Norcal 8/3/23

1 August 3-9, 2023

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

THE PREMIER FILIPINO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN THE U.S. SINCE 1961

Vol.62 No.51 August 3-9, 2023

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

EX-CABINET SECRETARY SAYS COMELEC CHIEF CONFIRMED 2022 POLLS MASSIVE CHEATING

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

Californians told to brace for yet another hot summer

MANILA – By his latest statements coupled with his actions, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia virtually confirmed that massive cheating took place in last year’s presidential polls. Page 9

By Jun Nucum

Upside

FilAm wins lone US gold in French kickboxing tilt (First of 2 Parts)

By CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

SAN FRANCISCO - Although the last years of summer in California have been at times unbearable, no real relief is in sight yet from possible heat waves that are usually even are characterized by forest fires that devastate many cities in the Golden State.

In fact, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, temperatures in California have risen almost Page 8

Elderly AsianTyphoon ‘Egay’ death toll hits 53; American women at great risk of state of calamity proclaimed assault in SF

Ex-Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

QUEZON CITY – Typhoon Egay battered Northern Philippines, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s home province of Ilocos Norte, Central Luzon, Metro Manila and surrounding areas during the past days and left in its wake massive destruction to infrastructures, agriculture and other sectors to the tune of over P5 billion and killed at least 53 persons,

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

including 26 passengers of a boat SAN FRANCISCO - One of which sunk in the Rizal province the most despicable of all hate side of Laguna Lake at the height crimes are physical assaults on the of the typhoon. elderly, often causing injury and in The National Disaster Risk Re- one recent case, death. duction and Management Council Three such attacks took place said 52 people were also reported last month in San Francisco, home injured in over 849 typhoon-related to one of the biggest Asian and incidents.

Asian American communities in The destruction triggered by the country. heavy rains and winds Page 8 Two of the victims Page 8

Max and Susan Diño and their Logan delivers a high kick, a sigson Rayden traveled to Slovenia nature savate move. to cheer Logan.

A

Southern California teen stunned herself, her family and her coaches by bagging the gold medal at the Savate Boxing Youth World Championships June 22-24 in Podcetrtek, Slovenia.

Fourteen-year-old Logan Elle Diño, who is of Filipino Vietnamese parentage, literally

kickstarted her way to sports celebrity status by winning the first and only US gold in the competition. Her team was the first ever to represent the United States in the ages 13-17 class, making history all around.

“We were in disbelief when the referee raised Logan’s Page 11 arm,” the champ’s

US Embassy airs fears over Manila Bay reclamations PHL debt further climbs to P14.15 trillion as of end-June VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

May Conditional Permanent Residence file a petition?

Maine, Arjo are married, on tour in Europe

After World Cup, hopes high for Filipinas

Page 16

Page 19

By A�y. Lozano

Page 14

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August 3, 2023 1:30am

 NATIONAL NEWS

August 3-9, 2023

2

Comelec chief maintains 2022 polls results not rigged MANILA – The Commission on Elections ( Comelec) strongly denied allegations the results of the 2022 national and local elections ( NLE) were rigged.

In a statement, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia junked in detail the arguments raised by the camp of former Information and Communications Technology undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. In particular, Rio raised concerns about the transmission of results from a “private and similar IP address” in areas of Metro Manila, Cavite, and Batangas in last year’s polls.

“Walang requi rement sa batas na dapat iba-iba o pare-pareho ang IP address ng lahat ng modem ( There’s no requi rement in the law stating that all modems should e di erent or similar addresses Garcia said as PNA reported.

Garcia explained that there were around 20,300 modems which have the

same IP address last year.

These 4G network modems, he said, were purchased for the Comelec-leased vote counting machines ( VCMs) as well as to cover the 5,00 damaged modems from VCMs purchased in 2016 and were later refurbished for last year’s polls.

Garcia assured that all these modems underwent necessary tests.

He, however, noted that it would take the Comelec more months if it opted to change all IP addresses of the 20,300 modems.

“Walang epekto at walang pagkakaiba sa accuracy, legitimacy, at functionality ng transmission, ang pareho man o magkakaibang IP address ng mga modems here s no e ect or di erence in accuracy, legitimacy, and functionality of transmission, whether the modems have similar or di erent addresses arcia said.

The poll body chief also refuted allegations of a “man-in-the-middle” in the transmission of NLE results.

Garcia said if this was the case, there should have been inconsistencies in the result.

“Walang intermediary o man-in-themiddle sa pag-transmit ng mga resulta ng halalan noong 2022 NLE dahil tugma ang mga resulta mula sa mga polling precincts at resulta na naita-transmit sa Comelec servers ( There’s no intermediary or manin-the-middle in the transmission of NLE 2022 results because the results from the polling precincts are accurate with the results transmitted to Comelec servers) ,” he said.

Both the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting ( PPRCV) and the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections ( NAMFREL) showed 99.97 percent accuracy between the printed election

returns and the electronically-transmitted ones.

Garcia also noted that the strongest basis would be the ballots that are under the custody of the city and municipal treasury, alongside its secured scanned images kept by the Comelec.

He said the result of a random manual audit from the said ballots in 748 clustered precincts showed 99.949 percent accuracy.

Besides these arguments, Comelec also explained how it was feasible for them to receive 20 million votes in its single server considering the capacity of modern transmission.

The Comelec earlier provided Rio’s camp with both digital and printed copies of the 2022 N LE transmission logs.

It was also made available for public access after it was uploaded to Comelec’s o cial e site at comelec gov ph

Rep. Teves, 12 others tagged as ‘terrorist’ over Degamo slay MANILA — The Anti-Terrorism Council ( ATC) has designated suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. as a terrorist for allegedly masterminding the March 4 massacre of Gov. Roel Degamo together with nine others while meeting inside the family compound in Pamplona town where his wife is mayor.

In a decision made available to the media, the council also named the suspended Teves, who was in the United States d ring the time of the illing and later ed to Timor Leste which he applied for citizenship, as the leader of the “Teves Terrorist Group.”

The lawmakers’ younger brother and former governor Pryde Henry Teves, his alleged bagman Marvin Miranda, and 10 others were also tagged as terrorists, local media like ABS-CBN reported.

The ATC also tagged those involved in the so-called

terrorist group Teves’ former bodyguard Nigel Electona, Tomasino Aledro, Rogelio Antipolo, Hannah Mae Oray, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., and Jomarie Catubay.

In its resolution dated July 26, the ATC said Rep. Teves was the alleged leader and mastermind of the group, while his brother and Electona “provided material support.”

“Investigation also reveals that Hannah Mae Sumero Oray handles the operational funds for the killings while Marvin H. Miranda acts as organizer and recruiter of personnel for specific terrorist attac s the said The designation ended a months-long process for the to rand eves as an alleged terrorist a plan first announced by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in April.

“In this case, the activities that led to the killing on March 4, all are covered under the anti-terror law: the recr itment the financing the p rchase of firearms the distri tion of firearms em lla said e also remains suspended due to his continued absence from his duties at the House of Representatives.

The Degamo camp had expressed support for the

move to tag Teves as a terrorist, with lawyer Levito Baligod saying they had “concrete evidence” linking the embattled lawmaker to terror groups in Mindanao.

“We have concrete evidence to prove that he is... in a tactical alliance with the communist terrorist group and the local terrorist groups in Mindanao,” he said. day efore eves terrorist tag as o cially announced, his alleged gunman Alex Mayagma was killed in a police operation inside his rooster farm in Barangay Malabugas, Bayawan City on Monday.

CRAME, Quezon City – The Philippine National Police ( PNP) has implemented the courtesy resignations of senior police o cials -- three generals and colonels - after these were accepted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

“We have implemented the order or the acceptance so we issued the appropriate orders with regards to the acceptance, with regards to the process, I leave that to the DPRM ( Directorate for Personnel and Records Management) ,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a chance interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City .

“He ( President Marcos) gave the letter, we received the letter, we get the acceptance letter so we implemented it,” he added.

Acorda, however, said there is a procedure to be observed regarding the enefits of the resigned police officials hich incl de three generals and colonels s these o cers are already deemed resigned corda said the positions they would vacate would be im-

mediately filled p hey senior o cers have options to appeal but whatever their next course of action, I will leave it to them. But on the part of the PNP, they are already deemed resigned,” said Acorda.

“Any vacuum that will be created because of this acceptance and implementation sho ld e filled p immediately. ( This is) Organization so structural when somebody is being relieved or resigned or retires meron naman papalit palagi ( there’s always a replacement) ,” Acorda explained.

Acorda, meanwhile, hoped that the courtesy resignations of their senior o cers early this year o ld e the last for the police organization.

“On the part of the whole organization, I am reque sting for all of us to continue to work. We should not be a ected y this o tcome and hat ant is that each and every personnel will continue to implement and do our law enforcement operations professionally.

PNP enforces order on resignation of 3 generals, 15 other ranking cops

3 August 3-9, 2023

 NATIONAL NEWS

PHL debt further climbs to P14.15 trillion as of end-June MANILA — The nationtrillion y the end of t the start of the year al government’s outstanding ne the rea of the rea- the government debt was debt inched up by 0 .4% to sury ( BTr) reported. trillion The amount was up by illion from the previous month.

The treasury bureau said domestic borrowings still made up the majority of total de t stoc amo nting to trillion hile the rest or trillion are from foreign loans oreign de t fell y or illion as the peso s appreciation o set ne loan in o s Domestic debt rose by or illion as the government issued more onds to finance re irements.

Meanwhile, the BTr said the government’s total guaranteed obligations dropped y or illion to illion as of endJune, due to net repayment of domestic and e ternal guarantees amounting to illion Since the hilippines has more than doubled its de t as it so ght to finance ig-tic et infrastr ct re pro ects and f nd its pandemic response.

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 METRO NEWS

August 3-9, 2023

4

Pasig River rehab pressed, inter-agency council formed MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has constituted the “InterAgency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development” as part of the administration’s response to the urgent need to rehabilitate and enhance the qua lity of life along the banks of Pasig River.

A four-page Executive Order ( EO) No. 35, issued on July 25 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stated that the inter-agency council will be responsible for facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems.

The inter-agency council will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, vice chaired by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairperson, and will have 13 member agencies -- Public Works and Highways, Environment, Interior and Local Government, Tourism, Transportation, Finance and Budget departments; National Historical Commission of the Philippines,

National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Laguna Lake Development Authority and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

Aside from facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the river, the council is also tasked to formulate a Pasig River Urban Development Plan and implement a coordinated and integrated rehabilitation of the Pasig Riverbanks system and nearby water systems.

It is also tasked to ensure that easements provided under Republic Act 386 ( Civil Code of the Philippines) and other relevant laws are followed; study, prepare and implement a comprehensive shelter plan for relocation of informal settlers; and, accept grants or any assistance from D EE. o i ion on Ele �on o orro n�ng ro lai Er in l o a t e t ird no local and foreign sources subject to exist- inee o t e An� ri e and errori o nity n ol e ent and ort A arty li t ing laws, rules and regulations.

The council is directed to work closely with the national government agencies ce The council is directed to submit a and local government units to review the asig iver and recommend to the existing Presidential issuances related to of the President the repeal or amendment qua rterly report on the implementation of the EO. the rehabilitation and development of the of the same.

Court summons witnesses in De Lima’s last drug case MUNTINLUPA CITY– The Muntin- tor Leila de Lima to testify in court when lupa Regional Trial Court ( RTC) Branch hearings resume in September and Octo206 has ordered three witnesses in the ber. remaining drug case against former senaThe court issued the order after the

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prosecutors reque sted for the issuance of a subpoena to former policemen Froilan Trestiza and Rodolfo Magleo, and gang leader Jaime Patcho, who were recently transferred from the New Bilibid Prison ( NBP) to the Sablayan Penal Colony.

Presiding Judge Gener Gito scheduled the three to testify on Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 16.

In a notice, all parties were advised to attend the hearing online through videoconference.

The case involves allegations that De Lima tolerated widespread illegal drug trade in the Bilibid while she was the Department of Justice secretary.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the court also advised the parties that the motion for reconsideration on the denial of temporary liberty for De Lima remained pending but did not mention when a reso-

lution would be issued.

Magleo, a former police chief inspector convicted in 2004 for kidnapping, and resti a a former police o cer also convicted for kidnapping for ransom in 2007, earlier told investigators how the late prison leader Jaybee Sebastian regularly enjoyed privileges and had direct contact with De Lima. Sebastian died in 2020 at the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 pa ndemic.

Patcho, a prison gang leader, also told investigators that Sebastian advised them to assist him in coming up with funds to bankroll De Lima’s senatorial campaign.

The Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 e arlier denied a motion for reconsideration filed y government prosec tors re esting the lower court to take a second look at its decision to acqui t the former senator in one of her three drug charges.

TAGUIG CITY – The city government of Taguig hopes for a smooth transition on the transfer of the Fort Bonifacio military reservation and 10 barangays of Makati City to its jurisdiction.

In a press statement , the city government said Makati Mayor Abigail Binay’s remarks that she will respect the ruling of the Supreme Court ( SC) on the case should pave the way for an orderly transition to ensure continuity of public service.

“We propose that the two cities create a joint transition team that would work together. The transition team would coordinate with national agencies and all stakeholders for the speedy and orderly transfer of administration,” the statement said.

The same statement added that it is “prepared to take on the responsibility of governing the 10 barangays with the same fer-

vent commitment and solicitude it has done with its 28 barangays”.

In a video posted on Facebook early this ee inay clarified they o ld comply with the high court’s ruling declaring these areas belong to Taguig City.

Binay made this remark after the SC rejected Makati’s omnibus motion asking to allo the filing of a second motion for reconsideration.

Binay also declared that she and the Makati government would coordinate with the concerned departments and agencies of the national government for a seamless transition.

Before the latest resolution released this June, the SC in September 20 22 already denied a ati s first motion for reconsideration assailing the 20 21 decision of the high court.

NCR Covid-19 positivity rate down to 2.7% - OCTA

5 August 3-9, 2023

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Mayon, Bulusan volcanoes heighten activities DARAGA, Albay– An increase in eruptive activity has been observed in Mayon Volcano by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology ( Phivolcs) .

“Mayon Volcano showed increased eruptive activity, which included ashing and volcanic earthq uakes happening together,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said, Meanwhile, Phivolcs said eight volcano-tectonic earthq uakes were generated at the Bulusan Volcano from 9: 0 8 a.m. to 10 : 46 a.m.

The strongest of these q uakes in K anlaon were magnitudes 0 .7 and 2, and occurred between 4 to 7 km. deep.

Phivolcs urged aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid ying close to the both volcanoes’ summit, as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

Ashing refers to small, brief emissions of volcanic ash and gas into the atmosphere.

Although alert Level 0 ( normal) has

been maintained over the Bulusan Volcano, Phivolcs said the recorded changes may progress into further unrest and potentially trigger steam-driven or phreatic eruptions from any of the active vents.

Volcanic earthq uakes, on the other hand, are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano, compared to tectonic q uakes which are caused by fault movements.

“Usually, small amounts of volcanic ash stay at the summit. But if there’s a strong wind, the ash may drift towards populated areas,” Bacolcol said.

According to Phivolcs, intermittent ashing began at around 6 p,m. of July 31. The ashing consisted of low-freq uency volcanic earthq uakes that typically lasted for 30 seconds fter the ashing lava rapidly o ed from the summit crater through established channels ith previo s lava o s and roc falls, adding that lava does not necessarily o rapidly after an ashing

Bacolcol said the observed eruptive activity was not related to the weather condition.

He noted that it is best for people in those areas to wear face masks to avoid inhaling ash particles as a short, 10 0 -meter gray ash plume was observed drifting northeast. ava o s mean hile reached ilometers and 60 0 meters along the Bonga and Basud gullies, respectively.

A total of 258 volcanic earthq uakes including one tremor that lasted 1 minute and 30 seconds; 57 ashing events and 10 0 rockfall events have been recorded during the volcano’s 24-hour observation period.

Volcanic sulfur dioxide ( SO2) emission averaged 2,325 tonnes on July 31.

Mayon Volcano is still under alert Level 3 and in a relatively high level of unrest.

Hazardous eruption within weeks or days is possible.

Phivolcs reiterated that the 6-km. radius permanent danger zone should remain

evac ated d e to the danger of lava o s rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

Bulusan Volcano Weak degassing at the summit crater has been observed during the past few days.

Although alert Level 0 ( normal) has been maintained over the Bulusan Volcano, Phivolcs said the recorded changes may progress into further unrest and potentially trigger steam-driven or phreatic eruptions from any of the active vents.

Local government units and the public are reminded of the entry into the 4-km. radius permanent danger zone, particularly near the vents on the south southeastern slopes, should be avoided due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steamdriven or phreatic eruption, rockfall, and landslide.

Phivolcs urged aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid ying close to the both volcanoes’ summit, as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption.

KWF vows to make gov’t messages easily understood The K omisyon sa Wikang Filipino ( K WF) on Monday vowed to deliver the government’s messages to every Filipino in the languages they can understand and speak, even in the remotest parts of the country.

In her speech during the opening of the month-long observance of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 20 23 at Quezon Memorial Shrine in Quezon City, K WF director-eneral

Marites Barrios-Taran underscored the importance of properly communicating government initiatives and programs to let everyone know that they have a working government.

“Sa panig ng K WF, kami po ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa halos lahat ng antas at sangay ng pamahalaan upang maipaabot sa pinakadulo at pinakaliblib na lugar sa Pilipinas ang mensahe ng gobyerno, sa wika na

Plan to return to old name of Manila airport revived

kanilang naririnig, nauunawaan at sinasalita ( On the part of the K WF, we are collaborating with almost all levels and branches of the government to convey the government’s messages to the farthest and most remote areas of the Philippines, in the language they hear, understand and speak) ,” she said.

“Mahalaga po ang pakikipag-ugnayang ito sapagkat kailangang madama ng mga tao

na ang gobyerno nila ay nagtatrabaho para sa kanila, na iniisip ang kanilang kapakanan, na sila ay binibigyan ng importansya, ng pagpapahalaga at ng pagkalinga ( This communication is important because people need to feel that their government is working for them, considering their welfare, giving them importance, value and care) ,” she added.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

August 3-9, 2023

6

SC clears VP Sara’s husband, another lawyer in admin raps MANILA – The Supreme Court ( SC) has dismissed for lac of merit an administrative complaint filed against two lawyers, including the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a resolution made public recently and promulgated on June 14, the SC First Division cleared lawyers Edgar Dennis A. Padernal and Manases R. Carpio of wrongdoing in a complaint filed y e resident and S iss national Aldredo Honegger and his Filipina wife Lumenaria between 2014 a nd 2018.

The Honeggers had been sued by another Swiss national, Bernhard Burch who obtained a judgment against them for more than P6.2 million from a Manila court, which was upheld by the Court of Appeals ( CA) . Separate suits for estafa and libel as well as violation of the etail rade i eration ct ere also filed y rch against the couple. deportation complaint as li e ise filed efore the Bureau of Immigration against Honneger and is now pending.

The two lawyers, however, denied that the suits they filed ere frivolo s and insisted the same ere ased on legitimate grievances.

In clearing the lawyers, the SC reiterated the Integrated ar of the hilippines s findings that there is no proof to substantiate the complaints. he mere filing and prosec tion y ttys adernal and Carpio of multiple suits against Alfredo and Lumenaria do not, by themselves, constitute unethical conduct deserving of administrative sanctions,” the SC said adding that the lawyers “cannot be penalized for their resort to remedies allowed by law.”

Carpio, 47, is the nephew of former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, and his father’s cousin is the VP Sarah Duterte and husb and Manases R. Carpio The Honnegers, in their administrative complaint, former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio however, claimed the numerous cases against them were Carpio.

Manases and Sara have three children Mikhaila filed to harass them and said the t o la yers sho ld e made lia le for allegedly filing cases hich are aseless Marí a, and two biological sons, Mateo Lucas and Marko Digong. and meant to harass and oppress them.

Senate ‘strongly condemns’ China’s harassment, incursions in Wes PHL Sea

By Jennifer T. Santos

MANILA – The Senate has adopted a resolution that strongly condemns China’s continued harassment of Filipino fisherfol and its persistent inc rsions in the West Philippines Sea. Philippine Senate Resolution No. 718, which is principally authored by Senate President Juan Miguel”Migz” Zubiri and Sen. Risa Hontiveros, also urged the Philippine government to take appropriate action in “asserting and securing the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.”

The resolution, Zubiri said, embodies the sentiment of senators who were in cons ltations yesterday ith o cials of the epartment of oreign airs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP) .

“We came out with strong consensus yesterday after the discussions with the West Philippine Sea Task Force, together ith the hief-of-Sta eneral omeo) Brawner and DFA Secretary ( Enrique ) Manalo. And actually, we never atered do n the resol tion that e filed e act ally strengthened the first resol tion that e initially filed ith Sen isa said Zubiri.

Last week, Resolution No. 659 was filed a thored y ontiveros and sponsored on the oor y iri rging the DFA to sponsor a resolution before the United ations eneral ssem ly U calling on hina to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels in the WPS. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government ... And the beauty of this is, with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues, we have come out unanimous,” the Senate leader stressed.

“Also, the resolution articulates the sentiment of the Filipino people, and incorporates the views of responsible ex-

ecutive agencies. Their inputs shaped the final lang age of the resol tion iri added.

“Although authorship is ours alone, e can say that the te t as in enced y Senate-Executive consultation,” he said.

It also asked the Department of Foreign airs to ring international attention to China’s harassment, assert the enforcement of the 2016 ruling of the arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea, and to file a resol tion efore the United ations eneral ssem ly to end hina s harassment.

“When it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission. In the face of relentless China propaganda since last week, we held our ground,” Hontiveros said. he fight against hina s rec less behavior in the West Philippine Sea does not end here,” she added.

Last week, Resolution No. 659 was filed a thored y ontiveros and sponsored on the oor y iri rging the DFA to sponsor a resolution before the United ations eneral ssem ly U calling on hina to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels in the WPS. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government ... And the beauty of this is, with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues, we have come out unanimous,” the Senate leader stressed.

“Also, the resolution articulates the sentiment of the Filipino people, and incorporates the views of responsible executive agencies. Their inputs shaped the final lang age of the resol tion iri added.

“Although authorship is ours alone, e can say that the te t as in enced y Senate-Executive consultation,” he said.

The adopted Resolution No. 718 enumerates the reasons China’s continued incursions in the WPS remain illegal,

starting with its violation of the 2016 landmark ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration ( PCA) , which held that there was “no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the nine-dash line” and that China’s claims ran contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “Rather than comply with the decision, the Chinese government has instead chosen to ramp up its harassment of Philippine vessels, including those of the co ntry s fisherfol navy and coast guard, thus undermining peace and stability in the region,” the resolution read.

“In clear violation of the Arbitral ard hina has ilt artificial islands in vario s parts of the S - fortified with airstrips, military installations, hardware and equi pment-and has militarized at least three of those artificial islands arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming e ipment and fighter ets it added The resolution also noted that in June and July of this year, the Philippine Coast ard and military o served the increased presence of Chinese vessels and maritime militia swarming the Recto Bank and Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.”

“If we have not manifested our position, then it is as if China had succeeded in muzzling the Philippine Senate, “ he pointed out.

The resolution then enumerated the options the Philippine government can take in addressing China’s incursions in the WPS aside from holding dialogues with the Chinese government: 1. Bringing international attention to hina s harassment of ilipino fishermen in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; 2. Utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness

on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea; 3. Engaging like-minded countries in various international organizations, meetings, and other fora to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; and subject to necessity and prudence, 4. Filing a Resolution before the United ations eneral ssem ly to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the Philippines’ established rights in the West Philippine Sea; and 5. Pursuing such other diplomatic modes as the Department of Foreign Affairs may deem appropriate and necessary.

“So we thank our dear colleagues that with these options, we stand by each other and by our country. Regardless of political color, regardless of where we come from politically, we are together when it comes to the sovereignty of our country.

And I am very proud of this Senate for doing so,” Zubiri said of the resolution.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin earlier said the government is considering all actions available in the United Nations to address issues that the country is facing in the West Philippines Sea. “We are not ruling out anything because that is also part of our diplomatic tact, bringing this to the attention of the U United ations eneral ssembly) or the Security Council,” Bersamin said. “Nothing is given up there, nothing is abandoned. All these options are open to us.”

Ambassador Henry Bensurto Jr., lead counsel of the DFA’s legal team when it first filed the case against hina in said Beijing continues to reject the 2016 Hague ruling because “of their knowledge and their analysis that they can change us [ Philippines] .”

“China knows it is wrong...but for China to understand that and to accept that, we ourselves must be able to make them understand that,” Bensurto said.

Confusion...(From page 1)

 NATIONAL NEWS California.. (From page 1)

August 3-9, 2023

8

peratures are recorded where some forest fires are also reported n a recent press riefing hosted y thnic edia Services and alifornia s ce of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications ( OCPSC) , the chief heat o cer and director of climate emergency mo ili ation for the city of os ngeles alerted as much.

“This is not your grandmother’s summer arta Seg ra chief heat o cer and director of climate emergency mobilization for the city of os ngeles arned at a ly press riefing Seg ra as oined in the riefing y U rofessor elly rner r cia Abascal of the State Department of Public Health, Dr. K imberly Chang, of Asian Health Services and Sandra Young, founder of the i teco ndigeno s omm nity rganizing Project.

OCPSC had launched a $ 20 million “Heat Ready California” campaign to help people stay safe from the deadly e ects of extreme heat.

Segura also noted that neighborhoods that have been short-changed in access to nearby public parks and green spaces that might o er shade or hose residents have to travel farther to get health care, also have higher incidence of heat-related health problems. os ngeles ants to ta e the lead y investing in those areas that have been historically neglected,” Segura said. As part of the eat elief for campaign she said, all 73 libraries will be open, along with

10 cooling centers.

Turner spoke of how urban development has created “heat islands” where asphalt predominates over shade and green space.

“Something as simple as a shade structure— strategically placed tree plantings, awnings, or bus shelters — can reduce people’s body heat temperatures by tens of degrees,” Turner informed. “Currently, most alifornians are e ectively living in shade deserts.”

The hotter temperature, however, is dependent on the place you are in as it gets worse according to where you live. n a research cond cted in acoima in os ngeles San ernando alley it as found out that less than 10 % of the space at the schools provided shade.

“Play yards need less asphalt and more shade,” Turner advised.

Other research has shown that some types of dwellings, such as mobile homes, even when air-conditioned, can’t always be s ciently cooled For her part, Abascal believes that of all the natural disasters, heat is the main killer. t s very very important for everyone to understand the dangers of heat. Stay cool,” Abascal reminded. “For those who can’t afford to run their home air conditioning or don’t have any, she recommended libraries, malls or cooling centers. A list of these and other resources is available by county at the “Heat Ready California” website.”

Abascal also exhorted everyone, especially high-risk populations such as those

with disabilities, the young, the old, and pregnant women to stay hydrated and also stressed that even somebody is healthy, he can still s er from heat stro e i iness leg cramps, disorientation are three warning signs. o nder of the i teco ndigeno s Community Organizing Project Sandra Young addressed the circumstances of agricultural workers, acknowledging that most are undocumented and therefore less likely to challenge employers about substandard working conditions.

Often, even when water is available, it’s too far from where the workers are to make it easily accessible without risking heat exhaustion and lost earnings.

Dr. K imberly Chang of Asian Health Services addressed some iss es for communities in Oakland, where she works, and in the entral alley here in a single decade there was a 53% increase in heatrelated emergency department visits and hundreds of deaths. n a land despite the relatively temperate climate, her clients too often live in crowded apartments, without elevators.

Older adults, who typically have lost some of their innate ability to regulate their body temperatures, need to be mindful of what they’re wearing – Bay Area residents often dressed in layers to protect them from cold – and wear more white instead of black, Chang observed. n general looser light eight clothing and deploying fans are also simple but effective strategies,” Chang underscored.

in distribution of assistance and in coordinating goverment e orts in response to the typhoon.

The NDRMMC said 675,357 families or individ als ere a ected y gay t said persons have een displaced and 17,349 were pre-emptively evacuated. he a ected areas incl de regions provinces, 449 cities and municipalities, and 4,255 barangays. n ang ed ra arcos ass red the victims of the super typhoon that everything they need has already been prepared by the

government.

“K aya kami nandito para tiyaking na maayos ang takbo at magbigay ng instruction para maging maliwanag kung ano ‘ yung dapat nating gawin,” President Marcos said during the distribution of government’s assistance to Egay victims in Bangued.

Prior to the distribution, the President presided over a sit aton riefing on the effects of super typhoon Egay from the governors of Abra, Benguet and Mt. Province and various government agencies involved in disaster response e orts

The Department of Social Welfare and Development ( DSWD) has provided P5.62 million orth of assistance to the a ected residents with the help of the local government nit U of ra and the ce of Civil Defense ( OCD) – Cordillera Administrative Region.

At least 8,375 family food packs and 5,926 other food and non-food items were also made available for the victims of super typhoon Egay while 96 gallons of water and 1,142 hygiene kits were provided to the affected residents.

ers but possibly great grandmothers. The t she s ered the orst fate passtwo were victims of unprovoked attacks in ing away after she had been pushed to the were Asian women in their 80 s, meaning downtown San Francisco in July. ground. they were most likely not only grandmothThe third victim was much younger at A report that came out in The San Francisco Standard said that the most recent victim ho as in her s s ered life-threatening injuries including internal bleeding. She had been thrown and kicked to the ground.

A witness to the attack was able to detain the s spect identified as ames ee Ramsey. Charges against him are pending.

A week before, an 86-year-old woman was also pushed to the ground in a similar nprovo ed assa lt She s ered non-lifethreatening injuries, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

Names of the victims were not released altho gh in the first case the person who attacked the helpless victim was described as a Caucasian male in his 30 s.

The two recent attacks came after another victim was fatally shoved, causing her to hit her head on the ground. The injury proved fatal.

The SFPD initially ruled the incident an accident, but later determined that it was a hate crime.

Data from the SFPD says that the

sian merican and acific slander community comprise 11 percent of assault victims citywide and 25 percent of elder abuse victims, making them the highest percentage among all racial groups.

Filipinos and Filipino-Americans are incl ded in the category Nationwide data culled by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism last year found that anti-Asian hate crimes went up by 339 percent in 20 21 compared to 20 20 .

Being the most vulnerable, seniors have s ered the highest increase in attacks since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic began. San Francisco experienced the highest increase in assaults against the comm nity ever seen last year, with a hike of 567 percent compared to 2021.

The data should serve as both a warning and a reminder that senior citizens should never be left alone in areas where attacks have been known to take place. t m st e noted that something as simple as a shove can result in fatal conseq uences. So even if an attacker is apprehended, it may be too late for the senior citizen.

3° F since the beginning of the 20 th century and in the 126-year period of record ( 1895– 20 20 ) , the six warmest years have all occurred since 20 14 ( 20 14, 20 15, 20 16, 20 17, 20 18, and 20 20 ) .

But no way has the hottest temperatures been uniq ue to California or even in the hole United States either n fact ednesday ly marked the 17th straight day with global temperatures hotter than any prior days on record, have recorded surface air temperatures greater than 17° C ( 62.6° F) — spikes that have not been seen for roughly 125,0 0 0 years and the record may be broken again and again as the days go on.

Professor Michael E. Mann, Scientist/ Author; Pres Dist Prof/ Director Center for Sci S stain the edia U enn at Acad of Sci.; Tyler Prize; Mastodon: @ MichaelEMann@ fediscience.org wrote “July will be the warmest month this planet has seen in modern history ( and plausibly the past 120 ,0 0 0 years) .

This extreme weather condition is not good not just for the environment but for the people in the planet as ell as the os Angeles Times reports that between 20 10 and 20 19, the hottest decade on record, California s o cial data from death certificates attributed 599 deaths to heat exposure. And that is for California alone. ven places in reece Spain and other parts of Europe where the weather is cold most of the time in a year, the hotter tem-

Typhoon.. (From page 1)

prompted locos orte agayan ampanga, Bataan, Cavite, Abra, Mountain Province, and Apayao and over 10 0 areas in the country to declare a state of calamity.

Other towns or cities which made the declaration were Dagupan City in Pangasinan angar and na in a Union al mpit Hagonoy, Paombong and Pulilan in Bulacan; and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. resident arcos e to the a ected areas incl ding ra and locos orte and led

Elderly...

(From page 1)

9 August 3-9, 2023 Ex-Cabinet... (From page 1)

So says former Cabinet secretary Eliseo Rio Jr, who presented to media late last month what he says is further proof that the results of the elections showing Ferdinand Marcos Jr beating Leni Robredo for the presidency were invalid.

Rio, a retired Armed Forces of the Philippines general whom former president Rodrigo Duterte appointed as Information and Communications Technology secretary, had been reque sting the Comelec to release to his camp the transmission logs of the results of the 2022 pol ls.

There was “something” in the results of that bothered Rio from a technical standpoint. He was not alone. IT experts also raised doubts over the unbelievably fast count of the votes, much faster than even the vote count in US presidential elections.

Last week, Rio raised a point that had not been addressed before.

Why did thousands of Vote Counting Machines use just one IP ( internet protocol) address during the May 2022 elections? As a technical man, Rio explained that it defies a technical principle in networking that in a Single Private Network, there can only be ONE IP address for each device in it.”

That IP address is 192.168.0.2 and does not belong to any of the three telcos, Globe, Smart/ PLDT, or DITO. Instead, it

was unlawful “man-in-the-middle” router/ server.

Garcia replied in the vernacular, saying that there is no legal requi rement that di erent or similar addresses co ld e shared by one modem. here is he added no e ect and no di erence in the acc racy legitimacy and functionality of the transmission.

Rio replied that this was only true “from a lawyer’s perspective.”

Rio concluded: “The fact that Comelec now admits that thousands of VCMs used just one IP address actually is proof enough that the 2022 election was rigged.”

Earlier explanations by the retired general bear this out.

Within one hour after the polling places closed, it was announced that Marcos Jr. had established an insurmountable lead over Robredo.

The key, as far as Rio was concerned, was in the transmission logs and the omelec finally agreed to release those logs to the retired Science and Technology secretary after more than 200 da ys.

On March 20 of this year, the poll body told Rio and company to head for the omelec s head o ce in anila on March 23 to pick up the transmission logs.

Rio along with fellow retired AFP officer eonardo dono did as they ere

asked. Odono, a former colonel, is part of the group of IT experts led by Rio collectively known as the TNT group.The retired o cers are no saying that omelec chief Garcia had tried to pull a fast one over them. What they were given were not transmission logs, but reception logs.

The reception logs only showed what was received, not what was transmitted.

Rio and Odono raised the prospect of the reception logs receiving false data.

In a letter that was made available to local media, Odono pointed out that the Comelec head himself had announced during a forum at the Ateneo de Manila University late last year that the poll body was able to count 12 million votes within the first ho r after polls closed n another presentation, however, the Comelec head said they were able to produce the results of 20 m illion votes.

The eight million vote discrepancy has never been explained by the Comelec.

Perhaps it was due to “software a s dono as ed The nearly useless reception logs only gathered data from Vote Counting Machines, which transmitted alleged results to a central server.

He reminded the public that Namfrel ( the National Movement for Free Elections) had warned of the possibility of cheating in the run-up to the elections.

A banker and IT expert, Franklin Isaac, backstopped the “TNTrio” – another name of Rio’s group coined by a growing number of believers – and its conclusion that there were “gross violations of the conduct of the May election.”

Isaac is also former president of the Finance Executives Institute or Finex.

The third member of the TNTrio aside from Rio and Isaac is yet another techie, Gus Lagman. Odono has joined some of their activities not as a former military man, he says, but as a Filipino.

If Garcia and his Comelec commissioners cannot prove TNTRio’s conclusion is wrong, “then somebody is guilty of rigging the election,” says Isaac.

Respected columnist Jarius Bondoc said it est hen he said the ood of -million pl s votes ithin the first ho r of voting was a barrage that “shocked ( and) awed us to silence” and into submission.

The millions who attended the Leni Robredo rallies could not believe that Marcos Jr – whose rallies were usually sparsely attended by participants expecting free food and P500 gi fts – had won.

Garcia is not expected to give further data which could be of use to Rio. Garcia was, after all, the election lawyer of Marcos Jr. who went on to appoint the former to head the poll body after the latter was “elected” president of the Philippines.

Duterte meets with Marcos, tackles visit to China, other issues MANILA – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte discussed with his successor, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his recent meeting with Chinese President X i Jinping in China.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go shared several photos of Duterte’s meeting with Marcos at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

Duterte’s visit to China was among the issues raised during his meeting with Marcos.

Duterte also gave Marcos “some good pieces of advice.”

Duterte met with X i at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China on July 17.

In an interview in Tondo, Manila on July 18, Marcos said Duterte need not seek his approval to hold a meeting with X i.

Marcos also hoped that Duterte and X i discussed the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea ( WPS) , following recent reports that the Chinese Coast Guard vessels shadowed and blocked two Philippine Coast Guard ships from entering Ayungin Shoal for a support mission in the WPS. Marcos said he is expecting Duterte to release a statement about what happened during his meeting with X i and see ho that a ects s The Chinese Foreign Ministry said X i “appreciates the strategic choice Mr. Duterte made to improve relations with China during his presidency.”

In June, Marcos said the “healthy” and “deepening” relationship between the Philippines and China outweighed the t o nations di erences

11 August 3-9, 2023

 OPINION

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A matter of human survival

T

his one bit of data should be cause not only of concern, but of alarm. For countless environmental scientists, it may even be cause for panic.

Last month, July of 20 23, was the hottest month in recorded history throughout the globe.

Let that sink in.

Planet Earth was at its hottest last month, and it is not known if that was the worst of it, or if it can worsen even more. And if it’s a case of the latter, then God help us all.

Climate experts could do little more than to report the grim fact. Some have raised their hands in surrender, while others are praying and wishing and hoping that it is not too late, that something can still be done to reverse the trend. he first three ee s of ly sa average temperat res trac even higher than the record set in 20 19. Last month also saw 21 of the planet’s 30 hottest individual days on record take place. he iggest tragedy is that red ags have een raised for decades he entire orld was told that climate change was taking place at a faster pace than most could believe, or choose to accept.

Climate change deniers would always say that extreme heat and extreme cold had been happening for centuries, if not millennia. They cite the Ice Age of around 10 ,0 0 0 years ago as proof that the earth and mankind could survive any global weather catastrophe.

Climate advocates and activists were dismissed as tree-hugging crackpots, with even poor Greta Thunberg treated as some kind of joke or meme.

With few exceptions, the world’s adults did not get why the young Swede was being so serious to the point of being an extremist. The world’s adults did not understand that she was speaking up for all of the world’s youth, as they are the ones who will inherit the dying planet.

As this is being written, extreme weather is taking place everywhere, causing not only mere discomfort but death in growing numbers.

Sadly, the solutions had always been known but hardly ever applied. It was known that burning fossil fuels was one of the biggest reasons why the earth’s climate is changing for the worst.

Minimizing this activity years ago by the biggest manufacturers to the smallest individual users may have arrested the planet’s decline. It did not happen and now it may be too late.

Just imagine, if July 20 23 was the hottest month in recorded history, what happens if it continues to worsen year by year?

The time may soon come when Earth will cease to be habitable. es this is the st of science fiction that paints a grim scenario of the planet ecoming a living hell, where all the water ceases to be potable and all the air becomes unbreathable.

If the world’s temperatures continue to rise, then all living things in both land and sea o ld s er greatly ntil death ecomes a elcome relief So is it too late to save the planet?

For our sake, we hope not. But all the governments of the world had better act now and take all the necessary drastic measures to save Mother Earth, which is literally and fig ratively on life s pport Our very survival is dependent on it.

(From page 1)

Upside

FilAm wins...

father Max Diño proudly told Inqui rer.net weeks later.

“It was an amazing moment for everyone. Her Lola ( paternal grandmother Emma Palomar Dino) is probably her biggest fan and is extremely proud of her. She shared the good news with all her friends.” They have not had their o cial victory party yet says a ho anticipates “a big family gathering ( where) we’ll have all the Lolos, Lolas, Titos, Titas, and cousins over. Then CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO we’ll celebrate.” firefighter and paramedic ith the os ngeles Fire Department, Max jubilantly recalled the joyful surprise ending to Logan’s three-day contest: he US team lost all their fights the first day orale as pretty do n n the second day e lost all o r fights ntil the last fight hen teammate Sienna c ord won. We were so excited! On the last day Logan won and Sienna lost. Logan got gold and Sienna got silver. Those were the only two medals the US won.” eld every t o years the competition elcomes fighters from rance roatia Italy, Serbia, Ukraine, Austria, Great Britain, Canada, and Ireland, adds Max, who is also in Tactical Emergency Medical Support for LAPD SWAT. HUMBLE START The French version of kickboxing called Savate ( suh-vaht) is little known here unlike in Europe, where it was believed to have evolved in the 1700s as a form of streetfighting in the streets of aris and as stretch e ercises that ept sailors physically fit d ring long voyages a oard rench ships according to US Savate ederation. Its modern version was developed by Frenchman Michel Casseux and later by Charles Lecour, who combined kicks with punches typical of English boxing in his self-defense studio.

From its humble beginnings the sport drew the interest of the nobility, eventually being regulated in the 1900s . Savate earned legitimacy as a combat sport when it was incl ded in the lympics its first and last time at the adrennial international multi-sports tournament. Seventy years later across the Atlantic, the US Savate Federation was founded. Its current president is JoAnn Wabsica, Logan’s head coach along with Ed Monaghan.

The name comes from the French word for “shoe” or the Spanish “zapato” because of the boots worn in competition along with gloves. While boxing and karate oth se elt colors to signify ran ings savate ses glove colors tho gh fighters may use the same glove colors through a promotion. Beginners, however, start with colorless gloves. Logan prefers black but wear brown gloves, per Max. Also known as “boxe Francaise,” graceful movements, high kicks and open-hand stri es define the sport s moves If the description sounds familiar, it’s because savate actually comprises the balletic idity of motion hich sets the legendary r ce ee apart from martial artists of his time. Indeed, the “dragon” himself incorporated savate technique s in his Jeet K une Do style as have many practitioners of mixed martial arts today.

(C ont i nue

d on page

27)

The unstoppable Imelda Papin

N

ext month, “Loyalista: the Untold Story of Imelda Papin” will be seen in theaters here and abroad.

It will unveil the Jukebox Queen’s life during her voluntary exile in Hawaii, USA, as a loyal friend to the Marcoses.

I have watched Imelda’s rise to fame and fortune since she started out as a singer, became a movie star, a jukebox que en, a politician and a philanthropist.

I have rejoiced at her successes, sympathized at her losses.

Somehow, she has always risen from the misfortunes in her life.

The President of the Filipino Movie Actors Guild, she has done so much for the less fortunate members of the guild. As a politician, she has helped her constituents tremendously.

When the Marcoses went into exile in 1986, Imelda was in the entourage that stayed with them until the First Lady returned to the Philippines after the death of President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

How she coped, far from her native land, is what movie audiences will witness in the movie: “Loyalista: the untold story of Imelda Papin”.

My admiration for Imelda for her tenacity , her ability to rise from failure, and her generosity towards those in need, is boundless.

Today, she continues to entertain with her music, to help people whenever she can, a public servant even when she holds no public position. opef lly the po ers that e ill reali e ho e ective she can e in serving the Filipino people.

Imelda Papin, Jukebox Queen for all ages, is truly unstoppable!

I am blessed to consider myself her friend.

And yes, like most of you, I can’t wait to see “Loyalista: the Untold Story of Imelda Papin”!

 OPINION

August 3-9, 2023

ALO ALTO -- Last week, I had the chance, together with a Philippinew News Today team, to revisit the prestigious Stanford University in Palo Alto, after our trip to San Jose, Santa Clara and Milpitas.

It was nightfall when we arrived in the vast campus ( 8,180 acres) where three of the team mem ers ere first A LF RED G . G A B OT timers. After so many turnabouts, we ended up at the Stanford Visitor Center.

Then, we wanted to get into the Alumni Center across the street but lack of knowledge on parking regulations there prompted us to motor back instead to San Francisco and set another visit, We were also lost back in the late 1980 s when my good friend, Fernando “Ronnie” Estrada, drove me to Stanford University to attend classes in Modern Printing and Publishing Techniq ues spearheaded by the Stanford University Alumni Association.

Back then, printing/ publishing was the 3rd to 5th top industry in America. This is indicated by robust newspaper, magazine and book businesses. A barometer to this was the San Jose Mercury News which at that time was coming out very thic in f ll color pages and had maga ines and yers as inserts. And the newspaper had three editions each day – one in time for rea fast the second on l nchtime and the final issue during snack or dinner time!

With more newspapers and magazines in almost every city and county, I wondered then how voracious Americans as readers as they were awash with so many pages and sections of newspapers and magazines. I was told that apart from advertising firms the United States ostal Service US S as main eneficiary of the ro st p lishing siness as magazines, newspapers, catalogues, newsletters, books, calendars, posters and other printed materials passed through or distri ted thro gh the post o ces When I attended classes in Stanford University, printing and publishing was transitioning from the tedious and sometimes dirty cut and paste typesetting traditional way to the modern and e cient comp ter encoding and pagination way. When I was in high school in Manila, the process called letterpress as more di c lt and dirty as they involve linotypes, cajistas who arranged the iron slugs into articles and pages in a box called caja, spread ink in the caja and put newsprint on top, then press to get the impressions for the proofreaders. Printing and publishing houses then had under their employ proofreaders to spot errors, grammatical or otherwise, and linotypists to typesetters who had to type ( encode) the materials and later insert corrections initiated by proofreaders and editors.

Today, thanks to advances in computer and information and communications technology most of which were fashioned by dreamers and idealists based in Silicon Valley which encompasses Stanford University, printing and publishing are so easy and are available to almost everyone and at anyone’s o n finger tips And you can do the task at the comfort of your home or in any place in the world for as long as you have reliable Internet connection and a functional (C ont i nue on page 27)

s accredited and commissioned Notary Public in California and founder of Mobile Signing Services ( MSS) I’m delighted to know how old and new clients discovered creative ways to save on notarization and gas and mileage fees.

Last month, siblings from A RT G A B OT MA D LA ING San Francisco Bay Area and from Sacramento area called Mobile Signing Services ( MSS) for assistance and help in the notarization of the Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and Special Power of Attorney ( SPA) needed for the sale of properties in Pangasinan, Philippines.

The documents needed the signatures of 12 signatories ( six from the San Francisco Bay Area and six from Sacramento area) from among the siblings and children. Through the idea and suggestion of Lillian ( one of the signatories from San Francisco) , all those from San Francisco Bay Area were instr cted to come to my home o ce in San rancisco for the signing of the documents. Marjorie ( one of the signatories from Sacramento area) suggested that all of the signatories from Sacramento area will come to the house of one of their siblings in Sacramento at noon time for the signing of the documents. Marjorie arranged and coordinated the signing of the documents in one location at noon time ( during lunch break) for all the signatories from Sacramento area.

Through the coordination of Lillian all the signatories from San Francisco Bay Area were able to come to my home o ce and signed the doc ments d ring the third ee of ly 2023. Also, through the coordination of Marjorie all the signatories from Sacramento area were able to sign the documents last Monday, noon time, on July 24, 2023.

Immediately after the signing and notarization of the documents, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing ( who witnessed the signatures) immediately went to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, California for the apostille of the notarized documents. After two hours of waiting, the apostilled documents were returned to me by the sta at the ront es y ife and ret rned to the ho se where the six signatories signed the documents and personally delivered the apostilled documents.

My wife and I gave the extra mile of service and immediate personal delivery of the apostilled documents because a relative as ying to the hilippines last ednesday ly 2023. The relative carried the apostilled documents needed for the sale of properties in Pangasinan, Philippines. The 12 signatories of the apostilled documents were very impressed and thankful for our prompt, unique and complete services. In fact, Marjorie texted me as follows: “Thank you Mang Art for all your help.”

We, at MSS, will continue to assist and help- old and new clients, particularly the elderly, veterans and those physically handicapped, in the notarization and apostille follow up on Affidavits Special o er of ttorney S U SALE, Proof of Life, Parental Travel Permit ( PTP) , Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate, DEED OF DONATION and other documents needed in the Philippines. Here are some advantages and enefits ith SS 1.

SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILE AGE FEES – Through the creative arrangement and coordination of Lillian for the signers to come to my home o ce in San rancisco the six signatories from San Francisco Bay Area saved $30 on gas and mileage fees. Also, through the creative arrangement and coordination of Marjorie, the six signatories from Sacramento area saved on gas and mileage fees 2.

SAVINGS ON MULTIPLE SIGNATURES AND MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS - We gave 5% to 10% discounts on the 12 multiple signatures and multiple documents.

3.

DISCOUNTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND VETS - e o er special disco nts for the elderly and veterans.

4.

AVOID TAK E OFF FROM WORK - Majority of the 12 signatories are still working. They don’t have to take o from or st to drive to the Secretary of State otary Public Section, in Sacramento just to submit the notarized documents for apostille. MSS took care everything for them.

S e o er very e i le appointments for (C ont i nue on page 27)

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TRUE OR FALSE

MILPITAS VICE MAYOR Evelyn Chua receives copies of Philippines Today from managing editor Claire Morales True as columnist Art G. Madlaing looks on

From the entrance, VM Evelyn led us to the back which she said is a favorite spot for meeting guests and holding functions and parties due to the nice background. velyn then led s to the second and third oors of ity all thro gh the elevator here she sho ed o the offices of some departments and o ncil em ers that of the Vice Mayor and Mayor and the theater-like Council meeting room where concerned citizens and guests can watch their ity cials deli erate and de ate on plans programs services and proposals a ecting them and the city in the comfort of corporate boardroom- like atmosphere. f co rse velyn as pro d to sho o the o cial photos of ity o cials led y ayor armen ontano the first atin- merican city mayor and her the first ilipino American lady Vice Mayor and lady City Council Member.

While reciting more facts about the successes and achievements of Milpitas, VM Evelyn showed the Philippine e s oday team her o ce She even allo ed o r editor in chief to sit on her table and then she posed with the team infront of her table. er o ce is small she confides eca se her o as ity Councilmember is part-time as the city, like other US cities, has a full-time City Manager and Deputy City Manager to take care of the day-to-day op(C ont i nue on pag e 27)

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A

Health & Wealth

Creative ways to save on notarization, gas, mileage fees In My Heart

Revisiting the prestigious Stanford University

A lady Filipino American leader in Milpitas City t’s a rare honor and privilege to have met a highly admirable and hardworking Filipino American leader in California, the amiable Vice Mayor Evelyn Q. Chua of the City of Milpitas in Santa Clara County.

Despite short notice, Vice Mayor Chua showed up last Friday past 5 p.m. at the City Hall to meet Philippine News Today editor in Chief Alfred G. Gabot, its Health & Wealth CLA IRE MORA LES T RUE columnist and book author Art G. Madlaing and his wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and me ( Claire Morales True, managing editor, Philippine News Today) .

The weather was good, but not as cool as in San Francisco where we motored from, when we arrived at City Hall after visits in Santa Clara and San Jose. Except for a handful of guards and employees, the Milpitas City Hall was all q uiet when we got in while waiting for the Vice Mayor.

We thought that Vice Mayor Evelyn was already at her o ce hen e got in so e clim ed the stairs to second oor right away. After few minutes, my cellphone rang and she was calling. “Ohhh go down, I’ll meet you infront of City Hall and I’ll give a tour,” she tells me, and so we proceeded to the entrance of City Hall. There a very simple and lovely lady was standing and with a big smile extended her hand as each one of us introduced ourselves to this very accommodating Lady Vice Mayor.

After some photos infront of the glass and steel City Hall, e o cially ent inside sing her sec rity card ey ca tioning s that since o ce or is over one cannot st get in e told her that we came from the parking entrance door which luckily was open when we got there.

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13 August 3-9, 2023

 OPINION Drinking and driving = Deportation

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What’s Up Attorney

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Offline

“ L et u s eat an d d ri n k , f or t omorrow w e d i e. ” Isaiah hina last week said 22:13; Proverbs 23:35; Luke 12:19; 1 Corinthians 15 the Philippines should consider holding joint any Filipinos military exercises with China’s armed forces. The possidrink – and then bility was raised by Beijing’s drive t co ld ambassador to Manila. face deportation if they are There is no reason why caught. the Philippines should accept Filipinos in Hawaii the ind o er and many reaare ell no n for eating sons hy it sho ld at o t e drin ing and driving hey rejected.

B ET ING D OLOR even rag a o t hat they The Armed Forces of the drink. A Filipino bragged Philippines has nothing to to the police o cer ho EMMA NUEL S A MONT E T IP ON gain in training alongside their hinese co nterparts n all li elihood the ilipino sol- stopped him that he drank diers will be treated like kid brothers of the Chinese soldiers a six pack of Heineken beer and o cers asy to lly the same ay hina s oast ard efore he drove for home or all ye drin ers Stella rcontin es to lly the hilippine oast ard every chance “tois is the best beer. they get. n a aii the most prominent ilipino ho as ot to e racist or anything have said on n mero s ca ght drin ing and driving as a la yer from a presoccasions that have some hinese lood for etter or orse tigio s t not vy eag e la school a state senator – but China may want nothing more than to train with Filipino soldiers specifically the ones ho have trained ith US a former state representative and a city co ncil mem er e as driving home from a party in a o ly manner forces in the annual Balikatan exercises. he hinese are devio s this ay hey ill live p to and a cop stopped him e identified himself as a state their reputation of being inscrutable folks. They will pick up senator. The cop ignored his title. He told the cop that he hat they ant to learn from s and se that no ledge in drank only two glasses of red wine at a party. ( Hey red their greater intelligence ar ith the US ine is for ep licans hite ine is for emocrats To train with Filipino soldiers is to learn the strategies and his g y as a emocrat is minor son sitting at the tactics that have een pic ed p from the merican forces ac remar ed ad yo dran more than that hilthey have trained ith reg larly dren and fools tell the tr th according to an nglish China is not to be underestimated. It is not only their economy that has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few de- prover he state senator as arrested charged ith dr n en cades hey have also had ma or scientific accomplishments to the point that they are no serio sly challenging the US in driving and endangering the elfare of a child e pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a jail term. His picture eing the first to esta lish a permanent station on the moon heir long-term goal is to overta e the US as the orld s as on television and in the ne spapers ort nately he greatest superpower. as orn in the U S and as not s ect to deportation sed to elieve that their resident i as a semi-mad- He is no longer with us in this wonderful world. man in the mold of Russia’s Vladimir Putin. He’s not. He acSS tually comes across as a smart man who knows how to toy U S with other world leaders. ne of the re irements for nat rali ation is good i e tin i ill also pass on to history one of these moral character. years. But he has set the stage for his country to press fort is necessary nder the mmigration and aard on all fronts ntil the time comes that hina o ld have tionality ct that a person m st e of good moral charoverta en the US as possessing the strongest military and acter in order to avail of t o of the most common forms economy in the world. ll of the orld s greatest po ers from the ree s to the of relief namely cancellation of removal and vol ntary omans to more recent players li e the Spanish and the rit- departure. ish and no the US --have risen and event ally fallen Strongmen li e le ander the reat enghis han and tilla the The Immigration and Nationality Act condemns n among others created vast empires the li es of hich drinking. Apparently the legislators who drafted the law had never een seen efore they came along t the empires they created event ally fell y the ay- do not elieve in the i lical in nction to eat and drin e die hey elieve in drin and e deside when they passed away. China may not meet that same for tomorro ported. fate. he ct provides that no person shall e regarded i is fast ecoming a com ined economic and military con eror t time may e against him eing a senior citi- as a person of good moral character if he is a “habitual zen and all. But the burgeoning Chinese empire he is creat- dr n ard f ing may o tlive him there y ens ring his place in history e here is a catch-all provision in the ct stating that may ant to overshado the late great ao ed ng himself “the fact that any person is not within any of the foregon a ay hina has already partially con ered the hilip- ing classes shall not precl de a finding that for other reapines than s mostly to the traitor odrigo terte sons s ch person is or as not of good moral character Where Noynoy Aqu ino used his brains to defeat China by ta ing them to international co rt terte simply s rrendered Under this catch-all provision an alien ith m ltiple U convictions as fo nd lac ing in good moral chareven the co ntry s patrimony to ei ing itho t p tting p acter and as not eligi le for cancellation of removal any ind of fight atter of astillo ere ec his he did y defa lt reasoning that going to ar ith n a recent case ernande v arland o China would be a useless exercise as the Philippines would lose in a matter of days. th ir https opn ca sco rts oo ad terte is no st dent of modern history as he may gov opinions pdf a p- pdf involving an alien in not e a are that tiny U raine has stood p to ssia and is removal proceedings ho had pleaded g ilty to drin ing even eating the ssian invaders in a ar that as s pposed and driving o enses t ice and had as ed for cancellato last only a fe days or ee s at most tion of removal the co rt said that the alien s drin ing hina s event al goal may e to hold the hilippines y the ne t li e a good little oy t there is no reason hy they related criminal history showed his lack of “good moral he co rt pointed o t that he ttorney sho ld e helped y the very armed forces that is s pposed to character eneral has instr cted the oard of mmigration pprotect the Philippines against any foreign threat. ncidentally a little co ntry li e ietnam also h miliated peals to adhere to a legal pres mption that an immigrant the mighty US of a fe decades ago and they did so y lacks good moral character if the immigrant has two or fighting smart not st hard So see he eople s ep lic of more drin ing-and-driving convictions in the relevant China should not be deemed as (C ont i nue on page 27) time period onse ently the (C ont i nue on page 27)

UCNHS 6th Multi Highschool Reunion in California ‘selling like hotcakes’

his early of the tales composed of in each ta le half of it to e e act ere already reserved y al mni all over the world intending to attend the re nion o that ill e a great turn-out of attendees come Septem er ccording to overall organi er e on ales Sep lveda an al mn s of the r ELP ID IO R. ES T IOK O Lady of the Lilies Academy the th Urdaneta ity lti igh School enion ill e held on Septem er pm at echanga esort asino echanga ar ay emecla alifornia US icnic follo s on onday Septem er at dmiral a er ar dmiral a er lvd San iego US The multi high school reunion will be attended by alumni from fo r high schools in Urdaneta ity Urdaneta ity ational igh School U S r ady of the ilies cademy ivine ord ollege of Urdaneta U and the arangay high schools of Urdaneta he lo al Urdanetanians U president vonne San an-Sera one of the re nion organi ers ho is mainly incharge of reservations said e ill e adding ta les as soon as all the original ta les are reserved filled o t he ay it is going additional ta les ill have to e added as many al mni from the hilippines in addition to a h ge n m er of al mni in the US are very eager to oin and attend the re-union.

Among the batches whose alumni are eagerly contemplating to attend ased on the reservations and eries are those from atches and coming from the high schools s astillo atch in his post in his gro p chat said here is going to e lti igh School e nion in Septem er at echanga asino in emec la f e have a lot of atch attending e might plan a side ar re nion for s he enth siasm is so great that al mni gro ps li e atch are planning added activities to maximize their attendance in the reunion.

The last time we had our multi high school reunion was si years ago in as egas evada on cto er at ropicana otel ell that re nion as very memora le act ally eca se aside from al mni ho attended the deadly as egas shooting li e ise happened the day after o r gala night a air in ropicana otel and happened that night after our day picnic in the park. o ld li e to recall some facts not to scare prospective re nion attendees t to have a no ledge of hat transpired and e part of history d ring the active shooting incident recall on the evening of cto er Stephen addoc a -year-old man from es ite evada opened fire pon the cro d attending the o te arvest sic estival on the as egas Strip in evada rom his nd oor s ite on the andalay ay otel he fired more than llets illing people and o nding others o t an ho r later addoc as fo nd dead in his o n room ith a selfin icted g nshot o nd he incident as later recorded as the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the US ll the al mni ho attended the re nion s rvived the shooting avid S mera atch his ife erry and his co sins ere trapped in the Strip and loc ed do n at the ellagio otel hile e my ife elia and ere li e ise gro nded loc ed do n at ad oining ropicana otel here e ere illeted hen the shooting started at a o t o cloc in the evening on cto er veryone scampered for their lives to ards o r hotel s par ing area as police o cers positioned themselves to trac do n the active shooter. remem er another atch l erto apena and his ife eny from el o rne stralia ho ere also scheduled to attend the reunion with purchased tickets of the concert failed to make it due to an unforeseen circumstance. Had they made it they may have een victims also considering that they will surely be attending the concert ( they being co ntry m sic lovers so it t rned o t to e a lessing on their part. ris amire atch ith his ife ac ie from the hilippines ere stopped on their ay to the Strip that evening y police o cers and as told (C ont i nue on page 27)

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As I See It

Don’t fall for China’s trap, Mr. Marcos

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS

August 3-9, 2023

14

May Conditional Permanent Residence file a petition?

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any immigrants are having problems with regards to aging out of their children. This is because the processing time for green card is usually lengthy. Once a person is granted a Conditional Permanent Resident card, she acqui res all rights of a a f l ermanent esident She can file a petition for her unmarried children, she can travel and work and stay legally in the U S he only di erence is that she will have to remove the condition in her residence within two years. But you do not have to wait for your permanent resident card to start filing a petition eca se it ill ta e a o t or five years later and the children may reach years of age y that time So the est strategy is to file a petition for children as soon as you receive your conditional residence card.

In addition, there immigrants have a common que stion whether if their children are in the United States and they want the children to study in the Philippines, the que stion is how long should the children be in the United states before the children can go back to the Philippines. This problem is just a matter of choosing whether the children will apply for a reentry permit to allow them to stay continuously for two years in the Philippines or to keep the children travelling every six months to the U.S. There is no restrictions on how freque nt Permanent Residents can travel. They can travel as many times as long as they stay in the U.S. for 181 days in one year. onditional ermanent esident need to file the orm ithin days of the expiration of your card to remove the condition on your residence. o long is the processing time for orm he processing time in alifornia Service enter for is a o t months n many cases it takes about two years or more. Lately, the USCIS extended the validity of onditional esident ard for another months herefore five years aiting is in the horizon.

Since the processing time can ta e et een months or longer it is etter to file a petition for your unmarried children as soon as you get your conditional residence card to avoid aging out.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT U S S S r a irm entered into agreement ith n rsing facilities in the U S to process applicants for rses and aregivers in the US o may alify if yo have or license aregivers ill need si months of caregiving experience.

Applicants Inside or outside the United States may qua lify.

Bankruptcy Basics We also process Bankruptcy cases.

1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for years not filing an r ptcy ill ma e yo r credit even orse ntil most yo r de ts are paid.

2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement. hapter ill eliminate all nsec red de ts f yo are near retirement age you must eliminate most of your debts. r a

S irm s ccessf lly settled a car accident for

e also handle ncontested ITIN and INCOME TAX PROBLEMS e can help yo if yo need an ndivid al a payer n m er e also prepare income tax returns and if you are under IRS audit, and need a representation ith S need to red ce yo r ta lia ility or need to o er a payment plan to S e can help you with that. f yo have immigration pro lems the a ces of rispin o ano can help yo find a sol tion efore yo r pro lem gets orse hich co ld lead to deportation and family separation.

C hr i s C aday L oz ano, E s q. i s an ac t i v e membe r of t he St at e B ar of C al i f orni a, t he A meri c an I mmi grat i on L aw y ers A s s oc i at i on and San Franc i s c o T ri al L aw y ers . H e has prac t i c ed i mmi grat i on l aw , bank rupt c y , pers onal i nj ur y and i nc ome t ax repres ent at i on s i nc e J une 199 9. H i s c ont ac t phone i s 1- 87456926, emai l : i nf o@ C C L l aw . net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/ with offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

E E . e a e dire tor Enri e onzalez tanding, le o t and E i ary a ital artner Er an A in i tanding, t ro le d ring t e re enta�on o t eir in e t ent ro o al to re ident erdinand . ar o r. eated, nd ro le d ring t e ie E e � e tate i it to alay ia on ly to , . ili ine go ern ent o ial in oto are eated, ro le rade e retary Al redo a al, o e ea er ar�n o aldez and

PHL bags $50-M renewables investments from Marcos Malaysia trip he co ntry agged US -million worth of funding for renewable energy pro ects d ring the state visit of resident erdinand arcos r to Malaysia this week.

In a statement, Philippine-based private eq uity investor New Wave Strategic Holdings, Inc. and its partner, Emissary Capital Partners Sdn Bhd, said their investments here could generate additional mega atts of capacity for the country.

Emissary Capital is a Malaysian investment firm ith f nds ac ed y the government. he US -million f nd aims to finance companies investing in the Philippines in the RE sector, electric vehicle industry, as well as clean energy and smart grid.

“New Wave and Emissary Capital have identified the early stages of rene able energy projects as the most challenging for companies to raise capital due to the perceived risks,” they said.

The companies said initial projects supported by the funding include solar and wind farms in northern Luzon.

“It is important that the Philippines develops a more mature eco-system with capital providers across various stages of the investment cycle. With Emissary’s entry into the Philippines, we are providing more founders and entrepre-

neurs access to growth capital as well as a regional network that can help them e pand across S So theast sia e ave director nri e on ale said.

The parties added the available funding for the RE sector will help the government achieve its goal of percent so rces in the energy mi y and p to percent y n acco nted for percent of the country’s energy mix.

Emissary Capital partner Erman Akinci said the Philippines presents the “most exciting” RE market in the region for the ne t five to years since the government allo ed percent foreign ownership in RE projects last year.

“Clean energy is both a local and regional commitment amongst ASEAN neighbors. We believe cross-border investment and trade will ultimately benefit the entire region and help S meet its collective goals. We hope our fund can contribute to this goal as well as generate healthy returns,” Akinci said.

Prior to this partnership, the two investment firms tied p to la nch a US million f nd for tech start ps in ASEAN member states.

Earlier, Malacañang said Marcos received US million orth of investment pledges d ring his ly to o cial trip to ala mp r

BSP term deposit facility rates up MANILA – The rates of the Bangko Sentral ng ilipinas S term deposit facility rose on ednesday ith the 14-day tenor posting undersubscription. ata released y the central an showed that the average rate of the sevenday facility increased to percent from percent d ring the a ction last ly The average rate of the two-week facility inched p to percent from last ee s percent he S hi ed the o ering for oth tenors to illion for the oneee and to illion for the longer-dated facility. ast ee the one- ee as o ered for illion and the t o-

ee tenor for illion ring the a ction this ee the shorter-dated facility attracted bids amo nting to illion th s the full award. o ever tenders for the -day only amo nted to illion he a ction committee accepted billion. n a statement S ep ty overnor rancisco a ila r said the vol me of ids s mitted in this ee s a ction is “well within the BSP’s expected range of volume.”

“Looking ahead, the BSP’s monetary operations will continue to be guided by its assessment of prevailing liqui dity conditions and market developments,” he added

15 August 3-9, 2023

 BUSINESS

Economist sees 6.1% PHL economic growth in 2023 The Philippine economy is projected to grow by over 6 percent this year, driven by the continued growth in consumer spending and the services sector, an economist said.

During the virtual post-State of the Nation Address ( SONA) , University of sia and the acific economist ictor Abola said the economy will likely grow by 6.1 percent this year.

Abola’s forecast settles within the government’s 6 to 7 percent economic growth target for this year.

He said domestic demand will continue boosting the growth of the economy.

Abola added that despite the increase in commodity prices, consumer spending will likely continue to grow amid high employment and the cut in personal income tax.

Majority of taxpayers received further personal income tax cuts starting Jan. 1 this year pursuant to Republic Act 10 963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion ( TRAIN) law,

which among others, adjusted personal income tax rates to make the tax system simpler fairer and more e cient Abola said the projected growth this year is also “based on the strong performance of ( the) services sector, particularly accommodation and food services”, driven by the further easing of mobility restrictions.

“Industry sector will be buoyed up by construction and so far I’ve seen also manufacturing mostly positive gains in the second q uarter, which will acceler-

ate in the second half,” he said. n ation on the other hand is projected to continue to ease in the coming months after decelerating to 5.4 percent as of end-June. n ation is going do n ithin the BSP ( Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) targets by the fourth q uarter and could probably even go below 3 percent year on year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abola said the dollarpeso exchange rate will likely range to 56 to 58 this year.

Egay’s damage unlikely to have significant impact MANILA – Damage caused by Super Typhoon Egay will not likely have a significant impact on in ation ational Economic and Development Authority ( NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said on Wednesday.

“I do think that the impact on the overall national economy is not that serious at this point,” Balisacan said in a television interview.

“The data that we have so far are not that big yet. But the events are still unfolding so the data is still incomplete. But we do hope that the impact especially in agriculture is not as bad as compared to other episodes of monsoon rains in the past,” he added.

Data released by the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center ( DA-DRRM) showed that as of Aug. 2, the damage and losses in the agriculture sector amounted to PHP3.17 billion. said the typhoon a ected farmers and fisherfol ith total volume of production loss at 106,453 metric tons.

“So far in the case of basic commodities like rice, we have adequa te stocks. I thin a lot of the imports came in the first half of the year and that I think allows us to have that er alisacan said “In the meantime, I think the impact on in ation is not going to e that m ch

MANILA LUZON ISLAND/ VIS/MIN

But still, as I said, the events are still uneadline in ation declined for the folding,” he added. fifth consec tive month in ne settling The NEDA chief said the months of at 5.4 percent.

June, July and August are not really harThe Philippine Statistics Authority vest season in many parts of the country ill release the o cial ly in ation so the damage will not be substantial. data on Friday.

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17 August 3-9, 2023

 ENTERTAINMENT

OPM integral in preserving Filipino culture, heritage: Legarda PASAY CITY - The Original Pilipino Music ( OPM) is an integral part of preserving Filipinos’ cultural identity and heritage, Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarda said.

“OPM is a fun way to reconnect with the Filipinos’ psyche – it helps us advance Filipino arts and culture and promote our impressive work to the world,” Legarda said in commemoration of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.

“Filipinos are known all over the world for their exemplary musical skills.

The propagation of OPM is another way of letting everybody else know how we are as a people,” she added.

The Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino was established under Proclamation No. 933, s. 20 14 to achieve the long-term goal of reviving OPM. It is also seen as a way to advance Filipino art and culture and contribute to the development of the economy through employment and revenue streams to various industries.

Senate Bill 1841 or the bill amending

Republic Act No. 10 0 66, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act, was filed y egarda in see ing to enhance the preservation of the Philippines’ cultural assets.

The measure mandates local government units to conduct a cultural heritage mapping of their areas for both tangible and intangible, and natural and built heritage.

The Department of Education shall also formulate cultural heritage education programs both for local and overseas Filipinos to be incorporated into formal, alternative, and informal education, with emphasis on the protection, conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage property.

“With the establishment of the Cultural Education Program, we can help promote not only mainstream OPM but to help preserve the indigenous music various ethnic groups in the Philippines have been creating for hundreds of years,” Legarda said.

SKY RIVER CASINO ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR “THE HUMIDOR,” AN ALL-NEW BOURBON & CIGAR LOUNGE

on tr �on ill egin oon it ELK GROVE, Calif. ( June 8, 20 23) – Sky River Casino is excited to announce plans for The Humidor, an all-new bourbon and cigar lounge, which will open later this year. Construction will get underway soon for the new establishment that will be located next to 32 Brews Street, a popular sports bar and pub.

Once The Humidor opens to the public, Sky River Casino will be home to a total of 18 bars, restaurants and lounge destinations o ered inside the casino that is located in l rove st o igh ay 99.

“We are thrilled to add yet another uniq ue and exceptional venue inside Sky River,” said Sky River Casino’s President and hief perating cer hris Gibase. “With a welcoming dé cor highlighted by rich, warm colors and subdued lighting, The Humidor will cater to bourbon, whiskey and cigar lovers who enjoy a relaxed environment for conversing, gaming or simply enjoying the moment.”

Bourbon and whiskey lovers will enjoy a wide range of popular brands from

lanned o ening or ne e t on ite o ering e e ted later t i year

Macallan, Pappy Van Winkle, Whis- gust 20 22 and includes 10 0 ,0 0 0 sq ft of games, and 17 bars and restaurants. To tle Pig, and Louis X III, just to name a gaming, 2,10 0 slot machines, 80 table learn more, visit www.SkyRiver.com. fe or cigar enth siasts all the finest rands ill e o ered at he midor Once opened, The Humidor will offer yet another amazing option for Sky River Casino guests to experience and enjoy along with SR Prime Steakhouse, 32 Brews Street, Dragon Beaux, River Bar, Rock Bar and The Market.

For more information about Sky River asino and its o erings resta rant open hours and more, please call 916866-0 20 0 or visit www.SkyRiver.com.

J o i n Sk y Ri v e r Re w a r d s Sky River Rewards, is one of the most hi-tech rewards programs among casinos in Northern California, allowing guests cardless play, cashless wallet, and more. The Sky River Rewards card is your key to receiving points for all your activities and those points can be redeemed for Free Play or dining credits. Become a Sky River Rewards member now to receive $ 20 Free Play. To activate your Free Play, visit any slot machine and place a bet. Sky River Rewards enrollment can be done online using a computer, tablet, or phone with a camera.

Ab o u t Sk y Ri v e r C a s i n o Sky River Casino was built by the Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is building and managing the property for the tribe. The casino opened in Au-

 ENTERTAINMENT

August 3-9, 2023

18

GMA continues to reach more ALICE DIX SON TURNS 54 audiences through GMA International A day before she turns 54, my friend, actress Aland GMA Worldwide ice i son shared a fitness video to achieve a fit and GMA Network never ceases to deliver premium and world-class Filipino content on multiple platforms across the globe through its overseas arm GMA International and content distribution arm GMA Worldwide.

Through unwavering commitment and e orts in implementing vario s projects and initiatives, the Network continues to make a mark in the international scene with its strong presence in di erent co ntries aro nd the orld Groundbreaking partnerships o make Global Pinoys feel at home wherever they are, GMA Network — thru GMA International — ventured into various collaborations with several content creators and media platforms this year.

In a historic collaboration with ABS-CBN International, GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV, as well as certain GMA on-demand programs, became available on iWantTFC beginning in May this year. iWantTFC viewers in select countries and territories in sia acific rope the iddle ast orth frica and So th acific ari ean slands can now access GMA’s top-notch shows such as Maria Clara at Ibarra, AbotK amay na Pangarap, Apoy sa Langit,

First Yaya, and The World Between Us, among others.

GMA International also teamed up with Jungo Pinoy, the fastest-growing entertainment mo ile app specifically created and curated for Filipinos by Los Angeles-based media company Jungo TV. Through this partnership, Jungo Pinoy users in Hong K ong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Sa di ra ia United ra mirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, K uwait, anada and select co ntries in rope now enjoy GMA Pinoy TV for streaming hit K apuso shows like Voltes V: Legacy, Abot-K amay Na Pangarap, Royal Blood, Maria Clara at Ibarra, and more; GMA Life TV for lifestyle, travel, and infotainment programs; and GMA News TV for the latest, most comprehensive, and most credible news from home— all with no TV, cable, or satellite req uired.

Moreover, GMA Pinoy TV – the et or s agship international channel – has been inducted by Digital Pilipinas, a private sector-led movement that promotes the digitalization of the Philippine economy, as their partner in promoting Financial Literacy through their digitalization campaign to the OFWs and Filipino Immigrants and their families and dependents.

Friends Meeting Friends A commemoration of

Ninoy Aquino’s 40th Year Death Anniversary

Monday, August 21, 2023 5:30 pm Our Lady of Mercy 1 Elmwood Drive Daly City, CA 94015

Celebration of the Holy Mass

by Fr. Rey Culaba Reflections by Ken Kashiwahara

healthy body.

Alice showed her calisthenics workout via a short nstagram video a footage of my first days of my new self-care routine as I’m turning 54,” she said in her caption.

“Why? ? ? I noticed a lot of changes in my body in the past two years. Not good; feeling weak, freq uent injuries, weight gain, feeling low especially on energy, endurance and mood,” she explained.

While still of the belief that focusing on family is wonderful and “every minute is priceless,” She said that “it’s also a lot when you don’t pay attention to your needs.”

ith this she finally implemented some changes last month ith a self care routine which included mindful eating and strength training. Absolutely NO to fad diets and SSSS to lifting eights to gain m scle she emphasi ed Alice also said she posted her video “to inspire myself to keep going,” as well as her followers. t s only een days and not a lot has changed aesthetically e cept for a trimmer aist ronically di a o nagpapapayat t lost l s hile ilding m scle asi feel stronger and m starting to loo good again in fitted clothes itho t let s stress that U she said adding that all she needed was “time, intention, and self discipline.” ring the recent ala lice as seen in a tight-fitting long go n ith a high slit and hugging her body in all the right places, which only showed that her e orts ere indeed paying o C O MP LAI N TS O F I N D EC EN T AC TS O N V I C E G AN D A , SHO W TI ME SHO W “It’s Showtime” was called to testify by the Movie and Television Review and lassification oard after it received complaints a o t concerning scenes” showing alleged indecent acts by hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.

MTRCB, chaired by Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio, released a “Notice to Appear and estify to the noontime sho s prod cers on onday ly citing the celebrity couple’s gestures during its “Isip Bata” segment during its episode last Tuesday, July 25.

Said scene is in violation of Section c residential ecree o he hearing date is sched led on ly am at the ce in Timog Avenue, Quezon City,” the MTRCB said.

In the assailed segment, Vice Ganda and Perez were supposedly sharing a tender moment here the latter o ered ca e icing to his partner sing his finger clip of the co ple as sho ed in a video ploaded on Sntertainment s YouTube channel. ice responded to his gest re y scooping the icing from ere s finger efore putting it in his mouth.

The couple’s interaction caught the attention of internet personality Rendon Labador, who pointed out that their moment was “out of line.”

“Wala namang masama na magbaklaan kayo, pero sana ilugar ninyo ang kahayupan! Huwag sa show ng mga bata… May MTRCB pa ba? Nag-eexist pa ba sila? Galaw galaw mga boss here s nothing rong ith eing s eet on the air t please no the right place for your debauchery. Don’t do this in a kid’s show. Does MTRCB still exist? t s time to move he said in the comments of Sntertainment s video “It’s Showtime’s” producers and ABS-CBN have yet to issue a statement, as of this writing.

19 August 3-9, 2023

 SPORTS

Hopes high for strong finish by Filipinas in Asian Games

JOB WELL DONE. The Philippine team acknow ledges the crow d a er ea�ng o t e ealand, , in t e A o en orld at Eden ar on ly , .

MANILA – After its historic maiden stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, the country can look forward to another memorable stint by the Filipinas football team at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September.

The Philippines, ranked No. 46 in the world, absorbed a 0 -6 defeat from No. 12 Norway at the close of Group A action at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino is optimistic that the women’s football team will perform well during the Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 event, dubbed the Olympics of Asia.

“Good job! ” Tolentino said of the Filipinas, composed mostly of Filipino Americans, after he watched the live coverage of the match.

“Qualifying to the World Cup is historic and an accomplishment in itself. Scoring a goal and beating the co-host [ New Zealand, 1-0 ] made the campaign even more historic and worth remembering,” he said in a statement.

“The Filipinas showed that they can compete on the world stage and in turn, the world took notice of how strong Filipinos could become in football. And the campaign proves we can still catch up in the Asian Games with an intact lineup,” he added. he top t o o cials of the hilippine oot all ederation ( PFF) expressed their pride and thanks to the Filipinas, the national women’s football team, for uniting the nation and Filipinos worldwide for their memorable and historic outing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. “Over the course of the last 18 months, the Filipinas united the country in support in their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance,” PFF president Mariano Araneta said a day after the gallant Philippine side lost to Norway 0 -6 to bow out of Group A competition at Eden Park here. hile they may have missed o t on alification to the knockout stages, they have achieved something greater,” Araneta said, “and that was to see the entire Filipino community in the Philippines and wherever they are around the world show their overwhelming support to the team.” e recogni e the hard or and sacrifices this team have made to make our World Cup dream a reality,” the PFF chief and former national team standout added.

“Thank you very much to the entire Filipinas team, led y team manager e erson heng and head coach len Stajcic, you have made the Filipino nation immensely proud of this team. Maraming salamat, ( Thank you very

much) Filipinas! ” Araneta exclaimed.

PFF general secretary lawyer Ed Gastanes echoed the same heartfelt and grateful sentiments, saying: “We are amazed on how the Philippine Women’s National Team became a beacon of hope and source of joy for every Filipino fan that supported the team during this historic World Cup campaign.

“We have also seen the outpouring of support from Filipinos all over the world as showed in the numerous watch parties in the Philippines and all over the globe.”

“While the team exits from the 20 23 World Cup competition their o rney contin es ndeed the heart and fighting spirit shown by the Filipinas will long be remembered in Philippine football history,” Gastanes underscored.

So m ch than s to team manager e erson heng and head coach Alen Stajcic for a wonderful job in pushing the team to a new level, one that will be etched in sporting history of the country,” he added.

One of eight teams debuting in the biggest showcase for women’s football, the Filipinas, who were also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, made the most of the opportunity in setting new milestones.A total of 395 athletes, competing in 37 of 40 sports, will participate in the Asian Games.

The Philippines is eyeing to duplicate or even surpass the four gold medals it won in the 20 18 edition held in Jaarta and alem ang ndonesia five years ago co rtesy of Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo in weightlifting, Margielyn Didal in skateboarding and Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois K aye Go in women’s individual and team golf.

The country also bagged two silvers and 15 bronzes. ( Jean Malanum/ PNA)

PHL lifters win 19 golds in Asian Youth, Junior Championships

TRIPLE-GOLD WINNER. Vanessa Sarno from the Philippines (center) sw eeps the Junior w omen’ s 7 1kg category in the A ian o t and nior eig tli ing a ion i at t e Gautam Buddha University in New Delhi, India.. The Philippines w on a total of 19 gold medals.

MANILA – Team Philippines capped its impressive performance in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships with 19 gold medals, including three from weightlifter Vanessa Sarno, at the Gautam Buddha University in New Delhi, India.

The 19-year-old Sarno registered a total lift of 216kgs ( 95kgs in snatch and 121kgs in the clean and jerk) to defend the Junior women’s 71kg title. hailand s hattharathida ongsing finished second with 212kgs ( 92kgs and 120 kgs) followed by Uzbekistan’s Sevinchoy K omilova with198kgs ( 88kgs and 110 kgs) .

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas ( SWP) president Monico Puentevella, in a report by PNA’s Jean Malanum, said the two-time SEA Games champion Sarno had a high fever and was brought to the ICU ( intensive care unit) where she stayed for four days.

“Thank goodness, she recovered. I pulled her out of the hospital and let her rest in the hotel. She’ll go back to the hospital upon arrival in Manila,” Puentevella told the Philippine News Agency.

 REAL ESTATE

August 3-9, 2023

Need Cash to survive?

Residential real estate prices up in Q1

MANILA – Residential real estate prices went up year-on-year in the first arter of t registered slo er gro th arter-on- arter Residential Real Estate Price Indices ( RREPI) data released y the ang o Sentral ng ilipinas S on riday sho ed a percent year-on-year e pansion in real estate prices nation ide arter-on- arter gro th ho ever slo ed to percent from the percent e pansion in the fo rth arter of Growth in residential property prices in the National apital egion slo ed to percent ccording to S the price decline in condomin-

i m nits dampened the price increases in d ple es single-detached or attached ho ses and to nho ses n the other hand residential property prices in the reas tside the rose y percent ith prices of all types of ho sing nits rising e cept for those of to nho ses arter-on- arter residential property prices gre y percent in the t contracted y percent in the ation ide prices of d ple ho sing nits led the increase in the at percent follo ed y single-detached attached ho ses percent to nho ses percent and condomini m nits percent ean hile the report said the n m er of residential real estate loans s for all ho sing types of ne ho sing nits gre y percent year-on-year in the first arter as s in the and increased y percent and percent respectively o ever on a o arter-on- arter asis the nation ide gro th in ho sing loan availments fell y percent follo ing the percent and percent drop in s in the and respectively the S said t said the average appraised val e of ne ho sing nits in the co ntry stood at per s are meter s m in the first arter of he average appraised val e per s m in the as at higher than oth the national average and the average appraised val e in the at

T H E N U M B ER O N E CH O I CE F O R F I L I P I N O F A M I L I ES

T h e O N L Y P lac e for A ll Y ou r A rrang em ents in O ne Conv enient L oc ation N ew F uneral hom e w ith R ec ep tion Center F l ow er S hop B eautif ul G ard en M em orial Park Crem ation S ervic es W e transf er y our l oved ones to and f rom the Phil ip p ines

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asy or ic cash loan sol tion is a asic form of loan t there are still things yo sho ld no efore yo start ta ing on this type of loan hen yo need it in the f t re ost of s have e perienced financial hardship at one point in o r lives t co ld e medical emergencies family e penses and ills to pay nd sing cash to overcome the a ove cases has ecome a pro lem specially if yo don t have eno gh credit limit to se to availa le credit card c y are those ho have family and friends they can r n to in case they need to orro more money o ever it doesn t al ays happen and the people e s ally go to can t o er cash either o may e thin ing of getting an easy payment sol tion hich fort nately is al ays availa le t efore yo decide to ta e o t a ic cash loan ma e s re yo nderstand hat it means and hat its limitations are and if its orth the cost of the money yo are orro ing f yo are on a tight dget and need cash rgently many options can help yo ic ly solve yo r financial pro lems elo e ve covered the pros and cons of an instant cash sol tion - factors that yo need to consider efore ma ing yo r decision dvantages of ic cash loan sol tion asy application any lenders o er instant cash advance sol tions availa le ho rs a day seven days a ee and even have online apps for ndroid or i S Signing p is easy and approval is instant ma ing this type of loan attractive to those in dire need of cash lmost o conditions ne of the reasons hy instant cash sol tions are s ch an easy option for an individ al in need of instant cash is eca se it re ires fe er re irements Unli e traditional loans they re ire a lot of re irements to verify yo r a ility to repay the loan yo only s ally need the follo ing et een and years old female or years old male • Just ID card Signed a la or contract ith the enterprise or ed for months Sometimes they ill need a collateral of some sort o credit chec re ired nother good thing ith the ic cash loan sol tion is that if yo have a ad credit history or have a lo credit score yo can still get a loan or instant cash sol tions no credit chec is reired n addition there are already many online lenders that o er ic sol tions for ad credit t e ary of this yo can get cash fast t ith high interest rates and ig penalties if yo miss any agreed repayment period hat is the most significant dra ac of fast cash advance and is sometimes the reason hy many individ als accept criminal offenses in order to pay their de ts isadvantages of ic cash loan sol tion f there are advantages there are also disadvantages to payday loans and here are some of them ery igh interest rate f yo ve tried ta ing o t a personal loan or sing yo r credit card yo pro a ly no that the interest rates et een the t o compared to a ic cash loan sol tion are h ge echnically payday loans are e pensive hich is hy some orro ers get st c in a de t cycle eca se they can t repay the total amo nt on sched le ime constraints esides the high interest rates of payday loans time constraints also ecome an iss e Some financial instit tions o er repayment periods of p to months t often fast payment sol tions are paid o immediately hich ma es it di c lt for some orro ers here are monthly e penses and dgeting that need to ta e place and repaying the loan in f ll can e very di c lt Final conclusion asy cash loan sol tion is a form of ic loan o ill have the money yo ant itho t any hassle o ever it has some dra ac s that re ire yo to e ca tio s o can al ays ta e o t a payday loan t ma e s re yo only se it for essentials and not for l ries n addition yo have sed all possi le reso rces to orro money hat ay yo no that payday loans are the only option left for yo han s for yo r in iries please call en o of st nnovative inance ro p for yo r financing needs all en - or rite to ennethgo veri on net S

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21 August 3-9, 2023

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA’s 45th Anniversary and Coronation Night on Aug. 5 After years of observing traditional gala nights being upended by Covid-19 pandemic, Pangasinan BrotherhoodUSA’s ( PB-USA) is back, celebrating its 45th Anniversary with induction on Aug. 5 at Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, Santa Ana. This celebration is highlighted by the coronation of its incoming Miss Pangasinan-US lyssa ose osario Sti arm with roots from Bayambang, Pangasinan. She will succeed her namesake Alyssa Lauren Veloria Soto with roots from Bani and Mangatarem. It’s also a coincidence that both are based in San Diego, California and both q ueens were born from two cultures. Miss Stifarm’s dad is a Native American while Miss Soto’s father is Puerto Rican American.

As a brief backgrounder, Miss Soto was crowned on Aug. 13, 20 13 at Embassy Suite Hotel, Garden Grove. That means, she had reigned for the past 10 years as q ueen of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, the longest reign in the history of the organization The last instance that PB-USA held its gala night as on ly his coming out party, according to its Board Chairman Dan E. Nino is like a catharsis that was brought by a pandemic. He added, “Some of our traditional activities have been shelved except for picnics outdoors. But our optimism had never wavered despite numerous challenges in our lives beyond our control. As the saying goes, “Behind the cloud, the sun is

still shining Quietly, PB-USA had cash to Gabay Group in Proj. 8 , Quezon City that enefited children ith disa ilities and participated in the Philippine American Friendship Day at Don K nabe Regional Park in Cerritos for the last two years.

It is also noted that through the years as a - non-profit organi ation it had remarkable projects in the province of Pangasinan and elsewhere like livelihood projects, scholarship, humanitarian relief donations five lo cost ho sing units in the towns of Villasis and Laoac in partnership with Gawad K alinga, Rotary Club and then some.

Completing the Board who are on high fever pitch in their preparation to make this an eventful celebration a success include PB-USA President Neil Mandapat Estrada from Calasiao and San Carlos, Jackie Ferrer of Dagupan City and San Carlos City, husband and wife Roger Cabal and Lina Cabal of Alaminos City, Marites Bautista ( San Fabian) , Rhenee Mandapat-Ferrer ( San Carlos City) , Josie K hoo ( Bayambang) , Dean Mandapat ( San Carlos City) , Nieves Coq uia ( Dagupan City) and Ping Coq uia ( Dagupan City) .

In a statement as she will relinq uish her crown, Alyssa Veloria Soto said s re ect on the past ten years am filled ith a profo nd sense of gratitude, and I will cherish these memories forever. Together, we have had the privilege of celebrating our rich culture, our

Incoming Miss Pangasinan-USA, Alyssa Rose o ario � ar

beloved home, and the bond of family. It has been an unforgettable journey, and has left an indeli le mar on my heart Interested parties may reach out to PB-USA President Neil Estrada @ or neil estrada efmc statefarm.com and Board Chairman Dan E. Nino @ 562-50 8-80 99 or @ deni- Outgoing Miss Pangasinan-USA Alyssa Launo1951@ gmail.com. ren Veloria Soto

Despite rise In COVID-19 transmission in Los Angeles County, hospitalization, death rates remain relatively stable LOS ANGELES - As the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ( Public Health) continues to monitor indicators of COVID-19, there is evidence of small increases in transmission while hospitalizations and deaths remain relatively sta le li ely re ecting built-up protection against severe illness from COVID-19.

Reported cases and wastewater data provide evidence that COVID-19 is circulating in Los Angeles County at somewhat higher levels than seen earlier this summer. However, this small uptick in transmission is not yet driving significantly greater n m ers of ne hospitalizations or deaths.

Cases have increased more than 35 percent compared to two weeks ago. Nonetheless, in comparison to case counts last July, cases this July are on average 96 percent lower. While helpful to indicate larger trends, case counts are an undercount of the actual number of infections due to the large number of at-home COVID test results that are not reported to Public Health.

Wastewater concentrations of SARS CoV-2, the virus that results in a COVID-19 infection, are at 16 percent of the most recent winter peak for the week ending July 15, double the 8 percent that was reported two weeks ago, yet still of low concern. Looking at wastewater concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 provides information about transmission levels and is not dependent on cases reported or captured through testing.

The percentage of Emergency Department encounters classified as - related is a nominal increase from reported t o ee s ago and the daily average number of COVID-positive hospitaliza-

tions is 228, a very small increase from 213 reported two weeks ago. The daily average for COVID-19 deaths is 2.6, slightly less than a daily average of 3.4 deaths two weeks prior.

In alignment with the state of California, Los Angeles County has begun counting and reporting only deaths here - is coded on the death certificate as the cause of death or a contributing factor. This ne definition for categori ing deaths is eing applied to all deaths with a date of death on July 1, 20 23, or later Updating the definitions associated ith deaths ca sed y specific diseases is a normal part of disease s rveillance re ecting oth changes in the evol tion of the disease and resource constraints.

Los Angeles County will also monitor and report three additional indicators of COVID-19 mortality to maximize the ability to detect changes in mortality trends.

First, Public Health will report on the percentage of all Los Angeles County deaths that are due to COVID-19. This provides a measure of the relative burden of COVID on overall mortality in Los Angeles County and captures changes in the impact of COVID over time.

Second, Public Health will track the number of deaths that don’t have COVID-19 listed on the death certificate yet ere reported y a medical provider as COVID-associated. This will capture additional deaths likely associated with COVID that may be under-reported on death certificates Last, regular updates will be provided by Public Health on the leading causes of death in Los Ange-

les County. In 20 22, COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death, behind coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Based on death numbers to date, e anticipate a significant decrease in the ran ing of COVID-19 this year. This will capture the contribution of COVID to resident mortality rates and can inform response actions and resource allocations.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to those who are grieving a loved one due to COVID-19, and hope that you are surrounded by strength, compassion and caring d ring this di c lt time said r ar ara errer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Looking at the current patterns we are seeing between cases, hospitalizations, and deaths provides evidence that built-up immunity, through vaccination and prior infections, is likely leading to greater resilience against severe illness ith vaccines and therape tics remaining e ective against the circulating strains of COVID-19, we can take comfort knowing that COVID is now something e can manage For residents who are concerned that they or a loved one have been exposed to COVID-19 or are seeking resources for increased protection, many options remain available in Los Angeles County. The Public Health Call Center is open seven days a week, from 8: 0 0 a.m. to 8: 30 p.m. The free service will connect callers with a person who can answer their q uestions, coordinate free telehealth care to receive COVID-19 treatment, and help make a vaccination appointment, including for people who are homebound. The number is 1-833-

 COMMUNITY NEWS

August 3-9, 2023

22

Philippine American Press Club Invites Customers to an In-Language Tagalog Webinar on PG&E’s Wildfire Prevention Work and Safety Resources for 2023 At August 24 Virtual Event, Philippine American Press Club is partnering w ith E to An er e �on and are e o r e to el to er re are

hilippine merican ress l nvites stomers to an n- ang age agalog e inar on s ildfire revention or and Safety eso rces for t g st irt al vent hilippine merican ress l is partnering ith to ns er estions and Share eso rces to elp stomers repare San rancisco n partnership ith acific as and lectric ompany the hilippine merican ress l invites c stomers to a virt al to n hall to share the latest pdates on ildfire prevention or safety reso rces and connect c stomers ith the team n h rsday g st from to pm safety e perts ill provide a rief presentation d ring hich attendees ill have the opport nity to as estions

he event can e accessed thro gh the lin elo y phone or thro gh s e site pge com e inars ring the e inar event c stomers can earn a o t ildfire safety improvements ear a o t reso rces availa le to s pport them onnect ith e perts ore information and reso rces to

help yo and yo r family prepare for and stay safe in the event of an emergency can e fo nd at safetyactioncenter pge com Ab o u t P h i l i p p i n e Am e r i c a n P r e s s C lu b sta lished in as fo nded y former mem ers of the ational ress l of the hilippines ho had immigrated to the San rancisco ay rea and sa the need for US ased ilipinomerican media gro p ll fierce advo-

cates for tr th fairness and e cellence in o rnalism they reali ed the vital role of media ed cation and advocacy for the fast-gro ing ilipino pop lation hey represented a small t in ential set of local ilipino p lications and roadcasters s ch as Ssian o rnal hilippines e s oday ilipino merican adio et or anila ail o er ng inoy n irer net il m Star and hilippine eadlines etc

LA County adopts countywide racial equity strategic plan S S - he os ngeles o nty oard of S pervisors oard has nanimo sly adopted a gro nd rea ing o nty ide acial ity Strategic lan ith five strategic goals intended to meas ra ly improve the lives of residents and comm nities thro gho t os ngeles County ( County) . he oard acting on a motion y S pervisors itchell and Solis declared its commitment to fostering meaningf l and lasting change thro gh the adoption of the o nty ide acial ity Strategic lan eveloped y the hief ec tive ffice s nti- acism iversity and ncl sion nitiative it o tlines do ens of strategic goals and initiatives aimed to address str ct ral racism o-created ith residents comm nity- ased organiations civic leaders philanthropic organi ations academic partners and p lic private agencies the plan presents a year roadmap to foster a more e ita le and incl sive o nty here all residents are healthy e perience stice and thrive he creation of the o nty ide acial ity Strategic lan as a directive of the oard hen a motion as nanimo sly adopted on ly to esta lish an nti- acist o nty olicy genda declaring racism a matter of p lic health in the o nty oreover as esta lished and is charged ith developing the nderlying policy platform and implementing the plan in colla oration ith department sta and leadership he o nty identified five strategic goals to e achieved thro gh m ltiple initiatives over the ne t decade ncrease ttainment of ostsecondary redentials ith Significant a or ar et al e ed ce d lt irst- ime elony on-

victions ncrease Sta le ll- ime mployment mong ndivid al d lts ncrease the ercentage of amilies ith ncomes ove ederal overty evel ed ce nfant ortality n addition to providing a ne vision for achieving e ity in os ngeles o nty the strategic plan o tlines several historical factors that helped e acer ate racial disparities and ine ity across the o nty he plan reveals significant racial gaps in high school grad ation in year ro nd f lltime employment and m ch larger gaps in college enrollment college grad ation family incomes and homeo nership rates ith o r first ever acial ity Strategic lan os ngeles o nty has actiona le steps for moving ith clear direction and acco nta ility to ards achieving racial e ity and stice said Second istrict S pervisor olly itchell ant to than r Scor a for leading the creation of this historic plan and the oard of S pervisors for approving my motion to esta lish a shared commitment across all o nty departments in o ning o r piece in ma ing this plan a reality t is the only ay e can do the hard and necessary or of addressing long-standing in stices and creating meaningf l change that can e seen and felt in the lives of o r residents s the elected governing ody of os ngeles o nty e m st ta e a strong stance against racism to send a message that e ill neither comply ith nor ena le policies that e acer ate historic in stices said os ngeles o nty S pervisor ilda Solis irst istrict o that end am pro d that e have a vehicle s ch as to espo se the val es of an-

ti-racism diversity and incl sion os ngeles o nty is one of the most diverse co nties in one of the most diverse co ntries in the orld hat is o r strength t as long as racial gaps persist e aren t living p to o r potential his o nty ide acial ity Strategic lan deploys many of o r est tools in o r mission of creating a more st o nty for all of o r comm nities said hair of the

oard of S pervisors anice ahn ilding a more e ita le st os ngeles o nty re ires intentional steps that lift p every one of o r marginali ed comm nities said hird istrict S pervisor indsey orvath am pro d to s pport the acial ity Strategic lan and importantly to e part of reali ing the change the plan envisions

Social Security Update

CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS CLAIM ONLINE

By G . Sa m s o n ocial ec rity blic A airs pecialist in the ay Area If you applied for Social Security benefits or have a pending reconsideration or hearing re est yo can chec the stat s online sing yo r free personal my Social Sec rity acco nt f yo don t have an acco nt yo can create one at ssa gov myacco nt to see the follo ing information a o t yo r claim ate of filing rrent claim location Sched led hearing date and time ncomplete applications Servicing o ce location lications of interest depending on the claim and c rrent step in the process Use yo r personal my Social Sec rity acco nt to chec the stat s of yo r application or appeal at ssa gov myaccount. f yo have estions a o t retirement disa ility edicare or s rvivors enefits as ell as S pplemental Sec rity ncome visit o r e page at ssa gov enefits

 COMMUNITY NEWS

August 3-9, 2023

24

Governor Newsom lauds President Biden’s establishment of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom lauded President Biden’s executive action to designate a national monument at three sites in honor of Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley — both of whom served as catalysts for the Civil Rights Movement.

Governor Newsom said: “On a sweltering day last April in Jackson, Mississippi, I had the gift of time – and the gift of company – to visit the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley exhibit at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum with the Mayor of Jackson and his family. With my children by my side,

we witnessed the horrors of Emmett Till’s lynching and learned of the legacy Emmett continues to leave.

“Nothing would prepare me for the faces of my children as we walked through the exhibit: passing images of mmett s horrific m tilation photographs of his mother weeping over his unrecognizable body, and seeing the bullet-ridden sign that once stood to mark where his body was found.

“As my 7, 10, 12, and 13-year-olds learned about what happened to 14-year-old Emmett, I learned why every child must learn this history, too. Children like

mine will never have to experience the depths of dehumanization and racial violence that Emmett, his family, and Black Americans continue to experience today.

“There are too many leaders in our country right now ho ant to r sh this and so many other horrific pieces of our history — under the rug. They lead an ideological crusade to silence our diverse communities and whitewash the truth. President Biden’s establishment of this national monument is an important step toward healing and a visual reminder to us all that we cannot turn our backs and deny or rewrite our past.

Westb orough Hills Tennis Club 40Th Year Anniversary And Tennis Tournament. 2nd row , L to R, R De Guz man, M. Sagala, B. Reyes, R. Dasco, A. Veresh, M. WilFront row , L to R, A. Amaya, E. Rey, N. Ella, E. Ella, J. Marq uez , N. Wong, R. Mac- e , . otera, . Bor a, e ar a rera, . Ba � ta, . ar ez, . olo on, . utay, M Vergara, M. Wong, T. Fab ian, P. David, & A. Rodriguez .

Santos, J. Pascua, And F. Dulce.

Tell Us Your Needs!

Share your experiences at a local listening session!

Your voice will help inform how our tax dollars are prioritized in these areas:

• Mental Health • Emergency Preparedness

• Housing & Homelessness • Children & Families

Scan the QR code to take our survey and find a listening session near you!

Sabihin sa Amin ang Inyong mga Pangangailangan!

Ibahagi ang inyong mga karanasan sa pagtitipon para sa pakikinig pakiknig sa lokal na lugar! Makatutulong ang inyong boses sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon. Mapag-aalaman ang mga prayoridad sa paggasta ng perang mula sa buwis at para sa mga larangang ito: • Pabahay at Kawalan ng • Kalusugan ng Isip o Tahanan Mental Health • Pagiging Handa sa mga • Mga Bata at Pamilya Emergency

I-scan ang QR code upang masagutan ang aming sarbey at makahanap ng pagtitipon para sa pakikinig na malapit sa inyo!

https://www.research.net/r/smcneedstl

25 August 3-9, 2023

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Judges announced for 2023 California Ethnic Media Awards

ABISO SA ULAT AT PAMPUBLIKONG PAGPUPULONG

26 industry leaders tapped to judge upcoming awards

Makukuha na ang Draft ng Ulat sa Pangkapaligirang Epekto/ Pagsusuri sa Kapaligiran para sa I-280/Proyekto ng Pagpapaunlad sa Winchester Boulevard Interchange

J o n F u n a b ik i Professor of Journalism, San Francisco State University, Founder of Renaissance Journalism, and former rogram cer ith the ord o ndation Ta n u He n r y Managing Editor of California Black Media, and veteran Communications Specialist G e o r g e K o o Business Advisor, Cross-Cultural Communicator, and Writer for Asian Week Li l a La Ho o d Publisher for Public Press J o n g w o n Le e Veteran Journalist and Editor with K orean News Media, member of the State Bar of Georgia, and Contributing Editor of Ethnic Media Services N i n a Li Stanford Center for Asian Research and Education ( CARE) , Stanford University School of Medicine P i l a r Ma r r e r o Veteran Author and Journalist, former Political Reporter for La Opinion, and Associate Editor for Ethnic Media Services Ru b e n Ma r t i n e z Journalist, author and musician, Professor of English, and Fletcher Jones Chair in Literature & Writing at Loyola Marymount University Ma r y J o Mc C o n a h a y Veteran Journalist for the National Catholic Reporter, and Author most recently of Playing God: American Catholic Bishops and the Far Right Am a n d a Me i K i m Author, former Communications Director for Blue Shield Foundation of California D e b r a N a k a to m i Founder and President for Nakatomi PR K a y l a O l v e r a Hi l a r i o Department of Labor, Division of Indian and ative merican rograms former ri al airs Specialist with the California Census Manuel Ortiz Escá mez Sociologist and Audiovisual Journalist, Freelance and Reporter, Co-Founder, Peninsula 360 Press J a y a P a d m a n a b h a n Veteran Journalist and Fiction Writer, Contributing Editor for Ethnic Media Services D a v id P h a m Web Architect and Graphic Artist for Ethnic Media Services D e e p a k P u r i Silicon Valley Veteran and Co-Founder of Democracy Labs Ri c h a r d Ro d r i g u e z Author and Essayist P e t e r Sc h u r m a n n Journalist and former Communications Consultant for Earth Innovation, Web Editor for Ethnic Media Services J a c q u e l i n e St e n s o n Director of Projects at USC Center for Health Journal The California Ethnic Media Symposium, Expo & Awards is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the diverse and vibrant ethnic media landscape of California. Taking place on Thursday Aug. 31, 20 23 at 11 am, this in-person event will be held at the K impton-Sawyer Hotel at 50 0 J St. in downtown Sacramento.

E t h n i c M ed i a S erv i c es : E t h n i c M ed i a S erv i c es w ork s t o en h an c e t h e c apac i t y of et h n i c n ew s ou t l et s t o i n f orm an d en gage d i v ers e au d i en c es on b road er pu b l i c i s s u es w i t h t h e goal of b u i l d i n g a more i n c l u s i v e part i c i pat ory d emoc rac y . L earn more at : et h n i c med i as erv i c es . org.

C al i f orn i a B l ac k M ed i a: C al i f orn i a B l ac k M ed i a i s a c on v en er an d t ru s t ed ad v oc at e f or more t h an 3 0 i n d epen d en t B l ac k - ow n ed - an d operat ed n ew s pu b l i s h ers , mu l t i med i a pl at f orms an d b road c as t ers ac ros s C al i f orn i a. A t t h e c ore of ou r mi s s i on i s a c ommi t men t t o “ pl ead ou r ow n c au s e, ” a ph ras e i n s pi red b y t h e w ord s an d w i s d om of ac t i v i s t , ed u c at or, an d pi on eeri n g j ou rn al i s t I d a B . W el l s . L earn more at : c ab l ac k med i a. org.

Lugar ng Proyekto

ANO ANG PINAPLANO? Nagmungkahi ng pagbabago sa kasalukuyang I-280/Winchester Boulevard interchange ang California Department of Transportation(Caltrans) sa kooperasyon ng Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) at ang Lungsod ng San José sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng bagong daang palabas sa tunel mula sa hilagang bahagi ng I-280 patungo sa Winchester Boulevard. Magtatayo rin ang Proyekto ng bagong daanan na magkokonekta sa dalawang magkahiwalay na kalsada mula sa hilagang bahagi ng SR-17 patungo sa hilagang bahagi ng I-280 at papalitan ang kasalukuyang Monroe Pedestrian Overcrossing. Layunin ng Proyekto na mapabuti ang operasyon ng trapiko sa mga lokal na kalsada, mapabuti ang pagdaan ng mga bisikleta at pedestriyan, mapahusay ang daloy ng pampublikong transportasyon, at mapabuti ang pagdaan mula sa hilagang bahagi ng I-280 sa lugar ng proyekto.

BAKIT MAY GANITONG ABISO? Ipinapaalam ng abisong ito na magagamit ang Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)/Environmental Assessment(EA) para marepaso ninyo at makapagbigay kayo ng mga komento.

Inaanyayahan din kayo ng abisong ito na dumalo sa isang pampublikong pagpupulong tungkol sa proyekto.

ANO ANG MAKUKUHA? Makukuha na online ang DEIR/EA sa vta.org/280winchester. Mababasa rin ang mga naka-print na kopya ng ulat sa VTA Administrative Office, 3331 N. First Street, San Jose, CA, at sa Bascom Branch Library, 1000 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA. KUNG ANO ANG GAGAWIN NINYO: Hinihiling ang inyong mga komento sa DEIR/EA. Mangyaring magpadala ng mga nakasulat na komento sa pamamagitan ng pag-email sa 280-winchester@vta.org o sa pamamagitan ng koreo sa Caltrans, District 4-Office of Environmental Analysis, Attn: Charles Winter, P.O. Box 23660 MS-8B, Oakland, CA 94623-0660. Dapat matanggap ang mga komento bago ang 5:00 ng hapon, Biyernes, Setyembre 8, 2023.

KAILAN AT SAAN: Magdadaos ng pampublikong pagpupulong sa Lunes, Agosto 14, mula 6:00 hanggang 7:30 ng gabi sa Cypress Community & Senior Center sa 403 Cypress Avenue sa San Jose. Magbibigay ng presentasyon ng proyekto, at susundan ito ng open house (pagbubukas sa publiko) kung saan maaaring magtanong ang publiko at magbigay ng mga komento.

Hinihilingan ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng pagsasalin ng wika, American Sign Language, o iba pang tulong na makipag-ugnayan sa Programa ng Komunidad ng VTA sa (408) 321-7575 o TTY para sa mga may kapansanan sa pandinig sa (408) 321-2330, hindi bababa sa limang (5) araw ng negosyo bago ang pampublikong pagpupulong.

DETALYE SA PAKIKIPAG-UGNAYAN: Para sa mga katanungan at karagdagang impormasyon, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa amin sa pamamagitan ng pag-email sa community.outreach@vta.org o sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa (408) 321-7575, TTY (408) 321-2330.

2307-2713

SACRMENTO - Twenty six distinguished writers, journalists, communication specialists and academics from across California will serve as judges in this year’s California Ethnic Media Awards, sponsored by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 31 at the K impton-Sawyer Hotel in downtown Sacramento concluding a day-long symposium on building inclusive communications across the state.

“We are honored to have such a diverse panel of dges ith c lt ral and ling istic ency play this very important role,” said co-chair Regina Brown Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media. “Judging entries for outstanding reporting from over 10 0 in-language and English language news outlets is no small task -- you’re reading breaking news, feature reports, commentaries, explanatory analyses, about issues and events largely missed in general market media but deeply relevant to local communities.”

“The opportunity to recognize outstanding journalism in the ethnic media sector generated such enthusiasm, it was inspiring,” added co-chair Sandy Close, Director of Ethnic Media Services.

“The judges know we’re not just selecting winners, we’re recognizing all the dedicated reporters and content producers who are keeping their audiences informed against enormous odds impacting the media landscape.”

As of July 31, the deadline for entries, over 20 0 submissions had been received.

List of Judges by Alphabetical Order: D a v i d Ba c o n Photojournalist, Author, Political Activist, and Union Organizer J o s e Lu i s Be n a v i d e s , Professor at the Department of Journalism, Cal State Northridge Ma e v e El i s e Br o w n Executive Director and Founder, Housing and Economic Rights Advocates J o n C h r is te n s e n Assistant Adjunct Professor at UCLA Institute of Environment and Sustainability, and Founder of Laboratory for Environmental Narrative Strategies ( LENS) An h D o Community Engagement Editor, the Los Angeles Times, veteran reporter for Nguoi Viet Al l i s o n En g e l Author, Playwright, and Journalist Louis Freedberg Journalist and former Executive Director of EdSource

 COMMUNITY NEWS

August 3-9, 2023

26

California providing free legal services for undocumented farmworkers SACRAMENTO — G overnor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new $4.5 m illion pilot program to provide free immigration legal assistance to farmworkers who are involved in state labor investigations.

The new program includes case review services, legal advice and representation by an attorney – all at no cost to farmworkers seeking assistance.

What the Governor said: “Farmworkers are the backbone of our economy and we won’t stand by as bad actors use the threat of deportation as a form of exploitation. In the absence of Congress modernizing our broken, outdated immigration system alifornia contin es o r e orts to s pport immigrant families.”

Why it matters: An estimated 50 pe rcent of farmworkers in California are undocumented.

The fear of retaliation from bad actor employers, incl ding the threat of deportation and di c lties obtaining other jobs without work authorization, is a common reason why many workers in the agric lt re ind stry do not file la or claims or provide information as witnesses. This new pilot program looks to prevent the exploitation of undocumented farmworkers by providing additional tools for California labor enforcement departments to help address workers’ fears of pursuing their rights due to their immigration status.

“The time is now for us to ensure that immigrant labor rights are upheld and respected. We commend the state for supporting this pilot, which will help ensure that legal services are available and accessible through partnerships with trusted community-based organizations across Califor-

nia,” said Maria Elena De La Garza, Executive Director of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County. “The Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County is committed to uplifting immigrant labor rights so that all families can continue to thrive.”

“Prosecutorial discretion ensures that farmworkers will be empowered to enforce their labor rights and stand up against the abuse and exploitation they often face,” said Diana Tellefson Torres, hief ec tive cer of the U o ndation Undoc mented farm or ers ho form s ch a large and essential portion of our nation’s workforce – must be able to enforce their rights without the threat of immigration retaliation. Additionally, it is of utmost importance that undocumented workers have access to free and low-cost legal services, so that any farmworker who has experienced workplace violations can come forward knowing they are protected from deportation. We are excited about the new pilot program and look forward to working with Governor Newsom to make it a success.”

This new program aligns with a recently announced Biden administration policy that streamlines and expedites deferred action for undocumented individuals who are victims of, or witnesses to, violations of labor rights. California is leading the way in coordinating with the Biden Administration to aid noncitizen workers with such deferred action reque sts. The California a or ommissioner s ce as the first state agency in the nation to successfully reque st deferred action from the Biden Administration for employees under an active investigation.

This pilot will be administered through a partnership between the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency and the California Department of Social Services that will support the enforcement of agricultural worker labor rights, particularly in worksite-wide investigations. Services will not be limited by an individual’s immigration status. To be eligible, cases must be under review by the Department of Industrial Relations’ a or ommissioner s ce the ivision of ccupational Safety and Health or the Agricultural Labor Relations Board. Legal service providers will be available based on farmworker population estimates and provider capacity.

California has funded free immigration legal services thro gh alified nonprofit organi ations since incl ding more recent e orts nder Governor Newsom’s leadership to continue robust f nding and e pand the availa ility of alified services in underserved communities. The pilot is funded by existing resources and is expected to begin later this year.

These initiatives help advance equi ty, inclusion and a level playing field for oth or ers and la abiding employers. The pilot adds to California’s leadership in protecting immigrants and supporting immigrant talent, including increased access to health care, education, and other critical initiatives that help immigrant families be safe, thrive and grow the economy with their contributions.

27 August 3-9, 2023

Upside...

(From P age 11)

Logan’s expertise coincidentally burst onto the global stage at the same time Bruce Lee loyalists commemorated his 50t h death anniversary, adding wattage to her achievement and underscoring ee s end ring in ence on martial arts dapted from the original reprinted ith permission from U hotos y a ino o e concl ded C he ri e Q ue rol M oreno i s E x ec ut i v e E di t or of P hi l i ppi ne N ew s T oday .

Offline

(From P age 13)

an nstoppa le con eror ho can ta e over the hilippines itho t a fight nd y the ay one of the top US military leaders of all time eneral o glas ac rth r once said that if he had ilipino soldiers nder him he co ld con er anyone or ords to that e ect n other ords there as a time hen the ilipino ighting an as at par ith the orld s ravest m not s re if the same thing can e said no ot after having a commander in chief li e terte ho once said that hina might as ell ma e the hilippines one of its provinces ay e he as idding may e he as not here may ho ever e one reason hy oint e ercises may e of some help to the co ntry and it orders on the realm of eird fiction he US ongress has een holding hearings on hat has previo sly een considered a fringe even silly elief that e traterrestrials al among s Serio sly most credi le itness confirmed that the US is in possession of alien craft and has interacted ith non-h man eings he testimony as efore a US ongressional ody not many years ago t very recently s in last ee recently revio sly the US armed forces practically admitted that ying sa cers or U s are real even releasing videos sho ing hat has come to e no n as the tic tac space ships no also called Unidentified erial henomena res ming that they re real the ne t estion is hat are their intentions re they friendly or do they have more sinister intentions? hatever the case may e it is est to e prepared n hich case oint military e ercises ith all co ntries o ld e advisa le orth orea incl ded for one o ld li e to see and hear hat o or oy and girl ands loo and so nd li e nd yes fol s m idding t here oint military drills ith hina is concerned m not he ans er has to e a ig fat

In My Heart

(From P age 12 )

des top comp ter or laptop ith its convergence of hard are and soft are to do the o ith its seven schools of speciali ation attending to some st dents the -year-old Stanford University the oyal and ontifical University of Sto omas in anila is m ch older as it as fo nded in no also speciali es in rtificial ntelligence as it p rs es its mission to contri te to the orld y ed cating st dents for lives of leadership and p rposef l contri tion advancing f ndamental no ledge and c ltivating creativity and accelerating sol tions and amplifying their impact s a professor and a former University egent in one of top niversities in the hilippines hich conferred a octor of lic anagement honoris ca sa to alifornia overnor avin e som o ld love to have a trip ac or more to Stanford University not a ic ie revisit st li e last ee

True or False

(From P age 12)

erations of the city government hile the o ce is small it comes ith a no le mission to serve the city and its people she stresses e presented copies of t o of the latest iss es of hilippine e s oday to the vice mayor hich she appreciated saying the ne spaper has a strong presence in ilpitas n t rn velyn handed to each of s a pin of the city and some so venir items as she expresses her wish that the team visit the very progressive city more often She then led s to the gro nd oor as she had to catch p another appointment he meeting ith ice ayor velyn h a as short t arm and meaningf l as e learned more a o t the ity of ilpitas and its highly dependable, reliable, hardworking and approachable number two city o cial ore on ilpitas ice ayor velyn h a in the ne t iss e ditor s ote laire orales r e is the roving managing editor of hilippine e s oday or ing

on her reports in the United States and the hilippines She as formerly lic elations cer of then ampanga ice overnor an ig el i ey acapagal rroyo and assistant managing director of ealth rontiers hich served m ltinational companies in the pharmace tical and health sectors

Health & Wealth

(From P age 12)

old and ne clients d ring reg lar o ce ho rs after o ce ho rs and d ring ee ends e cept on S ndays hen e had o r ce at the hilippine enter near the hilippine ons late ce o r old clients ere complaining for the e pensive par ing fees ith o r home o ce in San rancisco old and ne clients can have par ing pm on o r drive ay and the availa le street par ing spaces near y S or those ho can t come to o r home o ce in San rancisco alifornia e can do signing and notari ation of doc ments in the privacy of homes o ces hospitals resta rants lo y ost ce Station lo y and other locations U S S U - ith the help of o r paralegal and la yer-friends e o er special disco nt in the preparation and drafting of doc ments for old and ne clients ld and ne clients can have total convenience and peace of mind ith the complete ni e and prompt services at SS ost of the time it is more convenient and economical or yo to avail yo rself ith the complete and professional services at SS or immediate assistance and help in the notari ation and apostille follo p of doc ments needed in the hilippines and the other mem er nations of the ag e postille onvention st rite or call S S S adrid Street San rancisco el or or email artmadlaing hotmail com (A R T G A B O T M < A D L A I N G i s ac c redi t ed and c ommi s s i one d N ot ary P ubl i c and l i c ens ed R eal E s t at e B rok er (D R E # 06359 76) i n C al i f orni a s i nc e 1981.

H e i s t he f ounde r of M O B I L E SI G N I N G SE R V I C E S, FI T N E S FO R H U M A N K I T Y (ak a FI T N E S FO R C H R I ST ) and A C A P I N O Y . A rt i s ac t i v e E v ange l i s t w i t h t he G O L D E N G A T E C H U R C H O F C H R I ST i n San F ranc i s c o, C al i f orni a U SA .}

What’s Up Atty

(From P age 12)

co rt denied the alien s petition for revie of the oard s order pholding the mmigration dge s denial of his application for cancellation of removal for lac of good moral character he dge also fo nd that the alien remained a danger to his comm nity after he admitted that he no longer drin s alcohol to e cess t that he still drin s S See nnotation onstr ction and pplication of ood oral haracter e irement for ancellation of emoval of lien Under US ed d S pp y eth olliday ecome a U S citi en and yo can drin to yo r heart s content li e the a aii state senator and avoid deportation o can also drin non-alcoholic eer hich tastes li e eer t lac s the p nch tty mman el Samonte ipon as a l right and Smithndt scholar to ale a School here he o tained a aster of a s degree speciali ing in onstit tional a e grad ated ith a achelor of a s degree from the University of the hilippines e placed third in the ar e aminations e is admitted to practice efore the U S S preme o rt e or and the hilippines e practices federal la ith emphasis on immigration la and appellate federal criminal defense e as the ean and a rofessor of a of the ollege of a orthestern University hilippines e has ritten la oo s and legal articles for the orld s most prestigio s legal p lisher and rites col mns for ne spapers e rote the annotations and case notes to the mmigration and ationality ct p lished y he a yers o-operative lishing o and ancroft hitney o e rote the est-seller inning y no ing o r lection a s isten to he ipon eport hich he co-hosts ith his son ttorney mman el oel ipon hey tal a o t immigration la criminal la co rt-martial defense politics and c rrent events t is considered the most itty interesting and sef l radio sho in a aii and every h rsday at a m tty ipon as orn in aoag ity hilippines ell hone ail filamla yahoo com e site https tiponimmigrationg ide com he information provided in this article is not legal advice lication of this information is not intended to create and receipt y yo does not constit te an attorney-client relationship

As I See It

(From P age 12)

to t rn aro nd and leave the area vent coordinator e on ales Sep lveda a grad ate of the r ady of the ilies cademy one of the three high schools attending the re nion as orried and tried to call everyone ma ing s re every ody is fine She as happy e ere all safe he third high school in the m lti-high school re nion as the ivine ord ollege of Urdaneta U cept for ho rs of fears tension and no sleep till the early morning the follo ing day d e to the loc do n all the al mni in attendance ere safe and so nd oing ac to the ropicana otel at in the morning the follo ing day hen they ere released by the police, Dave and company have to rush to the airport only

to find o t their ight as cancelled ll morning ights ere cancelled t they ere a le to get oo ing for alternate ight o nd to tlanta and then to eorgia here they ere a le to get ac home to So th arolina hey ere given preferential treatment from tic eting to meals and other airline services eca se they came from the as egas massacre hich s ddenly ecame an international rea ing ne s e ere also d e to go ac to San rancisco the follo ing day t since o r ight as in the afternoon here afternoon ights ere not cancelled e ere a le to y safely ac to San rancisco as sched led and drove ac home to ilpitas alifornia hat as a scary moment of o r life hich e ere a le to avoid and than od e ere all safe e ecame part of history in the ma ing o ld say hat ash ac re nion ill never happen again not in emecula, right? n fact this ill not deter the al mni in attending the th lti igh School e nion in alifornia this coming Septem er eca se there s a lot to recall a lot of onding to e made and more hello s and hi s ith old high school ddies and s hom e ve missed for years (E l pi d i o R . E s t i ok o w as a v et eran j ou rn al i s t i n t h e P h i l i ppi n es an d an aw ard - w i n n i n g j ou rn al i s t h ere i n t h e U S . H e j u s t pu b l i s h ed h i s b ook U n l oc k i n g t h e C h ai n of P ov ert y : I n P u rs u i t of t h e A meri c an D ream w h i c h i s n ow av ai l ab l e at A maz on , B arn es & N ob l e an d X l i b ri s P u b l i s h i n g. For f eed b ac k s , c ommen t s emai l au t h or at es t i ok oel pi d i o@ gmai l . c om).

 HEALTH NEWS

August 3-9, 2023

28

Seven out of 10 people protected by at least one tobacco control measure The ninth WHO Report on the global tobacco epidemic la nched s mmari es national e orts to implement the most e ective demand red ction meas res from the rame or onvention on o acco ontrol that are proven to red ce to acco se hese meas res are no n collectively as he interventions have een sho n to save lives and reduce costs from averted healthcare expendit re he first report as la nched in 2008 to promote government action on six tobacco control strategies in-line ith the to

champions glo al e orts to give everyone every here an equa l chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. or more information visit ho int and follo on itter ace oo nstagram in ed n i Tok, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube

Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies.

Protect people from tobacco smoke.

Ab ou t Bl om b e r g P h i l an t h r op i e s er help to it to acco se Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and Warn people about the dangers of tobacco.

150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer nforce ans on to acco advertising promotion and lives for the greatest number of people. The organization sponsorship. foc ses on five ey areas for creating lasting change the Raise taxes on tobacco. rts d cation nvironment overnment nnovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encomAb ou t t h e W or l d He al t h O r gan i z at i on passes all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as by science, the World Health Organization leads and well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy

that works in cities around the world. In 2022, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed US $1.7 bi llion. or more information please visit loom erg org sign p for o r ne sletter or follo s on ace oo Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Anti-cancer: Vegetables Heart of Hope

Since man roamed the earth, vegetables have been hailed as a great health food. And even before modern science came out with the medical data proving their value, parents, especially mothers, around the orld from di erent cultures and traditions, had already been encouraging PHILIP S. CHUA their children to eat vegetables, especially, broccoli, kale, spinach, garlic, the multi-colored leafy veggies.

In this new era of health-consciousness, vegetables have once again been thrust to the center stage, under the spotlight, not only as a great food item, but one that has remarkable medical powers that bolster the immune system and prevent diseases, including cancers.

A previous Mayo Clinic study showed that eating lots of vegetables lowers the risk of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma ( NHL) . This clinical investigation revealed the follo ing eight findings “Those who ate a higher number of vegetable servings per week had a 42 percent lower risk of NHL than those who ate the lowest number. Those who ate the most servings of green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables had a 40 percent lower risk compared to the lowest intakes. Those who had the highest intake of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin had a 46 percent lower risk of NHL. Those who had the highest intake of zinc had a 42 percent lower risk. Those who ate a higher number of vegetable servings per week had a 42 percent lower risk of NHL than those who ate the lowest number.”

The researchers postulated that vegetables contain antioxidants that help the body repair the damages in the DNA caused by oxidative stress, which is one of the risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. And eating vegetables at least 3 times a day, if combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes daily physical exercises, confers an even a greater degree of immuno-protection.

The antioxidants in vegetables also help neutralize the free radicals produced during exercise.

The following are some of the nutrients in vegetables

that help lower the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cancers in general ycopene tein olic Acid, Zeaxanthin, Gluoinolates ( which are converted into isothiocyanates) . Apparently, the protective substances ind ce a phase deto ification path ays hich minimize and help repair the damage in our DNA caused by our unhealthy and self-destructive lifestyle.

Besides preventing cancers, some vegetables appear to show some promise in treating some forms of tumors in e perimental mice hen this is confirmed y clinical studies in humans, this could be a big boost in the management of cancers in people around the globe.

Di-indolylmethane ( DIM) is a natural compound found in vegetables ( like broccoli, cabbage, turnips and mustard greens) , which has not only been associated with cancer prevention, but, more amazingly, with the potential ability to treat cancer. Obviously more extensive laboratory studies and, later, clinical application in humans, are needed to validate this research observation.

While eating a lot of vegetables every day could protect us from diseases, including cancer, eating red meat and processed foods red ces the enefits conferred by the vegetables we eat. Besides being loaded with saturated fats and cholesterol, red meat and processed foods have also been implicated in the increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer. r its especially erries fi er and n ts also help in reducing our risk for cancer, and other major diseases.

Physical exercises plays a major role in the prevention of cardiovascular/ metabolic diseases, Alzheimer’s, and various cancers.

Man has always been searching for the formula for optimal health and longevity. The market is full of nonprescription herbal or “food supplement” pills, potions, and lotions each claiming to e ective against a host of medical conditions, as preventive or as a “cure.” Not only are these items not approved by government sentinel agencies li e the USand the t they are cost prohi itive ine ective and potentially dangerous.

The manufacturing companies concerned hide behind the legal technicality by marketing their products, NOT as drugs, but as herbals or “food supplements” to escape the stringent requi rements, although their info-

mercials state that their health prod cts are e ective for” a variety of medical illnesses. If they have pharmacologic chemical e ects then they sho ld e considered as drugs, and be subject to the rigorous testing and clinical studies requi red for drugs, prior to their approval and acceptance as safe and e ective for p lic cons mption.

It is rather most unfortunate that the government appears to be simply powerless in dealing with the perpetrator companies and dealers and their unsubstantiated claims and deceptive practices, who are bilking the unsuspecting and ignorant victims of their hard-earned money.

Disease-inducing personal bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle include smoking, high-cholesterol, high fat, high-carbohydrate diet, inactivity ( lack of physical exercise) , alcohol abuse, and poor stress management.

These factors, which are really within our control, are responsi le for a o t of all diseases a icting man Indeed, only 25% of these illnesses we have today are beyond our control. Most of our health problems are self-in icted and self-ind ced and therefore preventable to a large extent.

Medical literature is replete with clinical outcomes that stify this caveat ating vegeta les prevent diseases while regular consumption of red meat and processed foods is associated with increased risk of debilitating and deadly illnesses, including cancer. Need we say more?

Isn’t it time to start loving our body and be proactive in protecting it to maximize our health and longevity?

P hi l i p S. C hua, M D , FA C S, FP C S, a C ardi ac Sur geon E meri t us bas ed i n N ort hw es t I ndi ana and L as V egas , N ev ada, i s an i nt ernat i onal medi c al l ec t ur er/ aut hor , H eal t h A dv oc at e, ne w s paper c ol um ni s t , and C hai rman of t he Fi l i pi no U ni t ed N et w ork - U SA , a 501( c )3 hum ani t ari an f oundat i on i n t he U ni t ed St at es . H e w as a de c orat ed rec i pi ent of t he I ndi ana Sagam ore of t he W abas h A w ard i n 1995, be s t ow ed b y t he n I ndi ana G ov ernor , l at er a Se nat or, and a pres i de nt i al c andi dat e, t he H onor abl e E v an B ay h. O t he r Sagam ore pas t aw arde es i nc l ude P res i de nt H arry T rum an, P res i de nt G eorge H W B us h, M uham mad A l i , A s t ronaut G us G ri s s om, et c . (W i k i pedi a). W ebs i t es : FU N 8.c om, T oday .SP SA t oday .c om, and phi l i pSc hua.c om E mai l : s c al pel pen@ gmai l .c om

29 August 3-9, 2023

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

By TIM PEDROSA

Greed is one of the seven deadly sins for a reason.

No one likes a mean-spirited and unfriendly person, and it is much more worthwhile to do something good with your money while you are alive than to try to take it with you after you die. One woman understood the negative impacts of greed, but not her husband. Her clever actions are great lesson for anyone who has not learned the truth behind the old saying: “You can’t take it with you.” As the story from an unknown writer goes, the man worked very hard all his life. He saved up his money, year after year, and hated to spend an extra penny on anything he purchased. The old man even went so far as to want to be buried with his money. He was a real cheapskate when it came to his money, the story says and he loved money more than just about anything, and just before he died, he said to his wife, “Now listen, when I die I want you to take all my money and place it in the casket with me. Because I want to take all my money to the afterlife.” His wife, of course, was a kind hearted woman who wanted to do good by her husband. She m st have een appalled hen she heard this selfish re est t she did her est to keep the vows she had made so many years before. Her husband was ultimately able to guilt her into promising with all her heart that she would bury the man’s money with him when he pass away. When that day came, the lady had a decision to make. She was still alive herself, and she could certainly have used that money.

When you are past the age of working full time, spending stresses the mind more than when you are young. But the promise remained, and it weighed on her heart.

Finally, the woman came up with a clever trick. Her husband was stretched out in the casket, the wife was sitting there in black next to their best friend. When they finished the ceremony st efore the nderta ers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, “Wait a minute! ” This was it, the moment of truth. Her friend watched in disbelief as the woman carried out her ridiculous promise. Since she was a woman of her word, she did not want to carry the guilt of breaking this promise, no matter how little sense it made. She had a shoebox with her, she came over with the box and placed it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket and rolled it away. At this point her friend had had enough. She just had to ask about the ridiculo s re est hope yo were not crazy enough to put all that money in there with that stingy old man,” she stated. The now-widow proved her loyalty once again. She said, “Yes, I promised.

I’m a good Christian, I can’t lie. I promised him that I would put that money in that casket with him.” Okay, are you ready for the really good part?

This is where the whole story turns around. “You mean to tell me you put 1. Our Lady of Angels Church - 1721 Hillside Drive, every cent of his money Burlingame, CA 940 10 in the casket with him? ” 2. St. Isidore Catholic Church - 222 Clark Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991 the friend asked. “I sure 3. St. Andrew’s Catholic Church - 1571 Southgate Avenue, did,” answered the wife.

Daly City, CA 940 15 “I got it all together, put 4. St. Jarlath Church - 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland, CA 9460 2 it into my account and I 5. St. Isabella Church - One Trinity Way, San Rafael, CA 9490 3 wrote him a check.” The 6. St. Catherine Church - 3450 Tennessee Church, wife kept her end of the Vallejo, CA 94591 bargain, now let’s see if 7. Holy Child and St. Martin Church - 777 Southgate Avenue, her husband can cash that Daly City, CA 940 15 check. Greed doesn’t look 8. Parish of the Holy Infant Jesus - 370 51 Cabrillo Terrace, good on anyone. This Fremont, CA 94536 adorable story proves just 9. Good Shepherd Church - 320 0 Harbor St, Pittsburg, CA 94565 how silly it is to value material goods over what For more information, please contact: really matters.

JR: ( 650 ) 952-8238

I

n John 21: 7 is the passage when John the beloved exclaimed, “it is the Lord.” His sensitivity to the Lord Jesus’ presence and action in their midst that moment must be imitated.

The focus of our faith and our prayer is God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are in relationship with God. He is not an idea but a relational Being; God is a communion of Divine Persons. REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD In the Holy Eucharist, we are not dealing with just rituals, prayers, and teachings; we are in relationship with the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We cannot separate the Person from the Eucharistic Bread; because, it is not mere bread, it is the Lord. Him we eat, Him we listen to, Him we adore when we are at the Holy Mass.

Faith is not what but whom; in other words, our mindset must focus not only on the information we learned about what we believe; but also, on whom we are relating to in our believing. Faith is nothing if you forget to relate to the God whom you have faith on. That is why, when people have attitudes in ways that they go to Church and receive the Holy Eucharist; and yet, do not conform themselves to what the Holy Eucharist is about and what the Church is about is some ignorance of Christ Himself and Him at work and present in Church. For, if a person truly believes in the Lord, he must accept that his life is no longer governed y his o n specifications t y the specifications and expectations of Jesus, whom He believes as His Lord and Savior.

We cannot separate the teachings of the faith and the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot separate between the truths of our faith in God with God Himself; for faith is not only about ideas of faith but primarily also life itself that we live daily; for faith is relationship with God in our Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Moreover, we cannot separate between the teachings of the Lord Jesus about the Holy Eucharist and His Person. When we go to mass, we do not go and attend it as if we are there to watch like a movie, or watch some rituals, but we are at Mass truly and really participants of what is going on; because, everything at Mass is our Lord es s hrist niting s to im nto the ather e is o ering imself in sacrifice for s and e are oined to im as sacrificial o ering acceptable to the Father. We cannot separate the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ with what our eyes see, the bread and wine, which after consecration truly become His body and blood. Hence, at communion time hen the priest says ody of hrist e say amen to a rm His real presence and Lordship; “my Lord and my God ( Jn. 20 : 28) ,” as St. Thomas professed.

In our time, it is very easy to fall into compromises to our faith and love of the Lord God. Our mentality is focused on ourselves; what we want, what we think, what should be done, et cetera, all things m st e according to o r specifications his mentality m st e cast out; as St. Paul exhorts; “do not to conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… ( Rom. 12: 2) .” And that, we must cast out “the old self ( Eph. 4: 22) corrupted through deceitful desires”; rather, we are to live and to “put on the new self… ( Eph. 4: 24) .”

Nowadays, there are many Catholics who say they are Catholics but do not even go to Church. Or they may be Church goers, but fail to learn deeply their atholic hristian faith onse ently their principles and mindset, their thought process, eventually become incoherent with Christ’s teachings. There are Catholics who think that the fundamental truths must be changed and must conform to the changes of our time; not considering that God’s truths are perennial just as He is eternal and absolute. We cannot relate to God according to our way but must be according to His way. We cannot say, “I believe in Jesus Christ, but not this or that teaching of His.” If that happens, we become nominal believers only, or believers only when it suits us; such believing is actually nothing. Believing without conviction and choice to fully believe is not believing at all; except the belief in oneself.

We cannot separate God and the truths about Him. Let us not fall into the errors of our time; but purify our mind and heart so as to let Jesus reign as The Lord and K ing of our existence. Amen.

Aflame The Heart

MAN BURIED WITH HIS MONEY

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31 August 3-9, 2023  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Special Beef Kaldereta I n g r e d ie n ts : 1 kilo beef spareribs 1/ 2 cup chicken liver, fried, massed in to paste 2 medium size red bell pepper, cut into 1” squa re 2 pcs. whole sweet pickle, sliced crosswise 1 small can button mushroom 1/ 2 cup grated cheddar cheese 1/ 2 tsp. ground peppercorns 2 medium size onion, chopped 1/ 2 head garlic, chopped 1/ 4 cup vinegar 1 cup green olives 1 cup tomato sauce 1/ 2 tsp hot sauce 3 bay leaf salt C o ok i n g p r oc e d u r e : Marinate beef meat with vinegar, a dash of salt and pepper for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain marinade and stir fry meat until color changes to light brown, keep aside. In a saucepan, sauté garlic and onion, add meat and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomato sauce and stir cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add 8 to 10 cups of water, ground peppercorns and bay leaf simmer for 1 to 1/ 2 hours or until meat are tender and just enough sauce remains. Add more water as necessary. Add liver paste, mushroom, green olive and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce thickens. Add bell pepper, hot sauce, cheddar cheese and season with salt and cook for another 2 to 3 minute, serve hot.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Green Oasis emerges in Nueva Vizcaya heritage town

DUPAX DEL SUR, Nueva Vizcaya --Are you looking for a unique tourist destination for your next travel?

Why not the Dupax del Sur, a hilly town in Nueva Vizcaya province.

The town is fast becoming a preferred destination for food and nature lovers, thanks to its beautiful sceneries and a new attraction called the Green Oasis of Dupax.

The Green Oasis of Dupax is a unique dining concept that combines the freshness of farm-to-table cuisine with Italian inspiration. It is situated in an ancestral farm in the inner part of the town, which is famous for the 18th Century St. Vincent Ferrer Church, declared a national treasure by the National Museum in 2001; the Spanish era Dampol Bridge, also a declared National Treasurer; Clouds in the Sky and the oldest acacia tree in Northern Luzon.

The Green Oasis has a restaurant that o ers talian and local c isine sing fresh ingredients from the fertile soil of Dupax.

Guests can enjoy fresh food, stroll around the lush garden and purchase local produce as “pasalubong” or giveaways. e elieve e are the first in eva i caya to o er a variety of services from food garden par and shops in one destination,” says John Lacanlale Danao, Managing Partner of the Green Oasis of Dupax.

Danao says the name of the destination speaks for itself. “As what oasis connotes, we foresee it as a haven of greens from di erent plants fr its trees o ers and vegeta les “We get most of our ingredients from the farm, especially the herbs and vegetables. Nueva Vizcaya is known for delicious citrus and is considered the vegetable basket of Cagayan Valley region,” he says.

“The project site is an ancestral farm inherited from our Mendoza ancestors whose heritage are Tagbanuas from El Nido, Palawan,” says Danao. he reen asis is sit ated five ilometers from Saint Vincent Ferrer Church or a three-minute drive from Poblacion.

Green Oasis welcomes both local and foreign visitors who put a premium on their food and health. he oasis resta rant reen asis itchen is open esdays to ridays from 11 a.m. to 730 p.m. and Saturdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 730 pm. It offers Italian staples as well as all-veggies pizza which is loaded with tomatoes, eggplants, onions and black olives; Teri-

yaki chicken, Paella; vegetable soups; Mulberry smoothie; Tarragon tea; and many other dishes made from fresh produce from the area.

Aside from the fresh food, diners and visitors can go around the greenhouse, herbal and medicinal plants area and lush garden ith colorf l o ers o can try al ing o r re e ology path. K ids can play at our playground and vie di erent animals at o r animal world. You can also shop for native goods and organic prod cts and di erent plants and o ers says anao reen asis ill soon open a fish pond area, hold Sunday farmers market of organic products and showcase the arts and crafts of local artists.

“With this, we hope that we can help Dupax del Sur and Nueva Vizcaya become a favorite tourism attraction, not merely a transit point for the Banaue Rice Terraces. We also hope to be a venue for local farmers and local artists to showcase their products and talents,” says Danao.

Dupax del Sur is located some 280 kilometers from Manila but travel to this national heritage site has been shortened to fo r to five ho rs y the orth on Expressway ( NLex) , the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway ( SCTex) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway ( TPLex) and good highways in Pangas-

inan and the adjoining province of Nueva Ecija.

Nueva Vizcaya aims to be a premium ecotourism destination for local and international tourists. Among its attractions are cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains, unspoiled caves, crystal-clear rivers and brooks, historic churches and sacred sites t also o ers a ni e c ltural experience with multi-ethnic and indigenous people.

Gifted with temperate climate and bountiful agricultural lands, Nueva Vizcaya is also a major producer of highval e crops vegeta les and c t o ers