051122 - Southern California Midweek Edition

MAY 11-13, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 37 • 14 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Upbeat song by Pilipino Workers Center encourages the community to get vaccinated IN its ongoing effort to reach communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, the State of California recently partnered with 10 communitybased organizations, who in turn have collaborated with artists and community members to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and other actions that help slow the spread of COVID-19. Community partner Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC) joined with popular Filipino musicians to write and record an upbeat song that encourages listeners to protect themselves and others against COVID-19. The song, entitled “Get Vaccinated,” features a blend of both English and Tagalog. To help spread the message even further, PWC issued a social media dance challenge to the public, inviting viewers to record their own dance videos and share them on social media. Participants can follow PWC’s choreography or develop their own moves dancing to the Get Vaccinated song and then post it on Instagram,

Bongbong Marcos set to win PH presidency by AJPRESS A Marcos is set to make a comeback to Malacañang. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator of the same name, is slated to be declared the winner of the 2022 Philippine presidential election with over 31 million votes, according to partial and unofficial election results with more than 95% of the votes counted, as of Wednesday, May 11 (Manila time). The 64-year-old is the only son of Ferdinand Marcos, who led the Philippines from 1965 to 1986

in a 21-year rule marked by human rights abuses, widespread corruption, and ill-gotten wealth estimated to about $10 billion. Marcos Jr., the former congressman, governor and senator, previously ran for the vice presidency in 2016 and narrowly lost to Vice President Leni Robredo. The victory comes after the elder Marcos was ousted from power over three decades ago and is the culmination of a decades-long attempt to rebrand the Marcos family’s image, especially in light of social media and a new generation of voters. Robredo, who was the only woman in the race, came

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PHILIPPINE Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. would be heading to the United States to represent President Rodrigo Duterte in a summit between Washington and Southeast Asian leaders later this week. Locsin will attend the summit from May 12-13, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement on Tuesday, May 10. “Secretary Locsin is expected to join ASEAN leaders in a number of events hosted by U.S. President Joseph Biden, Jr. and other U.S. government officials during the two-day Summit that aims to enhance and chart the future of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation focusing on areas like pandemic recovery, health security, maritime security, climate change, clean energy transformation, digital economy, trade, and sustainable infrastructure, among others,” the DFA said. Locsin’s attendance at the summit “reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to collaborate with its neighbors and partners for a sustainable post-pandemic recovery and lasting peace and security in the region.” Aside from Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, members of the U.S. Congress, and

Philstar.com file photo

Historic Filipinotown officially unveiled in community ceremony by DONNABELLE

GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

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Sec. Locsin to attend US-ASEAN special summit

Presidential frontrunner Bongbong Marcos

UNVEILING. The Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway, called “Talang Gabay, Our Guiding Star” was officially unveiled with a community celebration on Saturday, May 7. The celebration, which took place along Beverly Boulevard and Belmont Avenue in Los Angeles’ HiFi neighborhood, was attended by hundreds of area residents, business owners, community leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Emeritus Jessica Caloza and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. Photo courtesy of the Office of Mitch O’Farrell

LOS ANGELES — After nearly two decades, the Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway, located at the heart of Los Angeles and the largest of its kind in the United States, was officially unveiled in a community ceremony on Saturday, May 7. The arch, which costs about $587,000 is 30 feet high and spans about 82 feet across the width of Beverly Boulevard at the eastern entrance into Historic Filipinotown. Officially called “Talang Gabay - Our Guiding Star,” the monument was designed by Filipino artist Eliseo Art Silva with Celestino Geronimo, Jr. The project was prioritized by the city’s Department of Public Works, led by Commissioner Emeritus Jessica Caloza, with management and oversight provided by the Bureau of Engineering. The gateway is the culmination of two decades of planning and organization by the Historic Filipinotown

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In biggest fight of his life, Pacquiao concedes to frontrunner Marcos by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Manny Pacquiao has conceded the presidential race to frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., throwing in the towel in what could be the biggest fight of his life. In the latest partial and unofficial count of the Commission on Elections, Pacquiao placed third among preferred presidential candidates, trailing far behind Marcos Jr. and Vice President Leni Robredo. “Bilang isang boxer at atleta, marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa labang ito, panalo pa rin ang kapwa ko Pilipino, ‘yung mga mahihirap,” he said in a video statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday night, May 10.

During the campaign, Pacquiao warned that a Marcos victory would spell chaos, since his administration would be beset by protests from “yellows,” thus hampering the development of the country. In March, Pacquiao also challenged Marcos to a one-on-one debate if the latter was “shy” to face a big crowd. Since last year, Pacquiao has experienced a series of defeats. In August 2021, Pacquiao unanimously lost to Yordenis Ugas in their WBA (Super) welterweight match, which Vice President Leni Robredo gives a post-election statement from her home in Magarao, Sur in the early hours of Tuesday, May 10. Photo courtesy of VP Leni Media Bureau was his first fight in 25 months. After this, he announced his retirement from boxing. Days before the elections, his faction in the PDP-Laban, led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, lost to the group of Energy

Amid defeat, Robredo tells supporters fight Padilla leads senatorial tally dominated by politicians doesn’t end at polls  PAGE 2

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by XAVE

MANILA — Actor Robin Padilla took an early lead in partial, unofficial election returns on the Commission on Elections' Transparency Media Server in a list dominated by politicians. With 25,594,15 votes recorded so far, Padilla of the administration PDP-Laban party led Rep. Loren Legarda (Antique) who had 23,374,825 votes as of 5:47 a.m. Tuesday, May 10. Filipinos on Monday, May 9 voted for candidates vying for 12 vacancies at the upper house. Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo, an

early favorite in pre-election surveys, was at third place in the partial, unofficial tally with 22,589,291 votes followed by reelectionist Sen. Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian who had 19,881,687 votes as of Monday evening. Sorsogon Gov. Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who is seeking a return to the Senate, had 19,574,868 votes as of early Tuesday morning and former Public Works Secretary Mark Villar had 18,691,370. Re-electionists and former senators rounded off the Top 12 candidates, with Rep. Alan

Peter Cayetano (Taguig) getting 18,595,322 votes, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri with 18,089,102 votes, Sen. Joel Villanueva with 17,880,482 votes. Sen. Risa Hontiveros — a member of the small Senate minority — got 14,918,162 votes so far. Sons of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada — former Sens. JV Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada — are also poised for a return with 15,283,247 votes and 14,557,851 votes, respectively. (Philstar.com)

GREGORIO Philstar.com

Robin Padilla

Philstar.com photo

MANILA, Philippines — As her archrival took a wide lead in the partial, unofficial tally of votes, Vice President Leni Robredo told her supporters that the 'Kakampink' movement that was ignited after she announced her bid for the presidency should not end even after polls close and the counting ends, rallying her supporters to continue fighting even as she acknowledged that the voice of the people is getting "clearer and clearer." Past Tuesday midnight it was

evident that Robredo was poised to lose the presidential race to Marcos, who maintained a solid lead in the preliminary count with over 28 million votes, while she only had over 13 million votes. But in her message to supporters at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Robredo cited reports of "irregularities" that marred the elections, which has led to some people still waiting in line to cast their vote as thousands of vote-counting machines and some SD cards bog down. "Kaisa ninyo ako sa paniniwala

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From the Front Page

In biggest fight of his life, Pacquiao concedes to... PAGE 1 Secretary Alfonso Cusi in their bout for the party’s leadership. The Commission on Elections has since ruled in favor of the Cusi wing’s petition to declare Pacquiao’s group as “illegitimate” and recognizing them as the “true and official members” of the ruling party PDP-Laban. He also trailed in pre-election surveys, only ranking in fourth with only one-digit voter preference. However, in the April Pulse Asia survey, Pacquiao improved his numbers, placing third among preferred presidential candidates with a 7% voter support. In the 90-day campaign period, Pacquiao focused his platforms on alleviating poverty, jailing corrupt politicians, and free housing. He said his presidential run is a “revolution of the poor,” saying this fight of his life is for those suffering in poverty like he did when he was young. The boxer-turned-politician

Senator Manny Pacquiao Inquirer.net file photo

made fighting corruption and poverty the centerpiece of his campaign. He said his impoverished roots make him the best person to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte at the helm of the country. He vowed to provide houses to millions of Filipinos, build a “mega-prison” for corrupt government officials, and increase the minimum wage of workers. On the last day of the campaign period, two days before the

elections, Pacquiao said he is ready to accept — like a boxer — whatever the results of the May 9 elections will be. Pacquiao started his political career when he ran for a congressional seat in the South Cotabato province in the 2007 midterm elections. He lost that election to the Antonio-Custodio political clan in General Santos City. Pacquiao again attempted to enter politics for a congressional seat, this time in Sarangani province, in the 2010 elections. He finally won that round. In the 2016 national elections, Pacquiao then tried his hand at a Senate seat, where he also succeeded. He garnered over 16 million votes, landing 7th among the 12 new members of the upper chamber of Congress. Pacquiao is boxing’s only eight-division champion. He won his first world title as a flyweight in 1998, three years after making his debut as a scrawny 16-yearold. g

Starfleet Innotech cements US roadmap with series of investor meetings, strategic partnerships STARFLEET Innotech, Inc. (OTC Pink: SFIO) announced a series of strategic meetings to cement its expansion roadmap in the United States. Over the next two months, representatives of the company will be traveling across the U.S. to meet with strategic partners, fund managers, institutional investors and family offices across Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New York. Kicking off this leg of their global roadshow, Chief Investor Officer Richard De Lima and General Manager for Communications Santiago Arnaiz will be presenting SFIO at the upcoming Planet MicroCap Showcase. The conference will be taking place between May 3 to 5, 2022 in

Las Vegas, bringing together promising companies and top dealmakers in microcap finance for three days of company presentations, one-on-one meetings, and educational panels. Meanwhile, Chief Technology Officer Richard Prodigalidad is slated to meet with potential partners in Silicon Valley to expand SFIO’s global network of innovators across tech. Among these is a meeting between San Francisco-based health wearable developer NeuroSky and community health dashboard startup Project Fort. Stemming from SFIO’s strategy of collaborative innovation, this partnership will see the two companies – both recent additions to the

SFIO portfolio – kicking off a co-development roadmap for the digital health systems that will power SFIO’s wellness township projects in the Philippines, under the Moraya brand. In addition to this partnership, Prodigalidad will be establishing pathways to connect the increasing demand for tech talent across Silicon Valley with highly-skilled developers and designers based in the Philippines – positioning SFIO as the central hub in a global innovation ecosystem. Over the next two months, the company’s team will also be engaging in similar talks with New York-based partners towards the end goal of solidifying SFIO’s portfolio

FOR COUNTRY. Presidential contender Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) hoists the Philippine flag while UniTeam’s senatorial candidates wave smaller versions during their miting de avance at Solaire open field in Parañaque City on Saturday, May 7. Marcos and his running mate, Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte, took a commanding lead in the partial and unofficial tally of votes cast in Monday’s elections, the numbers reflecting their consistent dominance in the surveys. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Bongbong Marcos set to win... PAGE 1 in second with 14.8 million votes. Boxer turned senator Manny Pacquiao clinched third with 3.6 million, followed by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso with 1.8 million and Senator Ping Lacson with over 881,000 votes. Marcos’ running mate Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, daughter of outgoing president Rodrigo Duterte, likewise clinched victory in the second highest post of the Philippines with 31.5 million votes. She was followed by Robredo’s running mate Kiko Pangilinan (9.2 million), Senator Tito Sotto (8.1 million), Doc Willie Ong (1.8 million) and Lito Atienza (267,000 votes). Marcos on Monday night, May 9, thanked his supporters, while admitting that the vote count is not over. “Kagaya ng aking sinabi, hindi pa tapos ang bilang. Marami na ang nagsasabi na tapos na pero

hindi pa talaga kaya antayin natin hanggang maliwanag na maliwanag, mag-100% ang pagbilang (Like what I said, the counting is not yet over. A lot of people are saying it’s done but really it’s not. So let’s wait until it’s very clear, until the results are at 100%),” Marcos Jr. said in a speech delivered at his headquarters in Mandaluyong City. He added, “Any endeavor as large as this, does not involve one person. It involved very very many people, working in very very many different ways.” Marcos Jr. was 29 when his family went into in Hawaii following a People Power Revolution in 1986. Following Marcos Sr.’s death, the family returned to the Philippines to return back to the limelight and politics. For her part, Robredo has not officially conceded in the race but has issued a statement to her

followers. “First of all, let me thank you — all of you who voted for me, who convinced their families, friends, acquaintances, and even those who they did not know, who did so in so many ways. To all those who staked their careers and their names in sharing our message,” she said in Filipino. She added, “Let’s be assured by your contribution: We have started something that has never been seen in the whole history of the country — a campaign led by the people." “This is a movement that was formed not only to dismantle an old and decaying system but also to forge a true and positive change. You have embodied democracy, not only in voting but also in showing your love for fellow Filipinos. This is a very big victory. And our campaign can only be considered a failure if we allow the unity we have formed to fall apart,” she said. g

Sec. Locsin to attend US-ASEAN special...

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the U.S. business sector will also hold discussions with the Asean leaders, the DFA noted. “The ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit in Washington D.C. is the second special summit hosted by

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the United States since it became ASEAN’s dialogue partner in 1977, making it a momentous occasion celebrating 45 years of ASEAN-U.S. partnership,” it added. Duterte was invited to attend

the summit but he declined. The President will end his term this June without embarking on an official visit to the U.S., one of the Philippines’ longtime allies. (Christia Marie Ramos/Inquirer. net)

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Amid defeat, Robredo tells supporters... PAGE 1

na kailangan isalamin ng halalan ang buo at wastong tinig ng taumbayan. Mahalagang maging mas matibay ang tiwala ng tao sa proseso ng ating demokrasya. Gagawin natin ang lahat para maabot ang layuning ito," Robredo said. (I am one with you in the belief that this election should mirror the full and proper voice of the people. It is important that the trust of the people in this democratic process be stronger.) But, she continued: "Bagaman may hindi pa nabibilang, bagaman may mga tanong pa sa eleksyon na ito na kailangan matuldukan, palinaw na ng palinaw ang tinig ng taongbayan. Sa ngalan ng Pilipinas na alam kong mahal na mahal ninyo, kailangan nating pakinggan ang tinig na ito dahil sa huli, iisa lang ang bayang pinagsasaluhan natin." (While there are some votes not counted yet, while there are questions on this election that needs to be addressed, it is becoming clearer and clearer what the voice of the people is. In the name of the Philippines, which I know you love, we need to listen to this voice because in the end, we just share one nation.) Still, Robredo vowed that she will not abandon her lifelong advocacies and appealed to her supporters to join her in this battle. "Kakailanganin ng bansa ang inyong patuloy na pakikilahok, hindi lang ukol sa anumang kahihinatnan ng bilangan at halalang ito, kundi sa pagsusulong ng katarungan, ng karapatan, ng dignidad ng Pilipino sa mga susunod na panahon," she said. (The nation needs your continued participation, not just in the outcome of the counting and this election, but in the pursuit of justice, rights and the dignity of Filipinos in the future.) Volunteers ready to heed Robredo's call Cleo Calimbahin, who teaches political science at the De La Salle University in Manila told Philstar.com that the volunteer movement that buoyed Robredo’s presidential campaign can harness its power to hold the next administration accountable. "They can continue to organize and mobilize to hold the next government accountable. This

is participatory politics and for as long as they are more constructive rather than toxic, they can go a long way,” Calimbahin said in an email. This is exactly what volunteer organization Dapat si Leni would try to accomplish now that the country has entered what it called a "dark timeline" in its history. Claiming over 10,000 members, the group’s spokesperson, Clyde Gregorio, told Philstar.com that Robredo’s loss is not the end of the road for them. "I would like to also envision that we would still be at the forefronts,” Gregorio said in a phone call. "There’s a lot of collective energy that’s very optimistic and idealistic and it would be such a waste if we would stop just because we’ve entered a dark timeline." It's more of the same for Robredo, who said her Kakampinks created a movement never before seen in Philippine politics. "Napakalaking tagumpay nito at maituturing lang na bigo ang kampanya natin kung hahayaan nating malusaw ang nabuo nating samahan," she said. (This is such a huge victory and our campaign will only truly lose if we will let the organization we built be dismantled.) No shock It is third time’s the charm for Marcos, who had twice lost in political contests with Robredo before: First in the 2016 vicepresidential race and then in his poll protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. Robredo’s apparently massive loss to former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. does not come as a shock. After all, the nation has been shown surveys by private pollsters indicating that she is bound to lose to him. Then there was also Robredo’s problem of being the underdog in a race dominated by Marcos who had a well-funded political machinery and a well-oiled propaganda campaign mainly waged on social media. Compounding this problem is the failure of the opposition, or at the very least presidential candidates not affiliated with the administration, to consolidate at the beginning of the election cycle to mount a strong resistance to a Marcos resurgence. Robredo attempted to hitch

a ride to Malacañang on the pink wave of her supporters who campaigned for her in their communities, fought disinformation seeking to discredit her, and showed up in the hundreds of thousands at rallies where they endured heat, rain, thirst and hunger just to hear her speak. But ultimately, the mammoth crowds at her rallies were dwarfed by a larger sector of society longing for the return of a Marcos to the presidential palace. Dark times for key sectors For some key sectors, Robredo’s loss is theirs as well. Like for Karapatan secretarygeneral Cristina Palabay, who warned of a “deja vu” of the “human rights crisis” experienced under Marcos’ predecessor, President Rodrigo Duterte, and under the brutal martial rule of his father. "The democratic backsliding and the deeper plunge into a climate of impunity are the ominous consequences," Palabay told Philstar.com in an online exchange. Leon Dulce, national coordinator of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, said a Marcos presidency "bodes a return to the dark ages" for the environment. "[Marcos Jr.] has vlogged a lot of rhetoric on climate action, but on the contrary has refused to account for the various atrocities of his father’s former dictatorship in which he was party to,” Dulce said, particularly picking on the planned revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which he said is a "false climate solution that poses radioactive risks." Hya Bendaña, a daughter of a jeepney driver, said she sees that Robredo losing the elections would result in the continuation of car-centric transportation policies, which would result in the worsening of the traffic crisis in cities. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines vicechairperson Kath Cortez also sees “darker and more frightening times” for the media under the Marcos administration as she fears that it is possible for the incoming president to replicate what his father did to gag the press. PAGE 4

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o t k l a T ! c o D r u yo COVID-19 vaccines help PREVENT “long COVID.”

It’s okay to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines for kids. Feel good about the facts.

COVID-19 vaccines LOWER the risk of heart inflammation.

Upbeat song by Pilipino Workers Center...

PAGE 1 Facebook and TikTok with the hashtag #PWCGetVaccinated. They can challenge up to three friends to share their best dance moves by tagging them in the post. “This upbeat song connects with our community, especially those coping with the stress and trauma of the pandemic,” said Malou Villacisneros, external relations director of the Pilipino Workers Center. “Through music and dance, we can engage with people of all ages and gender identities as we celebrate our resiliency and continue to build awareness about keeping each other safe and healthy.” Pilipino Workers Center’s project is part of a statewide “Vaccinate ALL 58” COVID-19 campaign. The arts initiative is designed to raise awareness of critical actions Californians can continue to take to help slow the spread of COVID-19, with an emphasis on the importance of vaccinations and boosters. It features original works of art with empowering public health messages about protecting one another, being resilient and supporting their community. The musicians in the campaign are: Jonathan Buencamino (vocals) is a Filipino singer, musician, and lead vocalist of the Filipino pop-rock band, Introvoys. He has one of the most distinctive voices in the OPM/ Pinoy Rock scene. Paco Arespacochaga (drums) is a Filipino musician, songwriter, and drummer for the Filipino pop-rock band Introvoys. He’s

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received numerous Gold and Multi-Platinum awards, as well as the Guillermo Mendoza Award. Melody Del Mundo (vocals) is a Filipina singer, musician, and original vocalist of the 90’s dream-pop band, Sugar Hiccup. She received an Awit Award (the Philippine equivalent of a Grammy) for best alternative recording. QT Paduano (vocals, songwriter, line producer) is a Filipina singer and lead vocalist of the band Agaw Agimat, known for its pop-punk-rock songs with messaging centered on political and social issues. Francis “Kiko” Reyes (guitar) is best known for being the guitarist for the Filipino rock band, The Dawn. He was the chief radio announcer and musical director for the rock station NU107.5 FM and uses the on-air stage name, Francis Brew. Mike Villegas (songwriter, musical arranger) is a musician, composer, and arranger. He has performed with and written many songs for OPM bands and artists such as Color It Red, Rizal Underground, Bayang Barrios, Jet Pangan, and Aiza Seguerra. Using art to convey important public health information has been a feature of the State’s public awareness efforts. It was first launched in 2021 in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, and features projects in Los Angeles, Oakland, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Diego, Oxnard, Fresno and Alameda, and engages Latino, Black/African American, Asian American/

Pacific Islander, and Indigenous artists and communities. The program is aligned with the State's commitment to equity and reaching communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. "It’s inspiring to see community groups and artists, who have been at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working together to create powerful art. Their work is a reminder to everyone that the actions we take moving forward will create healthier outcomes for our communities. We thank them for sharing their gifts on this art project and for the work they do each day alongside their community,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. “Creative expression inspired by COVID-19 prevention measures serves as a good reminder that individual and collective actions are still needed to keep communities safe as the pandemic persists. Even as hospitalizations and infection rates decline, it’s important that Californians remain vigilant and protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted, and wearing a mask when it can protect them and others,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer. For more information on COVID-19 and the latest public health information, visit covid19. ca.gov. To find a vaccine near you, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. g

Amid defeat, Robredo tells supporters... PAGE 3

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“We expect that more cases of attacks on press freedom will happen in the next six years of his administration,” Cortez told Philstar.com in an online exchange in Filipino. “We fear that even more news outlets and journalists will be forced to censor their reports in fear that they would become the next target of closures or any attack.” Indigenous people, too, are seen to be affected by Robredo’s loss in the elections, with former Rep. Teddy Baguilat (Ifugao), who ran for senator under her ticket, telling Philstar.com in a phone call that their future is “very bleak” considering that

other candidates do not fully understand their issues. For Dr. Eduardo Barrenechea of Doctors for Leni-Kiko, Robredo’s loss means they and their countrymen would have to continue to face “less than ideal conditions” in healthcare, but this would not mean the end of the world. “We will continue to fight the good fight for the very people we serve and care for. We will continue to provide medical care as best as we can, despite the difficulties with the current limitations and barriers that stem from existing health structures and policies,” Barranechea said in a

statement. But Bonifacio Ilagan, a Martial Law victim and one of the convenors of the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses to Malacañang, painted a bleak picture of a Marcos victory. "Goodbye to the rest of the ill-gotten wealth that the Marcoses still possess in their estate, goodbye to the rationale of EDSA 1986. The convictions that Imelda and Marcos Jr had been slapped with could no longer be carried out. And we will go down in history as a people who have never learned its bitter lessons," Ilagan told Philstar.com in an email. g

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Historic Filipinotown officially unveiled...

PAGE 1 community. Then-councilmember Eric Garcetti commissioned a study in March 2003 on potential improvements to the neighborhood. Current councilmember Mitch O’Farrell's office identified funding for the gateway and engaged the community in the design process. Renderings were released in June 2020, and construction began in March 2021. Silva, in an interview with the Asian Journal, said the monument is predominantly inspired by his belief that art, which comes from God, is ought to be shared to all mankind. “My goal is to come up with a link for Filipino art, which I believe has God’s presence in it. It should be known to the world and be appreciated,” Silva said. Silva said the precolonial houses of nobility known as “Maginoo House” is the main vernacular Philippine Architecture used as a basis for the gateway. But he said the design idea of putting a human face in the sun located at the center of the arch is what makes it a standout. “This is what we want to do here, we are 'filipinizing' the Filipinotown and what that all means is putting a Filipino face to Filipinos in America,” he said. The title of the iconic landmark, Silva said, was also culled directly from the name of the Rizal Monument (Motto Stella: Guiding Star) at the Luneta Park in Manila. “Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal is indeed 'The True North' or the Guiding Star of all Filipinos wherever they may be. Rizal is subtly represented by the Philippine Sun with a 'human face' (the centerpiece Parol) which was the design of the flag of the first Republic of the Philippines which eulogized Rizal in the June 12,1898 Declaration of Independence for having foretold, guided and inspired the independence and filipinization movement of the Philippines, humanizing and reclaiming for all Filipinos their humanity and identity,” he said. Silva’s design was also reflective of the Filipino ancestor’s ship-building traditions. “The 'Talang Gabay' of our seafaring ancestors are: The North Star at night, and the 'direction of the flight of birds,' symbolized by stylized 'Sarimanok' motifs installed as roof adornments in our ancestors' homes. Some boats and ships of our ancients installed bird accessories as well,” he said.

Aside from boats and houses, the arch’s shape is also inspired by salakot, a famous headgear in the Philippines, which symbolizes friendship among different races, among natives and immigrants. “Symbolically, the monument can be viewed as two hands raising up a giant salakot, with both the pillars a virtual stand-in for arms and the corner braces as hands holding up the salakotshaped arch,” he said. Other features of the arch are the gumamela flower, along with the intricate flora and vine work, painted within the corner braces which were culled from 18th century Philippines; and the capiz windows integral to bahay na bato house, both connected by a central panel that upholds a bamboo teal roof. The purpose of the design is to give visitors entering the HiFi neighborhood a homely reception as if they are being welcomed with warm hospitality in a traditional Filipino house, Silva said. Another symbolism in the infamous gateway is the references to the native Filipino lanterns or parols, which are hung during Christmas season in front of the windows of houses to symbolize a Filipino family’s hospitality. The parol is also a Filipino symbol of the Star of Bethlehem to send a message that the Holy family is welcome to their home. “Thus the three lanterns installed and lighted on the arch extends a warm welcome to everyone who visits the HiFi,” Silva said. During the official dedication of the gateway, some key local government officials, Filipino American community leaders and celebrities shared their respective views and visions for the landmark’s installation. In his speech, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti encouraged the Fil-Am community and all other races to be inspired by what really this monument stands for. “As long as the community is unified, it (the project) will get done. This is important for us, for us all, to own this, not to designate a neighborhood, this is not just for Filipinos but for all non-Filipinos to embrace Filipino culture and history and recognize it as well,” Garcetti said. The city leader also called for the community to be pro-active and be vigilant in facing all the challenges of today’s world. “We, not only marked history, we are committed to making history, and this is my challenge to you. What will you do next, what new business will you open

Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell, artist Eliseo Art Silva, Commissioner Emeritus Jessica Caloza and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti

The gateway project was prioritized by LA’s Department of Public Works, led by Commissioner Emeritus Jessica Caloza, with management and oversight provided by the Bureau of Engineering.

The Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway is illuminated at night.

and celebrate Filipino food, what organization will you donate to, what ways you will do to help us solve the housing crisis, what will you do to help raise our wages, and how will you recognize the essential workers that helped so many of us survive the COVID” Garcetti said. Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal, LA Building and Safety commissioner and long-time HiFi resident, in her speech, echoed Garcetti’s call for greater cooperation among all the communities in the area. “The gateway will be an invitation to all of us to give every little bit of your life. Let’s help to support our future projects. This project did not happen as an an accident. It’s part of history. We are making history for our future generations,” Rosenthal said. For his part, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who represents Historic Filipinotown and who is instrumental in making funds available for the project, said this arch was a “labor of love." “This project is a multiyear of labor of love. It was first identified in a master plan 20 years ago. When you do a master plan you identify goals, one goal was an eastern gateway and a western gateway. All these years later, since I was able to identify the funding, working with the artist and the community, look at the vision that they came up with, we’ve been able to facilitate this. I’m honored to represent this community in the city council and we’re gonna do greater things,” O’ Farrell said. “This community is so deserving of such an iconic, impressive landmark. The Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway pays fitting tribute to the incredible contributions of the Filipino community in Los Angeles and beyond,” the councilmember said. Caloza, the first Filipina who served as a Board of Public Works commissioner, lauded O’Farrell’s utmost dedication to the project. “Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell has been an incredible champion of the Filipino community and helped paved the way to get this built and I helped him as a public works commissioner to put this together. This is the largest Filipino monument, not just in LA, not just in California, but the entire country. And we did it with the leadership and support of the community. We make sure that we empower communities. This is what representation means,” the former public works commissioner said. California’s first Filipino American Attorney General Rob Bonta, for his part, said that this gateway commemorates the Filipinos’ triumphant struggle to make a difference and be recognized in this part of the world. “I am so proud as we cement our mark on the story of America and the story of California. This monument is a symbol of an incredible contribution that we made to building this state, this nation. This is also a recognition of our beautiful story that has been a part of the fabric of the American story,” he said. “It has been our Californian dream, our American dream, our immigrant story to come in this country definitely seeking opportunity for ourselves and for our family and also to make a difference and this gateway here in Historic Filipinotown recognizes that we have made a difference, year after year, generation after generation,” Bonta added. Bonta recalled a significant sign of struggle of Filipino immigrants in the United States more than a century ago. “One of the things that has motivated me and inspired me is a photograph that I keep in my office that shows in a hotel lobby in Stockton in 1920s which says, 'Positively No Filipinos Allowed.' It reminds of me of the hate that we faced, the pain, the struggles

Photo courtesy of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans

“Talang Gabay, Our Guiding Star,” designed by artist Eliseo Art Silva, contains design elements nodding to Filipino culture: the parol; the gumamela flower also known as hibiscus, which pays tribute to frontline workers; and the sarimanok. AJPress photos by Andy Tecson

that we overcame. And today, it feels different. A hundred years later, this archway is saying not just the Filipinos are allowed, but we belong,” the attorneygeneral, whose family originated from the province of Dumaguete, said. Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) executive director Kimmy Maniquis, meanwhile, said this is really a “big deal” for the Filipino community, not just in LA but for all the Filipinos. “Having artistic pieces like this grand and this public, to celebrate our history is really meaningful and this is just so beautiful. I can’t express how beautiful it is. I am excited that the community comes together today to celebrate this. It’s a big deal,” Maniquis said. Coinciding the grand launch of the Eastern Gateway, SIPA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The newly constructed SIPA community center on Temple Street is slated to be opened later this year. Fil-Am actress Tia Carrere, who sang the U.S. National Anthem during the event, said this is a huge accomplishment for all Filipinos, especially those who came to the country as immigrants. “I am so happy to be here celebrating the unveiling of the Eastern Gateway. My maternal grandmother came on the ship to Hawaii to work in a plantation, and the fact that I am here toda. It’s a big day for Filipinos all around,” she said. (Carrere, a Grammy Award winner for her music and a former model, will join stand-up comedian Jo Koy, in a movie “Easter Sunday” out

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at the Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway community celebration on Saturday, May 7.

Donning a barong, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti attended the gateway celebration, sharing the creation of Historic Filipinotown when he was a city councilmember.

on August 5). In addition to the official ribbon cutting and lighting ceremony on Saturday, there were cultural performances and HiFi community organizations,

such as the Pilipino Workers Center, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, and Filipino American Service Group Inc., had booths along Beverly Boulevard. g

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Get the vote buyers THE Commission on Elections has vowed to act on complaints of vote buying and other forms of fraud. With reports of outright vote buying and allegations of technical tampering emerging, the Comelec should make good on its promise. Vote buying and electoral fraud are not new; the late PDP-Laban co-founder Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel was a confirmed victim of vote shaving and padding or Oplan Dagdag-Bawas. The “Hello Garci” vote-padding scandal that marred the election of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004 has not been conclusively resolved, although she finished the full six-year term. In this year’s elections, there were the usual reports of cash being distributed in envelopes to voters. There are allegations of tampering with the voting machines. What’s new in this year’s vote is the prevalence of e-wallets for better concealment of the buy and sell of votes. One case stands out because the complainants claim they were offered cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development by barangay officials accompanied by the campaign staff of local candidates in exchange for their votes. The cash was supposed to be coursed through their GCash accounts, but would require vetting and approval by the

candidates. The complainants are seeking the disqualification of two local candidates for violation of the Omnibus Election Code’s express prohibition against such acts. The Comelec should not only conduct a thorough and credible probe of the case but also make an effort to assess the extent of such activities, by providing hotlines for anonymous tips or formal complaints. For their part, GCash and other mobile wallet app providers should follow guidelines released before the elections by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The BSP guidelines directed banks and financial institutions including e-wallet providers to be on alert for certain transactions that could indicate digital vote buying. The guidelines were detailed and the BSP can seek post-election compliance reports from the banking and financial services industry. If the banks and financial institutions report possible vote-buying activities through certain decisively on the complaints, and go after the accounts, these should be forwarded to the perpetrators. Comelec officials have lamented Comelec, which should act promptly and the difficulty of catching vote buyers, and their

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

lack of authority to efficiently regulate campaign finance. The BSP move should help correct these problems. (Philstar.com)

‘Tuloy ang laban’: The perception of victory is not true victory if the truth is trampled on and the election process is corrupted to diminish the will of the people

The Fil-Am Perspective gel SAntoS-ReloS THE New York Times reported: “Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of an exiled dictator, is set to win a sweeping presidential victory in the Philippines. Marcos had more than double the votes counted for Leni Robredo, the current vice president, according to the latest tally.” The perception of victory is now being touted by Marcos and the UniTeam, his minions of political dynasties, the Marcos loyalists, and unsuspecting Filipinos who have been consuming fabricated stories and fake news peddled by troll farms and “influencers” on social media. The Marcos family reportedly contracted the services of the British PR Firm Cambridge Analytica to rebrand the Marcos image in preparation for their goal to reclaim power and go back to Malacañang with Bongbong as president. Troll farms were used as part of the disinformation tactics on social media platforms and apps like Facebook, TikTok and YouTube to whitewash the brutal years of the Marcos conjugal dictatorship, the conviction of Imelda Marcos of graft, and the culpability of Bongbong Marcos himself in non-payment of his income and the family’s estate tax and ill-gotten wealth liabilities, of which he is the administrator. Duterte-Marcos troll farms were also used to instill mistrust, hate and disdain against Leni

Robredo, the Aquino family, the Liberal Party, as well as their political opponents and critics, as part of the disinformation effort to win the election and hold on to power. A U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance (USFGG) project — using the technology of AI (Artificial Intelligence) big data that was used to surveil the intrusion of Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea — exposed these troll farms through the website TrollExposer.com that tracks and named these trolls of Marcos and Duterte. It also discussed how the Duterte administration has been using taxpayers’ money to finance these troll farms to redtag Leni Robredo and the opposition. The perception of victory is based on rushed announcement of election results by Comelec on election night with such speed that puts U.S. elections to shame, despite the Philippines having the slowest and unreliable internet connection in Asia, and even while many people were still in line and not able to cast their votes yet; AMID breakdown of many vote counting machines (VCM) that also transmit votes across the country that has lead to long lines in precincts, amid the questionable advice for people to just leave their ballots, without them actually seeing their votes put in the machine themselves; AMID disenfranchisement of people who were not able to cast their votes because their names

were mysteriously not found in the list, or those who were not able to vote because of the fiasco caused by defective machines which should have been checked before and approved to work well during election day; AMID blatant violation of the Omnibus Election code that prohibits vote buying, hakot, giving away of election materials and list of candidates to vote for on election day; AMID questionable linear pattern of election results transmitted that many data analysts and statisticians would say is not characteristic of voting results pattern of real people casting their votes from different locations. All through the night from 8 p.m. the share of the votes between Marcos and Robredo had been at 68% to 32%. Marcos defenders would argue this is because of “cumulative count of votes”, but many experts sharing their interpretation of the graphs that reveal such pattern would say this is impossible in any process when we are talking about human beings. This could only happen if it had been deliberately programmed to be that way; AMID Comelec's inaction to all complaints all through the campaign to the day of election, leaving a lot of people lost, helpless, disenfranchised, unable to exercise their right to vote. Amid Comelec's apparent favoring the Marcos campaign over the others, when in fact it should be nonpartisan and

Legacy

First Person

Alex MAgno AT the end of next month, Rodrigo Duterte will step down from the presidency with the highest approval ratings since scientific polling was taken. The office he will vacate will never be the same ever again. The man was imperious but never imperial. He may jumble his sentences, but the people understood his message. He was last heard saying he will return to his hometown, ride his big bike and continue to hunt down criminals. Those were words said for effect. The greater likelihood is that he will return home and spend quality time with his grandchildren like most people his age happily do. Duterte was a storm when he entered the national consciousness in 2015, a reluctant but colorful presidential aspirant from an important but distant city in the far south. The ultimate outsider, his language was rough and his garb ordinary.

Supported by only a handful of standard politicians, he swept to power in 2016 on a sudden surge of voter support. His promise of change captured the imagination of Filipino voters. Although he started campaigning late in the game, he won by a landslide. Days before he was inaugurated, his supporters convened a broadly representative workshop in Davao City to arrive at the policy priorities of the new administration. This workshop, the Sulong Pilipinas, has been regularly reconvened to update the policy priorities and add new inputs. This was the means the new administration ensured policy formation was inclusive and consultative. The anti-Duterte opposition tried, through all this time, to bend the narrative of his presidency towards apparent abuses of civil liberties. They were relatively successful with the international audience, casting the Duterte presidency as personifying the trend towards “illiberal democracy.” The domestic audience, however, saw quite another

thing. They felt the substantial decline in the crime rate as they walked the streets at night with less fear. They saw an administration working hard to reduce poverty, modernize the economy and support the vulnerable sectors. Enjoying supermajority support in Congress, the Duterte administration pushed a comprehensive tax reform program that lowered rates for corporate and personal income taxes to approximate the benchmarks of our peer economies. This improved the disposable income of wageworkers and attracted investments. The national ID system was finally enacted after 25 years. This is a precondition for the digitalization of governance, more efficient delivery of public services and greater financial inclusion for ordinary citizens. Liberalization reforms created a more open economy and adopted the best practices of our regional neighbors. Complemented by the Ease of Doing Business Act, the amendments to the Public Services Act and the Retail Trade

strictly working to protect the integrity of the elections; All these questions and irregularities give credence to how the Duterte Administration had tactically set up the election process and the machinery to run it: Comelec leadership all appointed by Duterte from among his minions in Davao; The recent appointment of George Garcia as new Comelec Commissioner. Garcia was Bongbong Marcos’ attorney in his electoral protest against Leni Robredo during the 2016 VP race; Comelec allowing the printing of 65% of the ballots and configured Secure Data (SD) cards in most regions without observers or away from public view; The awarding of contract to F2 Logistics Philippines, Inc., linked to Dennis Uy, one of the Duterte’s crony and major campaign contributor based in Davao. Yes, it is the same Dennis Uy who owns Udenna Corp., the holding company of Davao businessman Dennis Uy, that acquired the stake of Chevron and Shell in the $4.5 billion deep water gas-to-power project in Malampaya. Now, F2 Logistics got the deal to distribute the ballots, VCMs, and other supplies used in the May 9 elections. Senator Imee Marcos seating as the chairman of the Senate committee on electoral reforms, especially amid the investigation

on the alleged data breach at election system provider Smartmatic. The unofficial and partial results of the May 9 elections have crushed the spirit of millions of those who found hope to finally have a clean and honest government in the candidacy of Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan. These people from different walks of life, of all ages, but especially the youth — formed the grassroots movement that have shown their support through all the jam-packed political rallies, music, arts, person-to-person campaign. Google Trends, which correctly predicted the victory of Duterte and Trump in 2016, of Biden in 2020, of France’s Emmanuel Marcon in 2022, among others, also showed Robredo with 49% vs. Marcos 32% in Google searches. The supporters of RobredoPangilinan contended that the Marcos-Duterte campaign had been using mind-conditioning dirty tactics, employing questionable surveys and now this — the questionable release of questionable election results to claim victory. People criticize Marcos and Duterte for avoiding debates and serious interviews with independent credible news organizations, a red flag of their unwillingness to be transparent and accountable to the people even as candidates — a red flag on how they would lead the country should they win the

election. Addressing her supporters in the morning of Tuesday, May 10, Robredo said: "Kaya sinasabi ko sa inyo, walang nasayang. Hindi tayo nabigo. Pinakamahalaga, hindi pa tayo tapos. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo. May landas na nagbukas at hindi ito nagsasara kasabay ng mga presinto. May kilusang isinilang at hindi ito papanaw sa pagpagtatapos ng bilangan. Ang namulat, hindi na muli mapipikit. Hindi natin kailanman hahayaang makatulog muli ang pag-asang magising.” VP Leni Robredo and her running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan will meet with their volunteers on Saturday, May 13 in Manila to thank all their supporters and to discuss what they plan to do moving forward as they soldier on to continue the fight for "gobyernoing tapat". ***

Liberalization Act, our economy became substantially more business friendly. Of the liberalization reforms, freeing up rice trading was the most important. The Rice Tariffication Act sat on the legislative shelves for over three decades because of strong opposition from entrenched interests. Duterte’s legendary political will got it passed into law. Before the liberalization of rice trading, government heavily subsidized the National Food Authority. Rice prices were a major inflation driver. Market inefficiencies encouraged speculators and hoarders. When calamities struck, rice was rationed. Our farms were kept in subsistence mode. With liberalization, the market was left to make the vital decisions on supply and pricing. The staple commodity ceased to drive inflation. Tariffs collected from rice trading became a fund for modernizing our farms. It was a win on every count, opening the way for modernizing the way we do agriculture – even if our farmers have to be dragged to do so. The centerpiece program of the Duterte administration is the

Build Build Build program. The modernization of the country’s infrastructure is essential to sustained economic expansion in the years to come. The program addressed the congestion of our ports, airports, roads and railways. The infrastructure modernization program also spearheaded the strategy of rapid economic expansion. It created new jobs and opened new investment opportunities. When the pandemic waylaid our economy, the program was key to our recovery strategy. This modernization program would have been costly and beyond our means had we not achieved the highest credit ratings ever. Our ratings performance brought down the cost of borrowing the money we needed to modernize our logistics system. Our investmentgrade rating is the product of many years of exemplary fiscal discipline and debt management. The public has a betterrounded appreciation of the achievements of the Duterte administration. This explains the high approval ratings. Those ratings are the reason the non-administration candidates tried very hard to

avoid making the just-concluded electoral campaign a referendum on Duterte. They all dropped their years-long anti-Duterte agitation. The opposition skirted around the sitting president. Some of them actually tried to win Duterte’s endorsement. Those deeply invested in the effort to denigrate the Duterte presidency courted rejection at the polls. Some might wish we had a more eloquent President. But that would have undermined the quality of authenticity that endeared Duterte to our voters. There was something about his rough language that made him more believable. All in all, Duterte delivered more than his detractors expected. We will see that in the failing numbers of the politicians who tried to build their careers demeaning him. Even as he craves leaving the seat of power, Duterte will not walk quietly into the night. He is too outspoken to do that. He will continue to be a voice in our politics. There is a standard western characterization for Duterte as president. It is different from what most of our voters understand. (Philstar.com)

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

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos

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Lacson: ‘I’m going home’

Comelec affirms junking of Marcos cases by WilliaM

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has dismissed two petitions seeking a reconsideration of its ruling dismissing the disqualification cases against leading presidential candidate Ferdinand "'Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Dismissed on Tuesday by the Commission en banc were the consolidated cases of Ilagan, et al. vs Marcos (filed by the martial-law survivors); the Akbayan, et al. vs Marcos (filed by party-list group Akbayan and other civic leaders), the Mangelen vs Marcos (filed by a faction of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas); and the Fr. Christian Buenafe, et al. case. The first case was earlier junked by the Comelec Second Division while the Buenafe case was dismissed by the First Division for lack of merit. However, there are still two more pending disqualification cases before the poll body.

B. depasupil

and catherine ManilaTimes.net

s. Valente

Nemesis Gatdula, Comelec's clerk of court, said that the cases dismissed by the en banc may still be elevated by the petitioners to the Supreme Court. "They may file a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court within 30 days from today upon receipt of the decision pursuant to the rules of court and the Comelec's rule of procedures," Gatdula said. "But within five days from the receipt of the decision of the en banc, if there is no TRO or orders for said resolutions, then these cases are deemed final and executory on the part of the commission," he added. A total of seven disqualification cases were filed against Marcos. All were already dismissed at the Comelec division level. Marcos' camp lauded the Comelec for dismissing the four appeals for his disqualification. Victor Rodriguez, Marcos' spokesman, said that the decision proved that the poll

body is true to its mandate to be fair to all candidates. "We are happy to receive the news that the Comelec en banc has dismissed all the Motions for Reconsideration on the DQ cases which the First and Second Divisions have earlier ruled in favor of frontrunner Bongbong Marcos," Rodriguez said in a statement. Amid criticisms that Marcos is unqualified for the country's highest position, Rodriguez said "the unanimous en banc decision has proven, once and for all, that no amount of undue political pressure can weaken the resolve of the honorable Commission to be on the side of truth and justice." "We have always believed that the poll body will stay true to its mandate to deliver fair, honest and credible elections, including the dismissal of non-meritorious and politically-motivated petitions such as these," he added. g

Moreno: ‘The people have chosen’ by Franco Jose

MANILA Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Tuesday admitted defeat in the presidential race by congratulating former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and calling him "presidentelect." "Mayroon na pong pinili ang taumbayan (The people have chosen). I hope it can be official soon," Mayor Domagoso said in livestream aired over his official social media account. "Mayroon na pong pinili ang bawat Pilipino. Nais kong batiin si dating Sen. Bongbong Marcos...sa pagpili sa kaniya ng higit na nakararami bilang hahalinhin na pangulo ng ating bansa (Each Filipino has made a choice. I want to congratulate former Sen. Bongbong Marcos... who was chosen by the majority as our country's next president)." Domagoso also congratulated the running mate of Marcos, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-

c. Baroña

and ManilaTimes.net

Kristina Maralit

Carpio, for winning as vice president. "Irespeto natin ang boto ng ating mga kababayan, mahirap middle class mayaman, iisa ang bilang (Let us respect the vote of the people – poor, middle class, rich – they are one)," he said. Domagoso added that the election results are "clear." Meanwhile, the Manila mayor's wife also took time to thank everyone who stayed with them throughout the campaign. Despite her husband's loss in the presidential race, Diana "Dynee" Domagoso said they remained thankful for the experience. "There are so many people to thank and to be grateful for. We all did our best. Trust God's plan. Let us all move forward and continue to pray for our country," her Facebook post read. Aksyon Demokratiko chairman Ernest Ramel, on the other

hand, noted the "blood, sweat, and tears" of the people who "volunteered and sacrificed" to support Domagoso's campaign. "Hindi po natatapos dito ang ating laban. Magpahinga lamang muna tayo ng kaunti pero nanawagan ako sa inyo na samahan 'nyo po kami. Samahan 'nyo po ang Aksyon Demokratiko. Patuloy po natin itaguyod ngayon pa lamang ang mga prinsipyo nito at core values ng Aksyon Demokratiko (Our fight does not end here. We will just rest for a little bit, but I call on all of you to still join us. Join Aksyon Demokratiko. We will continue to uphold the principle and core values of Aksyon Demokratiko)," the party official said in a separate statement. "Muli, ang aking personal na pasasalamat sa inyo mula sa kaibuturan ng aking puso (Again, my personal thanks from the bottom of my heart)," he added. g

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-13, 2022 7

MANILA — Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said on early Tuesday, May 10 that he will go home and serve his family "for a change", with Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. climbing past his rivals in the presidential race. "I’m going home. After being away too long looking after the needs of other people, it is time

to serve my family for a change," Lacson said on Twitter. "Enjoying peace and quiet in these challenging times will probably be my life’s greatest reward," he added. Based on partial, unofficial results from Comelec, Lacson is in fifth place among the presidential candidates. Former senator Bongbong

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Marcos widely leads the presidential race while Vice President Leni Robredo is in second. On election day, Lacson said that he is not inclined to accept a Cabinet position, if he is offered one, and said he does not have any plans of running for another term in the Senate. (Philstar. com)

One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

213.922.2000 Tel metro.net

PAUNAWA SA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG Awtoridad sa Transportasyon ng Metropolitan County ng Los Angeles Ang Panukala R Independent Taxpayers Oversight Committee ng Metro (Komite ng Pangangasiwa) ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa ganap na ika-10:00 ng umaga, Hunyo 8, 2022, na virtual. Maaaring makinig ang mga miyembro ng publiko sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa: +1 (877) 422-8614 at pagpasok ng extension ng pulong 3788155#. Ang Komite sa Pangangasiwa ay itinalaga sa ilalim ng Panukala R, na kilala rin bilang Ordinansa sa Pagpapabuti ng Trapiko at Pagpapalawak ng Riles, na nagpataw ng karagdagang 1/2 ng isang porsyento ng mga transaksyon at paggamit ng buwis upang pondohan ang mga pagpapabuti ng transportasyon sa County, na inaprubahan ng mga botante noong 2008. Ang Komite sa Pangangasiwa at proseso ng pangangasiwa ay itinatag upang matiyak na ang Metro at mga lokal na subrecipient ay sumusunod sa mga tuntunin ng Ordinansa. Ang proseso ng pangangasiwa ay nangangailangang magsagawa ng taunang pag-audit upang matukoy ang pagsunod sa mga probisyon ng Ordinansa na may kaugnayan sa pagtanggap at paggasta ng mga kita sa buwis sa pagbebenta sa panahon ng taon ng pananalapi. Ang mga pag-audit ay dapat ibigay sa Komite ng Pangangasiwa para makagawa ito ng mga pagpapasya kung ang Metro at mga lokal na subrecipient ay nakasunod sa mga kinakailangan sa Panukala R. Bilang pagsunod sa Ordinansa, nakipagkontrata ang Metro sa BCA Watson Rice, LLP (BCA) para isagawa ang independiyenteng pag-audit ng Pondo ng Espesyal na Kita ng Panukala R at nakipagkontrata sa Vasquez & Company, LLP at Simpson & Simpson para i-audit ang pagsunod ng County ng Los Angeles (County) at ang 88 lungsod (Lungsod) ng county. Ang layunin ng pagdinig na ito ay makatanggap ng mga pampublikong komento sa mga resulta ng mga independiyenteng pag-audit na isinagawa sa Iskedyul ng Mga Kita at Paggasta para sa Espesyal an Pondo ng Kita ng Panukala R at Pagsunod sa Mga Kinakailangang Naaangkop sa Mga Alituntunin sa Panukala R Local Return mula Hulyo 1, 2020 hanggang Hunyo 30, 2021, at ang taunang ulat ng Komite sa mga pag-audit na ito. Ang taunang ulat ay makukuha sa: https://www.dropbox.com/s/18zvnnal4fwb3g1/FY21-Draft-MeasureR-Oversight-Committee-Annual-Report%20. pdf?dl=0. MGA ULAT NG INDEPENDIYENTENG AWDITOR Pag-audit ng Pondo ng Espesyal ng Kita ng Panukala R Isinagawa ng BCA ang pag-audit ng pagsunod alinsunod sa mga auditing standard na karaniwang tinatanggap sa United States ng Amerika at ang mga pamantayang naaangkop sa mga pinansiyal na pag-audit na nakapaloob sa Government Auditing Standards, na inisyu ng Comptroller General ng United States. Ang mga pamantayang iyon ay nangangailangan na ang BCA ay magplano at magsagawa ng pag-audit upang makakuha ng makatwirang katiyakan tungkol sa kung ang mga Iskedyul ng Panukala R na mga kita at paggasta ay walang materyal na maling pahayag. Napagalaman ng audit na sumunod ang Metro, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, sa mga kinakailangan na naaangkop sa mga kita at paggasta ng Panukala R para sa taong nagtapos noong Hunyo 30, 2021. Mga Pag-audit sa Pagsunod ng Panukala R ng County at mga Lungsod Ang Vasquez & Company, LLP at Simpson & Simpson ay nagsagawa ng mga pag-audit ng pagsunod sa Local Return Guidelines alinsunod sa mga auditing standard na karaniwang tinatanggap sa United States ng Amerika at ang mga pamantayang nakapaloob sa Government Auditing Standards, na inisyu ng Comptroller General ng United States. Ang mga pamantayang iyon ay nangangailangan na ang Vasquez & Company, LLP at Simpson & Simpson ay magplano at magsagawa ng mga pag-audit upang makakuha ng makatwirang katiyakan kung ang hindi pagsunod sa mga kinakailangan sa Ordinansa ay nangyari na maaaring magkaroon ng direkta at materyal na epekto sa programa ng Panukala R Local Return. Ang Vasquez & Company, LLP ay nagsagawa ng pag-audit ng County at 39 na Lungsod, at ang Simpson & Simpson ay nagsagawa ng pag-audit ng iba pang 49 na Lungsod. Ang mga pag-audit ng pagsunod sa Local Return Guidelines ng County at 88 na Lungsod ay nakakita ng walong (8) lokal na hurisdiksyon na may mga isyu sa pagsunod. Ang lahat ng mga natuklasan ay nalutas na o nasa proseso ng pagresolba. Ang mga natuklasan sa pag-audit ay ang mga sumusunod: • •

•

Wala sa Oras na Pagsumite ng mga Form: Dalawang (2) natuklasan ng mga Lungsod na hindi nagsumite ng mga form sa oras. Ang Form One o Form Two ay kinakailangang isumite ng mga lungsod sa Metro na tumutukoy sa badyet at mga paggasta ng kanilang mga proyektong pinondohan ng Measure R Local Return. Pagkabigong Makakuha ng Pag-apruba Bago Magkaroon ng mga Gastos: Limang (5) lungsod ang nabigong makakuha ng pag-apruba bago magkaroon ng mga paggasta. Ang mga lungsod ay kinakailangang kumuha ng pag-apruba ng proyekto bago gumastos ng mga pondo sa pamamagitan ng pagsusumite ng isang Form One na naglilista ng pangalan ng proyekto, halaga ng mga pondo ng Measure R Local Return na ibabadyet para sa proyekto, paglalarawan ng proyekto, at katwiran. Ito ay kinakailangan upang ang proyekto ay masuri ng Metro para sa Measure R Local Return para sa pagiging kwalipikado alinsunod sa Local Return Guidelines. Hindi sapat na Suporta para sa mga Gastos ng Proyekto: Dalawang (2) lungsod ang may hindi sapat na suporta para sa mga charge sa suweldo at benepisyo. Kinakailangan ng mga lungsod na magpanatili ng tamang batayan ng alokasyon, timesheets o katulad na dokumentasyon at ang mga empleyado at superbisor ng Lungsod ay kinakailangang pumirima ng aktwal na timesheets/sertipikasyon sa napapanahong paraan upang suportahan ang mga charge sa payroll. Isang (1) lungsod ang labis na naglaan ng kontribusyon sa pensiyon nito. Ang mga lungsod ay kinakailangang maglaan ng aktwal na mga gastos sa pensiyon.

Taunang Ulat ng Panukala R na Independiyenteng Taxpayers sa Komite ng Pangangasiwa Sinuri ng Komite ang tatlong independiyenteng ulat ng pag-audit at batay sa pagsusuring ito, bumuo ng taunang ulat. Nakita sa ulat na: 1) ang mga pag-audit ay isinagawa alinsunod sa Ordinansa na inaprubahan ng mga botante noong 2008; 2) Sinunod ng Metro, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, ang mga kinakailangan na naaangkop sa mga kita at paggasta ng Panukala R para sa taon ng pananalapi na magtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2021; at 3) ang County at mga Lungsod ay sumunod, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, sa Ordinansa ng Panukala R at mga alituntunin na naaangkop sa programa ng Panukala R Local Return para sa taon ng pananalapi na magtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2021; gayunpaman, nakakita ng mga pag-audit ang 10 pagkakataon ng hindi pagsunod sa 8 lokal na hurisdiksyon kabilang ang 2 na may materyal na kahinaan at 2 na may makabuluhang kakulangan sa pagsunod sa pagkontrol sa loob. Ang mga nakasulat na komento sa usaping ito ay tatanggapin hanggang Hunyo 7, 2022 ng ika-5 ng hapon. Maaaring i-email ang mga komento sa BoardClerk@metro.net na may Paksa na “PAMPUBLIKONG KOMENTO PARA SA PANUKALANG R HUNYO 8, 2022” at isama ang numero ng item na iyong binibigyan ng komento. Maaari ring ipadala ang mga komento sa: Board Administration, LACMTA, One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-3-1, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952. Ang mga kopya ng mga Ulat ng Independiyenteng Awditor at ang Taunang Ulat ng Komite ng Pangangasiwa ay makukuha sa https:// www.dropbox.com/s/18zvnnal4fwb3g1/FY21-Draft-MeasureR-Oversight-Committee-Annual-Report%20.pdf?dl=0, at ang mga hard copy ay maaaring makuha mula sa Record Management Center ng Metro sa LACMTA Plaza Level sa (213) 922-2342. CNSB#3582559

8 MAY 11-13, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 BALLOT BOXES. The Department of Public Order and Safety personnel carry the ballot boxes during their arrival at the Quezon City Hall compound on Monday night, May 9. The City Board of Canvassers will count the votes before these election returns will be transmitted to the National Board of Canvassers who will declare the official winners in this year's national and local elections. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

‘Political dynasties, not parties dominate 2022 polls’ MANILA – Political dynasties, not parties dominate this year’s elections because wealth and power is concentrated among certain families, veteran political analyst Ramon Casiple said Tuesday, May 10. In an interview over PTV4, Casiple said it would take some time before a law banning families from holding multiple elective posts is passed because lawmakers quickly quash measures introduced in Congress. “Walang lumitaw na pangalan na political party hindi kagaya nung panahon may Nacionalista Party, Liberal Party. Ang tumatambad sa atin ngayon ay mga pamilya. Kaya yung tatakbo sa ganitong family suportado ng ibang family, ganyan ang naging kalakaran ng ating eleksyon ngayon (There were no names of political parties that appeared

unlike before we had Nacionalista Party, Liberal Party. Now, we have families. That’s what election is like now),” he said. Casiple said a political dynasty’s endorsement of a national candidate could also possibly boost the latter’s chances of winning in polls. “Pati yung mga patakaran at programa ng sino mang nanalo, protektado ‘yan ng interes ng political families (The rules and programs of whoever wins protects the interests of political families),” he added. Two of the country's powerful political families have teamed up for the presidential and vice presidential elections namely Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, respectively. Last month, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said political clans are holding several positions

in government because people clamor for it. Duterte said he and his children had no choice but to heed the leaders’ calls for them to run for public office. Duterte, in November 2021, said political dynasties are "not bad" and are here to stay unless the 1987 Constitution is amended. Aside from Sara, Duterte's two other children ran in the May 9 polls -- Paolo as 1st District representative of Davao City, and Sebastian as mayor. The 1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties, but Congress has not passed a law to implement Article II Section 26, which mandates “equal access to opportunities for public service.” There are several anti-political dynasty bills filed before Congress that remain pending at the committee level. (PNA)

PH reaffirms sustainable post-pandemic recovery with ASEAN MANILA — The Philippines will reaffirm its commitment to collaborate with its neighbors and partners for a sustainable post-pandemic recovery and lasting peace and security in the region during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United States (ASEAN-US) Special Summit this week. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. yesterday left for Washington, DC to represent President Duterte as head of the Philippine delegation to the ASEAN-US Special Summit on May 12-13. Duterte said his main reason for not attending the summit

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

was that he did not want to make decisions that would run counter to the desires of his successor, who would be elected last Monday. The Chief Executive is expected to join ASEAN leaders in a number of events hosted by US President Joseph Biden Jr. and other US government officials in the two-day summit that aims to enhance and chart the future of ASEAN-US cooperation, focusing on areas like pandemic recovery, health security, maritime security, climate change, clean energy transformation, digital economy, trade and sustainable infrastructure.

EMPLOYMENT

Locsin’s participation in discussions with ASEAN leaders and Biden, US Vice President Kamala Harris, members of the US Congress as well as the US business sector will reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to a sustainable post-pandemic recovery and lasting peace and security in the region. The ASEAN-US Special Summit is the second special summit hosted by the US since it became ASEAN’s dialogue partner in 1977, making it a momentous occasion celebrating 45 years of the ASEAN-US partnership. (Pia Lee Brago/ Philstar.com)

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Wednesday MAY 11, 2022

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Kalayaan Incorporated hosts the 124th THE LA ART BOX PRESENTS anniversary celebration of the proclamation of Belonging: A Filipino American Philippine Independence Day on June 11, 2022 arts and culture experience

PLEASE join Kalayaan Incorporated President Vicky Perez De Leon and the 20212022 Board of Directors in the 124th Anniversary Celebration of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence to be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, 11999 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, California. This will be the first in-person gathering to commemorate the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence Day since the pandemic. The 2020 celebration was cancelled, and the 2021 festivities were hosted virtually. Traditionally, this annual celebration is a major fundraising event for Kalayaan Incorporated, a 501c3 California nonprofit corporation. Since 2005, Kalayaan Incorporated has donated in various charitable projects. During the recent calamities that devastated regions of the Philippines, Kalayaan Incorporated most recently partnered with Filipino American community organizations including United Specialist Healthcare Foundation (USHF), and the Association of Calambenos of Southern California (ACASCA). “Araw ng Kalayaan is a very precious day in the lives of our forefathers and for us… It is but fitting and proper to give honor to the men and women, our Pilipino patriots, in the form of a gala celebration on June 11,2022. Kalayaan Incorporated as usual is

Exhibition runs May 20 – June 26, 2022

spearheading this momentous gala event. I am very hopeful that our kababayans will join us in this yearly and significant Independence Day Celebration,” says President De Leon. This special event will feature Honorable Edgardo B. Badajos, the Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA – Cultural art gallery, The LA Art Box (The LAAB), in partnership with Parangal Dance Company, is pleased to announce Belonging, a collaborative showcase of Filipino American creatives through their own visual narratives. The exhibition explores cultural identities both past and present from contemporary Filipino American artists working to belong and enrich the current AAPI creative landscape, to the traditional rituals and ceremonies of the six Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines. Belonging opens May 20, 2022 and will remain on view through June 26, 2022. “We’re thrilled to present an exhibition which showcases the work of contemporary Filipino American creatives while also celebrating the powerful cultural legacy of the Philippines,” said The LAAB CoFounder Bernadette Bernardo. “Belonging is an exhibition that perfectly embodies the mission of The LAAB which is to provide a creative space for artists to explore cultural identity and share their personal narratives and experiences.” Belonging is presented in partnership with Parangal Dance Company, one of the foremost performance groups in the United States committed to traditional Filipino folk dance, attire and music. Through their work to preserve Philippine culture and heritage, the dance company participates in cultural immersion and field research to learn more about the six Indigenous Peoples in the as our keynote speaker. Our inspirational speaker is Filipino- Philippines: T’boli, Kalinga, Yakan, Subanen, Maguindanaon, Bagobo. Belonging features American Jessica Cox who is a photography series by Francis Gum which world renowned as the first captures Parangal Dance Company’s depiction licensed armless pilot. of the rituals and ceremonies of these six According to Kalayaan Indiginous Peoples. Incorporated President-Elect In addition, Belonging features eight Erlinda Granada-Sabah who secured this year’s inspirational contemporary Filipino American creatives whose work spans a diverse array of mediums, speaker, “Per Jessica Cox, Continued on Page 10 including sound and film production,

Photo of Parangal Dance Company by Francis Gum

fashion design and culinary arts, to create a multisensory experience. Contributing artists include: • Adrien Per A music director, producer, DJ and the owner of the production company Lumpia Watermelon which has worked with mainstream artists such as Lil Nas X, The Kid Laroi, Polo G, Tyga, 24kGoldn, Megan Thee Stallion, O.T Genasis, Kehlani, G-Eazy and more. Per will debut his first solo art exhibit and photo publication at The LAAB titled We Are Golden on May 14. • Kristian Kabuay An artist, entrepreneur and futurist specializing in endangered writing systems Continued on Page 10

entertainment Marquez family gives all-out support to first-time mom Winwyn

10

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 11, 2022

she’d get married, we’d be more worried about her husband—baka i-under n’ya (a henpecked husband). We’re also very excited for her. We will WE’RE not worried about her at all,” all know her plans soon. As of now, know that says actor and Optical Media Board (OMB) she’s happy and that she’s taking care of herself chairperson Jeremy Marquez about her sister, for the baby,” said Winwyn’s brother. Winwyn Marquez, who recently gave birth to her The actress first admitted to being involved first child. in a romantic relationship in February 2021, “She has a very strong personality. If ever but kept her partner’s identity private. She announced that she was pregnant in December. ‘Mothers still know best’ “I’m very happy for her. We’re happy that she [and the baby are] healthy and feel assured that she knows exactly what to do. In terms of having a child, mothers still know best. She’s doing it all,” Jeremy said. When Inquirer Entertainment asked what his advice to his sister would be, the brother said: “I just want to say to her that it won’t be easy. When it does get hard, whether emotionally, spiritually, or financially, or when she feels stressed or tired, we’ll be here for her. The whole family is here to back her up.” He continued: “If she is looking for someone to leave her child to for a short while, our dad (actor and former Paranaque City mayor Joey Marquez) said [she should] just give the baby to him. If Wyn is busy, my dad has lots of children who love each other—we’ll be here for them. She just has to take it day by day, to enjoy the moment. It’s not every day that you conceive a child. I have children myself, and I miss those Winwyn Marquez Photo from Instagram/@teresitassen days when I could still carry them around.” By Marinel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

Kalayaan Incorporated hosts the 124th... From Page 9 disability does not mean inability… Let’s meet her and be inspired.” One of the main staples of the annual Independence Day celebration is the presentation of “Mga Dilag.” Past President Lydia Soriano who chairs the 2022 Dilag Selection Committee looks forward to the community-wide search for the Mutya ng Kalayaan, Binibining Kalayaan and Ginang Kalayaan. They serve as Ambassadors of Goodwill for the organization. For more information on sponsorship and to purchase tickets, please contact Vicky Perez De Leon, President at (818) 648-3493. You may also reach out to any of the Kalayaan Incorporated Executive Officers, regular Board of Directors and Ex-Officios to purchase your tickets. The 2021-2022 Kalayaan Board of Directors is composed of the upstanding Filipino American leaders in the community. The Executive Officers are Victoria Perez De Leon (President/Chair), Erlinda Granada-Sabah (Vice President/Vice Chair), Lynda Joco (Secretary), Marie Florentina Navarro (Assistant Secretary), Susana De Guzman

(Treasurer), Malou Perez (Assistant Treasurer), Raul Purification (Auditor), Reddy BabasaThompson (Assistant Auditor), and Ethel G. Rubio and Rosalie Caratao are the Press Relations Officers. The Regular Board members include Lolita Bandong, Arnold Bejasa, Nonie Belarmino, Archerie G. Calunod, Christine Consunji, Rachel Gaston, Aida Jugo, Paul Mirador, Peter Ramirez, and Bituin Villanueva. The Past Chairs/ ExOfficios that complete the 2021-2022 Kalayaan Board includes Lucy Barbaran (2005), Lydia F. Soriano (2007), Noel Omega (2008), Leo Maranan (2009) Gil Mislang † (2010), Antero L. Pagunsan (2012), Teresita Emperador (2013), Joveno De La Vega (2014), Zenaida P. Sabocor (2015), Josie E. De Jesus (2016), Susan Dilkes † (2018), Annie Cuevas-Lim (2019), Lydia V. Solis (2020) and Lady Hope Robillos (2021). For inquiries, please contact: Ethel G. Rubio Press Relations Officer, Kalayaan Incorporated Mobile: (818) 640-2946 Email: ethelrubio27@gmail.com FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ kalayaanincorporated

FULLY VICE-CINATED! Vice Ganda live at Pechanga Resort Casino VETERAN comedian and stage performer Vice Ganda is up for a new round of live performance again for guests and visitors come July 2 and 3 (Saturday and Sunday) at 6 p.m. in the only world-class premier hotel, resort, and casino in Southern California — the Pechanga Resort Casino. Pechanga Resort Casino is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience especially to its Filipino-American patrons. Vice Ganda is currently holding a series of U.S. concert tours to pave the way for requests from avid fans and followers to share laughter, comedy, fun and entertainment, less frequently experienced. Geared to a wholesome weekend family getaway, Vice was active in Manila, performing for a daily talk show hosting, doing TV guestings, acting in screen comedies, and making live invitational appearances while maintaining millions of viewers on YouTube and other social media platforms. Don’t miss it! Vice Ganda will showcase her “Fully Vicecinated” comedy spiel and laughter at the Pechanga Summit. Tickets may be purchased from $48 at the Pechanga Box

Office. You may also buy tickets by calling 888-810-8817 or visit, www.Pechanga.com Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area for entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large groups to book. In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space, with significantly enhanced amenities, space, and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings. Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/ casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best casino in the west by USA Today and rated a Four

Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,400 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter.

(Advertising Supplement)

MOTHER Movement hosts awards ceremony EMOTIONS ran high at the launching of the first International MoTHER Movement Awards (IMAA) held last week in the City of Los Angeles in an advanced celebration of Mother’s Day. Fifteen mother honorees took the centerstage as they received their awards, teary-eyed and fondly sentimental, of recognition and appreciation. They were named “distinguished mothers by inspiring and raising children who are recognized as achievers for making the world a better place.” Honorable Melissa Ramoso, mayor of the City of Artesia in California, led the list of attendees in the occasion for being its guest of honor and speaker. The awardees were warmly extolled and commended when they were asked to give inspirational remarks. Their individual narration on how they raised their children and “imbibed in them the sense of discipline, perseverance and ambition to achieve their goals” was met by thunderous applause. Hon. Councilwoman Arleen Bocateja Rojas of Carson, CA and concurrently a LAPD officer, delivered an inspirational message and led the children of the IMMA awardees who were given the distinct opportunity and honor to introduce their respective mothers. The successful event was spearheaded by Ms. Perla Bermudez Santos, founding president and chief executive officer of International MoTHER Movement (IMM). The movement primarily aims to empower the women to prevent and ward off attempts to dishonor them by providing awareness lectures and demonstrations

Carson Councilmember Arleen Bocateja Rojas, Perla Santos and Esther Bocateja

that teach them ways and means for protection. Masters Rosito “Loloy” Go and Ancil “Jun” Suase provided hands on training and a return demonstration from the attendees. IMM was founded 23 years ago in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Bermudez Santos where she was assigned after her stint in the World Health Organization based in Switzerland. As an advocacy group, MoTHER influenced legislation and became a subject of bicameral bills since the 11th congress in the Philippine mandating the inclusion of instinctive self defense awareness as part of the PE curriculum in schools. The occasion honoring the IMMA awardees started with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner led by Cres Go/Emily Edrad, and the Lupang Hinirang, the national anthem of the Philippines, led by Tess Nones/Amor Pambuan. Vice Consul Dyan Kristine Miranda-Pastrana, honorary chairperson of IMM, delivered an inspirational message

Artesia Mayor Melissa Ramoso and Flordeliza Simpliciano Ramoso

in which she congratulated the IMMA honorees as she renewed her pledge of commitment in helping and supporting IMM. She is the current director of the DFA Authentication Division based in Manila. Chairperson Lily Tabafunda of the Rosewood United Methodist Church (RUMC) delivered the opening remarks while Pastor Ed Maliksi of RUMC gave the convocation with his wife, lawyer Linda Maliksi. Gloria Resurreccion, Ludi Santos Martin and Cres Go spoke of their challenges and triumphs in raising their children to reach their milestones success. Earlier featured in the program was the Tagalog poem written for the occasion by Eusebio Salvador San Diego titled “Inang Mahal: Pagbubunyi at Pagdakila.” Eufritz Santos, a quarter finalist in the recent Tawag ng Tanghalan, the top singing contest in the Philippines rendered a “thank-you” song; while Bethskey Magtoto rendered a spectacular dance performance.

Belonging: A Filipino American... From Page 9 from the Philippines. As a leading authority for the propagation and instructor of the pre-Philippine scripts, he launched his own edutainment business specializing in custom art, books, events, technology and apparel. • Alexandra Cuerdo An award-winning director and writer, recently named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Filipina Women’s Network. Alexandra’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Buzzfeed, Vogue, New York Magazine, Variety and more. Her recent documentary Ulam (meaning “dish” in Tagalog) is available on Amazon Prime and Hulu. • Francis Gum A multidisciplinary artist whose work has appeared internationally in a variety of media ranging from magazines and publications, artist covers, designer campaigns and galleries. • Raymond Pereira Chef Raymond trained in Spain with master Spanish chefs and holds the title of Maestro Cortador (Master Carver). He has carved prestigious jamon along with a variety of dishes for Dr. Dre, Jeanie Buss, Jose Andres and Wolfgang Puck. • Ryan Jordan A FilipinX, Queer Artist and Creative Director of Omaj X, Ryan will be debuting

his multi-media work inspired by his personal journey through trauma to spiritual healing. Ryan’s fashion design work has been featured in American Vogue, Interview magazine, and has worked with superstar clients like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. • Alex Ritchie A Los Angeles-based music artist, songwriter, and producer, Alex is also a proud GrammyNEXT alumni as well as a film and television music consultant. • Robin Nievera A Filipino singer-songwriter and producer, Robin’s music contains elements of rock, indie rock, blues and alternative pop. Alex Ritchie and Robin Nivera will provide original soundscape compositions for the exhibit. For more information about Belonging visit TheLAArtBox.com. Admission is $10; advance tickets are required. A limited number of trade crafts created by Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will go directly back to the Indigenous Peoples groups. The LAAB is located at 8020 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 12 – 6 p.m. To stay connected and learn about upcoming events follow @LAArtBox on Instagram and Facebook.

entertainment 11 The Power of Strings: A night of music and fashion The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 11, 2022

Myriam unveils exciting creative collaboration with French designer Gilles David LOS ANGELES – Xandra Myriam – the Los Angeles-based German fashion designe – best known for her sophisticated, colorful dress designs and exotic leather silhouettes, joins hands with French designer Gilles David, who has built an impressive reputation for having garnered successful brand partnerships with the NBA, NFL, MLB, NCAA and names like Jeff Hamilton, Starter & Russell Athletic, SPARCO Italy and many others, on an exclusive capsule collection of ready-to-wear pieces, statement handbags and accessories, set to drop summer 2022. Gilles David shares his thoughts on the collaboration, “when I first met with Myriam, we immediately connected, I felt great about our mutual synergies. I was already looking for a visionary with an actual brand, high-end quality new ideas, and focused mainly on women’s clothing with new concepts.” Melding together their creative visions, the design duo will showcase a limited-edition summer assemblage that reimagines Xandra Myriam’s signature high-design couture pieces with subtle punctuations of Gilles David’s distinctive style and artful eye. The exclusive collection will make use of silk fabrics and exotic skin textures and aims to celebrate and adorn the female form. “My collection has always been inspired by the energy of color and the elegance of movement.” Xandra Myriam expresses about the inspiration behind the designs, “our collaboration allowed me to branch out into a new field by creating [something entirely different] and yet stay in an elegant vein.” More details about the

exclusive partnership and designs to be revealed soon. Born in Germany, Xandra Myriam is an inherent creative genius—she is not only a talented fashion designer, but a singer, songwriter, and dancer, too. At 12 years old, Xandra Myriam nearly lost her eyesight which was the catalyst that ignited her creative journey. Inspired by the -high-energy of color, Xandra creates designs that tell a story of her past, present and future. As an entrepreneur, designer, art director, TV host and innovator, Gilles David has decades of experience in the fashion, film, food, cosmetics and fragrance and branding industries and has developed a network of extraordinary relationships around the world. During his multifaceted career, he generated millions of dollars in retail sales for his employers and clients and is a seasoned socialite in Hollywood. Stay up-to-date with the latest news about the collaboration here: Website: http:// xandramyriam.com Social media: https://www. instagram.com/Xandramyriam/ For press inquiries, please contact Karina Sotelo atks@ wearethroneinc.comor 917.853.7559.

LOS ANGELES — InterEdx and Marte Productions Inc present the Power of Strings, A Night of Music and Fashion on June 4, 2022, Saturday at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Doors open with cocktail reception at 4:00PM. For more information, visit www.powerofstrings.info Contact (626)484-0807. To get a discounted rate, use coupon code: aj2022 Peacearthope is Sam Ortolano. Highlighting his deep passion for all things guitar, the group, (pronounced peace, earth, hope) allows Sam to write, record, produce, and perform original music that is all his own. His love of World music along with his vast background in playing many different musical styles is the foundation by which a unique hybrid was created. A Los Angeles-based guitarist, Sam started playing at the age of 5 and has never stopped. In his early teens, when his friends were all listening to pop music, Sam discovered the world of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, Chick Corea, Return to Forever, Allan Holdsworth, Paco, John

Sam Ortalano

and Al, and Pat Metheny. He was immediately moved by the creativity and inspired by the virtuosity. From that point on the guitar became the center of his universe, practicing up to 8 hours a day, with a thirst for knowledge and a drive to be the best guitarist/musician he could be. Sam has spent his professional life performing with

various groups as well as leading his own bands. Covering a wide spectrum of musical styles, he has enjoyed playing rock, jazz, fusion, pop, and progressive metal with multiple studio recordings being released in each genre. Sam has performed hundreds of shows up and down the west coast as well as having extended residencies as a solo guitarist at a number of bars and restaurants in So Cal. During the pandemic, he used the isolation to his benefit and transitioned to being a solo artist full time. With that transition came the advent of Peacearthope, a showcase of Sam’s acoustic guitar music, featuring AfroCuban, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Latin beats and melodies. An initial 2021 release entitled Speed of Sound, is a collection of 10 intensely passionate compositions with beautiful melodies and intricate rhythmic arrangements. The goal of Peacearthope is to create music that inspires listeners to think outside the box, never settle for the norm, and take an active role in the community that is the world. At the same time, free your mind and spirit, laugh a little bit, love a lot, and dance, dance, dance! (Advertising Supplement)

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community Auschwitz

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 11, 2022

Immigrant Living: 101 and BeMonette AdevA MAglAyA

(CONTINUED from the previous week…) It has been 77 years since Auschwitz was liberated from Nazi Germany by the Russian Army. When the Russians arrived at the camp, they found over 600 corpses and several thousand prisoners still left in the camp. Days earlier, SS guards had rounded up and were herding 60,000 of the prisoners on foot for the Death March in the dead of winter in 1945. As the SS guards began their retreat at the end of the war, while the Soviet Red Army was closing in, Rudolf Hess and his guards tried to erase evidence by burning as much of it — specially the negatives of photos taken of the prisoners. Two inmates managed to pull 40,000 negatives from the flames. Warehouses full of the inmates’ worldly possessions were burned to ashes after the guards had sifted through them and had gathered the good stuff for themselves and fled Auschwitz when defeat for the Nazis became imminent. Back at the Auschwitz Memorial tour, the stark black and white photos of the prisoners along the corridor walls put faces to the numbers. Each photo staring out of the walls told a tragic story. The double electrified walls erected around the camp were wrapped in barbed wire. Watch tower guards with machine guns trained at potential escapees were strategically placed in the camp. Before the walls were erected, a few hundred out of over a million prisoners successfully escaped. A few of these escapees told the story of Auschwitz. It was only after 2 years that Winston Churchill and the rest of the world learned about Nazi Germany’s deep, dark secret.

Part 2 of 3

Edmund Burke once wrote,

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” If one prisoner from a cellblock managed to slip away, prisoners of the whole cellblock was punished in the most brutal way. Bathroom privileges were extremely short. If a prisoner took longer than the time allowed, more punishment was meted out by the prison guards. These guards were recruited among the vile, villainous, sadistic scum of German prisons. Dr. Josef Mengele, that psychotic freak of a scientist who experimented mostly on children and women prisoners had a laboratory in one building to conduct his ghastly, inhumane experiments. Mengele was manic about wearing pure white, perhaps, to cover for the blackness of his soul — that is — if he had one. Mengele escaped the Soviet invasion of the camp and fled to another county in South America where it is said he drowned in the sea. Many of those in the higher echelons of Nazi Germany escaped to the South American continent to disappear and become incognito. A few of the guards immigrated to the US never mentioning their military background in Nazi Germany. They raised families and lived quietly below the radar, dying natural deaths and escaping justice here on earth. Yet though the wheels of justice grind exceedingly slow, one by one, over the next few decades, with preponderance of evidence of their roles in Auschwitz, many of those responsible for this atrocity were ferreted out to face justice. Most faced death. I also saw the cellblock of St. Maximilian. Here is a story of saintly heroism many may not have heard of. Maximilian

Kolbe was a Franciscan priest dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary. Of German descent, he was born Raymund Kolbe in Poland. He had a vision of the Virgin Mary when he was 12 that foretold of his martyrdom. Maximilian had established monasteries in India and Japan. He was taken prisoner by the Nazis for his anti-Nazi stance in his publications and for hiding Jews. He volunteered to take the place of another prisoner marked for death by starvation, a slow agonizing way of dying, as a deterrent for inmates thinking of escape. Maximilian took his place because the man had a family. In a starvation bunker, he was taking too long to die that his impatient captors, injected him with a lethal dose of carbolic acid. St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of the chemically addicted, of prisoners, of journalists and of pro-lifers. He died a Marian priest to the core of his being until the very end. For those who are in the demonic clutches of drug addiction during these trying times, pray to St. Maximilian Kolbe for his intercession and assistance to get back to a drug-free and purposeful life. Keep on praying without ceasing for it is true that miracles happen when faith is strong. Outside in the bright sunlight, we walked and stood where the trains used to stop more than seventy years ago, to unload hundreds of thousands of Jewish families and other casualties of that dark time. The Jews had to wear the yellow Star of David to mark

Relief from default in divorce cases

THERE are situations in both Divorce and Child Support cases where the Summons and Petition resulted to a default against one party for failing to respond on time. In certain situations, the defaulted party failed to respond on time because he or she did not even know that he or she was served with a Summons. This situation places the defaulted party in a precarious situation in that the first time the defaulted party usually becomes aware of the existence of the case is when the default child support judgment or divorce judgment is actually being enforced against the defaulted party. At this point, the party no longer has the right to participate or defend itself in the litigation. Based on my experience in practice, the defaulted party usually gets in this situation because they moved residences and the summons was served at the prior residence. Sometimes, the proof of service of summons is fraudulent or defective. Fortunately, relief is available for the defaulted party. If a default judgment is entered against a party who was served with summons, but service did not result in actual notice in time to defend the action, the party may serve and file a notice of motion to set aside the default or default judgment, and for leave to

defend the action. Code Civ. Proc., § 473.5, subd. (a) “Actual notice” means genuine knowledge of the party litigant. Rosenthal v. Garner, 142 Cal. App. 3d 891, 191 Cal. Rptr. 300 (2d Dist. 1983) The Courts has strictly construed this term to implement a policy of liberally granting relief so that cases can be resolved on their merits. Olvera v. Olvera, 232 Cal. App. 3d 32, 283 Cal. Rptr. 271 (4th Dist. 1991) In addition, actual notice by a party’s attorney will not be imputed to the client. Rosenthal v. Garner, 142 Cal. App. 3d 891, 191 Cal. Rptr. 300 (2d Dist. 1983) There is an additional angle of argument available for non native English speakers. Receipt of summons and complaint by a non-English speaking defendant lacking in business sophistication may not impart “actual knowledge.” Goya v. P.E.R.U. Enterprises, 87 Cal. App. 3d 886, 151 Cal. Rptr. 258 (2d Dist. 1978); Tunis v. Barrow, 184 Cal. App. 3d 1069, 229 Cal. Rptr. 389 (2d Dist. 1986) So even if you actually received the complaint, if you do not speak English and are not sophisticated with business and legal matters, you may use the arguments that the default judgment should be set aside because you did not receive “actual notice.” It is the Court’s policy to, as reflected in the Olvera case, to liberally grant setting aside such defaults and having the case heard on the merits. Default Judgment may be set aside by an attorney by filing a Motion for relief from default. This would be accompanied by a declaration

from the defaulted party that he never received actual notice. A copy of the proposed response is also required to be filed with the court. This type of motion must be filed and served within 2 years after entry of default judgment or within 180 days after service of a notice of default or default judgment on the defaulted party, whichever comes first. If you are a defaulted party, you should retain the representation of an experienced attorney to set the default aside as soon as you can. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail Kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

them off from the Poles, Roma (gypsies) and Soviet prisoners of war that were caught in the Nazi dragnet. The trains that brought the Jews in from many parts of Europe supplied the nearby industrial camp with forced labor. This was Nazi Germany’s systematic human trafficking and slavery on a conveyor belt in World War II. This was the reason Auschwitz had to be kept a secret from the world. Picture this. As families disembarked from the rail

cars, they were separated and sorted out to fit categories by teams of Nazi doctors. The young, strong ones, both men and women, who can provide slave labor for the Nazi war machinery were prized and stood apart in one line. The weak, sick, elderly, mothers and young children and the infirm were marked for disposal. Most probably knew in their hearts that it would be the last time they would see each other. They were stripped of their possessions

and were later tattooed their prisoner numbers on their left forearms as one would label cattle. (Final installment of 3 parts next week…)

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints ex p resse d by t h e a u t h o r d o n ot necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Clark County population expected to grow by 1M in 2060

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 11, 2022

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By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman MORE and more people are expected to flock into Clark County in Nevada as construction and development continue to come into the area. In a recent study done by the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Lee Business School’s Center for Business and Economic Research cited by the Las Vegas Review Journal, Clark County is estimated to add about 1 million more residents to its fold by 2060, putting the population by that time to about 3.38 million. Currently, Clark County was estimated to have a population of about 2.38 million in 2020. It is estimated to grow by 2.2% in 2022, putting the estimate to around 2.47 million by year’s end. More than half of Clark County’s population live in Las Vegas, which is the seat of the county. The same study, which was commissioned for a few Southern Nevada agencies and members of the Forecasting Group, show growth in Clark County hovering between 2.4% to 1.0% from 2023 to 2035. From 2040 to 2060, population growth is estimated to be from 0.2% to 0.7%. Clark County has certainly come a long way from its roots, having only been established in 1909, and was formed when the Nevada Legislature split off a portion of Lincoln County. In 1910, its population was placed only at 3,321. A few major dates for the county included the incorporation of cities like Las Vegas (June 1911), North Las Vegas (May 1946) and Henderson (April 1953). Over the years, its population steadily increased, fueled by steep increases in the mid-80s to late 2000s.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman with Ron Quilang from Henderson, NV who is running for Assemblyman for District 21. As the largest Asian American group in Clark County, Quitevis-Bateman believes there should be an elected FilAm in government.

With Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme left) in photo are (from left) Johnny and Grace Rustia of New Jersey, and Joannie Feliciano and nephew Aldo from Orange County. Quitevis-Bateman’s clients are scouting for a place to retire.

Las Vegas houses Clark County’s largest population, with an almost 1.8 million people living in Las Vegas Census County Divisions (as of the 2010 Census). Las Vegas city by itself is estimated to have nearly 650,000 residents, placing it 26th among largest cities in the United States and first in the State of Nevada. Billed as the gambling and entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has been thoroughly developed, with sprawling communities and master-planned developments moving outward to satisfy the demand from the population. Communities like Green Valley, Summerlin, Red Rock, Mountain’s Edge, Inspirada, Providence, and Cadence are now well-known to residents, realtors and astute property buyers. And more development is underway, perhaps fueled by a good network of freeways and roads, as well as interest from many sectors keen on gaining a foothold in the city and the state. The LVRJ article stated that although there

may be a limitation to how far the boundaries for future master-planned communities may go, there is still a hot demand for real estate and properties in Las Vegas. Residential developers are still buying land for new projects, and house hunters are buying in new subdivisions throughout the valley, per the article. Currently, in Las Vegas, there are multiple offers for properties who normally close at higher than asking prices. Plus, it is not uncommon for buyers to be put on a waiting list in order to secure a bid for one of the more affordable properties in the market. This only means one thing for Las Vegas and neighboring regions – there will be demand for more housing, particularly affordable housing. There is already interest from real estate developers looking at other areas close to Las Vegas where they can develop communities to address the needs of a booming population. Areas like Pahrump, Nevada, which is located in Nye County and is only about 62 miles

Development going on in Las Vegas will bring more jobs and new residents to the area.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (foreground) with a group of Filipino Americans at an event in Nevada. Fil-Ams are the largest Asian group in Clark County.

west of Las Vegas, are being looked at by the property-savvy due to affordability and proximity advantages. With about a million more people estimated to make their way to Clark County – and in particular, to Las Vegas – there is more of a probability for outward development to outside regions. And now is the time, more than ever, to take a look at those golden opportunities – be it in Las Vegas or in neighboring cities like Henderson, Boulder or Mesquite, and towns like Pahrump. More affordable prices, better quality of life, ease of traffic and less crime may be some of the reasons why areas outside of Las Vegas may spark interest to property hunters. Moreso, there are many advantages to buying land or property in Nevada, or even becoming a resident of the state: a competitive business state tax, a county sales tax of 6.75% (not on food items), and no taxes associated with estate/inheritance, franchise, gift, inventory/ interstate commerce, corporate income and personal income. Whether you are looking to be gainfully employed, retire or just own a second home or land as an investment, Las Vegas and Pahrump are great places to start your search, and I can help you. Having seen the growth of these communities since 1990s, I can assist you, my kababayans, in your search for the best opportunities. My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company serving its clientele since 1992 and you can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 11, 2022