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APRIL 15-21, 2022 Volume 15 - No.23 • 16 Pages
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DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
Overseas voting underway after encountering some delays by MOMAR
G. VISAYA
AJPress
OVERSEAS Filipinos can now cast their votes in the 2022 national elections. The month-long voting period began on April 10
and will end on May 9. Registered Filipino voters abroad will be voting personally or via mail at their respective Philippine embassies and consulates. They will vote for their national candidates – president, vice president, senators, and party-
Bataan Death March heroes honored through memorial march
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COVID-19 cases up 49% in NYC
Members of the Philippine Embassy led by Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon Ascalon, Jr. (4th from the right) with U.S. Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones during the Bataan Memorial Death March on April 2.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March held on April 2. The Embassy contingent, led by Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr., joined the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) led by its Chairman, Major General (ret.) Tony Taguba, Regional Director and Former U.S. Consul General Sonny Busa in honoring Filipino and American veterans alike.
list groups. Over 1.6 million Filipinos are registered to vote overseas, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The number has dropped since overseas absentee voting was
by AJPRESS
ELECTIONS 2022 UNDERWAY. Philippine Consulate General in New York officials led by Consul General Elmer Cato and Deputy Consul General Arman Talbo inspect the first of several boxes of election paraphernalia to be used for the 2022 national elections in the Philippines shipped from Manila by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The overseas voting period for the elections will run from April 10, 2022 to May 9, 2022 (7:00 AM, Eastern Time). Photo courtesy of PCGNY
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the United States with the Northeast states recording the highest seven-day case rates per 100,000. New York City is experiencing an uptick in positive cases. Data from New York Times reveal that the average number of newly reported cases per day has gone up by 49% to 1,688 over the past couple of weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven of the 10 states with the highest seven-day rates are in the Northeast. Both New York and New Jersey have seen their average daily cases increase by 64 percent, the CDC data shows. Among the other Northeastern states seeing increases are Vermont, Maine, and
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Robredo-Pangilinan campaign draws largest Fil-Am supporters flock to HiFi New York City subway shooting injures 23, NYPD arrests suspect crowd in Pampanga for BBM-Sara Duterte rally MANILA — Pampanga’s “Manalakaran” rally on Saturday, April 9 drew the biggest crowd for the campaign of presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Sen. Francis Pangilinan. Police and organizers estimated the number of attendees at 220,000. The Leni-Kiko supporters who came to Manalakaran People’s Rally in San Fernando City was the largest crowd the ticket has gathered so far, beating the Pasig-Laban rally on March 20.
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PH Consulate advises Filipinos in NYC to be extra vigilant
by DONNABELLE
GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress
LOS ANGELES - Some 300-strong Filipino American supporters of Uniteam “Sama-samang Babangon Muli” presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM) and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio are optimistic that this “most
qualified tandem” would win in this coming May 2022 elections. Uniteam, in cooperation with BBM 2.0 (USA), held a grand rally last Saturday, April 9 at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) in Los
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by MOMAR
G. VISAYA
AJPress
AT LEAST 23 people were injured in a shooting on the New York City subway on Tuesday, April 12. NYPD patrol officers in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood arrested Frank James, 62 on Wednesday afternoon, April 13 officials said. The gunman who was wearing
a gas mask released two smoke canisters and then started shooting aboard a subway car on the N train as it approached the 36th Street Station in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood during the morning rush hour, authorities said. Five gunshot victims are in critical condition but are expected to survive. At least a dozen people who escaped gunshot wounds were
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APRIL 15-21, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Overseas voting underway after...
Members of the Filipino and Filipino-American Community join the Bataan Memorial Death March Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy
Bataan Death March heroes honored... PAGE 1 The event was also graced by the U.S. Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones. This year’s Memorial Death March marks the 80th anniversary of the horrific event, normally held in New Mexico, was organized with COVID-19 considerations and took place on a 14.2 mile route along the Mount Vernon Hiking and Biking Trail beside the Potomac River. The route started and ended at The Marina on Daingerfield Island in Alexandria, VA. Other interested
participants who were unable to join the march, likewise, participated in the cause through generous donations by sponsoring a specific number of miles walked by the marching team in remembering and celebrating those who were in the death march. All donations will go to the FilVetREP in support of its efforts to continue raising awareness and obtaining national recognition of the wartime services of Filipino World War II veterans to the United States and the Philippines. This year’s March was co-
sponsored by FilVetREP, VFW Post 5471, Filipino Young Professionals (FYPDC), NaFFAA Region 2, Bicol Association of Metro DC, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of DC, and Philippine American Nurses Association of Metro DC (PNAMDC). On April 9, 1942 in the province of Bataan, Philippines, 76,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war were force-marched to camps 65 miles away during the early stages of World War II. This became known as the Bataan Death March. g
PAGE 1 first held in 2004 as hundreds of thousands of Filipinos returned to the Philippines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are 39,048 registered Filipino voters under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in New York. The United States has a total of 198,935 registered voters, making it the third country with the most registered voters after the United Arab Emirates (290,182) and Saudi Arabia (282,605). Hong Kong and Canada round up the top five countries. 65.7 million Filipinos will go to their local polling precincts in the Philippines on May 9. After encountering some delays due to what the Commission on Elections said were logistical difficulties, vote-counting machines, ballots, and other election paraphernalia for next month’s national elections have finally arrived at the Philippine Consulate General. In an earlier advisory posted on Facebook, the consulate informed said that a new date for the final testing and sealing of VCMs will be announced once it receives the election materials. Several Filipino voters gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate General on Monday, April 11, the first day of Overseas Absentee Voting to demand transparency from the Philippine government on the status of overseas voting in the upcoming Philippine general elections on May 9. Consul General Elmer G. Cato said that they have started the process of getting the ballots to overseas voters in the northeast as early as the afternoon of April 11. A rally flyer posed the question “Nasaan ang Balota?” and said that overseas voters demand assurances that their right to vote is protected and democracy is safeguarded. “Lack of transparency, short notice, and delayed information dissemination
are brewing anxiety and frustration as the Philippine election unfurls,” rally organizers added. Consul General Cato also issued a statement about the alleged insufficient postage for return envelopes containing ballots of overseas voters in the United States. The Philippine Consulate General in New York has been made aware of a social media post that is circulating alleging that a foreign service post in the United States had sent out election packets to registered voters containing return envelopes with insufficient postage. According to the statement, the said social media post claimed that as a result of the insufficient postage, envelopes containing ballots would not be delivered. “The same post irresponsibly claimed undelivered ballots would be substituted. Unfortunately, said post did not provide any proof for us to look into said claim,” the statement read. “We would like to assure our kababayan that election packets and the return envelopes containing ballots that were sent to them have sufficient postage.” Consulate officials went twice to the Post Office—on Monday afternoon, April 11 before mailing the initial batch of ballots and again on Tuesday morning, April 12—to have the election packets and return envelopes weighed to ensure these have the correct stamps. “We are committed to ensuring that all qualified members of the Filipino Community get to exercise their right to vote,” the statement read further. “While we welcome the vigilance of kababayan in ensuring that the elections would be credible, we also would like to request them to exercise prudence when posting in social media so as not to put doubts on the credibility of the overseas elections process.” g
New York City subway shooting... PAGE 1 treated for smoke inhalation and other injuries The shooting happened two days after Mayor Eric Adams celebrated his first 100 days in office. “When I became mayor, I made a simple promise to New Yorkers to ‘Get Stuff Done,’ and we’ve done just that over the last 100 days,” said Mayor Adams. “Since January, my administration has lived up to our promise to New Yorkers, addressing the issues that matter the most to our city’s residents, from fighting the epidemic of gun violence to giving our kids and youth access to better jobs and educational opportunities.” Among the mayor’s points that he touted were his nine-point Subway Safety Plan and his his Blueprint to End Gun Violence. The Subway Safety Plan expands response teams and mental health services, adds trained clinicians to connect people with resources, and directs New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers to enforce MTA rules. The blueprint on the other hand refocuses the NYPD on the individuals responsible for the majority of shootings in the city and the sources of guns in the five boroughs, empowers violence interrupters, provides jobs and enrichment programming for at-
risk youth, expands mental health care, and improves collaboration between the city, state, and federal government. “We have not found any live explosive devices, but the suspect in today’s attack detonated smoke bombs to cause havoc. We will not allow New Yorkers to be terrorized even by a single individual,” Mayor Adams said. In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, the Philippine Consulate General said it is monitoring developments related to the reported shooting incident at the 36th Street Subway Station in Brooklyn that left several people wounded. The consulate is asking on kababayan to exercise extreme caution in view of the citywide manhunt for the suspect. “Kababayan are requested to be vigilant and to take the necessary precautions as the suspect has not yet been apprehended” and “avoid the 36th Street Station in Sunset Park due to ongoing law enforcement investigation there,” according to the advisory. In a tweet, Consul General Elmer G. Cato said, “The New York City Police Department has just informed @PHinNewYork that there are no Filipinos among the at least 29 people who were reported injured in the mass shooting on the N train in Brooklyn on Tuesday morning.” g
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From the Front Page
COVID-19 cases up 49% in NYC...
Supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, attend a campaign rally in San Fernando, Pampanga on Saturday, April 9.
PAGE 1 Connecticut. Experts say that one of the reasons for the rise in cases is the spread of BA.2, a subvariant of the original omicron variant that is more transmissible. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the growing list of high-profile officials testing positive as New York’s tally of COVID-19 cases jumped 42% last week.
New York reported 32,114 COVID-19 cases in the week ending Sunday, up from 22,654 new cases the prior week. New Yorkers hospitalized due to COVID-19 also increased 14% last week, reaching 2,433 cases. Mayor Adams revealed his COVID-19 positive test with a Twitter post on Sunday, April 10. “Thankfully, I’m vaccinated and boosted so symptoms are
minimal,” Adams tweeted. “We’ve come so far in our fight against #COVID19 and make no mistake: we are winning.” A statement from the mayor’s press office said that the mayor has no other symptoms aside from his raspy voice and that he is isolating. His public events for the rest of the week have been canceled and he is now taking the anti-viral
medications offered for free to New York City residents. According to Johns Hopkins University data, a total of 5,037,932 people in New York have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began. 68,055 people have died from the disease. The United States has recorded 80,396,250 people have tested positive and 985,504 people have died. g
Robredo-Pangilinan... Fil-Am supporters flock to HiFi for BBM-Sara...
PAGE 1 Manalakaran is a Kapampangan word for standing up together. Robredo said the overwhelming support from the Kapampangans is a clear demonstration of love for the country. “True strength will not come from us, politicians. True strength will not come from money or any machinery. True strength will come from the people, and you showed it here in Pampanga,” Robredo said in her speech in Filipino. The highlight of the night, however, was the surprise endorsement that Pangilinan received during the rally. Left out of some of the major political endorsements that Robredo received, the senator turned emotional when a group of farmers from San Simon municipality appeared on stage to show their support to his candidacy. Over the past weeks, several politicians have formally endorsed Robredo and paired her with other vice presidential bets, notably Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Senate President Vicente Sotto III. In Dagupan on Friday, April 8 for instance, the senator looked on as the De Venecia family raised the hands of Robredo. The Pampanga rally was attended by Pangilinan’s wife, actress and singer Sharon Cuneta and other celebrities. LOAMCP backs Leni-Kiko tandem Meanwhile, the League of Organic Agriculture Municipalities, Cities and Provinces of the Philippines (LOAMCP Philippines) has also endorsed the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem. Rommel Arnado, LOAMCP national president and mayor of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, said only the Leni-Kiko ticket can bring prosperity and development to the countryside, adding that among their priorities are good governance and the development of agriculture. The LOAMCP boasts of around 200 municipalities, cities and provinces across the country as members. Arnado called on fellow local officials to support the LeniKiko tandem, which he called a new breed of leadership. He described Pangilinan as “a selfless and dedicated public servant who truly stands for the people.” (By Pia-Lee Brago/ Philstar.com) n
START OF HOLY WEEK. Rev. Fr. Cirilo Palaca blesses devotees with holy water after the 6 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass on April 10 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Palm Sunday is the start of the Catholic faithful’s Holy Week observance. PNA photo by
PAGE 1 Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown. BBM 2.0 (USA) is the U.S.-based counterpart of BBM 2.0, which is an application (app) created by BBMSara party national chairman Jonathan “Atan” Bocaling to effectively monitor the number of tandem’s supporters all over the world. This app also includes the list of all volunteer campaign managers who are tasked to administer and oversee the BBM 2.0 app in their respective jurisdictions. Tancredo Guray Jr., BBM 2.0 (USA) president for California, told the Asian Journal at the group’s last rally in the Southern California leg, that all of their members are rooting for Bongbong Marcos and Duterte-Carpio to take the next top two posts of the Philippines. “We believe that he is the most qualified and more experienced (among all the other presidential candidates) being able to serve the government as governor, congressman, and senator. To us, he’s the right person to lead our country,” Guray, who has always been an avid supporter ever since BBM ran for the vice presidency in 2016, said. According to Guray, with Marcos and Duterte-Carpio’s leadership, there would also be a continuity of programs of the present administration. “I also believe that BBM will continue the programs of President (Rodrigo) Duterte. We need to continue carrying out all these good programs and reforms of President Duterte,” Guray said. Guray said they have participated in more than 10 rallies and caravans for the Uniteam. To date, the BBM 2.0 (USA) has members in California, Las Vegas, New York, Florida, and other U.S. states. BBM 2.0 (USA) vice president for California Philip Jaramilla, for his part, believed that Marcos’ commitment to enhancing measures that would ease up doing business in the Philippines and restore investors’ confidence, has made him and his family want to vote for Marcos. Jaramilla, who owns a biotechnology and pharmaceutical components and fabrication manufacturing company, Fluid Line Technology, said there are a lot of investors who would want to do business in the Philippines but are wary about several business obstacles such
A sea of red took over the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) building in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown as over 300 Fil-Am supporters of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte convened for a rally on Saturday, April 9. AJPress photo by Donnabelle
as higher taxes, corruption, peace and order, and lack of efficient supply of electricity and water. “We need a leader who would address all of these concerns in the business sector,” Jamarilla said, noting that BBM reportedly has the potential to do great in implementing key reforms in the business industry. In an earlier statement issued in reaction to the latest World Bank’s Doing Business report in 2020 where the Philippines ranked 95th, an improvement from the previous rank of 124th in 2019, Marcos was quoted as saying that “jumpstarting our economy would be a top priority for us, should we be given the mandate by the people in this year’s elections.” “It only means that businesses will need to focus on being efficient. The government can help by instituting policies that will make it easier for them to do this,” Marcos earlier said. Husband and wife Ron and Jocelyn Fernando, in an interview during the rally, said they never doubted BBM’s capability to “bring greatness back to the Philippines.” Ron works at Sync Brokerage, a boutique real estate firm with offices in Los Angeles and Miami, specializing in luxury and commercial real estate markets. “Bongbong Marcos comes from the Marcos legend, and the (Marcos) family when it comes to politics, they are really good. I think, moving forward the
Philippines will be in good shape under his helm if he wins this election,” Ron Fernando said. “Sara Duterte, with her background in Davao, I’m sure she would be a good support for Bongbong,” Fernando opined. In a video message played during the rally, Marcos thanked all his supporters in Southern California. “I would like to congratulate you and thank you for the efforts that you have done to help our campaign and to continue to spread the message of unity that is the message of our campaign. Thank you for all that you have done and until we succeed in victory,” Marcos said. Actress Jobelle Salvador, who flew in from Las Vegas, attended the rally. The rally was also done in partnership with Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) under its Philippine coordinator and former congresswoman Maite Defensor. Other rally coordinators are Uniteam overall coordinator for USA/Canada Chona Verona Lopez Galvez; BBM 2.0 (USA) vice president for Media Affairs Larry Pelayo; and Barbie Sanchez and Luzviminda Marcos, Marcos’ close relatives who are based in California. Last March, Historic Filipinotown was the site of a pink caravan for FilAm supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s bid for the presidency and vice presidency of the Philippines. g
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OPINION
FEATURES
The last mile
5
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 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 RTPCR 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
Editorial
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
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 elections.
Philstar.com
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 adherence to health safety protocols will save lives and livelihood. (Philstar.com)
‘Bakit si Leni?’ She is the best candidate for president in this defining moment in our nation’s history and identity 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 parttime 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 PAGE 10
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
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APRIL 15-21, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Probe absentee voting mess, senators ask Comelec Returning Filipinos no by Dona
Z. PaZZibugan, Melvin gascon, Tina g. sanTos Inquirer.net
MANILA — Two senators on Monday, April 11 called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate the alleged disorder that marred the first day of absentee voting abroad, mainly in Hong Kong. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, chair of the Senate committee on foreign relations, said the Comelec should tweak its policies and instructions to its personnel and put in place an immediate solution to improve the current system. “My heart goes out to those (overseas Filipino workers or OFWs) who were ready to vote but had to be turned back and would have to return to cast their vote,” Pimentel said. But Pimentel expressed optimism that the Comelec still has enough time to remedy the situation. Sen. Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate committee on electoral reforms, suggested
that the Comelec extend voting hours at Philippine embassies and consulates to ensure that OFWs are able to cast their votes. The Comelec earlier admitted that the start of the monthlong overseas absentee voting in five Philippine foreign posts was delayed due to problems in the shipping of election materials. These are the Philippine embassies in Wellington, New Zealand; Islamabad, Pakistan, and Dili, Timor-Leste, as well as in the Philippine consulates general in Milan, Italy, and in New York. On Monday, however, Election Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, who is in charge of overseas voting, said these “logistical issues” would be resolved soon. He said five more votecounting machines (VCM) would be deployed to the
consulate in Hong Kong to bring the total number of machines to 10 to accommodate the huge turnout there. He said VCMs would arrive soon in the consulates in New York, Wellington, and Milan, although the ballots have already been sent by post to the registered voters. The election materials for 564 voters registered with the embassy in Islamabad held up by Pakistan customs were expected to be released the same day, according to Casquejo. He said the election materials for the embassy in Timor-Leste with 706 voters would be deployed upon the next flight availability, which is expected on Thursday, April 14. Also on Monday, April 11 Philippine Consul General in New York Elmer Cato said boxes containing election paraphernalia had arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, from
Alaska. Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Gary Domingo also said in a Twitter post that boxes containing ballots for the elections had arrived at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington. Problems Meanwhile, Migrante International lamented that out of the 93,000 registered voters in Hong Kong, only 35,000 to 40,000 might be able to vote if the number of VCMs remained at five. It pointed out that most OFWs could vote only on Sundays. During the first day of overseas absentee voting on Sunday, only 3,285 OFWs were able to cast their votes compared to 6,000 to 7,000 who were accommodated in one Sunday during previous elections when there were 10 VCMs in use, the group said. In Dubai, Migrante said there were long lines of voters PAGE 7
longer required to fill arrival cards at PH airports by Zacarian
sarao
Inquirer.net
MANILA — Returning Filipinos are no longer obligated to fill out and submit disembarkation cards upon arrival at airports in the country, said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday, April 12. “This move is part of BI’s efforts to ease its travel requirements for arriving Filipinos and facilitate their fast and hassle-free entry into their own country,” BI Port Divisions chief Carlos Capulong said in a statement. Capulong explained that the said policy was implemented following the decline in the number of COVID-19 infections in the country — which
he said makes filling out disembarkation cards to the BI no longer necessary for arriving Filipinos. “We required the submission of these disembarkation cards by arriving Filipinos to help the government in its contact tracing efforts at the height of the pandemic. Now that COVID cases are declining, these cards can now be dispensed with,” Capulong said. The adjustment, according to Capulong, will significantly lessen the requirements and processing time of arriving Filipinos. The policy had also been approved by BI Commissioner Jaime Morente. (By Zacarian Sarao/ Inquirer.net)
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-21, 2022
90% of governors support Marcos by KriStina
SUMMER EXODUS. Passengers going home to spend the Holy Week in the provinces fill the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Monday, April 11. Bus terminals nationwide are on “heightened alert” as part of the government’s preparation for the exodus of devotees and vacationers during the Holy Week and summer vacation. PNA photo
Duterte: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine deserves ‘condemnation’ RUSSIA’S invasion of Ukraine “deserves the condemnation,” President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, April 12, describing the ongoing armed conflict as “so brutal”. In a speech in Butuan City, Duterte acknowledged how both he and his “friend” Russian President Vladimir Putin are both facing cases before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity and war crimes, respectively. “Nagpapatay ako ng tao pero ang pinapatay ko kriminal. Hindi ako bumubomba ng bata, matanda (I kill people but they’re criminals. I don’t kill children, elderly),” Duterte said.
“Magkaibigan kami ni Putin (Putin and I are friends). What is happening there deserves condemnation. Hindi maganda (It’s not good),” he added. Duterte had called Putin “suicidal” for invading Ukraine, in what is considered as the biggest attack in the continent since World War 2. He had also said the country had to take sides, recalling a proverb that the hottest place in hell is reserved for people who chose to be neutral in times of crisis. “We better maintain our neutrality. Let’s avoid meddling in it so that we won’t get involved,” the President has said. (By Catherine S. Valente/ManilaTimes.net)
Probe absentee... PAGE 6 waiting two and a half to five hours to vote because of the small polling precinct at the Dubai consulate. In Saudi Arabia, no indelible ink was available after voting, Migrante said, citing reports to the group. Migrante said they also received reports of delays in ballot distribution in Japan and in Bologna and Milan, Italy. “Voters who went to their consulates in person were told ballots have not arrived yet,” the group said. Senator Marcos said her office also received complaints of disorder in the conduct of overseas voting in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. The Philippine Embassy in Singapore on Monday, likewise, confirmed an incident wherein a “spoiled” ballot was “inadvertently and unintentionally” given to a
voter. The embassy stressed that it was an isolated incident. Election Commissioner George Garcia downplayed claims that some overseas voters received pre-shaded ballots at the start of the overseas voting. “Don’t believe claims of preshading (of ballots). It’s very easy to find out if that’s true,” Garcia said in a media briefing at the Comelec headquarters on Monday. Garcia also dismissed claims that exit polls conducted in Hong Kong showed that a certain candidate was leading. He said the Comelec could not ban exit polls since these have been upheld by the Supreme Court. “But if the exit polls will undermine the integrity of the entire process, then that will be subject to investigation” of the Comelec task force against fake news, said Garcia, who heads the task force. g
Maralit,JoMar ManilaTimes.net
canlaS
AT least 90 percent, or 73 of the 81 governors in the country, are supporting the presidential candidacy of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., one of the governors said. Last Sunday, April 10, 16 governors trooped to Marcos’ headquarters in Mandaluyong City to affirm their support for the former senator. Marcos has the overwhelming support of local chief executives, Quezon Gov. Danilo Suarez said. “I don’t see any unprecedented event that can hamper the victory of Bongbong,” Suarez said, referring to an earlier statement by Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Philippines President Luis “Chavit” Singson, that said 90 percent of the governors are for the UniTeam tandem of Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. “Yung appeal ni Chavit na gawin namin majority president, well that would be our job. It’s easy to sell BBM, eh maayos na (The appeal of Chavit for us to elect a majority president, well, that would be our job. It’s easy to sell BBM),” he said. Singson called on the governors to work doubly hard to make sure that Marcos will be the first “majority president” since the multi-party system was implemented in the country. Isabela Gov. Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano
3rd said there is no need for UniTeam to campaign in his province. “Maski hindi ko siya ikampanya sigurado siya sa amin. Mukhang mas mataas pa ang boto namin kay BBM keysa sa Ilocos (Even if I don’t campaign for him, he can count on us. It even looks like he will get more votes from us than in Ilocos),” he said. Batangas’ Hermilando Mandanas vowed to protect Marcos’ votes in his province. “We have to show that BBM is the solution. It’s really BBM na talagang nagpu-push para sa unity. At ‘yan ang hinahanap nating lahat (who is really pushing for unity. And that is what all of us are looking for),” Mandanas said. Bohol’s Arthur “Art” Yap also gave assurances that the majority of Boholanos will vote for Marcos. Also voicing out their support for Marcos are Governors Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua of Quirino; Susan Yap of Tarlac; Jose Riano of Romblon; Florencio Miraflores of Aklan; Philip Tan of Misamis Occidental; Eduardo Gadiano of Mindoro Occidental; Alexander Pimentel of Surigao del Sur; Bonifacio Lacwasan of Mountain Province; Suharto Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat and former governor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares 3rd of Rizal. Last week, 10 governors also expressed their full support for Marcos. Before that, Governors Imelda Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte; Francisco Emmanuel Ortega 3rd of La Union;
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Nancy Catamco of Cotabato; Esteban Evan Contreras of Capiz; Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte; Ferdinand Tubban of Kalinga; Maria Jocelyn “Joy” Valera-Bernos of Abra; Jerry Dalipog of Ifugao; and Camiguin gubernatorial candidate Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo endorsed the Marcos-Duterte team. Marcos, who leads in almost all the surveys, has to contend with disqualification cases filed against him before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). On Monday, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia told The Manila Times the poll body will release its decision on the Marcos disqualification cases soon. Garcia said the Comelec can issue a decision either this week at the earliest or the third week of April. Several petitioners urged the Comelec to finally resolve the cases they filed against Marcos. Garcia also said the Comelec will expedite petitions seeking exemption from the election ban. The Comelec has already exempted fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle drivers from the ban. Garcia also said that due to the high turnout of voters over the weekend during the absentee balloting for Filipinos in Hong Kong, more precincts will be opened there. The five precincts in Hong Kong will be increased to eight or even 10, he said. g
‘Robredo needs a miracle to win’ by Zacarian
Salao
Inquirer.net
IT will take a “miracle” for Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo to win the presidency, according to a polling firm on Saturday, April 9. In a statement, Aurelio Sinsuat, PUBLiCUS Asia executive director, said in Filipino that while he did not want to pre-empt the results of the elections on May 9, it may need a “miracle to overtake the frontrunner in the presidential race.” Sinsuat said this was not based on his opinion but “on data not only from PUBLiCUS but from all survey firms in this election and historical data of 2010 and 2016.” Based on the latest preelection poll by PUBLiCUS from March 30 to April 6 on 1,500 respondents, Robredo was a distant second, with a 24 percent voter preference, compared to the 56 percent of frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Both Marcos and Robredo’s numbers increased slightly from the
March 9-14 survey, where the former senator got 51 percent and the vice president, 21 percent. PUBLiCUS said that its latest survey was consistent with the results of Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia, which also indicated either a massive win or a landslide victory for Marcos. PUBLiCUS said that Marcos’ lead was “insurmountable” given that there are only four weeks left in the campaign. It added that if the elections were held today, Marcos would receive almost six out of 10 votes while Robredo would be lucky to receive three. The son of former president Ferdinand Marcos also led in all economic classes, performing well among those under Class E with a 60 percent in-group preference share compared to Robredo’s 16 percent. He also has a 30 percent voter preference in North Central Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. The pollster said that based on the Pahayag
Quarter 4 survey in December 2021, “it can be inferred that the numbers of Marcos have risen — albeit with a rather gentle slope.” This was in stark contrast to Robredo’s 23 percent voter share, which is her “highest throughout the election period.” “It is important to note that [her] figures were consistent with her numbers all the way back to October 2021,” PUBLiCUS said. Sinsuat said the 2022 election will be “boring” compared to other elections if the survey results are to be believed and even if the campaign period continues to heat up. ‘Arrogance’ Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso disclosed separately that they turned down unification offers from Robredo. Speaking at the Pandesal Forum on Saturday, Lacson, who is running as an independent, said he lost his respect for Robredo after she allegedly “lied to him or during an
interview” concerning plans to withdraw “if one of them has a clear chance of winning.” Lacson recalled that he and Robredo talked and that he offered suggestions for the sake of the unification that she wanted. He said he offered Sotto to become their common vice presidential candidate. “’Pag April nakita nating may clear chance of winning mag withdraw ang isa sa atin (When April comes and there is a clear chance of winning, one of us will withdraw),” said Lacson. Quoting Robredo, Lacson said that this won’t work for her because she would still have stray votes. He said he lost respect for the vice president when, in an interview, she contradicted herself and said that there was no backing down once she had filed her candidacy. He said he also found Robredo arrogant for allegedly asking him, fellow candidates Domagoso and Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao to withdraw from the race. g
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APRIL 15-21, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Starfleet Innotech launches digital ads on Nasdaq building and across Times Square, New York City “WE’RE thrilled to be telling this story through our placements at Times Square, signaling to our team, our business ecosystem, and our community that Starfleet is blasting off.” Starfleet Innotech, Inc. (OTC Pink: SFIO) (“SFIO” or “The “Company”) this week launched a digital campaign promoting the company and its projects through electronic billboard placements on the Nasdaq Building and on select streetlevel screens across Times Square in New York City. These digital placements complement SFIO’s ongoing expansion plans, in collaboration with media partner FMW Media. The 15- and 30-second ads highlight the conglomerate’s core divisions, key businesses, and growth roadmap. Starfleet Innotech, Inc. is a global investment holding company focused on innovation through disruptive collaborations across its three key industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real Estate, and Technology. With
a strong presence across New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the Philippines, SFIO makes strategic investments in high-growth businesses, building synergies across its diverse portfolio to provide maximum shareholder value. The ads communicate SFIO’s core strategy of cross-divisional collaborations. In broad strokes: • SFIO strategically enters new markets through its F&B businesses, led by their flagship brand, Epiphany Cafe. • They fund this growth through high-yield, wellness tourism real estate development projects, spearheaded by Moraya, the premier real estate brand for technology-driven and wellness-oriented communities. • They augment operations and unlock new opportunities through its technology division,
LNS+. • And supporting this ecosystem are backbone businesses ranging from education to accounting, digital marketing, architecture and engineering, website development, and hosting. SFIO’s digital ads will soon be running on rotation above the
entrance to the Nasdaq building on 4 Times Square, New York City. Currently, pedestrians will already see SFIO’s ads on street-level digital signage, the LinkNYC hubs, along surrounding high-traffic areas. “Thanks to the fantastic team of leaders we’ve gathered to lead SFIO, our community has grown tremendously over the past year,” said SFIO CEO Jeths Lacson. “Today SFIO is truly a global company with teams innovating across markets and industries. While growth is our primary focus over the next few years, our main goal has always been to create pathways to the global stage—such that the truly world-class business leaders we have across our key markets find the global opportunities they deserve, and are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and community that they need to build the futures of their
industries. That is our mission at SFIO. That is our journey.” “Here at the financial heart of the world, we’re waving our banner for all hypergrowth businesses. In terms of timing, this coincides perfectly with the work we’ve been doing to bolster our presence in the United States,” he added. “We’re thrilled to be telling this story through our placements at Times Square, signaling to our team, our business ecosystem, and our community that Starfleet is blasting off.” Chief Operating Officer Mark Epifanio recently shared that SFIO’s F&B division will soon be selling its Gorgeous Coffee-brand instant coffee and Epiphany Manuka honey products in the United States through partner platforms like Amazon. As the digital ads on Times Square roll, SFIO is laying the groundwork for a brick-andmortar entry into the US market in the near future, beginning with its flagship F&B business, Epiphany Cafe. (Advertising Supplement)
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-21, 2022
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$3B entertainment hub planned for south area of Las Vegas Strip 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
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman with former Nevada State Senator Sue Lowden, one of the owners of the 27 acres between Sahara Hotel and Turnberry Place where former NBA player Jackie Robinson will build his proposed All Net Resort & Arena along the Las Vegas Strip.
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 high-end 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
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman inside the $1B Allegiant Arena in Las Vegas.
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
Russ Bateman at the Las Vegas Ballpark Arena in Summerlin.
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 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, PAGE 10
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APRIL 15-21, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
‘Bakit si Leni?’ She is the best...
PAGE 5 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 Duterte-Marcos 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 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
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$3B entertainment hub planned...
PAGE 9 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 prices. The developments in Las Vegas will have great impact on outside neighborhoods, including 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 fullservice 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)
COMELEC CHECKPOINT. Quezon City Police District personnel, in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), conduct a checkpoint along Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 12. Comelec checkpoints have been set up to implement the poll body’s gun ban and enforce stricter security during the election period. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja
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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-21, 2022
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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Fraud waiver reunites mother and son on this Sunday’s Citizen Pinoy JESTER entered the U.S. as a tourist and overstayed. Despite his status, his mother, Jenny, was still able to file a petition for him. In 2017, Jester applied for a Provisional Waiver which was approved. His lawyer had him return to the Philippines to be interviewed for his green card. However, during the interview, Jester casually mentioned to the consul that he took English lessons when he was still a tourist in 2014. Jester’s visa was denied, and he was accused of fraud for having studied in the
U.S. on a tourist visa. His mother immediately hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel who helped Jester finally get his green card through a fraud waiver. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, April 17 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 free app. (Advertising Supplement)
WATCH THIS SUCCESS STORY ON HOW A DENIAL WAS TURNED AROUND THROUGH A FRAUD WAIVER THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Jester (left) overstayed his tourist visa, but his mother, Jenny (center), was still able to file a petition for him. In 2017, when his primary date was current, Jester applied for a Provisional Waiver, which was approved. His first lawyer told him to return to the Philippines to be interviewed for his green card. During the interview, Jester casually mentioned to the consul that he took English lessons when he was still a tourist in 2014. His visa was denied, and he was accused of fraud. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to help Jester finally get his green card through a fraud waiver. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, April 17 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
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APRIL 15-21, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the second booster (Shot #4) for COVID-19 for those immunocompromised and people ages 50 and older. The second booster is highly recommended also for those who have comorbidities, like high blood pressure, diabetes, COPD, etc. regardless of age since they are more vulnerable to the infection, especially to the new strains. It is anticipated that the fourth shot would be recommended for all ages in the weeks to come since the immunity from the vaccines wanes after four to six months. Whether the COVID vaccine would be a required bi-annual or annual shot, like the Flu shot, is yet to be determined. In the U.S., since only about 67 percent of the population is vaccinated, the 33 percent who have refused the vaccines are unprotected unless they had been infected with COVID-19, which would provide some immunity, albeit not as stable and not as protective as the vaccines. With so many unvaccinated people, whose bodies are acting as a reservoir (factory) for the replication and mutation of the SARS-CoV2 virus, new variants are expected to evolve. This situation would also most likely lead to the need for a bi-annual shot or an annual COVID shot since the unvaccinated will continue to churn out new strains in the future. When everyone is vaccinated, the virus might self-destruct and vanish. The second COVID-19 booster is now available for free for those eligible at various pharmacies in the U.S. Hopefully, they would also be available in the Philippines. Death among ESRD New research done in the flu season 2010-2019 showed that the mortality rate from Influenza for those with EndStage Renal Disease (ESRD) is significantly much higher (28 percent) compared to all other persons with the flu. This report was presented at the National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings. Obviously, those
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Second booster Maris on how heartbreak leads to songwriting, and shouldn’t take more than 3 days of crying
with kidney disease ought to be protected from the flu virus by vaccination, good personal hygiene, and the use of a mask, where needed, especially during the flu season. Versatile ginger Good old ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used in eastern medicine since the 9th century or even earlier. Although not a substitute for conventional western medicine, ginger is claimed to have the following good benefits, besides its popular use in the kitchen: reduces arthritis inflammation, helps in weight loss, lowers cholesterol, eases nausea and vomiting, improves brain health, lowers blood pressure, prevents infection, relieves pain, reduces menstrual bleeding, decreases migraine headache, lowers blood sugar, induces faster muscle recovery, helps in weight loss, immune booster, antioxidant, and germbuster. In the laboratory, ginger was also found to improve the quantity and quality of sperm, and it has some anti-cancer action in mice experiments. For details, consult your physician. Ginger is edible and comes in various forms: ale, tea, caramelized candy, pickled, dried thin wafer, powder, capsules, concoction, etc. Since this item is not evaluated by the FDA, here is some good advice: “It’s also a good idea to make sure whatever ginger supplement you take has third party oversight. Supplements are not highly regulated. The concentration of ginger can vary widely between fresh ginger root, pills, extracts, and powder – and it’s not standardized,” explains Heather Moday, MD, an immunologist, functional medicine specialist, and author of The Immunotype Breakthrough. “Therefore, outside of ingesting ginger root on its own and using fresh ginger tea, one should use supplements that carry a National Science Foundation (NSF) or U.S. Pharmacopeia stamp on the label.” Butter: Healthy? New studies show that diets higher in two oddchain fatty acids, called C17:0 and C15:0 are the secrets of a dolphin’s healthy aging and long life. “The ‘goldilocks’ of healthy aging is C15:0 – which this team of researchers has
since claimed may help prevent prediabetes, lower inflammation, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and more, in the poor aging dolphins.” These scientists were able “to identify that the healthy aging dolphins have significantly higher C15:0 and C17:0 compared to the poor aging dolphins.” “C15:0 or pentadecanoic acid is a molecule found in certain foods, including butter, whole-fat dairy, fish, beef and lamb. It’s also present in smaller amounts in some plants, including chia seeds and peanuts,” according to Venn-Watson, “but in roughly one-tenth the amount that’s found in a serving of butter.” More clinical studies are underway to find out if C15:0 will even be better than Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet. It is a fatty acid that shows the potential to slow the natural age-related breakdown in our cells. Since a strict low-fat diet has not significantly reduced the incidence of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, heart attack, and stroke over the past several decades, this diet is now being reevaluated. Perhaps butter has a place in our diet after all, while margarine is falling into disfavor as a healthy food item substitute for butter. Endometriosis Often misdiagnosed, endometriosis is a painful condition where the tissues that normally line the uterus grows in other parts of the pelvis, like the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. Countless women have suffered from this often-elusive condition, where most tests come out as negative. A high index of suspicion among women and physicians could help in the early detection of endometriosis and end suffering among these patients. Pregnancy myths The following are myths – A woman is guaranteed 100% not to get pregnant IF: (1) penetration is done only a few times without completion of intercourse; (2) withdrawal is done before ejaculation; (3) coitus is done during the “safe” period; (4) sex is done during menses; (5) the woman did not have an orgasm during sex; (6) the lovers drink wine before sex; (7) aspirin is inserted into the vagina as a contraceptive; (8) the woman is on top during the act; (9) the man
By Alex
BrosAs
Inquirer.net
MOVING on after a failed relationship is a process, and for singer-songwriter Maris Racal, having a heartache is the most opportune time to write songs. “Ako po talaga, since sobrang intense ng emotion, gina-grab ko ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun para magsulat. Doon po ‘yung time na sinusulat ko po ‘yung mga songs na sad. ‘Yun ‘yung release ko kasi, ‘yun ‘yung outlet ko,” Racal said during the online press conference for the series “How To Move On In 30 Days,” last March 30. (For me, really, since the emotion is intense, I grab that opportunity to write songs. That’s the time I write songs that are sad. That’s my release and my outlet.) After writing songs about
Maris Racal Photo from Instagram/@mariesteller
pain, Racal would go to the beach to breathe. She also shared thoughts on what women should do after a breakup. “Magpaganda, mag-gym, magpaseksi,” she said. (Make yourself beautiful, hit the gym and make yourself sexy.) Racal admitted that she does not have any problem in moving on after a failed relationship.
“‘Di ba minsan sa relationship, parang padulo na ng relationship, unti-unti mo nang natatanggap na hindi para sa akin itong taong ito? So, the moment na magdecide ka na break na kayo, you finally accepted na hindi kayo para sa isa’t isa. And then iyak-iyak lang (for) three days tapos okay ka na,” she said. (Sometimes in a relationship that’s about to end, slowly you accept the fact that this guy’s not for [you]. So the moment you decide to break up, you have finally accepted that you’re not meant for each other. Then you cry for three days, and then you’re okay.) The key to a hassle-free breakup, according to Racal, is to enjoy the process and take time to heal. “That’s gonna make you who you are in the future,” she said.
Diego lost money to a scammer, learns about greed By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
DIEGO Loyzaga experienced greed first hand when he was scammed, a learning moment for the actor. “I acquired some money, which I won. Ginawa ko sa (What I did with the) money, instead of keeping it, I invested it somewhere else, thinking na lalaki ‘yung pera (that the money would gain profit). So you could say that is greed and that personally happened to me,” Loyzaga said during the online press conference
for his latest film, “Greed,” last March 31. The movie also stars Nadine Lustre and Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon. Loyzaga believes that greed sets in when a person lacks contentment and wants more than what one has. “You always look at the things you could have rather than the things that you do have,” he explained. He made an example of an artist who wants more for his talent fee and ends up losing the gig. “What ends up happening is hindi matutuloy ang raket
kasi ‘yung budget na hiningi mo (the gig will not push through because you asked for a budget that) was too big, and then you end up losing the whole thing entirely,” he said. “I guess that’s greed.”
uses any plastic wrap in the absence of, and in lieu of, a condom; (10) the man already had sex with another woman, or had masturbated an hour or so earlier; (11) oral sex preceded normal intercourse; and (12) the woman douches immediately after sex. These are all myths and cannot be relied upon to prevent pregnancy. Only total abstinence or use of an intact condom, or use of prescribed birth control pills under medical supervision, can prevent pregnancy. ***
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate
for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Diego Loyzaga Photo from Instagram/@diegoloyzaga
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Wells Fargo, Operation HOPE team up to accelerate financial inclusion New HOPE Inside centers in select Wells Fargo branches increase access to financial education and guidance
NEW YORK – Wells Fargo and Operation HOPE, Inc., a national non-profit dedicated to financial empowerment for underserved communities, on Tuesday, April 12 announced plans to introduce HOPE Inside centers in 20 markets that will serve as many as 150 Wells Fargo branches and their surrounding communities across the United States by the end of 2023. The new HOPE Inside centers will feature Operation HOPE financial coaches who will help empower community members to achieve their financial goals through financial education workshops and free one-on-one coaching. Starting in April, the first HOPE Inside centers will be launched in the Atlanta, Houston and Oakland markets. By the end of 2022, HOPE Inside centers will be expanded to Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, N.J., Camden, N.J., Phoenix and Gallup, N.M. HOPE Inside is part of Wells Fargo’s Banking Inclusion Initiative to help more people who are unbanked gain access to affordable, mainstream banking products, and help remove barriers to financial inclusion for Black and African American, Hispanic, and Native American/Alaska Native households, which account for more than half of unbanked households in the United States. “We know from our outreach and work with national and community stakeholders that financial education and guidance, and
an individual’s sense of inclusion and trust, are all important factors in bringing more people who are unbanked into the formal banking system,” said Darlene Goins, head of Wells Fargo’s Banking Inclusion Initiative. “Working with Operation HOPE is one important way that we can remove barriers to financial inclusion and help empower people with education, resources and tools to manage their money, improve their credit and achieve their financial goals.” “The Wells Fargo HOPE Inside centers mark a significant step forward in addressing barriers to financial wealth in diverse communities by offering a welcoming space, access to financial coaches, and expanded resources that support the financial goals of individuals with the greatest needs,” said John Hope Bryant, Chairman and CEO, Operation HOPE, Inc. “This collaborative effort can drive meaningful change and ultimately help address the deeply rooted barriers to financial empowerment in underserved communities.” Introducing redesigned community branches Along with the HOPE Inside launch, Wells Fargo is redesigning branches in select low- and moderate-income (LMI) areas throughout the United States to better meet the needs of the community. The updated community branches will offer spaces for financial health seminars, and individual consultations, such as those offered by
Operation HOPE. Employees in these branches reflect the diversity and cultures of the communities and offer in-language service. New tools will be available to inform and empower customers about digital features that help make banking easier, like mobile check deposit. The first redesigned Wells Fargo community branches are expected to be completed in 2022 in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Camden, N.J., Newark, N.J., New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix metro areas, Arizona and New Mexico border region communities. Banking Inclusion Initiative progress Since introducing the Banking Inclusion Initiative in May 2021, Wells Fargo has organized the National Unbanked Task Force and collaborated with multiple national and community stakeholders to pursue solutions that increase access to affordable products, digital banking and financial guidance within unbanked communities. Wells Fargo has teamed with the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund and its local Bank On coalitions in Atlanta and Houston to test new strategies and approaches that increase access to affordable banking products. Starting in late 2021, Wells Fargo and the CFE Fund have pursued new marketing approaches to reach unbanked consumers and increase awareness of the value and safety of mainstream banking in LMI areas of Atlanta,
Houston and Philadelphia. The initial campaign included paid social media posts, videos and advertising in each market. Other actions Wells Fargo has taken in the first 10 months of the initiative include: • Announced the elimination of Overdraft Protection transfer fees and non-sufficient funds fees as well as additional account enhancements that will give customers more flexibility to meet their personal financial needs. • Announced a new short-term loan of up to $500 that is expected to be offered by the end of the year to help customers with their financial needs. • Expanded support for 13 Blackowned Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) by offering access to a dedicated relationship team that’s working with each MDI on financial, technological and product development strategies to help strengthen and grow their institutions. • Introduced Our Money Matters, a comprehensive financial wellness initiative for students of color at 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) who disproportionally face greater financial challenges and college debt. As part of the initiative, Wells Fargo collaborated with the HBCU Community Development Action Coalition to produce the “Funny Money College Tour” – a series of on-campus events PAGE 15
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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY A P R I L 1 5, 2 0 22
people events arts culture entertainment
Holy Week traditions leading up to Easter Sunday T
by AJPRESS
HOSE of the Christian faith will mark the end of the 40-day Lenten season with Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the day is widely symbolized by the Easter bunny, dyed eggs, and chocolate, there is more to the holiday and the traditions associated with it. For Filipinos, Holy Week (Mahal na Araw) — known as the days leading up to Easter — is a significant observance, given that the Philippines still holds a Catholic majority of 80% of the country’s population. For Filipinos around the world of this faith, they carry these religious practices with them as they remember Christ’s passion and resurrection. Holy Week kicks off with Palm Sunday and lasts until Easter Sunday. For 2022, the week runs from April 10 to April 17. Here are some observances and traditions during this solemn observance: Fasting and abstinence Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent) and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. On the Fridays during Lent, many refrain from eating meat. During Holy Week, Catholic faithfuls may observe fasting by reducing the number of meals eaten each day. “If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection,” according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Veiled images If you visit a church during Holy Week, beginning on Palm Sunday, some churches will cover religious artwork and statues with purple cloth as a somber ritual. “Crucifixes are unveiled after the Good Friday ceremonies and all other images just before the Easter vigil Mass on Holy Saturday,” according to the Catholic News Agency. Visiting seven churches Visita Iglesia is a Lenten practice to visit seven churches either on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday and recite the Stations of the Cross, which are the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. The tradition is said to have started in the 16th century. Good Friday In the Philippines, Good Friday, considered a public holiday, is marked with ritual crucifixions and
public reenactments of Jesus’ suffering. Most Catholics will observe this day by refraining from eating meat and focusing on fasting and prayer. Salubong on Easter Sunday While modern-day Easter celebrations are associated with gatherings, egg hunts and other family-friendly activities, in the religious sense, it is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and the end of the 40-day Lenten sacrifice. Easter Sunday begins with salubong before dawn, when the Virgin Mary meets Jesus who comes back to life. Parishes will have a ritual procession with a statue of Mary in mourning, which is carried by women along a route, while men carry the statue of the Risen Christ. Both processions follow separate routes until the images meet. After the procession, churches will continue with Easter mass.
AJPress illustration by
ABS-CBN and GMA’s main buildings
Photos from abscbn.com, gmanetwork.com
‘The force field is broken’: Kapuso, Kapamilya stars celebrate historic ABS-CBNGMA-7 partnership By JAN
MIlo seVero Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA and Kapuso personalities showed their excitement over ABS-CBN and GMA-7’s deal that would start showing Star Cinema films in the Kapuso network. Former Kapamilya weatherman and now Kapuso Kim Atienza took to his Instagram account to congratulate the partnership. “The force field is broken. GMA X ABS-CBN! The beginning of many beautiful things to come! The Lord works in mysterious ways!” he wrote. Reporting the news on “TV Patrol,” Karen Davila and Bernadette Sembrano, both former Kapuso broadcasters, called the deal a “new era.” “Wow, talaga namang it’s a new era, ‘di ba? Congratulations sa ating dalawa,” Karen said after the report. “Sa Star Cinema and GMA,” Bernadette added. In a statement sent to media, ABS-CBN Films managing director Olivia Lamasan said they welcome the collaboration
as they thanked GMA-7 for believing in their films. “We are delighted to have Star Cinema movies be enjoyed by Kapuso viewers through this partnership with GMA. We thank the network for believing in our films and we welcome this collaboration as a great beginning that will inspire us to continue creating stories that will resonate with more Filipinos,” she said. In a report by Philippine Entertainment Portal, Ai Ai delas Alas said she’s happy with the partnership because her Kapuso fans can now watch her Star Cinema films. “Masaya ako sa partnership ng GMA-7 at ng ABS-CBN dahil mapapanood na sa Kapuso channel ang mga pelikula ng Star Cinema. Masaya rin ako dahil may chance na ang mga Kapuso na mapanood ang mga pelikula ko noon,” she said. “Sana maging simula na ito para mawala na ang network war kasi noong araw naman, lahat ng mga artista, nakakatawid sa lahat ng mga television station hanggang magkaroon nga ng network war.”
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Why Cebuana fashion designer SB19 caps off PPOPCON Mayeth Codoy is making waves in 2022 with a bang Europe with her ‘Filipiniana’ creations By Marane
a. Plaza
Philstar.com
MAYETH Codoy, a Filipina fashion designer living in Norway, is one of the designers whose works will be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022 (APFW) – a global platform for emerging designers – in Los Angeles and Las Vegas on August 6 and 13, respectively. Mayeth is the founder of MYET, a line of fashionable and luxurious clothing produced almost completely of abaca (Manila hemp) and pinya (pineapple), textiles that are unique to the Philippines. Mayeth, who was born and raised in Cebu in the Philippines, began her inspiring journey at the age of 23 when she left her family to work as an au pair in Oslo. While in Oslo, Codoy pursued her big dream by studying fashion design at the Esmod International Fashion School in Oslo, which is a subsidiary of the prestigious Esmod Group in Paris. Mayeth’s Filipinianainspired works were notably featured on Esmod International’s official website last year. Her artistic pieces, such as the Maria Clara gown fashioned of pinya fiber, the same material used to produce the Philippine national costume ‘barong Tagalog,’ carry the cultural identity of traditional Filipino clothes. Mayeth graduated in 2020, and has since founded MYET, a small fashion company in Norway. “The reason for starting
Mayeth Codoy was invited to exhibit her ensembles made from Philippine fabrics at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway. Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy
Creating clothes with asymmetrical cuts is a fashion style that appeals heavily to Mayeth Codoy, a Filipina fashion designer based in Norway, and worn by model Antilda Coroma. Photo by Lluis Calm Vidal
this brand is to create something unique made with natural fabrics, produced by farmers in my home country. This as I can identify with their daily struggles to provide for their family,” the designer said on her website www.myet.no. Mayeth sourced the materials for her garments from artisan villages in Aklan, a province in the Philippines famous for its stunning white beaches on the island of Boracay. “All products with this garment will be produced in the Philippines, creating even more jobs,” she said. Mayeth’s creations were featured in Paris Fashion Week in 2021, a testament to her brilliance, hard work, and unwavering resolve to achieve her goals. Mayeth’s designs are able to highlight the distinct beauty of the Philippine fibers pinya and abaca in such beautiful, modern creations that are appropriate for both special events and everyday wear. Mayeth’s trademark brand is slowly establishing itself in key European cities today. In 2022, she will debut her designs at APFW in Los Angeles, which is regarded as the world’s fifth fashion capital after Paris, London, Milan, and New York. Mayeth’s artistic vision is very inspiring, and APFW believes she exemplifies Philippine creativity and artistry. Mayeth’s aim and ambition to promote Philippine natural fibers to
French model Mamì Chula in a Mayeth Codoy asymmetrical dress made of fabrics sourced from pineapples (and pineapple-inspired mini bag, to boot) at the Paris Fashion Week 2021. Photo by Artur Rocha
International Pinay designer Mayeth Codoy utilizes the fibers sourced from banana and abaca plant in the Philippines. Designs worn by models Abigail Gyamfi and Jannike Skien. Photo by Joe Urrutia
P-POP sensation SB19 brought the house down with their live performance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum over the weekend for the Pinoy Pop Convention (PPOPCON) 2022. Dubbed as the biggest entertainment festivity tributed to the growing P-Pop industry, the 2022 PPOPCON last April 9 and 10 featured fan activities, booths of official merchandise of P-pop groups, games, and performances from some P-pop acts. The P-pop event was the first-ever and muchawaited physical live concert and gathering with online streaming after the global pandemic. Fans who purchased concert tickets
SB19 closes the PPOPCON 2022
Pinay designer Mayeth Codoy, who runs her own atelier in Oslo named MYET, also develops accessories including footwear, purses, hair accessories and hats as worn by models Abigail Gyamfi and Jannike Skien. Photo By Joe Urrutia
the European market is an expression of her love for her homeland. She makes Filipinos happy to call themselves Filipinos. 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 Filipinoinspired 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 co-produced 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 (APFW Release)
were able to attend the hybrid concert on-ground. SB19 treated their fans with their live performance of their hits songs, including Mana, to close the convention. SB19, dubbed as the Kings of P-pop, has been trending on Twitter since the weekend. “P-Pop is quickly gaining international attention and many fans are recognizing the talent and passion of many P-Pop acts. Through PPOPCON, we are celebrating the growing P-Pop community through the first event of its kind,” Andhie Salutin, project head of PPOPCON, stated in a press release. Apart from SB19, other P-pop acts that performed were BINI, Press Hit Play, MNL48, BGYO, Alamat, VXON, 4th Impact and KAIA. g
Philstar.com photo
Wells Fargo, Operation... PAGE 13 at HBCUs and MSIs in which comedians and financial experts team up for an entertaining, interactive financial education program. • Supported MoCaFi’s new partnership with the City of Los Angeles’s Angeleno Connect card, enabling users to withdraw funds from Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide without incurring fees from Wells Fargo. • Extended additional funding and support to expand the Credit Builders Alliance (CBA) low-cost, credit-building consumer loan program. Learn more about Wells Fargo’s Banking Inclusion Initiative at: wellsfargo.com/bankinginclusion. [This news release contains forward-looking statements about our future financial performance and business. Because forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements as actual results could differ materially from expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we do not undertake to update them to reflect changes or events that occur after that date. For information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, refer to our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at www.sec.gov.] (Wells Fargo Release)
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