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PH government grant supports Philippine Studies at UC Berkeley

The P1 million grant was made possible through the congressional initiative of Sen. Loren Legarda

BERKELEY – The University of California, Berkeley, will promote Philippine Studies as part of a grant to help spark interest among university students to learn about the Philippines.

In a historic first, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in San Francisco and the Regents of UC Berkeley – the leading public university in the United States – have signed an agreement to advance Philippine Studies as part of a P1 million grant from the Philippine government. This grant was made possible through the congressional initiative

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15-year-old Fil-Am science whiz wins North American regional champion title

Alessandra Storm Mauricio advances to the top 15 of the global science competition, Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2024

AT just 15 years old, Filipino American prodigy Alessandra Storm Mauricio has solidified her place among the top young minds in science, advancing to the top 15 of the highly competitive Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2024. Lexi’s journey to the finals stands out, as she emerged from a pool of over 2,300 participants from around the globe, securing the title of North American Regional Champion.

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Corruption top concern of Filipinos – poll

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

CORRUPTION surged as the top concern of Filipinos, according to the Publicus Asia Inc. survey results released on Tuesday, October 1 the start of filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 elections.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 15 to 19, 2024, showed that 18 percent of the 1,500 respondents view corruption as the top pressing issue that Filipinos believe requires the urgent attention of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“This shift in concern has moved corruption ahead of other significant issues, such as rising

prices and inflation (15 percent), the economy (12 percent), and poverty (11 percent), which continue to be key points of focus for the public,” the polling firm said.

Publicus Asia said the survey highlighted the evolving priorities of Filipinos as they adapt to the current socioeconomic climate.

“While the public’s concerns remain largely consistent, there is a notable shift in the ranking of these issues. Corruption now tops the list, reflecting a growing frustration with governance and accountability across different sectors of society,” it said.

Following closely behind is prices and inflation, which topped the list in the second quarter survey.

Top officials’ ratings down in Pulse Asia survey

MANILA — The approval and trust ratings of both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte declined in the latest Ulat ng Bayan nationwide survey of Pulse Asia. The survey, conducted from Sept. 6 to 13, showed that the president’s approval score dipped by 3 percentage points from 53 percent in June to 50 percent in September.

Marcos’ trust rating went down 2 percentage points from 52 percent to 50 percent during the same period.

Developments during survey Duterte, on the other hand, experienced significant decreases in approval and

trust scores. Her approval score fell by 9 percentage points from 69 percent to 60 percent while her trust score dropped by 10 percentage points from 71 percent to 61 percent during the same period.

For other top officials, Senate President Francis Escudero scored a 60-percent approval rating in September. His trust rating dropped by 13 percentage points from 69 percent in June to 56 percent in September.

Speaker Martin Romualdez saw his approval rating dipping from 35 percent to 32 percent and his trust rating, from 35

Imee Marcos seeks reelection, stays independent from brother’s slate

by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Imee

Marcos filed her certificate of candidacy on Wednesday, October 2, seeking to retain her spot in the Senate.

Members of the Marcos clan came in full force to support Imee, with former First Lady Imelda Marcos making a rare public appearance to support her daughter. Her sons Borgy Manotoc and Michael Manotoc were also able to join her.

Imee reiterated that she will not join the adminsitration slate, opting to remain a free agent. She is still a member of the Nacionalista Party but said

she will refrain from joining an alliance for now.

“Ako’y mananatiling malaya at matatag,” Imee said. (I will remain free and strong.)

Last month, the incumbent senator was announced as part of her brother President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s slate; however, she did not attend the “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” convention where the alliance was revealed.

“It is in our blood to serve others and to love the country. She was a representative, a governor, and a senator. They say that she is frank. But she is frank in telling the truth and sticks to what is right,” Marcos

The economy and poverty ranked third, further underscoring the public’s desire for policies that directly address their day-to-day challenges.

The survey also indicated that as the country moves into the next quarter, the primary concern for households is the fear of being unable to provide for their family’s basic needs (14 percent).

“This fear reflects the deep impact of ongoing economic uncertainties, which have been exacerbated by inflationary pressures and other socio-economic factors,” the polling firm said.

“This is followed by a similar concern, which is the fear of not being able to buy basic commodities due to prices (13 percent) and not getting enough

China ships maintain presence in key West Philippine Sea areas

by Michael Punongbayan Philstar.com

have decreased in number, they have maintained a presence in three key land features where naval and coast guard ships have intensified operations in the past seven days, according to the Philippine Navy.

Latest monitoring by the Philippine Navy showed armed ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) maintaining a menacing presence around the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, Panatag Shoal and Escoda Shoal.

According to the Philippine Navy, there are 17 Chinese military vessels and 28 China Coast Guard (CCG) boats spotted inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between Sept. 23 and 30, or one vessel more than in the previous week Sept.17-23. Five of the warships were seen roaming around the u PAGE 2

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education

RNs say S.B. 1015 is a commonsense reform for California nursing students’ clinical education placements

CALIFORNIA Nurses

Association (CNA), the largest union of registered nurses in the state, applauds the signing of Senate Bill 1015 by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Nurses say the new law, which was authored by Sen. Dave Cortese and sponsored by CNA, is an essential step towards ensuring clinical placement opportunities for California’s future nurses, particularly for students attending public institutions like community colleges and state universities.

“This commonsense reform will increase transparency around and equitable access to clinical education placements for nursing students across the state,” said CNA President Michelle Gutierrez Vo, RN. “It is critical that all of California’s future nurses have clinical placement opportunities.

This law will help ensure that hospitals and other health care facilities can continue to meet our state’s nursing workforce and staffing needs.”

Clinical placements are an essential and necessary part of any nursing education. California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) data shows that, in 2021 and 2022, nursing students at a staggering 92 of California’s 152 nursing programs had been denied access to clinical placements. Nursing schools reported to the BRN that the inability to secure clinical placements was the No. 2 reason for not enrolling more students and that the issue was an acute problem for public nursing education programs. If those trends continued unchecked, nurses feared the existing dynamic would exacerbate an uneven playing field for students from community colleges and public schools, which are vital for ensuring the state’s nursing workforce reflects the diversity of California and provide an affordable pathway into the nursing profession. The law will mandate new levels of transparency for clinical placements and begin developing standards for those

Sen. Imee Marcos files her certificate of candidacy before the Comelec at the Manila Hotel on October 2, 2024. She is joined by Former First Lady Imelda Marcos and her sons, Borgy Manotoc and Michael Manotoc. Philstar.com photo by Jean Mangaluz

Corruption top concern of...

PAGE 1 pay (12 percent),” it added.

Despite these challenges, seven in 10 or 71 percent of registered voters still reported feeling happy, showcasing the enduring resilience of Filipinos.

Financial stability (50 percent) and good health (41

percent) emerged as the top goals for many, reflecting their desire for security amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

The Pahayag third quarter survey is an independent, non-commissioned national survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. The members of

the purposive survey panel were randomly selected from the online research panel marketplace of 200,000 registered Filipino voters maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a U.S.based panel marketplace with a multinational presence. n

China ships maintain presence in key...

PAGE 1

vicinity of Escoda Shoal, along with 10 CCG vessels and 12 maritime militia vessels (MMVs).

‘long game’ in the West Philippine Sea and look at the strategic or bigger picture,” he told reporters.

stop from implementing programs that would help our fishermen,” Briguera added.

percent to 31 percent.

The survey used face-to-face interviews with 2,400 adult respondents and had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2 percentage points for national estimates and plus-or-minus 4 percentage points for each geographical area.

Among the new developments in the weeks leading up to and during the conduct of the survey were the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, leader and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ; hearings on the budget of the Office of the Vice President and Philippine offshore gaming operators; continuing tensions

between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea; and the

There are also two PLAN ships in Ayungin Shoal as well as 10 CCG boats and 12 MMVs, while two military vessels and two CCG boats and 46 MMVs were spotted near Pagasa Island.

Overall, there were fewer Chinese vessels in the WPS during the period Sept. 24-30 at 178 from a record high of 251 in the previous week.

The vessels include 131 MMVs scattered around different features and locations and two research vessels seen in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.

Philippine Navy spokesman for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said they have no explanation yet for the drop in the number of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters.

“We have to be prepared for the

“Amid all of these, your Navy and your AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) will continue performing its mandate of ensuring the integrity of our national territory,” Trinidad said. BFAR concerned Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it is intensifying

Some of the programs being implemented by the BFAR to help Filipino fishermen are fuel assistance, provision of sturdier boats and heightened presence in fishing areas.

BFAR is spending nearly P527 million to acquire 62 units of 62-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic hulled fishing boats and

Jr. said in Filipino. Marcos Jr. reasoned that his sister was already campaigning, hence her absence from the convention.

Imee, however, later said she would not join the alliance, saying that she planned to remain independent.

“I choose to remain free and loyal—not to any group but to every Filipino. Armed with my achievements for the nation in the past term, the laws I dedicated for the people, the truth that I never strayed from, and the path and principles of my father: To serve every Filipino without favor, except for the welfare of every citizen,” Imee said.

Legilslation

Imee has authored bills that seek to:

• Lower Philhealth insurance

premiums

• Extend the terms of office of barangay officials to six years

• Protect pineapple, moringa, dragon fruit and mango industries in what was collectively called “fruit salad” bills, and

• Reform the party-list system by classifying it into political and sectoral organization categories, among others. She also co-authored the Land Reform Act and the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act. The Supreme Court later struck down the anti-terrorism law’s “killer” clause and a provision allowing the AntiTerrorism Council to designate persons or groups based solely on the UN Security Council’s resolutions. Political career Imee has long been involved in politics, having a role in

the young community

late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., called a dictator.

In 1977, Mapua Institute of Technology student Archimedes Trajano, an activist, publicly questioned Imee’s ability to lead the council. Weeks later, Trajano was found bloodied and dead on the streets of Manila.  She served at the House of Representatives between 1998 and 2007, governor of Ilocos Norte between 2010 and 2019 and was elected senator in 2019.

In 2018, she claimed to have graduated from the prestigious Princeton University in the U.S. While she studied in the Ivy League school, she did not earn a degree. n

The China Coast Guard maneuvers in front of a Philippine government supply ship in an attempt to block its way to Scarborough Shoal,

council Kabataang Barangay in her early 20s during the term of her father, the

ORDERLY FILING. Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Erwin Garcia (center) answers queries from the media during the

first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Manila Hotel Tent City on Tuesday, October 1. Garcia said the opening day of the filing of COCs for the 2025 national and local elections has been orderly nationwide. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

PH government grant supports Philippine...

of Sen. Loren Legarda.

UC Berkeley’s Philippine Studies Program “will enable the conduct of academic exchanges, and will serve as a forum for Philippine-related research on relevant topics and as a venue for appropriate cultural activities,” according to the agreement.

The purpose of the grant was to help “spark interest for learning about the Philippines among U.S.-born Filipino Americans and Americans in general.”

“Specifically, this grant aims to support the University in promoting Philippine Studies by enhancing its Filipiniana materials, conducting research and publications about the Philippines, institutionalizing Philippine Studies as an area of study in the University, developing experts in Philippine Studies, among other programs, projects, and activities,” the agreement stated.

The university “will have full academic, strategic, and operational control over

decisions related to the grant,” according to the agreement signed earlier this month by

5-year-old Fil-Am science whiz wins...

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The Breakthrough Junior Challenge, known for its stringent standards and esteemed panel of judges, celebrates the scientific curiosity and creativity of young innovators.

Lexi impressed netizens with her engaging science video on Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), where she introduced the breakthrough therapy as a “new hero” in cancer treatment.

Through her clear and concise explanation, she broke down the three essential components of ADCs: the antibody, the linker and the payload. Lexi described how ADCs precisely target specific cancer cell antigens, underscoring the importance of testing to ensure accurate targeting and dosage.

The prestigious panel judging the Breakthrough Junior Challenge includes some of the brightest names in Science and Technology, such as Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics Laureate Ian Agol, Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and Khan Academy

founder and CEO Salman Khan. If Lexi triumphs in the final round, she will not only receive a personal scholarship but also the opportunity to win a fully equipped science laboratory for her school, potentially inspiring future generations of scientists.

This feat is just one of the many accomplishments she bagged in the past. In 2020, at just 12 years old, Lexi became the youngest presenter at the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists’ 49th Annual Global Congress, where she delivered a research presentation on whether children who play video games perform better in surgery.

(Gavin Martinez/Inquirer.net)

Presidensyal na Pangkalahatang Eleksyon

Bawat aktibong rehistradong botante sa County ng San Diego ay makakatanggap ng balota sa koreo sa linggo ng Ika-6 ng Oktubre. Matuto nang higit pa sa sdvote.com.

Here’s why getting a COVID shot during pregnancy is important

by Jackie Fortiér California Healthline

NEARLY 90% of babies who had to be hospitalized with COVID-19 had mothers who didn’t get the vaccine while they were pregnant, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings appear in the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Babies too young to be vaccinated had the highest COVID hospitalization rate of any age group except people over 75.

The study looked at infant medical data from October 2022 to April 2024 in 12 states and underscores the critical importance of vaccinating pregnant people. It also echoes what physicians have anecdotally reported for more than three years — that people are still skeptical of COVID vaccines due to persistent misinformation.

Of the 1,470 infants sick enough to be hospitalized due to COVID, severe outcomes occurred “frequently,” according to the report.

Excluding newborns hospitalized at birth, about 1 in 5 infants hospitalized with COVID required intensive care, and nearly 1 in 20 required a

ventilator.

“These aren’t necessarily high-risk, ill newborns. These are just regular, full-term, healthy newborn kids who happen to get COVID and wind up on a ventilator in the hospital,” said Neil Silverman, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and the director of the Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Babies can’t get the COVID vaccination until they are at least 6 months old. That leaves a “huge window” when infants are most vulnerable, Silverman said. Vaccinating pregnant women so they pass the antibodies on to their newborns is an effective way of protecting babies during that time. Vaccination during pregnancy also protects pregnant people from severe disease.

But persistent vaccine misinformation online has led to skepticism among Silverman’s pregnant patients.

“The most frustrating response that I get from folks is that they need to do more research before they think about getting the COVID vaccine,” Silverman said.

“We have dozens and dozens of studies showing the safety of the mRNA vaccine. I don’t

know how much more research we can provide to skeptics.”

Among the 1,000-plus babies hospitalized with COVID, the median age was just 2 months old, according to the report. Nine of the infants died.

South Carolina pediatrician Deborah Greenhouse said she plans to share the study with families she cares for. “There absolutely is a proportion of the population who will look at this and say, ‘Hey, wow, I should get that vaccine. It could protect my baby,’” she said.

Greenhouse believes the new data could solidify the risk of skipping the vaccine when she speaks to families.

“I think that it might help to convince some parents when you can actually show them hospitalization numbers and you can show them intensive care numbers and you can show them mechanical ventilation numbers,” Greenhouse said.

“Those things are a big deal.” Often, Greenhouse waits to be informed that a person is pregnant before bringing up the updated COVID shot. Now she’s rethinking that strategy. “As pediatricians we do get moms in our office who are pregnant and we have an opportunity to intervene and to do some education and u PAGE 4

Kumpletuhin ang inyong balota sa ginhawa ng inyong tahanan. Pirmahan at petsahan ang inyong sobreng pagbabalikan, i-seal ang inyong nakumpletong balota sa loob, at ibalik ito sa pamamagitan ng U.S. Postal Service - hindi kinakailangan ng selyo!

Ibalik ang inyong balota sa alinmang opisyal na mga ballot drop box ng Tagapagrehistro sa buong county na magsisimula sa Martes, Ika-8 ng Oktubre hanggang sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Martes, Ika-5 ng Nobyembre. Iwasan ang mahahabang pila sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng benepisyo sa maagang pagboto! Simula Sabado, Ika-26 ng Oktubre, magbubukas araw-araw ang mga vote center mula ika-8 ng umaga hanggang ika-5 ng hapon hanggang Lunes, Ika-4 ng Nobyembre. Sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Martes, Ika-5 ng Nobyembre, ang mga oras ng botohan ay mag-iiba mula ika-7 ng umaga hanggang ika-8 ng gabi.

Humanap ng ballot drop box o vote center na malapit sa inyo sa sdvote.com.

The grant agreement was signed by Consul General Neil

Alessandra Storm Mauricio has advanced to the top 15 of the highly competitive Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2024. Photo from Facebook/Dennis Dennis

ART THERAPY. Breast cancer warriors, survivors, and advocates join a therapeutic art collage session at Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City on Tuesday, October 1. Organized by Araneta City and the Kasuso Foundation in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event was themed, “Bloom in Pink”, symbolizing hope and renewal. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

The US is mailing Americans COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them

The tests will begin shipping, via USPS, as soon as next week

AMERICANS can once again order COVID-19 tests, for free, sent straight to their homes.

The U.S. government reopened the program on Thursday, allowing any household to order up to four at-home COVID nasal swab kits through the website, covidtests.gov. The tests will begin shipping, via the United States Postal Service, as soon as next week.

“Before you visit with your family and friends this holiday season, take a quick test and help keep them safe from COVID-19,” Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary

for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell said in a statement. Why are free COVID tests being offered now?

The website has been reopened on the heels of a summer COVID-19 virus wave and heading into the fall and winter respiratory virus season, with health officials urging Americans to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine and their yearly flu shot.

U.S. regulators approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine that is designed to combat the recent virus strains and, they

hope, forthcoming winter ones, too. Vaccine uptake is waning, however. Most Americans have some immunity from prior infections or vaccinations, but under a quarter of U.S. adults took last fall’s COVID-19 shot.

Using the swab, people can detect current virus strains ahead of the fall and winter respiratory virus season and the holidays. Over-the-counter COVID-19 at-home tests typically cost around $11, as of last year. Insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of the tests.

u PAGE 7

Here’s why getting a COVID shot during...

make them understand how important this is,” she said.

Physicians can encourage vaccination by making it as easy and simple as possible, Silverman said. He encouraged fellow doctors to offer the shots in their offices, rather than sending patients to pharmacies or other providers.

“We lose probably 30 to 40% of vaccination opportunities

once someone has to leave the office to get a vaccine,” Silverman said.

But offering COVID shots in their clinics leaves some doctors with a difficult calculation. They are struggling to predict how many patients will be interested in the vaccine and may not be able to return all their excess doses. Many providers can’t afford to lose money on doses that won’t be used, but they still need to order enough to vaccinate vulnerable patients who want the shot.

This article was produced by KFF Health News, a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

DFA concerned, monitoring reports of ‘foreign covert ops’ in PH

by Joyce Ann L. RocAmoRA Inquirer.net

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring reports of alleged foreign covert operations in the Philippines, its spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said Thursday, Oct. 3.

Speaking to reporters at the DFA office in Pasay, Daza said the issue is an “area of concern” and that the DFA is currently coordinating with relevant government agencies on the matter.

“The Department has noted reports containing relevant information on alleged

foreign covert operations in the Philippines. In accordance with its mandate to help protect national security, the Department takes such reports seriously and is monitoring relevant developments in this regard,” she said.

The DFA issued the statement days after a House panel discussed an Al Jazeera documentary that featured tycoon She Zhijiang, who claimed that he was a Chinese spy and had spoken with dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo. Asked if the DFA has reached out to its Chinese counterpart, Daza said she has no information as of yet.

“That’s as far as we can say relevant to this topic. What’s important is we are actually coordinating with other agencies on it because it is a concern,” she said, noting that the DFA has seen the documentary. In an ABS-CBN interview, the National Security Council (NSC) earlier said the government has “effective counterintelligence efforts” against foreign spies. NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the council has to validate the information disclosed by She first “considering that the person is not entirely credible being a wanted criminal and leader of an international crime syndicate”. n

California nurses applaud new law that...

placements to ensure equitable access. It will empower the BRN to collect and analyze how BRN-approved programs handle

these placements, information that will be presented to the state legislature annually. Additionally, it calls on the BRN’s Nursing Education and

Workforce Advisory Committee to recommend standards that will ensure fair and equitable access to clinical placements. (California Nurses Association)

SPACE SCIENCE. Ruben Cunanan, a weather observer, operates one of the attractions of the PAGASA Planetarium at the Science Garden Complex in Quezon City on Monday, Sept 30. The 47-year-old Planetarium has reopened after four months of renovations. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Nicole Fahey, six months pregnant, receives

Nancy Binay files COC for Makati mayor

by ChARie AbARCA Inquirer.net

MANILA — Graduating

Senator Nancy Binay filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for Makati City mayor on Tuesday, October 1.

Her COC was filed at the Commission on Elections’ office in Makati City on the first day of COC filing for the 2025 polls.

Along with Binay was former Makati Representative Monsour del Rosario, who is running for vice mayor.

“Nais po nating ipadama sa atin mga kababayan ang pusong may pagkalinga. Ito rin po siguro ang gusto nating maging direksyon ng ating lungsod, at makilala ang atin pong mga lingkod-bayan na buong pusong kumakalinga at nagbibigay serbisyo sa bawat mamamayan ng Makati,” Binay said.

(We want our citizens to feel

caring hearts. Maybe this is the real direction that we want for our city and for citizens to know the people behind the services being provided to each of them.) She previously admitted

that she hesitated on the bid because her sister Abby, who is currently Makati’s mayor, said she wanted her husband, Makati Rep. Luis Campos, to succeed her post. n

Malacañang debunks another alleged Marcos drug video

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA —  The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Saturday, September 28

belied another video implying that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is using illegal drugs and urged the public to examine the claims that are making the rounds online.

A video showing President Marcos receiving something from a supporter while posing for selfies during a public event has gone viral, spawning speculations that he got a sachet of illicit drugs.

Critics of Marcos alleged that the object contained a “white substance” and assailed him for his supposed brazen acceptance of narcotics.

In a video posted on Facebook, the PCO clarified that someone handed Marcos a lapel pin containing the logo of his party Partido Federal ng

10 frat men get 40 years for deadly Castillo hazing

MANILA — Seven years after the death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III due to fraternity hazing injuries, a Manila court found 10 of his Aegis Juris upperclassmen guilty on Tuesday, October 1, sentencing each to up to 40 years in prison.

The men were convicted of violating the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995 for their participation in the 2017 initiation rites that proved fatal for Castillo.

The case triggered public outrage and led to congressional action that amended and gave more teeth to the hazing law a year later.

Castillo, then a 22-year-old student at the UST Faculty of Civil Law, succumbed to severe injuries he sustained during a fraternity activity in September 2017, according to case records.

Held responsible for his death were then Aegis Juris president Arvin Balag, Oliver

John Audrey Onofre, Mhin Wei Chan, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Axel Munro Hipe, Marcelino Bagtang, Jose Miguel Salamat, Ralph Trangia and Robin Ramos.

According to a decision promulgated on Tuesday by Judge Shirley MagsipocPagalilauan of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11, they will each serve a sentence of reclusion perpetua, or a prison term of 20 to 40 years.

The 1995 antihazing law was amended in July 2018 by Republic Act No. 11053, which imposed tougher penalties on perpetrators of fraternityrelated violence.

However, the 10 convicts in the Castillo case were meted penalties under the older law.

They were also ordered to pay the victim’s family P461,800 in actual damages; P75,000 in civil indemnity; P75,000 in moral damages, and P75,000 in exemplary damages.

All amounts will accrue interest at a rate of 6 percent per year from the finality of the decision until fully paid, the court said.

“The untimely death of Atio caused pain, agony, anxiety, suffering and mental anguish to his heirs because it deprived them of his company, love, support and companionship,” Pagalilauan said in her decision.

Exemplary damages were warranted, she added, as evidence revealed aggravating circumstances.

“The hazing was committed outside of the school or institution,” the ruling noted.

Speaking to reporters after the decision was read, Castillo’s mother, Carmina, gave an emotional plea as she also held UST accountable for her son’s death.

Failure ‘as 2nd parents’

“It has been proven that Aegis Juris has been practicing hazing, and it is time to reassess

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. attended the declaration of Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free province, a milestone achieved through the combined efforts of national and local governments,

Senator Nancy Binay

Inquirer.nert photo

Sara vs another Gloria

BY a curious twist of fate, two women named Gloria are now playing diametrically opposite roles in Vice President Sara Duterte’s drama-filled political life: one as her defender and the other, her accuser.

It’s no secret that former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is the mentor and ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, who has taken up the cudgels for her at the House of Representatives, where the former serves as a Pampanga representative.

It was, however, the second Gloria—former Education Undersecretary Gloria Mercado—who managed to coax Duterte out of what detractors had called her “squid tactics” amid a plethora of allegations thrown at her in recent weeks.

Mercado, who revealed she had once been Duterte’s thesis adviser for her master’s degree at the Development Academy of the Philippines, made serious allegations against her former student, as she faced an inquiry of the House good government and public accountability committee last week.

Too harsh to call bribe

The former Head of Procuring Entity (HoPE) at the Department of Education (DepEd) claimed she was given a monthly sum of P50,000, from February to September 2023, supposedly at Duterte’s behest, “to influence” her decisions on the agency’s bidding processes, including its controversial P11-billion computerization program.

In her affidavit, Mercado said a total of nine envelopes labeled “‘HoPE’” and “50K” were handed to her by former DepEd assistant secretary Sunshine Fajarda. She added that Fajarda, the wife of DepEd special disbursement officer Edward Fajarda, would usually tell her “galing kay VP (from VP).” Mercado stopped short of calling the cash offering a bribe, saying the word was too “harsh.”

But she said she was forced to quit her post after a meeting with bidders for the agency’s acquisition of computers and other equipment when she “firmly

IN spring 2020, I was filling up my car at a gas station near my home in Atlanta, when a large pick-up truck pulled up close. A man got out, pointed his finger at me and yelled, “Take your COVID back and go home.”

As a Chinese American male, I’ve unfortunately had many moments like that in my lifetime. But this one was different, because the man was repeating a rhetoric he had heard from the president of a country I had served for 24 years in the U.S. Army. I locked the gas pump. I glanced at my reflection in the car window. I took a deep breath, and turned to face him.

“Which ‘home’ do you mean, sir?” My voice was louder and deeper than I expected it to be— my family calls it “the Colonel voice.” “Do you mean my house just down the road? Or where I was born in New Haven, Connecticut? I haven’t been there

Public Lives

asserted that the procurement must be implemented and conducted in strict adherence with the rules.”

As accusations go, those made by the former DepEd official certainly involve major transgressions of law, but it goes without saying that she must provide evidence to substantiate her claim beyond mere words and white envelopes anyone could have purchased from a stationery shop.

Picture of composure

But Mercado succeeded where House members had failed in drawing Duterte out of her cocoon of studied indifference. Until Wednesday, September 25, the former education secretary had been the picture of composure amid the brickbats coming her way, looking like she had no care in the world while she posed for pictures on a Calaguas Island beach. (The sojourn was “fake news,” her office would claim until a police report exposed the lie, prompting a belated admission that it was an “official trip.”)

At a hastily called press conference hours after Mercado’s bombshell testimony, Duterte described her accuser as a “disgruntled former employee.”

“If she makes any accusations, [Mercado] should have documents,” she rightly noted. Duterte then turned the tables on Mercado, alleging, among other things, that the latter solicited P16 million from private companies using the secretary’s name without authorization. Her office presented to the media a supposed solicitation letter signed by Mercado with the DepEd letterhead. In response, Mercado said it was DepEd’s external partnership that was in charge of inviting funders for the Guro program. “The two corporations are willing to give an affidavit that I have no solicitation from them of P16 million,” she said. It’s imperative that authorities get to the bottom

of the matter, because what’s lost in the “she-said, she-said” circus is the real scandal—the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) that has long been riddled with inefficiency and irregularity.

Not a mere footnote

A Commission on Audit report in 2023, Duterte’s last full year as head of the agency, showed that DepEd’s “noncompliance with existing laws and regulations” prompted the disallowance of P2.2 billion in funds for its banner projects. Among those tagged noncompliant was DCP, which logged a 23.3-percent utilization rate despite receiving P11 billion each in 2022 and 2023.

At a recent hearing of the House appropriations committee, DepEd Director Ferdinand Pitagan

confirmed that only P2.18 billion had been released to purchase computers, laptops, and smart TV sets since 2022. Why DepEd sought another P11 billion for the same program in 2023 is a mystery only its former leadership can explain.

Mercado’s allegations, too, demand a serious investigation by either the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman, and must not end up as a mere footnote in a House committee report. As for Duterte, it is in her own interest to face the allegations head-on rather than play the victim and attack her accuser’s character or motive. If Mercado’s claims are groundless, as she argues, the vice president would do well to clear her name through transparency, not obfuscation. (Inquirer.net)

Hate crimes will rise if Trump becomes president

in a while. Or do you mean one of the Army bases I was deployed to as a soldier in Iraq defending your right to speak to me like that?”  He was startled. The roles had been reversed. He was being called out, and he clearly had not expected me to confront him. He was now the person feeling threatened even though my intent was merely to stand up to this bully. He didn’t say anything. He pulled his baseball hat down low, got back in his truck, and drove away. I let out a slow breath as I returned to the gas pump. At that moment, I decided that every time I would go out during the pandemic—for groceries, for medicine, for a walk just to get some fresh air—I would wear a rotating closet of Army apparel. It would be my shield, along with my stature—I’m a tall, broad, muscular guy. But hundreds, thousands of other Asians and Asian Americans didn’t have those shields while Donald Trump was president.  Donald Trump repeatedly and aggressively stirred anti-Asian

hate across the country.. As president. Trump used the bully pulpit of his office to legitimize and weaponize his repugnance, empowering thousands of people to believe that hateful rhetoric and violence were not only acceptable, but American.

From March 19, 2020, to December 31, 2021, a total of 10,905 hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islanders were logged according to data collected by Stop AAPI Hate, an organization formed in response to the alarming escalation in xenophobia and bigotry resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. And those are only the ones that were reported. Elderly Asians were the most at risk, often unable to defend themselves. They were beaten on subways, in building lobbies, and just walking down the street. There is one instance at the start of the pandemic in April 2020 that particularly haunts me: a 39-year-old Asian woman in Brooklyn was taking her garbage out, and a neighbor threw boiling oil on her. She suffered chemical burns to her face, neck, shoulder

and back.

Throughout his presidency and after it, Donald Trump agitated this hate and fostered senseless violence. The January 6 insurrection that Donald Trump directly incited was not just an attack on the U.S. Capitol but also on democracy and the rule of law. It resulted in injuries to Capitol Police officers, some of which ultimately resulted in death. The fever pitch continued just a few months later with the Atlanta shootings on March 21, 2021, when a gunman targeted several Asian spa businesses and ended up killing six women of Asian descent among two others.   Trump’s presidency instilled fear and trauma into millions of Asian Americans across our nation, including my mother, a Chinese orphan who was raised by nuns at a convent in Virginia. My mother died from COVID-19 just days before the vaccine became available. She did everything she was supposed to—she masked, she distanced, she hand-sanitized. And yet, she got sick. I think often of Donald

Trump’s reckless encouragement to ignore the guidance of health officials, resulting in mass public endangerment and angst.

have to carry pepper spray in their pockets, where they don’t worry about people attacking women that look like their grandmother on the street, where they don’t call me and beg me, their threecombat tour veteran father, to stay home to be safe.  I have spent most of my adult life in service of defending our great nation, and ensuring safety and security for each of us, and everyone we love. However if Donald Trump becomes president again, I guarantee you we will be under the threat of violence and hate again. We can’t go back to the age of terror and fear under Trump. Vote for Kamala if you want to live in a country of hope, optimism, and opportunity for all.  * * * 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. * * * John Tien was the first Asian American to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2021-2023. ranDy

WHEN, against all expectations, Rodrigo Duterte won the presidential elections in 2016, people wondered how long the former Davao mayor could maintain the sudden surge in popularity that had propelled him to the nation’s highest office. His parochial experience as the autocratic political boss of a Mindanao city barely prepared him for the immensely complex tasks of managing the affairs of an entire country, especially in a time of geopolitical tensions. Analysts expected the Duterte myth to swiftly unravel after he assumed office. But, as it turned out, the Duterte regime did not only survive; it also emerged with the highest approval and trust ratings at the end of its six-year term. This was unprecedented. In the absence of a constitutional provision

In the last year of her life, my mother was afraid to go outside–all because of Trump. Yet, she still believed in this country and the promise of the American Dream. She was proud that I retired as a U.S. Army Colonel and served under two presidents – Bill Clinton and Barack Obama – in the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the White House National Security Council. I only wish she had lived just one more year to see me get sworn in as the United States deputy secretary of homeland security.

When I told my wife and daughters of what happened at the gas station, I asked them to always try their best to be safe, but also to be unafraid and unwavering in their optimism for America. I want a better future for my two halfChinese American daughters. I want a country that does not give mouthpieces to politicians who build their career on hate. I want a country where my daughters don’t

The unraveling of a corrupt enabling system

allowing reelection, the continued popularity of the Duterte political brand presaged the rise of the outgoing president’s daughter Sara as his logical successor.

But for the fact that the younger Duterte lacked the self-assurance and bravura of her father, she could have been president in 2022. In any case, she could have garnered more votes than Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in that election. Yet, Sara Duterte agreed to step aside and run as vice president to Marcos, despite topping the pre-election polls. Her dream political marriage to Marcos Jr. was shrewdly brokered by two powerful women—former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who has sought to magnify her political clout by acting as Sara’s mentor, and Sen. Imee Marcos, Marcos Jr.’s elder sister and friend to Sara. While the Duterte patriarch did not approve of the partnership, he decided it was futile to impose his will on his headstrong daughter.

The tacit understanding behind this partnership was that, in

exchange for Sara’s gracious collaboration in the Marcos family’s single-minded quest to retake Malacañang 50 years after being driven out of power, the Marcoses would support her run for the presidency in 2028. By then, it was expected that she would have gained sufficient experience in leadership at the national level to be worthy of the presidency.

As expected, this north-south coalition of the country’s two most powerful political dynasties could not outlive the limited purpose for which it was forged. If the Dutertes were looking to get their share of power as befits a real political partner, they could not have been more wrong. Vice President Sara did get appointed secretary of education, a position from which, her supporters hoped, she could strategically project her presidential ambitions. But, outside the education department, she remained a political nonentity. Her father’s appointees, who for six years inhabited the juiciest and most powerful

sinecures in government, were summarily removed from their positions as soon as the Marcos team took over.

At the House of Representatives, Duterte’s key ally, Arroyo, failed in her bid to re-assume the allpowerful position of speaker, after Malacañang made it clear that it preferred Martin Romualdez, the president’s first cousin, to head the House. Arroyo’s return to the speakership, an expected reward for her role as matchmaker, would have enabled her to control key appointments to the chamber’s most crucial committees. But the new administration had other plans, and these did not require her participation. The final blow came with her unceremonious ouster as senior deputy speaker. Perhaps nothing is more emblematic of the changing of the guards at the House than the expulsion from the corridors of power of the acid-tongued Rodante Marcoleta, the Sagip party list representative who was one of the Duterte regime’s most feared hatchet men. It was

Marcoleta who led the assault on the ABS-CBN network to deny the renewal of its franchise and compel its closure as a broadcast company. The other day, the mighty Marcoleta was relieved of all his positions in major House committees, which had been the source of his outsized influence. A worse fate than merely being fired or marginalized had befallen another Duterte stalwart—the vociferous Harry Roque, former party list representative and former Duterte spokesperson. Today, Roque faces possible prosecution for various kinds of criminal offenses in connection with the dubious services he provided to illegal offshore gaming operators and the allegedly unexplained wealth he accumulated during the Duterte years. Like the cult leader and Duterte spiritual adviser Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, who was recently captured after a massive police search of his Davao stronghold, all of Duterte’s enablers and perpetrators have become potential targets of congressional investigations.

This apocalyptic process is what we are seeing unfold in both the Senate and House hearings. Never has the cause of justice depended more on a rift within the ruling class than on the strength of the political opposition. Deprived of the material resources (e.g., confidential and intelligence funds), political clout, and access to political patronage (e.g., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. funds) to keep their enabling system going, the Dutertes are finding themselves deserted by their allies. Given how rapidly the world of Dutertismo is collapsing, if Sara Duterte does not become president in 2028 or sooner, father and daughter and their legion of enablers may all likely end up in jail. (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.

* * * public.lives@gmail.com

10 frat men get 40 years for deadly Castillo... The US is mailing Americans COVID...

your policies and laws. I want to emphasize that the school, the university, the civil law department, and the dean himself failed to protect our son,” she said.

The university, she said, must make changes after “failing as [the] second parents” of young men like her son.

“The dean himself should have acted sooner,” she said.

In response, UST law dean Nilo Divina, an alumnus of Aegis Juris, defended the school, saying UST and its faculty had consistently upheld policies to promote the safety and welfare of all students.

“Unfortunately, no institution is immune to individuals who choose to disregard these measures. We remain committed to ensuring a safe environment and will continue improving our efforts to prevent such tragedies from happening again,” Divina said in a Viber message.

Left on sidewalk

Castillo was found unconscious and covered by a blanket on a sidewalk in Tondo, Manila, on Sept. 17, 2017. His arms were badly bruised, while candle wax drippings marked other parts of his body.

He was later taken by a man to the Chinese General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A police autopsy later showed that he died of a massive heart attack.

On Sept. 25, the Manila police filed complaints for murder, obstruction of justice, perjury, robbery, and violation of the antihazing law against 18 Aegis Juris members at the Department of Justice. John Paul Solano, an Aegis Juris member who surrendered to the authorities after being identified as the one who had brought Castillo to the hospital, was among those initially investigated.

Only 10, however, were charged in court based on their direct participation in the initiation.

In October 2017, Castillo’s parents filed a supplemental complaint against 18 more fraternity members, including Divina. It was later dismissed for lack of evidence.

In 2019, Solano was found guilty of obstruction of justice and sentenced to up to four years in prison.

ROTC revival The Manila court’s decision came days after Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino reported President Marcos’ order to expedite the passage of a bill reviving the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in colleges and universities, where hazing had also been known to occur.

The program was abolished in 2001 following public outrage over the killing of another UST student, Mark Welson

Chua, who had exposed corrupt practices in the university’s ROTC program.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed confidence that the Manila court’s decision would help end fraternity-related violence in the country.

“May this verdict against (Castillo’s) killers serve as a stern warning against all fraternities and organizations that still refuse to end their culture of hazing,” Zubiri said in a statement.

“The recent verdict is a clear message that no one is above the law—those who perpetrate such acts will face justice,” he said, adding: “The law will find you and you will pay for your crimes.”

Zubiri noted that Congress amended the antihazing law following Castillo’s death in its effort to “put a stop to the barbaric hazing practices that have taken too many young lives.”

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also welcomed the ruling against the Aegis Juris fraternity members.

“[T]oday marks a victory for the rule of law against the evil of hazing,” Gatchalian said, adding:

“Alongside the pursuit of justice for other hazing victims, we must also ensure that our institutions, including schools and law enforcement agencies, work diligently to eliminate hazing.” (Jane Bautista / Inquirer.net)

I have old tests that are beyond their expiration date. Can I still use them?

If you already have COVID-19 tests at home, check the expiration date on the box. Many of the tests have been given an extended expiration from the date listed on the box. You can check on the Food and Drug

Administration’s website to see if that’s the case for any of your remaining tests at home. Are these tests actually free?

There’s no cost for households requesting the tests, but U.S. taxpayers have already paid a significant amount for the testing program. Since COVID-19 first began its spread in 2020, the U.S. government has poured billions of dollars into developing and purchasing COVID-19 tests as well as vaccines. The Biden administration has given out 1.8 billion COVID-19 tests, including half distributed to households by mail. It’s unclear how many tests the government still has on hand. (Inquirer.net)

Malacañang debunks another alleged...

Pilipinas, not prohibited drugs.

“Some individuals are using these kinds of content to propagate a wrong narrative. If a video or photo is shared in the wrong context, it becomes easy for some to convince the public to believe in wrong information,” the narrator of the video said in Filipino.

The PCO called on the public to know the complete story behind such videos and to examine their details.

The giving of the lapel pin was a “simple action that was given a different

interpretation” because some of the details in the story were lacking, the agency added.

The PCO said the blurring and cutting of clips and the sharing of information in the wrong context are effective ways to deceive the public.

The office also called on the public to “think critically, share responsibly” and to join the fight against fake news.

Marcos’ critics are claiming that he is addicted to illegal drugs, but the president merely laughed off the accusation.

Last week, the PCO cited a report by fact-

checker Vera Files stating that artificial intelligence experts from the Deepfakes Analysis Unit had found traces of manipulation in the video that tried to portray Marcos as a cocaine user.

The agency said the experts’ findings vindicated Marcos from “malicious individuals” who have been trying to slander him and cast aspersions on his character.

Officials have said the people behind the now-debunked video could face charges for violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act. n

GUILTY. A Manila judge finds 10 members of the Aegis Juris fraternity guilty of violating the antihazing law over the death of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III (left inset) in 2017. Some of the convicts are seen here being led out of the courtroom. The victim’s mother, Carmina, and other loved ones break down in tears (inset, right). Photos by Marianne Bermudez

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

NOTICE OF INITIAL PETITION FOR PROBATE ESTATE OF John Hai Hoang CASE NO: 37-2023-00023564-PR-PW-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: JOHN HAI HOANG aka SON HAI HOANG

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Szavrina Thuy Tien Hoang aka Tien Hoang in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO

The Petition for Probate requests that Szavrina Thuy Tien Hoang aka Tien Hoang be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 10/31/2024 Time: 01:45 P.M. Dept.: 503 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017915

KEM COFFEE AND BOBA located at 600 East 8th Street Ste 7, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Chan Dong Inc., 600 East 8th Street Ste 7, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/01/2024.

Signature: Linh Du. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/03/2024.

AJ 1504 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, 10/04/2024. AJSD 1504

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017615

Invisi-Shield LLC located at 4114 Swift Ave Apt 1, San Diego, CA 92104.

Registrant: Invisi-Shield LLC, 4114 Swift Ave Apt 1, San Diego, CA 92104. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/28/2024.

Signature: Jeremy Stoetzel. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/28/2024. AJ 1508 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1508

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018693

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018280

a. El Kafecito located at 2455 Otay Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92154.

b. El Kafecito Otay located at 2455 Otay Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: Denisse Melgoza, 553 Oxford St, Apt #1, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Indivdual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Denisse Melgoza. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/09/2024.

AJ 1505 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, and 10/04/2024. AJSD 1505

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018602

Captured by Nate and Nicole located at 8684 New Salem Street Unit 163, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Captured by Nate and Nicole LLC, 8684 New Salem Street Unit 163, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Nathan A Cespedes. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/13/2024. AJ 1509 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1509

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018575

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018229

Total Wireless Connection located at 8365 Paradise Valley Rd Unit 11, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Total Wireless Connection, 1836 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/09/2024.

Signature: Changmin Oh. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/09/2024. AJ 1506 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, and 10/04/2024. AJSD 1506

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017663

TT Fashions Shop & Alterations located at 5360 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Thi Diem Thuong Nguyen, 5360 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Thi Diem Thuong Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/29/2024. AJ 1510 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1510

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018737

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017745

Mission Gorge Auto Repair located at 6045 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120. Registrant: CarLot Inc, 6075 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/01/2024. Signature: Zamir Sultani. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/30/2024. AJ 1507 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, and 10/04/2024. AJSD 1507

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018641

Restempt located at 654 Jay Ct, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant: a. Octovio Scott Friz, 3360 Avenida Nieve, Carlsbad, CA 92009. b. Noeh Angel Provencio, 654 Jay Ct, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is conducted by A General Partnership. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/06/2024.

Signature: Noeh Provencio.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/13/2024. AJ 1511 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1511

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018734

Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1515

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019129

Aging Gracefully Care Of Tri-City located at 3218 Mira Mesa Ave, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant: Aging Gracefully Care Homes LLC, 1895 Avenida Del Oro #6605 , Oceanside, CA 92052. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/11/2024. Signature: Irene Palad. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/20/2024. AJ 1517 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024. AJSD 1517

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019397

BOHOLEO located at 4654 Louisiana Street, San Diego, CA 92116. Registrant: BOHOLEO LLC, 4654 Louisiana Street, San Diego, CA 92116. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Valorus Hyatt Cromwell Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Szavrina Thuy Tien Hoang 2143 Waterside Drive Chua Vista, CA 91913

619-694-6242 Publication Dates: 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024 AJ 1526 AJSD 1526

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018973

Realtime Garage located at 7847 Dunbrook Rd Suite #B, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Rexone Productions INC, 7847 Dunbrook Rd Suite #B, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Rex Guevarra. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/18/2024. AJ 1518 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024. AJSD 1518

at 11354 Red Cedar Ln, San Diego, CA 92131. b. Goodboy Coffee located at 11354 Red Cedar Ln, San Diego, CA 92131. c. Goodboy Burgers located at 11354 Red Cedar Ln, San Diego, CA 92131. d. Goodboy Breads located at 11354 Red Cedar Ln, San Diego, CA 92131. e. Goodboy Drinks located at 11354 Red Cedar Ln, San Diego, CA 92131. Registrant: R And M Provisions CO LLC, 11354 Red Cedar Ln, San Diego, CA 92131. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/31/2024. Signature: Remon Somcio. Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/30/2024. AJ 1524 10/04, 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25/2024. AJSD 1524

Nails By Tony located at 5063 Federal Blvd, San Diego CA 92102. Registrant: a. Huong Thi Phan, 153 San Jacinto Dr, San Diego, CA 92114. b. Tony Nguyen, 153 San Jacinto Dr, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by A Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/2021.

Signature: Huong Thi Phan.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024.

AJ 1512 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1512

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017819

Comfort Mavericks Heating and Air-Conditioning located at 1163 Via Sandia, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant: Comfort Mavericks LLC, 1163 Via Sandia, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/21/2024. Signature: Travis Hanna. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/30/2024. AJ 1519 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024. AJSD 1519

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017359 Premier Markets & Vending located at 11196 Capilla Road, San Diego, CA 92127. Registrant: MBBS Enterprises LLC, 11196 Capilla Road, San Diego, CA 92127. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Michael Becerra. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/26/2024. AJ 1525 10/04, 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25/2024. AJSD 1525

El Sorullo Paletas y Mas located at 3306 Stockman St, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: David Figueroa, 3306 Stockman St, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: David Figueroa. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/12/2024.

AJ 1513 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1513

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019217

Troy’s Trusses located at 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: a. Kevin Ariel Morales, 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. b. Paulino Morales-Solis, 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977

This business is conducted by A General Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/20/2022.

Signature: Kevin Morales. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/23/2024. AJ 1520 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024. AJSD 1520

SK Bakery House located at 710 Camino De La Reina, Apt 129, San Diego, CA 92108. Registrant: Silvia Fiorentini, 710 Camino De La Reina, Apt 129, San Diego, CA 92108. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Silvia Fiorentini. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024. AJ 1514 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1514

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018760

Riri’s Kitchen located at 815 Hal St, San Diego, CA 92102. Registrant: Lan Tuyet Nguyen, 815 Hal St, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/20/2024. Signature: Lan Tuyet Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024. AJ 1521 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024. AJSD 1521

Cyrstal located at 857 W San Ysidro Blvd #14, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: Samira Dawood Oshana, 857 W San Ysidro Blvd #14, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/16/2024. Signature: Samira Dawood Oshana. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024. AJ 1516 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1516

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019072

SERVER SD located at 1039 13th St, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Registrant: Jose Castillo Martinez, 1039 13th St, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/19/2024. Signature: Jose Castillo Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/19/2024. AJ 1522 10/04, 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25/2024. AJSD 1522

SAN DIEGO

Liza joins int’l entertainment company WILD

by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

LIZA Soberano received warm welcome as she joined the global entertainment company WILD as one of its talents.

The actress’ new management was announced through the label’s official Instagram page on Tuesday, October 1.

“We’re so happy to welcome the talented Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano to our WILD family,” it said, showing a portrait of Soberano.

The company further provided the contact detail for “any Singapore-related inquiries” for Soberano. Other than this, no details on the signing were immediately made public.

WILD, as per its website, is a “global entertainment company, marketing agency and music label” which aims to “connect AsianAmerican artists and talent worldwide, with a focus on Southeast Asia, South Korea and the United States.”

Other talents managed by the label are Tasha Low, Haven, Jam Republic, Lana, Seungyeon and Sorn.

“WILD’s global roster of talent ranging from artists, actors, hosts, and content creators each have their own stories to tell—as well as the initiative to grow their brand beyond their platforms,” the company said of its talents, per its website.

Soberano

Liza

“Above all, we bring out the best in our team by forging strong and lasting relationships, providing them with the right support, as well as giving the strategic and technical know-how to produce the highest quality work,” it further stated.

Soberano was previously managed by Careless, a label founded by actor-musician James Reid. Reid confirmed the actress’ exit in September, after weeks of speculations.

Reid further disclosed that Soberano herself decided to leave the agency, saying this was due to the actress and the company having different “career paths.”

Soberano, meanwhile, has yet to speak on the matter as of this writing.

Billy Crawford credits late father as biggest coach in life

MANILA — His work as a coach to “The Voice” kids has started, and Billy Crawford is definitely on the lookout for talents, aged between seven and 14, who will constitute his team. Hopefully, one of them will reach the finale show.

Billy simply banks on his years of experience as a singer and recording artist here and abroad.

Like his fellow “The Voice Kids” coaches Julie Anne San Jose and Stell and Pablo of SB19, Billy has a game plan, which he generously shared in a recent press conference for the reality singing talent show, airing Sundays at 7 p.m. on GMA.

“My strategy is that I have to tell and be honest with the kids and tell them that ‘This is a competition,’” said he. “Sa isang competition, may mananalo at may matatalo (in a competition, someone wins and someone loses), pero gusto ko ring i-embed sa kanila na di matatapos yung career nila dahil sa isang kumpetisyon (but I also want to embed or instill in them that their career will not end because of one competition).”

‘America’s Got Talent’ star Shadow Ace proud to represent Filipinos through shadow art

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipino entertainer

Philip Galit continues to raise the Philippine flag, performing shadow art as Shadow Ace following a phenomenal run in “America’s Got Talent” (AGT). Philip entered public recognition by reaching the semifinals on “Pilipinas Got Talent” Season 5 and the finals of “Asia’s Got Talent” Season 3.

He then made his way to the United States to reach the semifinals of “America’s Got Talent” Season 18 and was on Howie Mandel’s team for “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League” earlier this year.

The journey did stop there as

Philip was recently invited to perform with other “America’s Got Talent” stars in Las Vegas. He is the only one from the show’s 18th season.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Philip recounted his “Got Talent” journey and being able to represent the Philippines on a grand stage.

Philip found it really overwhelming but is still grateful and honored to experience his first-ever Las Vegas show, calling it a dream come true

“My experience was awesome and that really helped me a lot, especially when it comes to overcoming my fears and building my confidence that I am still working on until now,”

he shared.

He admitted shadow art was initially a pastime when he was younger, eventually becoming more serious when he started joining different contests, “That made me realize that this talent will take me places and I was right! I made it to AGT and VEGAS!”

He also acknowledged the difficulty of shadow art because of the need to showcase new tricks and moves in every performance, but he reiterated his gratefulness for possessing a creative mind to be able to conceptualize unique performances.

Asked what his favorite comment from any “America’s

Gretchen Barretto stuns fans, celebs with ‘fitspiration’ photo

by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

GRETCHEN Barretto flaunted her ageless beauty in a recent “fitspiration” photo, sending not only fans but also fellow celebrities Heart Evangelista, Anne Curtis and Bea Alonzo gushing.

Barretto looked radiant in a casual white tank top paired with denim shorts, with her hair in a sleek bun, as seen on makeup artist Mark Kingson Qua’s Instagram page last Saturday, Sept. 28.

“So nice to see you again,” Qua captioned his post. “Fitspiration ba kamo?”

Evangelista then took to the comments section to compliment Barretto, saying the latter’s photo is “a reminder — she is the queen.” Curtis and Alonzo likewise showered Barretto with praises, alongside other celebrities Iza Calazado, Phoemela Baranda, Nikki Valdez and Ciara Sotto.

In a separate post, Qua also shared the behind-the-scenes of his photo shoot with Barretto, showing the actress trying out

Billy added that he wanted the kids to also appreciate the importance of having work ethics and professionalism in the fields of performing and singing.

“And also how to love and to be passionate about their craft, which is singing,” shared he. “So, when it comes to performance, what I can also give them (as advice) is kung ito ang hilig nila (if this is something they want to do or they’re interested in doing), they really have to give their heart.”

It’s safe to say that all this is a glimpse of Billy as a coach of “The Voice Kids,” although he has also shown his coach side in “The Voice Generations.”

In life, Billy has had coaches or influences who have inspired him to chase his dreams and helped him navigate his entertainment careers,

from being a child actor-performer to becoming an international singer and a well-known actor.

“One of my biggest coaches in my life was my father,” said he, adding that his dad gave him a sense of awareness about work and professionalism. (His dad sadly passed away on Sept. 22.) “And I’ve always wanted to be like or at least close to my father.”

However, the idea of coaching is not something new to him.

“I love coaching my kid, Amari,” said Billy, who is married to actress Coleen Garcia. “We try to give them (our kids) the best coach in life at kami yung tinitignan nila araw-araw (parents, like me, are the ones they look up to).”

“I’ve been given this platform to actually motivate kids and to teach them certain things like tricks and trades that we know as coaches and

we can share with the kids. That’s why it’s a big responsibility (to be a coach), nakaka-pressure, but the experience of being a coach, it’s not so new to me, pinangarap ko na ito matagal na (I’ve dreamed this for long), like I’ve always wanted to help performers enhance whatever skills they have,” added he.

Following Billy’s train of thought, one could gather that an artist should always try to perfect his or her craft. Regardless of the artist’s chosen field — be it singing, acting or painting, he or she has to work hard and put his or her (heart and) soul into it.

“It feels good to be a coach, and (for) all of us, our roles in life are to coach and teach good to others, kumbaga automatic na tayong coaches,” said he.

That’s why, when the opportunity to coach for this new edition of “The Voice” came along, Billy took and grabbed it. After all, it is his way of paying it forward and helping aspiring singers.

“I’m just really thankful and blessed that I’m given this opportunity, siguro makabalik lang sa kapwa ko whether kahit anong edad (maybe just to help others), but it’s just a blessing na makaka-coach pa ako sa mga kabataan (to be coaching the young ones),” said he.

For Billy, no matter what age, one can start anything, such as discovering and pursuing one’s talent, let’s say, for singing, as one may add.

“It’s just such a beautiful thing to see innocent children having their dreams and fulfilling their dreams, even makatapak lang sila dito sa entablado (them stepping on the stage to perform) without knowing if they will pass (or go to) the next round or not, just the experience, it’s a lifetime core memory, and I hope people will see it. That’s why it’s such a beautiful program to have, it is such a beautiful program to watch,” concluded he.

Shadow art performer Philip Galit, more popularly known as Shadow Ace

Gretchen Barretto.

Photo from Instagram/@mkqua

by jerry DonAto Philstar.com

Beverly Salviejo, an entertainer with a heart

My P.E.P.

I REMEMBER when I reported for work as a writer at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Press and Information Office in Makati City, I rushed to the elevator and I saw then-DTI

Secretary Mar Roxas, my boss, with his son Paolo (who finished an economics degree from Yale University), a handsome teenager at that time.

Mar and Korina Sanchez were not yet sweethearts. Korina was working for ABS-CBN as a broadcaster.

Paolo recently celebrated his birthday and he is helping his constituents in Capiz. One time, I saw him in a video with his cute young brother and sister Pepe and Pilar (children of Mar and Korina).

* * *

At young age, Mikee Cojuangco, daughter of Peping and Ting-Ting Cojuangco, was already aware of what was happening in the Philippines: “I just came from a family reunion on August 21, 1983, the death anniversary of my grandfather. Others fetched Uncle Ninoy (Aquino) at the airport.”

She continued: “We, the younger ones, were left in Dasmarinas Village, Makati. When my cousin’s mother went home, my cousin asked the whereabouts of Uncle Ninoy. Then her mom said, ‘He was assassinated!’ We were shocked. We couldn’t do anything but listen to the news on Radio Veritas.”

For Mikee, it was different for a nine-year-old concerned about the welfare of the country and current events. She also remembered that two years before her uncle’s assassination at the tarmac, they visited her Uncle Ninoy in Boston, Massachusetts: “I was only seven years old... Uncle Ninoy was serious to me. He didn’t treat me like a child. Whatever he thought about politics, he discussed it directly whether I understood what he said or not. I really value

the fact that he treated me like an adult. We were really taken good care of. He had plenty of ideas. He was so deep. I was so inspired.”

She said, “We should not forget the Filipino people who displayed the moral courage to do what they thought as right regardless of the consequences, especially when the going was rough, for the sake of freedom and democracy.”

She is now a Filipino sports official, equestrienne, model and former actress/TV host. She brought home the gold at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

* *

*

Liberty Insurance Corp.

president and CEO Josefina M. Salvador, a CPA, says: “Everything that I do I need to write down and polish it, to know what I am supposed to do within the day and when to finish it, so that becomes my guide. In that manner I know it is a stressful environment because of the attitude that I’ve acquired. I know what to do and the direction to take. But there are occasions we cannot avoid it, there are deviations from the normal things that we do.”

Because of the working attitude she has acquired, she is adaptable to the stressful environment beyond one’s control. Since she is a CPA, the correlation of numbers is meaningful to her for numbers would her tell if something is right or wrong.

Sundays for Jo is exclusively for family matters. She sees to it that she does not bring her work problems at home. She does domestic work, cooks, washes clothes and attends to her kids’ basic needs. She and her family go to church together and visit her parents’ house which is a few meters away from their own home. When her kids were still young, she remembers she personally taught them and had to take a leave of absence to prepare them for their exams in school. Now all her kids are successful professionals in their own fields.

As to her personal philosophy in life, she says she is a simple person who sees to it that she musters all her efforts to help our less fortunate brethren in the best, small way she can as she prays and gives her trust to the Lord for everything, she believes, has a purpose. By praying and asking guidance from the Lord

is how she manages Liberty Insurance Corporation, a nonlife insurance entity that adheres toward leadership, integrity and commitment.

* * *

Former broadcast journalist and war correspondent Ignacio “Toting” Bunye is my uncle (my paternal grandfather belongs to the Bunye clan). I met him again during the recent arts exhibit of his visual artist son-in-law, Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, a former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, who is the husband of Atty. Trisha Bunye. He served as congressman and mayor of Muntinlupa. He

Black Eyed Peas debuting Taylor Swift-inspired AI member at 2025 Las Vegas residency

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

THEATRE star Lea Salonga emphatically said no when she was asked about her being named as a National Artist.

Salonga, who recently had her own Madame Tussauds wax figure in Singapore, would instead like to champion Dolphy as one of the country's National Artists.

"No, no, no. No, there are folks who are far more deserving and whose National Artist Awards are long overdue," she said during the ambush interview with the press including Philstar.com after the award ceremony of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining 2024 held on Friday, September 20 in Samsung Theater in Circuit Makati.

Salonga was feted for her body of work and accomplishments in theater. The Broadway star is a Tony- and Laurence Olivier awardee, as well as a nominee of the Grammy Awards. Beyond theater, Salonga was named a Disney legend in 2011 for work in some of Disney's well-loved titles, including "Mulan" and "Aladdin."  "I would love to see somebody like Dolphy, for example, it is because we have to judge him as an artist for his body of work," the Broadway legend said.

"And he has contributed so much, even the movies where he's crossdressing, it lends so much

tolerance and so much acceptance for the LGBT community," she added.

The late Dolphy started his career as early as the Bodabil (vaudeville) days during the Japanese occupation in the country in the 1940s. He also dabbled into radio and transitioned to making films and TV shows.  Dolphy was known as the "King of Comedy," starring in the movie "Facifica Falayfay" and TV shows and their spin-offs of the same name, "Home Along Da Riles" and "John en Marsha."   Comedy was Dolphy's strength,

but he was also a serious actor that tackled relevant and social issues in films like "Markova: Comfort Gay," which was among the entries to the 2000 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Dolphy died on July 10, 2012 at the age of 83.

"Even if that was not his intention at the time, that was an effect, an after effect that I don't think he could have foreseen, but that's just an example of why I think he should be heralded first," Lea said.

"So, hopefully I'll be given the opportunity to champion him," she concluded.

Ria’s favorite role of Zanjoe

by lyKa nicart Philstar.com

MANILA — Zanjoe

Marudo and wife Ria Atayde have officially entered their parenthood era!

The celebrity couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on Sept. 23. It was none other than Ria’s ecstatic mom, Sylvia Sanchez, who shared the happy news on Instagram.

The veteran actress took to the platform to express excitement over becoming a first-time grandma, sharing a video at the hospital following her daughter’s successful delivery.

“ Lola na ako !!! Yahoooo!!!,” Sylvia wrote as a caption in the video reposed by Zanjoe via Instagram stories. Newbie mom Ria, meanwhile,

to date,” said Ria.

The two tied the knot at a civil wedding ceremony last March, a month after announcing their engagement.

also became press secretary and Monetary Board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. His mother is a pre-war movie actress with the screen name Gloria Imperial whose younger sister Mila del Sol was also a movie darling of her time.

*

* * Actress-singer Beverly Salviejo is an Aliw Awards Hall of Fame awardee. She appeared in the sitcom “Urbana at Feliza” (which starred Mitch Valdez and Nanette Inventor) as Lou Veloso’s maid. Since then, she had been invited in some TV shows and movies. She was interviewed by GMA-7’s Jessica Soho. I saw her in many TV series

like Forevermore, Imortal, Toda Max, Pintada, Princess and I, My Little Juan, Got to Believe, FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano, Pusong Ligaw, and Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. I recently watched her in GMA7’s Wish Ko Lang where she won a recognition for her acting ability. She also won in the 7th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards where the three of us (Elizabeth Oropesa, Beverly and me) won recognitions. I first met Beverly in TahanTahanan (a haven for kids with cancer) in East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City where we both volunteered to entertain the patients.

* * *

One evening at nostalgic singalong bar Music Box The Library, owned by Jerick Gadeja and Andrew de Real and managed by Arnold Anota, on Quezon City’s Timog Avenue, I joined some members of Vince Tanada’s Philstagers, singer-actress Sarah Liroe Javier and other friends in relaxing after a tireless series of shows of Juan Luna Isang Sarsuela.

* * * 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. * * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com

City of San Diego conducts extensive cleanup at

Wightman

Street neighborhood park in City Heights

More than 8,000 pounds of trash, furniture and bulky items removed during multi-department effort

SAN DIEGO – In an extensive cleanup effort recently focused on Wightman Street Neighborhood Park in the Chollas Creek neighborhood of City Heights, City of San Diego crews cleared more than 8,000 pounds of trash – including large appliances, mattresses, boxes and clothing – caused by illegal dumping and encampments.

The city had received complaints about conditions along the Auburn Creek corridor, which is connected to the stormwater channel just behind Wightman Street Park, with large amounts of debris and hazardous items left behind. More than 60 Get It Done encampment reports had been submitted for this location.

Planning for a coordinated cleanup operation requires collaboration between multiple departments and service providers.

“Illegal dumping is harmful to our environment and takes up valuable city time and resources that could be used on other services for our residents,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I thank our city crews for their hard work cleaning up the park, and I ask all San Diegans to do their part by disposing of waste properly and reporting illegal dumping when they see it happening.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, multiple teams from the Environmental Services Department (ESD) and Stormwater Department worked together to clear trash and debris from in and around the channel. Teams from Urban Corps of San Diego County and Alpha Project partnered with city crews to get the work done.

“Every San Diegan deserves the respect, health and safety that comes with living in a clean neighborhood. For too long, nearby residents weren’t able to enjoy those basics, and an entire community of people worked together to overcome the challenges in this area,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera.

“In addition to the city workers involved in the cleanup, I’m grateful to SAY San Diego, Affirmed Housing, City Heights CDC, PATH, local property owners and residents who remained engaged with my office throughout this process, monitoring activity in the area and offering services to unsheltered folks which eventually allowed this space to be reopened to residents so that families can once again enjoy Wightman Street Neighborhood Park.”

Got Talent” judge, Philip told Philstar.com it was when Simon Cowell called his talent “silly and creative” and that he would make it to the final round. Since performing in Las Vegas, Philip has been performing in corporate and social events as well as doing interviews with networks to discuss representing the Philippines abroad. His exposure led him to people in the music industry who tapped him for short clips for songs by the Black Eyed Peas, the Chainsmokers, Meghan Trainor, Kris Allen, and more. “I would definitely strive for greater performances

A 24-hour notice was posted in advance of the cleanup, according to the city’s abatement procedures, so that individuals could pack up and remove any belongings. The city’s Neighborhood Policing Division also visited the site to connect with individuals in the encampments prior to the abatement. They offered available services and shelter, but the offers were declined.

The area is regularly monitored and cleaned by the Stormwater Department’s channel maintenance team. Illegal dumping of trash and large debris can obstruct downstream infrastructure such as stormwater pipes and culverts. Cleanup efforts like this one contribute to improved downstream water quality.

“We are working in close collaboration with the Stormwater Department to ensure that culverts and storm runoff areas are clear and fully prepared for the upcoming storm season,” said Franklin Coopersmith, Deputy Director for Environmental Services. “This is a complex effort involving multiple teams. For this particular cleanup, we had approximately 30 personnel involved, from those operating chainsaws to cutting down trees, to crews removing trash, and others documenting the process. This work will continue on a regular basis to maintain these critical areas.”

Residents are encouraged to properly dispose of bulky items. The city offers a Mattress Recycling Program; for other large items, community cleanup events are held throughout the year, and residents can also visit WasteFreeSD.org to find recycling and donation options.

It is illegal to dump trash and large items on the sidewalk or into stormwater infrastructure including storm drains and channels. Illegal dumping is dangerous to the environment, contaminating soil and water. Stormwater runoff is untreated and can collect pollutants as it flows into local waterways and beaches. Violators can face fines of $1,000 for disposing trash and other materials into the stormwater system.

People can report illegal dumping and trash near creeks or stormwater infrastructure on the Get It Done app, or by calling 619-235-1000 or emailing swppp@sandiego.gov to report any instances of illegal dumping. (City of San Diego Release)

and together with my new talent management, our kababayans, need to watch out because I am preparing for something new and unique that will surprise them very soon! Shadow Ace

motivated whenever I participate in international talent shows because I always feel the love and support of every kababayans I meet. They always say that they are proud to be a Filipino because of me and that is the best feeling ever.”

Rogelio Constantino Medina

Paolo Roxas (left) with his dad Mar Roxas Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina Mikee

Cojuangco-Jaworksi with Chino Hansel Philyang

Singer-actress Sarah Liroe Javier and director Vince Tanada at Music Box The Library.

Rogelio Medina (left) with Ignacio “Toting” Bunye

Rogelio Medina (left) and Jerick Gadeja at Music Box The Library

Jo Salvador (right) and Rogelio Medina flank a life-size poster of Liberty Insurance endorser Dingdong Dantes.

From left: Rogelio Medina, Beverly Salviejo and Elizabeth Oropesa at Okada Hotel.

From left: Rogelio Medina, Pilar Mateo, manager Arnold Anota, and owner Andrew de Real at Music Box The Library.

The celebrity couple, Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on Sept. 23.

posted a photo of Zanjoe cradling their bundle of joy. “Fave role of yours

Mayor Gloria, city councilmembers,

community leaders

flip the switch on new Convoy District gateway

sign

New neighborhood sign welcomes visitors to San Diego’s Pan-Asian cultural district

SAN DIEGO

– A new gateway sign to mark the Convoy District on Convoy Street was lit for the first time on Monday, September 30 during a celebration attended by Mayor Todd Gloria, City Councilmember Kent Lee, former Councilmember Chris Cate and several community leaders. The sign is one facet of a multi-year plan to revitalize the district, which was designated as a Pan-Asian Cultural District in 2020 in tandem with an update to the Kearny Mesa Community Plan.

“This gateway sign for the Convoy District is not only a symbol of community identity and pride, but also represents the city’s desire to officially recognize and properly promote this vibrant and distinctive cultural district,” said Mayor Gloria. “I’m grateful to the area’s business leaders, residents, and the Asian Business Association Foundation for all their work marshalling the resources to make this gateway sign project successful and for all they do to make the Convoy Pan Asian Cultural District a wonderful San Diego destination for all of us.”

The vertical sign stands 30 feet high, lights up at nighttime and features patterns and designs that honor Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities. It is intended to mark the district as a cultural destination, similar to those in other city neighborhoods with landmark signs such as North Park, Hillcrest and Little Italy. The sign is located in the median on the 4600 block of Convoy Street, between Dagget Street and Engineer Road.

Since the 1990s, the city has seen the rise of Pan-Asian businesses and cultural influences along the Convoy Street area, including businesses on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Mercury Street and Balboa Avenue. From a group of core family businesses, a thriving cultural district has developed into a regional destination. In recognition of this, six freeway signs, installed on Interstate 805 north and south, were unveiled in 2022 to direct visitors to the district.

“When you see this sign, you’ll notice it isn’t

like many other community gateways in our city. It’s pointing straight to the sky, symbolizing how San Diego’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community is always reaching for greater heights,” said Councilmember Kent Lee, who represents the Convoy corridor and City Council District 6.

“The Convoy District was built by immigrants, refugees, families and entrepreneurs who believe in San Diego, and their achievements have created a community so special that it warrants the installation of this official landmark – and with this project, the Convoy Pan-Asian Cultural and Business Innovation District will continue to flourish as a nationally-renowned hub of culinary, economic and cultural activity.”

The Convoy Gateway sign has long been a part of the vision to enhance the Convoy District, and the city’s FY23 adopted budget included funding for the sign, which was followed by an agreement put in place with the Asian Business Association Foundation (ABAF). The agreement included $986,000 for the design and construction of the sign, a process which was coordinated by ABAF who engaged community stakeholders in the process.

“The Convoy District welcomes thousands of visitors every day, serving as a vibrant cultural and economic hub in our city,” said Asian Business Association San Diego President and CEO Jason Paguio. “We’re proud that Convoy now has a neighborhood sign, joining the ranks of San Diego’s unique and celebrated communities as we continue to grow and develop. Welcome to Convoy!”

The Kearny Mesa Community Plan, approved in 2020, calls for various enhancements to the district, including the addition of the sign, more pedestrian-friendly streets and access to mobility options, and increased housing and recreational opportunities.

(City of San Diego Release)

Honor beloved pets for Día de los Muertos and consider adopting a new

COUNTY Animal Services is honoring the lives of beloved pets who have passed as part of the Day of the Dead. This cultural tradition, which celebrates the memory of loved ones, including pets, invites the community to share a photo of departed pets and consider offering some of that love to a county shelter pet.

“Día de los Muertos offers us a special moment to remember the pets who have enriched our lives with unconditional love. By celebrating their memory, we are reminded of the joy they brought and the lasting impact they’ve had on our hearts,” said Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice. “We also encourage the community to visit and consider adopting a new companion, so we can create more memories and love-filled homes for animals in need.”

From October 1st through November 2nd, Animal Services will feature special Día de los Muertos displays at its Carlsbad and Bonita shelters. The community is welcome to join in this heartfelt celebration by contributing photos of pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. These photos will be placed on ofrendas, or Day of the Dead altars, that are beautifully decorated with flowers, candles and treats to commemorate the pets that have passed but remain in our hearts.

How to participate:

• Bring a printed photo of your beloved pet to the lobby at either our Carlsbad or Bonita shelter during the month of October.

• Your pet’s photo will be displayed on the Día de los Muertos ofrendas, where we will honor their memory. We will share a photo of the ofrenda on Día de los Muertos.

• While you’re visiting, take time to meet our wonderful adoptable pets who are eager to find their forever homes.

County Animal Services set up the displays to provide comfort and connection to those grieving.

Consider opening your hearts and homes to the many pets waiting for adoption.

All animals adopted from county shelters will be spayed or neutered, have vaccinations, a microchip and a one-year license for dogs in the service area.

Please visit County Animal Services’ Adoptions page and browse the beautiful and lovable animals from cats to dogs to pigs, roosters and a chinchilla available now. Animal Services staff recommend that people pick out a second and third choice too, just in case your first choice is already chosen by another person.

Walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at both the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road

San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria addresses the crowd during the Convoy District

Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.

(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office)