032024 - Southern California Midweek Edition

HOMEOWNERSHIP, often the first step for generational wealth, is ever-more unaffordable for California families — especially those of color.

Now, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is changing that for firstgeneration homebuyers with its Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan Program.

Dream for all

The program, now in its second round thanks to $250 million from the state legislature, helped 2,000 homebuyers in its first round in April 2023. Dream For All is aimed to help another 2,000 now through a mortgage-lowering loan of up to $150,000 or 20% of a house purchase price, whichever is less.

“With this program, we’re trying to jumpstart the generational wealth that owning a home can get you,” said CalHFA Information Officer Eric Johnson. “If it’s a 20% loan, for example, you do have to pay that 20% when you sell or refinance the

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday, March 19 assured President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the alliance between Washington and Manila was "more than rock-solid" and that it was President Joe Biden's "absolute priority."

Blinken, who arrived in Manila late Monday, March 18 after a stop in South Korea, reaffirmed this commitment during a courtesy call on Marcos in Malacañang.

"We are working on a number of challenges around

the world and have even discussed them with you, but I think [this is] so important to us... that even with dealing with those other challenges, our focus, our engagement, [and] our commitment to the IndoPacific at large and to the relationship [and] alliance between the United States and the Philippines in particular, is more than rock solid," Blinken told Marcos.

"It's the absolute priority of President Biden. That's why he asked me to be here," he added.

Blinken also said that Marcos' upcoming visit to Washington in April would result in a new level of cooperation as the U.S. and the Philippines are set

WASHINGTON – The Migrant Workers Office of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., has recently conducted its first virtual special pre-departure orientation seminar (SPDOS) for U.S.bound Filipino nurses.

Fifty-five nurses hired by employers in the United States and currently preparing to migrate to the US participated in the seminar held last week.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, in a recorded video message, greeted the attendees and wished them a successful migration to the United States.

omualdez assured the nurses that the embassy is ready to assist them should they encounter any challenges or issues with their employment.

Labor Attaché Saul De Vries said the orientation, a pioneering initiative of the Migrant Workers Office, was the first in a series of orientations lined up for USbound Filipino nurses this year.

“We started doing the SPDOS last year as our way of making the nurses

MANILA — The country’s eastern seaboard where the mineral-rich Philippine Rise is located should also be protected from potential intruders, just like the West Philippine Sea where China has been making repeated incursions, a senior lawmaker said on Monday, March 18.

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of the second district of Surigao del Norte proposed the establishment of a naval facility in the province under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States to protect the Philippine Rise. Barbers commended Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro for the establishment of a naval detachment in Aurora to “protect

the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the Philippine Rise.”

The naval detachment in Aurora was part of the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

Barbers said the country’s eastern seaboard “lacks enough security and protection and has been subject to China and other foreign intrusions, often becoming a passageway of ships smuggling drugs into the Philippines.”

“The move to build a naval detachment in Casiguran, Aurora plays a vital role in protecting and guarding the country’s eastern seaboard,” he said.

Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, said there is urgent need to secure Surigao del Norte, which is

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, March 18 hailed the signing of a P170.6 billion deal with San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), saying he was confident this would wipe away the gateway's image as one of the worst in the world.

During the ceremonial signing at the Palace, Marcos said the Private Public Partnership Project (PPP) is the "great catch-up plan" that should go beyond the airport's physical design and structure.

"Today, we chart the future

of the airport," he said, adding that the bottom line of NAIA's resurgence "is not what it will bring to the coffers of our government, but the comfort it will bring to its passengers."

SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang said plans include an additional passenger terminal near the abandoned Philippine Village Hotel to ease traffic in the existing terminals, but he also held out the prospect of more immediate improvements.

"Believe me, before Holy Week  PAGE 3

to hold a three-way summit with Japan.

"We have your upcoming visit to Washington to see President Biden and also to have a trilateral meeting with President Prime Minister Kishida; I think a new horizon of cooperation is also incredibly promising," the American official said.

"Our relationship between the Philippines and the United States is in hyperdrive if that is a word you're willing to use, and that is so true; we see it across every domain; it's something we attach very great importance to," Blinken added.

Blinken's visit to Manila, his second since Marcos  PAGE 2

MANILA — Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has been ordered arrested and detained at the Senate following his continued refusal to face the chamber’s investigation of his alleged crimes.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros issued the order, which was signed by SenatePresident Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, March 19. According to a one-page document released by Zubiri’s office, Quiboloy was “ordered arrested “and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms until such time that he will appear and testify in the Committee, or otherwise purges himself of that contempt.”

“The Sergeant-At-Arms is hereby directed to carry out and implement this Order and make a return hereof within 24 hours from its enforcement,” the document further states.

In a statement, Zubiri explained that signing the arrest order against Quiboloy was “ministerial” for him following the rules of the Senate and the rules governing

FILIPINA American community leader Jessica Caloza is on her way to making history and securing a seat in the California state Assembly as she advances to the November general election.

Caloza earned first-place in the race for California’s 52nd Assembly District, with 23,330 votes, or nearly 30%, topping a crowded field of 10 candidates during the March primary.  Assembly District 52 includes south Glendale, Eagle Rock, Mt. Washington, Highland

Park, Glassell Park, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Lincoln Heights, Loz Feliz, East Hollywood, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley, Monterey Hills, Hermon, Montecito Heights, El Sereno and East Los Angeles. There are about 13,000 Filipino American voters in this district.

In response to the election results, Caloza said, she was “humbled and grateful” to the votes for "believing in our shared vision of building a brighter  PAGE 4

US, PH alliance more than...

took office in June 2022, is part of his brief Asia tour that also included South Korea.

Marcos thanked Blinken for visiting the country.

"I am happy that...[you had] this chance to come by and visit with us," Marcos told Blinken during the meeting.

In a press conference before he met with the President, Blinken said Washington stands with Manila and reaffirmed America's defense commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo thanked the U.S. government's "consistent support, especially with regard to recent incidents in the South China Sea."

Blinken's visit to Manila follows a spate of incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, including collisions, in recent months.

Marcos has expressed "great alarm" over the confrontations that have sparked diplomatic sparring between Manila and Beijing.

Blinken on Tuesday referred to these incidents.

"We have shared concerns with China's actions that threaten our common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Waterways are critical to the interests of the region, the United States and the world," he said.

"These waterways are critical to the Philippines, to its security, [and] to its economy, but they're also critical to the interests of

the region, the United States and the world," Blinken said.

"That's why we stand with the Philippines and stand by our ironclad defense commitments, including [those] under the Mutual Defense Treaty." Manalo said Blinken's visit comes at an important juncture in Philippine-U.S. relations.

"We've been on hyperdrive over the past year or so," he said.

"Engagements across issue areas and between and among government branches have never been better. The challenge now is how to sustain and further elevate our alliance and partnership," he said. Manalo said he discussed with Blinken ways to strengthen the defense alliance between the two countries through better coordination at the policy and operational levels. This is to ensure that it "remains relevant and responsive to current, emerging and cross-cutting challenges in the defense, security and economic spheres, while staying true to our commitment to safeguarding and promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region, always anchored on the rule of law," he said.

"We discussed regional issues, especially the situation in the South China Sea, and I stated that the Philippines is committed to managing disputes in accordance with our national interests, the rulesbased international order and international law, especially UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," he said.

Manalo added, "We reaffirmed our shared view that a strong and capable Philippines would make a formidable ally for the United States."

He also underscored the importance of more substantial U.S. investments toward enhancing the Philippines' defense and civilian law enforcement capabilities.

Washington is keen to improve relations with its regional allies, such as Manila and Seoul, in a bid to deter China and North Korea as tensions rise in the South China Sea, over Taiwan and on the Korean peninsula.

Top U.S. officials have repeatedly said that "an armed attack" against Philippine public vessels, aircraft, armed forces and coast guard would invoke the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in which Washington is obliged to defend its ally.

Beijing has accused Washington of using the Philippines as a "pawn" in the dispute over the waterway and various reefs.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing aside competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that has declared its stance baseless.

He also stressed that their cooperation is "building on the very strong foundation of our countries" through identical priorities such as economic development, efforts on climate change mitigation, food security, and upholding international law. g

Apollo Quiboloy arrest, detention at Senate...

inquiries in aid of legislation.

“We are signing the order to protect our committee system, to preserve the Senate’s power of inquiry with process to enforce it,” he stressed.

“Should the witness appear during the next hearing and purge himself of contempt, there will be no need to order his arrest.”

Zubiri reiterated that the purpose of the arrest order was

“not to punish but to make the inquiry potent and compelling.”

Quiboloy and his Kingdom of Jesus Christ church have been the subjects of the Senate probe following allegations of sexual abuse, human trafficking, forced labor and other human rights violations.

Before ordering the arrest and detention of the sect leader, Hontiveros’ panel issued a showcause order to Quiboloy so he could explain why he should

not be arrested even after his repeated failure to appear during its public hearings. Zubiri maintained that the case involving Quiboloy is a “committee matter.”

“Therefore, it is the committee which should determine the sufficiency of Pastor Quiboloy’s response to the show-cause Order,” he said, noting Hontiveros “found no merit in the explanation” given by Quiboloy thorough his counsel. g

Creation of EDCA site at PH Rise...

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facing the Pacific Ocean, from drug smugglers and foreign intruders. Barbers said this is the reason he and his governor-brother, Lyndon, invited Filipino and

American military officials to “check Surigao del Norte as a possible EDCA site where the U.S. military can build facilities and preposition supplies, equipment and materiel.”

“Surigao del Norte has a

distinct advantage as it is openly facing the Pacific Ocean and has an outlet to the West Philippine Sea. The ships can traverse the country from east to west and vice versa without needing to circle around,” Barbers said. g

Virtual seminar preps Filipino nurses for...

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more prepared in taking up employment and integrating into the U.S.,” said De Vries. “We have received positive and encouraging comments about this initiative and that is why we will continue conducting the orientation throughout the year.”

The Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) and the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) have teamed up with the MWO to educate the nurses on labor rights and contractual obligations, immigration laws, work setting in the U.S. healthcare system and effective ways for successful integration into American society.

Lawyers Bryan Ramos and Jeri Gonzales of NFALA and healthcare practitioners Virginia

Sa tagal ng panahon, ang tulong sa pagtuturo nang sarilinan at takdang aralin ay hindi abot-kamay ng maraming mga mag-aaral at pamilya sa California. Ang paghahating ito sa pagitan ng mga may kakayahan at mga nangangarap lang kadalasan ay nagbubunga ng di-pantay na pagkakatatag na karunungan sa mga magaaral.

Sa paghabol ng pagbibigay-kapangyarihan sa mag-aaral at pantay na pagkakataon, ang inyong pampook na silid-aklatan ay nag-aalok ng HelpNow online na tulong sa pagtuturo nang sarilinan at takdang aralin sa mga magaaral ng California nang walang bayad!

Alamin ang hakbanghakbang na mga pagtuturo ng paraan para makamit ito at ibang pang mga kaalaman dito: www.bit.ly/ HelpNow-Tagalog Tungkol sa Programa Ang HelpNow ay nagbibigay ng WALANG

BAYAD na online na tulong sa pagtuturo nang sarilinan at takdang aralin para sa lahat ng mga magaaral ng baitang na K-12 sa pamamagitan ng mga pampook na pampublikong silid-aklatan ng California habang nag-aalok ng may kakayahang mga sarilinang tagapagturo at tumatalima sa mga pamantayan ng pagtuturo. Tumungo sa tutoring.library.ca.gov para malaman ang iba pa. Isinagawa para sa Iyong Mag-aara l Hindi mo kailangang maglaan ng pambayad. Ni hindi mo kailangan ng card para sa silid-aklatan. Ang madaling gamiting platform ay madaling makamit at magamit – sinumang may kagamitang nakakabit sa internet ay maaaring makamit ang HelpNow. Ang mga sarilinang tagapagturo ay maaabot nang 24/7 para tulungan ang mga mag-aaral sa tunay na oras, tinitityak ang isang may kaugnayan at mapagkakasunduang

kapaligiran para sa pagaaral.

Ang tulong sa sarilinang tagapagturo ay makakamit sa maraming wikang nagtitiyak sa sarilinang pag-aaral na karanasan para sa lahat ng mag-aaral ng California. Ang mga wikang pinaglilingkuan ay:

•English

•Spanish

•Mandarin

•Cantonese

•Vietnamese

•Tagalog

Walang makakaharang sa may kahusayang pagaaral para sa inyo o sa inyong anak. Makamit ang takdang araling nararapat sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng website ng inyong pampook na silidaklatan o tumungo sa https:// tutoring.library.ca.gov at palawakin ngayon ang iyong mga maabot!

Ang programang ito ay tinataguyod ng mga pondong nilaan ng Estado ng California, at pinangangasiwaan ng Silid-Aklatan ng Estado ng California.

Labor Attaché Saul De Vries (middle row, rightmost), with speakers from the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) and Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA). (Top, from left) Atty. Jeri Gonzales Abrams, past president, NFALA; Atty. Bryan C. Ramos, president-elect, NFALA; Marife Sevilla, PNAA. (middle row, from left) Virginia Alinsao, PNAA; Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, PNAA; (bottom) Melissa Cunanan, PNAA.

HEAT-BUSTER. Children swim at a coastal community in Davao City amid the scorching heat on Tuesday, March 19. The kids say they usually swim after school. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Alinsao, Melissa Cunanan, Marife Sevilla and Mary Joy Garcia-Dia of PNAA served as SPDOS resource speakers. U.S. staffing agencies and their

partner recruitment agencies in the Philippines have helped in organizing the orientation by enlisting their candidate nurses in the program. (Inquirer.net)

6 every morning, steps on the bathroom scale, and uses a cuff to take his blood pressure.

The devices send those measurements electronically to his doctor in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and a health technology company based in New York, to help him control his high blood pressure.

Nurses with the company, Cadence, remotely monitor his readings along with the vital signs of about 17,000 other patients around the nation. They call patients regularly and follow up if anything appears awry. If needed, they can change a patient’s medication or dosage without first alerting their doctor.

Abbott, 85, said he likes that someone is watching out for him outside his regular doctor appointments. “More doctors should recommend this to their patients,” he said.

Increasingly, they are.

Dozens of tech companies have streamed in, pushing their remote monitoring service to primary care doctors as a way to keep tabs on patients with chronic illnesses and free up appointment time, and as a new source of Medicare revenue.

But some experts say remote monitoring’s huge growth — spurred on during the covid-19 pandemic, when patients were hesitant to sit in crowded doctors’ waiting rooms — has outpaced oversight and evidence of how the technology is best used.

“It is the wild West where any patient can get it if a doctor decides it is reasonable and necessary,” said Caroline Reignley, a partner with the law firm McDermott Will & Emery who advises health providers.

In 2019, Medicare made it easier for doctors to bill for monitoring routine vital signs such as blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar. Previously, Medicare coverage for remote monitoring was limited to certain patients, such as those with a pacemaker.

Medicare also began allowing physicians to get paid for the service even when the monitoring is done by clinical staff who

work in different places than the physician — an adjustment advocated by telemedicine companies.

In just the first two full years, remote monitoring services billed to Medicare grew from fewer than 134,000 to 2.4 million in 2021, according to federal records analyzed by KFF Health News. Total Medicare payments for the four most common billing codes for remote monitoring rose from $5.5 million in 2019 to $101.4 million in 2021, the latest year for which data is available.

Part of the allure is that Medicare will pay for remote monitoring indefinitely regardless of patients’ health conditions as long as their doctors believe it will help.

For doctors with 2,000 to 3,000 patients, the money can add up quickly, with Medicare paying an average of about $100 a month per patient for the monitoring, plus more for setting up the device, several companies confirmed.

Medicare enrollees may face 20% in cost sharing for the devices and monthly monitoring, though certain private plans through Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement policies may cover those costs. The government allowed insurers to waive the patient cost sharing during the pandemic.

About 400 doctors and other providers repeatedly billed Medicare for remote patient monitoring in 2019. Two years later, that had mushroomed to about 3,700 providers, according to Medicare data analyzed by KFF Health News. (The data tracks providers who billed more than 10 patients for at least one type of remote monitoring.)

Federal law enforcement officials say they are conducting investigations after a surge in complaints about some remote patient monitoring companies but would not provide details.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General in November issued a consumer alert about companies signing up Medicare enrollees without their doctors’ knowledge: “Unscrupulous companies are signing up Medicare enrollees for this service, regardless of medical necessity,” and bill Medicare even when no monitoring occurs.

In a statement to KFF Health News, Meena Seshamani, director of the federal Center for Medicare, part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, did not say how CMS is ensuring only patients who can benefit from remote monitoring receive it. She said the agency balances the need to give patients access to emerging technology that can improve health outcomes with the need to combat fraud and make proper payments to providers.

While some small studies show remote monitoring can improve patient outcomes, researchers say it is unclear which patients are helped most and how long they need to be monitored.

“The research evidence is not as robust as we would like to show that it is beneficial,” said Ateev Mehrotra, a Harvard Medical School researcher.

A January report by the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, warned about “a lack of robust evidence on the optimal use of remote monitoring” and said some policy and medical experts “question whether we are effectively ‘rightsizing’ the use of these services, ensuring access for patients who need it most, and spending health care dollars in effective ways.”

Denton Shanks, a medical director at the American Academy of Family Physicians, said remote monitoring helps patients manage their diseases and helps physician practices be more efficient. He has used it for the past two years as a doctor at the University of Kansas Health System.

It has worked well, he said, though sometimes it can be challenging to persuade patients to sign up if they have to pay for it.

“For the vast majority of patients, once they are enrolled, they see a benefit, and we see a benefit as their vital signs come in the normal range,” Shanks said.

The size of the market is tantalizing.

About two-thirds of the more than 66 million Medicare beneficiaries have high blood pressure, the most common metric monitored remotely, according to physicians and the monitoring companies.

“The patient need is so enormous,” Cadence CEO Chris PAGE 4

THE Employment Development Department (EDD) in the State of California began issuing payments for unemployment, disability, and Paid Family Leave customers on new Money Network prepaid debit cards on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Benefit payments are no longer issued on Bank of America debit cards. The EDD previously announced it was reaching out to its customers with related timelines and information to assist them in transitioning to Money Network Cards.

“Through our partnership with Money Network, we are enhancing how we deliver benefits to our customers,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “That includes introducing a direct deposit option later this year – the fastest, most secure method for receiving payments.”

Receiving Money Network

cards

Individuals with active claims who qualified to receive benefit payments after January 15 were mailed an unfunded Money Network Card in preparation for the transition. It may take up to 14 business days from the date of qualification for the new card to arrive. Individuals who don’t receive their card after that period may contact Money Network at 1-800-684-7051.

Additional information about the Money Network Card is available at moneynetwork.com/ edd in 21 of California’s top spoken languages. This includes instructions on how to activate the card, how to avoid fees and locate surcharge-free ATMs in local areas, FAQs, and translations of important “Terms and Fees” in all supported languages. Customers can choose their preferred language by selecting the globe icon at the top of the webpage as shown (see webpage

screenshot).

Closing Bank of America cards

Important deadline: April 15, 2024, is the last day individuals will be able to use their Bank of America debit card in this transition. Customers are encouraged to use or transfer any remaining balance on their debit cards before that date or submit a request to Bank of America to be issued a check in the amount of remaining funds. Visit Debit Card (https://edd.ca.gov/debitcard) for more information.

Help us fight against fraud

The EDD will never request personal information by text message, email, or on social media. Text messages asking to activate a benefits debit card by selecting a link are scams. The EDD’s text messages only link to websites that include “edd.ca.gov”. The Department encourages customers to remain vigilant and safeguard their financial and personal information. Visit Help Fight Fraud (https://edd.ca.gov/en/ about_edd/fraud) for tips on how to avoid scams.

Upcoming service updates

Later this year, the EDD is set to implement a new direct deposit option for benefit payments. Details about this option will be provided in upcoming communications. This service improvement is part of EDDNext, a multi-year transformation effort to improve the EDD

customer experience – updating technologies and self-service choices, streamlining forms and notices, and enhancing staff efficiency through updated policies and procedures. The goal is to make the EDD experience for customers a smoother and faster one.

(EDD Release)

COVID and Medicare payments spark remote...

Altchek said. The company has about 40 nurses, medical assistants, and other providers monitoring patients in 17 states. He said patients enrolled in remote monitoring experience a 40% reduction in emergency room visits. Cadence says 82% of its patients use the devices at least once every two days.

Timothy Mott, a family physician in Foley, Alabama, said valuable appointment times in his office open up as patients who previously needed vital signs to be checked there turn to remote monitoring.

Cadence nurses regularly contact Mott’s patients and

monitor their readings and make changes as needed. “I was concerned early on whether they were going to make the right decisions with our patients,” Mott said. “But over time the dosage changes or changes in medication they are making are following the best guidelines on effectiveness.”

At the six-month mark, about 75% of patients have stayed with the monitoring, Mott said. The advantages are apparent even to some providers who do not get paid by Medicare to offer the service. Frederick Health, a Maryland health system, provides remote monitoring to 364 high-risk patients and

estimates the program saves the nonprofit system $10 million a year by reducing hospital admissions and ER visits. That estimate is based on comparisons of patients’ Medicare claims before they started the program and after, said Lisa Hogan, who runs the program.

The hospital pays for the program and does not bill Medicare, she said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Generational wealth now in reach for...

home, plus 20% of what you’ve gained in the sale, so we can use that money to fund the next generation of new homebuyers.

To be considered a firstgeneration homebuyer, applicants must not have owned their first home in the last seven years, and their parents must not currently own a home — or, if they died, must not have owned one at their passing. Those who were in the foster care system at any time also qualify.

To qualify for the loan, at least one person on it must be a California resident and at least one person must be a firstgeneration homebuyer, but these need not be the same person. Income limits also apply per county, though they are as high as $287,000 for buyers in Santa Clara County and $280,000 for San Francisco and Marin.

“It does feel a little bit strange that a low-to-moderate-income homebuyer can make that much, but that’s where California is these days,” said Johnson.

Unlike the “first come, first served” first round of loans in 2023, this application period will be a lottery randomly drawn from applications filed between April 3 and April 29, so that funds are distributed more fairly. Although no announcement date for drawn names is set after they’re audited, it will likely be the first or second week of May.

To enter the lottery, firsttime homebuyers will need a credit approval letter from one of CalHFA’s approved lenders. Those who win the loan have 90 days to find and buy a home.

There are so many Californians who have a good income, who have good jobs and credit, but haven’t been able to save up for a downpayment, not having the advantage of intergenerational wealth,” said Johnson. Generational and racial wealth gaps A disproportionate amount of these homebuyers are from communities of color, said Maeve Elise Brown, Executive Director and Founder of Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA).

In 2023, the homeownership rate for Black U.S. households was at 45.9% — 28.6 percentage points below the white rate of 74.4%. For Latino households, the gap was a similar 25.8% below the white rate.

A 2022 poll with similar results found that 38% of white adults said they’d received at least $10,000 in gifts or loans from a relative for large expenses like a down payment, while only 14% of Black, 16% of Latino and 19% of Native American adults had.

“Though homeownership has been a generational economic driver, property values are outpacing our ability to pay them”

— the average California home price is over $765,000 as of March 2024 — “and the debt people of color carry, especially student debt, creates a downpayment and safe loan credit barrier,” said Brown. Black bachelor’s degree holders, for instance, have an average of $52,000 in student debt, and four years after graduation they hold nearly twice

as much debt as their white peers.

46% of Black student borrowers are likely to put off buying a home due to this debt.

As this wealth gap expands, the racial homeownership gap is stagnating, said Ria Cotton, a broker and owner of Cotton Realty. As of 2022, 72% of white Americans, 63% of Asian Americans, 51% of Hispanic Americans and 44% of Black Americans owned a home.

While the overall American homeownership rate rose from 64.7% a decade prior to 65.5% in 2022, the Black-white homeownership gap rose from 26% to 29%, according to the National Association of Realtors.

“The Dream For All loan lets people historically disadvantaged from buying a home leverage that generational wealth, but we can’t stop there,” explained Cotton. “We have to start with helping communities build credit, minimize debt-to-income and save for a downpayment, and talk about what happens after you buy — from foreclosure prevention, to developing more property, to using your credit for equity, like buying a car for lower interest rates.”

“Our message with this loan program is: ‘There’s hope. It’s still possible to buy a house in California,’” added Johnson.

“We have a wealth gap in this country that’s driving unequal homeownership, and this loan shows us how much your generational legacy matters in powering through it,” said Cotton. (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Servies)

Fil-Am leader Jessica Caloza advances...

future that uplifts all voices and communities that don’t always feel heard and seen in the halls of government.”

She thanked the volunteers, supporters, and organizations for supporting her first-time public office run.

She added, "We are going to take this momentum into the General Election because we have so much to fight for—cost of living, affordable housing,

homelessness, climate action, gun violence prevention, public education, reproductive freedom, healthcare for all, and so much more. I look forward to continuing to make the case to voters in the coming months why our team can deliver real progress for District 52.”

Caloza is vying to make history as the first Filipino American woman elected to the California state Legislature.  She has served at the highest

levels of government at the federal, state, and local levels.

Currently, she works as deputy chief of staff for Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to serve as the California Attorney General, and previously worked for President Barack Obama.

Before working for Bonta, Caloza served as the first Filipina on the powerful LA Board of Public Works.

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. g

‘P170-B rehab to wipe away NAIA’s...

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next year, it will already be very cold in the airport. There will be no more traffic going there; it will be very clean, and you won't see other problems," the tycoon said.

The NAIA has been hounded by a string of bad publicity in the last year, including power interruptions that grounded hundreds of flights in January 2023, and an infestation of bedbugs and rats this year.

Marcos said the airport project was evaluated in a "recordbreaking seven weeks," making it the fastest PPP project proposal to be approved.

The government did not sacrifice scrutiny for speed, however, as the project was "fastidiously examined at every step of the way," the President said.

"It was open, transparent and competitive," and aligned with international best practices in structuring and tendering bankable and fair PPP projects.

"This undertaking is not just about revenues that will be remitted to Treasury alone, but resources invested in the airport and in many ways. It is an investment in our future. The targets are worth repeating to remind us of the hard work that lies ahead," the President said.

The project will mobilize about P88 billion in capital investments within its first six years of operation, he said.

This is more than eight times the disbursed capital investments for the NAIA since 2010.

On top of rehabilitating and expanding the capacity of the airport, the private sector will pay the government about P1.052 trillion over the next 15 to 25 years. It covers the rehabilitation of all of the airport's facilities, such as the runways and terminals.

Once completed, inbound and outbound passengers are expected to be met with improved

services and a better airport experience comparable to some of the world's best gateways.

Marcos said the deal highlights the great potential of public-private partnerships in accelerating infrastructure development.

"By bringing in the expertise of the private sector, we are pushing forward infrastructure projects to meet international standards and to provide the public with state-ofthe-art services," he said.

"This PPP project showcases what can happen when we join hands in solving the nation's problems. It reminds us that there is no challenge too difficult that we cannot surmount, that Filipino ingenuity and spirit cannot surmount. So long as we remain bound together with a common purpose," he added.

35 million passengers

In a press briefing after the signing of the concession agreement, Ang said the additional passenger terminal would be good for 35 million passengers and would serve as a multiple-purpose building.

"It will have a car park, and all of those offices (in the terminals of the airport) can be relocated to this (multiple-purpose building), and it will add 30 percent more space in Terminals 1, 2 and 3," Ang said. He said the land on which the new terminal will rise is owned by the Manila International Airport Authority.

"Once we are given the gosignal, we will immediately do geological technical study on the soil of the property," he added. Ang also said he would go after "low-hanging fruits" in the existing terminals, which could provide immediate relief and fewer hassles for passengers traveling through the airport. These include walkalator and escalator repairs, overhauling of seats, more reliable electricity

generation, as well as road improvements.

"From September to the next year of March, I guarantee you there will be no vehicular traffic going to Terminal 3. As for Terminals 1 and 2, that will be a bit easier. Eventually we'll build an elevated, access road going to the curbside directly for this, so there will be no problems on intersections," Ang said. Maintenance and rehabilitation work would begin in September.

The consortium also plans to set up a lounge for overseas workers.

"Our vision for NAIA extends beyond mere rehabilitation.

Together with our partner, Incheon, we have assembled a team of experts, focused on implementing immediate improvement, and helping us achieve our long-term goal for NAIA," Ang said, referring to Incheon International Airport Corp., the South Korean partner in the consortium. Medium- to long-term goals for the airport include improvements to or overhaul of the runway, the procurement of an automated system for processing documents and an automated airport parking guidance system for aircraft.

Ang said funding for the project has been underwritten by local banks.

"We have a separate funding for this. The financing for this has been fully underwritten by the bankers, and we have shown them the viability of the project. Moreover, SMC is into many businesses and has several sources of cashflow as well, so this rehabilitation, this is actually just light spending for us. The one that is heavy for us is the planned new passenger terminal, which was originally not part of the terms of reference, but something we added," he said.

Transportation Secretary Jaime

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

Scrutiny of Quiboloy’s assets prompts call to publicize ex-president Duterte’s SALN

by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman should release the long-withheld Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of former President Rodrigo Duterte now that allegations of money laundering have hounded Duterte in connection to his ties with controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy, a Makabayan bloc lawmaker said on Monday, March 18.

Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) said that Duterte’s new role as property administrator of the assets of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ — the church founded by Quiboloy, his close ally and spiritual adviser — has “(raised) more doubts about the connections of the two and talk of money laundering issues between them.”

Duterte's 2017 declaration was his last SALN to be made public. Throughout most of his presidency, which ended in June 2022, the Palace had asserted that the president is only required to file his SALNs with the Office of the Ombudsman, which decides whether to publicize the SALN or not.

However, in 2020, the Office of the Ombudsman under Ombudsman Samuel Martires

restricted the public’s access to officials' SALNs, only allowing its release if the requester is an authorized representative, acting on a court order concerning a pending case or part of the Office of the Ombudsman’s factfinding investigation team.

As this essentially allowed Duterte and other public officials to keep their SALNs from the public eye, critics of Martires’ circular pointed out that it went against the principles of Republic Act (RA) 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which require all public officials to file their SALN.

Castro said that the public remains clueless about “how big (Duterte’s) assets have grown since he became president.”

“How many billions of confidential and intelligence funds has he had access to, but none of these have been subject to proper accounting,” Castro said in Filipino.

“Now that he’s designated as the caretaker of Quiboloy’s assets, we can’t blame the public for thinking there is a money laundering arrangement between (Quiboloy and Duterte)," she added.

The lawmaker added that the ombudsman can “settle such talks” by publicizing Duterte’s

SALNs during his whole presidency or from 2016 to 2022.

The former president said he volunteered to manage the assets of KOJC to help Quiboloy — who he described as his "friend" — deal with the controversies brought by the congressional hearings about his alleged abuses, according to his interview with vloggers last week.

Sexual abuse and fraud allegations against Quiboloy came to light in 2021 after a United States court charged the self-appointed “Son of God” with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

These were once again brought up when the Senate launched an investigation into the sexual abuse and trafficking allegations against Quiboloy and other KOJC leaders in January, which Quiboloy refused to attend even after he was cited in contempt by Senate women and gender equality panel chair Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

At one of these Senate hearings, some former KOJC followers testified that they were sexually abused by the KOJC founder for years. A number of overseas Filipino workers who were formerly part of KOJC also said that the KOJC required them to fork over 90% of their earnings to the church, forcing some to give up their homes in the process.

Quiboloy has repeatedly denied these allegations and has continuously invoked his right to due process in refusing to attend committee hearings about his and his KOJC leaders’ alleged crimes. However, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate panel leading the investigation against him, recently reminded Quiboloy’s camp that the Senate has respected the pastor’s right to due process by allowing him to attend hearings and giving him a 48-hour timeframe to respond to a show cause order for why he should not be cited in contempt. 

Duterte-China ‘deal’ on Ayungin ship probe ‘a waste of time’ – Panelo

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — Ex-presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it would only be “a waste of time” to investigate the supposed agreement between ex-president Rodrigo Duterte and China on the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal.

The lawyer maintained that such a pact was non-existent and that the matter had already been addressed before.

“That was already (responded) to – no promise was made and China has NOT substantiated its [claims] that there was a commitment by whoever,” Panelo, who also served as Duterte’s legal counsel, told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

This writer sought the former Palace official’s comment on ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro’s call for the House of Representatives to schedule hearings for House Resolution (HR) No. 1216, which seeks a

probe into the alleged promise of Duterte to China that the grounded BRP Sierra Madre will be removed from Ayungin Shoal.

In her statement, Castro alluded to Duterte as the one behind the deal, given the former president’s close ties with China. But Panelo said congressional hearings are “a useless undertaking” and that Castro’s plea was merely intended for her own publicity.

Instead of holding hearings, Panelo said Castro should condemn terrorist groups in Maguindanao del Sur who killed four soldiers last Sunday, March 17.

“Congressional investigation is a useless undertaking, a waste of time and taxpayers money. Intended by that lawmaker for her own publicity,” Panelo said.

“She should focus on lawmaking. Also she should condemn the killing of the [four] soldiers in Maguindanao [d]el Sur by the terrorists,” he added.

In August 2023, when tensions

were high over the disputed portions of the West Philippine Sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Ayungin Shoal always belonged to China and that the Philippines illegally occupied the area by placing BRP Sierra Madre there.

China then claimed a former Philippine president promised to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded that he was not aware of any deal on the disputed waters, adding that if such an agreement existed, it is now rescinded.

In August 2023, Senator Robinhood Padilla also defended Duterte and said the former president did not enter into such agreement, as relayed to him by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Padilla’s remarks came after two former presidents – Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo – have categorically denied making such a promise to China. 

‘P170-B rehab to wipe away NAIA’s...

Bautista and Ang signed the agreement.

PAGE 4 will necessitate collaborations with local and foreign partners," Bautista said.

The DoTr said once the NAIA modernization is complete, the country's main gateway is expected to improve its overall services and infrastructure, and increase the airport's passenger capacity from 35 million passengers to 62 million passengers annually.

"This will not only generate revenue for the government, but it will also create opportunities for Filipinos. With a modernized NAIA, we are elevating the airport's facilities and services to international standards," Bautista said.

He pointed out that the NAIA PPP Project sends a strong signal to the international business community of the viability of government infrastructure projects.

"This radical transformation comes at no small price. Substantial investments in infrastructure and technology

The transport chief expressed confidence in the consortium's capability to improve NAIA's infrastructure, facilities, vehicular traffic and passenger experience.

The winning concessionaire, the New NAIA Infra Corp., comprises San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp. Sen. Mary Grace Poe said the rehabilitation of NAIA sends a signal to the international community that the Philippines is improving its infrastructure to welcome investments.

"As our gateway to the rest of the world, nothing showcases the potential of our country better than a well-maintained and operated international airport," the senator said on Monday. "We are very hopeful that a reputable company like San Miguel, in partnership with

industry leaders from [South] Korea, will deliver the world-class airport our people deserve," said Poe, Senate Committee on Public Services chairman.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed the signing of the agreement.

"The rehabilitation and operation of NAIA under this PPP framework demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the administration of President Marcos to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in our transportation infrastructure," Romualdez said.

"This momentous occasion signals a new era of progress and efficiency for NAIA," he added.

"The revitalization of NAIA also promises broader economic benefits for our country and our people, including job creation, increased tourism, and greater connectivity with global markets," he said.

He vowed the House's support to ensure the project's successful implementation. 

Former President Rodrigo Duterte with controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy. Philstar.com file photo

Saving the salt industry

In 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was “obsessed” by the “unacceptable” fact that the country has to import round scad or galunggong, the so-called poor man’s fish. He should consider it even more shameful that the

which has the eighth most extensive coastline in the world, has to

Editorial

the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, which aims not only to address the deficiencies in the ASIN Law and attain salt selfsufficiency, but also to turn the country into a net salt exporter.

Some quarters have described salt production as a “dying” industry in the country. The new law sets up an inter-agency council chaired by the Department of Agriculture, which will craft a roadmap to revive, modernize and industrialize the salt industry.

The annual national demand for food-grade salt is placed at 683,000 MT, with another 300,000 MT needed as fertilizer for coconut trees. That’s an enormous demand needing to be met – if the local salt industry can be saved from its death throes.

for salt iodization.

Now the president has signed another law,

Under the new law, tariffs on salt imports will be used to create a Salt Industry Development and Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. It will be used to build salt farm warehouses and other storage areas as well as provide salt producers access to equipment such as sea water pumps, salt

graders and harvesters, salt iodization machines, bagging machines and dump trucks.

Let’s hope nothing gets lost between the

enactment of the new law and its implementation.

The local salt industry urgently needs to be moved out of the ICU. (Philstar.com)

THERE is absolutely no question the foreign trips that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have been undertaking are going a long way in enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening our security relations with likeminded nations who believe in the ultimate goal of maintaining peace and stability in the IndoPacific region. During the president’s visit to Canberra in February, Australia and the Philippines signed several memoranda of understanding to enhance defense and maritime cooperation, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying they will “collaborate even more closely to protect our shared vision for the region, including in civil maritime security, marine environment protection, maritime domain awareness and promoting respect for international law.”

In his important address to the Australian Parliament, President Marcos highlighted shared concerns on defense and security and underscored the need to

With Due Respect

ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN

MARCH 18, is the 96th

birthday of Fidel Valdez Ramos, fondly known as “FVR,” or more intimately as “Eddie” by his buddies. He is dubbed as the “first and only Protestant President of Catholic Philippines,” the only general to ascend to the constitutional title, “Commander in Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines,” and arguably, the “Best President of the Republic” complete with a grand vision of “Philippines 2000.”PRESIDENT

RAMOS HAS A SPECIAL PLACE

IN MY HEART. He plucked me from anonymity and conscripted me, though thoroughly unworthy, to the highest court of the land without passing through the judicial ladder. Let me reminisce briefly about how and why.

On the morning of June 16, 1992—when his election was already assured but before assuming his office on June 30, 1992—on my way to the City Hall of Manila to attend a court hearing, he rang my huge, extra heavy mobile phone connected to my car. To my surprise, the caller said, “Is this Attorney Art Panganiban? This is Eddie.” A little

“join forces, together with our partners, in the face of threats to the rule of law, to stability and to peace,” and thanked Australia for standing with the Philippines and giving its consistent and unequivocal support for our maritime claims. Australia also announced $42 million in funding for maritime security at the recent AustraliaASEAN Summit in Melbourne, with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledging that “what happens in the South China Sea, in the Taiwan Strait, in the Mekong subregion, across the Indo-Pacific, affects us all.” Germany also assured the Philippines of its continued support and underscored the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and upholding international laws, in particular the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea during the president’s working visit to Berlin. In his remarks, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he believed it was important for each and every one to adhere to legislations that are in place, emphasizing that Germany supports the Philippines in

irritated that someone unfamiliar knew my private number, I asked, “Eddie who?” He half-laughingly replied, “Eddie Ramos … I would like to invite you to a one-on-one meeting tomorrow, June 17, at 7 a.m. at my private office, Room 202, 845 Pasay Road, Makati. ”And so, at the appointed time and day, I knocked at the white door marked simply as “202.” It was promptly opened by a stocky gentleman who introduced himself, “I am Joe Almonte. Please come in. The president is waiting for you.” He ushered me to a big conference room with only the presidentelect and me in attendance. After an hour of exchanging views on my philosophy of law and the people’s expectations of their new leader, he asked me to be his secretary of justice. He added that he was also inviting, IMHO, a worthier Catholic lay leader, Henrietta “Tita” De Villa, to join his government.

TAKEN ABACK AND PLEASANTLY SURPRISED, I mumbled, “Thank you, Mr. President. However, I do not think I deserve to join your Cabinet, because I did not campaign for you. I believe that only those who campaigned for you and believe in your program of government should be included in your official family.” He smiled and demurred,

ensuring that rights are being protected.

The president’s state visit to the Czech Republic also demonstrated the European nation’s close ties with the Philippines, with Czech President Petr Pavel unequivocally stating that with regard to the South China Sea issue, they “fully support the Philippines when it comes to their entitlement to free movement of goods and also very intense support because that’s a principle that not only we all respect, but which also secures global and regional stability.”

To those small-minded, “penny wise, pound foolish” individuals with zero understanding of geopolitics who continue to criticize the president’s trips without seriously thinking how important presidential global diplomacy is in getting as many nations as possible to join us in our multilateral approach for peace and stability in our region, I say to them – think about the serious dangers we face in the South China Sea and our fisherfolk’s livelihood. This is not about the U.S. vs China – this is about our survival as a nation.

During his foreign visits and in his continuing meetings and

“I know you did not campaign for me. You did not even vote for me. You voted for your mentor Jovy Salonga. But that’s alright. I want to have a nonpartisan Cabinet. I want to be president of all the people, not only of those who voted for me. I will give you two weeks to think it over and consult your family and friends. Because of our association in Rotary, I know you to be a brilliant lawyer and a capable executive.”

Munching his unlighted tobacco, he recollected quite impressively, “We both entered the Rotary Club of Manila in 1983. We privately chatted on current events during its meetings … I was extremely pleased at the way you ran the Club during your presidency in 1990-1991. You started with a vision, ‘Love God, Serve Man,’ and outlined in a printed manual the 78 projects you proposed, together with the committees you created, the huge budget you needed, and a weekby-week timeline on how those projects were to be fulfilled within your term. A year after, during your valedictory, you circulated a printed report with a spreadsheet on how these projects were accomplished. Quite impressive, even as you were given a standing ovation after your speech.”

TO CUT THE LONG STORY SHORT, I respectfully declined

engagements, the president is doing a tremendous job of strengthening diplomatic, security and economic ties with the international community, simultaneously convincing foreign investors to consider the Philippines as an investment hub. Economic security is another dimension to our survival and we should not be dependent on one country alone.

Undoubtedly, the United States continues to be our top ally, as demonstrated by the arrival of a trade delegation led by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who said $1 billion in investment pledges from the American companies that joined the delegation are “already underway,” while some are “underway shortly.”

Secretary Raimondo assured that “these U.S. companies are committed. They have signed agreements to move forward with the investments.”

She also acknowledged the president’s commitment to make the necessary changes in the regulatory structure, cutting red tape, fighting corruption and being transparent, saying that “all these things are steps in the right direction, which will make

his kind offer as secretary of justice but happily accepted his alternative, as associate justice of the Supreme Court. I owe my appointment solely to President Ramos (to him only, as I had no padrinos or “sponsors”). Nonetheless, he respected my independence and never influenced me directly or indirectly throughout my more than 11 years in the Court. Though I voted against some cases and even authored one decision contrary to his perceived wishes, he never voiced or even hinted at his displeasure, much less urged me to vote one way or the other. Truly, a gentleman of the highest caliber.

When he finished his term on June 30, 1998, he sent me an edifying letter, “On behalf of the Philippine government and the Filipino people, I wish to convey to you my deepest appreciation and gratitude for the exemplary service, professionalism, and deep commitment to our people’s well-being and national interest which you have shown in your capacity as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court during the Ramos Administration.”

I replied, “I have tried my very best to discharge my duties consistent with the excellence and high-mindedness that I believe you expected from me.

the Philippines as an even more attractive place to do business for American companies.”

The commitment made by President Biden during the visit of President Marcos to Washington in May has certainly been fulfilled with the arrival of the high-level, first-of-its-kind U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission that brought some of the largest companies in the United States. The U.S. Department of Commerce also disclosed that American companies that were unable to join the trade delegation have also signified their intent to undertake projects in the Philippines or expand their investments. Certainly, we can expect more business to come into the Philippines. A lot of activities are also going to take place, starting with the visit of U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken – his second visit to the country – with the discussion to focus on economic cooperation and resiliency, which are key components in attaining economic prosperity, which is essential to national security. Needless to say, the visit of Secretary Blinken reaffirms the alliance between the U.S. and the

Philippines.

When I spoke before the American Chamber of Commerce earlier this week during their first ever AmCham PH Security Summit, I assured those present that more and more like-minded countries are joining our efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. We are facing diverse and complex security threats, but we are boosting bilateral partnerships, actively engaging in minilateral mechanisms, highlighting the critical role of multilateralism in thwarting these threats.

These enhanced partnerships, plus the support from likeminded nations, help us rest easy at night. Like what former President George W. Bush once said – either you are with us, or against us. And from where I am sitting, I take comfort in the fact that there are certainly a lot more nations that are with us, rather than against us. (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

Former President Fidel V. Ramos Inquirer.net file photo

I thought that the best way to respond to your trust was to fulfill my duties in the Supreme Court with moral courage, integrity, and dedication.”

Every year, during my incumbency, I wrote a book to report on the fulfillment of my duties. My book for 1998 titled “Battles in the Supreme Court,” was dedicated to him in this wise.

“To President Fidel V. Ramos, Leader, Reformer, Builder, Peacemaker, and Gentleman.”

Upon receipt of my book, he quipped, “I may be off to see the sunset, but don’t be too surprised to see me there, with you, at the next sunrise.” (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

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE

Wednesday MARCH 20, 2024

What pandemic taught Sarah Lahbati, Coleen Garcia

By Armin P. AdinA Inquirer.net

SARAH Lahbati and Coleen Garcia are two of the loveliest ladies in the entertainment industry, and they are also two of the most gorgeous mothers in local tinsel town who share snippets of their parenting life on social media.

The two hot mommas shared how the years-long COVID-19 pandemic challenged their maternal instincts, by always being on their toes to ensure the safety and protection of their sons while staying indoors to prevent any infection.

“During the pandemic, I think we all veered toward living a more healthy lifestyle. And so, as moms, I think it’s normal that we always worry, we always think about ‘how can I prevent sickness?’ and make sure the house is fresh,” Lahbati said at a media gathering on March 14. She has two sons with actor Richard Gutierrez, Zion and Kai. Crawford, whose son Amari with singer-host Billy Crawford will turn four this year, agreed with Lahbati and said, “we’re so particular about the air that we breathe. It was the era of all these air purifiers.” The two celebrity mothers graced the occasion as the brand’s newest partners.

Lahbati said she has become even more particular with

Lahbati and Coleen Garcia Photos from Instagram/@sarahlahbati, @coleen

maintaining the household, that she found it imperative to keep everything extra safe for her kids. That is why she is thankful for modern technological advances that offer household items with a variety of features other than what it is initially intended to do, including keeping the air safe to breathe. “It’s great for families, children, and even if you live alone, you wanna make sure you’re air is pure,” she said. Crawford echoed her sentiments, and vouched for household items that perform their original functions excellently, while also “really helps in keeping the air fresh and healthy, so it ensures a great and refreshing indoor environment for the whole

family.”

Lahbati noted how the onset of the summer season has been extra warmer than usual. “My children get so sweaty really quick, I’m talking about at 10-year-old and a 5-year-old,” she said, saying IoT (internet of things) enabled devices allow her to get the house cool and ready for the family even if they are still on their way home.

Lahbati is currently working on the serialized TV adaptation of the 80s Rudy Fernandez classic “Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa.” She plays the lead character in the drama series, a collaboration between TV5 and Viva Entertainment, with Kiko Estrada as her leading man. It also features Sid Lucero and Rhen Escaño.

Andi Eigenmann reminisces childhood with mom Jaclyn Jose

By JessicA Ann evAngelistA Inquirer.net

ANDI Eigenmann shared an old picture of her and her late mother, Jaclyn Jose, and penned a heartfelt poem recalling how the esteemed actress raised her.

On Instagram on Tuesday, March 19, Eigenmann posted a picture of her as a child with Jose, whose real name was Mary Jane Guck, and affirmed that she grew up the way she is because of her mother’s faith in her.

“She built me up like a mountain at sunrise and painted my sky with gentle hands. And when she told me I could be anything, I believed her because I saw how much I could grow with even a little of her light.” wrote Eigenmann.

On her Instagram story, Eigenmann posted another old picture of her as a teen, her mom, and her younger brother, Gwen Guck. On the next slide, the actress shared that her brother is currently with her family in Siargao.

The seasoned actress’ children are still

reeling from her unexpected death earlier this month. As confirmed by Eigenmann, her mother died due to a myocardial infarction, or heart attack, at 60 years old. Aside from the veteran actress’ family, fans and fellow actors in the industry continue to mourn her death. Also on Tuesday, actor Gardo Versoza took to Instagram to share a beautiful picture of the “Ma’ Rosa” star when she was still young. “I’m sure alam mo na ang mga kaganapan Abe, at katawa-tawa ‘di ba? Pang Cannes ang mga performances. Miss kita Abe, ‘pag pinayagan ka ni Ama dalaw ka lang sa akin anytime. Dami kong blind items sa iyo hehehe. [Love you] Abe, ‘musta sa mga nanay natin I’m sure sarap ng kwentuhan n’yo d’yan,” he wrote. (“I’m sure you know the events, Abe, and it’s ridiculous, isn’t it? The performances are at Cannes. I miss you, Abe, if Father allows you to visit me anytime. I have a lot of blind items for you. I love you, Abe. Say hello to our mothers. I’m sure your conversations there are so fun.)

Sharon Cuneta recalls when she made her first million, billion

By deni rose m. AfinidAd-BernArdo Philstar.com

“MEGASTAR” Sharon Cuneta shared when she made her first million and billion — in Philippine pesos and in U.S. dollars.

At a round table interview last Tuesday, March 19 following her performances to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the “Sheroes” campaign of Filipino insurance company InLife (Insular Life) for which she is the endorser, the awardwinning actress-singer told reporters, including Philstar. com, that she made her first million pesos at 15 or 16. “S’yempre exemption kasi

kumakanta na ‘ko ng 12, nagmomovie na ko ng 15. I made my first million (in Philippine pesos) ng 15, 16,” she recalled. According to her, her 1981 first movie with ex-husband Gabby Concepcion fetched her the first P1 million because it was her dad, the late Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta, who negotiated for her talent fee.

“I did my first movie at 15 and at that time, it was the highest-paid movie. I was being paid for parang superstar at that time because my dad gave that price for singing for ‘Dear Continued on Page 9

Miles Ocampo admits trying to rekindle relationship with Elijah Canlas

By Anne PAsAJol Inquirer.net

MILES Ocampo revealed that she and her ex-boyfriend Elijah Canlas are trying to rekindle their relationship. In a sideline interview

with News 5 after the media conference of her upcoming series “Padyak Princess,” Ocampo teased the possibility of rekindling her romance with Canlas.

“Let’s see. We’re working on it,” she said smilingly

when asked if she and the “Gomburza” actor were together again.

The young couple first sparked reconciliation rumors after they were recently spotted getting cozy during Maine

Get set for spring & summer! Pechanga Resort Casino announces its 4.5-acre pool oasis has opened for the season

Guests can make a splash at The Cove, Pechanga’s pool complex, the size of 5 football fields

JUST in time for Spring

Break this March, one of the largest resort pool complexes at one of the country’s biggest resort/casinos reopened for the season on Monday, March 11. This year, pool-goers everywhere will have access to The Cove’s oasis-like environment that’s the size of five football fields.

Pechanga Resort Casino’s Cove management makes day passes, cabana and daybed rentals available for non-hotel guests, as well as to Pechanga hotel, Pechanga RV and Temecula Creek Inn guests.

Day passes are priced at $50 plus tax for nonhotel guests. These are available at The Cove check in area. Cabana and daybed reservations may be made in advance by hotel and non-hotel guests by calling (888) 732-4264. Cabana and daybed rental rates vary based on day of the week and availability.

Pechanga Resort Casino’s 4.5-acre pool complex, The Cove, equals in size to five American football fields. Guests can enjoy four pools, two spas, two twisty waterslides, 27 cabanas, six oversized daybeds that skim the main pool, a swim up bar with 18 submerged seats and Baja ledges. The main pool spans 7,500 square feet and features the swim up bar with bartenders blending up the freshest and sweetest poolside drinks. The Cove’s main pool is a 21 and older area. The family area includes six cabanas around its perimeter and the two twisty waterslides that empty into the deep end of the 4,358 square foot pool.

Many guests rave about The Cove’s food and beverage menu. Specialty cocktails, as well as tried and true favorites are available from The Cove’s two bars – in the lounge or the swim up bar – and from servers throughout the venue. Poolside favorite eats include burgers, fries, nachos, wings, salads, sandwiches and of course, mouthwatering ice cream delights.

By the numbers:

• The Cove’s area equals 4.5 acres. That’s more than 5 football fields combined.

• 4 pools. The largest is the 21 & older main pool at 7,500 square feet. The family pool is 4,358 square feet.

• 2 twisty waterslides at the family pool

• 18 underwater seats at the swim-up bar at the main pool

• 27 Cabanas & 6 Daybeds.

Since opening in 2019,

The Cove has proved a popular oasis-like spot for guests celebrating birthdays and bridal showers, and of course, for those who just want to soak up the Southern California sun in style. Grabbing a bite to eat or a refreshing drink at The Cove is easy with dedicated cabana servers, as well as poolside service at your lounger or at the walkup food bar. Inside the Cove complex, guests will also find several modern fire pits perfect for sitting by and sipping a refreshing beverage, men’s/ women’s locker and changing rooms, the walk-up Coveside Grill restaurant, luxury cabanas with personalized food and drink service, and a 26,140 square foot lush green lawn for private events.

Other important info:

• Pechanga hotel guest admission to The Cove –complimentary

• Non-Hotel Guest day passes – $50

• Pechanga RV and Temecula Creek Inn guest admission to The Cove – $30 day pass

• Cabanas & Daybeds –

rate varies based on weekday/ weekends and on availability. For more information on the Cove, visit Pechanga.com/ indulge/the-cove or call (951) 770-8457.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the country. Voted the best casino in the West by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features an unparalleled in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga. com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino. (Advertising Supplement)

Sarah

Andi Eigenmann reminisces childhood with mom Jaclyn Jose

Photos from Instagram/@andieigengirl

Filing bankruptcy again? What you need to know

Minding Your Finances

Atty rAymond BUlAon

IF you’ve ever had to file bankruptcy in the past for whatever reason, you probably told yourself that hopefully, you never have to do it again ever. But sometimes you never know where life takes you and if you ever find yourself in a financial bind where bankruptcy becomes necessary again, fear not. It is not your fault- and there is no reason to feel bad or sorry for yourself. Here’s what you need to know if you’re in that situation.

There is no shame in trying to protect yourself, your family and everything you own when the stakes are just too high, and you need to do what you need to do. For example, a lot of people have been struggling financially since the pandemic started. All the government assistance helped, I’m sure, but that was all temporary. A lot of people have lost their incomes and their businesses in the last 2 years and have not been able to pay their bills.

I’ve been asked by a lot of people lately about how often you can get bankruptcy relief, so I decided to write this article. If you have filed bankruptcy before, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to do it again. Generally, the answer is that you can file bankruptcy as often as needed BUT subject to some limitations such as the

following. I will try to simplify but here are the general rules:

• Consecutive same Chapter filings: If you are filing under the same bankruptcy “chapter” (7 or 13), the timing is critical. If you are trying to file a Chapter 7 after you’ve already filed another Chapter 7 in the past, you need to wait 8 years from the date your last case was filed. For consecutive Chapter 13 filings – If you received a prior discharge in Chapter 13, you cannot receive a second discharge in any Chapter 13 case that is filed within 2 years from the date that your last case was filed.

• Chapter 13, then Chapter 7: If you obtained a prior discharge (i.e., a “debt wipe out”) under Chapter 13, you will not be allowed a second discharge in a subsequent Chapter 7 filing unless 6 years have passed from the filing of the Chapter 13 to the filing of your Chapter 7 case. There is however an exception to this rule: You will be allowed a discharge in your current Chapter 7 case if you either paid all unsecured creditors in your past Chapter 13 case or you paid at least 70% of the unsecured claims and the plan represented your “best effort” and proposed in “good faith.”

• Chapter 7, then Chapter 13: If you discharged your debts in a prior Chapter 7, you cannot obtain another discharge in a subsequent Chapter 13 filing unless four years have passed since your Chapter 7 filing date. This doesn’t mean, however, that you cannot file a Chapter 13 if your intention is to pay creditors the best you can. It only means that since

there is no discharge available, whatever is not paid through your Chapter 13 plan will still be your liability. Now you may ask, “Why file a Chapter 13 then if a discharge is not available under these circumstances?”

The answer is that it depends on what your goals are in filing the current Chapter 13. For example, one reason for filing may be to get court protection while consolidating nondischargeable debts such as IRS taxes. Or it may be to stop a foreclosure and pay back the arrears through a 3- to 5-year payment plan.

There are other “tricky” rules you need to know about that apply to dismissals and conversions from one chapter to another, but I could just imagine how your head may be spinning by now trying to make sense of all these rules.

The best thing to do if you are in a situation where you may need to file bankruptcy again (although you’ve already done so in the past) is to consult with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who can analyze your case and provide correct guidance.

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

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None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.  Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE  1-866-471-8272. (Advertising Supplement)

Sharon Cuneta recalls when she...

From Page 8

Heart,’ thinking they would say, ‘Sobra naman!’

Eh kinall. So biglang napilitan, happily. So when I made it, tuloy-tuloy lang s’ya. So I really saved. My parents didn’t touch my money.”

She shared that she bought her first house when she was 27 or 28 in Wack-Wack Greenhills, a five-year loan she finished in three years. “First million dollars at around 24,” she added in a text message press statement.

“At 30, which was when I married (politician Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan), I promised myself and

wrote down that I would become a billionaire asap and had two witnesses to sign it!” she said. “Then I hit my first billion in my early or mid30s! Best as I could remember.”

According to her, it was her dad who taught her how to handle and grow her money.

“My father taught me this and he taught me how. It’s easier to make 10 million from 1 million than to make your first million. But I was in showbiz, so it was a lot easier for me. But the thing is, I listened so I grew and grew and grew, and I’m 58 now.”

community

How is a privately held business valued in a California divorce case?

Barrister’s Corner

DIVORCE cases involving entrepreneurs and business owners often poses challenges when valuing a community business. Some litigants are part owner of the business while others own the business entirely by themselves or sometimes with their divorcing spouse. In California, there are several methods commonly used to value a business during a divorce. These methods help determine the fair market value of the business, which is crucial for equitable distribution of assets. The family code generally requires that assets be valued as close to trial date unless the court orders and alternate valuation date. Here are some common valuation methods:

1. Market Approach: This method involves comparing the business to similar businesses that have recently been sold. By analyzing comparable sales, market multiples, and other relevant factors, an appraiser can estimate the value of the business.

2. Income Approach: This method considers the future income potential of the business. It involves evaluating the company’s historical financial performance and projecting future earnings. The appraiser then applies a capitalization rate or discount rate to determine the present value of expected future income.

3. Asset Approach: This method focuses on the value of the company’s assets. It involves assessing the fair

market value of the business’s tangible and intangible assets, such as equipment, inventory, intellectual property, and goodwill.

4. Combination Approach: In some cases, a combination of valuation methods may be used to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the business’s value. This can involve considering multiple factors, such as market data, income projections, and asset values. The best method to value a business will depend on the specific nature of the business, its profitability, and its assets. It is important that both the forensic CPA and the divorce attorney have a thorough understanding of the business or businesses at issue in the case.

Now, who values the business in a divorce case?

There are several options.

• The parties can try to value the business on their own. The parties may have an in-depth knowledge of the value of the business by virtue of being operators, but this can also result in undervaluation or over valuation. Also, if one spouse is the sole operator, it can place the other spouse in an extreme disadvantage.

• Hiring a joint forensic accountant for the business valuation during the divorce either pursuant to Evidence Code Section 730 or informally. A joint forensic accountant is one who both spouses trust to provide a proper valuation and on whom both spouses rely in negotiations that may lead to a settlement. A joint forensic accountant, like any forensic accountant, does not provide legal advice. Spouses who hire a joint forensic accountant can also utilize a separate forensic accountant to review the joint accountant’s work.

• Each spouse can hire his

and her forensic accountant for a business valuation.

Each spouse can hire their own forensic accountant for business valuation as their own expert. Typically, the court will order that the two experts do a side by side in their calculation of the business valuation in order to focus and isolate where the difference between the two expert valuations lie.

Dividing private businesses during the divorce poses challenges to divorce litigants where there is no readily available quote as to the value of the private business. As a result, heavy reliance is placed on the appraisal by forensic CPA who may have different valuations for the same business.

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Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation.

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Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Miles Ocampo admits trying to rekindle...

Mendoza’s birthday party this month.

The “Eat Bulaga” host has been vocal about her lingering feelings for Canlas. In an interview with Karen Davilla in January, Ocampo said she would always have love and respect for the actor.

“Tingnan natin ang universe magsabi (Let’s see what the universe will say),” she said when asked if there was a chance they could get together in the future.

“May pinagsamahan kami, matagal din kami and kapag gano’n na marami kayong pinagdaanan together, maraming happiness together, parang I have so much love and respect for that person,” added the host-actress.

From Page 8 together, it’s like I have so much love and respect for that person.)

he and Ocampo had broken up but affirmed that he would always be there for the actress.

Celebrate YOUniquness festival held in Glendale, CA

GLENDALE, CA —

(We shared something, we were together for a long time and when you went through a lot together, a lot of happiness

Meanwhile, in his previous interview with MJ Felipe, Canlas clarified that he and Ocampo were friends and if they got back together, the reporter would be the first to know.

In November, the “Senior High” actor confirmed that

“We are okay, we are not mad at each other. I’m always gonna have love for her and support her with what she does but right now we are taking our time figuring things out,” he said then.

Ocampo and Canlas dated for two years.

Another successful and full house “Celebrate YOUniqueness” Festival 2024 was held at the Glendale YMCA on Saturday, March 16 with more than 750 attendees.

This is where history and heritage, arts and culture meet, plus all the diverse food samplings — Armenian, Filipino, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Latino. It was an event to cherish.

A very powerful presentation was made by the “Peaceful Forest Japanese Drummers,” with award-winning Takumi Kato, a Japanese taiko drummer and winner of the Odaiko Grand Prize, and his three sons (ages 12, 10, and 7). They are performing with Peaceful Forest in all 50 U.S. states with the goal of performing 1,000 taiko performances. With Saturday’s performance, they just did their 333!

Other performances captivated the audience were from — the dancers from Ararat Folk Songs and Dance Group, Rose andAlex Pilibos School Choir, MoTHER FY Dance Group, Incarnation School Fil-Am Dance Group, Holy Family Filipino Chorale, Tonantzin Mexico-Azteca Group.

FABAG’s Past President

Edith M. Fuentes and YMCA President/CEO George Saikali Co-Chaired the event.

“Thank you to everyone who came to support an

Holy

event whose goal is to Bring the Community Together,” said Fuentes.

Cheers to Sen. Anthony J. Portantino, Reps. from the Offices of Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblymember Friedman, Assembly candidate and community leader

Jessica Caloza, Philippine Consulate, Japanese Consulate, Mayor Daniel Brotman, Councilmembers Paula Devine, Ardy Ardashes Kassakhian, Ara

Najarian and more for gracing the event.

The team behind this included Filipino American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC), Renee Rasper and Mike, Ami Bautista, Arleen Lapid Penaflor, Emett Carr, May Mallari, Edwin, Robert, Editha Maniquis Fuentes and more.

YOUniqueness Team included George Saikali, Beth Crawford, Jose Sanchez, Arnella Putzel, Nora Yacoubian, Elizabeth Manasserian, Marisol Chianello, Catherine Yesayan, Armine Aslanian, TC Kim, Vince Iuculano, Anita Quinonez Gabrielian, Sandy Panduro… and more!

The organizers thank donors, sponsors, restaurants and performers for making this possible.

Miles Ocampo and Elijah Canlas

Photos from Instagram/@milesocampo

Dance by MoTHER group

Family Filipino Chorale

Armenian performers

Incarnation School Fil-Am dance

Latino performers

Japanese performers

YOUniqueness Team

A conversation with Island Pacific founder Nino Lim

Lim discusses the history of Island Pacific Supermarket and business philosophies as the grocery chain enters a new era with newly-appointed CEO Maite Defensor

AS OF 2024, Filipinos in the United States have the luxury of choice when it comes to Asian cuisine-focused grocery stores. Since food is an integral part of the community for Filipinos, Filipino families must have the choice between big box superstores, smaller neighborhood markets, and everything in between.

In 2000, entrepreneur Nino Jefferson Lim recognized the importance of choice when he established Island Pacific Supermarket, a popular grocery market chain that specializes in Filipino and other Asian products.

“The main goal of Island Pacific, the primary reason why we exist, has always been to promote Filipino food and culture,” Lim told the Asian Journal in an interview in January.

In Nov. 2023, after decades of expanding the chain to nearly two dozen locations, Lim stepped down as CEO; on Feb. 2, the company announced veteran multi-industrial entrepreneur Maite Defensor as its new CEO.

“I started this company 24 years ago and I’ve been doing this for 24 years. Stepping back, I think, [is] one of the most difficult things you can do. Still, I’m very excited for the next generation,” Lim said, noting that selecting a female CEO who can “give a different perspective” was intentional.

The news of an incoming CEO follows a 2023 Fortune Magazine report that Island Pacific Supermarket is one of the “Top 20 Best Large Workplaces in Retail,” which Lim said he takes great pride in.

“The people that work under me — I always tell them that this is the deal. I’m gonna make sure you guys are taken care of. I’ll be there for you guys. The only thing I ask for in return is this: you guys do the same to whoever is under you, and you communicate that same message,” Lim stated.

Many factors can account for Island Pacific’s rapid growth.

The company’s emergence in 2000 coincided with an influx of Filipinos migrating to California. The grocery chain’s entrance into the market also supplied a community that didn’t have many options for Filipino offerings. But it was Lim’s passion and family story that make Island Pacific’s story one that truly captures the new American Dream.

Lim grew up in West Covina, California, the son of Filipinos who were involved with the grocery business. His father was in the business of moving wholesale food products — importing food products from the Philippines, and selling them to small food markets in the Los Angeles area. The father’s business of importing goods grew and

eventually, Lim’s mother was able to open up her own local grocery in West Covina: a family-operated 6,000-sq.-ft. Filipino foods market.

“I still recall that store. I would work there, [and] my sister would work there. Our extended family worked there,” Lim remembered, adding that his mother’s business had partnered with his father’s importing business.

But, eventually, a threat would befall the family business: a few blocks away, a major, bigbox Filipino supermarket chain opened up.

Across the U.S., this story is all too familiar. A beloved momand-pop business is forced to shutter following the arrival of a big box retailer that offers the same products but at a far lower price — a phenomenon that would hit the Lim family.

“A lot of us don’t realize that when a [small] family business closes, the impact is tremendous,” Lim shared. I witnessed my mother in tears and I remember telling her that when we grow up, we’re going to fight back. We’re going to compete again.”

After graduating from the University of Southern California (USC), Lim decided to parlay his knowledge and experience with the food product distribution and grocery industries into starting Island Pacific Supermarket in March 2000.

The company set up its first location in Panorama City, California — an LA suburb with a high concentration of Filipinos — and soon, the company ballooned to other cities in the Golden State, including Lim’s hometown, West Covina.

For Lim, Island Pacific wasn’t just about rectifying his mother’s shuttered business, but it was about providing the Filipino community with options.

“Given my experience, I felt the need that it was very important that there be competition because when there’s no competition, and when the community is just being served by one store, the prices are always higher,” Lim explained.

Lim also saw Island Pacific as a diverse showcase of Asianowned brands. Rather than stock shelves with mainly Island Pacific-branded products, the company would make sure that other brands would be readily available, too.

“It’s given for a store to increase the bottom line. I believe that the job of a grocery store is to act as a buyer [of products] for our consumers,” he explained. “That’s our job. That’s our responsibility — to give them what they want because our philosophy is not to tell them what they should want.”

The story of Island Pacific thus far is a story of prosperity,

by K larize M edenilla AJPress

a true representation of what is possible in the free market of the American Dream.

“It’s a humbling experience to be able to contribute to [the Filipino community], to be able to tell the next generation that we can be very proud of our culture of hospitality and kindness,” Lim said, noting that part of Island Pacific’s mission is to be a community nerve center that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

But the reality of owning and growing a business involves obstacles and true tests of emotional and mental strength and endurance.

In the mid-2010s, Lim and Island Pacific saw extremely rapid growth; not only was the company growing in California, but a Las Vegas location opened. Additionally, following the closure of several Fresh & Easy stores, Island Pacific acquired several new locations in a short period, growing from 12 locations to 24 in the blink of an eye.

The sudden expansion became too much for Lim to handle, leaving the future of Island Pacific hanging in the balance.

“I lost control. The growth was too rapid, too fast. I failed to be a good equalizer,” Lim recalled, adding that the exponential growth almost caused “the closure and demise of the entire company.”

Recalling the hard hit his family took in the 90s when his mother’s store was forced out of business, Lim said that the threat of losing his entire empire “was very traumatic.”

In 2018, Island Pacific closed down six locations in California.

But despite suffering a major hit, Lim describes the company’s reconstruction period as one of the company’s greatest achievements. And Lim is more than willing to discuss the hardships of his company because not only is it ahistorical to only discuss Island Pacific’s achievements, but it is disingenuous.

No matter how anxietyinducing that period was, he said that a motivating force behind the company’s comeback was his and his team’s confidence and faith in Island Pacific’s mission.

“I don’t like to just talk about success because it’s so artificial and so fake. Success and failure belong to the same point — it’s just on different sides,” he said.

To Filipinos who want to become business leaders and entrepreneurs, Lim firmly stated, “Don’t do it unless you’re extremely passionate. You need to be passionate in order for you to persevere because times will get very, very tough.”

He added, “You really need to believe in what you’re doing and know that what you’re doing matters — that it’s important, that it’s bigger than yourself.”

Lim’s

Nino Lim founded Island Pacific in 2000. Twenty-four years later, the grocery chain has 19 locations across California and Nevada.

Photos by Jessica del Mundo