APRIL 16-19 2022 Volume 32 - No. 30 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
LA County relaxes quarantine requirements DATELINE USA New York City subway for asymptomatic people exposed to COVID-19 shooting injures 23, FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
NYPD arrests suspect
PH Consulate advises Filipinos in NYC to be extra vigilant 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.
County’s move follows statewide suspension of 5-day quarantine for asymptomatic cases by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
AS of Friday, April 15, Los Angeles County residents who have been exposed to the coronavirus but show no symptoms do not have to quarantine. The change in rules means that anyone exposed to
the virus no longer needs to quarantine for at least five days in case they test positive for COVID-19; however, this only applies if they remain without symptoms. However, despite the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) broadly easing its statewide
‘Significant’ human rights abuses were committed by and for PH gov’t, says US State Dep’t by ZACARIAN
SARAO
Inquirer.net
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When symptoms linger for weeks, is it long COVID? MANY Americans are discovering that recovering from covid-19 may take weeks or even months longer than expected, leaving them with lingering symptoms like intense fatigue or a racing pulse. But does that mean they have what’s known as long covid? Though such cases may not always amount to debilitating long covid, which can leave people bedridden or unable to perform daily functions, it is common to take weeks to fully recover. “There could be more to help people understand that it’s not always a quick bounce back right away after the initial infection,” said Dr. Ben Abramoff, director of the Post-COVID Assessment and Recovery Clinic at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. “This is still a very significant viral infection, and sometimes it’s just a more gradual recovery process than people’s previous viral illnesses.“ Recent federal health guidelines — which recommend only five days of isolation for those who test positive and are symptomfree — may inadvertently suggest most recoveries are, if not just five days long, pretty quick. That’s the message I got, at least. I’ve reported on the coronavirus pandemic u PAGE A7
coronavirus-related public safety measures, LA County is keeping some mandates in place for those who may have been in contact with an infected person. The county requires — not recommend — that u PAGE A2
PATH OF SUFFERING. A man portrays Jesus Christ during the Via Crucis in Boac, Marinduque on Good Friday, April 15. The Via Crucis is a procession that traces Jesus’ path on the day of his crucifixion. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
MANILA — The United States has received “credible information” showing that significant human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, have been made “by and in behalf” of the Philippine government, and that the Philippine National Police was “largely ineffective” in cleansing its ranks. In its 2021 Country Report on Human Rights Practices, the U.S. Department of State said that it received “credible reports that members of the security forces committed numerous abuses.” The U.S. said that these significant rights issues included “unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings, by and on behalf of the government and nonstate actors; reports of forced disappearance by and on behalf of the government and nonstate actors; torture by and on behalf of the government and nonstate actors; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions;
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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti This Holy Week, Filipinos urged to reflect on 2022 bets nominates Fil-Am Susana Reyes by JELINE
MALASIG Philstar.com
A humanitarian organization and its partner groups called on Filipinos to spend this year’s Holy Week by reflecting and discerning their electoral bets for the highstakes national polls this May. Oxfam Philippines, together with Caritas Philippines and CORA or Communities Organized for Resource Allocation, urged the public to choose aspirants who have “integrity and a proven track record in helping” those in need. The three organizations launched their
three-point priority agenda to encourage Filipinos to vote in an informed and policybased manner. “With less than a month left before the elections, it’s important that we really take the time to scrutinize candidates and their track records,” Oxfam Pilipinas country director Lot Felizco said. “The Philippines has long been struggling with the problems of poverty, inequality, disasters and conflicts. With the added threats of the pandemic and climate change, there is so much at stake for this year’s elections,” she added. u PAGE A2
Pope Francis offers prayers for victims of ‘Agaton’ landslides, floods in PH POPE Francis offered his prayers for the thousands of Filipinos affected by the flooding and landslides brought on by tropical cyclone Agaton (international name Megi). In a telegram dated Friday, April 14, the pope expressed "solidarity with all those suffering" in the aftermath of Agaton, which caused heavy rains in the central regions in the Philippines as the predominantly Catholic country celebrated Holy Week. Signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the telegram was addressed to Cardinal Tagle thanks Pope Francis at the end of Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Archbishop Charles Brown, Nuncio to the Sunday, March 14, 2021. Photo courtsey of Vatican Media Apostolic
Philippines. "His Holiness Pope Francis wishes to express his solidarity with all those suffering in the wake of the storm. He also offers the assurance of prayers for the dead, injured, and displaced as well as those engaged in recovery efforts,” Parolin wrote. The letter was then relayed by Archbishop Brown to Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. The death toll from landslides and flooding rose to 148 on Thursday according u PAGE A7
to city’s Board of Public Works by AJPRESS LOS Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has nominated Susana Reyes, a long-time public servant and community leader, to the city’s Board of Public Works. Reyes, who is Filipina American, is the current vice president of the Board of Water and Power Commission. “Susana is a selfless public servant who has spent her career building a more resilient and fair Los Angeles,” said Garcetti said in a statement on Tuesday, April 12. “Her strong commitment to equity, environmental justice, and public safety will make her a powerful addition to the Board of Public Works.” Prior to joining the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners, Reyes served as the director of LADWP’s Low-Income Customer Access, where she worked to provide lowincome ratepayers with access to financial assistance, discounts, and rebates. In addition to being a public servant for over 32 years, Reyes is the founder and CEO of AgilEngines LLC, an advocacy and consulting firm focused on community outreach and civic engagement strategies.
Susana Reyes, the current vice president of the LA Board of Water and Power Commission, is now nominated to the city’s Board of Public Works. Photo courtesy of the LA Department of Water & Power
Reyes also served on the Mayor’s Sustainability team as a Senior Sustainability Analyst, where she helped oversee the implementation of Los Angeles’ first Sustainable City pLAn and helped secure a $1.7 million grant for the City from the California Air and Resources Board to help launch BlueLA, an EV car u PAGE A2
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti nominates... PAGE A1 sharing pilot program in lowincome communities. Reyes is an active member of the Sierra Club, elected to the organization’s first-ever all-female Executive Committee in 2017. “The City of Los Angeles is at a pivotal point when it comes to advancement of its critical infrastructure projects, resources, assets, and services to the City’s residents and businesses,” said Reyes in a statement. “I am honored by this opportunity to lead with equity, creativity and
innovation, using my diverse perspectives and wealth of experience gained from decades of leadership positions within the City to further our commitments to cleaner neighborhoods, sustainable infrastructure, public safety, and healthy land, water, and air.” The City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works (BPW) is the five-member executive team responsible for the administration of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, overseeing and managing
more than 5,000 employees within the Department’s five bureaus: Bureau of Contract Administration, Bureau of Engineering, Bureau of Sanitation, Bureau of Street Lighting, and the Bureau of Street Services. If confirmed, Reyes will be the second Filipina American to serve on the Board of Public Works, succeeding Jessica Caloza, who was the lead commissioner for the Board’s Bureau of Engineering from 2019 to 2022. ■
‘Significant’ human rights abuses were committed... PAGE A1 (and) arbitrary detention by and on behalf of the government and nonstate actors.” “The government investigated a limited number of reported human rights abuses, including abuses by its own forces, paramilitary forces, and insurgent and terrorist groups. Concerns about police impunity continued following the increase in killings by police in 2016. Significant concerns also persisted about impunity for other security forces, civilian national and local government officials, and powerful business and commercial figures,” the U.S. stated. “The national police’s institutional deficiencies and the public perception that corruption in the police was endemic continued,” the U.S. said. “The PNP’s Internal Affairs Service remained largely ineffective.” The U.S. further cited serious problems with the independence of the judiciary; arbitrary and unlawful interference with privacy; serious abuses in a conflict; serious restrictions on free expression and media, including violence, threats of violence, and unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists, censorship, and the use of criminal libel laws to punish journalists; high-level and widespread government corruption; serious government restrictions on or harassment of domestic human rights organizations; and threats and violence against labor activists. It cited several reports of impunity in the country, specifically in the PNP — one of which was when the Office of the Ombudsman cleared officers from the Manila Police District of its involvement in a 2017 incident in which 12 individuals were found
detained in a secret jail hidden behind a wooden bookshelf. This, despite the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) insistence that the police clearly violated human rights standards, and even the PNP mandate to “serve and protect.” While U.S. acknowledged the PNP’s efforts in the cleansing program after it reported that its internal cleansing program — which led to 166 persons facing disciplinary sanctions between March and August, 2021; 75 of the 166 were dismissed from service, 48 penalized with one rank demotion, and 43 suspended — it, however, cited another incident in October when the Quezon City Regional Trial Court acquitted 19 police officers charged with killing former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Roland Espinosa inside his cell after President Duterte tagged him as a drug criminal, led by Police Superintendent Marvin Marcos. Marcos was the former chief of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8, who was promoted to chief of the 12th PNP Regional Office just 15 months after Espinosa’s killing, and months of senate hearings. Meanwhile, while the Congressional Committee on Appointments determines whether senior officers selected for promotion have a history of human rights breaches, the U.S. Department of State noted that this merely implies the commission can defer a promotion indefinitely if it uncovers a history of abuse. PNP refutes report Objecting to the findings of the U.S. state department, the PNP in a statement on Thursday reiterated that it had already dismissed
5,999 “errant” personnels during its internal cleansing program from July 2016 until March 30, 2022 after facing administrative charges due to grave offenses. The PNP said that 714 of these police officers were also involved in drug related cases. It also showed that 1,129 other officers were demoted, 10,490 were suspended, 848 faced forfeiture of salary, 2,475 were reprimanded, 208 were restricted and privileges were withheld for 286 more personnel. “These numbers of penalized personnel reflect the PNP’s commitment to cleanse its ranks in order to carry out their mandate in protecting the community,” said the PNP. Because of this, the PNP said that it opposes the recent report of the U.S. Department of State. “Although we are not completely disregarding this report, the PNP would like to respond to it with all the significant accomplishments of IAS, as mentioned above,” said PNP. “It will be unfair for the PNP to be regarded as an organization that tolerates impunity and human rights abuses,” it added. The U.S. State Department’s annual report is only the latest of several reports that pointed out the flaws in the country’s human rights system, and how impunity remains rampant in the country. Just recently, on March 29, Amnesty International said that lack of accountability among perpetrators had provided the breeding ground for extrajudicial killings and human rights violations to flourish in the Philippines under the President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s drug war. ■
FEWER TRAVELERS. Fewer passengers are seen at the check-in counter of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Wednesday, April 13. Transportation Secretary Art Tugade earlier checked the situation at the airport as passengers booked their flights to the provinces for the Holy Week. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
LA County relaxes quarantine...
PAGE A1 anyone in contact with an infected individual must “wear a highly protective mask around others, especially indoors, for a total of 10 days after the last contact with a person infected” with COVID-19. Moreover, that person should get tested within the next three to five days after interacting with the aforementioned infected individual. The county said that anyone is
considered exposed to the virus if they share the same indoor space with an infected person during their contagious period for at least 15 minutes over a 24hour period. Earlier this month, the CDPH announced new guidelines that state that asymptomatic people who came in contact with Covidpositive individuals no longer need to quarantine for at least five days. Although mask-wearing is
recommended by the state for those who are exposed, it is not required. "As the SARS-CoV-2 virus has evolved to have a shorter incubation period (e.g., average 2-3 days), usually by the time identified exposed contacts are notified, their incubation period is over and the most relevant time period for restricting movement by quarantine has passed," the CDPH wrote in an April 6 memo. ■
This Holy Week, Filipinos urged to reflect...
PAGE A1 Kidapawan Diocese Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines, also hoped that Filipinos “can find the time to really reflect and discern this Holy Week.” “This will hopefully help them decide on the best leaders this country deserves,” he said. Bagaforo also hoped that Filipinos will look at the candidates’ positions on significant issues such as climate change, gender inequality and poverty. “It’s easy to be distracted by the popularity of some candidates but we really need to scrutinize their platforms and see if they have a comprehensive plan for the problems that will greatly affect Filipinos in the next years,”
he said. As voters discern their choices, the groups also hope that future leaders will consider their electoral agenda which highlights three main calls: Fighting for climate justice, championing gender justice, and strengthening economic recovery. “This agenda calls for our future leaders to have clear and effective programs and policies to address the climate crisis,” said actress Antoinette Taus who is Oxfam Pilipinas ambassador for resilience, and founder of CORA. “We call on them to have a firm stand on its global commitment in stopping global temperature rise, to adapt climate-resilient efforts in disaster management and to shift to cleaner energy,”
she added. Felizco said that Filipinos are “at a very important point” in history and that their choices “will define what our future will look like in the next six years.” The Philippines elects its new president, vice president and senators every six years. “We hope that as we reflect and discern our choices in the next few days, we remember why and for whom we are voting for,” Felizco added. “All of us deserve bold but humane leaders who will address our people’s challenges. We deserve a just and equal Philippines, and voting for the right candidates this May can be the first step towards this vision,” she continued. ■
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DATELINE USA
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IRS Free File can help those with no New York City subway shooting injures 23... filing requirement find overlooked tax credits and get a refund PAGE A1
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service on Thursday, April 14 urged low- to moderateincome individuals and families, especially those who don’t normally file a tax return, to use IRS Free File (https:// www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-doyour-federal-taxes-for-free) to prepare their own federal tax return, file electronically and get a refund by direct deposit – all for free. The tax software guides people through each section of their tax return using a questionand-answer format. It's safe, easy and free to file a federal return. Individuals who didn’t earn enough money to require them to file may mistakenly assume that since they owe no tax they’re not entitled to a refund. They may, however, be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Child & Dependent Care Credit, the Premium Tax Credit or the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. These credits are refundable and can result in a refund, even if the individual owes no income tax. More information on these credits is available in FS-2022-10 (visit https://www. irs.gov/newsroom/irs-expandedcredits-for-families-highlighttax-changes-for-2021-manypeople-who-dont-normally-fileshould-file-this-year). This year’s federal tax filing deadline for individuals is April 18. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return. Taxpayers can use electronic filing options including IRS Free File available on IRS.gov through October 17 to prepare and file returns electronically. IRS Free File offers free access to leading tax software to anyone who has an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $73,000 or less. Available only at IRS.gov, IRS Free File offers low- to moderate-income families those experiencing homelessness, students who are now on their own or may have only worked part time and others a fast and easy way to access these benefits. Anyone can use IRS Free File by accessing a computer or similar device. No computer? No problem.
IRS Free File products support mobile phone access, too. Eligible people who did not receive a third-round of the Economic Impact Payment or received less than the full amount may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 tax return. More information on claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can be found on IRS.gov. And that’s where IRS Free File comes in. It’s a free way to claim the full amount of tax benefits and ensure that eligible people get their refund. Look for an IRS Free File product with “no minimum income,” file electronically and choose direct deposit. Through IRS Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free as part of a 20-year partnership with the IRS. There are eight software products in English and two in Spanish. Visit IRS.gov/FreeFile for details. In addition, MilTax, available free through the Department of Defense, offers a similar online tax-preparation service to members of the military. Because IRS Free File returns are filed electronically, the service offers everyone a great way to get their money quickly. This is especially true for anyone who chooses to have their refund deposited directly into a savings or checking account. Don’t have a bank account to direct deposit a refund? Visit the FDIC website (https:// www.fdic.gov/GetBanked/) or the National Credit Union Administration using their Credit Union Locator Tool (https://www.mycreditunion. gov/about-credit-unions/creditunion-locator) for information on where to find a bank or credit union to open an account online. Veterans can see the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) for access to financial services at participating banks (https://www.benefits.va.gov/ benefits/banking.asp). Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that can be provided to the IRS for a direct deposit. People should check to ensure their card can be used to have their
refund applied to the card and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number. The IRS urges everyone to consider taking advantage of the speed and convenience of IRS Free File. This includes: • People experiencing homelessness. As long as they are not someone’s dependent, chances are they still qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit even if they have little or no income. They can still use Free File even if their only access to the Internet is through a smartphone. Look for An IRS Free File product with “no minimum income.” (People experiencing homelessness may list the address of a friend, relative or trusted service provider, such as a shelter, dropin day center or transitional housing program, on the tax return). • Families who had a baby or adopted a child during 2021 or who added a dependent – including a parent, a nephew or niece, or a grandchild – on their 2021 income tax return who was not listed as a dependent on their 2020 income tax return likely did not receive a stimulus payment for that qualifying child or dependent. They may be eligible to claim a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2021 tax return to claim a credit of up to $1,400. • All eligible parents of qualifying children born or welcomed through adoption or foster care in 2021 are also encouraged to claim the Child Tax Credit – worth up to $3,600 per child born in 2021 – on their 2021 income tax return. • Low- to moderate-income workers and working families who don’t normally file a return may miss out on certain credits for individuals including the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, the Child & Dependent Credit, the Premium Tax Credit if they don’t file. In order to validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS, taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return. For those waiting
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At least a dozen people who escaped gunshot wounds were 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 ninepoint 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 city-wide 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.” (Momar G. Visaya/ AJPress)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) AUTHORITY (LACMTA) SOUTHERN REQUEST FOR REQUEST FOR CALIFORNIA REGIONAL PROPOSAL PROPOSAL RAIL AUTHORITY LACMTA will receive ProposLACMTA will receive ProposIFB NO. EP225-22 als for PS88001 - Request for als for OP75359-2 - Bus Pest - Transit Ambassador Control Servicesat the 9th Floor UPDATING GROUND Proposals Pilot Program Services at the Receptionist Desk, Vendor/ 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Management DepartAIR SYSTEMS AT EMF Vendor/Contract Management Contract ment, One Gateway Plaza, Los Department, One Gateway PlaAngeles, CA 90012. & CMF FACILITIES za, Los Angeles, CA 90012. All Proposals must be subThe Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking Bids for the replacement of EMF Ground Air System 3,800-gal Receiver Tanks and updating of current Ground Air Systems at CMF facilities. Bid documents may be downloaded at SCRRA’s website at http://metrolinktrains.com/contracts/ Select Vendor Portal. Electronic Bids are due at 2:00 P.M. (PT) on May 4, 2022. For further information contact: Carlos Delgado, Contract Administrator, at delgadoc@ scrra.net 4/16/22 CNS-3574993# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, May 2, 2022. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS88001. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Mark Penn at PENNM@metro. net. 4/16/22 CNS-3575498# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
mitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, April 29, 2022. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. OP753592. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Marc Margoni at margonim@ metro.net. 4/16/22 CNS-3575481# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
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OPINION
FEATURES
No weariness in doing good
FILIPINOS are marking Holy Week in the heat of the campaign for the May 9 general elections, and with COVID-19 still posing a threat. Alert Level 1 has been maintained in Metro Manila and several other areas for the rest of the month. Health officials and bishops alike are reminding the faithful to continue adhering to COVID health safety protocols, particularly masking and physical distancing. As for spiritual well-being, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, prefect of the Rome-based Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, has focused on rejecting fake news, bashing and falsehoods in his message for the Lenten season. On his social media account, the former archbishop of Manila posted last Tuesday: “Don’t you get tired of all the lies, the fake news, and the bashing that happens? If we are energized by that, I think we need to pause and examine ourselves: ‘How come I am energized by all of this falsehood and lies? And when it comes to truth, I don’t have energy or interest?’ ” At the same time, Tagle urged the faithful:
“Do not grow weary of doing good. Do not grow tired of doing good. And if there is an opportunity to do good, grab it. Do not lose that chance to do good.” The messages should resonate as people devote some time for spiritual contemplation while enjoying the Lenten break amid renewed mobility. The pervasiveness of social media and the anonymity enjoyed by its users have intensified disinformation and smear campaigns in this election season. Lies and fake news have also derailed the COVID vaccination campaign, raising the risk of renewed surges fueled by new and highly contagious variants of the coronavirus. This Holy Week as people contemplate the passion and death of Jesus Christ, the faithful can heed Cardinal Tagle’s message. Apart from rejecting lies and fake news, the nation needs a reaffirmation of the people’s commitment to continue doing good. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS AS we Filipino Christians commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this Holy Week, may we also lift up our collective prayers to the altar for a clean, honest, peaceful and orderly elections in the Philippines on May 9. It may feel like Good Friday in this chapter of our nation’s history, with toxic division, lies, disinformation and corrupt political practices threatening the integrity of our elections and the strength of our democracy. Let us pray for God to go before us, work behind the scenes, make our crooked paths straight, smoothen our rough edges, and guide us to do our part in using the power of our vote to elect the leaders who will steer our country in the right direction. Let us pray for our discernment so we may cast our sacred vote to elect candidates who are faithful and obedient to God, who will lead us through their example of abiding in God’s will of true service for the greater good, and not for their own selfish personal and political interest. May we choose true public servants who reflect the light, goodness, and mercy of God — leaders who will bring out the best in us so we can all work together, truly united in love and faith for a better, brighter, stronger Philippines — our resurrection as a Filipino people by the grace of God. Here is the prayer written by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) in English and Filipino. Leader: Let us pray that the forthcoming national and local
An Easter prayer for a clean, honest, peaceful and orderly elections in the Philippines on May 9 elections may truly reflect the will of the Lord who guides the destinies of nations. For every petition, let us pray together: Response: Deliver us, Lord. From coercion, intimidation, violence and terrorism… From dishonesty, lies and all distortion of truth… From bribery, graft and all conspiracy for fraud… From gullibility to the deceptive and blindness of perspective… From threats, intimidation and perverse language… Leader: Let us pray together: Response: Hear us, Lord That conscience may always be our ultimate norm… That the common good may always be our highest goal… That human dignity may be respected all the time… That the poor and the weak may always have the priority… That care for creation may never be ignored… That solidarity may guide the path of peace and development… That genuine fear of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek public office… Leader: Let us pray. Altogether: Shepherd of souls and Savior of the nations, politics is your gift to us, a call to serve others and grow in holiness. Guide our politics as you guide our lives. May our political engagement for voters and candidates bring glory to your loving name and help us grow in holiness, forever and ever. Amen. In Filipino: Tagapamuno: Manalangin tayo upang sa papalapit na pambansa at panglokal na halalan ay tunay na maghari
Upang ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan ay hindi ipagwalangbahala… Upang ang pagkakaisa ay magbigay-daan sa landas ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran… Upang ang banal na pagkatakot sa Diyos at pag-ibig sa kapwa ang maging gabay ng mga nagnanais manungkulan sa pamahalaan… Tagapamuno: Manalangin tayo. Lahat: Pastol ng aming kaluluwa at Tagapagligtas ng sanlibutan, ang pulitika ay Iyong kaloob sa amin; isang paanyaya upang maglingkod sa iba at lumago sa kabanalan. Gabayan Mo ang pulitika sa aming bansa katulad ng paggabay mo sa amin. Nawa ang aming pulitikal na pakikilahok para sa mga botante at kandidato ay magdulot ng kaluwalhatian sa Iyong mahal na ngalan at matulungan din kaming yumabong sa kabutihan, ngayon at magpasawalang hanggan. Amen. HAPPY EASTER! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** AJPress illustration by Kendrick Tan
ang kalooban ng Diyos, na Siyang gumagabay sa lahat ng bansa. Sama-sama nating idalangin: Lahat: Iligtas mo kami, Panginoon. Mula sa pamimilit, pananakot, karahasan, at terorismo … Mula sa panloloko, pagsisinungaling, at pagbaluktot sa katotohanan…
Mula sa panunuhol, kasakiman, at sabwatan upang makapandaya… Mula sa kawalang-muwang sa panlilinlang at makitid na pananaw… Mula sa pagbabanta, pananakot, at lapastangang pananalita… Tagapamuno: Sama-sama nating idalangin: Lahat: Dinggin Mo kami,
Panginoon. Upang ang aming budhi ang siyang gawing tunay na pamantayan… Upang ang kabutihan ng nakararami ang aming pinakamataas na layunin… Upang ang dignidad ng tao ay palagiang igalang… Upang ang kapos-palad at mahihina ay pag-ukulan ng higit na pansin…
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
Legal sports betting in California would threaten cardroom employees Commentary
NARY CHIN
CARDROOM EMPLOYEE WHEN I first immigrated to the United States from Cambodia in 1984, I had little education, did not know English and had very few job prospects that offered any type of a future for me or for my growing family. I heard that a cardroom was opening in the City of Hawaiian Gardens that offered good pay and opportunities to grow and needed workers. I showed up to apply in person
thinking only that I needed a paycheck. Little did I know that the Gardens Casino would transform my life and open up a new world of possibilities for my children and me. But now I hear that the road to opportunity paved for me and countless others by cardrooms could be eliminated under a ballot initiative coming this November that would expand sports betting in California at the expense of workplaces and communities like mine. My life before the cardroom was difficult. I had life problems and was out of a job. I was getting kicked out of place after place because I could not afford rent, forcing my family to keep moving. I was a single mom of four with broken English. I had
nowhere to turn to. Life before the cardroom was very bad for me and my kids, and I don’t want to go back. It was hard for me to make good money to support my family the way that I do now in the cardroom club. The only time I escaped from all of that is having a cardroom to work at. The cardroom has changed not just my life but also my family’s. Today, I don’t have to worry that one day I will be kicked out of my home. I do not want to go back to the days of waking up and stressing out that I do not have a job to go to. My first job in the cardroom was working in food service. Now, 24 years later, I am a dealer – a lucrative career path
that provides enough money for me as a single parent of four children to be the sole breadwinner and allow my children to be children, without them having to pick up work to help with expenses. This is a generational shift from when I was growing up, and is a gift of my employment at the cardroom. I did not learn English in school, I learned English working at the cardroom. My coworkers at the cardroom helped me to apply for citizenship and navigate my children’s schooling. Today, I am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America, all because of the cardroom. I remember when the neighborhood was unsafe, people would get beat up. But
I have been here and seen how much the cardrooms have given to the community, to schools, to improving the streets. I look out the window and now suddenly there are palm trees. The city never had those before. This is not just my experience, but hundreds if not thousands of workers from immigrant backgrounds like me have been able to build better futures and a brighter life through our jobs at the cardrooms. My prayer for my daughter is for her to work in the cardroom when she turns 21, because I know it will give her a life of financial independence. My cardroom is my family. When my life was completely down, with nowhere to turn,
I had the cardroom to come to. I needed a friend more than anything. The cardroom worked with me to overcome life challenges and continued to give me a chance when other places may have let me go. I call the cardroom my home because that is what it feels like. I urge all Californians and especially immigrant communities of color to stand with workers and reject the qualified tribal gaming measure this November. It is a direct attack on our futures. *** 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.
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DATELINE USA
Pope Francis offers prayers for victims of ‘Agaton’... PAGE A1 to a report by Agence FrancePresse, with the most fatalities recorded in the towns of Baybay and Abuyog in Leyte province. 28 others are still missing. The first cyclone to hit the country this year, Agaton
caused 676 areas to be flooded and displaced over 1.6 million people in the regions in its path. The total cost of infrastructure is at P6.9 million. 9,622 houses were damaged, good for an estimated cost of
P709,500. “As a sign of spiritual closeness, His Holiness willingly invokes upon all the Filipino people God’s blessings of strength and peace,” the pope's telegram also reads. (Philstar.com)
When symptoms linger for weeks, is it long... PAGE A1
since it started, and I thought I knew what an infection would be like for a young, otherwise healthy person like me. I knew even mild cases could develop into long covid. I thought they were relatively rare. Like many Americans, I found myself slowed by a recovery that took more than a month — far longer than I had expected. I got covid over Christmas. I was vaccinated and boosted, and my symptoms were mild: sore throat, sinus pressure and headache, extreme fatigue. I felt better after eight days, and I tested negative two days in a row on a rapid antigen test. Soon after ending isolation, I had dinner with a friend. One glass of wine left me feeling like I’d had a whole bottle. I was bone-achingly exhausted but couldn’t sleep. The insomnia continued for weeks. Activities that once energized me — walking in the cold, riding an exercise bike, taking a sauna — instead left me intensely tired. The waves of fatigue, which I started calling “crashes,” felt like coming down with an illness in real time: weakened muscles, aches, the feeling that all you can do is lie down. The crashes would last a couple of days, and the cycle would repeat when I accidentally pushed myself beyond my new, unfamiliar limit. My colleague Kenny Cooper is also young, healthy, vaccinated, and boosted. He was sick for almost two weeks before testing negative. His symptoms lingered a few more weeks. A persistent cough kept him from leaving the house. “I just felt like there were weights on my chest. I couldn’t sleep properly. When I woke up, if I moved around too much, I would start coughing immediately,” he said. Abramoff has seen about 1,100 patients since Penn’s post-covid clinic opened in
June 2020. There is no official threshold at which someone officially becomes a long-covid patient, he said. The clinic takes a comprehensive approach to patients who have had symptoms for months, evaluating and referring them to specialists, like pulmonologists, or social workers who can assist with medical leave and disability benefits. Those coming to the clinic with symptoms lasting six to eight weeks, Abramoff said, are generally sent home to rest. They will likely get better on their own. He advises patients with lingering symptoms to adopt a “watchful waiting” approach: Keep in contact with a primary care doctor, and take things slowly while recovering. “You have got to build based on your tolerance,” he said. “People were very sick, even if they weren’t in the hospital.” A National Institutes of Health-funded study on long covid, called Recover, designates any case with symptoms lasting more than 30 days as long covid. Dr. Stuart Katz, a New York University cardiologist who is the study’s principal investigator, said he estimates 25% to 30% of the nearly 60,000 covid patients in the study will fit the long-covid criteria. The 30-day mark is an arbitrary cutoff, Katz said. “There’s this whole spectrum of changing symptoms over time.” A study published in Nature last year tracked more than 4,000 covid patients from initial infection until symptoms subsided. Roughly 13% reported symptoms lasting more than 28 days. That dropped to 4.5% after eight weeks and 2.3% after 12 weeks, indicating most people with symptoms lasting more than a month will recover within another month or two.
That leaves potentially millions of Americans suffering from a variety of covid symptoms — some debilitating — and a lingering burden on the health care system and workforce. Recent research from the Brookings Institution estimated that lasting covid symptoms could be responsible for up to 15% of the unfilled jobs in the U.S. labor market. It took me about six weeks to start feeling better. My crashes got better, slowly, as a result of diligent rest and almost nothing else. My colleague, Cooper, has also improved. His coughing fits have subsided, but he’s still dealing with brain fog. The way most studies to date describe long covid would leave us out. But what I’ve come to think of as my “medium covid” affected my life. I couldn’t socialize much, drink, or stay up past 9:30 p.m. It took me 10 weeks to go for my first run — I’d been too afraid to try, fearing another crash that would set me back again. Failing to treat covid as a serious condition could prolong recovery. Patients should monitor and care for themselves attentively, no matter how mild the infection may seem, Abramoff said. “It’s something that could kill somebody who’s in their 70s,” he said. “It’s not nothing.” (By Nina Feldman, WHYY) This story is part of a partnership that includes WHYY, NPR, and KHN. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. ■
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 16-19, 2022
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DATELINE PHILIPPINES
Sara backs Comelec probe on pre-shaded ballots by EDU PUNAY Philstar.com
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Vice presidential frontrunner Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio has expressed support for calls to investigate reported pre-shaded ballots during the overseas absentee voting (OAV) in Singapore and Dubai. Carpio, who chairs the LakasChristian Muslim Democrats, called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to immediately conduct an investigation on the incident, where her name on the ballots was supposedly pre-shaded. “That my name was allegedly pre-shaded, along with some senatorial candidates, is grossly disconcerting,” she said in a
statement. “As a politician, my experience has taught me that Filipinos do not respect those who cheat and engage in election fraud,” she added. The presidential daughter stressed that cheating in the elections is not in her vocabulary. “I take with great pride in the fact that my history in politics has never been tainted by cheating, fraud and other election irregularities that could question my integrity and leadership,” she swore. “I never have and will never condone cheating. I won my past elections because the people voted for me,” she added. Carpio then called on Filipinos both in the Philippines and overseas to be vigilant against
electoral fraud and ensure that their votes are protected. Her running mate and presidential frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the same call to Filipinos overseas. “Let us continue to be vigilant and protect our democracy,” Marcos said in a Facebook post. The Philippine embassy in Singapore said there was an “inadvertent” incident in which a spoiled ballot was handed out to a voter last Sunday, the first day of the OAV. The embassy, however, denied that pre-shaded ballots were given to voters. The Philippine consulate general in Dubai, on the other hand, also denied that preshaded ballots were given to voters. ■
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 street-level 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 brickand-mortar entry into the US market in the near future, beginning with its flagship F&B business, Epiphany Cafe. (Advertising Supplement)
Marcos widens lead – survey
PRESIDENTIAL frontrunner Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has kept his huge lead in the presidential race, favored by a majority of respondents in this month's Kalye Surveys. Based on the tabulation conducted nationwide from April 1 to 10 with 3,000 respondents, Marcos was the runaway winner with almost 62 percent preference shares. At a very distant second was his closest rival, Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo, who got 18.4 percent. Based on the tabulation conducted nationwide from April 1 to 10 with 3,000 respondents, Marcos was the runaway winner with almost 62 percent preference shares. At a very distant second was his closest rival, Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo, who got 18.4 percent. Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and Sen. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao were statistically tied in third to fifth place with 6.5 percent, 5 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. SPLAT Communications, the information and statistical data provider that works jointly with consulting firm Simplified Strategic Solutions to produce the Kalye Survey summaries, said that with only 27 days to go before the elections, the game is practically over considering Marcos' 43.6 percent vote lead. "That is far more than an avalanche and a tsunami combined. Imagine leading by nearly 24 million votes with 28 days left before the elections. We are reiterating this — game over, game over, game over," SPLAT said in a statement. "The UniTeam of BBM and Inday Sara Duterte will be elected with majority preference shares. Their winning margins will go down in history as the most dominant victory in the history of Philippine national elections," it added. Based on the same data, SPLAT
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the party for their support. This declaration completes One Cebu's endorsement for the UniTeam tandem of Marcos and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. "If you remember one event few months ago I teased you nandito kaming dalawa ni (I was here with) Inday Sara and I remember I said, 'Hindi kami aalis dito hanggang narinig na natin ang iyong matamis na oo (We're not leaving here until we hear you say yes)," Marcos said. "I whispered to the [House] Majority Floor Leader [Rep. Martin Romualdez], and I said 'Sumama sa atin 'yung One Cebu, sumama sa atin 'yung Cebu Island, may pag-asa na tayong manalo' (One Cebu has joined us, Cebu Island has joined us, we have a chance to win)," he added. Marcos announced that part of his priority program is environment protection and preservation. "Nature has its rights that should be protected. It should be allowed to flourish, reproduce and attain its abundance side by side with human civilization in perfect balance and harmony with our growing communities," he said. "We should do this if we want to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our society from the onslaught of natural calamities." Among his programs is to create the Department of Disaster Resilience. He added that promoting reforestation and pushing for stricter anti-illegal logging law will also be prioritized by his administration. In mining, Marcos said he will implement a collaborative relationship with all stakeholders to make sure that it will not be abused and it will bolster economic recovery. He also plans to create the D e p a r t m e n t o f Wa t e r a n d Resources Management to make sure that clean and potable water is available to all. Marcos added he will also focus on solid waste management including "waste to energy programs." (ManilaTimes.net)
warned that the remaining 27 days will be difficult for Robredo as her camp will have to race against time to entice more supporters. "Now it gets much worse for the second-ranked candidate in the remaining 28 days before the elections. Her campaigns need to convert approximately 855,494 voters per day," it said. Based on the survey, Robredo trailed Marcos even in the regional cluster that included her supposed bailiwick. In South Luzon, composed of the regions Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), and Bicol, Marcos got 46.8 percent preference shares while Robredo got 21.6 percent. Even if all the undecided in the said regional cluster chose her, the total will still be 13.2 percent less than Marcos' preference shares, it said. Marcos' spokesman Victor Rodriguez acknowledged the lead but cautioned against complacency. "We entreat our supporters, volunteers and campaigners to refrain from complacency and remain [focused] in achieving our common target of 70-percent presidential preference mark," Rodriguez said in a statement. "We shall not rest until the 70-percent preference survey polls position is attained, until every vote is counted and the aspirations of the Filipino people become a reality," he added. Close to victory Marcos said that the endorsement of One Cebu Party brought him closer to securing the country's top post. One Cebu Party, the dominant local political party in the most vote-rich province of Cebu, on Tuesday announced its support for Marcos. The former senator, during the signing of the alliance agreement between the UniTeam and One Cebu Party, thanked Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and the rest of
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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)
Bretman Rock pushes beyond style stereotypes with ‘airy and breezy’ skirt By Marane
a. Plaza
Philstar.com
MULTI-hyphenate social media star Bretman Rock is shaking up his fashion sense and probably breaking style stereotypes in his current trip in New York, as he rocked an “airy and breezy” skirt as seen on his latest Instagram post. While Bretman has been loved for his over-the-top, outlandish makeup and outfits and wicked humor, the beauty YouTuber is not often seen wearing a skirt. That’s why his new outift of the day (OOTD) sure looked like a sight for sore eyes for his followers and fashion fans in general. The Fil-Am influencer donned a mini-skirt in paisley prints, matched with a floral sleeved top. He capped off the look with
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)
KC replaces Toni as lead actress in New York film By Dana
Cruz Inquirer.net
Social media star Bretman Rock wears a skirt.
cool sunnies and a pair of white sky-high platform boots. “Wanted to wear something airy and breezy so my as$ can breathe,” Rock wrote in the
KC Concepcion has joined the cast of the romantic comedy film “Asian Persuasion,” set in Photo from Instagram/@bretman New York, replacing previously announced actress Toni Gonzaga caption in his usual humor. in the lead role. Bretman has been known Concepcion will be appearing for breaking common norms in the film opposite Filipinoand stereotypes, even making American Hollywood actor Dante PAGE B3 Basco, as per an exclusive report
by Variety on Tuesday, April 12. The lead cast also includes Kevin Kreider, Paolo Montalban, Scarlett Sher, Celia Au, Geneva Carr and Jax Bacani. Meanwhile, Yam Concepcion, Rachel Alejandro and Tony Labrusca are among the featured actors in the film, alongside Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap, Janice Sonia Lee, Ami Sheth, Fe Delos Reyes, Joyce Keokham,
Rex Navarrete, Imani Hanson and Devin Ilaw. Gonzaga was announced to be part of the film in July last year, but she left the production due to “schedule conflicts.” Concepcion then stepped in as lead actress, as per report. Concepcion expressed excitement over the project, which she called a “new journey,” PAGE B5
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Carlo on how to get over heartbreak: Talk about it until you’re tired of it By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
SPENDING time with friends and communing with nature are some of the ways by which Carlo Aquino forgets the pain of a broken heart. Aquino spoke about how he moves on from a failed romance during the online press conference for the digital series “How To Move On In 30 Days,” last March 30. The series, which premiered on April 4, stars Aquino as Franco Sibayan, a barista, surf instructor and boyfriend for hire. “I spend time with friends, nature. Punta sa dagat, sa bundok (I go to the sea, to the mountains),” he shared. And like any typical person, he talks about his heartbreak to his friends. “Tapos kuwento nang kuwento sa mga kaibigan hanggang manabang sila. Hindi naman importante na sila ‘yung
Carlo Aquino Photo from Instagram/@jose_liwanag
manabang. Kailangan ‘yung sakit mo ang manabang,” he explained. “Ikukuwento mo pa rin kahit ayaw nila hanggang sa mawala na iyon.” (Then you tell your story to your
friends until they get tired of it. It is not really important whether or not they get tired of your story. It should be your pain that you get tired of. You will still share your story though they have had enough of it, until [the pain] fades away.) For Aquino, there is no definite time for a brokenhearted guy to move on. He thinks it is a process that leads to the pain fading away in time. “Minsan nga hindi mo alam naka-move on ka na pala,” he said. (Sometimes you do not even know that you have already moved on.) Aquino believes that a guy is way past the trying-to-move on stage when he is already willing to meet another girl. “Basta feeling mo open ka na makakilala ng ibang babae. Kapag open ka na na makipag-date,” he said. (Once you feel that you are open to meeting other girls, when you are open to dating again.) n
Moira Dela Torre and Jason Marvin Hernandez with their dogs Caramel and Pochi
Photo from Instagram/@moiradelatorre
Moira debunks rumors on alleged split with husband Jason By jAn
Milo severo Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA singer Moira dela Torre quickly debunked rumors that her marriage with Jason Hernandez is on the rocks. In her Instagram on Thursday afternoon, April 14 Moira shared
a photo with Mimiyuhh dining. “Look @jasonmarvinph, it’s ur favorite,” Moira wrote in the caption. Earlier Thursday, eagled-eye social media users noticed that Moira deleted all the photos of her husband on her Instagram account, fueling rumors of separation.
Fans of the celebrity couple also claimed that Moira removed the “Hernandez” surname in her personal Facebook account. She also deleted some of their videos on TikTok. Moira has been trending on Twitter since the rumors broke, with fans showing concern for the couple. n
Michelle now divorced from husband: Best sign you’ve moved on ‘Welcome to the new chapter of my life’ from your ex? You’re dating By Anne
PAsAjol Inquirer.net
MICHELLE Madrigal announced that her divorce from former football player Troy Woolfolk has been finalized, almost a year after their separation. Madrigal recounted their supposed-to-be wedding anniversary while showing her wedding photos with her daughter Anika, via Madrigal’s Instagram page on Wednesday, April 13. “Yesterday was supposedly a day we celebrate
Michelle Madrigal
Photo from Instagram/@mitch_madrigal
our union few years back… Fast forward to 2022, it’s a completely different story because this marriage is at the end of divorce (took some time but have been legally separated),” she said. “An ending to something that once gave her happiness and joy.” The actress and fitness coach spoke about honoring herself and letting herself heal, while pointing out how it is necessary for “both parties” to better themselves to make a marriage work. “This woman is a complete different person a year ago,” she stated. “She’s constantly evolving and relearning about herself.” Madrigal then declared that she is letting go of her negative feelings, adding that she and Woolfolk are still blessed to have their daughter. She also thanked her loved ones who supported her “emotionally and financially” throughout the process. “Letting go of all the negative emotions that transpired during this union and embracing the positive ones left in her heart,” she shared. “Letting go to free myself. Welcome to the new chapter of my life.” Madrigal and Woolfolk announced their separation in August last year. They welcomed their daughter in 2017 and got married in 2019. Meanwhile, Madrigal took her oath as a citizen of the United States in February, about five years since she first came to the country. n
again, says Phoemela By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
THERE are many ways to move forward from a failed relationship, and actress-host Phoemela Baranda believes that there is one sign indicating if a person has truly moved on. “Ang pinaka-move on is ‘yung mag-date ka na uli, ‘di ba? Kapag nakapag-date ka na uli, meaning nakapag-move on ka na,” Baranda said when asked how she had moved on from a breakup, during the online press conference for the digital series “How To Move On In 30 Days,” last March 30. (You have really moved on when you start dating again, right? If you have started dating again, that means you have moved on.) As the title of her project suggests, the are indeed many ways for people who have gone through breakups to get over the heartache, but this involves a process, she explained. The phases involve denial, and to go beyond denial, one has to accept the pain then release it. One can cry it out, or one can confront the ex-partner, which was what she did. Baranda also reached out to her friends and told them what her ex-boyfriend did to her. After some time, the pain was finally gone. “After a while, magiging kaibigan mo na ‘yung
Phoemela Barranda
Photo from Instagram/@phoemelabaranda
ibang ex. Proseso talaga,” she said. (After a while, you can even already be friends with some of your exes. It is really a process.) n
Fil-Am stage star pays tribute to Gilbert Gottfried at curtain call
ON Wednesday, April 13 at Aladdin on Broadway, the production’s original and continuing Iago, Filipino American Don Darryl Rivera, paid tribute to Gilbert Gottfried during the show’s curtain call, after it was announced that Gottfried had passed away. Gottfried indelibly voiced the character of Iago in the 1992 animated film Aladdin. Aladdin, the hit musical based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years, breaking 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records. Worldwide it has welcomed more than 14 million people and
can be seen currently on Broadway, in Tokyo, the Netherlands, Mexico City and Stuttgart. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show features music by Tony Award and eighttime Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by twotime Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). PAGE B2
Hipon Girl plans to use Filipino language in Binibining Pilipinas Q&A segment By jAn
Milo severo Philstar.com
COMEDIENNE Harlene Budol, also known as Hipon Girl, revealed that she will use Filipino language in the upcoming Binibining Pilipinas. In her Instagram account, Harlene posted a screen of a report saying she’s not ashamed that she is not fluent in English in the question and answer portion of the pageant should she be considered to be a finalist. “Nabasa ko lang po eto sa isang pageant group. Opo, indi ko po eto ikahihiya naiyak ako dahil sa english. but it doesn’t mean hanggang dyan nalang si Hipon girl nyo. Hindi ko pipilitin ang mag-Ingles. Wikang Filipino po ang gagamitin ko,” she said. “This will inspire me to pursue my dreams. Hanggat may buhay may pag-asa! magkalat man ako o indi may Hipon mag tatak sa entablado!” she added. The viral comedienne also said that her heart is full with the support she’s getting in the upcoming pageant. “Sobra akong na touch sa mga magagandang comment nyo sa akin. Ngayon palang
Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol
gusto ko mag pasalamat sa buong Hiponatics, KaBudol, KaSquammy, KaFreshness, Kainutz sa supporta nyo sa akin. Taas noo ko isisigaw Herlene Nicole Budol, 22, from Angono Rizal, Felepens!!” she said. Earlier this month, Harlene confirmed that she’s joining the Binibining Pilipinas 2022.
Photo from Instagram/@herlene_budol
ABS-CBN showbiz reporter Mario Dumaual saw Herlene training with the Kagandahang Flores beauty queen training camp. According to the former “Wowowin” co-host, she joined the pageant to boost her confidence because she’s a victim of bullying. n
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Gaming revenues up as industry officials see sustained momentum
By RealtoR
Don Darryl Rivera and Gilbert Gottfried backstage at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 2015. Both have played Aladdin character Iago – Rivera in Broadway and Gottfried in the film version. Photo courtesy of TDW+Co
Fil-Am stage star pays tribute...
PAGE B2 Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuriesold folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage. The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the highestgrossing film of the year. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song. The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis. The production team also includes illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira. The music team is headed by music supervisor and music directorMichael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly. Anne Quart serves as co-producer. For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com. n
Fely Quitevis-Bateman
IT is a sign that brighter things are yet to come for Las Vegas, which is considered as the gaming and entertainment capital of the world. A recent news report said that commercial casinos made some $8.92 billion in revenues in January and February of 2022, paced by Nevada’s $2.192 billion. The Silver State’s revenues almost kept pace with the combined earnings of the next three states with the highest revenues on the list compiled by the American Gaming Association. Those three states are Pennsylvania ($808 million), New Jersey ($755 million) and New York ($631.6 million). According to officials quoted in the article, the record start for 2022 means that there is a strong demand from people to travel and enjoy themselves after having been cooped up in their homes since the pandemic started about two years ago. Although it remains to be seen if Nevada’s casinos will eclipse their performance last year, it shows that “Americans are continuing to make gaming a first-choice entertainment option.” While non-gaming areas of resortcasinos have not fully recovered to their pre-pandemic levels per the report, the gaming revenues indicate that people in general have “a strong desire to return to a sense of normalcy after two difficult years, and people feel more comfortable traveling given the tremendous strides in fighting the virus.” Las Vegas – and Nevada as a state, for that matter – has always been one of the more iconic and popular travel destinations for Americans and for tourists from around the world. Aside from varied gaming options within the resort-casinos, visitors have ample things to do – shop, dine, swim, do some sightseeing, watch shows/concerts, and/or pamper themselves with an array of spa services. Associations connected with the gaming and hospitality industries are happy with
Las Vegas ranked as the No. 1 tourist destination in 2021, and that will continue to be true in the future.
Californians are the top migrants to Clark County, which is where the cities of Las Vegas and Pahrump are located in as shown in the photo above.
what they are seeing. For them, it feels as though there are many people who were fortunate enough to have saved some money during the pandemic and are ready to spend it on travel and experiences they missed out the last couple of years. Today’s existing resort-casinos and those under construction are well-equipped to keep Las Vegas visitors entertained as they all have key attractions and components that differentiate them from each other. It also helps that the executives from resort-casinos and local officials work in tandem to keep Las Vegas up front and center of people’s minds when it comes to vacation options or even for conventions, meetings and conferences.
People may know Bellagio, Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, Mandalay Bay, and MGM Resorts, but there are other new resortcasinos vying for people’s attention like Resorts World, Circa, The Fountainbleau (slated to open 2023), The LINQ, Cromwell, The Strat and a host of rebranded properties which have undergone major renovations and repairs. That is why prime real estate is hard to come by in Las Vegas these days. A recently completed deal that saw The Siegel Group acquire 10 acres just across the Strip from Resorts World Las Vegas has many people thinking what kind of development the Las Vegas-based company will come up with for a piece of real estate it dubs as “the last great piece of land available on the north Strip.” It has taken years for The Siegel Group to find and snap up property on the Strip, and it did so with a price tag of $75 million. Since it did not work with a lender, it will have its own timeline as to how to develop the property. That said, its long-term options, according to a news report, include a casinohotel, a condo tower, retail outlets and multifamily apartments. Of course, with construction and projects come jobs, and with that migration from other places in the U.S. Settling in and finding a place to establish roots, or finding an investment property, will be an important decision that may affect your financial future. I can help you find that piece of real estate that will match your needs and your budget. Together, we can comb for the best opportunities available in Las Vegas and its neighboring cities/towns. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 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)
Bretman Rock pushes... PAGE B1 history last year for being the first open gay man to grace the cover of Playboy magazine. His YouTube vlogs had been given a television program
format through a reality show on MTV. As of this writing, he has over 18.2 million followers on Instagram, 8.89 subscribers on YouTube, and 5.7 million followers on Twitter. n
The last commercial lot on the north side of the Strip was bought by the Siegel Group.
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman walked along Las Vegas Blvd. recently to check on what’s new on the Strip. Behind her is the blue Drew Hotel which is slated to open in 2023 with a reported number of 3,000 rooms.
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (right) was finally able to get a photo at the world-famous welcome sign to Las Vegas with one of her investors from Manila, Dr. Jane Paragas.
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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 moderateincome (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 PAGE B6
KC replaces Toni as lead... PAGE B1 via her Instagram page on Wednesday, April 13. “Thank you for joining us on this new journey. Grateful to be part of this Asian-American project, with our amazing cast [and] crew,” she said. “Asian Persuasion” follows the story of a chef who cooks up a scheme to get his ex-wife remarried so he can avoid paying his alimony obligations, but he belatedly realizes that he wants to have a second chance with his ex. The movie is directed by Tony Award-winning producer Jhett Tolentino. It is written by Mike Ang, who also serves as producer alongside Tolentino. Filming is already underway and started in KC Concepcion New York. n
Photo from Instagram/@kristinaconcepcion
Protecting against harassment and hostile work environment Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q: I HAVE a good employment record for this company I have been working with for more than 10 years. My employer recently hired another employee whose conduct made me feel uncomfortable. When I am on a lunch break, he would come up to me while I am eating and show me sexually inappropriate photos from their phone or tell me off-color jokes. I have told him I do not want to see these photos or hear these jokes. Once, they showed me a photo of a gun they owned. I have seen this co-worker yell at another coworker while using profanities. I sometimes nap in my car during lunch breaks and I have caught this co-worker trying to take photos of me while I was taking a nap. I do not want to report them and get them in trouble (and also, they own a gun!). But I am seriously getting disturbed by these incidents. Is there anything I can do? A: Yes. You can start documenting. Whenever my office receives inquiries or calls for help about harassment, retaliation, discrimination, bullying, etc., the one thing I wish I could do is go back in time and talk to the employee and instruct them to start documenting. By “start documenting” I mean start taking down notes and keeping records of what happened. Why? Because in the beginning, harassment, retaliation, discrimination, bullying, etc. do not look like issues. An employee may not know why a co-worker or supervisor is acting in a certain offensive manner. They may prefer to be silent, feeing that they do not want to “rock the boat” or make the aggressor angry at them. But if unlawful conduct is happening, it is to the employee’s best interest to express an objection and have a record of how the unlawful conduct unfolded over time. A coworker’s
rude conduct at work may not qualify as harassment or discrimination. But if the “rudeness” escalates and targets someone’s race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any protected characteristic, this may create a hostile work environment. Employees who are on the receiving end of “disturbing,” “inappropriate” or “offensive” conduct from co-workers or bosses might be wise to take the following actions: 1. Keep a personal journal recording preferably at or near the time of the event, stating what happened, the date, time, who said and did what. You can write what you felt and whether you told the other person to stop. You must keep this personal journal or notebook in a safe location at home, not at the office. Do not put this in a company owned computer or leave it in your desk drawer. Youd may not have access to these notes when things take a turn for the worse. 2. Gather as much evidence as possible. Take screenshots of inappropriate texts or photos sent to you. Or take pictures of any items or writing. If you were injured, take pictures of any injuries and copies of relevant medical or mental health records. If there are emails, or social media posts, keep copies or printouts of these that you can access away from the office. 3. Take down notes of all information of any witness who saw or heard what happened. Identify witnesses by their full names, their positions in the company, and how they may be contacted. If there are witnesses who experienced the same misconduct, get their names and contact information. These witnesses may be able to provide supporting information later on. 4. If the incidents escalate, consider notifying your employer. First, check out if you have an employment handbook which outlines your employer’s anti-harassment or anti-discrimination policies. These policies may tell you the steps to take in order to report a misconduct or file a complaint.
Company policy may direct you to report to your immediate supervisor or to human resources or call a confidential hotline. In certain instances, the offending supervisor or co-worker may report false information and an employee’s “silence” or failure to report an incident may be taken against the latter. 5. In notifying your employer, be professional and cordial. State the facts of what happened, be objective and avoid name-calling or derogatory language. If you had been keeping records, you can mention dates, times and examples of the more serious incidents that happened. Do not make threats. You may state your concerns regarding how these incidents affect workplace safety or work productivity. Employees who experience hostile workplace environments/ discrimination/retaliation may have had their feelings of safety and comfort and productivity adversely affected. They may suffer long-term mental and physical impacts. They may become unable to work and suffer loss of wages. If after all the employees’ efforts, the misconduct continues, or worse, the employee suffers an adverse employment action such as a termination, it will be smart for that employee to consult with experienced employment counsel. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)
B6 APRIL 16-19, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Wells Fargo, Operation HOPE team... PAGE B5 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 Black-owned 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 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. Forwardlooking 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) n
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Client with $300K credit cards successfully passes UST examination
CLIENT case is unusual. She is young at 28 and owes about $300,000 of credit cards. She used these cards to fund a “gift card” business. What’s a “gift card” business? There are many people who cannot qualify for credit to purchase items like iPhones, TVs, personal computers, and other big ticket items but they want to buy them nevertheless. Client comes into the picture by providing the financing to buy these items. How does she provide the financing? She uses her credit cards to purchase gift cards. These gift cards are then sold to the buyer who wants to buy the TV. In between the ultimate buyer and the client, there are several layers of marketing or distributors of the gift cards. There is one main distributor who is in contact with several wholesalers. These wholesalers are the ones in contact with the ultimate buyers. Client adds a margin to her credit card costs. The marketers and distributors also add big margins to their costs. The marketers and distributors collect the money from the ultimate buyers, and turn over the collections to the main distributor. The main distributor turns over all the collections to client who uses the collections to pay back her credit cards. Client makes money, the main distributor makes money, the marketers and distributors make money, and the ultimate buyer is able to acquire the merchandise they want. This business model has a lot of weaknesses, but it’s a legitimate business enterprise. This is a critical issue in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. If credit cards are used to fund a business, the transaction is no longer a consumer debt. The transaction becomes a business debt. $300K used for consumer debt is a big deal and may be used by the U.S. Trustee as a ground to dismiss the Chapter 7 case. But $300K used for business debt is another ballgame because business debt is not a consumer debt! This distinction makes all the difference in Chapter 7 cases. It’s the difference between black and white, or night and day. If a debtor used $300K of credit cards to travel the world, buy a Porsche SUV, and other personal stuff, the U.S. Trustee can dismiss his case by motion to the court based on the argument that the $300K of debtor is
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng primarily consumer debt. That has been bankruptcy law even under the old law, which was replaced by the new bankruptcy code in 2005. If client had used the $300K to for consumer purchases, then her case would not see the light of day. It would be subject of a motion to dismiss by the U.S. Trustee. In this case, client used all of the $300K to finance a business. Of course, given the large amount of credit cards used, we expected the U.S. Trustee to conduct a thorough examination and investigation. At the 341A, the U.S. Trustee showed up and asked client a lot of questions about the nature of the business. UST asked what happened to the main distributor. UST also asked why client did not sue the main distributor and the marketers and smaller distributors to collect the money. UST asked why she went into this business in the first place. Many other questions were asked to probe the veracity of client’s testimony about the business use of her credit cards. Before the start of the hearing, U.S. Trustee asked me if client was willing to sign documents, which authorized the UST to obtain all of her credit card statements directly from the credit card companies. I said sure. I gave the documents to client who signed all the authorizations and I gave it back to the UST. After the hearing, UST asked for copies of all evidence supporting client’s claim that the $300K was used for business. Client produced the following evidence: 1) Text through we chat between client and main distributor where orders for gift cards are placed in the hundreds and client confirms availability of gift cards to meet his demands, 2) Receipts from retailers for I-tunes gift cards, staples, etc. hundreds of receipts, 3) Pictures of inventory purchased and sold through the Internet. Client’s declaration under penalty of perjury was made explaining how the business
was conducted and using the foregoing as exhibits. Apparently, client had entered into this transaction with main distributor twice before for $100K each time and there were no problems in 2015 and 2017. These two successful jaunts encouraged her to get into the business a third time. Unfortunately, the third time failed as collections became slower and slower. It was not possible to sue the end users as all of them were contacted through the Internet with no physical addresses. The hearing was continued for two months. During these two months, client gathered her evidence and we presented them to the U.S. Trustee to prove that client really did use the $300K credit cards for business. Thus, the $300K was not consumer debt but business debt. The deadline for the UST to file a motion to dismiss based on findings that client did not qualify for discharge expired on August 2. UST did not file the motion. This means that UST is satisfied that the $300K was used for business debt and there was no ground to dismiss the case. Client will be getting her discharge in due time and she is now on the way to a fresh start in life without $300K of credit card debt! The Bankruptcy court will wipe out all her $300K credit cards. Thanks Be To God! God knows she needs a fresh start with no debt. Imagine being burdened by $300K of credit card debt that never goes away. Nobody needs that kind of pressure and problem in life. If you need debt relief, set an appointment. I will analyze your case personally. “God wants to prosper you and not to harm you, to give hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney-client relationship established by reading this article. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803, or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789. (Advertising Supplement)
4 ways filing for divorce can benefit your immigration case Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes COUPLES get divorced for various reasons. California is a no fault state. The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are often irrelevant to the issues of the family law case. Divorce is often a difficult and negative experience for most families. However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits in the immigration law arena. Four situations in which filing for divorce can be beneficial to your immigration case are as follows: 1. Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens If you were petitioned for legal permanent residence by your U.S. Citizen parent as a married son or daughter 21 years old or over, you are classified in immigration law under family sponsored third preference (F3) which usually carries a long wait time. The wait time for Filipinos for example is currently 22 years. The priority date is normally the date the petition was initially filed by your U.S. Citizen parents. If you get divorced, you revert back to single status and your category automatically becomes reclassified to first preference (F1) where the waiting time is substantially shorter. For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 category is 10 years shorter than F3 category. This means if your parents filed your immigration petition 12 years ago, then you can adjust to a green card now instead of waiting another 10 years. 2. Married sons and daughters of legal permanent residents If your parents are legal permanent residents, getting divorced will convert you back single status making you eligible to be petitioned by your legal
permanent resident parents under the family based second preference (F2b) category if you are 21 years old or older or under the family based second preference A (F2a) if you are under 21 years of age. For those who married after they were petitioned by their LPR parents (F2A and F2B), the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law the moment you get married and cannot be reclaimed by a divorce. In theory, it can be argued that filing a subsequent petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petition’s priority date under 9 FAM 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not clear since the old petition was automatically revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to have your LPR parent repetition you as an F2A or F2b even if you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date. 3. Conditional legal permanent residents in failed marriages For those who obtained their legal permanent residence status through marriage based petition by their U.S. Citizen spouse of less than 2 years marriage, the legal permanent residence status conferred is usually a “conditional legal permanent residence” valid only for 2 years. The couple would need to sign and file a joint petition to remove this condition prior to the expiration of the 2 years or the conditional legal permanent resident spouse would fall out of status. The problem arises when the marriage is in trouble. Often it becomes difficult to obtain the cooperation of the U.S. Citizen spouse specially when the couple has separated. U.S. Citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear at the I-751 interview if one is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the marriage and allow you to file a “waiver” of the joint petition to remove
the conditional LPR status based on entering into the marriage in good faith. Terminating the marriage by filing a divorce is a requirement in order to file the “waiver.” It is important to time this correctly as soon as the marriage starts falling apart because by terminating the marriage early on, you might be able to file the waiver before the expiration of your 2 year conditional LPR thus allowing you to extend your LPR status in 1 year increments until a final decision is made in your case. 4. Married aliens in nonimmigrant visas and those without status For those who enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant and are separated from their spouse but still married, filing a divorce would open up opportunities in case they meet a new significant other who is a U.S. Citizen and who can petition them as an immediate relative. This is usually the fastest of process in obtaining legal permanent residence. In countries such as the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the U.S. to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them). Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a U.S. Citizen spouse. If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status. To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001. Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What happens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?” The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in California. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a PAGE B7
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 16-19, 2022 B7
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Why Cebuana fashion designer Mayeth Codoy is making waves in Europe with her ‘Filipiniana’ creations 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 Filipiniana-inspired works were notably featured on Esmod International’s official website last year. Her artistic pieces, such as the Maria Clara
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
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
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
Mayeth Codoy was invited to exhibit her ensembles made from Philippine fabrics at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway. Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Norway
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 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,
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
4 ways filing for... PAGE B6 divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons. In countries that are members of the Hague Convention, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines. For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply
to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Reyes is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Immigration and Family Law Sections. You may contact Atty. Reyes at (213) 388-1611 or via e-mail at kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA. Visit us at Kenreyeslaw.com to learn about our firm. (Advertising Supplement)
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 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 Filipino-inspired fashions. This inaugural edition of APFW
is presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, DTI Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, MTS Law Firm, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Tina Modeling. The Las Vegas edition is coproduced by InterEdx, a dba of Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing and Lend with Love. (APFW Release) n