit for screening. Patients testing positive at one of the Public Health vaccination sites will also be routed for a telehealth visit with overnight shipment of medications. “We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone mourning the loss of a loved one from COVID-19,” said Dr. Barbara

Ferrer, director of public health. “As the more infectious BA.2 subvariant continues to spread across the County, eligible individuals can take advantage of two oral therapeutics. By expanding the number of sites and launching Public Health ‘Test to Treat’ Tele-health Services, more residents are able to quickly start treatment within five days of when symptoms first surface. These highly effective therapeutics can prevent serious illness or death, and for those County residents in underserved areas lacking convenient access to testing and pharmacies or clinics, a tele-health option makes access to these medications much easier. With the recent increases in cases, we are hopeful that as more residents learn about the new oral medications, they will not delay seeking care if they test positive. We thank our partners across the County working to bring these lifesaving medications to residents.” Public Health reported 1,088 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 2,839,480 cases to date. Meanwhile, 15 new COVIDrelated deaths were reported with 31,754 deaths to date. 

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After NCAA win, Fil-Am basketball player... PAGE A1

Martin, who transferred to Kansas from Arizona State University, is a three-time All-Pac-12 selection, earning second-team honors as a sophomore and first team his junior and senior seasons. Martin became just the second player in ASU history to be named all-league three times. As a freshman in 2017-18, Martin was named co-Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year. Martin’s father is African-American and his mother is from Pampanga, Philippines. The basketball player holds dual citizenship with the Philippines and the United States, and has previously shared that he would be interested in playing for the PH national team. With Monday’s win, the 23-year-old became the third player of Filipino descent to win the national college championship, Filipino American Remy Martin helped the University of Kansas mount the biggest following the footsteps of Virginia’s Kihei comeback in the history of the U.S. collegiate basketball national championship Clark in 2019 and Raymond Townsend in game to defeat North Carolina, 72-69, on Monday, April 4. Photos courtesy of Instagram/@remymartin1fk 1975 with the UCLA Bruins. 

Starfleet Innotech shows strong 2021 performance, $25M in revenues in first annual report “JUST as our acquisition efforts have turned our F&B division into a cost-effective, efficient growth engine for SFIO, we continue to invest in acquiring and incubating businesses to empower our conglomerate,” SFIO said in its first annual report that was released recently. Starfleet Innotech, Inc. (OTC Pink: SFIO) (“SFIO” or “The “Company”) announced details around the release of the report. SFIO is a global investment holding company focused on innovation through disruptive collaborations across three key industries: Food and Beverage, Real Estate, and Technology. On Wednesday, March 30, the company filed its Annual Report. By year-end, as of December 31, 2021, SFIO closed with a total consolidated revenue of $25.11 million. The company ended this period with corporate cash of approximately $2.36 million. Gross profits reached $13.99 million, led by the Food and Beverage division, which, along with its branch operations, accounted for 40% of total revenue. These did not include the revenues generated by franchised sites. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions across the supply chain led to new revenues and greater efficiencies, showing a net margin of 23%. By end of year, the company exhibited net income before taxes amounting to $5.87 million. Through these strategic partnerships, joint

ventures, and acquisitions, SFIO grew its assets substantially in 2021, all while keeping liabilities to a minimum. “We ended 2021 with a strong showing, highlighting the sound strategy behind our ecosystem-building initiatives,” said SFIO CEO Jeths Lacson. “Just as our acquisition efforts have turned our F&B division into a cost-effective, efficient growth engine for SFIO, we are investing further in acquiring and incubating more businesses to empower our conglomerate.” “While we continue to be opportunistic around growth, we have taken a mindful, strategic approach to these opportunities. To accomplish this, we’ve invested in onboarding top global talents onto our management team,” Lacson said. “This highly-aligned, empowered roster of leaders bring decades of experience across F&B, Real Estate, and Technology to help guide our mission of forging the futures of these industries.” SFIO was to conduct its very first webinar on Tuesday, April 5, where Starfleet Innotech’s leadership team presented the latest updates and answer questions from the community. Details on how to participate in this webinar was shared through SFIO’s online channels. As part of SFIO’s initiatives to maximize shareholder value, the company is working on restructuring shares and acquisitions which will be announced soon. (Advertising Supplement)

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DATELINE USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 9-12, 2022

A5

Pulse Asia: Marcos keeps lead, but Leni...

PAGE A1

LEARNING MODULE. A teacher gives a Kindergarten student an assignment module during their face-to-face class at Pambuan Elementary School in Gapan City on Friday, April 8. Learning modules have been designed to help students to study at home with the help of their parents and guardians. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Civil rights org continues bystander intervention...

PAGE A1 will be able to learn to intervene effectively as a bystander without compromising their safety. The 1-hour training covers the core concepts of the 5Ds (Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, Direct), providing concrete tools for those who choose to intervene when they witness someone else being targeted by harassment. Advancing Justice-LA welcomes everyone to join their next free Tagalog training, which is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Thursday, April 21 at 6 p.m., Pacific time. To sign up, please visit https:// aaajla.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_5zVC7soWRhu4K3j-q2Oybg or call their Tagalog helpline at 855.300.2552. By spending just one hour on this training, participants will join the legions of people who have been trained since April 2020. Since the Advancing Justice affiliates in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., in collaboration with nonprofit partner Right to Be (formerly known as Hollaback!) launched their first training, they have trained over 150,000 people. Of all people who reported witnessing harassment after completing the training, 75% reported intervening, a best practice in reducing trauma and de-escalating violence. Indeed, the bystander intervention training program itself was launched in direct response to the sharp increase in

anti-Asian hate crimes and hate incidents since the pandemic began. The Advancing Justice national affiliation has been documenting these hate crimes and hate incidents since 2017 at www.standagainsthatred.org. Thousands of incidences have been logged there since early 2020, but the organization is certain that many more that go unreported. Some of the highest numbers of hate incidents happen in California. During the start of the pandemic in 2020, hate crimes against Asians jumped 107% in the Golden State. This bystander intervention training program is needed as Advancing Justice-LA continues to regularly receive calls on their Asian language hotlines and online reports, relating to hate incidents and harassment. According to Christina Yang, General Counsel and Pro Bono Director at Advancing Justice – LA, “It is essential for us to train directly in Asian languages and make bystander intervention trainings more accessible to broader audiences, especially those who are still under attack and scapegoated for the COVID-19 pandemic.” Sayno said the organization also encourages training participants to tell at least 10 of their friends and/or families about the training program – whether English, Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, or Korean. More free training sessions are posted at https://advancingjustice-la.org/

bystander-intervention-trainings Advancing Justice-LA is one of California’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Founded in 1983 as the Asian Pacific Legal Center, Advancing Justice-LA serves more than 15,000 every year. Through direct services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and more, Advancing Justice-LA focuses on the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities. Advancing Justice-LA is based in downtown Los Angeles, and also has staff located in Anaheim and Sacramento. Right to Be, meanwhile, is a non-profit global organization formed to raise awareness about and combat to harassment, both online and in-person, through intervention trainings and grassroots initiatives. Advancing Justice-LA will offer these bystander intervention trainings as long as there is a need for them in the community, and as long as funding is available to continue the program. The trainings are free to the public, but donations are also welcomed in support of this program and to further expand awareness within Filipino and other AAPI communities. To donate, go to https://donate.advancingjusticela.org/give/345175/#!/donation/ checkout Any questions may be directed to Christina Yang at cyang@advancingjustice-la.org. (Donnabelle Gatdula Arevalo/ AJPress)

(0.02 percent), and Norberto Gonzales who got zero vote. Marcos Jr.’s running mate, Sara Duterte, daughter of President Duterte, remained the top choice for vice president with 56-percent support, while Senate President Vicente Sotto III was second with 20 percent. Between February and March, the rating of Marcos Jr. went down in all areas and socioeconomic classes, with the highest decrease recorded in Mindanao (to 62 percent from 68 percent) and among Class E respondents (to 52 percent from 58 percent). On the other hand, the 24 percent that Robredo got is the highest she registered in any preelection survey from Pulse Asia. The Vice President’s previous high was 20 percent in the Dec. 1-6, 2021, survey. Her numbers then went down to 16 percent during the Jan. 19-24 poll, and to 15 percent during the Feb. 18-23 survey. Her voting preference in the latest survey went up to 30 percent from 16 percent in Luzon outside of Metro Manila; to 28 percent from 19 percent in Visayas; to 14 percent from 5 percent in Mindanao; to 30 percent from 17 percent among Class C; to 24 percent from 14 percent among Class D, and to 22 percent from 13 percent among Class E. Among socioeconomic classes, only Classes C, D and E were represented in the latest survey. The exclusion of high-income Classes A and B has no impact on the results because the proportion of the group at less than 1 percent was small, according to Pulse Asia’s Ana Maria Tabunda. “Also they live in gated subdivisions which do not allow interviewers access. They are also more likely to refuse to be interviewed,” she said in a text message. Based on Pulse Asia’s socioeconomic demographic estimates, Class ABC represents only 8 percent. Class D makes up the majority at 78 percent while 14 percent belong to Class E. (See survey results for senatorial candidates.) Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesperson, said the Vice President’s 9-point surge in the latest survey reflected the mounting support for her presidential candidacy. “What we are seeing now is the turning of the tide,” Gutierrez said in a statement. He pointed out that the survey

results actually showed Robredo scoring a 13-point swing as Marcos Jr.’s rating went down by 4 percentage points. “The survey numbers are starting to reflect what we have been seeing on the ground all along: The massive crowds, the fierce passion, the untiring commitment of Filipinos from all walks of life, coming together to rally behind Leni Robredo’s bid for the presidency,” he said. Gutierrez said it also showed that Robredo was now enjoying a “momentum” that would “only further intensify and accelerate” in the run-up to the May 9 general elections. “With the help of our countrymen who are continuing to do the work, knocking on the doors, talking to voters, we will win this,” he added. 70-percent target While acknowledging Marcos Jr.’s continuing lead, the survey front-runner’s spokesperson, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, cautioned against complacency among supporters and campaigners with just a month before the May 9 polls. “We entreat our supporters, volunteers and campaigners to refrain from complacency and remain (focused) in achieving our common target of 70-percent presidential preference mark,” Rodriguez said in a statement on Wednesday, April 6. “We shall not rest until the 70-percent preference survey polls position is attained, until every vote is counted and the aspirations of the Filipino people become a reality,” Rodriguez said. Reacting to the latest survey, political scientist Aries Arugay of the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Department of Political Science said on Wednesday that Robredo’s crowd-drawing pink rallies and house-to-house campaigns “are now being translated into voter preferences.” Final stretch However, Arugay said Robredo would now have to double down on these efforts as the campaign season hits the final stretch. Among others, he said, the Vice President needed to consider deploying as much as 100,000 campaign volunteers—10 times more than the number of volunteers who joined her grand house-tohouse last April 2—nationwide. “(The fight) needs to be at the barangay level,” Arugay said, noting that studies from other countries have shown that houseto-house campaigns were the most effective.

This also means that presidential candidates Domagoso and Lacson must continue “chipping away at Marcos’ lead” and not withdraw from the race, he added. “At this point in time, given the numbers, withdrawal is not sound,” Arugay pointed out. “You’re not sure whether their base is the same as Robredo’s. You might end up bumping up Marcos’ base instead.” He said he expected future surveys would reveal a bigger bump in Robredo’s numbers, especially since the March 1721 survey has yet to capture the P203-billion estate tax issue against the Marcoses as well as the intensifying fieldwork by the Robredo campaign team. On the estate tax issue, Arugay said Robredo, Domagoso, and Lacson all stood to gain from it, but even more importantly, it was crucial that Domagoso, and not Robredo, was the one who raised the issue. “This is still, after all, negative campaigning,” Arugay noted. “It’s important that it did not come from her because Filipino culture still tends to look down on those who do this.” (Inquirer Research, Jeannette I. Andrade, Krixia Subingsubing, Marlon Ramos/Inquirer.net)

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP NO. SP581-23 GENERAL TRANSIT FEED SPECIFICATION (GTFS) REALTIME DATA SOLUTION The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking Bids for a General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) Realtime Data Solution. Bid documents may be downloaded at SCRRA’s website at http://metrolinktrains.com/contracts/ Select Vendor Portal. Electronic Bids are due at 2:00 P.M. (PT) on May 5, 2022. For further information contact: Carlos Delgado, Contract Administrator, at delgadoc@scrra. net 4/9/22 CNS-3572244# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

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OPINION

FEATURES

The last mile

IN Hong Kong, morgues are overflowing and there is a shortage of traditional coffins as COVID-19 continues to rage in the Chinese administrative region. Most of the fatalities are unvaccinated elderly. On the Chinese mainland itself, 21,222 new infections were registered on Friday, April 8 in its financial hub Shanghai alone, which is currently under a citywide lockdown amid a COVID surge attributed to the highly contagious Omicron variant. Thailand is also grappling with a renewed COVID surge. Of the 3.7 million infections recorded in the country since January 2020, health authorities report that 41 percent or 1.5 million occurred in the first three months of this year alone. In the week through April 6, the average daily number of new infections in Thailand stood at 18,133. Experts believe the number was underreported because of the widespread use of over-the-counter antigen tests, with positive results not reported and not confirmed by RT-PCR testing. In the Philippines, the World Health Organization has sounded the alarm on a possible COVID surge within the next two months. Despite the “hybrid immunity” arising from a combination

of vaccination and natural immunity afforded by Omicron infection at the start of the year, health experts have warned that immunity wanes, especially as new mutations of the coronavirus emerge. Last Wednesday, April 6, the WHO’s country representative Rajendra Yadav reminded people to continue masking and get booster shots as they mark Holy Week and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and as the election campaign continues. The OCTA Research Group has also noted an uptick in cases particularly in parts of Mindanao. OCTA points out that the country tends to experience a COVID wave approximately every three months. From the Omicron surge last January, the next wave could hit in time for the

Editorial

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elections. The WHO is calling for ramped up efforts “for closing the last mile” in COVID vaccination, with many senior citizens still not inoculated and people no longer bothering to get their boosters. Apart from identifying the unvaccinated, inoculation can

be turned into decentralized, facility-based and community-based programs, making them more accessible especially to the elderly and immune compromised. All health experts have warned that the pandemic is not over. Vaccination and continued

‘Bakit si Leni?’ She is the best candidate for president in this defining moment in our nation’s history and identity

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS LENI Robredo’s humble beginnings would not give us a clue that she would one day be running for president. The eldest daughter of a Regional Trial Court judge and a teacher in Naga did not come from a rich family nor a political dynasty, nor from showbiz as many people in politics do. She and her siblings were raised in a simple frugal family that valued faith, hard work, education, integrity and service as more important than earthly riches. These were the core values that guided Leni Robredo all her life, that made her dreamt of being a lawyer like her esteemed father. And if you believe in God’s divine plan, this serendipitous meeting and convergence of the paths of Leni and Jesse Robredo in a job she took just before going to law school materialized because they both, knowingly or unknowingly, saw themselves in each other — the better self they want to be in fulfillment of their sense of purpose. Leni learned much about good and honest governance from Jesse when he was elected Mayor of Naga, while Jesse said Leni was his conscience who kept him grounded and true to his calling. This was a synergy of forces of two people driven by service for others instead of the feeling of

entitlement. It was through the difficulties and challenges of their journey together that helped made Leni who she is. Because Jesse was not corrupt, Leni had to work part-time while being a mayor’s wife and a mother to help pay for her tuition because Jesse’s meager salary wouldn’t be enough to pay for the needs of their growing family. With her determination and tenacity, she obtained her law degree and passed the bar exams after two attempts. It was through this challenging journey that made her realize how blessed she had been to fulfill her dream to be a lawyer and keep the promise she and Jesse gave to her parents before they received their blessing for their marriage. This realization and sense of gratitude sealed Leni's decision to use her profession not to enrich herself but instead, use her being an attorney to serve the needy and the less privileged. She did this by representing them as their lawyer working for the Public Attorney’s Office and a non-government organization to inspire and lead other young attorneys to help the poor in remote areas of the Bicol Region have access to lawyers. She also founded an NGO that empowered women to be entrepreneurs by giving them access to training

and funding to help fulfill their dreams for themselves, their families and community. Jesse Robredo entered the national stage when he was appointed Secretary of Interior and Local Government under the Noynoy Aquino Administration in 2010. However, his life was cut short by a plane crash in 2012. Mourning this sudden loss while carrying the load of raising their three daughters as a single parent, Leni was also called to continue the legacy of good and honest governance Jesse left behind, amid the grip of corrupt political practices of a family dynasty in their province. Leni Robredo ran and won a seat in Congress to represent the Third District of Camarines Sur. Her committee leadership and membership were in congruence with her lifelong advocacies: she was Vice Chairman of two committees: Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability, and Committee on Revision of Laws. She was also part of the Committee of Appropriations; Bicol Recovery and Economic Development; Climate Change; Human Rights; Land Use; Local Government; People’s Participation; Rural Development; Suffrage and Electoral Reforms; Welfare of Children; and Women and Gender Equality. She also authored and

passed bills that mandates transparency and accountability in government, empowered the youth and women, teachers, and voters, as well as improved access of her constituents to better infrastructure, health care, education and justice. Yet in 2016, she was called to serve not only her constituents in Bicol but the Filipinos all over the nation during the time that Bongbong Marcos, the son of the dictator who we ousted via the 1986 People Power, wanted to go back to power as Vice President. Leni won the VP race and the Supreme Court affirmed the legitimacy of her victory three times when Bongbong Marcos accused her of cheating and demanded for recount three times, only to lose over and over again to Leni. Had Leni not won, it would have been a DuterteMarcos government. Early on in the Duterte Administration, Leni fulfilled her constitutional duty of checks and balances, calling out Duterte for extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs. This was easily deemed as “paninira” by Duterte that has stoked his vindictive nature. He did not appoint Leni to any cabinet position, and in spite, challenged her to take charge of the war on drugs which she accepted. As her bio stated, Leni "relentlessly sought to steer the

anti-illegal drug campaign to a more holistic, data-driven, and humane approach, believing that the fight against illegal drugs is not only the fight of government, but of every community and every Filipino. Leni went on to release a report, which detailed the current state of the anti-illegal drug campaign, and the various gaps that need to be filled and proposed solutions to these". As Leni asked for access to information pertaining to the big fish she had to run after, Duterte fired her from that job after 18 days, saying he did not trust Leni. Leni did not wait for any more appointments from Duterte to serve the people for the position she was elected to. With a very limited budget, her bio said: "Leni led the crafting of its flagship anti-poverty program, Angat Buhay – an endeavor inspired by six key advocacy areas; namely, food security and nutrition, women empowerment, education, healthcare, rural development, and housing. It has reached out to poor communities around the country, through the generosity of partnerorganizations and individuals, most of whom are from the private sector." Yes, that was the start of the “Angat Buhay Lahat’ we have been hearing about these days.

Leni was also the ever-present proactive leader who helped our kababayans navigate our way through the coronavirus pandemic. Her bio stated that "despite limited resources, the Office of the Vice President launched many initiatives, through the help of many partners and donors, aimed at filling in the gaps found in terms of supporting frontliners and communities in need during this time—from providing PPE sets, locally produced protective suits, and medical supplies to frontliners across all regions of the Philippines; to providing free shuttle service and dormitories for frontliners in Metro Manila". The Office of the Vice President, as stated in her bio, went on to "distribute relief packs, hot meals, and other assistance to communities; helping locally stranded individuals return to their respective provinces; giving market vendors and tricycle drivers a platform to boost their livelihood anew through community marts; giving livelihood opportunities and assistance to individuals, communities, and sectors who lost their jobs and sources of income; providing distance learning support for students, teachers, and their families; promoting mass testing and vaccination efforts; and providing

problems.) “If you’re the president and you have the resources, nasa beck and call mo, ano man ang gawin mo, magsuspetsa ang tao na ginagamit mo para sa isang kandidato, even if it’s not true.” *** In an earlier speech Monday, April 4 at an evacuation center in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, which houses villagers displaced by the restiveness of Taal Volcano, Duterte also said he would not meddle in the presidential contest. Duterte, a lame-duck, was reported saying: “Ako wala na, tapos na ako. (I am done.) I am not supporting any candidate, except, of course, my daughter. Ako, boboto talaga ako sa anak ko. (I will really vote for my daughter.)” [Btw, on the status Friday, April 8 of Taal Volcano, the DOSTPhilippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said: Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest) prevails over Taal Volcano. This means there is a magmatic intrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions. DOSTPhivolcs strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and highrisk barangays of Bilibinwang

and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel, Batangas, be evacuated because of possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should stronger eruptions occur. [The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone, and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited. All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time.] *** If Duterte wants to be replaced by a president willing and able to protect him when his supposed victims and detractors pursue him for his alleged crimes and misdeeds, he has to make sure that his would-be benefactor gets elected. His avowal of neutrality looks odd, however, for somebody needing protection, including from complaints filed with the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in connection with alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. Duterte and Marcos met privately on March 20, but no details were announced. Responding to queries if Duterte agreed to endorse Marcos, the

Palace said the President merely gave campaign “advice” to him. Neither have there been reports of talks, directly or through intermediaries, between Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo, the closest rival of Marcos who has been leading in surveys on presidential preferences. If Duterte was banking instead on his daughter Sara, a VP candidate with Marcos and a possible mixed VP partner of Robredo, to ultimately become president, that would be taking a long and uncertain route. *** For one who had been reportedly “helped” by the Marcoses in his 2016 presidential campaign, Duterte may look ungrateful criticizing Marcos occasionally when he could just keep quiet – if he were indeed neutral. In an interview on March 11 with his friend Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Duterte said whoever succeeds him should be compassionate, decisive, a good judge of character and preferably a lawyer. Many people noted that Marcos is not a lawyer, while Robredo is. During his address at a meeting last November of the PDP-Laban in Calapan City, Duterte was asked if the Pederalismo ng

Dugong Dakilang Samahan (of Sen. Bong Go), PDP-Laban (of Duterte) and Lakas-CMD (of Sara) would form an alliance. He replied: “No. No, I cannot. Because andiyan si Marcos, e. (Marcos is there.) “Hindi ako bilib (I don’t trust his ability). He is a weak leader. Totoo yan, di ako naninira ng tao. Talagang weak kasi spoiled child, only son. (It’s true, I’m not talking ill of anybody. He’s a weak and spoiled child, an only son).” He added: “Pero sabihin mong may crisis, he is a weak leader. At saka may bagahe siya. Iyan ‘yang sinasabi ko sa inyo, totoo ‘yan. I’m not, hindi ako nag… I do not foist lies. Masisira ka. Pero bantay ka diyan, magkamali ang Pilipinas.” (And he has baggage. I’m telling you, that’s the truth. I’m not, I don’t… I don’t tell lies. Our reputation will be ruined. Watch out. The Philippines might make a mistake.) ***

Duterte is neutral on presidential bets

Postscript

FEDERICOPASCUALJR. ONE month before the nation goes to the polls to elect who will lead it in the next six years out of the economic and moral morass it is in, President Duterte pledged on Tuesday, April 5 to stay strictly neutral in the electoral fight for the presidency. The President announced in clearer terms in his “Talk to the Nation” TV show that he is not supporting or endorsing any of the 10 presidential candidates on the ballot that voters will mark in the May 9 national elections. Prior statements suggesting his neutrality have not been taken seriously because his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is running for vice president on a mixed ticket with former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is seeking the presidency. Adding to the skepticism was the endorsement of Marcos by Duterte’s faction of the PDP-

Laban Party that he used in 2016 to capture the presidency. The party’s clarification that the endorsement did not mean Duterte himself supported Marcos failed to end speculations. Duterte watchers can be expected to keep checking until he leaves office on June 30 if his hands and eyes match the movement of his lips vowing neutrality. But to this weary observer, Duterte’s latest announcement on TV came through clearer than his previous attempts to evince neutrality in the coming elections. He said: “Ako, wala akong kandidato. Hindi ako namumulitika, I’m just announcing. Wala akong kandidato ni sino man sa pagkapresidente. I remain neutral. Ang akin kasi, presidente ako tapos magkampi ako ng isa, magduda ’yung (iba), ginagamit ko ’yung resources ng gobyerno. Magulo na. (I don’t have a candidate. I’m not politicking, I’m just announcing. I won’t support any candidate for president. I remain neutral. For me, I’m the President and if I support a candidate, people will think I’m using government resources. Then there will be

 PAGE A8

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

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

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Duterte discusses Ukraine, West PH Sea issues with Xi during phone summit by GABRIEL

PABICO Inquirer.net

‘BALIKATAN’ CONCLUSION. Philippine Exercise Director of Balikatan 2022 Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan (left) and U.S. Exercise Director Representative Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield (2nd from left) lead the furling of the Balikatan flag during the closing ceremony of the annual military exercises at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday, April 8. This year’s Balikatan was participated in by 8,900 Filipino and American troops. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Philippines beefs up security in tourism destinations AS Philippine tourism moves towards its much-anticipated recovery, the Department of Tourism (DOT) joined hands with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to beef up security in tourist destinations across the country. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been signed between the three government agencies at the PDEA Head Office last March 14 in unison with the national government’s effort to step up security and safety of the general public, especially in the area of drugs-related crimes, a flagship program of the current administration. “We welcome this latest collaboration with our country’s police force and drug enforcement agency in an aim to provide greater deterrence and protection against the illicit trafficking of dangerous drugs in tourist destinations,” said Philippines Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

Branded as Tourism Operation Protection Against Illegal Drugs or the TOP-AID, this latest partnership between the DOT, PDEA and PNP is a follow through to the TOPCOP program, the tourism security force assisting in maintaining peace and order within areas of high tourism traffic. TOPCOP was established in 2011 and has trained 5,457 tourist police and put up 365 Tourist Police Assistance Centers (TPAC) in strategic locations across the country. Under the new TOP-AID MOA, between the DOT, PDEA and PNP, the parties agree to cooperate and render assistance to ensure further protection, safety, and security of tourists in DOT identified tourist destinations. “Tourists safety and wellbeing is paramount in the design of the Philippines’ strategy to boost tourism in the country. A conscious and collaborated effort toward making foreign visitors feel welcome and safe

are needed to make their stay in the country most enjoyable,” added Puyat. On the part of PDEA, they have agreed to deploy appropriate manpower to TOP-AID centers in DOT identified tourist destinations. These tourist assistance and complaint desks will focus on drug related concerns. They will also lead information drive on “Drug Free Workplace Program,” while assisting in drug clearing operations including apprehending any person engaged in illegal drug activities in coordination with the PNP and concerned local government units. Meanwhile, other than identifying key tourist destinations with high-tourism traffic where TOP-AID centers may be put up, the DOT will also spearhead the training of these personnel on Tourism Awareness and the signature Filipino brand of service and hospitality that is world renowned. 

LALU

MANILA — Issues involving Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the standing row over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were discussed during the telephone summit of President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jingping, Malacañang said on Friday, April 8. In a statement, Malacañang said that both leaders agreed to ensure peace and stability in the contested waters and eventually push for a “mutually agreeable framework for functional cooperation” in the region long disputed by China, Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries. “Both leaders acknowledged that even while disputes existed, both sides remained committed to broaden the space for positive engagements which reflected the dynamic and multidimensional relations of the Philippines and China. “President Duterte and President Xi likewise discussed global and regional developments,” Malacañang said. “Both leaders reaffirmed the centrality of ASEAN and renewed the commitment to bring peace, progress and prosperity in the region. The two Presidents emphasized the importance of continuing discussions and concluding the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea,” it added. Duterte and Xi likewise aired concerns about the invasion of Ukraine staged by Russia — a country considered as an ally of the two leaders. “President Duterte and President Xi expressed deep concern over developments in other parts of the world, including in Ukraine. The two Presidents renewed the call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through dialogue in accordance with international law,” Malacañang said. Both also saw the need to open the economy and borders amid the fight against COVID-19, agreeing that other countries should have access to

Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte

the vaccines as well. “Both Presidents acknowledged the importance of mutual support in the fight against the COVID-19 virus, including through making vaccines available to nations that most needed them, as crucial to global and regional economic bounce back,” Malacañang noted. “The leaders committed to work even more closely to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed to explore constructive ways to jumpstart interaction and exchanges through, among others, mutual recognition of vaccine certificates, streamlining health protocols and resumption of commercial flights,” it added. Aside from these issues, the Palace said that the two heads of state talked about the following topics: • economic and infrastructure growth and cooperation including the Build, Build, Build program • two way trade investments • trade of goods and services • climate change “The leaders took stock of and reviewed Philippines and China ties over the last six years and described the trajectory of relations as one that is positive and created greater space for partnership and cooperation,” Malacañang said. “Both leaders considered the elevation of PhilippinesChina bilateral relations

Inquirer.net file photos

into a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation as a milestone achievement that demonstrated the commitment of the Philippines and China to continue building on the gains of the previous years towards the future,” it added. Relationship between China and the Philippines prospered under Duterte’s term, after the ties were strained by the past administration’s complaints against the Asian superpower for its intrusion in the WPS Under the term of late former president Benigno Aquino III, the Philippines filed several diplomatic protests, including an arbitration case that was brought up to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). In 2016, the PCA decided that China’s nine-dash claim, which included most of the West Philippine Sea and the country’s exclusive economic zone, had no legal and historical basis. But during the 2021 tensions between the two countries — when the the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea spotted over 200 Chinese maritime militia ships, not fishing vessels near the Julian Felipe Reef — Duterte said that the arbitral ruling is a mere piece of paper that can be thrown into the trash bin. Such actions have led critics of Duterte to claim that the independent foreign policy of his administration is just a ruse to get close to China. 

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$3B entertainment hub planned for south area of Las Vegas Strip ‘Bakit si Leni?’ She is the best candidate for president in... by RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

IN major news announced recently, Las Vegas will add another jewel to the glittering skyline in the Las Vegas Strip’s southern part as a major player in building arenas in the United States unveiled plans to build a major arena, entertainment hub and casino. The Oak View Group, according to reports, have acquired 25 acres in an area just minutes away from Harry Reid International Airport and will begin construction by next year. As with other aspects of Sin City, this new development will cater an experience for those who can afford it. Customers, reports claim, will be able to purchase a package for hotel and a live event, with their hotel suite key granting them access to a private club in the arena. The hotel is likely to be able to accommodate about 2,000 guests, while the 20,000-seat arena can host concerts for major music acts and even be a home to a professional sports team. According to a Bloomberg article, Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke said that they are “going to go after every big event that exists” and described the experience they want their clients to have as “It’s exclusive, it’s highend and it will be built in a way where it’s the perfect experience for those willing to spend the money to have the greatest experience in live entertainment.” It was revealed as well that the

arena will be built to the highest specifications of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as the league has indicated that it would consider adding a team in Las Vegas should the NBA decide to expand. The arena would be an option for the NBA, although the Oak View Group is well aware that nothing is set in stone yet. Adding an NBA team would add to the allure of Las Vegas, which already is home to professional teams in sports like women’s basketball, football, hockey, soccer and baseball. And adding another great arena in the ever-expanding landscape of Las Vegas would be beneficial as the city has become used to hosting big events in the last few decades. Las Vegas was host to the most recent Grammy Awards, which features the world’s greatest musical acts, and Sin City will host the Super Bowl in 2024. Live entertainment will be a major calling card for the planned entertainment hub as one of its founders is music mogul Irving Azoff. The planned arena is expected to attract many of today’s artists as the Oak View Group has ample experience in building venues. In fact the Oak View Group operates places in Seattle, New York and Austin, and plans to build at least a dozen more venues. Actually, it used to be thought that when artists’ or performers’ careers were on a downward trajectory or if they are in the

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Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman inside the $1B Allegiant Arena in Las Vegas.

Russ Bateman at the Las Vegas Ballpark arena in Summerlin.

last legs of their musical journey, then they would start performing or getting residencies in Las Vegas. That is not the case today, as artists like BTS, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Celine Dion and Lionel Richie have performed in concerts or established residencies in the various major hotels in Las Vegas. The demand fueled by the influx of tourists and money in Las Vegas will only make the city’s arenas more attractive to musical acts looking to touch base with their fans and bring an experience for them like no other. The planned arena, according to the same Bloomberg article, will be at a reported cost of $1 billion, which is double what it took to make T-Mobile Arena, which is now the home of the Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey team. With the renovations going on in the downtown area, and with this arena and other plans on the horizon for Las Vegas, it is a great time to consider investing in real estate property in Las Vegas and its surrounding neighborhoods. Indicators are pointing upwards, in terms of growth and Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman with former Nevada State Senator Sue Lowden, one of the prices. The developments in Las owners of the 27 acres between Sahara Hotel and Turnberry Place where former NBA player Vegas will have great impact on outside neighborhoods, including Jackie Robinson will build his proposed All Net Resort & Arena along the Las Vegas Strip.

Pahrump, which is about 62 miles west of the gambling and entertainment capital of the world, as more people will be looking for affordable alternatives. The state offers great opportunities for the savvy and forward-thinking – great returns on your investments in real estate and a host of tax benefits for Nevada residents (competitive business state tax, a county sales tax of 6.75% (not on food items), and no taxes associated with estate/inheritance, franchise, gift, inventory/interstate commerce, corporate income and personal income). I can definitely help you look for the best opportunities for real estate in Las Vegas, Pahrump and other areas. Now is the time to take advantage of deals before prices get higher. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)

free medical teleconsultation services to patients, among others". Leni and her team were also ever-present and proactive during disasters and tragedies. She was among the "first in government to visit hard-hit areas, including those in the Bicol Region and the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan. Fostering her office’s culture of swift and strategic response, alongside the Filipino Bayanihan spirit, the OVP was able to bring relief assistance to many affected communities and, eventually, also start rehabilitation efforts through the BAHAYanihan housing initiative". Leni has said in interviews before that she had no plans of running for the presidency. This had to change when Bongbong Marcos announced he was running for president. Leni had a long talk with her daughters who wished they would just all live a normal life. “Paano na ang sinimulan ni Papa," was Leni’s response, thinking of the legacy of her husband, and the calling in her own life that was begging to be heeded. She knew she was able to beat Bongbong in 2016. She knew she had to step in faith and do what she can to save our democracy from the Marcos family's culture of corruption and impunity. And so VP Leni Robredo ran for president and selected Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan to be her vice president. Both of them have lived their lives as true public servants with no history of corruption and moral turpitude. In fact, the Commission on Audit has given the OVP "an unqualified opinion — considered the highest rating from state auditors — for its financial reports in 2018, 2019, and 2020". This is important because Leni and Kiko are running on the promise of transforming the corruption-plagued government into “gobyernong tapat", and leadership by example is of paramount importance to deliver on this promise -- Transparency, accountability and participative government of the people, by the people for the people. Leni and Kiko know they need to win back the trust of the people in the government to empower them and help bring out the best in them, reminding us citizens that we all are the answers to our prayers for as long as we all work together for the greater good, abiding by the rule of law, lifting each other up, especially the poor and the marginalized people of society. The Robredo-Pangilinan team offers a platform that will give opportunities to all Filipinos to uplift our families from poverty through health care, education, and equal opportunities for all, and not just for the rich and well connected. Leni would tell her supporters in campaign rallies that should she be given the privilege of serving them as President, to not be afraid to speak up and call her out if she has not been governing according to what she promised, according to the oath she would be taking as president, without fear of retaliation. In this campaign we have seen Leni and Kiko inspire hope in people, bring out volunteerism and the mindset of how we all can contribute according to our gifts and talents to help each other and lift each other up for the good of the country. "Gobyernong tapat". This elusive dream will be a reality. We have the best candidates, the best public servants that our country needs so badly to help transform not only the government but us, the Filipino people, to be the citizens who deserve the government we have been praying for. We will use the power of our vote to make Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan lead us toward a brighter, better, stronger Philippines. With the victory of Leni and Kiko in the polls on May 9, the Philippines wins. The Filipinos win. Indeed," kulay rosas ang bukas". *** 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

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How a son who jumped ship was able to petition his out-of-status mother, this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy THIS Sunday’s episode features Nanay Emi who wanted to legalize her status after she arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa and overstayed in 2010. After consulting with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, she was advised to wait for her son to first legalize his status and become a U.S. citizen. Only then could the son be able to petition his mother. They had to wait patiently though, since Nanay Emi’s son, Jerome, was a crewman who jumped ship in 2004. Even though he was married to a U.S. citizen, he was unable to file for adjustment of status in the U.S. It was Nanay Emi who saw the news of a new

regulation in 2013 that could benefit her son: provisional waiver. Jerome was able to safely return to the Philippines in 2015 to get his immigrant visa from the U.S. Embassy in Manila. After three years, Jerome became a U.S. citizen, and he was finally able to petition his mother. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, April 10 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the app for free. (Advertising Supplement)

When will Epy become greedy? By alex

Brosas Inquirer.net

Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon Photo from Instagram/@epyq

ACTROSS Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon admitted that he will become greedy if the welfare of his family would be at stake. Quizon explained how greed is part of human nature and can possibly consume him during the online press conference for the movie “Greed” last March 31. He stars with Nadine Lustre and Diego Loyzaga in the film, anticipated by fans as the comeback movie of Lustre. “People become greedy specially ako kapag nakakaramdam ako ng threat sa kinabukasan ng pamilya ko

especially kapag dumarating ang bayaran ng tuition tapos medyo hindi naman ganoon kalaki ang kinita mo,” he said. “Doon pumapasok ‘yung selfishness at nagkakaroon nga ng greed ang isang tao kapag under threat ang kinabukasan ng pamilya mo.” (People become greedy, especially in my case, when I feel a threat to the future of my family, especially when the payment of tuition fees comes and you did not earn that much. That is where selfishness and greed take over a person, when your family’s future is under threat.) Quizon also thought he would succumb to greed when the PAGE B2

JUMPSHIP SON HELPS LEGALIZE HIS MOTHER THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 10) ON CITIZEN PINOY. Did you know that family members can “spread the love” by helping each other legalize their status? Mommy Emi (left) came to the U.S. on a visitor’s visa and overstayed. Upon consulting leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right), she was advised to wait for her son to legalize his status in the U.S. first. But Emi’s son, Jerome, was a crewman who jumped ship and was not eligible to adjust status in the U.S. When the provisional regulations came out in 2013, Atty. Gurfinkel filed a provisional waiver so Jerome could get his green card in Manila, and eventually become a U.S. citizen, so he could petition his mother. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, April 10 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Jericho nominated for best actor at Los Angeles awards By Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

JERICHO Rosales has earned a best actor nomination from the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) for his performance in the 2019 short film “Basurero,” as he continues his journey in making his mark in Hollywood. The actor announced his nomination while referring to himself as “kulot” (curly-haired) and showing himself riding a jeepney during the filming

of “Basurero,” as seen on his Instagram page on Wednesday, April 8. The short film also received a nod from NFMLA for Best International Drama. “Our short film ‘Basurero’ gets nominated for Best International Drama and kulot gets a Best Actor nomination at the NFMLA 2022 in Los Angeles!” he said. “This little jeepney made it to Hollywood! Cheers team!” Rosales was congratulated by Jericho Rosales PAGE B2 Photo from Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial

EntErtainmEnt

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How three failed ventures propelled Mango King Justin Uy to succeed in life By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

“REAL hard work, perseverance, and focus.” Those are three of the main ingredients that helped Mango King Justin Uy in life. In an interview with the Asian Journal, Uy recalled his humble beginnings and the string of failures that helped him grow into what he is right now. “I remember when I started this mango company, I worked 18-hour days for 18 years without any holiday, and no weekends, no holidays at all,” he shared. He was 19 years old when he started with Profood International back in 1980, four years after he officially started. At this age, he already knew the ins and outs of manufacturing and selling because of his previous attempts at starting and running a business. When he was 15, he ventured into fashion jewelry using shell craft. He also went into poultry and mushroom growing. All three failed but Uy decided that he won’t be defined by these failures. He gathered what lessons he learned in these three businesses and used them to propel his fourth into greatness. “I was determined to succeed. And in fact, the three failures became my pillars or my stepping stone to help me succeed in this fourth one,” he said. “For example, the mushroom business gave me all the connection to the rich people in Cebu because I delivered fresh mushrooms to their houses. The other ones taught me all about retailing and manufacturing.” Calling Profood International a sweet success would be an understatement. The company is now the leading dried fruits manufacturing company in the Philippines with a market of more than 50 countries globally. Check the luggage of every Filipino balikbayan traveling from the Philippines and chances are, you’d see the world-famous Philippine dried mangoes or any of its varieties. It began when he saw an aunt preparing dried mango in the kitchen. Uy said his aunt learned from her colleagues who are pioneers in the dried mango business in Cebu. These pioneers started doing this in the 1950s when they were drying under the sun. What started as a way to earn money for his family has evolved into a much bigger undertaking - letting the world know about the Philippine mango. “We are a big family, we are 11 siblings. So when financially we reached a point that even going to school was a problem, that’s the time I told myself that I had to do something,” he shared. “Initially, I was just doing it to help the family.” He had a hard time penetrating the local market because it was controlled by the pioneers. He went the export route and began selling his products outside the Philippines. Profood’s products are now available in more than 50 countries. Aside from mangoes, they also process 16 types of Philippine fruits, including pineapples and bananas. The US and Canada are the biggest markets, followed by Japan, Hong Kong, and China. They are also working hard to further strengthen their foothold in the Asian and European markets. Uy credits his parents for teaching him about the basics of the business. His father was into cigar distribution at that time. Uy was only 12 years old at that time and was assigned to take some accounts. “I didn’t know then that I was already doing an auditor’s work,” he quipped. Now, they’re the biggest player in the mango industry and the largest Philippine-based dried fruit producer. The Mango King however is not planning to rest on his laurels. “We’ve become so successful to the point that the Philippines cannot provide us enough mango to produce for the world market,” Uy declared. “So we’re encouraging the government… we have a lot of mango trees in the Philippines, the problem is the farmers don’t have the money to produce it. So they need government help.” A Duke University report said that the Philippines is lagging as far as yield is concerned, compared with India or Mexico. Uy recalls that back in the 1980s, he proposed to buy a property to put up a small mango farm for research and development. The government didn’t exempt him from agrarian reform and was not given the authority. “So what happened? We don’t have the advanced technology for mango production,” he lamented. “Secondly, because of the agrarian reform, almost all the corporate growers shy away from planting mango.” Investing in mango trees is a long-term commitment because they get to become

Justin Uy, founder of Profood

The newly installed Executive Board of the UST Medical Alumni Association of SoCal, led by its Board Chairman, Dr. Marilou Dichoso, held a strategic planning session to discuss the upcoming inaugural ball on August 13, 2022 at the Embassy Suites Anaheim. For sponsorships and ticket reservations, you may contact USTMAASC at USTMAASCorg@gmail.com. Photo courtesy of UST Medical Alumni Association

Gilles David reignites his passion for fashion and marketing

GILLES David is a renaissance man. He wears multiple hats as an entrepreneur, designer, art director, TV host, and innovator but asked if he had a favorite role, he chose two. “My favorite is as a fashion designer and a marketer, it is what I do excel the most I strongly believe, it is flowing and very natural to me, creativity opens my mind,” David told the Asian Journal. Armed with decades of experience in the fashion, film, food, cosmetics, fragrance, and branding industries, he has developed a network of extraordinary relationships around the world. His passion for fashion started early, around the age of 14, influenced mostly by his mother Marie-Antoinette. Gilles saw his mother’s love for fashion and designers and she loved making clothes for herself, something that Gilles witnessed. “She loved fashion, she loved designers, she was making some clothes for herself also, I was looking at her doing the whole process. His father Gaston was a businessman who loved to paint landscapes and sketched images while his aunt Suzanne worked as a bank president handling international transactions including the export-import clientele. In short, he was surrounded by artists and business entrepreneurs and this sparked his interest. “In the early 80s, my parents owned several retail stores California lifestyle apparels, NBA & NFL exclusive licensee stores, and high-end boutiques, selling the best designers you could find,” Gilles shared. “I was there each weekend helping to sell goods. Then from there, looking at those goods, I was thinking: I can do those designs and even much better.” Gilles looks at every single day as an opportunity to learn. He is inspired by discovering new things, reading books and magazines, and learning new things, concepts and innovations. “I am a very optimistic, happy, fun, and a very motivated person, I need to do things, I love challenges,” he shared. “My creative process is a mix of my passion - from extreme sports, movies, music, fashion, art, it all comes together, images inside my head.” Gilles is also a health nut. He is passionate about health and healthy living. Aside from practicing yoga daily, he also meditates, which makes allows

economically viable in the 12th year. When Uy and his team finished scouring the entire country, from Ilocos Norte to General Santos, for more mangoes they found that they have exhausted all their suppliers so they began to look elsewhere. Because of this shortage, the price of mango keeps on going up. In fact, according to Uy, it has grown at least 50x compared to the price in the early 80s. “So what we did is we put up a factory in Cambodia so that when we offer the premium Philippine mango, if they say it’s too expensive and they want us to match with the Thai, we offer counteroffer with our Cambodian variety so this way we still control the market,” he explained. Uy added that even Thailand and Vietnam are getting mangoes from Cambodia for processing. Because there are no typhoons in the country, they are capable of harvesting four times more. “Because of the high-quality of mangoes produced in the Philippines, other countries use the Manila name,” he shared. “Decades ago, I already complained to the Department of Agriculture on this matter. I said you have to do something they’re calling their mango Manila.” Unfortunately, he said nothing happened to his plea. The Philippines needs to be more competitive in terms of lowering the price point, getting more yield, and helping the mango farmers across the country. If he had his way, Uy said he’d “remove the agrarian reform because it’s not really working” and maybe look at Taiwan and Japan which give land, infrastructure, and seed money to their farmers. “We need to have the corporate growers come back. They can help in the R&D and improve the country’s farming methods,” he said. Major Expansion After decades of being in the mango industry, Uy also ventured into tourism and hospitality and became a big player, especially in Cebu. He owns and runs Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan Island and J Centre Mall in Mandaue City. The 16.5-hectare resort and waterpark offer 568 rooms, villas and suites, six themed pools, 10 dining outlets, a casino, an activity zone, a dive shop, and a private beach. The sprawling water complex which has become a major tourist destination in Cebu takes pride in its three towering waterslides, a lazy river pool, and a pool with a beach-like shoreline. “We call it expansion, we expanded into this dollar-denominated industry,” he said. “Eventually we want to go to medical tourism in the future. So you have your resort and mall and we have also planned to put up a marina and golf course. So when you come in with medical tourism, you have all these things you can do at the same time.” Their success in Cebu led them to replicate the project in Panglao, Bohol. Other cities and destinations in the country are in the pipeline. Uy also talked about the Profood Mango Museum that they opened in Mandaue City. The place celebrates all things mango, the national fruit of the Philippines, and the main reason why the company is successful. A one-hour tour of the 17-hectare factory gives tourists and students a glimpse of the company’s history along with how the Philippine mango is grown, harvested, and processed into numerous products that are then exported globally. “So I’m trying really to promote the Philippines and show the world that the best dried mango comes from our country,” Uy quipped. Now, he has an additional opportunity to do so as a travel and hospitality ambassador through his hotels, theme parks and luxury real estate Teyana Taylor & Gillles David projects. g

Gilles David and Laura Mariano (left)

Gilles David & Terrell Owens

Shaq & Gilles David

him to be more focused and positive. Decades of experience have made him an expert in the industry. It is very easy for him to come up with any trendy names, slogans, trademarks, and concepts. It’s a mix of his studies, world discovery, and travel experiences that fuels his ideas, including the creation of LA Fuel. “I was living for so many years in Los Angeles, and the heat here in the summer, you know… and so came the idea LA FUEL - fuel your dreams, fuel your passion,” he said. “I started designing the clothing, then the jewelry, then the sneakers, the energy drinks, and energy gums. It was a great success. We grew up so fast... no one has ever done this to my knowledge.” In 1995, Gilles was hired by a new start-up company based in Paris, France. It was a luxury company and one of the firstever internet companies selling fashion, fragrances, and luxury goods online. “It was called Paris Duty Free and I was hired as their marketing director for the whole USA, I worked closely with the best names in the business including Burberry, Balmain,

Pierre Cardin, Sonia Rykiel, JeanPaul Gaultier, Torrente, JeanLouis Scherrer, Ted Lapidus, and many other famous brands were added monthly,” he recalled. After that, he became well known in the luxury field. The next thing he knew, he was working for the Sultan of Brunei from 1999 to 2001. “It was just after my mother passed away when I was hired,” he reminisced. “That was a sign to me, trusting and knowing my worth.” Gilles struggled after the death of his mother, after all, she was the source of his inspiration, and they would speak every day, even if she was in France while Gilles was in America. “She always told me: You are a champion my son, you are born gifted, use it, never give up, be strong, there will be wonderful moments and bad ones,” he shared. “I think of her every day, and the words she said, so I always keep going, I will never stop reaching for my goals, in honor of her. When she was gone, I was on my own and it shaped me to become a better person as I faced myself and the reality of working without my mentor.” Gilles’ passion for design was reignited following an introduction in 2019 by Jean-Paul Cassia’s partner Olivier Lapidus, around which a collaboration for the USA market was conceived. The global pandemic may have slowed down their plans but with the world slowly opening up, things are looking better. “The COVID period stopped us from doing great things and now finally we can open some doors to many new concepts here and abroad,” he said. “We are global and ready to show our work to new markets, as architects, luxury branding, and partner companies and doing new events worldwide, we are working with the finest.” g

Tracy Morgan & Gillles David

When will Epy become greedy... Jericho nominated for best...

PAGE B1 pandemic happened since actors did not have work, but fortunately, he did not fall into greed’s influence. “I guess hindi mo rin ma-practice ang greed kasi parang maaawa ka rin sa mga taong nasa paligid mo na nangangailangan din,” he said. (I guess you cannot practice greed [under these conditions] because you tend to pity the people around you who are also in need.) The actor also felt that maybe it was actually not

his nature to become greedy. “Siguro kaya ako hindi naging milyonaryo maski na I’ve been working for quite some time. Kung tutuusin, dapat marami na akong pera ngayon, siguro naturuan lang kami ng tatay (Dolphy) ko na maging mapagbigay,” he realized. (Maybe this is why I did not become a millionaire even if I have been working for quite sometime now. Actually, I should already have more money now. Maybe our dad (Dolphy) just so happened to have taught us to be giving.) g

PAGE B1 fellow celebrities Bea Alonzo, Iza Calzado and Bela Padilla. For its part, the production team behind “Basurero” thanked NFMLA for the “great honor” and expressed gratitude to those who supported the short film, as per its Instagram page yesterday, April 7. “Thank you NewFilmmakers Los Angeles for this great honor and for all that you do!” it stated. “Basurero” is directed by Eileen Cabiling. It

is produced by Darlene Catly Malimas, Jose C. Mangual, Eva Husson and Sascha Brown Rice. The short film premiered and competed at the 24th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea back in 2019. “Basurero” is directed by Eileen Cabiling. It is produced by Darlene Catly Malimas, Jose C. Mangual, Eva Husson and Sascha Brown Rice. The short film premiered and competed at the 24th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea back in 2019. g

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A Palm Sunday message

Pastor’s Notes reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS AS we commemorate this Palm or Passion Sunday, Jesus’ entrance into the city of Jerusalem, the place of his crucifixion and death, I think of Jesus’ courage and relentless spirit to follow his Father’s will to save us and the whole world. I also think of Jesus’ “human” experiences of pain, suffering, rejection, disappointment, empathy, and compassion. Furthermore, I reflect on our lives in the present time—how we also confront the complexity of human experience with all we are going through: the pandemic, the war, and the seemingly never-ending racial, political and ideological tensions in society. Indeed, these are trying times. Pope Francis describes these times in his book, Let Us Dream: “I see this time as a reckoning. I think of what Jesus tells Peter in Luke 22:31, that the devil wants him to be sifted like wheat. To enter into crisis is to be sifted. Your categories and ways of thinking get shaken up; your priorities and lifestyles are challenged. You cross a threshold either by

your own choice or by necessity because there are crises, like the one we’re going through that you can’t avoid.” So how do we face this complex world and confront our fears, helplessness, and anxieties? First, it is by choosing to step into the arena of life with courage despite our insecurities and shadows. By saying “Yes” to life daily amid fears, sickness, and uncertainties. In the Book of Deuteronomy (30:19), God says to the Israelites in the wilderness: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore, choose life.” In his book, Alive in God, A Christian Imagination, Fr. Timothy Radcliff OP writes that this “Yes’ is the essence of being alive. All the Abrahamic religions share the idea of living as an affirmative response to an invitation to life. Second, it is by listening to God’s constant call to engage in the world by offering our gifts, to make a difference in big and small ways. As I would say, God’s call does not stop; it keeps nudging us to do something good for others, to be part of a larger purpose or vision for a better world and humanity. To respond to this call, we must shake off the dust

of indifference, pessimism, cynicism, self-judgment, fear of failure, and selfish motives. Instead, we must walk the world with eyes and hearts open to the joys, sufferings, and everyday struggles that unfold us. By doing so, we come to an everdeeper sense of solidarity. We must also be open to dialogue with others to enter into fierce conversations on how we could treat one another more humanly. Finally, we must never forget that every thought and action must be grounded in prayer. While fully immersed in the world, we must remember that we are not fully “of” the world. God constantly calls us to withdraw daily to pray, reflect, feel grateful for all we have, and remind ourselves of our values and beliefs. In short, we must be men and women of prayer. May these thoughts help you reflect on your life as we begin Holy Week and look forward with joy to the celebration of Easter. *** 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. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Pageant lessons useful to MJ’s showbiz career

By AllAn

PolicArPio

Inquirer.net

IF there’s one thing MJ Lastimosa learned from pageantry that’s proving to be useful in her foray into show biz, it’s independence in the workplace. And that’s especially true these days, she said, because production is limited by pandemic-related restrictions. “After our training, we’re on our own in the contests. We do our own makeup, everything. And now because of the pandemic, the number of people allowed on the set is limited. I don’t just appear … then act or host. I take care of all the things I need. I’m already used to it,” she told the Inquirer in a recent virtual conference

MJ Lastimosa Photo from Instagram/@mj_lastimosa

for the romantic comedy “Take Me to Banaue.” Resilience, patience “Resilience and patience are also important,” added the 2014 Miss Universe Philippines

titleholder. “You have to work hard. The training takes a lot of time. You have to hold on to the things you want to achieve. And I think the same things apply to hosting or acting. You have to have a lot of patience and remain focused for the desired outcome.” In “Take Me to Banaue”— produced by Carpe Diem Pictures and directed by Manny Aguilar—MJ plays a female escort named Paloma. The story, which also stars Maureen Wroblewitz, Thea Tolentino and American actors Brandon Melo and Dylan Rogers, revolves around a gawky American engineer looking for love in the Philippines.“When I was told I would be playing an escort, I got interested because I know PAGE B7

Terminated from work due to retaliation?

‘Poor performance’ is no excuse for employer Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. WALLEN Lawson worked as a territory manager for two years for PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. (PPG), a paint manufacturer. Wallen sold and stocked PPG paint products in Lowe’s home improvement stores in Southern California. PPG used two metrics to evaluate Wallen’s performance: his ability to meet sales goals and his rapport with clients. Client rapport was evaluated and scored by his direct supervisor, Clarence Moore. On the first rapport evaluation not handled by Moore, Wallen received the highest possible rating. Wallen, however, frequently missed his monthly sales targets. In spring 2017, PPG placed Wallen on a performance improvement plan. In the same period, Moore began ordering Wallen to intentionally mistint slowselling PPG paint products (i.e., tint the paint to a shade the customer had not ordered). Lowe’s would then be forced to sell the paint at a deep discount, enabling PPG to avoid buying back what would otherwise be excess unsold product. Wallen did not agree with this mistinting scheme and filed two anonymous complaints with PPG’s central ethics hotline. He also told Moore directly that he refused to participate. The complaints led to an investigation. PPG eventually told Moore to discontinue the practice, but Moore remained with the company, where he continued to directly supervise Wallen and oversee his evaluations. By this time, Wallen’s evaluation scores have been low. Some months later, Wallen was fired for poor performance. Wallen sued, alleging that PPG fired him because he blew the whistle on Moore’s

fraudulent mistinting practices. PPG asked the court to dismiss the case, saying that PPG had shown that it had a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason for the firing, namely, Wallen’s poor performance. In dismissing the case, the trial court concluded that Wallen had failed to produce sufficient evidence that PPG’s stated reason for firing Wallen was pretextual (pretend reason to cover up retaliatory intent). Wallen appealed. In the court of appeal, Wallen argued that all he had to show was that his whistleblowing activity was “a contributing factor” in his dismissal, and that he does not have to prove that PPG’s stated reason was pretextual. The federal court of appeal asked the California Supreme Court to clarify the law. Under California law, a “whistleblower” is an employee who discloses information to a government or law enforcement agency, or to a person with authority over the employee, or to another employee with authority to investigate/discover/correct the violation, or who provides information/testifies before a public body conducting an investigation, where the employee has reasonable cause to believe that there is 1) a violation of a local, state or federal law; or 2) an issue related to unsafe working conditions or work practices in the employee’s employment or place of employment. A whistleblower may also be an employee who refuses to participate in an activity that would result in a violation of law. An employer may not retaliate against an employee for being a whistleblower. If retaliation occurs, the employee can show that retaliation was a “contributing factor” in their termination or demotion. Even if the employer has a legitimate business reason for its adverse action, the employee only has to prove that the employer also

had at least one retaliatory reason that was a contributing factor in its decision to fire the employee. The California Supreme Court reviewed these laws governing whistleblowers in California. The high court concluded that the law itself (California Labor Code Section 1102.6) provides the governing framework for the presentation and evaluation of whistleblower retaliation claims. Where the employee has shown, “by a preponderance of the evidence,” that retaliation for their protected activities was a “contributing factor” in their termination, the employee need not prove that the employer’s stated legitimate reason is an excuse or pretext for discrimination or retaliation. Once the employee has shown that the employer also had at least one retaliatory reason, the employer must then demonstrate, “by clear and convincing evidence,” that it would still have fired the employee even if they had not engaged in protected activity. This ruling is seen as more favorable to employees who seek to prove that their termination is unlawful retaliation. *** 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 Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)

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K-1 fiancé(e) visa: Getting your significant other to the United States SEVERAL options exist for a U.S. citizen to bring his/her foreign-national fiancé(e) to the United States. One popular option is to marry the fiancé(e) in the country in which he/ she resides, and file an I-130 immigrant petition, with the fiancé(e) to undergo consular processing for an immigrant visa when the I-130 petition is approved. However, this option often is not advisable in that the U.S. citizen petitioner would have to learn and comply with complicated, country-specific marriage license requirements, or legal barriers to marriage may exist to the U.S. citizen petitioner in the foreign country (as in the case of the Philippines, which in some circumstances will not recognize a foreign divorce judgment). In such cases, the best way to get your fiancé(e) to the U.S. is via a K-1 Fiance(e) visa. The K-1 Fiancé(e) visa allows a fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for 90 days to allow marriage to take place. By having the marriage take place in the U.S., couples are able to bypass the foreign country’s license requirements and/or other impediments to marriage imposed by a foreign law. To be eligible for the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition, the following are required: 1) the petitioner must be a U.S. Citizen, 2) the petitioner must have an intent to marry the fiancé(e) within 90 days of his/ her arrival in the U.S., 3) the petitioner and fiancé(e) must have the ability to marry (i.e.

Legal Advice

Atty. DArrick tAn any previous marriages were terminated by divorce or death), and 4) the petitioner and fiancé(e) must have physically met each other within 2 years of filing the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition (certain exceptions apply to this fourth requirement). Minor unmarried children of the fiancé(e) may also come to the U.S. under a K-2 visa classification. Upon arrival in the U.S., the fiancé(e) can immediately apply for authorization to work in the U.S. He/she does not have to wait until marriage to apply for work authorization. The work authorization issued to the fiancé(e) is valid for 90 days after entry. This provides the fiancé(e) the ability to immediately seek lawful employment. Once married, the spouse of the U.S. citizen can file an I-485 application for adjustment of status (from K-1 to permanent resident), and remain in the U.S. while the application is pending. At the same time the I-485 application is filed, the fiancé(e) may apply for an extended work authorization. Upon approval of the I-485 application, the fiancé(e) is granted a conditional green card that is valid for 2 years, after which he/she can apply to remove the conditions on the green card.

The K-1 Fiance(e) status automatically expires after 90 days. If marriage with the U.S. citizen who petitioned the fiancé(e) does not occur within that time, the fiancé(e) begins to accrue unlawful presence. Also, the fiancé(e) will be precluded from adjusting to permanent resident status in the U.S. if he/ she marries another U.S. citizen (however, he/she may be able to become a permanent resident through consular processing with a provisional waiver). If you are a U.S. citizen who is planning to marry your foreign national fiancé(e), or you are someone who arrived under a K-1 Fiance(e) visa whose marriage did not take place, it is recommended you consult with an experienced attorney. *** 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. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles, and the Consumer Attorneys of California. Previously, he was a member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com

Pageant lessons useful... PAGE B5 that there’s a story behind every character, that she has her reasons for doing what she does,” she said. While still relatively inexperienced in acting, MJ is grateful for the collaborative spirit while filming in Baguio City. “I asked how I should portray my role. There was collaboration among the artists, director and writers. Whenever I portray a character, I try to put myself in her. I don’t draw from past experiences to cry. I put myself in the situation so I can really feel what the character feels in a certain situation,” she said. When she dabbled in acting after her reign as Miss Universe Philippines, the roles MJ got

were often of “mystical” nature. “I have played mermaids, vampires, etc. And it got me thinking about what I really want to do with my career. I thought maybe I should just pursue hosting. And I did a lot of corporate events and pageants around the country,” she said. Maybe her beauty queen aura had something to do with it?“When you’re a beauty queen, you have a certain way of standing and carrying yourself. I remember doing an acting stint for ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ and there was a scene where I had to walk at a wet market. I had to redo it a couple of times over, because the director told me, ‘MJ, rumarampa ka! Hindi normal ang lakad mo!’” she recalled, laughing. g

Is Chapter 7 or 13 more suitable for debtor with $50K credit cards? Debtor also has one collection lawsuit for $10K

THE client is 48 and has just been sued for $10,000 by American Express. He recently received the summons and complaint. He is single with one teenager dependent. He used to have a business, but that has failed. He now works as a manager and earns $4,000 a month. He doesn’t own a house now, but did own a house as a joint tenant, which was sold about three years ago. The net proceeds from the sale of the house were $100,000. Being a joint tenant, half or $50,000 of the net proceeds went to him. At first glance, this should be a Chapter 7 case to get a fresh start where the court wipes out the $10,000 lawsuit and the rest of the $40,000 credit cards. There is really no problem qualifying for the means test for Chapter 7 because his income for a family of two is below the median for California. This looks like a slam-dunk case for Chapter 7. However, there is a circumstance during the sale of the house that puts a crinkle in this otherwise clear-cut Chapter 7 case. For some reason that I don’t really understand, the client transferred his 50% share of the net proceeds from the sale of the house to the other joint tenant. Upon the close of escrow, the entire 100% of net proceeds went to the other joint tenant. At this point of the analysis, this circumstance becomes a “transfer of asset” that occurred in the last four years. However, as the client explains it, he did make the transfer to the joint tenant, but the joint tenant gave him back the $50,000, which he has since used up completely for living expenses. There could be some issues that a Chapter 7 trustee may raise because of the $50,000 transfer that occurred three years ago. The trustee might say that the $50,000 was a preferential transfer, which is within his powers to avoid or cancel. In other words, the trustee may try to get back the $50,000 from the transferee joint tenant even if the $50,000 was actually returned to the client who then used it all up for living expenses in the last three years.

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng Well, let’s just put it this way. There is a 10% chance that a Chapter 7 trustee may raise this issue but there is a 90% chance that no such issue will be raised in Chapter 7. The defense of the transferee would be that the transfer was nominal and the transferee merely held the $50,000 in trust for the client, the true owner of the $50,000, and the transferee actually returned the $50,000 to the client immediately. This is a pretty good defense since it’s the truth that the actual owner

was nominal only. The transferee held the $50,000 in the trust for the client and immediately gave it back to him and he has used it all up for living expenses for the last three years. How low can the plan payment be? I estimate that client may pay $200 a month for 36 months. After paying $7,000, the balance of $43,000 will be discharged. Without Chapter 13 protection, the $10K lawsuit of American Express will eventually become a wage garnishment. In this instance, American Express will garnish 25% of the client’s gross income every month. That’s $1,000 a month. The amount is too big. The client will not be able to pay his rent. Of course, the client can apply for exemption from garnishment based on the ground that he has no disposable income every month but the exemption is only good for 90 days. He has to show up in court every 90 days to show the judge that he has no money to pay. So this is very inconvenient. For peace of mind, the best alternative for the client is Chapter 13 with a low plan payment. I had one client who pays only $150 a month for $60,000 of credit cards. In the same situation, she sold her house to her brother-in-law for below market, in exchange, the brother-in-law allows her to stay in the house rent-free until she dies. In Chapter 7, the trustee would try to get the property back because it was sold below market price by $100,000 within the last four years. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advise for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney client relationship established by reading this article. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789. (Advertising Supplement)

For peace of mind, the best alternative for the client is Chapter 13 with a low plan payment. of the $50,000 was still the client. It was a property held in trust by the transferee for the client and under bankruptcy law, property held in trust by third parties for the debtor is still considered property of the debtor. The problem is that it’s an issue that can be litigated by the Chapter 7 trustee. Once the adversary proceeding is filed, the transferee needs to defend himself. In this situation, the legal expenses go up because it costs money to defend against an adversary complaint. To avoid this problem completely, a low plan payment Chapter 13 is more suitable for the client. Since the client’s income is below the median, he will qualify for a low plan payment under Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, the $50,000 transfer is not a big issue because typically Chapter 13 trustees do not litigate this kind of issue. They may try to increase the plan payment to compensate for the transfer, but in this case, the fact is the $50,000 actually belonged to the client and the money has been used up. That’s the truth. The transfer

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3 Filipino international designers you need to know in 2022 Their works are to be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022 in Los Angeles and Las Vegas

THE diversity of designs in the Filipino community is unparalleled, and what makes them even more unique is each artist’s subtle homage to their culture. Get to know three mustsee Filipino designers who are doing their country proud. Their works are to be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW) – a global platform for emerging fashion designers – on August 6, 2022 at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, and on August 13, 2022 in Decades Event Center in Las Vegas. Neo-ethnic fashion by LCL For Lionell Christian Lanuzo and his self-named fashion brand LCL, guests will be impressed by his statement-making shapes and patterns, which encourage the wearer to express her uniqueness and ethnicity. His favored sillouette, the “Philippine Terno” and its trademark butterfly sleeves, is combined with modern European aesthetics to create a decidedly “neo ethnic” look. Christian’s creations have been featured in several fashion magazines in Europe. Various Philippine embassies in Europe, recognizing his unique Filipinoinspired designs, have invited him to showcase his neo-ethnic clothes during important Filipino community celebrations. Based in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals, Christian proudly raises the Philippine flag wherever his creations take him. Indigenous weaves by MYET For Mayeth Codoy and her Norway-based label MYET, fashion entails showcasing the distinct beauty of the Philippine textiles – pinya (pineapple) and abaca (Manila hemp) – in such beautiful, modern masterpieces

Lionell Christian Lanuzo has a self-named fashion brand, LCL Photo by LCL

Mayeth Codoy has a Norway-based label, MYET Photo by Emmelot Grace

that are appropriate for both special events and everyday wear. Mayeth, a 2020 graduate of Esmod Oslo (an affiliate of Esmod International School in Paris), was one of six international designers whose creations were featured last year in a fashion show of the French nonprofit association Fashion for Foundation at the historic Salon

Reimbursement for community contribution towards a spouse’s education and student loan during marriage Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes ONE of the biggest problem of millenials and Gen Z are educational cost and student loan debt. This eats up a large part of a households budget even among married couples. However, what happens to all the money paid towards one spouse’s education and student loans if the marriage fails and leads to divorce. Well, California Family Code Section 2641(b)(1) provides that upon divorce or legal separation, the community “shall be reimbursed” for its “contributions” to a spouse’s education or training that “substantially enhances” the spouse’s earning capacity. Under Family Code Section 2641(a), reimbursable community “contributions” means payments made with community or quasi-community property for a spouse’s education or training or for the repayment of a loan incurred therefor, no matter where the parties resided when the payments were made. Family Code § 2641 reimbursement is not limited to education or training received during marriage. Rather, by its terms, application of the statute is governed solely by whether community funds were used to pay for the education or training. Thus, educational costs and loans paid with community funds are within the ambit of § 2641 reimbursement even if the education occurred before marriage. Marriage of Weiner, supra, 105 CA4th at 239-240, 129 CR2d at 291; In Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil (2020) 51 CA5th 604, 607-608, 265 CR3d 285, 288, the court held that the community is entitled to reimbursement where spouse paid off student loans for education she attained before marriage with funds from her salary earned during marriage. In Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, the trial court erroneously held § 2641 did not apply because, among other things, the student spouse (Wife) repaid her premarital education with her own earnings during the marriage, and the nonstudent spouse (Husband) failed to

contribute to Wife’s education/ loan repayments and family expenses. “[B]ut nothing in [§ 2641] contemplates denying reimbursement to the community where the student spouse pays for her own education or where the nonstudent spouse did not somehow earn an entitlement to an equal share of the community. Indeed, the statute refers to community contributions to education, and makes no reference to the source of the community contribution.” Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, supra, 51 CA5th at 615-616, 265 CR3d at 294. At a minimum, reimbursable community expenditures include amounts paid for the student spouse’s tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation. Fam.C. § 2641, Law Rev. Comm’n Comment, 23 Cal. L.Rev. Comm’n Reports 1 (1993) Beyond this, however, community expenditures are a reimbursable “contribution” only if directly related to the educational experience. Ordinary living expenses that would have been incurred regardless of whether one spouse was attending school such as rent, food and clothing, health care and entertainment, are not reimbursable under § 2641. Marriage of Watt (1989) 214 CA3d 340, 354, 262 CR 783, 791-792. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)

One of Lionell Christian Lanuzo’s creations. Photo courtesy of Sujata Photography

Genette Mujar, CEO of Gnetz Designs Photo by Canna Zhou

A Genette Mujar creation Photo courtesy of Vanity Wall

artisan communities in Aklan, a province in Central Philippines. Luxe fashions by Gnetz Designs Finally, Genette Mujar, the proud owner and CEO of Gnetz Designs, a clothing business she established in Vancouver, is another Filipina is making a name for herself in Canada’s One of Mayeth Codoy’s creations. Photo courtesy of Esmod Oslo fashion scene. Genette’s luxe designs des Miroirs on Paris’ Grand have been featured in various Canadian magazines, and she Boulevard. Mayeth sources the fabrics has collaborated with noted used in her collection from Canadian photographers and

make-up artists. However, before she could pursue her goal of becoming a fashion designer, Genette had to work as a caregiver in Canada. Genette finally summoned the confidence to pursue her big goal at the age of 50. Genette’s hard workd paid off when she received the “Best Achievement Award” from Vancouver’s Visual College of Art and Design, the fashion school she attended. Genette’s remarkable success story is another illustration of how, no matter our age, the big

effort can lead to even bigger success. Asia Pacific Fashion Week: A global platform The range of designs within the Filipino community is unlike any other. But what makes them extra special is the subtle nod they make to their culture. Indeed, these designers are drawing well-deserved attention to Filipino glam – and Asia Pacific Fashion Week will be their newest global platform to showcase the diversity of Filipino-inspired fashions. This inaugural edition of APFW is presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, DTI Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Asian Journal Publications Inc., Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, MTS Law Firm, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Tina Modeling. The Las Vegas edition is coproduced by InterEdx, a dba of Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing and Lend with Love. g

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