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DECEMBER 14-20, 2023

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

Volume 34 - No. 50 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

$5.5 million in stolen wages returned to residential caregivers Settlement makes California’s largest residential care facility wage theft case

PH, US vow closer coordination amid worsening China acts by MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN, ALEXIS ROMERO

officials of the Philippines and the United States held a teleconference last Monday, December 11 to discuss the need for them to work more closely in MANILA — With China reportedly becoming addressing pressing security issues in the region. The phone meeting between Armed Forces of bolder in harassing Filipinos and committing illegal activities in Philippine territorial waters, top military the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Philstar.com

Marcos says Philippines ‘undeterred’ by China’s actions in West PH Sea

LOS ANGELES - One hundred and fortyeight individuals who worked at Adat Shalom Board and Care for the Elderly in the San Fernando Valley recovered $5.5 million in wages stolen from them while they were working as caregivers. Through conversations with the workers, organizers with the Pilipino Workers Center discovered that Adat Shalom managers and owners were committing wage theft. An investigation into Adat Shalom by the state Labor Commissioner’s Office found that workers at six Adat Shalom locations in Southern California, the majority of whom are Filipino immigrants, worked 24-hour shifts, six days per week for as little as $2.40/hour with no overtime. Workers were required to

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com

 PAGE 4

Who are America’s new ethnic voters? AT a Dec. 8 Ethnic Media Services briefing, experts discussed who these new ethnic voters are, what motivates them, and how their affiliations compare to their white counterparts. AAPI party preference “When it comes to candidates, voters’ party identification shapes their opinions on issues more than the other way around,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, public policy professor at UC Riverside, AAPI Data founder and California 100 co-founder. “For example,” he continued, “no matter your opinions on taxes or environmental protection, your Republican, Democratic or Independent identity will likely shape them over time.” Among AAPI voters, he found that Vietnamese Americans tend to identify as most strongly Republican, while Japanese and Indian Americans tend to identify as most strongly Democratic. “So it’s interesting that Indian Americans like Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley have risen to such prominence in Republican leadership, far from Indian American voter opinion,” he noted. Nevertheless, Ramakrishnan added, the  PAGE 4

Jr. and Gen. Charles Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S., came after a weekend of tension in the West Philippine Sea where Chinese coast guard and militia ships harassed and tried to drive away Philippine vessels on humani PAGE 2

NOCHE BUENA STAPLE. Less than two weeks before Christmas Day, customers turn up at a famous ham store in Quiapo, Manila on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Ham is a common dish served in Filipino households during holiday feasts. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government remains “undeterred” despite China’s continued harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. “The aggression and provocations perpetrated by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and their Chinese Maritime Militia against our vessels and personnel over the weekend have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Marcos said in a statement late Sunday, December 10. He stressed that China’s “illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.” Manila and Beijing have traded accusations over the collisions of their vessels.  PAGE 4

DOT surpasses 5 million mark in foreign tourist arrivals for 2023 by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net

MANILA — Department of Tourism (DOT) has already breached the 5-million mark in international tourist arrivals for 2023. According to DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, international tourist arrivals as of December 12 have been logged at 5,067,752. “With the holidays already here, we are confident we will further breach the target that was set this year at 4.8 million international arrivals,” said Frasco at the

presentation of the accomplishments of DOT. She added that with this development, tourism has contributed nearly P440 billion to the Philippine economy in 2023. In 2022, 2.6 million foreign tourists visited the country. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourists numbered to over 163,000. Frasco said the country’s recovery from the pandemic, in terms of international tourist arrivals, from January to November 2023 is at 65 percent.  PAGE 4

Maria Ressa

Contributed photo

Third petition filed vs Sara Duterte’s secret funds reaches SC Philippines drops foreign ownership case against Ressa by IAN LAQUI Philstar.com

MANILA — Current and former lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc on Monday, December 11 filed a petition for certiorari, challenging Vice President Sara Duterte’s allocation of P125 million for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF). Among the petitioners include Rep. France Castro (ACT-Teachers), Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan), Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares, former Bayan Former Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares, Carlos Zarate, together with Rep. France Castro Muna Partylist Representatives (ACT-Teachers) and Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela) at the Supreme Court filing a petition against the Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, 2022 Confidential and Intelligence Funds of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Philstar.com photo

Eufemia Cullamat and Raymond Palatino. This will be the third petition against Duterte’s confidential and intelligence funds. The petitioners urged the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of transferring the Office of the President’s contingency fund to the Office of the Vice President’s confidential and intelligence funds, questioning both the transfer itself and its subsequent utilization. “Petitioners assail the constitutionality of the release of P125 million confidential funds by the Office of the President (OP) to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in late December 2022,  PAGE 4

MANILA — A foreign ownership case against Philippine Nobel laureate Maria Ressa has been dropped, her media outlet said Wednesday, December 13, but the journalist still faces the threat of imprisonment on other charges. Ressa, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, has been fighting multiple charges filed during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. A vocal critic of Duterte and his deadly drug war, Ressa has long maintained that the charges against her and Rappler, the news website she co-founded in 2012, were politically motivated.

Ressa, 60, was acquitted on five government charges of tax evasion earlier this year. The Department of Justice has now dropped a charge alleging Ressa illegally put Rappler under foreign control through the 2015 sale of foreign depositary receipts to U.S. investment firm Omidyar Network, her lawyers Amal Clooney and Caoilfhionn Gallagher said in a statement on Tuesday, December 12. Rappler confirmed the department’s decision on Wednesday. “Again, facts win. Truth wins. Justice wins. We will continue to  PAGE 2

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DECEMBER 14-20, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

From The FronT Page

PH, US vow closer coordination... PAGE 1 tarian missions in Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc. “The two agreed to maintain close coordination amidst worsening illegal activities of the China Coast Guard targeting rotation and re-provisioning missions and patrols of Philippine government vessels in the West Philippine Sea,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said. “They also discussed mutual strategic security interests and opportunities for increased military cooperation,” Trinidad added. The AFP said the call reaffirms the military’s commitment to the Philippine-U.S. alliance under the framework of the Mutual Defense Treaty as well as to upholding a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific Region. Interviewed over GMA’s Unang Hirit, Brawner denounced

creased military cooperation, including enhancing maritime cooperation, improving interoperability and information sharing, and increasing training and exercises,” the JCS said in its post. No MDT trigger Meanwhile, National Security Council assistant director-general Jonathan Malaya said China’s latest water cannon attack against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea won’t trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between Manila and Washington. “No, it cannot because it is not an armed attack. Under the MDT, it has to be an armed attack on a public vessel,” Malaya said in a chance interview last Monday at Malacañang. “It is not an armed attack. it cannot be considered an act of war, according to our lawyers,” he added. Signed by the Philippines and the U.S. in 1951, the MDT seeks to enhance the defense capabilities of the two countries and allow them to jointly develop their capabilities to counter external armed attacks. The Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows Filipino and American military forces to hold joint military drills in the Philippines, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement which provides the U.S. access to agreed Philippine locations, are offshoots of the treaty. In their recent statements, U.S. officials reiterated that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or The Mass for a civilian-led Christmas convoy bound for Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine aircraft in the Pacific, including Sea was disturbed after the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) followed MV Kapitan Felix Oca during in the South China Sea, would their journey to Lawak Island on Sunday, December 10. trigger Washington’s mutual dePhilstar.com photo by Michael Varcas fense commitments. g China’s lying about the incidents over the weekend. “They (Chinese) distorted the story. I was there myself on board the supply boat Unaizah Mae, and I personally witnessed their harassment,” Brawner said. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, in an earlier interview, noted that despite China’s increasing aggression, the Philippines would continue to assert its rights. “We are going to comply with the president’s instructions to us to be firm in enforcing international law, by our own selves and more importantly with partner and like-minded countries of the world,” he said. The Joint Chiefs of Staff website said that phone conversation between the two top military officials was the first since Gen. Brown became the chairman. “The leaders also discussed mutual strategic security interests and opportunities for in-

Philippines drops foreign ownership case... PAGE 1

hold the line,” Ressa said in the statement. Under the Philippine constitution, only Filipino citizens or entities controlled by citizens can invest in the media. Ressa has argued that the Omidyar investment did not transfer ownership of the news outfit, nor did Omidyar exercise control. The offence carried a maxi-

mum penalty of 21 years in jail under the country’s Securities Regulation Code, Clooney and Gallagher said. A spokesman for the justice department did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment, while court officials declined to discuss the case and the city prosecutor was unavailable. Ressa’s lawyers said she still faced the prospect of a maximum

15-year jail sentence if convicted in a separate case stemming from the Omidyar investment. Ressa and a former colleague are appealing a cyber libel conviction that carries a nearly seven-year jail sentence. Rappler, meanwhile, is challenging a Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission order to close for allegedly violating a ban on foreign ownership in media. (Philstar.com)

NEW BUILDING. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna (4th from left), Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto (fifth from left), and former mayor Isko Moreno (3rd from left) lead the inauguration and turnover of the 10-story Manila Science High School building on Taft Avenue in Manila on Thursday, Dec. 14. The city government said the Manila Science High School is one of the schools that it is redeveloping in line with its vision to uplift the education system in the City of Manila. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Marcos says Philippines ‘undeterred’ by... PAGE 1 The Philippine Coast Guard accused the CCG of firing water cannons and ramming its patrol boat and supply vessels during a resupply mission to troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship that serves as the country’s outpost in the WPS. This caused “severe damage” to the engine of M/L Kalayaan, one of the supply boats. China, however, claimed that a Philippine vessel intentionally collided with its ship. The Atin Ito Coalition also announced Sunday that the convoy of civilian boats planning to deliver provisions to Filipino fishermen and troops in the WPS had to abort its trip after being “constantly shadowed” by Chinese vessels. The incidents occurred a day after the CCG used water cannons to obstruct vessels of the fisheries bureau from approaching Filipino fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales. ‘Ayungin is ours’ Marcos reiterated that Ayungin Shoal is within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone and that Bajo de Masinloc is a sovereign Philippine territory and an integral part of

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed that China’s “illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.” Malacañang file photo

the archipelago. “No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including waters and islands near the shores of its neighbors, and has ignored an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that its assertions have no legal basis. Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated

under Marcos, who has sought to improve ties with traditional ally Washington and push back against Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea. His predecessor Rodrigo Duterte led a foreign policy pivot to China in exchange for investment pledges. Marcos added that he has ordered the uniformed services to conduct their missions with utmost regard for their safety, “yet proceed with a missionoriented mindset.” g

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-20, 2023

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DECEMBER 14-20, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA county invests big in free virtual mental health therapy for K-12 students by Molly Castle Work KFF Health News

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County public schools are rolling out an ambitious effort to offer free mental health services to their 1.3 million K-12 students, a key test of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s sweeping, $4.7 billion program to address a youth mental health crisis. Spearheaded by the county’s Medi-Cal plans — which provide health insurance to low-income residents — in collaboration with its Office of Education and Department of Mental Health, the LA school program relies on teletherapy services provided by Hazel Health, one of a clutch of companies that have sprung up to address a nationwide shortage of mental health services that grew much worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The teletherapy effort is one of four LA County projects that will collectively receive up to $83 million from the state’s Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program, one component of the Democratic governor’s “master plan” to address gaps in youth mental health care access. LA’s Hazel Health contract is aimed at helping overburdened schools cope with a surge in demand for mental health services. It promises to be a telling case study in both the efficacy of virtual therapy for students and the ability of educators and administrators to effectively manage a sprawling and sensitive program in partnership with a for-profit company. For some Los Angeles County educators and families, the initial results are promising. Anjelah Salazar, 10, said her Hazel clinician has helped her feel a lot better. After the fifth grader switched to a new school this year, Stanton Elementary in Glendora, she started having panic attacks every day. Her mom, Rosanna Chavira, said she didn’t know what to do — even though she’s a clinical coordinator for a company that treats mental health conditions — and worried she wouldn’t be able to find an affordable therapist who accepted their insurance. Once Chavira learned about Hazel, she jumped at the opportunity. “This being free and having a licensed professional teaching her coping skills, it just means the world,” Chavira said. “You can already see changes.” Salazar said she’s met with her virtual therapist five times so far. One coping technique that she especially appreciates is a tapping exercise: Every night before bed, she taps her eyes, her cheeks, her chest, and her knees. With each tap, she recites the same affirmation: “I am brave.” Christine Crone, parent of seventh grader Brady, said she has yet to see if the sessions have been effective for her son, who attends Arroyo Seco Junior High in Santa Clarita, but she knows he enjoys them. “He struggles normally with being on time and prepared, but with these sessions, he always stops what he is doing and makes sure he is logged in on time,” Crone said. “He says that his therapist is nice, fun, and easy to talk to.” Jennifer Moya, a mental health counselor at Martha Baldwin Elementary in Alhambra, a city east of Los Angeles, said her students like the flexibility of teletherapy, which allows them

to meet with clinicians anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. “This generation of kids has grown up digital,” said Moya, who is in charge of referring students to Hazel at her school. “They love that this is easy.” Pablo Isais, a mental health counselor at Alhambra’s Granada Elementary School, said the services can also be a stopgap while a student waits for an in-person appointment, which can take six to eight weeks. “To be able to let them know that there are services available that they can access within the next week is amazing,” Moya said. Thus far, early in the rollout, only 607 Los Angeles County students have participated in Hazel sessions since they were first offered, in Compton, in December 2022, said Alicia Garoupa, chief of well-being and support services for the Office of Education. She acknowledged some bumps in the rollout but said Hazel is “another tool in our toolbox.” State relies on for-profit ventures Teletherapy is playing an increasingly important role in schools across the nation as educators and social workers face pressure to address growing mental health issues. According to an April Chalkbeat report, 13 of the nation’s 20 largest school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, have added teletherapy since the pandemic began. LA County’s deal with Hazel calls for the company to be paid up to $20 million through the end of 2024. In addition, Hazel can bill students’ insurance. The San Francisco-based company, founded in 2015, has raised $112.5 million from investors and has contracts in 15 different states. Other companies chasing youth mental health dollars include another San Francisco startup, Daybreak Health, a graduate of the prestigious Y Combinator tech incubator, along with BeMe, Brightline, and Kooth. California chose Brightline and Kooth for a 2024 $532 million statewide initiative on virtual youth behavioral services, another important component of Newsom’s master plan. There is some overlap between the state and local programs, Brightline co-founder and CEO Naomi Allen acknowledged, but she said the Brightline offering is broader than what Hazel is doing in schools, with services including everything from coaching sessions for caregivers to meditation resources. “The state is funding free access to services for every child in the state, which is just a remarkably ambitious program,” said Allen. Still, many questions remain about the efficacy of teletherapy for students. It’s also proving to be no surefire moneymaker for the companies thus far: Brightline laid off 20% of its staff last spring, the second round of layoffs in six months. Supplement, not solution Chelsy Duffer-Dunbar, who at the time worked for Los Angeles Unified as a psychiatric social worker, told KFF Health News in October that she hadn’t yet worked with Hazel, but noted that the county requires that a member of staff stay within eyesight of the student during their appointments and assist if tech issues arise. “It is still taking up staff time,” Duffer-Dunbar said. “My day is already so stressful. I

can’t imagine having a threat assessment and a suicide assessment at work and then trying to scramble around to find someone to sit in on this therapy session with the kiddo and their iPad.” Duffer-Dunbar said she wants the district to prioritize in-person clinicians who are immersed in the local community, especially for younger kids who have trouble engaging with teletherapy. Duffer-Dunbar has since left the district in response to budget cuts that forced her into a more burdensome role. Hazel emphasized that teletherapy is not a one-size-fitsall solution. “It’s an opportunity to expand access,” said Andrew Post, chief of innovation at the company. Education and health care working together It took a complicated collaboration between school districts, county agencies, and the two Medi-Cal plans, L.A. Care Health Plan and Health Net, to set up the school therapy program. The state funding rules were designed to push the entities to work together. “This program has helped us get closer to school districts,” said Michael Brodsky, senior medical director for community health at L.A. Care Health Plan. “If we can catch kids while they’re at school and refer them to get treatment while they’re in school, that’s good.” Hazel provides primarily short-term one-to-one therapy sessions with clinical social workers or other licensed counselors, 40% of whom are bilingual. They are best suited to provide temporary support to those with mild to moderate needs, such as students struggling with academic stress or starting at a new school, but they can also make referrals for long-term care. The largest district enrolled in the program, Los Angeles Unified, accounts for 41% of the county’s students, but not all districts are ready to take the leap. Four in 10 districts have opted to not offer Hazel’s services, which Garoupa attributes partially to data-sharing concerns. The contract with Hazel ends in December 2024, but Garoupa said the Office of Education and its partners intend to maintain services through June 2025. Any extension beyond that will depend on the results. Sonya Smith, a colleague of Garoupa’s, said the Office of Education will be continuously evaluating Hazel’s effectiveness through an annual survey, monthly impact reports, and weekly meetings. “The number of students that are using Hazel is obviously going to be a key metric,” Smith said. “Hazel’s historic utilization rate is 3% to 8%. We’ll be evaluating if those numbers hold up, if students are accessing care in a timely manner, and if it’s lightening the burden for school staff and communitybased providers.” This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Third petition filed vs Sara Duterte’s secret...

PAGE 1

as well as the request, receipt, and use of this amount by the latter,” the petitioners said. The disclosed funds, totaling P125 million, was reportedly utilized by the OVP within an 11-day period, according to the Commission on Audit (COA). The petitioners also asked the high tribunal to make the CIF auditable by COA. “Petitioners likewise pray that the Honorable Court direct the Commission on Audit to audit as a regular fund the ‘Confidential Funds’ expended by the Respondent OVP in 2022,” the petition read. “Petitioners further seek the restitution of the P125 Million unlawfully used as confidential funds by the OVP,” it added. In 2015, a joint circular involving the COA, Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and the Department of National Defense mandated national agencies, local governments, and government-owned corporations to “prepare” physical and finan-

cial plans for their confidential and intelligence fund requests. The plans needed to detail estimated amounts for each project, activity and program. The second petition against Duterte’s confidential and intelligence funds requested the nullification of the circular. The first petition, filed on November 7, raised concerns about the constitutionality of shifting the Office of the President’s contingency fund to the OVP’s confidential funds, suggesting that only the legislature has the authority. The SC asked Duterte and other officials to respond to the said petition. The second petition, filed by former SC Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, along with lawyers and priests, urged the SC to void Executive Order No. 2 and Commission on Audit Joint Circular 2015-01. Thesregulations enable the utilization, transfer and disbursement of confidential funds without subjecting them to audit. The third petition makes similar points as the first two, highlighting that the OVP lacks congressional authorization for confidential expenses since it’s

not specified in the 2022 budget for the OVP. The House Bicameral Committee announced on Monday that the final bicameral version of the P5.768 trillion national budget does not allocate any confidential and intelligence funds for civilian agencies, including the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President. The Makabayan bloc welcomed the development but former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares remained cautious, saying that the confidential and intelligence funds might be hidden in other budget areas. “Pwede naman kasing tinanggal ang confidential fund niya tapos pinasok sa regular items niya ang the same funds. So pupunta parin sa kanya ‘yon,” Colmenares said. (The confidential funds can be eliminated and shifted to regular budget items. This move would redirect the funds accordingly.) On October 10, the House of Representatives re-aligned the confidential funds of Duterte’s offices to the agencies responsible for safeguarding the West Philippine Sea. g

INSPECTION CERTIFICATE. Fresh tuna at the Bankerohan public market in downtown Davao City. The City Veterinarian’s Office on Thursday, Dec. 14 reminded Dabawenyos to be wary of buying fresh and frozen tuna for their sashimi, sushi, and the popular dish “kinilaw” and clarified that fish sold in market stalls require an inspection certificate. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Who are America’s new ethnic... PAGE 1

2016 election and the subsequent four years caused a divergence in these trends, with both Indian and Chinese Americans moving toward the Republican party under President Trump. Latino voters are younger Latinos are the country’s fastestgrowing racial and ethnic group in our electorate. Against common views of new Latino voters as older adults newly naturalized, U.S.-born-and-raised Latinos “are the ones truly changing America’s political landscape” with each election, said Claudia Sandoval, assistant professor of political science and international relations at Loyola Marymount University. 22% of Latinos eligible to vote in next year’s presidential election are new voters who have recently become eligible to vote. 38% of the Latino electorate is new to the political sphere since 2016. Compared to the median age of 50 for all eligible U.S. voters, the median age of eligible Latino voters is 39. In this electorate, she continued, gender gaps exist: while Latinos as a whole lean leftward, Latino men are more likely than Latino women to support Republican candidates — diverging respectively as much as 48% and 24% in Nevada. These numbers, however, don’t necessarily mark a rightward exodus: over 35% of Latinos voted Republican in 2000, while 40% did in 2004 — much due, Sandoval suggested, to “George W. Bush’s bipartisan positions on immigration reform. And while former President Donald Trump isn’t seen as a supporter of progressive immigration reform, voters do tend to see him as an independent from the Republican Party, which is quite partisan now.” “These numbers show us the complicated nature of Latino political preferences, attitudes, and political identification,” she added. “While only 4% of young Latino voters now believe that the Democratic Party is hostile to the Latino community, 37% of those voters believe that the Democratic

Party doesn’t necessarily care about the Latino community. While 22% believe that the Republican Party is hostile to the Latino community, a third of young Latino voters believe the Republican Party cares a great deal about Latinos.” Black voter participation Party affiliation likewise motivates the question of Black voter participation, said Jamil Scott, assistant professor of government at Georgetown University: “In 2024, I think we’re facing less of a question of whether Black voters will change their partisanship, and more of a question of how many Black voters will show up on Election Day at all.” “There’s an excitement issue here,” she continued: “What has Biden done? He hasn’t kept his promises to Black voters on issues like student loan forgiveness and voting rights. And although he’s created record low unemployment among black Americans; new opportunities for small businesses; appointed many Black judges including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Jackson, many of these things which are visible are not necessarily tangible.” Black voters “can’t hang their hat on legislation like they can on loan burdens and rising costs of goods due to inflation,” Scott continued. “People are pocketbook voters. While Black people are largely not going to change their partisanship, many may wonder whether to show for their party at all if the state of their pocketbooks is not giving them a compelling reason to, especially given challenges to voting like longer wait times in communities of color.” For Black voters — particularly those younger and more liberalleaning — “there’s dissatisfaction more broadly with the Democratic Party’s ‘hold-your-nose-andvote’ offerings. The question for Black voters in 2024 is not how differently they vote but whether they see it as a moment in which they need to show up for democracy, or whether they’re

tired of showing up again and again, and not seeing the policy benefits that they want to see,” she said. Gen Z voters of color 45% of the 40 million members of Gen Z eligible to vote in 2024 will be people of color, including 8.8 million Latinos, 5.7 million Black youth, 1.7 million Asian Americans and 1.8 million multiracial youth. As a more racially and ethnically diverse generation than any other before, this voting bloc is nevertheless “characterized by our left-leaning political unity,” said Jessica Siles, deputy press secretary of the Gen Z political advocacy nonprofit Voters of Tomorrow. “We’ve been marching in the streets for change, and our political activity owes to our shared experiences growing up — especially when it comes to gun violence and climate change.” In 2022, for instance, youth voted Democrat for the House of Representatives by a 28-point margin over Republican voters. “Many people like to point to low youth voter turnout. However, although you may see a low percentage of Gen Z voting, it’s on the rise. In 2022, the first midterm election where this generation comprised the entire 18 to 22 age cohort, Gen Z voted at 28.4% — a higher rate than Millennials, Gen X and Boomers did” in their respective generations’ first midterm elections, Siles explained, the next-highest rate being the 23.5% of Gen Xers who voted in 1990. Gen Z is emblematic of America’s new ethnic voters wholly in that “it’s not that young people are just very loyal to the Democratic Party,” she added. “It’s that we continue to vote on the behalf of a few core issues we most care about, number one being the economy. As voters, we’re workers and taxpayers concerned about our ability to find a good job or pay for a house. The future of these voting blocs depends on who can best engage them on these issues.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

DOT surpasses 5 million mark in foreign... PAGE 1 She cited the barometer of United Nations’ World Tourism Organization. The 65 percent recovery rate is higher than the 62 percent found among nations in the Asia Pacific

region. Frasco also bared from January 1 to November 30, 2023, international visitor receipts have been registered at P439 billion. The amount translates to 95 percent of the 458 billion receipts

recorded for 2019. Frasco also reported tourism in the country has provided more than 5 million jobs for Filipinos. Such record is equivalent to 11 percent of the entire national employment. g

$5.5 million in stolen wages returned to... PAGE 1

continuously care for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia as well as residents in wheelchairs and bedridden hospice patients. “Though we have won and we are so happy to be receiving our owed wages today, in this whole process, my biggest highlight is not really the money,” said Sinagtala Limbo, a former worker at Adat Shalom. “I know many of my coworkers were initially very scared, but we worked together to find the courage to speak out about these injustices.” The Labor Commissioner first cited Adat Shalom Board & Care December 2017, finding that the company subjected their employees to “oppressive working conditions.” The Pilipino Workers Center referred the case to the state agency and assisted in identifying workers during the investigation. In June 2019, the state of California brought a lawsuit against Angelica and Alexander Reingold, the owners of Adat Shalom, for fraudulently transferring assets. In the complaint, lawyers for the Labor Commissioner’s Office alleged that the Reingolds transferred five properties, valued at $4.8 million, out of the reach of creditors. The transferred properties include one of the facilities where workers had their wages stolen. “This historically impactful victory upholding the law in an

industry that is plagued by wage theft was only possible because of the strong partnerships between the workers, the Pilipino Workers Center, the Labor Commissioner’s Office, our legal partners at Bet Tzedek, and the whole team that worked on this for several years,” said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of PWC. “This collection of $5.5 million is a signal to all employers that the game has fundamentally changed. Enforcement of labor laws is real in the industry and if you don’t comply, there are very real consequences.” “We hope this sends a loud and clear message to residential care home employers,” Yvonne Medrano with Bet Tzedek Legal Services said. “Pay your workers. If you don’t, we will go after you and we will fight vigorously to make sure that workers get money back in their pockets.” Bet Tzedek Legal Services represented workers during the Labor Commissioner’s Office citation appeal case. Prior to the pandemic highlighting workplace safety issues in the residential care industry, Adat Shalom Board & Care, a company with a history of health and safety violations, the facility now is rebranded as “Land of Peace,” with the administrators under Adat Shalom as the official owners. The company is accused of attempting to bribe workers

to drop the lawsuit and lie about working conditions at their facilities. Pilipino and other immigrant communities are disproportionately affected by wage theft, often facing language and legal barriers to coming forward with complaints. PWC and other community-based organizations work with the Labor Commissioner to proactively address labor violations that workers in these marginalized communities face and workers have a history of brave leadership. Home care workers were misclassified and had their wages stolen, filed a complaint and the California Labor Commissioner’s Office ordered, Angel Connection and related entities, nearly $1.9 million in lost wages and penalties. According to a report published by the UCLA Labor Center, Los Angeles workers in low-wage jobs lose an estimated $1.4 billion to wage theft every year. Statewide, the loss is even more staggering. As a result of these injustices, working people in lowwage jobs and their families, a majority of whom are immigrants and/or people of color, experience health problems and face food and housing insecurity. In Los Angeles, 80% of workers in low-wage jobs do not get their overtime pay. Eighty percent do not receive their meal and rest breaks. g

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-20, 2023

PH supports UN resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, marking a shift from the country’s earlier decision to abstain. The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a non-binding resolution on Tuesday, December 12, demanding an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza, with 153 countries voting in favor and 23 abstaining. Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against the resolution. The resolution also calls for the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and the "immediate and unconditional" release of all hostages. Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, the country’s perma-

nent representative to the UN, said the Philippines is “deeply concerned” about the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory. “The Philippines believes that a humanitarian ceasefire is crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering. This ceasefire is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all affected civilians, irrespective of their affiliation,” he said in a speech. Lagdameo said that while the Philippines condemns the October 7 attacks perpetrated by Hamas fighters on Israel, it emphasizes the need to adhere to International Humanitarian Law, especially the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats. “It is imperative that any military action considers the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage,” he said.

The Philippine representative urged parties to adhere to their obligations under international law such as protecting civilians, particularly women and children. In October, the Philippines abstained from a UN resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustainable humanitarian truce” between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. Lagdameo said at the time that the resolution did not mention nor condemn the October 7 assault that led to deaths of civilians, including Filipinos. Tuesday’s vote came after the UN Security Council—the body responsible for global peace and security—has repeatedly failed to make such a call. Israeli air and land assaults continue to pummel Gaza, killing more than 18,400 Palestinians. Meanwhile, some 1,200 Israelis were killed in the attack. g

CHOOSE LOCAL. The Quezon City Police District uses a nipa hut-like outpost along C-5 Road in Loyola Heights, Quezon City on Wednesday, Dec. 13. While outposts are usually made of concrete, this one stands out for opting for something uniquely Filipino. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Sen. Padilla proposes changes to UN experts call for urgent creation Constitutional terms of elected officials of national body vs torture

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — Experts from the United Nations stressed on Thursday, December 14 the need to establish a national body dedicated to preventing torture as they wrapped up their visit to the Philippines. Victor Zaharia, who heads the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT), said the Philippines should fasttrack the adoption of bills that will create a national monitoring body called National Preventive Mechanism. “The magnitude of issues observed by the delegation reaffirms the urgency of establishing an independent torture prevention mechanism with unrestricted access to all places of deprivation of liberty,” Zaharia said. “This national mechanism, with adequate resources, will be a key partner in preventing

torture and ill-treatment in the Philippines,” he added. During its mission to the Philippines from December 3 to 14, the SPT delegation visited over 40 places of deprivation of liberty, including police stations, jails, prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, reformation and education facilities for minors, immigration detention centers, and military and drug enforcement agency facilities. It conducted interviews with staff members and people held in those institutions and examined the treatment of individuals in different stages of the criminal or rehabilitation system. “We witnessed first-hand the State party’s initiatives to tackle issues such as overcrowding in detention facilities, but major challenges lie ahead. It is vital that safeguards in police custody are effectively guaranteed at all times, and that people deprived of their liberty are treated in accordance with the law and

international standards,” Zaharia said. The delegation also met with government officials, the Commission on Human Rights, members of the House of Representatives, the judiciary, UN representatives, and civil society. At the end of the visit, the SPT delegation presented its confidential preliminary observations to the government. It will be followed by a comprehensive report on detailed observations and recommendations to prevent torture and ill-treatment of people deprived of their liberty. Rights watchdog Karapatan earlier urged the UN SPT to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the policies and practices of the country’s security forces that lead to torture as well as the use of secret detention facilities. It has documented 488 victims of torture since July 2010 despite the passage of the Anti-Torture Act of 2009. g

MANILA – Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a resolution proposing changes to the constitutional terms of elected officials including the president, vice president, and lawmakers “to ensure a balance between leadership stability and democratic continuity.” "It is imperative to strike a balance between the need for policy continuity, which requires adequate time for lawmakers to fulfill their legislative agenda, and the need to prevent the accumulation of power, which may lead to political entrenchment," Padilla said in filing Resolution of Both Houses of Congress No. 5. He also cited historical data from the Asian Development Bank showing that in the past decade, political instability and frequent turnover of elected officials have been identified as major impediments to long-term planning and policy continuity. “It is important to provide for an allowable extension of service, thus providing elected officials with a more substantial opportunity to effect long-term,

meaningful changes in their respective offices," he said. Under the resolution, the president and vice president shall be elected as “joint candidates” by direct vote of the people for a term of four years. They shall not be elected for more than two terms. A president who served for two terms shall not be qualified to run for any elective position. Any person who has succeeded the president or vice president shall only be qualified for one election to the same office at any time. "The change in the term of office of the president and vice president will ensure a balance between leadership stability and democratic continuity. A joint candidacy for the president and vice president provides for an electoral landscape that will shift its emphasis from individual personalities to the unified policy agenda and will foster a more strategic and effective governance," Padilla said. RBH 5 also proposes that the Senate shall have 54 members –24 who shall be elected at large and 30 elected by qualified voters

from each legislative region. Senators elected at large shall have terms of eight years, but shall not serve for more than two consecutive terms; senators elected by region shall have terms of four years, but shall not serve for more than three consecutive terms. Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of four years, and shall not serve more than three consecutive terms. The term of office of elective local officials except barangay officials shall be four years. They shall serve no more than three consecutive terms. “It is important to provide for an allowable extension of service, thus providing elected officials with a more substantial opportunity to effect long-term, meaningful changes in their respective offices," Padilla said. He added that synchronizing the electoral cycles of the different branches of government will “improve administrative efficiency, and enable a more coordinated implementation of government policies." (PNA)

Clark County Fire Department FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU

Bagong tulong para makita, iwasan, at iulat ang mga scam sa maraming wika

4701 W. Russell Road • Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 455-3000 • Fax (702) 221-0630 John Steinbeck, Fire Chief Kelly Blackmon, Sr. Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Danny Horvat, Assistant Fire Chief • Wayne Dailey, Assistant Fire Chief

PATALASTASTAS SA PUBLIKO: Mga Mungkahi’ng Pagbabago sa Kodigo Ng Lalawigan ng Clark Tungkol sa: Titulo 12, Kabanata 13.04 Mangyaring bigyang pansin na ang isang regulasyon ay iminungkahi ng Lupon ng mga Komisyonero ng Lalawigan sa Lalawigan ng Clark. Ang iminungkahi’ng alituntunin ay babaguhin ang Titulo 13, Kabanata 13.04 ng Kodigo ng Lalawigan ng Clark upang idagdag ang Subseksyon 106.6.1.1 mga Bayarin sa Muling Pagsusumite at Subseksyon 106.6.1.2 Mga Bayarin sa Pagbabago sa Seksyon 13.04.070 Saklaw at Pangangasiwa upang isama ang mga karagdagang bayarin sa pagsusuri ng plano. Ang iminungkahi’ng tuntunin ay isasama at tutukuyin din ang wika gaya ng inilarawan sa Seksyon 106.6, Iskedyul ng Bayad Serbisyo at Permiso, Talahanayan 106-G.

Nakakapagsalita sa iyong wika ang mga scammer. Kaya tumatanggap na ngayon ng FTC ang mga ulat sa maraming wika. Para mag-ulat sa Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Pranses, Arabic, Koreano, Ruso, Portuges, Polish, at marami pang ibang wika, tawagan ang FTC sa (877) 382-4357. Pindutin ang 3 para makipag-usap sa isang tagasalin sa wika. Para mag-ulat ng pagnanakaw ng pagkakakilanlan, tumawag sa (877) 438-4338 at piliin ang opsyon para sa mas gusto mong wika. Bukas ang mga linya sa pagitan ng 9am-5pm Eastern. Mas gustong mag-ulat online? Sa Ingles, bumisita sa ReportFraud.ftc.gov o IdentityTheft. gov — o sa Espanyol, pumunta sa ReportFraude.ftc.gov o RobodeIdentidad.gov. Agad kang makakakuha ng gabay sa mga susunod na hakbang. Pero teka, may higit pa. Ngayon ay makakahanap ka ng payo sa isang dosenang wika sa ftc.gov/languages. Doon malalaman mo kung paano maiiwasan ang scam, kung ano ang gagawin kung nagbayad ka sa isang scammer, at kung paano maiiwasan ang mga scam na pinupuntirya ang iyong maliit na negosyo. Mayroon pa ngang handbook tungkol sa panloloko para sa mga dumating kamakailan sa Estados Unidos. Mas gustong makakuha ng naka-print na impormasyon? Sa ftc.gov/bulkorder, puwede kang mag-order ng mga libreng publikasyon sa maraming wika. Ngayon naman, i-order ang How To Avoid a Scam (Paano Maiiwasan ang Scam) at Scams and Your Small Business (Mga Scam at ang Iyong Maliit na Negosyo) sa Pinasimpleng Tsino, Koreano, at Vietnamese. At, gaya ng sa tuwina, tingnan ang ftc.gov/ordenar para mag-order sa Espanyol. Nakuha mo man ang mga babasahin ng FTC online o nang naka-print, umaasa kaming ibabahagi mo ang mga ito sa iyong pamilya at mga kaibigan sa iyong mga komunidad. Sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi ng nalalaman mo tungkol sa mga scam at pag-uulat ng nakikita mo, makakatulong kang mapatigil ang mga scam at maprotektahan ang iyong komunidad.

Bago ang pagpapatibay sa iminungkahi’ng tuntunin, ang Lupon ng mga Komisyonero ng Lalawigan sa Lalawigan ng Clark ay inatasan ng NRS 237.080 na gumawa ng isang pinagsama-sama’ng pagsisikap upang matukoy kung ang panukala’ng panuntunan ay magpapataw ng isang direkto at malaki’ng pasanin sa ekonomiya nang isang negosyo o direkto’ng paghihigpitan ang pagbuo, pagpapatakbo o pagpapalawak ng isang negosyo. Dahil dito, ang mga samahan sa pangangalakal, may-ari at mga opisyal ng mga negosyo na malamang na maapektuhan ng iminungkahi’ng panuntunan na ito, at ang iba pang interesado’ng mga tao ay kinakailanga’ng patalastasan at bigyan ng pagkakataon na magsumite ng mga komento, datos, o argumento sa Lalawigan tungkol sa kung ang iminungkahi’ng panuntunan ay: a) Magpapataw ng isang direkto at malaki’ng pasanin sa ekonomiya nang isang negosyo; o b) Direkto’ng paghihigpitan ang pagbuo, pagpapatakbo o pagpapalawak Ang mga komento ay kailanga’ng matanggap ng hindi lalampas sa 5:30 n.h. sa Enero 18, 2024 tulad ng sumusunod: Sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala sa: Kawanihan ng Pag-iwas sa Sunog sa Lalawigan ng Clark Lobi ng Kustomer 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Attn: Sarah Stevens Lunes – Huwebes, 7:30 n.u - 5:30 n.h. Sa pamamagitan ng Koreo: Kagawaran ng Sunog sa Lalawigan ng Clark - Kawanihan ng Pag-iwas sa Sunog Attn: Sarah Stevens, Administrative Secretary 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Sa pamamagitan ng email: shs@clarkcounty.nv - o - Sa pamamagitan ng facsimile: 702-678-5220 Ang isang kopya ng iminungkahi’ng panuntunan ay makikita din para sa pagsusuri online sa: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/fire/fire prevention library.php#outer-10618 at Kagawaran ng Sunog sa Lalawigan ng Clark Unang Palapag sa Lobi 575 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 Lunes hanggang Huwebes mula 7:30 n.u. hanggang 7:30 n.g.

Kagawaran ng Sunog sa Lalawigan ng Clark – -o-

Kawanihan ng Pag-iwas sa Sunog 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Lunes hanggang Huwebes mula 7:30 n.u. hanggang 5:30 n.h.

Taos-puso, John Steinbeck, Fire Chief BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JAMES B. GIBSON, Chair • JUSTIN C. JONES, Vice Chair MICHAEL NAFT • MARILYN KIRKPATRICK • ROSS MILLER • WILLIAM McCURDY II • TICK SEGERBLOM • JUSTIN C. JONES YOLANDA T. KING, County Manager

DECEMBER 14-20, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

75 years of human rights

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

FEATURES

EMERGING from the hell of World War II, which saw the unspeakable evil of the Holocaust and the unleashing of nuclear bombs for the ﬁrst time on two cities in Japan, the international community drew up an extensive list of human rights. On Dec. 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On Sunday, December 10, the world marked 75 years since that declaration of freedom, equality and justice for all with two wars raging – one between Israel and Hamas, and the longer one, Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine. The theaters of war, however, aren’t the only places where human rights are under threat. Civil liberties are undermined even in places where there is no full-blown war. The Philippines has had a first-hand experience with this, during the long years of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos’ conjugal dictatorship, when political dissent was crushed and thousands were tortured, arrested at will, executed and involuntarily disappeared. Human rights victims of the first Marcos regime have received some reparations, but there is still no closure for many other victims. Democracy, whose restoration in 1986 was so hard-won, remained fragile and institutionally weak. Extrajudicial killings, torture by security forces and enforced disappearances continued. The worst case of election violence, and the

worst attack on journalists, was perpetrated in 1989 by the political warlords of Maguindanao, the Ampatuans. Activists and journalists continue to be targeted, not only through armed violence but also through cyber bullying and legal cases. In the previous administration, the country’s largest broadcasting network, ABS-CBN, lost its franchise after incurring the ire of then President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippines drew the global human rights spotlight under Duterte, who remains unapologetic about his bloody crackdown on the drug menace that left over 6,200 drug suspects dead, based on the official police count. Rights activists say the drug killings continue, although not on the same scale as in the previous administration. There is a continuing debate on how much civil liberties can be relegated to the back seat in the interest of public safety. The landslide victories last year of Marcos’ only son and namesake and Duterte’s daughter indicate what Filipinos think of human rights issues.

Editorial

PHILIPPINE Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela is now being subjected to “blue tagging” – a term we coined for individuals labeled as supposedly being pro-America or worse, CIA agents – simply because he has been very vocal about China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Some anonymous and most likely fake accounts on social media have been trolling Commodore Tarriela ever since he confronted then-Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu during the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore last June, asking: “While China is talking about dialogue, China’s actions show confrontation. Why is there a big difference between China’s words and its actions?” Li Shangfu – who has since been fired – was unable to give a clear and direct answer. The blue tagging became apparent when the PCG spokesperson posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Filipinos

With Due Respect ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN THE recent hearings in the House of Representatives ignited spirited public debates on whether the present regime should allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute alleged crimes against humanity committed during the term of, and/or by, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Reacting to the debates, President Marcos said that returning “under the fold of the ICC” is “under study. So, we’ll just keep looking at our options.” In my humble opinion, he has three major options: 1) Maintain the status quo, 2) Rejoin the ICC, and 3) Cooperate without rejoining the international tribunal. MAINTAINING THE STATUS QUO MEANS LETTING THINGS STAND AS THEY ARE; that is, our country will not rejoin the ICC but will respect the July 18, 2023 decision of the ICC’s Appeals Chamber (AC), voting 3-2, authorizing incumbent ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan to resume his investigation of the alleged crimes committed on

There are other aspects of human rights, with significant progress achieved in the past 75 years for the rights of women and children as well as workers and the LGBTQ+ community. But the current situation of the world shows that freedom,

equality and justice for all, along with economic freedoms, are a work in progress. Nations can reaffirm commitment to these objectives on the 75th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Philstar.com)

Blue tagging vs red tagging

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ

ManilaTimes.net photo

defending and making excuses for China’s aggressive behavior should be deemed “unpatriotic and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people.” If calling out China’s unacceptable behavior in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the continued incursion of Chinese vessels in areas that are clearly under the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, is being pro-America or being a CIA agent, then 85 percent of Filipinos should be “blue tagged” because based on surveys, they trust the United States the most and approve of our alliance in defending our territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. Needless to say, I have been blue tagged long ago by reprehensible individuals resorting to gossip, slander and innuendo just because I have a lot of American friends. Clearly as Philippine ambassador to Washington – of course it is my job to make sure that relations between the Philippines and the United States remain solid and stable. There is also the Atin Ito Coalition composed of nongovernment and people’s

organizations which is embarking on a Christmas caravan to the West Philippine Sea as “a stark reminder of the precarious situation our Filipino fishing communities and frontliners face as they valiantly defend our sovereign right to fish… in the face of ongoing harassment by a foreign trespasser and invader,” as a member of the coalition explained when they launched the initiative a couple of months ago. Should these Atin Ito Coalition members be “blue tagged” or labeled as CIA agents because they are unequivocally insisting that Ayungin Shoal – where the BRP Sierra Madre stands as our sovereign marker – is part of our maritime territory? Chinese vessels have been continuous in their incursion and aggression, with the most recent display recorded just a few days ago when a Chinese bulk carrier identified as MV Tai Hang 8 rammed the boat of Filipino fishermen in the waters between Occidental Mindoro and Palawan, which is part of the West Philippine Sea. The hit-and-run incident caused the fishermen’s boat to capsize,

leaving five of them drifting at sea for almost a day before they were rescued by other fishing boats. Incidents such as this is the reason why more and more Filipinos are getting angry and want our territorial rights fully protected in the West Philippine Sea because of the threatening dominance that other countries are displaying – taking over areas that are within our exclusive economic zone, stealing our fish and other marine resources, destroying coral reefs, intimidating our fishermen and preventing them from plying their livelihood. Chinese aggression has been incessant, and this has become a serious concern for many countries that see the bullying as a threat to regional peace and security, which is why the decision of President Marcos Jr. to conduct joint maritime patrols not only with the United States but other nations as well is really very important to enhance regional security. While we continue to look for ways to navigate the situation carefully and prevent it from escalating, “the Philippine

government must strengthen its ability to patrol and protect the country’s maritime zones by building a self-reliant defense posture program and upgrading the capabilities of the PCG,” as House Resolution 1494 stated. Clearly, we should not let our guard down and must be prepared to face external as well as internal threats, as we have seen in the recent bombing incident at Mindanao State University in Marawi City that killed four people and injured 50 others. The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the horrific attack, with suspects identified as members of the IS-affiliated Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group. Many countries have condemned the attack, which has rekindled memories of the siege of Marawi that started in May 2017 and lasted for five months, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. Senate President Migz Zubiri recalled that government troops ran out of ammunition several weeks after the battle in Marawi began, but foreign suppliers were unable to deliver. Fortunately, local firearms manufacturer

Armscor Global Defense stepped up to the plate and delivered ammunition of various calibers on time – otherwise, the fight would have gone on for much longer. Armscor is an industry pioneer that has since become one of the largest in Asia, and the Tuason family – whom I know very well – are always ready to help the government. SP Migz is absolutely right in filing Senate Bill 2455 to revive the self-reliant defense posture (SRDP) program that the government initiated in 1974 to develop a local defense industry that would also bring in thousands of jobs for Filipinos. With conflicts happening in many parts of the world, there is now a shortage of firearms and other defense items, which is why the Philippines cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for the defense requirements of our armed forces. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** babeseyeview@gmail.com

President Marcos’ ICC options Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. Please note that the majority of three in that AC decision merely agreed with Khan that our government had not shown genuine willingness or ability to investigate the situation in the Philippines and to prosecute the perpetrators, especially the “brains,” of the alleged crime. Note too that the majority did not rule on the more fundamental issue of whether the petition to conduct the preliminary investigation was filed within the undisputed reglementary period of two years. It simply ignored this issue, saying that our government has waived its right to pose it. The vocal minority of two insisted, and I respectfully agree, that the ICC did not acquire jurisdiction over the alleged crimes because former ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda petitioned the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) for authority to conduct the preliminary examination only on May 24, 2021, and the PTC granted her petition only on Sept. 15, 2021, both dates being more than two years after the Philippine withdrawal from the ICC took effect on March 17, 2019. This may be the reason why until now, and despite the 3-2 ruling

of the AC, Khan has not publicly announced the resumption of his investigation. In any event, Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra summed up the current Philippine position: Unless blacklisted or deemed “undesirable,” Khan’s investigators may enter the country in accordance with our laws, roam the countryside, observe their surroundings, listen to witnesses, receive documents, and see how free and capable our justice system is, with no cooperation from our government. UNDER THE SECOND OPTION, the president, pursuant to his constitutional authority to conduct foreign affairs, has the plenary power to get us back to the ICC and remove all uncertainties to enable Khan to investigate the Philippine situation and to prosecute the culprits; and to allow the ICC to convict after due process and to order the detention of the convicted culprits. My humble opinion is that, based on the available information showing that our withdrawal from the ICC was made solely by the president without the Senate’s concurrence, the president (regardless of who the incumbent is) may simply reverse

his own act by recalling the letter of withdrawal without need of a new Senate ratification. The Senate ratification of the Rome Statute that created the ICC had never been reversed by the Senate. Hence, the concurrence it gave on Aug. 23, 2011, via Senate Resolution No. 57 still mightily stands to this day. Though rendered merely via an obiter dictum (side remark), the Supreme Court — in Pangilinan v. Cayetano (March 16, 2021) fittingly penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen — backed up this obiter with logic, reason, and wisdom. UNDER THE THIRD OPTION, the president need not recall his letter of withdrawal but simply allow his Cabinet members, especially the secretary of justice, to open the facilities of the executive branch, like the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and the Office of the DOJ Chief Prosecutor, to help Karim Khan investigate the Philippine situation and prosecute the alleged culprits. Under this option, the president can justify the exercise of his diplomatic power by citing the comity of nations and our abiding respect for the rule of

President Marcos said that returning “under the fold of the ICC” is “under study. Malacañang file photo

law. In fact, I think this stance can end in either of two seemingly disparate results: first, the ICC investigators may conclude that after all, the Philippines is genuinely willing and able to discharge its primary duty to investigate and prosecute; and second, the investigators may decide to rely on their own findings and ensnare the alleged perpetrators into the sticky ICC web. Vice President Sara Duterte has formally asked the Department of Justice not to cooperate with Khan and his prosecutors, and with the ICC itself. In short, she

is in favor of maintaining the status quo, thereby upholding the self-respect and dignity of our country and demonstrating the viability and capacity of our local institutions to render justice though the heavens may fall. Which option will the president take? Abangan. (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.

*** Comments to chiefjusticepanganiban@ hotmail.com

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-20, 2023

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December 14, 2023

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

INSIDE

LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE

Young filmmaker determined Anne to star in first teleserye in 9 years to make mark in industry by KRistofeR PuRnell Philstar.com

by Raoul J. Chee Kee Inquirer.net

SHE may have only recently graduated, but Makenna “Kenna” Fojas already knows that she wants to connect with people through film. Her interest in moving pictures started back in high school in Mission Viejo, California, where she first took film production classes. Back then, she was still unsure on what aspect of the filmmaking process to focus her attention on. What she was certain of was that she enjoyed the logistical preparations prior to a shoot, as well as the frenetic energy generated on film sets. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in a course in psychology at the University of Washington, but realized after one day that she missed film too much. Kenna joined the school’s film club and tried her hand at doing production design, writing and directing short films. ‘Hapa’ She enrolled in a second course, cinema and media studies, and began to learn more earnestly about filmmaking. For “Hapa,” a short film about a mixed girl’s first day of middle school, Kenna as the producer was responsible for hiring the crew, coordinating the shoot and raising over $7,000 to cover the expenses. She said “Hapa” is about a Japanese-American girl and her Filipino-African American friend as they tackle “the ambiguous signals that [emerge] about their race and their looks which leave them with a sense of confusion.” All of this happens on the first day of school. Kenna, who is Filipino but grew up in the U.S., can relate to the characters’ confusion, but seems determined to learn more about her heritage. A couple of months ago, she flew back to the Philippines and is staying with her grandmother. She’s lived through Manila traffic, had the chance to travel to

Makenna “Kenna” Fojas

several local destinations with relatives and is looking forward to experiencing an authentic Filipino Christmas complete with extended family. Before she traveled to the Philippines, however, Kenna finished “Peach Fuzz,” a short film she wrote and directed based on “The Geography of Girlhood,” a collection of poetry by Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith. Kenna got to meet her idol Kiwi—the screenwriter of “10 Things I Hate About You” (Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger) and “Legally Blonde” (Reese Witherspoon)—who eventually gave Kenna the go signal to adapt her poetry that reads like a verse novel into a short film. Determined to tell stories “‘Peach Fuzz’ is a coming-ofage story about two sisters that I identified with even if I don’t have an older sister,” Kenna said. She cast two Filipino girls after fielding “hundreds of requests” to be included in the film that is in the middle of postproduction and should be finished by the first quarter of next year. She may have several short films under her belt, but Kenna said her goal is to one day direct a full-length feature. “Short films are accessible; it takes a lot of money to do a fea-

Photo from Instagram/@makfo

ture film. Short films are like an appetizer and it’s how filmmakers usually start. They’re underrated and underappreciated, but they are a way to make art,” she said. One of the most memorable moments of the entire “Peach Fuzz” experience for Kenna was when she witnessed the actress she cast to play the younger sister call the other actress “ate”—a term of respect accorded older sisters. “Being half white and half Filipino made me a bit insecure growing up in the U.S., but I realized that I have as much right as the next person to talk about my identity,” she said. In the few months that she has been in the Philippines, Kenna has discovered that Filipinos live in “food-centered communities with a strong emphasis on family.” She has also had the chance to make new friends after she dropped by one of the weekend markets in Makati City. “I saw two girls who were laughing and talking and they looked so at ease with one another; I missed my friends back in the U.S. When they noticed me looking at them, I mustered the courage to say hi and introduce myself—we’re friends now,” she said with a smile.

Rajo Laurel restores Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan’s wedding dress for daughter Ella by KRistofeR PuRnell Philstar.com

ELLA Pangilinan, daughter of Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan, wed Enrique Lhuillier-Miranda wearing a revival of Maricel's own wedding dress, thanks in part to designer Rajo Laurel. Maricel and Rajo are high school classmates and Ella would often accompany her mother's visits to Rajo's studio, igniting her love for design. In an Instagram post, Rajo recalled the mother and daughter reaching out to meet him. Maricel brought along her wedding gown designed by the late National Artist Jose "Pitoy" Moreno. Rajo had Ella try on Maricel's gown, noting that it overwhelmed her petite frame. The designer was enamored by its beautiful and interesting beadwork, and thus thought of restoring the original dress. "I thought that if I could salvage this and transfer this into a silhouette that would be perfect for Ella," said Rajo. "I then went into a full restoration mode cleaning and bringing the embroidery back to life." Ella Pangilinan and her mother Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan Photos from Instagram/@rajolaurel The designer called the project seamless. He thought Ella was "breathtaking" in the final output, leaving Rajo grateful to be able to study the works of his past idols. "One of the key philosophies that have always guided my designs are Heritage and Timelessness. Most specially when I design wedding gowns," Rajo continued. "To be part of ones life's most important life highlights is a true blessing. I am so privileged and honored to have been able to do this for my friends." Rajo ended by wishing Ella and Enrique a lifetime of bliss. He was also among the guests at the couple's wedding. Both Ella and Maricel thanked Rajo for the work he put into designing the wedding dress, with Maricel saying, "the very special work of art made with love and passion." She also noted that Rajo's work honored the late Pitoy. Rajo quipped that Ella's wedding gown could be saved for another generation in her family. Ella is the elder sibling to actor Donny, Hannah, Benj and Solana. Other celebrities who expressed their awe at Rajo's efforts include Karen Davila, Ruffa Gutierrez, Pinky Webb, Bianca Gonzales and Rica Peralejo. To top it all off, Rajo also created a new dress for Maricel to wear at Ella's wedding, a contemporary Terno made from a bright "Bougainvillea" pink silk chiffon, highlighted by linear embroidery and accented by minute sugar Swaworvski crystals. The Terno also had a removable overlay with a dramatic bow or shawl, which Rajo commended as both traditional and modern, and he was elated to see Maricel enjoying Ella's wedding party in the dress.

KAPAMILYA host-actress Anne Curtis is marking her headliner teleserye return after nearly a decade as she was announced to star in the Philippine adaptation of hit Korean show "It's Okay Not To Be Okay." The adaptation was among the new projects announced by ABS-CBN for its 2024 line-up at the network's Christmas Special held in Araneta Coliseum last December 13. Joining Anne Curtis in the cast for the Filipino adaptation of "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" are Joshua Garcia and Carlo Aquino, presumably to play characters originated by Kim Soo-hyun and Oh Jung-se. In the original Korean show from 2020 which ran for 16 episodes, Soo-hyun and Jung-se portray orphaned brothers Moon Gang-tae and Moon Sang-tae. Gang-tae is a caregiver at a psychiatric hospital while his autistic brother is an aspiring illustrator who admires Seo Yeaji's Ko Moon-young, a children's

Anne Curtis Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith

book author with an antisocial personality disorder. The announcement comes on the heels of the announced Filipino remake of "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?," also revealed in ABS-CBN's 2024 line-up, which will star Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino.

Also announced to come out next year are "The Bag Man," "Pamilya Sagrado," a teleserye version of Prime Video's "Linlang," a new season of "Pinoy Big Brother," and the third season of "The Voice Teens." Anne last headlined a teleserye in 2014 as the titular character of "Mars Ravelo's Dyesebel"; her last teleserye appearance was on the long-running "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" in a supporting role. Since then, she has appeared in an episode of "Maalala Mo Kaya," was a guest judge on "Drag Race Philippines," starred in several films, and kept her main hosting role on "It's Showtime" on top of starting a family. Earlier this year, talent manager Ogie Diaz revealed that Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil were offered to star in a Philippine remake of "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" but turned it down, assuming that Liza wanted to pursue a career in Hollywood. Liza will indeed have her Hollywood debut when her movie with Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton "Lisa Frankenstein" is released in February next year.

James on the importance of creative freedom by CaRl MaRtin agustin Inquirer.net

AS the globe continues to shrink and barriers to communication come undone, collaboration has become easier than ever before. And in this era of music without borders, James Reid, for his latest single, is joined by talents hailing from different parts of the world. “Jacuzzi” is a club anthem that captures the spirit of fun and excitement, fusing house and pop elements, dynamic synths, and upbeat electronic beats. Reid is joined by South Korean rapper B.I and Los Angeles-based Grammy-nominated producer DJ FLICT. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity How did “Jacuzzi” come about? “I started the song with DJ FLICT, he’s a Grammy-nominated producer from LA. He’s actually Filipino. He’s super talented and I’ve made quite a lot of songs with him. This particular track was also written with an artist named Zach Sorgen.” “And then luckily, I met B.I in person backstage at a concert when I was in Seoul. He told me that he was doing a concert in the Philippines and asked if I wanted to open. So I did. I opened for him when he came to the Philippines. After that, I sent him ‘Jacuzzi’ just to see if he wanted to work with me and DJ FLICT. He loved it. He also sent me one of his tracks called ‘4 Letters’ which we worked on at the same time.” “I was very fortunate to be able to meet both B.I and DJ FLICT. Different parts of the world— one’s in LA, one’s in Korea, and another here in the Philippines.” What is it all about? Can you let us in on the behind-thescenes for the track? “The song itself, if you listen to the lyrics, is quite sensual. We picked a topic, a jacuzzi, something that’s very symbolic of being sensual, romantic, and luxurious. As for the beat, we actually made a few revisions before going towards a more electronic house vibe.” “And when I sent the track to B.I, he put his verse down, and his vocals were perfect. It flawlessly matched the style we were going for, especially the K-pop flair that he brought to the song. It was perfect and I think our voices blended really well.” How was it working with both B.I and DJ FLICT? “With DJ FLICT, he’s so talented. He’s worked with the likes of Wiz Khalifa, Fifth Harmony, Meghan Trainor — lots of different artists. So being able to learn from him in the studio, I think that’s really what happened. I was learning from him when we were making these songs. He’s like my kuya now that we’ve gotten pretty close.” “As for B.I, I was just lucky he was able to find the time to come to the Philippines to shoot the music video. He was in the middle of a European tour. He came here for two days just to shoot and I really appreciated that. When he

James Reid

was here and I got to talk to him, he was very soft-spoken and very mysterious—what you would expect from a K-pop idol.” As an artist, what do you usually draw from whenever you create and perform? “I usually start with the music. I begin with my influences. I lean a lot more towards genres such as soul, funk, R&B, and a little bit of electronic—Daft Punk, MJ, and The Weeknd. The writing just comes from experiences or things that I want to experience.” Since you’ve worked with B.I, what’s your dream collaboration checklist? “Oh, man. There are definitely some artists that I want to collaborate with locally. I can’t say who because I’m actually going to collaborate with them. So we’re just gonna have to stay tuned for that. But I mean, if I can get a track with The Weeknd or Olivia Rodrigo, that’d be cool.” On the other side of the coin, not just as an artist but someone who manages a record label, what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from that experience? “One of the things I’ve learned from managing a music label and not just being an artist is that there’s more to it than you know. What music is for me is it is that outward expression of what you’re feeling—it’s a creative outlet. But coming from the music label perspective, there’s a lot more to it, what a song can actually do. Yes, it can touch others. Yes, it can make them want to dance. But it can also connect people and places.” “This is something that I’ve been trying to do more by collaborating with artists in Singapore and Korea—trying to connect the Philippines with different regions. That’s something that I’ve discovered and have been working towards.” What is the hardest part about doing so? What is the most rewarding? “The hardest part is managing expectations. In the music industry, maybe one out of 1000 people will make it. I think the chances are even less. When you’re dealing with people’s hopes and dreams, sometimes it can get

Photo from Instagram/@james

rough.” “My favorite part is that I’m simply in a field where I’m having fun. I get to make music, work with different artists, and take my career into my own hands. I have creative control to take risks and explore. If I were working with another company that was focused solely on making money, then I think we would be doing things very differently. We wouldn’t get the opportunity to create music that is outside the box and pushing it a little too far. I like being in that space where I’m free to explore, where I’m free to make mistakes and take risks.” If you could go back in time and speak to a younger version of you who is just about to start Careless, what would you say? “I would say, ‘Prepare yourself. It’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be really stressful, but very rewarding.’ I wouldn’t tell him to do anything differently. I’ve learned so much through the years. If it weren’t for all those challenges, mistakes, and unfortunate events, I wouldn’t have grown as much. I wouldn’t change anything. I would just tell him to buckle up.” What’s next for James Reid? “We have a lot in store, not just for me, but for the label as a whole. This year, we transitioned into becoming an entertainment company, not just a music label. We’ll be exploring more music, but also TV and film.” “We’re kicking off the next year with Liza’s first Hollywood film, ‘Lisa Frankenstein,’ which is coming out in February. A lot more will be coming from her— we’re also even producing her own TV series.” “I’ve already begun recording a new album which will be coming out next year. The fans can be excited about this one since it’s very different from everything I’ve done in the past. A lot of music projects will also be coming out from the Careless artists. We’ve taken a lot of hits. It’s been very challenging. But we’ve just been getting ready, preparing everything, and collaborating with a lot of different production houses and music labels. It’s going to be a big year.”

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Janella Salvador

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-20, 2023

Photo from Instagram/@superjanella

Janella refuses to be typecast into horror flicks by leah C. Salterio Philstar.com

LOVING one person can be a curse, as what was depicted in the story of director Derick Cabrido’s horror-thriller, Mallari, with Piolo Pascual essaying the title role. The horror thriller is one of the 10 official entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). “It can be a curse because you will do everything to see your loved one become okay,” admitted Janella Salvador, who is in the stellar cast of the film. “But to me, personally, loving someone will never become a curse.” Janella will actively promote Mallari throughout the month of December with the entire cast. She is not going out of the country, but will spend Christmas in Manila. “This is my second MMFF project,” she said. Doing a horror film like Mallari is not totally new to Janella, who made her acting debut in Jun Lana’s horror thriller, “Haunted Mansion” (2015). Although she was elated to be included in the historic cast of Mallari, Janella was admittedly scared to do the film when it was first offered to her. “I actually had second thoughts if I was really going to do it,” she said. “I knew it was going to be big. But after I read the script, I became convinced all the more to do it. It was a really good script.” However, the project initially caused Janella to worry since she refused to be typecast into horror films. “I told myself I wanted to take a break first from doing horror films,” Janella admitted. “After

Haunted Mansion, I did Bloody Crayons which was also a slasher film. Killer Bride was a TV series (in 2019). I wanted to rest from doing horror. “But as soon as I read Mallari’s script, I told myself, ‘This is something that I couldn’t just pass up.’ It was so well-written and very detailed. Even up to the smallest characters, everything was well-written.” After she accepted the project, Janella slightly realized she will not just work with Piolo in Mallari. She will play his partner. “I felt nervous, but I know I couldn’t let Mallari pass,” she said. “It was a challenge to work with Piolo. He has accomplished so much. He never made me feel that he’s Piolo. He was very generous on the set. “I could constantly see him really working hard for his role. All of us in this movie, we were trained to portray our roles equally. I know I couldn’t let this project pass.” Others in the cast of Mallari are Gloria Diaz, JC Santos and Elisse Joson. The film also recently held a fan-con, a first for Janella. “We’re going to perform for the fans and we will be holding a Q&A part. I don’t usually do that. I think it’s a great opportunity to be able to talk to our supporters and audiences,” she said. “I’m excited because I haven’t done these things for a long time. Ever since the pandemic started and I had my baby, I have not done a lot of things. It just shows that this production is really big and they are doing everything they can. I’m just grateful to be

part of that. I think it’s great.” After she gave birth to her baby Jude in October 2020 in Bath, Somerset, England, Janella took a break from acting and performing. Last year, she slowly started to return in front of the cameras when she played Valentina in Darna, with Jane de Leon in the title role. Janella keeps the faith that her solo concert supposed to be presented this 2023 will push through next year. “I hope that my album project will also push through in 2024,” she said. “I really want to focus on music and performing. I pray that the films pushed back this year, will finally see the light. I want to do more films and continue to explore the world of cinema.” Research for Mallari even reached Madrid, Spain where screenwriter Enrico Santos tried to look for facts about the only documented serial killer in the Philippines in the 1800s. Completing the script took four years of research. When Piolo’s name came out on top of the white board, the screenwriter, producer (John Bryan Diamante) and the director were all in agreement for their choice. The project itself took a little less than a year. The budget cost a whopping P40 million and principal photography was a total of 22 days to shoot the material. In late November, Mentorque Productions signed a landmark partnership deal with Warner Bros. for the nationwide distribution of Mallari, the first mainstream film to be distributed by Warner in the Philippines.

Dr. Juan M. Montero, II of Montero Medical Missions, and his son, Dr. Paul N. Montero, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Medical Center together with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and the new and past officers of the Philippine College of Surgeons during the PCS 79th Clinical Congress held at the EDSA Shangrila from Dec.3 to 7, 2023.

Marian, Heart spotted together at Felipe Gozon’s event by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

FOLLOWING their reconciliation, Kapuso icons Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista were spotted enjoying a warm bond at Atty. Felipe Gozon's party. Events and TV host Tim Yap posted photos and videos of Marian and Heart hanging out on his Instagram. "With Love Marie and Marian. Last night at FLG’s birthday," Tim captioned the post. Heart recently shared that Marian took the first step to mend their relationship. In a "24 Oras" interview after becoming the new ambassador for AkemiGlow, Heart expressed gratitude for Marian's gesture. Kapuso stars Heart Evangelista and Marian Rivera with Tim Yap Photo from Instagram/@officialtimyap “I really do give credit to Marian because she really spoke na she likes to see me, ganyan,” “I really appreciate that,” she to a lot of our common friends Heart said. added.

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Unhealthy drinks

Health @Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WATER is vital to life. Without water, there won’t be life as we know it on earth. Our body is 50-75 percent water, averaging around 57 to 65 percent. Infants are 7578 percent water, dropping to 65 percent by age one year. And the value of water is even more evident during this COVID-19 pandemic. Drinking distilled water, even during this pandemic, as the main source of liquid daily is not as healthy as one might think. The widespread misconception that distilled water, being the “purest,” is the best water for drinking is scientifically and medically flawed. Drinking distilled water regularly every day is a health risk to everyone, especially to children. The process of distillation produces vapor/moisture (the purest water one can get) that is collected in separate chambers, eliminating important essential minerals, besides chlorine and other harmful chemicals. Distilled water may be used temporarily or occasionally as drinking water if filtered water purified through 8-stage reversed osmosis is not available. While distilled water is free of bacteria, parasites, and toxic chemicals, the process of distillation also removes all valuable minerals like fluoride, calcium, and magnesium, etc., which are vital to our health. Information from APEC, one of the top-rated Reverse Osmosis and Whole House Systems in the United States, worth noting: “According to research articles and news, most tap and well water in the U.S. now are NOT safe for drinking due to heavy industrial and environmental pollution. We have reached to a point that, all sources of our drinking water, including municipal water systems, wells, lakes, rivers, and even glaciers, contain some level of contamination. Even the chemicals commonly used to treat municipal water supplies such as chlorine and fluoride are toxic and are known to have significant adverse effects on the human body. “Environmental water contamination is the leading worldwide cause of death and disease, and it adversely affects over 1 billion people every day in developing countries. Even here in the United States we often struggle

with water pollution caused by natural disasters and human activities. A recent national report on our water quality revealed that 45% of assessed stream miles, 47% of assessed lake acres, and 32% of assessed bays square miles were classified as polluted. Ground and well water sources may also become contaminated due to the problems associated with industrial dumping, hydraulic fracking, and agricultural byproducts. Everyone who uses tap or well water will be exposed to some level of these contaminants every day.” Distilled vs ﬁltered water Distilled water, as we have alluded to above, is the purest water one can get. But for drinking, we do not need the purest because our body needs the minerals naturally present in water from mother nature. What we need, which modern-day 8-stage reverse osmosis filtration does to water, is the removal of the chlorine and other contaminants, such as harmful heavy metals, parasites, and bacteria, and odor, to make drinking water safe and palatable. Drinking distilled water regularly leads to 15 percent deficiency in calcium (osteoporosis), 30 percent deficiency in magnesium (heart rhythm, abnormality), and almost 100 percent in fluoride, which results in tooth decay. Distilled water is not the best for the human body. Bottled water, which has gone through 8-stage reverse osmosis filtration manufactured by reputable companies is the safest water to drink today, whether in the Philippines or in the United States or in other countries, where tap water is no longer safe because of environmental pollution and contamination. Alkaline water: Waste of money The hype about alkaline water as a healthier choice is nothing but a profit-motivated scam victimizing misinformed, unsuspecting, gullible consumers. Even the Mayo Clinic has warned the public about the health risks of alkalosis for those drinking alkaline water daily, which could lead to hypocalcemia and hypothyroidism. There is currently no scientific evidence that alkaline water is beneficial to health. All advertised claims are unfounded, baseless, and theoretical, at best. Caveat emptor, as always! Our God-gifted body has an excellent electrolyte and acid-base regulator system that continuously

monitors our levels of electrolytes to strictly maintain our blood pH between 7.38 and 7.42. The only indication for drinking alkaline water is when a person has cancer or other illnesses which make their blood pH level too acidic because the acid-base buffer system is not functioning properly. Some of the life-threatening complications of regular consumption of alkaline water is metabolic alkalosis, which could lead to gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle twitching, and skin irritation. A bit acidic stomach works best in killing bad bacteria, and alkaline water would deprive the stomach of its normal physiology and protection…and your wallet with less money. Even more unhealthy than distilled water and alkaline water are soft drinks of any variety on the market, “toxic liquid candy” as I call them, because as a beverage it increases the risk for the development of metabolic syndrome in adults, and more severely among children. Today, nothing beats clean, 8-stage filtered, water! Healthier and cheaper. *** 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. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Exclusive dinner series celebrates Las Vegas business icons LAS VEGAS – In an unprecedented celebration of visionary leadership, an exclusive and intimate evening beckoned the distinguished C-suite executives of Las Vegas. The inaugural event of the quarterly dinner series, "Business Icons of Las Vegas," was an extraordinary gathering honoring the influential architects of the city's business landscape. Guests were treated to an exceptional experience, commencing with a cocktail and networking hour designed to foster stimulating discussions among industry pioneers. This rare opportunity aims to forge meaningful connections and explore new collaborative avenues. To further elevate the evening,

James Beard award-winning Chef Luciano Pelligrini crafted an exceptional gastronomic experience with a 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings reflective of his Italian ancestry and Las Vegas' essence. The evening's highlight was an exclusive keynote address by aviation luminary Mr. Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., CEO and Chairman of the Board of Allegiant Travel Company . He shared his unparalleled expertise and remarkable achievements through a captivating and inspiring discourse of history, insights and vision for the future of air travel as well as the anticipated Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas next year. In a gesture of community

support, Mr. Gallagher has chosen the Angels of Las Vegas, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding individuals navigating life-threatening illnesses, as the charitable organization to aid. The "Business Icons of Las Vegas" dinner series aimed not only to celebrate collective achievements but also to inspire attendees to redefine business trajectories through elevated networking, enlightening conversations and extraordinary culinary experiences. The organizers, Joyce and Kevin McDowell, founders of Global Investor Executive, definitely hosted an evening destined to leave a lasting impact on the business narrative of Las Vegas.

NaFFAA Nevada would like to congratulate and welcome our newly elected officers for the 2024-2025 Administration. President Jacque de Joya Vice President Dr. Michael StaJuana Secretary Marilyn Ante Treasurer Anna Ladao Other Officers: Corresponding Secretary Julie Peters Assistant Treasurer Felipe Danglapin Auditor Cynthia Landeros Membership Director Mia Casino Press Release Officer Sol Llasos Legal Counsel Rolando Velasquez Youth Director Cirimille Paglinawan Fil- Vet Director Ronnie De Los Santos Special Events Director Asela Engel Business Outreach Director Katrina Ojeda Media Communications Director Johann Sayson Board of Directors: Dr. Romualdo Aragon Jean Celemin Luzviminda Micabalo Alex Pena Ferdinand Ponce Flora Sayson Board of Advisors: Rozita V. Lee Victor Baula Romy Jurani Bernie Benito Leo Belmonte Cynthia Deriquito Let’s wish them all great success as they bring NaFFAA Nevada to its next chapter of achievements and for making our Filipino and Filipino American Community a “Community of One”.

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SPECIAL GUESTS. Filipino all male hip hop group Junior New System who was in America’ Got Talent Season 13 performed at the Bazaar Fundraiser December 10th downtown Las Vegas. The duo Cecile and Mighty entertained the crowd with their magic tricks. The young Mia sung her beautiful songs while Elizabeth danced with the group. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-20, 2023

DECEMBER 14-20, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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