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JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

Volume 33 - No. 28 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE Former Philippine team decathlete faces up to 40 years in prison for $28.4-M cannabis-related scam FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

A FORMER UCLA decathlete who once represented the Philippine national team this week pleaded guilty to fraud charges of falsely raising at least $28.4 million in a fake weed pen business from investors. David Bunevacz, a 53-year-old serial grifter based in Calabasas, California, pleaded guilty on Monday, July 18 to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, according to the plea agreement filed on July 1 in the U.S. District Court. Each crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, meaning Bunevacz could spend a maximum of 40 years behind bars. He was initially arrested in April and will be sentenced on Nov. 21, 2022. As far back as 2010, Bunevacz created several businesses — including Holy Smokes Holdings LLC and Caesarbrutus LLC — that he said were involved in the budding cannabis and vaping industries. Operating through his cannabis companies, Bunevacz raised between approximately $37,166,737 and $45,068,227 from more than

Marcos’ first SONA: ‘The state of the nation is sound’ by NEIL

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), giving a glimpse of his first few days

in office and his plans for the next six years. minutes. In the end, Marcos said: “The state of the Unlike his predecessor, former President Rodrigo nation is sound.” Duterte, Marcos generally did not deviate from his Economic goals written speech – mostly following each word and line Marcos began his address by defining the to a T. economic targets the administration has set for Marcos’ first SONA lasted for one hour and 13  PAGE 2

Gov’t to address matters not mentioned in Marcos’ first SONA — Palace

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NY man accused of punching elderly Filipina 125 times indicted on hate charges Rappler CEO appeals CA ruling on cyber libel case

VITAL MEASURES. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urges Congress to pass 19 priority measures of his administration during his first State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 25. Also in photo were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

A SUSPECT seen in surveillance video punching an elderly Filipino woman 125 times and stomping on her body in Yonkers, New York, has been indicted on multiple hate crime charges. Tammel Esco, 42, was arraigned on the indictment Tuesday on attempted murder in the second degree as a hate crime, attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree as a hate crime, assault in the first degree, three counts of assault in the second degree as a hate crime and three counts of assault in the second degree, according to CNN. Esco pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail, a spokeswoman for Westchester District Attorney’s office said.

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

MANILA — Rappler CEO and Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. have asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to reconsider its decision affirming their cyber libel conviction. In its 32-page motion for reconsideration filed July 22 but made public Tuesday, July 26, Ressa and Santos, through the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), said the CA violated their rights when it extended the prescription period for cyber libel and applied it retroactively against the two. “This Court erred in not recognizing that every doubt should be indulged in favor of  PAGE 4 appellants Santos Jr. and Ressa,” read the

motion for reconsideration. It explained that a fundamental principle in criminal law states that the case shall be resolved in favor of the accused in case of doubt. “This rule commands courts such as this one that when the law admits of several competing interpretations, the interpretation most favorable to the accused should apply,” it said. A prescriptive period is a period set under the law within which a complaint can be filed. For example, under the Revised Penal Code, prescription period for libel is one year. However, the Manila Court that convicted both Ressa and Santos said the prescription should be 12 years.

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MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday, July 27 parried criticisms against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s first state of the nation address (SONA), saying the government is addressing concerns that were not mentioned in the speech. Minority senators have scored Marcos' first SONA, saying it excluded a number of key issues. Sen. Risa Hontiveros has said she was expecting the president to deliver a more explicit statement on fighting corruption. She has also questioned Marcos' claim that the state of the nation is "sound," saying a lot of people are experiencing poverty and hunger. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has said the majority of Marcos' priority bills should have focused on food production and should have included measures related to federalism, labor contractualization and teachers' salaries. "You know, the president has laid out his priorities. It doesn’t mean that he is not going to pay attention to other concerns," Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said at a press briefing. "This is just the roadmap for his administration. But the

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Several buildings in Bangued town were damaged after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Abra on July 27. Photo courtest of PDRRMO

Juan Ponce Enrile takes oath as Earthquake-battered Abra president’s chief legal counsel placed under ‘state of calamity’ by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday, July 26 took his oath as chief legal counsel of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said. Press Secretary Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles said that Enrile was sworn into office by the President. “I have formally appointed former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as chief presidential HE’S BACK. Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile takes his oath on Tuesday, July 26. Malacañang photo legal counsel,” Marcos said in a

social media post. “I have full confidence in Enrile’s ability and experience as a public servant, that’s why I hope that the provision of legal assistance on the future actions of our administration will be improved,” he added. Enrile, 98, was a staunch supporter of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio during the 2022 elections. Following his nomination on June 17, Enrile reaffirmed his commitment to serve the country and ensure the success of the

by VALERIE

DAMIAN, ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net

BAGUIO CITY — The province of Abra declared a state of calamity on Thursday, July 28, a day after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the province and rattled much of Luzon. This was declared through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 180 S. 2022, which was unanimously approved by the province’s council, citing extensive damage brought by the earthquake to the province. “In order for the Provincial  PAGE 3 G o v e r n m e n t o f A b r a t o

immediately address the needs of the people in the aftermath of the earthquake, it is imperative to declare the entire province of Abra under a State of Calamity,” said the provincial government in the resolution. Apart from the unanimous approval from members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Governor Dominic Valera also signed the resolution. According to the resolution, initial reports from the Provincial

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JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

Marcos’ first SONA...

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Debris of a construction site in La Trinidad, Benguet following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Abra earlier on Wednesday, July 27. Photo courtesy of NDRRMC

Earthquake-battered Abra placed under... PAGE 1 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) showed that the earthquake caused damage to 80 percent of the total population of Abra. “Major infrastructure facilities, both private and government properties, were severely damaged,” said the provincial government in the resolution. It also stated that the earthquake destroyed power lines placing Abra into a province-wide blackout. According also to the PDDRMO, several houses, buildings, and bridges sustained damage due

to the powerful tremor, which also paralyzed the operations of business establishments and displaced many of its citizens. Data also showed that at least 1,227 families had been evacuated, and 123 were reportedly injured. Five percent of the calamity reserve fund is authorized to be utilized to respond to the needs of the residents of the 27 towns there. Classes and work in the public sector, not including frontline services, have also been suspended in the province until August 1. Meanwhile, the resolution also

included a request for immediate assistance from all National Government Agencies for Disaster response, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction support. The NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal previously said that five people have already died due to the earthquake. Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that aftershocks might occur for several days and even months. As of 7:00 a.m., Thursday, Phivolcs said it had recorded 808 total aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.5 to 5.0. g

Gov’t to address matters not mentioned... PAGE 1

day-to-day and ongoing activities are considered still part of the program, particularly those related to continuity. So, just because it wasn’t mentioned, doesn’t mean it isn’t in there," she added. Cruz-Angeles also defended the government's plan to impose value-added tax (VAT) on digital service providers, which was also mentioned by Marcos during his first SONA. "I think that might (be) quibbling a little in our — how do you call this, it’s too fine a point. The VAT is not a new tax," the press secretary said when a reporter mentioned Marcos' campaign promise that he won't impose taxes that would add

to the burden of consumers. "We are just looking at the possibility that these industries have not been subjected to such a VAT before and that they should be. So, it’s like social media and so on must be subjected to income tax if there is income that is earned and the same goes for those that are subject to VAT," she added. Marcos enumerated 19 priority bills during his first SONA namely the national government rightsizing program, budget modernization bill, tax package 3 or the valuation reform bill, tax package 4 or the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act, E-government Act, Internet Transaction Act, government

financial institutions unified initiatives to distressed enterprises for economic recovery, Medical Reserve Corps Act, national disease prevention management authority bill, the bill creating the Virology Institute of the Philippines, Department of Water Resources act, unified system of separation, retirement and pension, E-governance Act, National Land Use Act, amendments to the National Defense Act, the bill on mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps, enabling law for the natural gas industry, amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and aAmendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. (Philstar.com)

the next six years—echoing the figures his economic team previously presented. According to Marcos, the administration’s goal is to have a 6.5 to 8 percent real gross domestic product growth annually between 2023 to 2028 and reduce the country’s poverty rate to 9 percent by 2028. Further, Marcos said tax administration reforms would be in place to increase revenue collection. Among the initiatives the administration will push, Marcos said, is the levying of a valueadded tax on digital service providers. “The initial revenue impact will be around P11.7 billion in 2023 alone,” Marcos said. Agriculture Marcos, who serves as the concurrent agriculture chief, also focused on the critical issue of food security and the welfare of farmers and fishermen. He said the loans and financial assistance for farmers and fishermen would be an “institution” in his administration. Aside from institutionalizing loan programs, Marcos also vowed that the government would seek to provide cheaper farm inputs, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and feeds while modernizing the agriculture and livestock industry through science and technology. Further, Marcos also disclosed his plans to impose a one-year moratorium on the payment of land amortization and interest payments. “A moratorium will give the farmers the ability to channel their resources in developing their farms, maximizing their capacity to produce, and propel the growth of our economy,” Marcos said. Marcos also asked Congress to craft a law condoning the loans of agrarian reform beneficiaries. Tourism, infrastructure, and digitalization Marcos said he would implement basic developments such as road improvements for easier access to tourism spots for the tourism sector. “We will also upgrade our airports and create more international airports to help decongest the bottleneck at the Manila International Airport,”

Marcos said. In terms of digitalization, Marcos said 30-million physical national IDs and 20-million digital IDs are expected to be issued by the end of the year. Marcos also bared his order to the Department of Information and Communications: To establish the “Broad Band ng Masa” project. For infrastructure, Marcos said he would expand former president Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program. “Once again, I will not suspend any of the ongoing projects as those have already been shown to be of benefit to the public that they serve,” Marcos said. Health and social welfare Marcos said no more lockdowns will be imposed in the country despite the increase in COVID-19 infections. The President also promised to establish the Philippines’ own Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a vaccine institute while stressing the need to establish more health centers and hospitals across the country. “One of the cornerstones of a strong healthcare system is the provision of competent and efficient medical professionals. We will exert all efforts to improve the welfare of our doctors, nurses, and other medical frontliners,” Marcos said. Marcos also made his order to the Department of Social Welfare and Development clear: Implement faster response for calamity victims. “Ang mga field office nila ay inatasan na maagang maglagak ng family food packs at non-food essentials sa mga LGU, bago pa man manalasa ang anumang kalamidad,” Marcos said. Marcos said there should also be better coordination between the DSWD and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the improved implementation of the “Emergency Shelter Assistance Program” for calamity victims. Marcos also echoed his earlier order to cleanse the list of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps). Education Marcos backed the return to full face-to-face classes, saying Education Secretary and VicePresident Sara Duterte, is now

preparing for its implementation in the next school year. “This is one of the reasons I have directed the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to undertake another rollout of booster shots,” Marcos said. The President also took note of the discussions on the K-to12 education system, saying it is being carefully reviewed. “As for the ‘horror’ stories that we have heard about the poor quality of educational materials and supplies that are being given to our schools — this must end!” Marcos said. The country must also do better in the international rankings, especially regarding the STEM subject, said Marcos. Marcos said it is up to the country’s educational system to develop and refine its incredible talent pool. Foreign policy and migrant workers Regarding foreign policy, Marcos said he would “not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.” “With respect to our place in the community of nations, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all. And an enemy to none,” Marcos said. “The Philippines has always been open and welcoming to all our foreign friends and visitors. That is our world view, and that is our culture,” he added. Meanwhile, Marcos said the government would launch a command center that mainly focuses on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress and needing to be repatriated back to the Philippines. Marcos also vowed to remove red tape in pursuing digital empowerment, noting plans to automate the verification of contracts and issue secure Overseas Employment Certifications that can be kept in smartphones. He called on the Department of Migrant Workers to make this initiative a top priority. The President also said the Philippine government is coordinating with the government of Saudi Arabia to PAGE 3

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Dateline USa

Marcos’ first SONA...

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open deployment to the mideastern country. Priority measures In the latter part of his speech, Marcos laid down his priority measures which are as follows: • National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) • Budget Modernization Bill; • Tax Package 3: Valuation Reform Bill • Tax Package 4: Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA) • E-Government Act • Internet Transaction Act or BACK TO SCHOOL PREPS. Customers take a look at school supplies being sold at a store along Recto Avenue in Manila on Thursday, July 28. The Department of Education earlier announced that School Year 2022-2023 begins on August 22 under blended learning modes, while full face-to-face classes start on November 2. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Sohrabji Ethnic Media Services

A MAN goes to his orthopedist to complain about his aching left knee. “Oh, you’re just getting older,” says the physician dismissively. “I may be getting old, doc, but my right knee isn’t hurting,” says the man. Birthday card greeting: “A woman is unlike a bottle of fine wine. She tends to get sour and bitter with age.” Younger worker jokes to coworker: “You’re still coming in every day? Step aside, make some room for young blood.” These are three seemingly benign examples of “everyday ageism,” defined as discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping based on age. Countless others exist, including in the spheres of health care, employment, and housing. Age-related bias is expressed both explicitly and implicitly, by individuals, or institutionally and culturally. Ageism can have profound impacts on an older adult’s physical and mental well-being. Over 82 percent of adults over the age of 50 say they regularly experience one or more form of everyday ageism on a regular basis, reported the University of Michigan which surveyed 2,048 adults in a 2019 poll. Women disproportionately suffer from age-related bias, which has

harmful impacts on their financial health. Moreover, ageism can also impact the electoral process. Mainstream media have questioned whether President Joe Biden should run for a second term, given his age. Media have also published ageist pieces on Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, questioning her cognitive ability, and whether she should step down to make room for new progressives. And a July 20 op-ed in Esquire magazine proposes a “maximum age” of 80 for politicians. At a July 15 news briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services, four panelists discussed the impacts of everyday ageism. Higher levels of everyday ageism are associated with increased risk of evaluating one’s physical and mental health as fair or poor, said Dr. Julie Ober Allen, Adjunct Faculty Associate, Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. “Higher levels of ageism were also associated with having multiple chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease,” said Allen, who was the lead researcher on the recent JAMA paper: “Experiences of Everyday Ageism and the Health of Older US Adults.” Everyday ageism is also believed to contribute to accelerated aging as well as premature mortality,

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E-Commerce Law • Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) • Medical Reserve Corps • National Disease Prevention Management Authority • Department of Water Resources • Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension • E-Governance Act • National Land Use Act • National Defense Act • Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and

National Service Training Program (NSTP) • Enactment of an Enabling Law for the Natural Gas Industry • Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA • Amendments to the BuildOperate-Transfer (BOT) Law “We have assembled the best Filipino minds to help navigate us through this time of global crisis,” Marcos said. “We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed. I know this in my mind, in my heart, in my very soul

to 1970 and Minister of National Defense from 1972 to 1986. When Marcos’ father, the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., declared martial law in 1972, Enrile served as Defense minister. However, he played a key role in the 1986 EDSA Revolution that resulted in the ousting of the elder Marcos. Enrile spent four terms in the

Senate and became the 21st Senate president during the 15th Congress from 2008 to 2013. He also served one term in the House of Representatives as the representative of Cagayan’s first district. In 2016, Enrile announced his plan to retire from public service. However, three years after his supposed retirement, he joined but lost the 2019 Senate race. n

Juan Ponce Enrile takes oath as president’s...

PAGE 1 Marcos administration. “I will devote my time and knowledge for the republic and for BBM (Bongbong Marcos) because I want him to succeed,” he said. Enrile had served in various said Allen. roles for the past 50 years, Structural inequities in the including interim Secretary of US healthcare system deny Finance from 1966 to 1968, life-saving procedures to older Secretary of Justice from 1968 adults, such as organ transplants and clinical trials, said Allen. Moreover, physicians tend to communicate with the caregiver who has brought the patient in, so that older adults cannot directly advocate for themselves, she said. Dr. Louise Aronson, geriatrician, and Professor of Medicine at UC San Francisco, discussed the disproportionate impact of ageism on women. She noted that women of color face racism, sexism, and ageism together, a troubling brew which affects economic stability, and self perception, among other factors. Women across the board earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns. Black and Latino women earn 65 cents versus their male counterparts. Women of color with advanced degrees earn 70 percent of what men earn. “So women enter old age with less money and fewer resources,” said Aronson, who was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2020 for her book: “Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, and Reimagining Life.” “Lookism” also comes into play for older women, said Aronson. “The importance of youthful and attractive appearance matters so much more for women than for men. There’s a lot of pressure for PAGE 4

Everyday ageism impacts physical and emotional health of older adults by Sunita

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Dateline USa

JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Immigration advocate, journalist Jose Antonio Vargas appointed to CSU Board of Trustees by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

PLAYTIME. Children play the traditional Filipino street game “tumbang preso” (knock down the prisoner) along Kaligtasan Street, Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City on Thursday, July 28. Health experts encourage children to engage in safe outdoor play to enhance their physical and social well-being and help improve their mental health. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Former Philippine team decathlete faces up to...

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10 victim-investors. He admitted to causing losses of at least $28,409,112. A press release from the U.S. Department of Justice noted that Bunevacz lied to investors, saying he had connections to Chinese manufacturers of disposable vape pens who had research and development entities. He also forged bank statements, invoices, and purchase orders to validate the need for investor funds. However, according to the press release, Bunevacz used “the vast

majority of the funds to pay for his own opulent lifestyle, including a luxurious house in Calabasas, Las Vegas trips, jewelry, designer handbags, a lavish birthday party for his daughter, and horses.” Prosecutors said that some investor funds were used to repay earlier investors in a Ponzi scheme-like situation. According to his blog, Bunevacz is of Filipino and Hungarian descent and “is married to Philippine movie star manager Jessica Rodriguez-Bunevacz” with whom he has three children.

He graduated from UCLA in 1993 with a degree in business management. As a team captain of the Bruin track and field team, he set the university record for javelin throw, as confirmed by the university’s records. After graduating, Bunevacz was recruited by Philip Juico, then-chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, to compete in numerous sporting events around the globe under the Philippine flag, earning a gold medal at the South East Asian Games in 1997. (By Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Rappler CEO appeals CA ruling on cyber...

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But the Court of Appeals said under Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the prescription shall be 15 years. The CA also increased the penalty imposed against Ressa and Santos Jr. from six months and a day to six years in jail to six months and a day up to six years, eight months and 20 days. FLAG said that while the Cybercrime Prevention Act aggravates penalties when ‘computer systems are used, “it intentionally remained silent on the prescriptive period of libel.” “For this Court to entangle the penalty attached to libel with its prescriptive period goes far beyond judicial interpretation because Article 90 of the RPC is clear and requires no interpretation: libel or other similar offenses, regardless of penalty, shall prescribe in one year,” read the motion. Rappler CEO and Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa Inquirer.net file photo They added that the CA erred in relying on the Tolentino vs. People case when it issued its ruling doctrinal value. Rappler has been fighting at least a dozen court against Ressa and Santos Jr. because the case was resolved through an unsigned resolution and, cases, including the shutdown order issued by the under the Supreme Court’s Internal Rules, it has no Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). g

FILIPINO journalist and immigration advocate Jose Antonio Vargas was appointed to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, July 22 as part of a new class of higher education appointments in the state. As founder of the immigrant education and advocacy group Define American, Vargas, 41, has also been a vocal proponent of undocumented students’ rights and the destigmatization of being undocumented. “As a proud graduate of San Francisco State University— Class of 2004, before there was DACA, when the Dream Act was 3 years old, when there was little vocabulary and support for undocumented students—I am honored, humbled, and excited,” Vargas said in response to the appointment. The CSU Board of Trustees is a 25-member group that oversees “regulations and policies governing the entire CSU system,” the largest fouryear university system in the

United States. The CSU serves nearly a half million students within its 23 campuses and “are home to thousands of immigrant students and students of immigrant families of all backgrounds,” Vargas wrote. Vargas, who published his memoir “Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen,” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, having worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle from 2000 to 2004 and the Washington Post from 2004 to 2009, and as a senior contributing editor for the Huffington Post from 2009 to 2010. In addition to Vargas, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, an author and consultant in the mass media space, was appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees. Newsom also announced the appointments of Elaine Batchlor, Carmen Chu, Ana Matosantos, and Mark Robinson to the University of California Board of Regents. “These leaders from diverse backgrounds, walks of life and California regions bring a broad swath of expertise and experience to our world-class colleges and universities at a pivotal time

Jose Antonio Vargas

File photo

for our state,” Newsom said in a press statement. “I look forward to continuing our work in partnership with the state’s higher education leaders to expand access to more students, create debt-free pathways, eliminate equity gaps and increase opportunities for the next generation of leaders to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future for our state.” n

Asian Americans polled on the economy, gun control, education, vote choice and more in the 2022 Asian American voter survey WASHINGTON, DC – Asian Americans Advancing JusticeAAJC, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), and AAPI Data on Monday, July 25 released their bi-annual report measuring Asian American sentiment and attitudes on the issues top of mind in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections. The survey revealed many insights into one of the fastestgrowing racial groups in the United States, including their voting plans for House and Senate races in 2022, and various issue priorities such as education, healthcare, gun control, environment, and the state of the economy. In addition to electionrelated topics, the survey also contains key opinion data on affirmative action, the inclusion of Asian American history and the history of other non-white groups in public school curricula, and attitudes on federal spending. During a press call, the organizers shared the survey results from a study conducted between April 19, 2022 and June 19, 2022. The survey included 1,610 registered Asian American voters. Among the key findings are: • More than two-thirds of registered Asian Americans surveyed say they plan to vote, but only about half have been contacted by either of the major parties. 52% of Asian Americans said they had not been contacted at all by the Democratic Party in the past year, and 60% of Asian Americans said they had not been contacted at all by the Republican Party in the past year. • About half (51%) of Asian American registered voters surveyed say they prefer to cast their ballots by mail or drop-off box, rather than in-person at a

polling place. • Asian American registered voters as a whole were more likely to say they would vote for Democratic candidates compared to Republican candidates in House and Senate elections. Among national origin groups, Indian Americans were the most likely to say they would vote for Democratic candidates. Vietnamese Americans were split (Senate) or leaned toward the Republican candidates (House). • 44% of Asian American registered voters surveyed think of themselves as Democrat, 19% think of themselves as Republican, and 29% consider themselves Independent. The remainder (“do not think of themselves in terms of political parties,” identify with another party, or said they don’t know). • Asian American respondents ranked health care (88%), jobs and the economy (86%), crime (85%), education (82%), gun control (73%) and the environment (75%) as “extremely important” or “very important” issues for deciding their votes in November. Voting rights and addressing racism were also important issues. • On addressing issues of health care, gun control, the environment, voting rights, and racism, Asian American respondents said Democrats were doing a better job than Republicans. On addressing economic issues, crime, and foreign-policy, respondents were more split in their assessment of the two parties’ handling of the issues. • 77% of those surveyed agree the United States should have stricter gun laws, with 61% agreeing “strongly.” A strong majority (59%) also said they

“agree somewhat” or “agree strongly” that undocumented immigrants should have an opportunity to eventually become citizens in the United States. • By a 2-to-1 margin, Asian American registered voters oppose bans on books and bans on lessons about racism in American history by state/local governments or school boards. • 56% of Asian American respondents held a “very favorable” or “somewhat favorable” impression of Joe Biden compared to 29% who expressed either a “very favorable” or “somewhat favorable” impression of Donald Trump. • Television was the most common news source for Asian American respondents (65%) and Facebook (32%) was nearly as common a news source as traditional print newspapers (36%). For some groups, especially Vietnamese Americans (51%), YouTube was regularly consulted as a news source. • 73% of Asian Americans worry about experiencing hate crimes, harassment, and discrimination at least “sometimes” and 24% said they worry about it “very often.” • Among those who say they worry “very often” about hate crimes, support for Democratic House candidates is higher than support for Republican House candidates by a 3 to 1 margin. While Asian Americans continue to be the fastest growing voting bloc in the United States, increasing in voter turnout by 47% in the 2020 presidential election (according to TargetSmart), and have had significant impact in the election outcomes of key battleground states, most reported little to no outreach from either party in the past year. FiftyPAGE 5

NY man accused of punching elderly Filipina... PAGE 1

He is due back in a New York courtroom August 2. Graphic surveillance video posted by Yonkers police shows the brutal March 11 attack on the 67-year-old woman of Filipino descent. Prosecutors said Esco called her “Asian b*tch” shortly before attacking. The woman was in her apartment building vestibule and putting her keys in the door as Esco entered the building behind

her and allegedly punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground. Esco punched her more than 100 times as she lay on the ground, stomped on her body repeatedly and spit on her, according to the felony complaint. The victim suffered brain bleeding, multiple facial fractures, among other injuries, prosecutors said. Bottom of Form A witness, Yvette Crespo, said she saw the attack as it

happened. As Esco saw her knocking on doors to alert neighbors, he allegedly stopped. “He went out that door, went to the corner, put his hands up,” she said. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people in the U.S. have been victims of anti-Asian verbal abuse and physical attacks. The Philippine Consulate in New York says its recorded 26 attacks on Filipinos in the New York area in the last year.

Everyday ageism impacts physical and... PAGE 3

women to look youthful, the hair dye, all the cosmetic surgeries.” Women who eschew products to make them look younger are evaluated as being less valuable, less competent, and are more likely to be fired with the same qualifications and performance reviews as men,” said Aronson. Paul Kleyman, national coordinator at Journalists Network on Generations, and editor of Generation Beats Online, discussed the impact of ageism in politics. Media are promoting the concept of gerontocracy — government based on rule by older people — as unhealthy for the status of the country, said Kleyman. “There have been calls for sweeping aside leaders in their 70s and 80s because they

form a gerontocracy of people presumed to be out of touch with the country’s needs,” he said. “Too many economic and political leaders still see our rapidly aging population as a looming budgetary burden,” said Kleyman, adding that media must refocus its reporting to examine the contributions older adults make to our society. Patricia M. D’Antonio, Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs at the Gerontological Society of America, and Executive Director of the Reframing Aging Initiative, talked about solutions to addressing ageism at both an individual and societal level. Communication is key. “We must recognize that that’s a good thing that you have a hearing aid, it’s a good thing that you have

access to a wheelchair or access to a shuttle, some transportation to be able to get around. Because then we know that we are able to feel that we continue to contribute to society,” said D’Antonio. “So we even recognize in our frailty, when people may have more chronic conditions and more challenges, there’s still that opportunity to contribute because of that accumulated wisdom that we have gained over our life course,” she said. “Quite often it’s important for us to highlight and tell a more complete story about aging that shows the creative solutions, that demonstrates that we are highly innovative.” “These are the kind of values that we know that will get people to think about aging in a much more complete way,” she said. g

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022

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Businessmen forecast 7-8% GDP growth this year by CatheRine

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MANILA — Various business groups remain optimistic about the country’s continued economic growth this year, as envisioned by President Marcos in his first State of the Nation Address recently. Speaking at the Pandesal forum on Thursday, July 28 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president George Barcelon said he expects the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by seven to eight percent this year. Barcelon attributed the optimistic forecast to the continuation of major projects such as Build Build Build as well as the continued remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). While acknowledging the impact of global geopolitical issues, particularly on energy and food commodities, Barcelon emphasized that the negative effects are beginning to taper off, saying crude oil prices have been going down in recent weeks.

He also cited the arrangements between Russia and Ukraine regarding the exports of wheat. Earlier this month, Russia, Ukraine, the United Nations and Turkey signed a deal to reopen three Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports, according to a Reuters report. “So those are good indicators that the economy will not be held hostage because of these uncertainties,” Barcelon said. The PCCI president also noted that there is demand for the country’s exports. “It would be higher if not for these logistics problems that we’re facing both in North America and Europe,” Barcelon said. “Having those that are anchors – the range of GDP growth at least should be seven to eight percent (this year),” he said. He also expressed confidence in the new administration’s Cabinet secretaries: “They are all familiar names with track records.” Barcelon added that the PCCI is scheduled to meet with some of the new secretaries to discuss

how they can work together. “We’re stepping together as partners. So I am very confident of our country’s rebound and economic growth,” Barcelon said. For his part, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Henry Lim Bon Liong said his group is expecting GDP growth to hit seven to nine percent, also citing OFW remittances as one of the growth factors. In addition, Lim stressed the importance of developing the agriculture sector toward selfsufficiency. With President Marcos taking the helm of the Department of Agriculture, the FFCCCII head said he is eager to see how the government would navigate the agency. Employers Confederation of Neophyte Senator Robinhood Padilla (left) consults with Senator Ronald dela Rosa during the second day of the regular session of the 19th the Philippines and Philippine Congress at the Senate on Tuesday night, July 26. PNA photo by Avito Dalan Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said his group would wait for the Department of Finance to make a GDP forecast. g And so, he would make sense senator. by daphne GalVez of the floor discussions by reading (Whenever they speak English, I Inquirer.net about them in the Senate journal find it difficult to understand what MANILA — It was a baptism the next day. He also said his staff they are saying. It was like, ‘hey, of fire so to speak and Senator would brief him. could we slow it down?’ So that’s cases may be significantly higher Robinhood Padilla has confessed “Nahihirapan lang ako pag nag- why the journal is so valuable. than the reported 2,000 to 3,000 his ears are somewhat bleeding. e-Englishan na, medyo ‘pwede All the proceedings are in it, so I per day because of the low testing T h e n e o p h y t e l e g i s l a t o r dahan-dahan lang?’ Gano’n. Kaya read it.) rate. admitted Thursday that he had mahalaga ‘yung journal eh, kaya “Nakatunganga ako. Tango“We’re not saying that there difficulty following plenary binabasa ko ‘yung journal kasi tango. Bukas mababasa ko sa should be more testing necessarily debates because his colleagues nandun lahat eh, mahalaga ‘yun,” journal ito,” he added. because there are antigen tests normally engage in debates in Padilla told reporters during an (I just try to listen. And I just nod. u PAGE 7 English. u PAGE 7 interview in his first week as

COVID-19 cases still rising – DOH by Rhodina

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MANILA — The country’s positivity rate for COVID-19 went up to 14.8 percent this week from 12.5 percent last week, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday, July 28. At the same time, the DOH said it has recorded more than 3,047 cases per day this week, which is 32 percent higher compared to last week’s cases. At a virtual briefing, Beverly Lorraine Ho, DOH officer-incharge undersecretary of the public health services team, said the National Capital Region (NCR) has the highest daily moving average of 1,100 cases per day. “This was followed by the rest of Luzon with 700 cases per day, and by the Visayas and Mindanao areas, though the rise in cases here was slow,” Ho said. Ho clarified though that, nationally, the country will still be under the low risk classification with a daily average attack rate of 2.43 cases per 100,000 population, with all regions showing increase in cases in the recent one to two weeks. “That is the trend now, though all regions are still under low risk classification,” she added. Ho stressed that while there is an increase in cases, less than 1,000 cases of severe and critical admissions were recorded since middle of March. “The rise in cases didn’t mean rise in hospital admissions,” she said. As of last Tuesday, 734 cases or 8.32 percent of total admissions were severe and critical. Of the total admissions, 16.49 percent were classified as asymptomatic and 40.97 percent mild. Ho also revealed that the DOH has recorded 1,997 cases of the highly transmissible Omicron

subvariant BA.5 and 154 cases of the subvariant BA.2.12.1 in the country. “All regions detected the (BA.5) variant except Region 12 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM,” she said. She noted that there were 29 cases in Region 1; 59 in Region 2; 46 in Region 3; 13 in Region 5; 252 in Region 6; five in Region 7; one in Region 8; five in Region 9; one in Region 10 and one in Region 11. Out of the 890 cases, 650 are fully vaccinated, 18 are partially vaccinated while the vaccination status of the remaining 222 still being verified. “At the moment, the exposure of individuals, travel histories, health status and vaccination status are being verified as well,” Ho said. Include antigen results The OCTA Research group on Thursdsay urged the DOH to include antigen test results in the official COVID-19 case counts, noting that fewer reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are being conducted compared to previous surges. “During the Delta surge, there were about 300 daily tests per 100,000 people (in NCR). During the Omicron surge in January, testing was really stretched to about 400 per day,” OCTA fellow Guido David said in a webinar organized by the Cardinal Santos Medical Center. “During the current wave, testing has not really increased that much. It has largely remained at baseline values… The concern here is that the testing is a lot lower compared to the previous wave,” he added, noting that current testing rates rarely reached 100 per day per 100,000 people in the NCR. David said the actual number of

Asian Americans polled on the economy, gun control... PAGE 4

two percent of Asian Americans received no contact at all from the Democratic Party, and 60% of Asian Americans received no contact at all from the Republican Party. “Asian American communities, despite the progress we have made and increasing political power, are still being ignored by many politicians, to their detriment,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAVote. “While Asian Americans comprise a multitude of ethnicities and languages, this survey shows that on many issues, they have many areas of common concern and interest, where they tend to vote as a bloc. This includes everything from the economy to healthcare, the environment to the need for stricter gun laws.” “Asian Americans are among the fastest growing segments of the American electorate, and it is critical that our understanding of these communities is grounded in accurate survey data,” noted Janelle Wong, co-director of AAPI Data. Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder and co-director of AAPI Data added, “Our survey data show remarkable stability over time on issues like environmental protection and gun control, but they also show that more recent anxieties over hate crimes might also sway voters in their candidate choices.” “Asian Americans are part of a diverse community comprising over 50 different ethnicities and 100 different languages, so it is critical that we conduct this survey every two years because often we are either left out of the

polling data or considered an afterthought in the numbers that get reported,” said Jiny Kim, Vice President of Policy and Programs at Asian American Advancing Justice-Asian American Justice Center (Advancing Justice-AAJC). Ms. Kim continued, “The Asian American Voter survey ensures that we know where the Asian American community stands on a whole host of issues, including their overwhelming support for race-conscious admissions/ affirmative action policies and support for inclusive teaching of the histories of communities of color in our schools.” “Asian Americans are a more and more influential voting block and lawmakers would be wise to pay attention to our concerns,” said MomsRising Senior Vice President Gloria Pan. “Gun safety is especially important to this community, as are federal investments in the kind of care infrastructure President Biden and congressional Democrats are still trying to pass, and moms and families urgently need: paid family and medical leave, child care, and home- and communitybased services. The results of this survey provide a roadmap for how to address the issues the Asian American community prioritizes.” This year’s Asian American Voter Survey also should that a significant majority of Asian Americans believed that Congress and the president should pass stronger legislation to reduce the effects of climate change, and that public schools should include lessons on Asian American history and the histories of other nonwhite groups. (AAJC Release)

Padilla admits he’s struggling with plenary debates

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JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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THE new administration inherited a deadly and economically crippling pandemic, a heavy debt that was incurred to respond to the health crisis, surging fuel prices, a much weakened peso as well as crises in agriculture, food security and education. On Monday, July 25 President Marcos is expected to expound on the broad strokes that he painted in his inaugural address, enumerating specific policies to carry out his priorities in his first year in office. This being his first State of the Nation Address, he is also expected to bare his long-term goals for the next six years. In the light of fiscal constraints, he has said he would rely more on public-private partnerships to carry out key infrastructure and development projects. As he draws up his roadmap, local business groups and foreign chambers have released a wish list of sorts, pushing for the passage of 24 measures under the 19th Congress. Since the President wants stronger partnerships with the private sector, he can urge his super majority in Congress to consider many of the proposed measures. Seven reached advanced stages of approval in the 18th Congress. These are the bills on the liberalization of foreign equity restrictions in the Constitution, open access in data transmission, ease of paying taxes, promotion of digital payments, and reforms in property valuation and assessment reforms as well as capital income and financial taxes. A push for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience may have to take a backseat

as the Department of Budget and Management pursues rightsizing in the bureaucracy, which is expected to involve cutting jobs. A test of the new administration’s commitment to transparency will be the passage of a Freedom of Information Act – a measure that has been kicked around by lawmakers for many years now. Also likely to be contentious is the proposed measure, backed by the Department of Finance, to ease bank deposit secrecy laws. Other measures pushed by the six major business groups and six foreign chambers are amendments of two laws to promote hybrid or flexible work schedules in economic zones, and amendments of laws on the PPP and build-operate-transfer scheme. Also pushed are amendments to the E-Commerce Act, Intellectual Property Code and the charter of the Philippine Ports Authority. The groups also seek laws on national unemployment insurance and pandemic protection, the repeal of the Flag Act, creation of a Philippine Airports Authority, rationalizing holidays, reforming the apprenticeship program, easing of ownership rules in agricultural lands, promoting satellitePhilstar.com photo based technologies and international maritime trade competitiveness, and strengthening the these proposed economic measures. With Congress and the legislature must buckle down to work. pension system. There’s a lot on everyone’s plate, apart from officially beginning its session, both Malacañang (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Commentary

ANGELYN TABALBA AS Chair of the AAPI Democratic Caucus in Las Vegas and an active AAPI community leader in Nevada, I have dedicated much of my time to improving the lives of our neighbors and friends and ensuring that our voice is heard by elected officials. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto has been a key advocate for us and she has worked alongside us to create a positive impact on our community, proving she will deliver for us when we need it most. That is

A voice for AAPI Nevadans in Senator Catherine Cortez Masto why we must re-elect her this November. During the pandemic, Senator Cortez Masto was quick to respond to our concerns. After delivering critical relief to support our small businesses and get our economy back on track, she passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which is creating thousands of jobs across the state while helping us fix our roads and bridges. She also fought to make sure this law would help us close the digital divide by delivering broadband all across our state, and combat drought with critical resources to strengthen our water infrastructure. When the Trump White House

spurred anti-Asian rhetoric, and hates crimes and xenophobic violence surged in America, our community was gripped by fear, uncertainty, and loss. We worried about the safety of our elders who went grocery shopping or our family members going out for a simple walk around the block. It’s why the AAPI Democratic Caucus quickly acted to bring our community together to speak and rally against the rise in hate, and Senator Cortez Masto made it clear she stood with us. She took the time to meet with community leaders, listen to our families and discuss real solutions to combat anti-AAPI hate crimes that have plagued our neighborhoods during

Life expectancy among Asian populations dropped three years during COVID-19 Getting vaccinated provides best defense to staying safer and keeping life expectancy higher Commentary

DR. DALI FAN, UC DAVIS HEALTH LIFE expectancy has dropped for all Californians during the pandemic, including Asian populations who have historically had the longest life expectancy among all racial groups in the U.S., according to a new study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study, which analyzed 1.9 million deaths from 2015 to 2021, shows that the life expectancy for Asian populations in California fell by three years—from 86.6 years in 2019 to 83.5 years in 2021— with life expectancy dropping for Hispanic populations by 5.7 years, Black populations by 3.8 years, and white populations by 1.9 years. While “life expectancy” is not an actual measure of life spans, researchers use this hypothetical measure of how long those born in a specific year will live based on that year’s mortality rates to better understand loss of life within populations. Many factors contribute to life expectancy, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, access to

healthcare, and in this case, vaccination rates. The study correlates the drop in life expectancy with exposure to COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death rates, suggesting that getting vaccinated significantly impacted life expectancy outcomes. The highest rates of vaccination are among the Asian and white populations, which the study found had led to the lowest drops in life expectancy. Given the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our lives and the countless lives it has taken, the drop of life expectancy isn’t entirely unexpected. The reality is—it could have been much worse. As scientists learn more about the devastating effects the COVID-19 illness has had on our society, especially the effects of long COVID in children and adults, taking critical steps to stay healthy with vaccination, boosters, testing and masking in highrisk situations can help protect your longevity. As of early July, 38 of California’s 58 counties were experiencing high case rates and hospitalizations. Highly infectious variants of Omicron are now accounting for most cases nationwide, many being reinfections of those who have already had COVID-19. There is no reason to delay

getting vaccinated, as this study emphasizes what we already know—COVID-19 vaccines remain the safest and most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Free COVID-19 vaccines for the entire family, and everyone ages 6 months and older, are now available everywhere, making it easy and convenient to provide your family with this layer of protection. Public health officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 community-level and statewide data to protect the health and well-being of all Californians, keep schools safe for in-person instruction, and allow California’s economy to remain open and thrive. By getting vaccinated, boosted and taking proper precautions such as masking, hand washing and watching your distance while encouraging others to do the same, you are keeping yourself safe and doing your part to help Californian recover. There is no time to delay, schedule your vaccination appointment today. Vaccination or booster appointments can be made by visiting Myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

the pandemic. After meeting with us, she helped pass Senator Mazie Hirono’s COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which makes it easier for victims to report hate crimes and provides them with additional assistance and support. This was an important step, and it showed us how Senator Cortez Masto will go to bat for our community. The stakes are high when it comes to electing Nevada’s U.S. Senator, especially for the AAPI community. Time and again, Senator Cortez Masto’s opponent, Adam Laxalt, has shown himself to be a threat to our friends and neighbors, and we have to work together to defeat him. Within days of announcing

Social Climate MAHAR MANGAHAS A PRESIDENTIAL State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a president’s version of the nation’s journey—where it is now, how it came this way, and where he plans to lead it. A SONA covers whatever a president wants it to. A listener’s expectation of it depends on what the listener thinks the word “nation” means. What is the state of the people? I think “nation” refers, above all, to the Filipino people. What our weather satellite sees about the people is the continued dominance of the pandemic in their lives. They are very hopeful about the future, but at the same time very nervous about the persistence of danger—“First Quarter 2022 Social Weather Survey: A record high 83% of Filipinos are hopeful the worst of the COVID-19 crisis is behind us,” with the subtitle, “Those worried somewhat or a great deal about catching COVID-19 remain at 88%,” www. sws.org.ph, 7/20/2022. COVID is not all, of course. As a comprehensive guide for assessing the state of a people, I recommend the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs.un.org): 1. No poverty 2. Zero hunger 3. Good health and well-being 4. Quality education 5. Gender equality 6. Clean water and sanitation 7. Affordable and clean energy 8. Decent work and economic growth 9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure 10. Reduced inequalities 11. Sustainable cities and communities 12. Responsible consumption and production 13. Climate action 14.

his candidacy, Laxalt touted an endorsement from Donald Trump, who spent his entire presidency spewing anti-Asian rhetoric. As COVID-19 spread across the U.S. and anti-Asian hate crimes increased significantly, Laxalt stood by as Trump repeatedly referred to the COVID-19 virus as the “China” and “kungflu” virus. Laxalt is running to be the Trump of Nevada, focusing on his political prospects above all else. He went so far as to say it was “good news” that small businesses closed during the pandemic, because it could help his campaign appeal to voters. And when Trump came out in opposition to the bipartisan infrastructure

bill, Laxalt immediately echoed the defeated former president and attacked the historic jobs legislation. By attacking our families, our small businesses, and our jobs, Laxalt has made it clear that he stands against AAPI families in Nevada. This is not the leadership we expect from those running to represent us in Congress. When we head to the ballot box in November, consider who will be there to listen and fight for our voices to be heard. *** 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

Waiting to see Life below water 15. Life on land 16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions 17. Partnerships to achieve the goals. I think that poverty and hunger are intentionally the first two on the list, i.e., meant to take priority. I know for a fact that they are strongly and immediately harmed by inflation, but only mildly and in the long run relieved by economic growth. Hence my advice is “Watch poverty, not economic growth,” and “Fight inflation, not prices” (5/21/22, 6/25/22). The historically worst inflation and the worst poverty happened in 198485, during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. What is the state of the new administration? The composition of the new Cabinet is gradually emerging, with many experienced and reputable technocrats, such as in finance, central banking, budgeting, economic planning, trade, and natural resources. I am confident that they know how not to worsen inflation. The University of the Philippines is well represented, particularly my alma mater, the UP School of Economics, of which former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is an alumna. Will President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte truly handle the departments of agriculture and education themselves? I wonder why the departments of defense (DND) and of science and technology (DOST) only have officers in charge so far. How about someone from the Navy or Air Force, instead of the Army, for the DND? And someone from the UP Marine Science Institute for the DOST? And a social work professional, like the late Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, for the

department of social work and development? Will the Cabinet have any Marcos Jr. classmates? Or San Sebastian-Recoletos classmates of the vice president? In general, it would be good to see Cabinet and near-Cabinet officials recruited from the Career Executive Service (CES), rather than from the retired military. The CES is the civilian counterpart of the military; it is a legacy of O.D. Corpuz, based on his Ph.D. dissertation on the Philippine bureaucracy. I hope there will be no kneejerk tinkering with the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. CCT is an intergenerational program—the support should last up to completion of senior high school, but certainly no less than junior high school, so that the children can get better jobs than their parents. SWS has done scientific surveys that show that CCT transfers do not go to parental alcohol or gambling— ask the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and the Asian Development Bank, which received and studied the data. Now let us wait to see the state of the new president. If he had joined any debates during the election campaign, he might have given us a line comparable to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “jet-skiing” to the Chinese outposts in the West Philippine Sea. So far, the only thing we remember is a promise of “P20 rice.” (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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PH to assert arbitral ruling at ASEAN foreign ministers’ meet by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines will assert the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea issue at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday, July 28. “Secretary Manalo is expected to assert the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the arbitral award as the twin anchors of our actions and policies on the South China Sea,” said DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Daniel Espiritu, referring to DFA chief Enrique Manalo. The 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Phnom Penh from Aug. 2 to 6. At the meeting, the foreign ministers will be discussing ASEAN priorities for cooperation in 2022, the process of building the ASEAN Community, the directions for ASEAN development for 2025, COVID-19 response, ASEAN external relations, ASEAN centrality, as well as other relevant regional and international issues.

On July 12, Manalo rejected attempts by China to undermine the ruling, saying the tribunal’s findings are “indisputable.” Manalo made the statement during the 6th anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration. He said the award and the UNCLOS are the twin anchors of the Philippines’ policy and actions on the maritime issue. Meanwhile, China has downplayed a warning by US officials of rising cases of Chinese provocations in the South China Sea targeting other states with maritime claims in the region. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the US officials’ remarks misrepresented the facts as the South China Sea is the common home of countries in the region. On July 26, deputy assistant secretary for East Asia at the State Department Jung Pak told a US think tank event that Chinese provocations were increasing. US Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner warned that considering China’s behavior, it would only be “a matter of time” before a major incident occurs in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian debunked the US officials’ claim but admitted, “we are soberly aware that the South China Sea is not entirely tranquil.” He noted that China and ASEAN countries jointly commemorated the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and agreed to continue to fully and effectively implement the DOC and actively advance consultations on a code of conduct (COC) to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and the region. According to Zhao, the South China Sea is not a place to be turned into a wrestling ground by big powers outside the region. In March, US Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John Aquilino said that the construction of missile arsenals, aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities at Zamora (Subi) Reef, as well as Panganiban (Mischief) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reefs “appeared to have been completed.” The function of China’s artificial islands is “to expand the offensive capability of China,” he said. g

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being conducted,” David said. “But we’re hoping that data from antigen tests could be incorporated in the numbers that are being reported.” Under the present guidelines, only positive results from RT-PCR tests are included in regular case reports released by the DOH, even as the cheaper antigen tests

became more common in recent months. OCTA fellow Ranjit Rye expressed support for President Marcos’ pronouncements regarding the health sector during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). These include sustaining the vaccine and booster programs, revising health protocols and alert systems, building more health

centers and hospitals, improving the welfare and hiring more health personnel and ensuring accessibility to cheap and effective medicines. “All of these disparate initiatives should be part of one comprehensive masterplan as roadmap or blueprint for moving out of the pandemic,” said Rye. g

Padilla admits he’s struggling with... PAGE 5 Tomorrow I will read about it in the journal.) Padilla, however, clarified that he could still comprehend some of the conversations. A challenge comes when senators debate and use English words which may require the use of a dictionary. “Hindi naman lahat hindi ko naiintindihan. Kapag gumamit lang sila ng mga English na pangdictionary, marami talaga eh,” the senator said. (My problem isn’t that I don’t understand everything. A dictionary would only be needed if they used English words.)

“Lalo ‘pag nagtatalo na. ‘Yun naglalabasan ng mga webster doon. Medyo dumudugo tenga ko. Hindi naman ako pinagsalita eh,” Padilla also said, laughing. (Especially when they are arguing already. That’s the time that dictionaries come out. My ears are somewhat bleeding. It’s a good thing I am not asked to speak.) “Ang journal ko, may mga linya. ‘Pag may linya ‘yun ibig sabihin kailangan ko ng dictionary,” he further shared. (I have marked my journal with lines. Lines mean that I have to look up the words in a dictionary.) The political rookie said that during his first week, he felt

“happy” and “excited” about his new job. But he admitted he still needs to get used to the culture and “break in” to the inner circle in the Senate. “Hindi pa masyado. Pinipilit naman ni Senate President na ma-welcome ako. Siyempre bago ka eh, parang sa eskwelahan din, ‘pag bago ka, makisama ka muna. Pinipilit ko naman makisama,” Padilla said. (I am not in the circle yet but the Senate President tries to make me feel welcome. But, of course, I’m new. It’s like in school. When you’re new, you need to adjust first. So I’m trying to adjust.) g

Linda Price Telephone: (702) 477-3144 Email: lpsimpson@snvrha.org

1. DOWNLOAD AND RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION: NGEM website: https://nevada.ionwave.net/Login.aspx Registered Users: Log in and insert Solicitation No. RFP P22033 Non-Registered Users: You must register your company before downloading and responding to this RFP, which is free of charge. Click on “New Vendor” to register. Problems accessing or registering your company, call 866-526-9266, 9AM Eastern – 4PM Pacific, M-F 2. DOWNLOADS ONLY: SNRHA website: www.snvrha.org click on Procurement and “Current Bid Invitations” and proceed to the appropriate solicitation number. Problems downloading the Solicitation, notify our IT Department at (702) 477-3160, M-F, 8AM5PM PST

COVID-19 cases still rising... PAGE 5

Johnny B. Shaw, Jr., MBA, Procurement Manager Telephone: (702) 477-3146 TDD: (702) 387-1898 Email: jshaw@snvrha.org or not available, contact

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

See Questions & Answers (Q&A) Information below in lieu of Pre-Proposal Conference

Q&A DEADLINE IN LIEU OF PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

August 11, 2022 10AM (PDT) All questions and answers shall be submitted in writing via https://nevada.ionwave.net/Login.aspx

SOLICITATION SUBMITTAL RETURN & DEADLINE:

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Procurement & Contracts 340 N. 11th Street, Suite 180 Las Vegas, NV 89101 August 25, 2022 10AM (PDT) Your proposed costs must be entered at the applicable website, https://nevada.ionwave. net/Login.aspx by the deadline date and time. Additionally, your three (3), sealed, hard-copy, proposals must be received in-hand and timestamped by the SNRHA Procurement & Contracts Office no later than 10:00 AM (PDT) on the above-stated deadline date.

ANTICIPATED APPROVAL BY SNRHA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, if necessary

September 15, 2022

7

JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL 8 LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

July 28, 2022

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

INSIDE

LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE

‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’ to roll out in theaters this fall CULMINATING a remarkable film festival circuit run and at the conclusion of a packed San Diego Comic-Con panel and sold out premiere screening,, “Lumpia with a Vengeance,” the popular, awardwinning, Filipino American indie comedy feature, gave its fans news that they had hoped for. “Now filmgoers across the country can get their “Lumpia with a Vengeance” in the comfort of a theater in their city,” said an excited Patricio Ginelsa, the film’s director/ writer/producer, after making the surprise announcement of its theatrical film release in Fall this year. The film will roll out nationally in multiple cities beginning September 30 and the announcement, made before an SDCC audience of over 400 panel attendees, drew screams, shrieks and ultimately emotional tears from fans and cast members. Directed by LA-based filmmaker Patricio Ginelsa and filmed primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, “Lumpia with A Vengeance” stars former UFC champion

Mark Muñoz, April Absynth (STARZ “Blindspotting”, Katrina Dimaranan (Miss Philippines Universe Tourism 2021), Darion Basco, Danny Trejo (“Machete”) and a talented ensemble and is a re-telling of Ginelsa’s first-ever micro-budget feature titled, “Lumpia.” “I’m still somewhat in disbelief over how explosive the fan response was to our video announcement; it felt like Hall H!!” said Ginelsa. “To be programmed here was already amazing but, to share the news with our the cast, crew and our fellow Comic-Con diehards was really special.” The special effects-laden action comedy became the first-ever Filipino film (And perhaps, the first Asian American film as well) to screen and panel at Comic-Con San Diego, the world’s foremost pop culture event. “It’s an absolute dream to present and discuss our film at Comic-Con,” said Lawrence Iriarte, the film’s executive producer. “Both Pat (director Ginelsa) and I are genuine comic book diehards who first attended Comic-Con in Sani Diego as fans eons ago, participated

as exhibitors in subsequent years and now to be here to announce our film’s release is just incredible.” The filmmakers are proud to point out that the majority of people who worked on the film – both front of the camera and behind it – are Filipino and Filipino American, a testament to the filmmaking talent that is within the community and a definite statement of inclusivity for Filipino-centric stories on film. Filmgoers have certainly responded: The film has sold out every screening at film festivals from Hawaii, to New York to Los Angeles. “We’re still in a bit of pleasant, geeked-out disbelief,” said Ginelsa. “Comic book culture influenced every single word, every single shot of our film and every single frame of our comic book. To screen at Comic-Con San Diego was a homecoming of sorts for crew and we hope, it becomes that at every theater we screen this fall.” Screening tickets via virtual box office are available now. For the latest updated ticketing and theater schedules, please visit lumpiamovie.com.

Liza admits looking for work in South Korea KAPAMILYA actress Liza Soberano made waves in South Korea and continues to bond with K-pop stars in the Philippines. Liza recently appeared in the Korean show "Not Hocance But Scance." The variety show is produced by Box Media and hosted by K-drama actress Ye Ji Won and SISTAR member Soyou. Liza shared in her Instagram story screenshots of her guesting. "Had my first ever Korean show guesting tonight on MBN’s Not Hocance But Scance," she wrote. In the show, Liza was asked if she was in South Korea for a vacation. “I am here for a kind of vacation, kind of work. I’m just exploring Seoul. And I’m a huge fan of K-pop and K-drama so I want to, like, find work here," Liza answered. Apart from the TV guesting, Liza was also featured in WINNER's HOONY's TikTok, sparking a rumored collaboration. Liza was also seen in IKON's DK's TikTok video. She was also seen with Jay Park, doing the dance challenge for his song “Need To Know.” Liza also did the "Dear Cupid" challenge with IVE‘s Yujin. She was Actress Liza Soberano most recently spotted hanging out with James Reid and BamBam, before Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano the latter's Philippine fan meet later today. (Philstar.com)

Sid relishes being an actor

by Jerry

doNato Philstar.com

SID Lucero belongs to that company of screen performers who relish a role and disappear in it. This perhaps can be attributed to his clear perspective of his profession. “I think I’m just an actor,” described Sid in a recent virtual one-on-one with The STAR. “In Tagalog, kasi dalawa lang naman yan, it’s either artista or aktor (In the vernacular, the word actor connotes two things: Star and actor), ‘coz, to me, artista means celebrity, and I don’t think I am. I don’t do commercials or wave at people at shows… I think I’m an actor.” His almost two-decade career is a testament to that, and his passion for the craft. Sid simply enjoys being and becoming an actor. That’s why even in the new normal, he continues to embody characters on the small and big screens. Among his recent dramatis personae are Eric and Mark of The World Between Us, which had its finale early this year, and The Fake Life, now airs on GMA Afternoon Prime after Raising Mamay, respectively. “There’s a sense of pride,” said Sid of learning and watching that his work, like The World Between Us, is being streamed on Netflix. “Being on Netflix is quite prestigious nga, more than (to) see myself or my friends, the show itself there, it just makes me feel like ‘Ah, OK, they are now pushing it towards here.’ And then, we’re just gonna see more and more of that.” The actor is delighted that Filipino content, either in the form of a TV series or film, is given a global space and attention it deserves via a popular streaming service. This is aside from the international festivals that Philippine movies participate in and receive recognitions every year. Sid added that “networks are starting to like open their eyes” on digital platforms like Netflix as another venue to share their content. Again, a streaming platform is a place to watch and rewatch works, done months or years ago, by actors like Sid. During this pandemic, he starred in films such as Lawrence Fajardo’s Reroute, Mac Alejandre’s Silip Sa Apoy and Brillante Mendoza’s Virgin Forest. “Always,” answered the actor

Sid Lucero

when asked if he also gets a critique from the critic in him. “I was too focused on the way I speak, na maging natural, na hindi na siya cinematic,” shared he as some of the insights Sid would gain from the post-work self-assessment. “It doesn’t sound good anymore, even in real life, it sounds good. But onscreen, it doesn’t, you know, things like that.” Every time he “inhabits” the life of a character, Sid will rely on his acting tools to understand and empathize with it, based on the accumulated learnings from workshops and work experience. As a glimpse into his creative process, he compared it to like going through a filing cabinet “of like what I believe in my experience, in my own life,” and what he knows about “other people’s lives,” and bits and pieces gained from “watching films and TV, what might be acceptable to me, and then, to the production or then, what might be acceptable to the people.” From there, he can build a relatable character. Sid, who can do bida-kontrabida roles, understands that a careful study of character expectations, which are cultural in nature, from the creatives and audiences is vital to his work. An actor should know how to piece all these together in creating the whole persona or role. Part of acting is to somehow stick and present “a palatable character that anyone can enjoy,” as one could get from his statements. Acting, particularly when done with fellow actors in a scene, is “about accepting and giving,” said he. “If I think this way and this guy is like todo method, (a way to approach a role) and he is totally like not accepting what

GMA photo

How relationship with her mom inspired Lea in ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’ by Nathalie

M. toMada

Philstar.com

BROADWAY icon Lea Salonga took a page from her own relationship with her mother Ligaya for her acting performance in the HBO Max Original series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Original Sin, another tale that exists within the Pretty Little Liars (PLL) universe, premieres its 10-episode season today, July 28, with three episodes airing the same time as the US, on HBO GO. Two new episodes will be dropped on subsequent Thursdays, Aug. 4 and 11, with the last three episodes debuting Aug. 18. As the synopsis puts it, PLL is a dark coming-of-age story where a new generation of Liars is being tormented by a masked killer hellbent on punishing them for sins committed by their parents two decades earlier. Lea portrays Elodie Honrada, the Filipino mom of one of the liars, Minnie Honrada, who is played by 22-year-old FilipinoAmerican actress Malia Pyles. Joining Malia as the “new breed” of Liars are Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Zaria and Maia Reficco. The Pretty Little Liars reboot marks Lea’s return to acting after the 2019 film about Filipino immigrants in the US, Yellow Rose. “So, (the series is) about these five young women and there is someone chasing after them who is very dangerous, and there’s a mystery that they are all trying to solve. They’re all from this small town,” Lea told The STAR during a spoiler-free, one-on-one Zoom chat. “It’s part of the horror-slasher genre. And because it’s HBO, they can take a few more risks as far as language and blood and guts and gore are concerned. “It’s been really an enjoyable process, and all the actors are so fantastic and everyone is so nice. I just felt so fortunate and lucky

to be working in the middle of a pandemic on something that I think a lot of people are going to enjoy.” During our virtual interview, Lea just got back in Manila — fresh from her Dream Again UK Tour to “celebrate the release of her latest song with the same title and the 30th anniversary of her recording the Disney theme, A Whole New World, as Princess Jasmine.” She was also the surprise guest at a special press screening for the series last week. Playing a Filipino character in PLL inevitably led our conversation to the topic of Asian representation. The Tony awardwinning singer and actress, who began doing theater in the US when she was 20 via Miss Saigon, has been credited to have helped open opportunities for Asian representation in the international entertainment scene. Lea, now 51, happily noted that there are “more and more representations as the years have gone on.” “I get to see more of our faces and that casting for shows is much more diverse. I feel like okay, we’re not being shoehorned into something just so there can be a diversity hire. It feels like we are included, considered and given consideration to be part of these stories,” she further attested. Read more excerpts from our exclusive chat: How did you become part of PLL: Original Sin? Did you still have to audition? “Yes, I had to audition. I had to audition on Sept. 1 and I remember the date because I’m a huge fan of BTS, that’s not a secret, and Sept. 1 is the birthday of their youngest (member). I knew it was his birthday when I was preparing my setup here in order to get ready for the audition. So, maybe Sept. 1 is going to always be a lucky day. “I auditioned and sent the recordings to my manager who

was reading with me and he sent it to the creatives of PLL. It was a very quick hiring process. Maybe about a week. And then I had to start packing and get ready to go… But yeah, I had to audition like a whole lot like everybody else that was part of the show. It wasn’t just offered.” Was HBO looking specifically for an actor of Filipino or Asian descent? “I think they were looking for a Filipina specifically because Malia is of Filipino descent. I think that if there is a future for the show past this season, there’s a lot of common ground as far as culturally… I mean, there might be stuff to explore later on, if we’re given the opportunity. “I think Filipinos are also very unique as far as how we look, as far as our culture. I don’t think we’re really swappable with a lot of others. I think they needed specifically to hire somebody for her mother who was of the same culture. “I don’t know what went into the decision to hire me. But I’m very glad for it, especially since in the original series, Shay Mitchell was one of the Liars. Her mom is my first cousin. So, our family is kind of going wow, that I’m also part of this PLL universe. It’s kind of nuts when I first told my cousin after I got the job. We were screaming for at least five minutes when I told her the title. “She was like, oh my god, of all the people that they could get for that show, it was you. Same family, man, that they tapped for this, I mean, of all the actors of Filipino descent that they could have hired. It was just one of those things that I think felt karmically favorable.” What were the challenges you experienced while trying to flesh out this role? “I think it’s trying to find and figure out where our similarities were. And what I discovered was that Elodie was, I think, more similar to my mom, as far as PAGE 10

I’m giving... I have to adjust and then, that becomes his character and I would like to think that I’ve helped you and you’ve helped me build mine… then, I was able to just build this through being you.” Yes, what matters to the actors are their truth, like what they, being in the moment, feel genuinely about their characters. As an actor, who remains visible and considers acting a calling, Sid has realized that “there’s a space for everything, there’s a space for you to express, there’s a space to follow rules.” Through these spaces, actors become more understanding about realities and truths of their profession. According to the information given by The Fake Life team, the latest episodes will see Sid’s Mark do everything to ruin the family of Onats and Cindy Villamor, played by Ariel Rivera and Beauty Gonzalez. His character will also reiterate that he is Cindy’s true love. Asked what’s in the pipeline for him after The Fake Life, Sid, recipient of two Urian Best Actor awards for Selda and Muli, said, “I really love working for GMA, especially the TV (content) that they do, I really love it, kahit lockin (taping) pa yan, I don’t mind. With Vivamax, I’m always open to (a) Vivamax (project)… I know for a fact that you can look forward to more projects from Vivamax and from GMA with me in (them).” Yes, the actor, who also won a Best Actor trophy for Toto at the LA Comedy Festival, has established a good relationship with the network and the film platform. With that and his passion for acting, Sid will continue to make new and engaging roles and Lea is the surprise guest at the exclusive screening of Original Sin’s pilot episode at Powerplant Cinema in Rockwell. entertain audiences.

Philstar.com photo

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

Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022

MSG Sphere in Las Vegas is on track for late 2023 opening by RealtoR

9

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

EXPECT Las Vegas to always be in the forefront of groundbreaking venues. In the second half of 2023, Madison Square Garden Entertainment’s one-of-a-kind shaped venue, the MSG Sphere, will debut. It is located just east of the Strip and near the Venetian. It is the largest spherical structure in the world, and is a reported 516 feet wide and 366 feet tall. The MSG Sphere is a project of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which owns the Venetian, and MSG Entertainment. When completed the MSG Sphere will be able to host anywhere from a 17,500 to 18,500 seated audience, which can ultimately expand to 20,000 when standing room is added, on seven levels. It is going to be built at a reported cost of $1.9 billion. The Sphere is connected to the Venetian Expo by an indoor pedestrian bridge.

According to news reports, the MSG Sphere will be able to host a wide variety of events, including concerts, corporate events, musical residencies, custom-made live or pre-taped events, product launches and sporting events (boxing, wrestling or mixed martial arts, but reportedly not basketball or hockey). What makes the venue stand out, aside from its shape, is a curved interior display plane that is about 160,000 square feet, and standout resolution that should blow people’s minds. According to an official, “the display wraps from behind the stage over the top of the seating sections and goes all the way back behind the audience.” To create a fully immersive experience for the audience, the company is working on 4-D technologies, such as immersive seating, evocative scents and changing temperatures that will take attendees’ experience to a

Day and night view (above, left and right) from the penthouse balcony of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman of the MSG Sphere, which is scheduled to open in the second half of 2023. The Sphere will provide a fully immersive, state-of-the-art experience for audiences. At 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it is reportedly the largest spherical structure in the world.

whole new level. It is also working with German electronics firm Holoplot to have beam-forming audio comprising of 164,000 speakers that will deliver consistent, targeted and crystalclear audio to every guest. And viewing is not limited to its interiors. The exterior shell, or exosphere, will have the ability to show programming. The 580,000-square-foot, fully programmable outer shell will be a canvas where content creators can display elaborate visuals for brands, events, and artists. Imagine seeing your favorite artist, band, celebrity, product and whathave-you on a grand scale… it will surely push content developers to go out of their boundaries as the exosphere can be seen from quite a distance. It could become quite the attraction for those in Las Vegas already, or those flying in by plane due to its size. As traveling has resumed after strict lockdowns due to the pandemic, Las Vegas has experienced considerable gains in passenger traffic in its airport, with a reported 4.7 million travelers arriving or departing in June 2022, which is a 23% increase from the past year. Similar to when the Luxor debuted in the 1990s and people regaled at the beam of light emanating from the top of the pyramidical structure, the MSG Sphere can be quite the sight for those coming in from the sky and looking at the Las Vegas skyline. And since MSG Entertainment is one of the partners for the Formula 1 race taking place in 2023 in Las Vegas, it is a safe bet that the exosphere will play a part in enhancing the racing experience for both drivers and spectators. Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for The racecourse will actually have small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@preciousthe drivers racing around the MSG properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. Sphere’s exteriors before it takes

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (left) met recently with Nye County Chief Planner Brett Waggoner (middle) and newly-elected Nye County Commissioner Ron Boskovich (right) to discuss the huge impact of various projects being built on the Strip.

them to the straightaway on the Strip. Reportedly, the popular band U2 is scheduled to open the MSG Sphere when it debuts in 2023. It is rumored that the secondhighest grossing band will have a residency at the venue to be spread in multiple months and on non-consecutive days. U2, which formed in 1976, is said to be the longest-running band with its original lineup. It only trails the Rolling Stones among highest grossing bands, having earned a reported $2.2 billion and having sold more than 28 million tickets in concerts around the world. It will be interesting to see the MSG Sphere when it opens in 2023. If everything goes according to plan, it should become a leading venue for companies, musical acts and immersive events where both attendees on the inside and onlookers from outside can get the experience on different scales. The MSG Sphere is just one

Lunch business meetings with Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman are usually held at the Stirling Club Restaurant, while dinner business meetings are held at Benihana’s or Fresco Italian Restaurant in Westgate. Both places are just walking distance from her penthouse at Turnberry Place.

of the many venues planned for Las Vegas in the next few years. Expect the Las Vegas skyline to undergo some more changes as companies are planning to pour in billions of dollars in projects to the city, which includes the planned $3 billion entertainment hub by the Oak View Group that is in its starting stages. Hard Rock International, which recently purchased The Mirage Hotel and Casino for a reported $1.075 billion, is pursuing its plans to construct a guitar-shaped hotel in Las Vegas. If they are successful, that would make two guitar-shaped hotels in the United States for the company. The first one is located in Florida. What does this all mean for the consumer in Las Vegas? It means continuous construction jobs and more employment opportunities when these projects open. And that could translate to more demand for housing in the future, even if there seems to be a slowdown in home sales recently.

I have many decades of experience in assisting clients who are looking for their first home, second/vacation homes, investment properties or land (for future use/development). I can assist you in looking for these opportunities, given your budget and things you are looking for. Many of my clients have begun to reap the benefits of their investments, including turning their properties to rentals or Airbnb, or getting a good return on investment for the properties they bought in previous years. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. 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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JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS COVID still kills As of 10:28 AM (EST), Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the total global COVID-19 cases stood at 576,333,448 and 6,405,539 deaths. The numbers for the U.S. were at 92,339,925 cases, with 1,052,467 deaths, while total cases in the Philippines stood at 3,757,762 (2,360 new cases), with 60,694 deaths. On that day, there were 167,463 news cases, 512 deaths, and 40,906 hospitalizations in the United States. Elon Musk has had COVID-19 infections twice, Dr. Fauci had his recently, as did President Biden. China and some European countries have reintroduced COVID lockdowns. With the dominant subvariant BA.5, which is super-contagious and deadly to some high-risk people, it is obvious the pandemic is far from over. It is wise for all of us, including those who have gotten the second booster, to continue being careful, masking in public and doing social distancing, even if others don’t. Not one has died from masking; more than 6.4 million have been killed by COVID-19. Think about it. Just plain common sense. Power nap “Most American adults sleep poorly,” according to a study by the National Sleep Foundation on 1,506 adults. The findings are obviously applicable to most of us in general. Lack of sleep translates to lesser mental acuity and concentration, poorer health, greater driving hazards, reduced productivity, and diminished sex drive. Sleep experts recommend a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep in 24 hours. The survey showed that adults sleep an average of 6.9 hours a night. Three hours of sleep deprivation is enough to cause problems. Seventy-five percent of adults reported they frequently have difficulty in sleeping, like problems in initiating sleep, waking up often during the night, and/or snoring, waking up too early, and feeling unrefreshed and always tired. Many also stated that they ignored the problem, and some do not even think they actually have any sleep deficit. Only about 50% of those surveyed stated they were able to sleep well most of the time. Twenty-five percent thought their sleep problem had adverse effects on their daily routines. The Sleep Foundation said “there’s a link between sleep and quality of life… People who sleep well, in general, are happier and healthier. The commercial world of today stretches business to 24 hours a day, with 24-hour pharmacies, restaurants, casinos,

Features

On power nap, COVID supermarkets, etc., so people tend to stay up late, watch latenight shows on television, surf the web on the internet, etc. All these reduce people’s time to sleep. And some people even need more than 9 hours of sleep to feel refreshed and rested. The study also showed: (1) Sixty percent of adults stated they have driven a vehicle while drowsy from lack of sleep in the past year, and 4 in 10 reported they have had an accident or near accident because of tiredness or falling asleep at the wheel; (2) Seventy-five percent claim their partner has a sleep problem, with snoring as the most common complaint; (3) Four out of ten of those surveyed reported lack of sleep adversely affected their sexual relationship, having lost interest in sex, having poorer performance or having sex less often; and (4) Seventy percent claimed that their physician never asked them about their sleep. The recommendations of the National Sleep Foundation and experts in the field are abstinence from any stimulant, coffee and alcohol before bedtime, and to seek medical help if they think they are having sleep problem and/or snoring, or not getting enough rest at night. Lack of sleep reduces the normal “recharging time of our body battery, our energy source” causing a chain of reactions in our physiology and body chemistry. This “lo-bat” condition leads to physical and mental stress to our system. All these alter the normal homeostasis (internal balance) within us, weakening our immune system, and increasing our risk of developing metabolic diseases, hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and heart attack, among others, or aggravating existing illnesses. Here is where power naps come in if you have the luxury and opportunity to enjoy one every day. Power napping is like “tricklecharging our battery.” A power nap is usually taken between 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the primetime, lasting between 10 minutes and 30 minutes. Many countries of the world close up shops in the afternoon and reopen after 4:00 PM to enjoy that tradition and practice of having a power nap. However, a power nap longer than half an hour increases the risk of “sleep inertia,” which gives one the uncomfortable groggy sensation which lingers. Those with sleep problems, those who wake up in the morning feeling tired and unrested should consider a Sleep Study to rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the persons suffer from prolonged breath-holding dozens of times while asleep (resulting in hypoxia, decreased oxygen in their system), which is treatable with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. OSA, if untreated, increases the risk for

diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. CPAP does wonders for these individuals. Without exception, all those “quick-pick” devices advertised are useless, since they do not address the “collapsing airway pathology.” CPAP keeps the obstructed airway open. Power naps provide a healthy opportunity to reset the system and get a “power surge” and burst of alertness and physical strength, amazing energy, and memory boost, which even helps in decision-making and problemsolving. Naps reduce crankiness, increase cognitive skills, performance, and creativity, and lead to a more pleasant outlook for the remainder of the day. It also reduces accidents and mistakes, lowers stress, and even lowers the risk for cardiovascular diseases. A NASA study among military pilots and astronauts revealed “that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.” A nap is superior to coffee or any “energy drink” because caffeine decreases memory performance, contrary to what people think. One must be consistent in their power nap routine, keeping a regular schedule and not napping for more than 30 minutes. Naps are most especially good and beneficial for young children and, actually, for all of us. Popular historical figures who were “nappers” include, among others, Leonardo DaVinci, Napoleon Bonaparte, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Salvador Dali, Margaret Thatcher, John D. Rockefeller, and Yogi Berra. Prevent a “lo-bat.” Tricklecharge your system daily. Take a power nap if you can. It does wonders! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Now ‘happy with someone,’ Janine also learning to show true feelings with her eyes, actions by Marinel

Cruz ManilaTimes.net

FOR actress Janine Gutierrez, recalling real-life experiences— either from the past or present—is the most effective way to bring a character to life. “If you’re happy in real life, you can use that feeling if you have to be happy in a particular scene. For me, it really helps to use my own experiences to make the situation true in a movie or story,” Janine told Inquirer Entertainment during a recent virtual chat to promote her latest movie, “Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin?” We then asked if her heart is currently in a happy state, and Janine replied with: “Yes, happy.” Happy alone or with someone, we prodded. “Happy with someone,” she added. Janine’s answer could very well mean that she would soon be ready go public with her rumored romantic relationship with actor Paulo Avelino, who played her leading man in the defunct romantic-comedy series “Marry Me, Marry You.” For now, however, Janine would rather talk about her new film, Real Florido’s “Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin?” and JC de Vera, her costar. It is about a deaf couple, Miguel and Nat, who are struggling to keep their marriage intact. “It was enjoyable to learn FSL (Filipino sign language) because it’s something I’ve always been interested in. I learned Spanish in college, and FSL is another language so I approached it the same way. I really enjoyed the process. Our teachers, Disney [Aguila] and Jamil [Carvajal] helped a lot,” Janine began. “The challenge was applying it in the shoot since we only received our FSL guide a week prior. I felt anxious because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to learn everything in time for the shoot. Luckily, we were well-guided. I eventually became so comfortable that I was able to ad-lib in sign. During breaks, I

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Janine Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@janinegutierrez

would talk to my coactors using FSL, that’s what I really enjoyed,” she recalled. Different processes Janine added that it was good she and JC have already worked together prior to this project. “I know that JC is fun on the set, but for this particular project, we didn’t get to bond much. Medyo nag-solo ako. I would practice sign language during my free time because I didn’t want to be the cause of delay. I guess you can say that I was very introverted during the shoot. JC and I have different processes. I would practice the whole day before the shoot, while JC only learns everything right before the scene. I guess that’s why he said he experienced headaches during filming,” she pointed out. “Doing this film was difficult for us. It helped that JC is so approachable, that he’s the kind of person you will immediately feel comfortable with. I really felt that we were partners here,” Janine recalled. Playing a deaf person resulted in Janine having moments of

quiet introspection, she admitted. “As hearing individuals, we sometimes use words to mask our true feelings or hide behind all these pretty words. What I learned from Disney’s experience was that usually, for a deaf person, whatever he wants to say can already be seen in his facial expression and that he merely uses signs to make sure that his message is better understood,” she explained. “For members of the deaf community, the FSL is their only form of communication—aside from their body language, of course. To me, it’s a reminder that an individual’s action is an important form of communication and a way to read through the words that often get in the way of what he really wants to say.” Power in deafness Wanting to share what she has picked up from the acting workshop she attended prior to the shoot, Janine said: “Disney and Teacher Jam were there. I was made to say the words ‘I love you,’ even when it wasn’t what I really wanted to say. Disney pointed out that my true feelings should also be seen in my eyes. I learned that more than the hands, your face also helps you communicate.” Another lesson that Janine picked up was that “being deaf is not a handicap, that there is power in deafness, that FSL is just another language. These are what I want people to take away from watching the film.” She further explained: “At the same time, the film also wants to point out how the Philippines is really a bad place to be if you are deaf, blind, or are wheelchairbound because it doesn’t offer enough opportunities for all kinds of people to thrive.” “Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin?” (Tell Her), by Firestarter Productions Inc., will be screened at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14; in selected cinemas from Aug. 10 to Aug. 17; and in several regional communities from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29.

PHIL & Purie Mesina celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary on June 8, 2022, with friends and family. Dolly De Leon renewed their vows, in our Las Vegas family home backyard with a Hawaiian theme setting! Happy anniversary Mom and Dad! We love you very much! Your children & family, Gie, Leah, Philip, Vela, Frank

Richard Harris Law Firm releases new website in Tagalog language The Richard Harris Law Firm released a website translated into Filipino language (Tagalog) to cater to the more than 200,000 Filipino Americans in Clark County, Nevada and the tens of thousands of Fil-Ams in Northern Nevada. The Tagalog version of the website can be accessed at https:// richardharrislaw.com/tl/. Richard Harris understands the importance of reaching out to and delivering for all Nevadans regardless of the language they speak. The new website translated to Tagalog is significant especially to the AAPI community. Richard Harris, CEO and Founding Partner of the Richard Harris Law Firm, asserts and

recognizes Filipino-Americans as well as the Asian-American and Pacific Islander contribution to the Silver State. He says: "The Filipino American Community is a tremendous part of Southern Nevada in medical care and hospitality. And the thing that stands out when I represent the Filipino-Americans is the love that they have for their family; the nurturing nature of the Filipino family as they care for each other." Richard Harris adds that his staying power in the Personal injury Law firm business for over 4 decades is the ability to be clearcut sharp. "I have distinguished myself because we have stayed focused

and have done so many things for so many people. We have represented over a hundred thousand people and recovered over a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts." Richard Harris adds that his credo of representing his client with nobility and decency will never go out of style. “When I see these people with advertisements of people who claim to be the best or elite, I smile a little bit. To be honest, the public is in no position to rate the quality of a lawyer's abilities. A lot of slick advertising may look like a very good lawyer because he drives a fancy car or he has his own jet. This is nice marketing but the proof is in the results.”

Richard Harris Law Firm’s 2nd annual Project Backpack event LAS VEGAS, it’s that time of year again and The Richard Harris Law firm is excited to host this year’s Project Backpack now in its 2nd year. The Richard Harris Law Firm has given 12,000 backpacks full of school supplies to local students in Clark County since 2021. In a Statement, the firm says that “they are happy to help students in the Las Vegas community to get ready for a much more normal year of learning and fun!” The backpacks are stuffed with awesome essentials and other school gear so students will be set for an even more awesome year. “We’re so glad to have the chance to give back to the community we love so much.” Richard Harris Law firm CEO. When: Saturday, August 6th from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Parking is located at the lot on Hoover and 4th St. Where: Richard Harris Law Firm 830 S. 4th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101 • Backpacks are intended for those who do not

attend a school already receiving backpacks. • Backpacks given away on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. • One per student. • Students must be present to receive a backpack. A registration form is required for each child. Only one backpack per child. Pre-Registration ends 8/4/2022 at 11:59 p.m. to reserve a backpack for the student registered. Students grades K-5 who are not enrolled in the schools listed above qualify for a backpack. Pre-registration will reserve the backpack for you to pick up between 9-11 a.m. on 8/6/2022. If backpacks are not picked up by 11 a.m. on 8/6/2022, it will be released to the public. This event is for students who are NOT receiving backpacks at the schools we are supporting in 2022. To see if you are eligible for attending the in-person event, check to see if your or your student’s school is listed. If your or your student’s school is listed, please do not register for the inperson event ensuring kids from other schools not receiving backpacks can participate. For more details: https://richardharrislaw.com/ projectbackpack/

How relationship with her mom inspired... PAGE 8

personality, as far as parenting, as far as her own unique circumstances. I found more similarities and more common ground between Elodie and my mother than I did between Elodie and myself. “So in a way, it made it a little easier to play. Because I had so many years of experience and of watching my mother. I had a lot to draw upon in creating who this character is. It’s kind of easier when I am able to kind of clinically be a little bit distant, see what’s happening, then jump back into it and make it my own. If anything, I think I’m a little more empathetic with regards to my mom. I’d like to think that I understand things about her a little bit better because of this experience.” How’s your working relationship with Malia who plays your daughter? “She’s talented and lovely on screen, and generous. She’s so much fun, very open and allows herself to be vulnerable. And the cool thing about that set is that it felt so safe. It felt really safe

to explore the humanity of these characters. It just sounds like a really good working environment to do the kind of work that we needed to do for this. It was lovely getting to play her mother because she’s a fantastic human being.” Many consider you as having helped pave the way for Asian representation on the global stage or entertainment scene since Miss Saigon days. What changes and developments have you observed since then? “At the start of my career doing theater in the States, I remember being — Miss Saigon is an exception — like in Les Miz (Les Miserables), for example, I was the only person of color in that entire company. “And then, I did Les Miz years later playing a different role. All of a sudden, there were three, then four of us Filipinos in the cast. Then the cast was incredibly diverse. So, I think there are more and more stories coming from people of color now than there used to be. “Just this year, we have PLL,

which has a very diverse cast. Jo Koy’s film is coming out next month, Easter Sunday, which I hope is supported and I hope that it does well. There are more of our stories being told, which I never dreamed I would see. Being able to witness all of it, it makes me feel happy and proud to have been there when it wasn’t there or when it was just starting to be there. And now to see it bloom even more. “But there’s still a lot of work to do. There are still other stories from all kinds of people that need to be told. Not just the Filipino or Filipino-American perspective but, you know, people that have come from India, other families from China and you know, it was a Singaporean family that was at the center of Crazy Rich Asians. So, to be able to see more of our faces and to be represented in a way that is fun and funny, not just one-dimensional, and to show us as sexy, intelligent and beautiful, but can also be mean, catty, petty and all of these things, to show the fullness of who we are, it’s been really fun to watch.”

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022

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JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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