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FEBRUARY 18-24, 2021

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M MU N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

Volume 32 - No. 6 • 14 Pages

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Biden, Democrats’ immigration reform bill: A slow start toward pro-immigrant policy, experts say

Nevada residents over 65 can soon receive COVID-19 vaccine by AJPRESS

NEVADA residents over the age of 65 will be eligible to sign up for COVID-19 vaccine appointments at retail pharmacies starting next week. Governor Steve Sisolak announced on Wednesday, February 17 that the expansion to get more

Nevadans vaccinated comes under the Biden administration’s program with pharmacy partners. “We know that COVID-19 continues to impact older Nevadans at higher rates, and I’m pleased to announce that beginning next week, more of these Nevadans will be eligible for the vaccines,” Sisolak said.

by AJPRESS

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MCCARRAN International Airport in Las Vegas is a step closer to being named after former Nevada Senator Harry Reid. The Clark County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, February 16 unanimously voted to rename the airport after the former Democratic senator who held office from 1987 to 2017. “It is with humility that I express my appreciation for the recognition today,” Reid, who also served as Senate majority leader from 2007 to 2015, said in a statement. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to Commissioner Segerblom, the entire Clark County Commission, and the many others who have played a part in this renaming.” The airport is currently named after the late Pat McCarran who represented Nevada in the U.S. Senate from 1933 until 1954, but left behind a legacy as a racist and anti-Semite.

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BENEFICIARIES. Farmers harvest a variety of vegetables that they sell during the 2nd Harvest Festival in Metro Manila dubbed “Buhay sa Gulay” at the New Greenland Farm in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City on Thursday, February 18. The Department of Agrarian Reform primarily identified 70 urban dwellers as beneficiaries of the project, who were divided into five teams with each team given a maximum of nine garden plots to develop. PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE Senator Leila de Lima has been acquitted of one of three drug charges she is currently facing. Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 Judge Leizel Aquiatan on Wednesday, February 17, granted De Lima’s demurrer to evidence in Case Number 17-166. A demurrer is a motion to dismiss a case due to insufficient evidence presented by prosecutors. When granted, the case is considered dismissed. “The Demurrer to Evidence filed by Accused Leila De Lima

AMID the surge in hate crimes and other issues the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community continues to face during the pandemic, a grassroots organization is calling on the Biden administration to reestablish the White House Initiative on AAPIs. AAPI Progressive Action, a group started in response to the Trump administration’s policies, issued a memo on Wednesday, February 17, calling for the reestablishment of the White House group with several recommendations adapting to the current climate. The group is recommending that the White House Initiative on AAPIs — which has first started under President Bill Clinton and renewed by subsequent presidents to address issues concerning the community — be reestablished by the end of May, which marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Among the key points include addressing challenges facing the AAPI community, such as health disparities, economic inequality, unemployment and

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Palace: It’s the ‘right timing’ for US to pay, save VFA by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

IT is the “right timing” for the United States to pay the Philippines to maintain the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between them, Malacañang said Thursday, February 18. “Tama po ang timing nang sinabi ni Presidente na they have to pay up now. Kasi nga po, nauna na iyong kaniyang desisyon na nais na niyang tumiwalag diyan sa VFA (It’s the right timing when the president said they have to pay up now. It’s because the President already decid-

ed that he wants VFA terminated),” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. He said the U.S. should accept President Rodrigo Duterte’s demand for payment now if it wants to save the VFA. “Kung gusto nilang magpatuloy ang VFA, ngayon na po ang pagkakataon dahil kinakailangan ng bagong pirmahan. At siguro, pupuwedeng isama kung magkano ang ibabayad nila kung mayroon silang ibabayad (If they want VFA to continue, now is the chance because a new signing of the deal is needed. Perhaps, they can say how much they can give),” said

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De Lima acquitted of 1 drug case by RITCHEL

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Biden admin urged to reestablish White House Initiative on AAPIs

IMMIGRATION reform, a term that has become synonymous with political gridlock and ideological barriers to entry, may finally be on the horizon after decades of unsuccessful attempts from both Democrats and Republicans. White House officials confirmed that President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats are expected to release a sweeping immigration reform bill this week. The bill — called the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 — was first announced on Jan. 20 shortly after Biden’s inauguration. It had been marketed as the start of a more “fair, orderly [and] humane” immigration system, as previously reported in the Asian Journal. “There’s a lot of talk, with good reason, about the number of executive orders that I’ve signed. I’m not making new law — I’m eliminating bad policy,” Biden said at the

Clark County pushes to rename McCarran Airport after former Sen. Harry Reid

Though some counties have begun to administer vaccines to the older population, the partnership will allow the expansion in the state’s 17 counties, including larger ones like Clark County. The governor, however, cautioned that due to “limited allocations” and the shipments of vaccine,

is hereby granted. The petition for bail is rendered moot and academic as the grant is tantamount to her acquittal,” read the ruling. The court denied a separate demurrer filed by De Lima’s coaccused Jose Adrian Dera. He was, however, allowed to post a bail bond P500,000. According to reports, Dera was supposedly De Lima’s nephew but later claimed to be a police informant. He allegedly received money from convicted drug lord Peter Co on behalf of De Lima, but the court found that “no link between the two accused was proven.” In this photo taken on Wednesday, February 17, Sen. Leila De Lima attends the trial of the third

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drug case she is facing at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 256.

Senate photo

Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Bongbong Marcos

Inquirer.net photos

PH Supreme Court junks Marcos poll protest vs Robredo by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), has dismissed the entire election protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo. “With regard to PET Case No. 005 (Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., protestant vs Maria Leonor “Leni Daang Matuwid” G. Robredo, protestee), the 15 members of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal unanimously dismissed the entire electoral protest,” the high court,

through its Public Information Office, said on Tuesday, February 15. It also shared the dispositive portion of the ruling that read: “WHEREFORE, the Presidential Electoral Tribunal DISMISSES the Election Protest filed by protestant Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. for lack of merit. The Counter-Protest filed by protestee Maria Leonor “Leni Daang Matuwid” G. Robredo is likewise DISMISSED.” SC Spokesperson Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka revealed that seven of the 15 justices present during Tuesday’s session “ful-

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

february 18-24, 2021 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

From The FronT Page

Nevada residents over 65...

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only the pharmacy partners enrolled in the federal program will be offering the vaccines. “Unless your county has already begun vaccinating those 65 and older in the community, these pharmacy partners will begin to schedule these appointments next week after shipments of the COVID vaccine are received,” he said. The state’s vaccine rollout had previously applied to frontline workers and those over the age of 70. Appointments can be made at nvcovidfighter.org or by calling (800) 401-0946. “We continue to ask Nevadans to be patient as we await increased allocations from the federal government,” Sisolak said. The governor on Wednesday also provided updates on the state’s schools and high school

sports. His office released a new emergency directive and related guidance that will provide “county school districts the flexibility to help bring more students back in the classroom safely,” he said. Full contact sports in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association schools had been prohibited since the beginning of the pandemic, but they were given the greenlight to resume practices and games on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the state began to roll back on some pandemic-related restrictions on business operations and certain public gatherings. Places of worship, gyms and fitness studios, gaming floors, and other entertainment activities are allowed to increase capacity to 35%. Reservations at restaurants

are no longer required and diners per table has been increased from four to six. Libraries, museums, art galleries, and aquariums are allowed to operate with 50% capacity. Meanwhile, public gatherings and events can go up to 100 individuals or 35% of fire code capacity. Venues for large gatherings must observe a 20% cap and observe social distancing. Beginning March 15, businesses are expected to move from 35% to 50% capacity until May 1, during which local county health departments will be allowed to take over, while still observing statewide protocol like mask mandates and social distancing requirements. On Wednesday, the state announced 437 new COVID-19 BAMBIKE. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat rides a bamboo bicycle at Plaza Moriones, Intramuros in Manila during the reopening cases and 13 additional deaths. of Intramuros on Wednesday, February 17. Intramuros will now welcome guests and tourists on a limited capacity. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr. To date, the state has recorded 289,880 cases and 4,805 deaths. n

Palace: It’s the ‘right timing’ for US to... PAGE A1

Roque. “Kung wala, okay lang din naman (If there’s none, that’s okay too),” he added. On February 12, Duterte said the U.S. would have to “pay” to keep the VFA. “I’d like to put on notice if there’s an American agent here. From now on, you want the Visiting Forces Agreement done? You have to pay,” he said, addressing the troops at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. “It’s a shared responsibility but your share of responsibility

does not come free because, after all, when the war breaks out, we all pay,” he added. The VFA, which came into force in 1999, covers the conduct of U.S. soldiers in the Philippines. Among the provisions of the deal include relaxed visa and passport policies for U.S. troops, and the rights of the U.S. government to retain its jurisdiction over its military personnel when they commit crimes in the Philippines. In February 2020, the Philippines sent the U.S. a notice

De Lima acquitted of 1 drug... PAGE A1

“Thus, it cannot be concluded that they agreed to engage in illegal drug trading,” the omnibus order said. “As such, his demurrer to evidence must be denied as conviction is still possible. He has to answer why he introduced himself as an agent or relative of De Lima to Hans Tan and to explain the money he received from the inmates,” it added. Second demurrer denied In a separate ruling, Aquiatan denied De Lima’s demurrer and motion to post bail in Case Number 17-165. The demurrer filed by co-accused Ronnie Dayan, De Lima’s former aide, was likewise denied. Reports said that Dayan allegedly received money from former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos, which he delivered to De Lima. The court noted that De Lima “did not investigate the source” of the money, nor did she return it, leading to a conclusion that she knew the money came from illegal drug dealings. “The prosecution witnesses sufficiently established that ac-

cused De Lima, as the Secretary of Justice at the time, enabled the NBP inmates to resort to illegal drug trading so that they can collect funds for her campaign,” it added. Aquiatan said “it is imperative” for De Lima and Dayan to explain the alleged receipt of the money. The judge also wants De Lima to explain why the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were excluded in the surprise 2014 raid at the New Bilibid Prison. “These facts, if unrebutted, the same is prima facie sufficient to support a verdict of guilt against the accused,” the court said. De Lima and Dayan’s lawyers will present their evidence and witnesses on March 5. The senator’s third charge, Case Number 17-167, is pending before Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256. De Lima welcomes ruling In a statement, De Lima said: “To be acquitted even in just one case, in the time of Duterte, is a victory.”

terminating the VFA reportedly after the U.S. canceled Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s visa. The termination was later suspended in June “in light of political and other developments in the region,” and the suspension was extended in November for another six months to enable the Philippines and the U.S. to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable, and more effective and lasting arrangement on how to move forward in their mutual defense. n

Biden admin urged to reestablish...

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racism, which have been heightened during COVID-19. The AAPI community largely has been affected by the virus, given several factors including employment in frontline industries like health care, preexisting health conditions, and living in multigenerational households. Asian American women made up the largest group of unemployed individuals in the last six months of the pandemic, according to a 2021 National Women’s Law Center report. And nearly 3,000 incidents of xenophobia and discrimination have been reported by community members since last March. In the first two months of 2021 alone, several reports of attacks against elderly Asian Americans have gone viral. “In the last year, we have

seen how AAPIs contribute to this country, from working and dying on the frontline of the COVID pandemic as health care and other essential workers, to being the margin of victory in elections,” said Dr. Tung Nguyen, chair of AAPI Progressive Action and former chair of President Obama’s Advisory Council on AAPIs. “Yet, AAPIs are facing a massive wave of racism, both from individuals and institutions. We need an empowered and diverse Commission to help the Biden administration to address the issues facing our communities.” The group is also recommending: placement of team or staff with centrally delegated authority inside the White House or Eisenhower Executive Office Building to ensure effective coordination with

She also maintained her innocence, pointing out that the evidence against her is weak and made up. “Puro laway lang ang basehan... Ang kaso laban sa akin ay PAGE A1 conspiracy to engage in illegal The renaming request will now drug trading. Pero ang lumago to the Federal Aviation Adbas sa mga pagdinig, walang ministration, and commissioners ebidensya ng kasunduan (The said private contributions would evidence is just based on their cover costs associated if apwords. The case against me is proved. conspiracy to engage in illegal “I want to address one of the drug trading. But the hearings concerns that has been raised found there was no evidence about how this will be paid for. of any collusion),” said De Let me be clear, no taxpayer Lima. money will be used for this ef“Walang kahit isang testigo na fort. All expenses associated with nagpatunay na ako at ang aking re-naming with be paid for with kapwa akusado ay nakipagsab100% private donations…This watan sa mga drug lords para also isn’t partisan,” Commissionmaglako o magbenta ng ilegal er Tick Segerblom said, adding na droga sa Bilibid (There were Senator Harry Reid Photo courtesy of U.S. Senate that prominent Republicans like no witnesses that proved I and the co-accused conspired with drug lords to sell illegal drugs in Bilibid),” she added. De Lima also said that her PAGE A1 camp will be reviewing the dez (D-N.J.), who is leading the court’s ruling in Case Number Oval Office on Tuesday, Feb. 2 legislative force in the Senate. 17-165 so they can file a motion when he signed three executive On the other side of the Hill, orders that promise to review Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-C.A.) is for reconsideration. “Ang labang ito ay hindi lang Trump-era immigration policy. leading the effort in the House. The bill, which Democrats She noted the multiple compersonal kong laban, kundi laban ng sambayanan (This is not in both chambers of Congress munities that are relying on the just my personal fight but the support, includes proposals for: Biden administration to create an “earned pathway to citizen- a more functional immigration people’s fight),” she stressed. “Mula’t sapul, ang mga ka- ship” for 11 million undocu- system. song ito ay ginagamit lamang mented immigrants, a majority “From our DREAMers, to the na paraan para patahimikin ako of whom are beneficiaries of service workers and farmers at gambalain ang aking paglil- the Deferred Action for Child- pulling us through this paningkod sa bayan bilang senador hood Arrivals (DACA) program; demic, there are too many rely(From the start, these cases have expands the refugee resettle- ing on this reform for us to fail,” been used to silence me and in- ment program; streamlining the Sanchez said in a statement. terfere with my public service as backlog of immigration court With Democrats in control cases and improving technol- of both chambers in Congress a senator),” added De Lima. Meanwhile, the Philippine De- ogy at the Southern border. and the White House, Biden’s Asylum processing for minors bill may be on a faster track to partment of Justice (DOJ) said it and reviewing the controversial passing than those of previous respects the court’s decision. “The DOJ has always trusted public charge rule are also ma- presidential administrations. in the good judgment and im- jor components of the Biden That being said, however, impartiality of the trial court,” said immigration vision. migration experts stress that “The plan is not only about while the executive orders may Justice Secretary Menardo Guefixing our broken immigration be the beginning of a new era varra. “We believe that the honorable system, but building a bet- in policy, the Biden adminisjudge has diligently examined ter one that reunites families, tration has taken no significant and weighed all the evidence brings the undocumented com- action yet. According to the presented by the prosecution munity out of the shadows and legislation’s text, much of the before making a determination on a path to citizenship, stands proposal involves “reviewing” as to its sufficiency or insuffi- up for human rights, addresses and vetting current policies ciency, and for this reason, we root causes of migration and in- without offering any legislative reiterate our utmost respect,” he cludes a smart border security alternatives to those policies. strategy,” said Sen. Bob Menenadded. n “Some executive actions call for the review of current policies so as of today, it is not clear what further changes will happen or when,” Maria E. Penaloza, program manager at the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA), said at a press briefing with ethnic media outlets on Thursday, Feb. 11. “Right now, it has not been introduced [and] it is not law yet,” Penaloza stressed, noting that the proposal has not been published yet aside from summary fact sheets that the White House released weeks ago. In the LA area alone, there are 80,000 DACA beneficiaries and 30,000 holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), both of whom receive temporary protection from deportation. For the LA immigrant community — a vast web of families and individuals, a majority of whom hail from Latin America and Asia — local resources and

policymaking, communications and public-facing White House offices; that the WHIAAPI be co-chaired by the Director of Office of Management and Budget alongside a key agency Secretary; and the appointments of at least 20 commissioners representing the various ethnic groups and the ability to add more as needed. “AAPIs are the fastest-growing population in the country. Their needs are deep, diverse, and deserving of attention across and at the highest levels of government,” said Doua Thor, former WHIAAPI Executive Director. “If the Biden White House reestablishes WHIAAPI with stronger infrastructure and access from previous administrations, this new WHIAAPI will be able to do more to better serve the community.” n

Clark County pushes to rename... Sands CEO Sig Rogich and Miriam Adelson back the plan. Gov. Steve Sisolak also welcomed the move, saying, Reid “spent his life and his career lifting up Nevada to what it has become today.” “His is a story of a man worth honoring by renaming the airport in the city and state to which he has given so much,” the governor added. The rebranding would cost around $2 million, according to the Las Vegas Sun. The airport’s three-letter FAA identifier, LAS, will not change. (AJPress)

Biden, Democrats’ immigration reform bill... county commitment to providing those resources should be the priority, according to LA County OIA Executive Director Rigoberto Reyes. Reyes said that the county is dedicated to providing necessary services like legal representation and consultation, health care, education support, cash assistance and other “basic things that the county wants to provide.” (Reyes advised undocumented immigrants who are seeking advice to call 800593-8222.) Amid the federal effort to scale back former President Trump’s immigration policy, other local immigration officials are urging undocumented individuals and families to avoid immigration scams. Adriana Garcia, associate director for LA City OIA, warned that immigration scams tend to prop up any time new immigration laws are under consideration. “Notario fraud” — when nonlawyers or unethical attorneys offer legal advice or promise “guaranteed positive results” — is particularly common. Garcia warned against working with firms or individual attorneys who make clients pay for government forms (which are free on the government websites). Additionally, clients should only give copies of original documents and always ask for copies of documents that are being prepared for them. And, always get or request agreements in writing, including information about fees. “After the Trump administration, undocumented folks are less willing to reach out to government agencies for help,” said Daniel Sharp, chief of LA County OIA, who said that the public charge rule largely contributed to immigrants’ distrust in government services and agencies. He added, “But you don’t want to be in a situation where a shady attorney makes you pay for things that are free or takes your documents.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 18-24, 2021

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Elderly Pinay attacked on San Diego trolley PH Supreme Court junks Marcos poll protest... by AJPress AMID a surge of violence against older Asian Americans across the country, an elderly Filipina was the victim of a random attack in San Diego, California on Monday, February 15. The Pinay senior citizen, who has not been identified, was riding a trolley when a man, unprovoked, started punching her, sources told ABC 10News. The station said witnesses helped the victim report the attack to the police. She was later treated at a local hospital. Police arrested a suspect, whose details were not released, for “assault with a deadly weapon with an elder abuse enhancement,” according to the news station, but the incident was not considered a hate crime.

Violent attacks against elderly Asian Americans have gone viral in the past month. In late January, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, who was originally from Thailand, died from injuries after Antoine Watson, 19, knocked him to the ground while on his morning walk in the Anza Vista neighborhood of San Francisco. A fundraiser for Ratanapakdee’s family has raised nearly $70,000. In early February, a Filipino American man had to receive almost 100 stitches after he was slashed across the face by another passenger on the New York City subway. Noel Quintana, 61, was riding the L train to get to work in Harlem on February 3 when a man walked by and kicked the tote bag that Quintana had set on the

PAGE A1 ly concurred” in the dismissal while the remaining eight “concurred” in the result. However, he declined to comment on whether the decision can be appealed. “I cannot answer the question because I only have the information which I read,” Hosaka said at a news conference. A court insider told ABS-CBN News that the PET dismissed the case because Marcos failed to present specific details to support his poll protest. “Allegations were bare, laden with generic & repetitious allegations, no critical information as to time, place and manner of irregularities,” the source told ABS-CBN News. After Robredo defeated Marcos in the 2016 vice presidential race by 263,473 votes, the former senator filed a poll protest on June 29, 2016. In October 2019, the PET found that Robredo widened her lead over Marcos in the recount of votes in the three pilot provinces, showing Robredo with 1,510,178 votes now compared to her 1,493,517 votes in the areas chosen by Marcos previously. With the additional 15,093 votes from the recount, Robredo maintained her lead over Marcos with 278,566 votes. Marcos in January 2020 asked the PET to re-examine the initial vote recount results and conduct a technical examination of the voters’ signatures in three provinces in Mindanao namely Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan due to alleged fraud and terrorism. Meanwhile, Robredo filed her own memorandum asking the PET to dismiss the election protest filed by Marcos after failing to present any substantial recovery in the three pilot provinces. Palace respects PET ruling Photo from Instagram/@chanellemolina Malacañang on Tuesday said day and I don’t hear my name it respects the PET’s decision getting called,” she added, admit- to dismiss the election protest. “Yan ay desisyon ng katating that there was “a lot of disappointment, a lot of sadness, anger, as-taasang hukuman (That is the decision of the Supreme a whole mix of emotions.” According to her, signing a Court). We respect that and we training camp contract with In- respect also that the camp of diana Fever is a chance to prove Senator Bongbong Marcos has a further remedy of moving for Connecticut Sun “wrong.” Currently, Molina is averaging reconsideration,” said Presi18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and dential Spokesperson Harry 4.1 assists in the 15 games with Roque. Meanwhile, Chief Presidenthe Dolphins this season. n train floor. When Quintana confronted the man after he noticed his bag being kicked again, the man took out a box cutter and slashed Quintana across the face from cheek to cheek. Quintana was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment. From March to December 2020, Stop AAPI Hate, an online reporting tracking anti-Asian hate incidents, received 2,808 reports of racism and discrimination targeting community members, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. The tracking center (stopaapihate.org) allows individuals to report in English as well as several Asian languages like Tagalog. The website also features safety tips for those who experience or witness hate. n

WNBA-bound Chanelle Molina wants to play for PH by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

FILIPINA American guard Chanelle Molina revealed that she wants to play for the Philippine women’s national basketball team “when the time is right.” In an Instagram Live interview with FilAm Nation Select on Tuesday, February 16, she said: “I get asked this question a lot, you know if I will ever play for the Philippines. When the time’s right I feel like I want to represent the country, my country.” Last week, Molina signed a training camp contract with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. The 5-foot-9 guard acknowledged that the opportunity also meant that she is representing the Philippines and all the girls aspiring to play basketball professionally. “I’m representing the Filipino community and all those aspiring who wanna play basketball. I get a lot of messages from little girls, and they’re always like, ‘You’re my idol. Represent.’ Just all that,” said Molina. She added, “It’s bigger than basketball, for sure. Representing the Filipinos, and all the little girls aspiring to wanna be in my position. I’m glad that I’m representing them.” Molina, who was born in Hawaii to Filipino parents, played college ball for Washington State for four years. She was rated as a five-star recruit by ESPN in 2016.

Chanelle Molina

In 2020, she went undrafted despite averaging 12.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in her four-year stint at Washington State. “[Connecticut Sun] actually called me beforehand, and they were thinking about drafting me. So I was like, kind of in their list of people to draft,” Molina told FilAm Nation. “I had really high hopes of being drafted by them. Come draft

DAteline PhiliPPines

PH not a target of China’s coast guard law by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

CHINA was not targeting the Philippines when it passed a new law allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels entering disputed territories, according to Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana. “The Chinese have reassured us through their spokesman, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman as well as the Chinese Embassy... that they are not targeting the Philippines or any specific country and that they will not resort to force in the first instance,” the ambassador said on Tuesday, February 16. “I want to explain that through the objection, through the diplomatic note and through the diplomatic discussion, the Chinese have tried to reassure that they will still exercise restraint. This is what we are calling for, that

all claimant countries resort to diplomacy and avoid the use of force,” added Sta. Romana. Last month, China passed the Coast Guard Law, permitting its coast guard to use “all necessary means, including the use of weapons” to stop or prevent threats from foreign vessels. A diplomatic protest against the new law was filed by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on January 27. “While enacting law is a sovereign prerogative, this one – given the area involved or for that matter the open South China Sea – is a verbal threat of war to any country that defies the law; which, if unchallenged, is submission to it,” said Locsin. The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in response, assured that the Coast Guard Law is not a threat of war.

“Enacting such a coast guard law is not unique to China, but a sovereign right to all. Many countries have enacted similar legislation. It is the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 that established the PCG as an armed and uniformed service. None of these laws have been seen as a threat of war,” it said on February 1. The embassy also maintained that the Coast Guard Law doesn’t target any country. “China Coast Guard Law doesn’t specifically target any certain country. The enact of the law doesn’t indicate any change of China’s maritime policy,” it said. “China has always been committed to managing differences with countries including the Philippines through dialogue and consultations and upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea,” it added. n

Palace: Duterte ‘knows what it takes’ to be president by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

BEING the chief executive of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte knows which qualities his successor should have to lead the country, Malacañang said Wednesday, February 17. “Dahil siya ay naging president, alam niya ‘yung mga kakayahan na kinakailangan para maging president (Since he’s the president, he knows what it takes to be the president),” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. This comes in defense of Duterte’s latest statement saying that Vice President Leni Robredo is not qualified to be the next president since she doesn’t know her role in the government. On Monday, February 15 Duterte lashed out at Robredo for criticizing his demand for the United States to “pay” for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and likening it to “extortion.” “Every time she opens her mouth, she forgets that she is a lawyer. Being a lawyer, she should know that the Constitution says that that is my function. It is not their function. Whatever I want to say for the sake of the country, there’s a purpose for it,” he said

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

“You, ma’am, I’m sorry to say, you are not really qualified to run for president. You do not know your role,” Duterte added, addressing Robredo. Robredo, in response, said: “Hindi naman siya ang magdedecision kung qualified ako o hindi, pero ‘yong taumbayan (It is not him who will decide if I am qualified or not, but the public).” Roque agreed that the decision depends on the public, but pointed out that Duterte is included in the public she’s referring to. “‘Yan ay desisyon ng taumbayan pero kabahagi po ng taum-

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

bayan ay ang Presidente na siya ay boboto rin. (The decision will come from the people, but the president is among them since he will vote, too),” he noted. Last month, Duterte claimed that women are not fit for the top government post. “Alam mo, the emotional setup of a woman and a man is totally different. Maging gago ka dito. That is the sad story (You know, the emotional set-up of a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. That is the sad story),” he said. Robredo has yet to announce her political plans for 2022. n

tial Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the PET’s unanimous decision on the poll protest “appears to validate Robredo’s win on the basis of law and of the evidence presented before it by both parties.” “Perforce, rule of law has prevailed. Due process was evidently observed with both parties having been given the opportunity to present their respective cases. As a general rule, the electorate’s decision

is to be accorded the stamp of correctness,” he said. Panelo also said that the Marcos camp has to accept the PET’s decision and acknowledge democracy at work. “There is always another election to vindicate one’s loss or validate forever one’s rejection by the voting population. The Presidential Electoral Tribunal has spoken. It behooves everyone to abide by it. And so we must,” he added. n

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OPiniOn

endangerment through forgery

FeAtUres

WITH COVID cases still rising in several areas outside Metro Manila, and the vaccine rollout hitting a snag, coronavirus transmission can be curbed only through strict adherence to health protocols. The so-called three T’s – tracing, testing and treatment – need to be stringently maintained. Obviously, this goal is seriously undermined when people fake the results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab tests. The forgery of RT-PCR test results used to be done mainly by people seeking employment or a return to their jobs. With the gradual reopening of various economic sectors, however, faking RT-PCR test results has also been resorted to even by those who want to enjoy tourism. This was the case with six visitors to Boracay, three of whom tested positive for COVID following their arrest in a hotel on the resort island. This week the Department of Tourism filed criminal charges against the six, who are from Metro Manila, for falsification of public documents. Last December, the Aklan police also filed criminal charges against five Boracay visitors, for falsification of public documents as well as violation of Republic Act No. 11332, the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. Since Boracay began accepting visitors from areas outside Western Visayas on Oct. 1 last year, about 100 tourists have been apprehended for faking swab test results. Malay town, which has jurisdiction over Boracay, is preparing a resolu-

tion declaring the 100 as persona non grata. Such reports have apparently not provided sufficient deterrence. Last week eight more people with fake swab test results were arrested in three separate resorts in Boracay. Unless people see violators suffering the consequences of faking swab test results, there will be many more people who will recklessly endanger others with possible infection. Boracay could soon suffer a surge in COVID cases. While acting more decisively on this problem, the government must address the root cause of the forgery: the steep cost of RT-PCR tests and limited access to testing facilities. The Philippine Red Cross has started rolling out its less invasive RT-PCR saliva testing, which provides faster results at half the price of the swab test. The government can augment this effort by procuring its own saliva tests. Even better, it should look at the much cheaper saliva tests being used in countries such as Israel, which do not require laboratory processing and produce results instantly, with high accuracy. As long as COVID swab tests remain expensive and difficult to access, forgery of results will continue. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

the republican party of true conservative values is gone after being hijacked and terrorized by trump The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS NO, the Senate acquitting Donald J. Trump in his second impeachment trial did NOT mean the 45th president was not guilty of inciting the deadly January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. It only meant it did not have 10 more Republicans voting to convict, as seven others courageously did. The final vote revealed that a majority gave a guilty verdict — 57, including seven Republicans joining Democrats, while 43 voted to acquit him, all of them Republicans. Sixty-seven votes were needed to convict. Trump has been terrorizing the Republican Party, warning them against voting against him, threatening them and their families. Using his power over his die-hard followers, he stoked fear among the members of Congress who desper-

ately wanted to cling on to power even if it meant selling their souls to the devil. One month ago, the House voted 232 to 197 to impeach Trump for incitement of insurrection, with ten Republicans joining Democrats. This happened one week after the January 6 riot when an armed pro-Trump mob breached the Capitol to stop the members of Congress from fulfilling their Constitutional duty to officially declare that Joe Biden won, based on the results of the November 3rd election. We all have seen videos of the riot that killed five people, injured 140, put the lives of the members of Congress at risk, threatened to hang Vice President Mike Pence after he did not follow Trump’s will that he should reject the Electoral College vote, vandalized and looted the Capitol. All of these were a product of Trump’s hateful rhetoric, lies and disinformation even before the election, that the only way he would lose was if the election was stolen from him. After the November 3rd election, his rhetoric became even viler, continuing to claim

he won by a landslide and that there was massive voter fraud — a claim that had been rejected in courts and by election officials across the country for lack of evidence. And on January 6, Trump did nothing to stop the carnage, even praised the mob for being patriots. Those arrested and convicted said they were just following the orders of Trump. Rep. Liz Cheney, the third highest-ranking Republican, contended that Trump summoned this mob, assembled the mob and lit the flame of this attack. “There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution,” Cheney said. “We know that the President of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor before the votes were cast. “He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love.” After the House impeached Trump, it was the Senate’s duty to either convict or acquit

Trump. McConnell could have called the Senate back to work before Biden’s inauguration, but he did not. This, even after saying that he was glad the House impeached the President as this would purge Trump out of the Republican Party. This, after he and the Republican leadership rebuked Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection. The Senate’s acquittal of Trump a month after is glaring evidence that the Republican Party has ceased to be the party of Lincoln, the party that upholds the Constitution and the rule of law. It revealed their true color, their true reason for being in office, and that is their greed for power. During the 2016 presidential primaries, these Republicans had warned the American people against Trump, how much he did not embody the values of the Republican Party, how much of a pathological liar and crook he was, and why he should never be trusted. But Trump was right after all when he said that he could shoot somebody at 5th Avenue and still win the election. He was referring not only to the Republican base. He was also

talking about the supposedly honorable members of the Republican Party who were accorded public trust through the public posts they hold. These public officials, both elected and appointed, all swore to serve the people and to defend the Constitution. Unfortunately, these Republicans in Congress all betrayed their oath when they chose to be more loyal to Trump than to the Constitution. McConnell sharply criticized his former ally in a speech on the Senate floor shortly after Trump was cleared in a 57-43 vote, saying the rioters had been “fed wild falsehoods by the most powerful man on Earth. Because he was angry he’d lost an election,” CNN reported. “Former President Trump’s actions that preceded the riot were a disgraceful, disgraceful dereliction of duty,” added McConnell. “Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day.” But they acquitted him anyway. They failed to fulfill their duties of checks and balances and accountability as man-

dated by the Constitution because, like Trump, they wanted to hold on to power. Birds of the same feather flock together. They were complicit. They were all as guilty as Trump. These Republicans are not true public servants. They failed us. They failed to honor our will. We, the People have spoken. We voted out Trump. We voted out Republicans in the Senate and the House. Let us continue to guard our democracy — the government of the people, for the people, by the people. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

What does Duterte really want from the US? Postscript

FEDERICO PASCUAL JR. WHAT exactly does President Duterte want from Washington, aside from the “guided rockets” and 20 million doses of COVID19 vaccines, for him to withdraw his notice terminating the PH-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement? First off, who speaks for the Philippines on VFA matters? Is it only President Duterte – or is it a chorus that includes his spokesman Harry Roque, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. and the Mayor’s favorite senator? Secondly, do the two allies want to continue with the VFA that was signed in 1998 and came into force in 1999 when the Philippines ratified it? (The U.S. regards it as an executive agreement that does not require ratification by its Senate.)

Since the U.S. has not sent its own notice of termination, effective 180 days after notice as stipulated in the contract, Washington is presumed to still want to keep the VFA. It may just come in handy considering the turbulent security weather in the Indo-Pacific area. On the Philippine side, Duterte sent last year a termination notice whose deadline had been extended twice – first to force revalidation of the US visa of his protégé former PNP chief (now senator) Bato dela Rosa and, second, to demand delivery of 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The U.S. embassy has reissued Dela Rosa’s visa, but on the demand for vaccines, then President Trump waved it off and said something about the U.S. being able to save money by not paying what looked like a ransom for the VFA. Now Duterte is insisting that the U.S. “pay up!” in a transactional tone that has embarrassed many Filipinos not used to seeing their President talk like an extortionist. On whether the Philippines wants to keep the VFA, before

Locsin could tweet a reaction, Lorenzana beat him to it, saying in a TV interview: “We at the defense department and the armed forces, the general feeling is for the VFA to continue.” It was not clear if Lorenzana was talking for the government, especially with Duterte having just said he wanted the U.S. to pay for being able to use the VFA. If Duterte wants the VFA terminated, there is no point negotiating. The Philippines could just drop all pretense, scrap the VFA 180 days after notice, then formalize its being de facto an open city to another power lusting to control it. But that is jumping to a premature conclusion. A new U.S. president sits in the Oval Office and early signals point to his being at least attentive to little brown Americans in the American continent and across the Pacific. As we said here last Sunday, the VFA cannot be reviewed or revised in isolation. The talks on how to adapt the 21-yearold contract to the realities of the present will impinge on

the gamut of bilateral relations – and even the very stay of Duterte in power. While current talks revolve around the VFA, “depending on Duterte’s frame of mind, the negotiations could dive deeper and wander wider” and open for review even the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement supplementing the VFA. The EDCA allows the U.S. to send troops to the Philippines for extended periods on rotation and to operate facilities on Philippine bases, one way of going around the constitutional ban on permanent foreign bases. The need for the VFA and the EDCA arose when the Bases Agreement, which was also written to help carry out MDT objectives, expired in 1991 and the constitutional ban on foreign bases, facilities and troops automatically took effect. For reference, Article XVIII (Transitory Provisions) says: “Section 25. After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning

military bases, foreign military bases, troops or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.” Duterte has emerged as the fulcrum on which Fil-Am relations will move. As he has generated a political climate that is beginning to feel for many people like one-man rule, what he says generally goes. An effective political opposition is hardly felt. So we go back to the question asked in the head of this column: What does Duterte really want? He has to say what, so everybody knows what must or could be done. If he wants the U.S. armed forces out, he can go ahead with his VFA notice of termination. He can drop all pretense, stamp out U.S. military presence and open the country to another power that is already within the walls anyway.

That scenario leads us to another question raised earlier: Between Duterte and the AFP, who controls whom? Section 3 of Article II says “the Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State,” but does not answer the question. The saner assumption is that Duterte simply wants the VFA revised to suit his immediate requirements and not as prelude to kicking Uncle Sam out of the kulambo. Duterte’s negotiating team could find many ways to water down the VFA’s pro-U.S. bias and still be able to collect what the boss wants as payment. We hope they have learned the lesson of Ferdinand Marcos’ pushing too hard and finding himself being pushed out to fall, tubes and all, from his throne of bayonets. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Author is on Twitter as @FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.com

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Global vaccinations uneven, unfair – UN by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — The progress of vaccinations across the globe has been wildly “uneven” and “unfair,” with only 10 countries cornering 75 percent of all COVID-19 vaccines and more than 130 not receiving a single dose, according to the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the goal of providing vaccines to all as “the biggest moral test before the global community,” emphasizing that everyone, everywhere must be included. “Defeating COVID-19, now that we have begun to have the scientific capacity to do so, is more important than ever. Yet progress on vaccinations has

been wildly uneven and unfair,” Guterres said. “The world urgently needs a Global Vaccination Plan to bring together all those with the required power, expertise and production capacities,” he said. The UN and partners have established the COVAX Facility to ensure countries would have access to vaccines, regardless of their wealth. The UN official said the mechanism must be fully funded. Guterres proposed that the world’s richest countries, the G20 nations, form an Emergency Task Force to prepare a plan and coordinate its implementation and financing. With UN support, the task force should work to mobilize pharmaceutical companies and key industry and logistics

actors, he said. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is assisting countries in preparation for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, aiming to procure two billion doses by the end of the year. “This historic effort deserves historic support,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF executive director. “Help us ensure that the light at the end of the tunnel shines on us all — including the families and communities enduring the horrors of conflict.” Fore underscored UN Security Council’s support is necessary for getting countries to ensure that all people are included in national vaccina- MANILA BAY REHAB. A worker places tiles on the sidewalk near Manila Bay along Roxas Blvd. in Manila on Thursday, February 18. The civil tion plans, regardless of their works in the area are part of the national government’s efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan status or even if they live in areas not under government control. n

WHO sees COVID-19 upsurge if Philippines eases restrictions by mayen JaymaLin Philstar.com

MANILA — As the government has yet to roll out a vaccination program, easing of quarantine restrictions – as proposed by economic planners – can result in a major spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Speaking before a Laging Handa public briefing, WHO country representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe on Thursday, February 18 said easing of quarantine restriction could lead to widespread transmission of COVID. “If we now go for large-scale relaxation of measures given the current existing situation and the circulation of variants and the fact it’ll still be many months before a large proportion of Filipinos are vaccinated, we may witness a situation where there’ll be an upsurge of cases and the overwhelming of the health system,” Abeyasinghe said. “Every measure needs to be carefully calibrated and decided upon before being implemented,” he added. The WHO official issued the warning as the National Eco-

nomic and Development Authority (NEDA) has proposed placing the entire country under the most lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in March. He noted that COVID cases in the Philippines have yet to flatten, as the level of community transmission remains relatively high. “I believe firmly that we still need to maintain these restrictions. That doesn’t mean we cannot loosen up in areas where the economy will benefit,” Abeyasinghe pointed out. According to Abeyasinghe, both the health risks and the economic benefits must be considered before any decision on the easing of restriction is made. Aside from vaccination, Abeyasinghe also attributed the global decline in COVID cases to the imposition of quarantine restriction in other countries. “We also need to recognize that in many of the hotspots where the number of cases are surging they have implemented very strict movement restriction orders. This may be contributing to the decrease in transmission,” he said. But he said the decrease in cases does not mean that the

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pandemic is already over and thus restriction could not just be instantly lifted. “If we relax measures too early we see that the rebound happens very fast so we need to keep this in mind and we have to be very careful in relaxing those as we see transmission rates dropping (globally),” he explained. Department of Health (DOH)’s Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service director Eric Tayag said there is no “zero risk” of COVID transmission. He said the risk of COVID transmission remains even among those vaccinated. “The recommendation of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases can’t be said to be zero risk. The basis is to manage the risk,” he said in Filipino. Tayag stressed the need for strict observance of the minimum health protocol if and when the government eases quarantine restrictions. He said the public should be responsible enough to follow health protocols and to stay in their homes instead of going out to watch movies if cases of COVID are high in their area. n

Manila Bay cleaner – DENR

by eireene Jairee

gomez

ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday, Febuary 18 announced that the Manila Bay was cleaner as fecal coliform levels dropped in early February. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said water samples taken last February 8 from 21 monitoring stations surrounding the Manila Bay had shown significantly lower fecal coliform levels. From the annual average of 7.16 million most probable number per 100 milliliters (mpn/100 ml) in 2020, the level has dropped to 4.87 million mpn/100 ml. Cimatu added that the fecal coliform level in the waters near the beach nourishment project beside the United States Embassy had also dropped from 2.2 million mpn/100 ml recorded on January 4 to 523,000 mpn/100 ml on February 8. The figures were based on the average count from three monitoring stations. “We have doubled, if not tripled, our efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay, especially in bringing down the water’s fecal coliform,” he said. In 2008, the Supreme Court in a landmark decision issued a writ of mandamus directing 13 government agencies, including the DENR, “to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay, and restore and maintain its waters to Class SB Level to make them fit for swimming, skin-diving and other forms of contact recreation.” Cimatu reiterated his agency’s

commitment to lower the Bay’s fecal coliform level to Class SB status. “We will make sure that we continue to clean the waters of Manila Bay until it becomes safe again for contact activities,” he said. The DENR statement came days after Buhay party-list Rep. Jose Atienza — who was environment secretary from 2007 to 2009 — issued a statement claiming that the waters of Manila Bay are now “several times filthier” compared to 22 years ago. He said Manila Bay was much cleaner when concerned residents filed a civil suit that prompted the Supreme Court to order government agencies to clean up Manila Bay. “We checked court records. Water samples taken from Manila Bay way back in 1999 showed fecal coliform counts of 50,000 to 80,000 most probable number per milliliter,” he said in a statement. “In contrast, based on the most recent water samples taken from major outfalls along Roxas Boulevard, fecal coliform counts now range anywhere from 11 million to 54 million mpn per ml,” he added. A very high fecal coliform count suggests the heavy presence of bacteria or viruses in the water that may cause diseases, such as typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A. “This is really not surprising because up to now, of the 16.3 million water-served population in Metro Manila, only 15 percent

or2.4 million are connected to a sewerage system,” the lawmaker said. “The bulk of Metro Manila’s household toilet waste continues to drain into waterways, including the Pasig River, that all empty out into the bay every day,” he added. The uncontrolled outflow of human sewage should be stopped to decontaminate Manila Bay, he said. The Supreme Court in 2019 issued an order penalizing Metro Manila’s two private water concessionaires as well as the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System with 1.84 billion pesos in combined fines due to their failure to connect households to a sewerage system and their lack of wastewater treatment facilities. Cimatu noted that additional water quality monitoring stations have been installed along the baywalk area. He said the sewage treatment plant constructed beside the Manila Yacht Club notably contributed in lowering fecal coliform in the outfall that drains into the Manila Bay. The Manila Bay rehabilitation is a top priority of the government until 2022, with P42.95-billion fund allotted for the implementation of the project. The Manila Bay area covers eight provinces and 178 local governments in three regions, namely the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon. It includes the coastal waters of Metro Manila, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite and Pampanga. n

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Claudia Conway gets golden ticket in ‘American Idol’ premiere Disney’s next theatrical short By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

CLAUDIA Conway, the teenage daughter of former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and Filipino American conservative lawyer George Conway, is advancing to the next round of “American Idol.” The 16-year-old — who made headlines last year for her viral TikToks criticizing her mother’s job and former President Donald Trump — received a golden ticket during the show’s season 19 premiere on Sunday night, February 14. For her audition, Claudia sang Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain,” but was cut off by AI judge Katy Perry, who asked her to sing a different song. She went on to perform Adele’s “When We Were Young,” which received mixed reviews from the panel. AI judge Luke Bryan noted that her range was “limited,” while Lionel Richie gave her props for choosing music. Claudia received a ‘no’ from Bryan and a ‘yes’ from Perry and

Richie, earning her a golden ticket to Hollywood. “Claudia, you’re not going to D.C., honey, you’re going straight to Hollywood,” Perry announced. The high school student’s TikTok account, which has over 1.7 million followers, features videos criticizing the Trump administration, weighing in on social issues like the Black Lives Matter movement, and showing an inside look into her tumultuous relationship with her parents. “The internet can be a very, very dark place, but when life is all going downhill, I have my music,” said Claudia. “Now I kind of want to get out of the controversy, get out of the drama, get out of the political whatever, and let people know that I am a singer and that this is what I want to do,” she added. Perry suggested that Claudia unplug from social media. “There’s a lot of noise in your life. Before you sing, you need to get off your phone. You need to stop reading your comments. Push it aside. Because if not, you may not ever rise above your dad

‘Us Again’ features choreography by Fil-Am couple By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Claudia Conway shows off her golden ticket during the “American Idol” season premiere on Sunday night, February 14. She was accompanied by her father George Conway, a Filipino American conservative lawyer. ABC screenshot

or your mom. It’s your choice,” the pop star said. Claudia was accompanied by her father George to the audition, while Kellyanne encouraged her remotely on a large screen when she admitted being nervous for the audition. “She loves music and I’m really thrilled that she’s here because maybe it gives her an opportunity to pursue it at another level,” George said in an interview outside of the audition room as he wiped away tears. “It makes me happy seeing her here, doing this one way or the other.” “You should be nervous, honey. It’s a very humbling experience,” said Kellyanne, adding, “But remember, honey, winners are people who are willing to lose.” In a home video played before the audition, Claudia opened up about her relationship with her high-profile mother. “When your mom is working for the president of the United Conway, a 16-year-old high school student, shares how music is a passion. States, who you very much disABC screenshoot agree with, it’s hard,” she said.

When asked by Perry if her mom still hugs her, Claudia answered: “I mean, yeah, she loves me. I love her. I feel like our relationship’s a little iffy. Most of my life, my feelings had been suppressed, so then I got social media, and I was like ‘Well, damn. Now my voice is being heard.’” Perry also gave Claudia a pep talk, advising her to “calm the storm that is around you.” “When you sing this next song, think about when you were young, and go back to that time. There’s a sadness there. It’s like, you lost your youth, because you weren’t able to experience it on your own, without all of this noise,” the AI judge said. “Your dad’s your dad. Your mom’s your mom. Who is Claudia? You have to calm the storm that is around you, ‘cause if you sing like you want to read the social media comments afterwards, you’re only ever gonna be a TikTok star. We want an American Idol,” continued Perry.

WALT Disney Animation is set to debut the animated short “Us Again” in theatres before “Raya and the Last Dragon” on March 5, and will be available on Disney+ in June. “Us Again” is written and directed by Zach Parrish, the head of animation of “Big Hero 6.” It will be Disney’s first theatrical short in five years, following 2016’s “Inner Workings,” which premiered in front of “Moana.” “Us Again” tells the story of an elderly man named Art and his young-at-heart wife Dot rekindling their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. It will be told entirely through dance, with composer Pinar Toprak delivering an “original funk and soul musical score reminiscent of the mid-60s.” For this short, Parrish collaborated with Filipino American dancers and married couple Keone and Mari Madrid, who have previously worked with musical acts such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and K-pop group BTS. “Working with Keone and Mari was the key to making this film work,” said Parrish in a statement. “From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted this film to be music driven. And I felt that dance is a universal language that can translate into any culture. I loved that their dance style felt like it was made for

animation, and that there was this genuine, honest and organic connection between them because they were actually a married couple in real life,” he added. In an Instagram post, Keone Madrid expressed his excitement for “Us Again.” “Dream project announcement. Since 2019 we’ve been working on an animated short film with Disney, told entirely through dance/music (can’t believe I get to type that). And on March 5th, “Us Again” will play in theaters before Raya and the Last Dragon (wherever theaters are open). It will later go to Disney+ in June,” Madrid wrote on Monday, February 15. He continued, “There are so many levels to which my heart explodes with joy when thinking about this coming to life, particularly that we can watch our daughter watch this - and that watching the shorts before Disney films have always been something I’ve deeply cherished - but this film and the village of people who helped bring it to life, are so special. Thank you Zach, Brad and the team for believing in us. The Disney dork in us is floating on animated clouds above space mountain.” “Us Again” is produced by Brad Simonsen (“Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet”) and executive produced by Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios.

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Hollywood star Joseph Gordon-Levitt asks Filipinos’ help for new YouTube show by Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

HOLLYWOOD actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is inviting Filipinos to be part of his new YouTube project by crowdsourcing photos taken outdoors in the Philippines. “Hello my Filipino friends! I’m making a new YouTube show and you’re all invited to be a part of it. Just go find a photo you’ve taken outdoors in the Philippines. Any photos will do,” Joseph posted on Thursday, February 18. “Looking forward to checking these out!” Linked on his post is a photography prompt on the open online collaborative community HitRecord, founded and led by the actor himself. “Take a photo of nature in your country! This could be a landscape shot or photos of the flowers, trees, wildlife and water in your area,” read the prompt. According to the HitRecord page, the project’s purpose is to celebrate this coming Earth Day. This isn’t Joseph’s first time asking for Filipinos’ help. He previously asked his local fans to support the “Technology Around

McDonald’s® drops early access to the new crispy chicken sandwich with limited-edition capsule Joseph Gordon-Levitt

the World” and “Poetry Around the World” projects. But don’t feel special just yet. The actor recently also enlisted the help of other places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Guatemala and

Photo from Facebok/@ Joseph Gordon evitt

Bolivia for the same purpose. The 40-year-old starred in critically-acclaimed and box office success films like “500 Days of Summer,” “Inception,” “Don Jon,” “Looper,” “50/50” and more.

Sarah to make stage comeback through ‘Tala: The Film Concert’ KAPAMILYA singer Sarah Geronimo is set to return to the

Sarah Geronimo

stage in her one-night-only, ex- Film Concert.” clusive online event “Tala: The Details have yet to be released on the VVIP tickets, but fans have been told to “watch out for future announcements on a big surprise from Sarah G.” The concert is titled after the singer’s widely-successful hit of the same name. “Tala” will mark her first fulllength performance since her joint concert with Regine in February last year, as well as her major stage comeback since her months-long physical absence from “ASAP Natin ‘To,” where she is a regular. Paul Basinillo, who directed six of Sarah’s concerts that include her last solo show “This is Me,” returned to collaborate with the “Pop Princess” on her latest Photo from Instagram/@just sarahgph project. (Philstar.com)

Lucky fans can secure theirs at CHKNDrop.com

CHICAGO — The biggest launch of 2021, coming at you from McDonald’s, is just a click away. Starting Feb. 18 at noon ET, we’re giving fans access to an early taste of the new Crispy Chicken Sandwich with a limited-edition capsule, available exclusively at CHKNDrop.com. So, what’s the hype behind this tasty release? Here’s what you’re going to get: • Early access to the new Crispy Chicken Sandwich starting on Feb. 23, one day before it’s available in restaurants nationwide. The hottest new chicken sandwich in the game features a brand-new crispy, juicy, tender fillet made with all-white meat chicken. We’re serving it up three ways – Crispy, Spicy and Deluxe – and featuring mouthwatering ingredients like a toasted, buttered potato roll, crinkle cut pickles and our Spicy Pepper Sauce. • An original, never-beforeheard audio track created by super music producer Tay Keith on 7” vinyl. Created for our new Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and debuting soon in our advertising, you can hear it here first and only get a copy with this drop. • A limited-edition hoodie that reps the deliciousness of our new Crispy Chicken Sandwich in one word “crispyjuicytender” (yeah, we made that up) and features a waveform design of Tay Keith’s original track running up one sleeve. Available in sizes S through XXL. “We know fans can’t wait for our new Crispy Chicken Sandwich to hit restaurants, so we’re celebrating them and this moment with a drop like no other,” said VP of U.S. Communications, David Tovar. “We’re excited to

give fans early access to this sandwich and exclusive swag they can’t get anywhere else to memorialize this great addition to our menu.” Need details on how to be a part of this moment in chicken sandwich history? We got you! Mark your calendar and head to CHKNDrop.com at noon ET, on Feb. 18, to lock in your drop for $5.00 USD. Those lucky enough to secure one can get their early taste of the Crispy Chicken Sandwich at their local participating McDonald’s starting Feb. 23. Don’t wait, because once they’re gone, they’re gone. Didn’t get your hands on it? While this exclusive drop will go quick, you can grab the Crispy Chicken Sandwich that inspired it all starting Feb. 24 via carryout, Drive Thru, the McDonald’s app or McDelivery. And be sure to stay tuned for more ways we’re celebrating crave-worthy chicken options at McDonald’s all year long. For decades, customers have enjoyed fan-favorite chicken offerings at McDonald’s like

our iconic Chicken McNuggets and the McChicken sandwich. Today, demand for craveable chicken options is greater than ever before, and McDonald’s continues to introduce delicious new menu items and flavor profiles – from bringing Chicken McGriddles and the McChicken Biscuit sandwich to our breakfast menus nationally, to introducing popular limited-time offerings like our Spicy Chicken McNuggets with Mighty Hot Sauce. The new Crispy Chicken Sandwich lineup marks the latest step in our ongoing journey to deliver great-tasting chicken to our customers. McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook. www.facebook.com/ mcdonalds.

Jamie realizes her mission in music by alex

BRoSaS Inquirer.net

INSPIRATIONAL diva Jamie Rivera feels it is her “mission” to be singing gospel songs. Rivera recently launched the inspirational song “We Give Our Yes,” the official mission song to mark 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, a year-long celebration that commenced this month. Rivera recalled several music events in her life that seem to have prepared her for a bigger mission. “I consider this… hindi naman culminating pero parang hinanda yata ako para sa occasion na ito,” Rivera said in an online conference for the album launch yesterday, Feb. 17. (I consider this not as a culmination, but it seems that I was prepared for this occasion.) Rivera recalled singing inspirational songs that started her road into gospel music like “Jubilee,” “Heal Our Land,” “Awit Para Sa Ina ng Sto. Rosario,” “We Are God’s Children” and now, “We Give Our Yes.” Calling it “divine providence,” Rivera felt that it has become her mission to spread the word of

Jamie Rivera

God through her songs. “As we grow older, hindi natin alam iyong plano ni Lord sa atin because God’s plan is bigger than ours. Kaya hindi ko pa masasabi kung culminating ba ito or ito na ba iyong last,” she explained. (As we grow older, we do not know the Lord’s plan for us because God’s plan is bigger than ours. That is why I cannot say if this is a culmination or this will be the last.) “What I can say is that it is a preparation for a bigger mission,” she added. Rivera recalled the day she was asked to sing an inspirational song. It was the year 2000, and her brother Jun Cruz asked her to sing for Jesus’s 2,000th birthday. “Akala ko kakanta lang ng ‘happy birthday to you.’ Akala ko ganoon lang, eh. Iyon pala it’s a bigger responsibility,” Rivera recalled. (I thought I would just sing “happy birthday to you.” I thought it was just that. It turned out to be a bigger responsibility.) “The song was composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo. It is titled ‘The Jubilee Song.’ Doon nag-umpisa iyon (that is where it started),” Rivera shared.

She was surprised at the popularity of the song. “Hindi namin alam iyong magnitude (ng song). Later on, nagulat kami, lahat ng bata, lahat ng Catholic churches, ng parishes, lahat kinakanta na,” she said. (We did not realize the magnitude of the song. Later on, we were surprised that most kids, all Catholic churches, parishes, were singing the song.) With that, Rivera felt she had to live up to the song. “It totally changed my life also. Kailangan kung ano iyong mali kong ginagawa kailangang itatama ko na rin (I needed to right whatever wrongs I had done),” she said. Rivera first performed “We Give Our Yes” live at the Manila Cathedral during the Archdiocese of Manila’s launch of the 500 Years of Christianity festivities on Feb. 6. Written by the multi-awarded composer Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, Rivera’s version of “We Give Our Yes” was produced by the award-winning hitmaker and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo. “We Give Our Yes” is now available on music streaming services worldwide.

Inquirer.net photo

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WISDOM, discipline, and lifestyle play a great role in people’s longevity. The COVID-19 pandemic is a good example. While seniors, especially those with health issues, are more prone to get infected, a great majority of them have been so careful and vigilant, they have eluded the virus, compared to careless, arrogant younger ones who were not so disciplined, got infected, many of them dying anyway, in spite of what their genetic code for lifespan was. According to the University of Minnesota, deaths among young people, ages 25 to 44 in New York, was around 38% as of December 17, 2020. That’s almost half of the death rate for seniors. Indeed, a healthy lifestyle impacts longevity. COVID-19 cases worldwide is almost at 10 million, with about 2.5 million deaths; U.S. – nearly 28.5 million cases and almost half a million deaths; and the Philippines – about 553,000 cases and around 12,000 deaths. Almost 180 million doses of the anti-COVID-19 vaccines have been administered worldwide. In the U.S., about 55 million, or about 11.6 percent of the US population, have received the vaccines. Around 12.6 million doses a day are being administered. Only about a century ago, the average lifespan of American men was 46, and today it is 78.93, an added bonus of 32.93 years, according to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Biologists have estimated that the human body has the potential to last 120 years, if not abused, and properly cared for. The “fountain of youth” appears to be a healthy lifestyle. How we live will forecast 75% of how far we can get. There are a few “strategies” proven by scientific research which can maximize longevity. The studies also “calculated” how many “added years” each regimen will confer upon the person who uses any of them. While the benefits are not cumulative, the more strategies one uses, the greater the chance of enjoying a longer life. For instance, cutting down on the use of cell phone while driving adds 45 seconds to your life for each call you do not make. According to Dr. Donald A. Redelmeier of the University of Toronto, everyday, 99 years of life are lost because of driving accidents while one driver is on the phone. Have sex often, if possible, and live longer. Studies revealed that there is an inversely proportional “dose-response” relationship between orgasms and heart problems. The more

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FOR Maxene Magalona, yoga has not only physically and mentally improved her wellbeing — it also has a whole lot to offer for the soul. Magalona articulated what she gains from doing yoga in her Instagram post on Wednesday, Feb. 17. “When I started my yoga and meditation journey, I honestly thought that it was just a physical and mental practice that was meant to keep our bodies fit and our minds sharp. After diving

Maxene Magalona

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Lifestyle and longevity City Of Las Vegas 2021 Spring Break Camps & Activities

sex, the lesser the risk of suffering a heart malady. One study of 918 men showed that those who had sex the most often had 50% less risk of death from heart ailment. Cutting down on calorie intake (amount of food you eat) by one third of what you now eat, can lower cholesterol and increase your life by 2 to 3 years. Leaving the dining table less than full is a healthy practice. A UCLA School of Public Health study shows that men who took 300 mg of vitamin C or more a day lived 5.5 year longer than those whose intake was less than 50 mg. Getting enough vitamin C from vegetables and fruits is the best way of doing it. Helping your spouse take care of your children has been found to increase longevity. Lowering the cholesterol from 239 to 200 adds 6 months to one’s lifespan, and dropping a high level of 300 down to 200 gives an additional 4 years to life. This can be achieved by diet, exercise, and if needed, by cholesterol-lowering drugs. Go to church twice a week and extend your life seven to 4 years longer, as reported in Demography. Besides learning abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, religion in this case also provides strong social and psychological ties and other good practices conducive to a healthier lifestyle. Research has shown that an active social life can add nearly 10 years to one’s life. Those with practically no friends, minimal social contacts, live 4.5 years shorter. Among 10,000 men studied, those who have the highest level of aerobic fitness lived 8.7 years longer than those least-fit individuals. Having regular medical checkup increases longevity by two to three years, by preventing diseases and detecting diseases in their early, curable, stages. Eating less red meat extends life up to nine years. A diet of fish, soy, legumes and beans and other vegetables increases life expectancy by 13%. Limiting red meat to 3 ounces twice a week, if not eliminating it totally in exchange for chicken meat, will do the trick. Getting a dog and walking it every day will add five years to your life. The studies at the Cooper Institute reported that men who walked briskly for 30 minutes a day, five times a week, prolong their lifespan by five years. Those who abstained from tobacco live five years longer, compared to smokers. Alcoholics die at least 8 years sooner than disciplined imbibers or non-drinkers. A normal or medically-controlled blood pressure increases your longevity by five to 5.3 years. The standard normal blood pressure level, which used to be 120/80, has been lowered

to about 115/70. You can cut your risk of dying by 13% in the next two decades by ignoring fast food fries/hamburger chains, as borne out by a study on 3,000 men. Also, controlling body weight to normal confers between 8 to 20 added months to longevity. Believe it or not, a study on 7,841 men showed that those who ate three candy bars (dark chocolates, especially) per month regularly lived one year longer than those who did not. But those who ate three or more sweets a week had 30% increased risk of premature death. While curiosity kills the proverbial cat, inquisitiveness among seniors has been found to increase their lifespan by five years. “Higher curiosity levels may mean better adaptation to changes, stress or challenges,” said Dr. David Larson of the National Institute of Healthcare Research. People who have stomach aches and who availed themselves of prompt medical care to cure their ulcer add 2.3 years to their life, some saving their life from early cancer with gastroendoscopy. A study conducted by a Scottish neuropsychologist on 1,000 eccentrics found that those “unencumbered by the usual stupid worries that so-called normal people obsess over, live 5 to 10 years longer.” Professional men live 2.6 years longer than average, and unskilled workers live about 4.6 shorter life than average. Cheers! Studies from Harvard found that disciplined “men who had two to six drinks per week had a 21 to 28 percent lower risk of death from all causes than did abstainers.” I’ll drink to that. Mr. Bartender, a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir, please. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/ author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and antigraft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Maxene shares how yoga and meditation connect her with God by alex

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 18-24, 2021

deeper into this rabbit hole, I realized that it is so much more than just asanas and breathwork,” she said. But it was more than what she expected as “this practice is what has helped me develop a healthy and strong relationship not only with myself but also with the energies surrounding me, the Universe as a whole and God, the Divine Source.” “I noticed that the more I devote my time and energy to this daily ritual, the more I become in tune with myself,” the actress observed.

Doing daily yoga exercises has brought Magalona “healing” and “inner peace”. “By showing up on my mat [every day], I am able to check in with myself, communicate with my body, observe my thoughts, calibrate my energy, nourish my soul and connect to God. This is how I start my day. This is how I heal and find inner peace,” she said. Magalona and husband Rob Manaquil are yoga instructors and have been deepening their yoga practice while based in Bali, Indonesia for the past year.

Photos from Instagram/@maxenemagalona

Discover The Arts & Fun!

THE city of Las Vegas will offer several spring break opportunities for children. Social distancing and other safety guidelines mandated by the governor’s directives will be in effect. For more information and registration, visit www.lasvegasnevada.gov/camps. Spring Break Camps (K-8th grade) March 29-April 2, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $100/child for full week. Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive. East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargrove Ave. Camp activities will include arts and crafts, sports, games, music, life skills, physical fitness and fun, all with trained adult supervision. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Health screenings, face coverings and social distancing will be required. For more information, call 702.229.PLAY (7529). Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Spring Break Workshop (ages 8-12) Monday-Friday, March 29– April 3, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–noon. Cost: $135/youth for full week. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. This meaningful arts experi-

ence for youth includes sessions that build trust, courage, self-esteem, creativity, communication, and social skills. Students will end this week-long workshop with a presentation of their skills Saturday, April 3. Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Spring Break Workshop provides students a space to spark their imaginations through the use of theatrical skills like improvisation, storytelling and creative play. Students will develop teamwork, build confidence, discover hidden talents, foster empathy, and create lasting friendships during this week-long arts experience. Youth should bring lunch, snacks and waters. Facial masks and social distancing required at all times. Registration is open through March 30, or until full. For more information, call 702.229.ARTS (2787). Broadway Spring Break Musical Theater Camp (ages 1018) Co-sponsored with Contemporary West Dance Theatre Monday-Friday, March 29– April 2, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Cost: $210/youth for full week, includes a camp-provided t-shirt to wear each day. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. This dynamic musical theater experience will highlight some of the most memorable moments captured from some of Broadway’s most prominent musicals, “Hairspray,” “Ham-

ilton,” and “The Lion King.” Students will commit to a weeklong intensive led by renowned Broadway musical theater artists who are now based locally. They will hone their skills in acting, voice, dance and costume design and will create their own Lion King headpieces for the final presentation. The program will culminate with a final performance presentation Friday, April 2, featuring students from the camp. Youth should bring lunch, snacks and waters. Facial masks and social distancing required at all times. Registration is open through March 30, or until full. For more information, call 702.229.ARTS (2787). West Las Vegas Arts Center Spring Break Saturday Special Workshop (ages 10-15) Saturday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $42/youth for full-day session. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. This workshop will feature top guest artist instructors for an all-day, immersive experience. Learn fresh Afro Beat, Broadway and Social Circus skills from three of the best teaching artists in the valley. No prior experience required. Youth should bring lunch, snacks and waters. Facial masks and social distancing required at all times. Registration is open through April 3, or until full. For more information, call 702.229.ARTS (2787).

Bianca eyed to play Christine in biopic by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Bianca Umali

Photo from Instagram/@bianxa

THE life of deceased flight attendant Christine Dacera is reportedly going to be immortalized into a movie soon. According to a report by Gorgy Rula on Pilipino Star Ngayon, line producer Dennis Evangelista told the veteran columnist that there are talks between the producer and Christine’s mom Sharon, but they still have not finalized the deal. The report also added that there’s an independent film producer who wanted to turn Christine’s life into a movie, but will focus more on what happened on that night when she was found dead on a bath tub in a hotel in Makati. “Wala pa rin. Wala pa talaga,” Dennis said when asked who will play as Christine. Sharon reportedly wanted Kapuso actress Bianca Umali to portray her daughter in the film.

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Jed’s advice to aspiring singers to get noticed in the age of social media By AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

Jane De Leon

Photo from Instagram/@imjanedeleon

Jane prepping for ‘Darna’ TV series By MArinel

cruz

Inquirer.net

EVEN Jane de Leon, who is set to play the well-loved and iconic Filipino superheroine Darna, admitted to having had a moment of weakness at one point in her life and have already resigned herself to failure. “I had wanted to quit show biz at one point. It had been a really ‘toxic’ time for me, especially since I was only starting then. I haven’t been given my big break,” recalled Jane, who started acting at age 15. “I almost lost hope; to think that I worked hard to join this industry because I really love my craft. However, Jane is the family breadwinner, “So I had to really push myself to work. I shared and surrendered to the Lord all my worries, and true enough, He used the people I love and care for as instruments in order for me to achieve my dreams.” Jane added: “While it’s a given that making it big in this industry is extremely difficult, it’s also important that you enjoy and love what you do in order for you to last. I waited for years to get to where I am now. I never

rested. I tried to learn as much as I could about the industry. I discovered that there are actors, whom we may consider veterans by now, who have also gotten their breaks very late. They were already in their 20s or 30s when good things started to happen to them.” Right time Jane believed that “there’s a right time for you. You just have to trust God that it will happen eventually.” Jane noted that the same thing could be said about actor-producer Coco Martin, who recently welcomed her as a cast member of his highly successful TV program “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” “While we were taping, Coco told me everything about his life. I realized that we had the same experiences when we were still starting,” Jane said. “It’s true that I began as an extra. I’ve experienced being told to wait on the set for long hours. We weren’t given tents so we endured the heat and humidity on the set. It was there where I was taught a valuable lesson on patience.” Self-discipline Before ABS-CBN declared that Jane would play the lead

in its film version —but to be a TV series instead—of Mars Ravelo’s “Darna,” Jane said her most important role was that of Maggie Bartolome, sister to Jericho Rosales’ character in the now-defunct top-rated soap, “Halik.” These days, Jane uses her free time to work out. She needed to gain more weight for “Darna,” she explained. “I really had to push myself to do this. I also had to change my diet in order to bulk up because our shoot for the series is really close. I lift weights and do cardio workouts for endurance, as well. In this case, I’m being taught a lesson on self-discipline,” she said. Jane claimed she was dateless last Valentine’s Day. “I’m giving my love life a rest. I’ve also been hurt several times. Now, I want to focus more on myself and my career. I think people call this ‘self-love.’ You won’t be able to completely give your heart to your partner unless you have learned to love yourself first.” To her would-be boyfriend, she has this to say: “Just stay where you are. I’ll see you soon, whoever you may be.”

Rabiya: ‘Women are as capable as men’ MISS Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo said she firmly believes that women “are as capable as men” amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that women are unfit for the presidency. Mateo, a 24-year-old physical therapist, voiced her thoughts on leadership and the President’s sexist statement in an interview with pageant website Missosology last Saturday, Feb. 13. She was fielded questions from followers and was first asked about what Filipinos should look for in leaders with the coming 2022 elections. In response, Mateo quipped that Filipinos have higher standards for Miss Universe over their own leaders. “That shouldn’t be the case, right? We need to have stricter qualifications to vote someone,” she noted. “And if there’s gonna be one aspect of being a leader that I would like to highlight, that is being honest,” she said. “Because all the good things will go after that. An honest leader is somebody who is just, who is humane but most importantly he or she is accountable [for] what is happening in his or her country.” “We need to look at the background of these leaders,” she stressed, “And we really need to use our mind and our heart in doing so because this is gonna give the opportunities to our children to build a better society

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo Photo from Instagram_@rabiyamateo

for the future.” “So I hope this 2022, Filipinos will be smarter and we will choose the best possible leaders for our country.” She was also asked about her reaction to Duterte’s statement last January, when there were speculations that his daughter Sara would run for president. “This is not for women. You know, the emotional setup of a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. So… that is the sad story,” he said then. “Well I do respect the President but I completely disagree with this thought,” said Mateo, noting that the country has had two female presidents. “By doing that women are as capable as men in handling a nation.” She also cited New Zealand

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose swift and effective Covid19 response has been hailed. “Their female leader was able to nurse a newborn but at the same time she was able to become a mother to her land,” Mateo said, in reference to Ardern having a newborn baby while still running the country in 2018. The beauty queen also argued that emotions can make for good leadership. “I am a woman and I believe that my [emotions] do [take] part in my leadership skills,” she said. “I have so much heart, I have so much calling in being a leader actually and I do disagree with this thought. I can lead my country because I have the power to do so.” “We live in an era in which we need to treat men and women equally. We need to give them the same opportunities,” Mateo stressed. “I won’t agree with something like this (Duterte’s statement) because I know my capabilities and strengths as a woman and I know I can make a difference, so much difference.” “We need female leaders who will put their emotions in making decisions. Because it’s not all about experience. Sometimes you need to [use] your [emotions] to be the mother of the country,” she added. The Iloilo City beauty is also Miss Universe Philippines’ ambassador for education. (Niña V. Guno/Inquirer.net)

Did Heart audition for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’? Actress finally answers by rAtziel

SAn JuAn Philstar.com

KAPUSO actress Heart Evangelista finally revealed that she indeed auditioned for a role in the 2018 Hollywood blockbuster with an all-Asian cast, “Crazy Rich Asians.” Heart had tried out for the role of heiress Araminta Lee, which ultimately went to actress Sonoya Mizuno (“La La Land” and “Beauty and the Beast”). In the Sunday vlog of Dr. Aivee Teo, the dermatologist and the actress reacted to their old photos, including one with Heart next to actress Gemma Chan, who played the iconic Astrid Leong-Teo. “I actually did audition talaga,” Heart confessed to Aivee. “I auditioned and it was parang they were already in the last leg of their auditions. And I got a call.” Heart recalled that the audition took place in the Philippines. “And I remember I got a crew and I did the scene as like a real scene from a telenovela. And I did, I got a call. I remember, I woke up to 10 missed calls from the agent from LA.” After a few steps, they asked Heart if she was available to shoot. The ending? “And then they never came back.” Heart was a sport about it, saying that everything happens for a reason. She revealed that she even became friends with “Crazy Rich Asians” author Kevin Kwan.

Photo from Instagram_@iamhearte

“YOU have to put yourself out there in order to get noticed.” This is a piece of advice Jed Madela often gives to young aspiring singers. And it’s especially true now in the age of social media. “It’s what I always tell them. There are so many new performers emerging every day, left and right. So if you don’t step up your game, you will get left out,” he stressed in a virtual conference for “Hearts on Fire,” his recent back-to-back digital concert with Juris. And since the live music scene has yet to show signs of returning anytime soon, the need to double down on their efforts is even greater. “You have to grab each opportunity you can get. I think they’re actually more fortunate now because everything can be done on social media,” he pointed out. “Back then, you have to start from scratch—play gigs or perform at bars—just to get noticed. You have to go to auditions for television,” the 43-year-old balladeer added. “You have to make the most of the things coming your way.” Shift to digital That’s why when COVID-19 happened, he immediately shifted his efforts into the digital space. “When online streaming … digital shows started, I thought that I have to get into these avenues one way or another, so that people can still see me,” he said. The good thing is that he’s already an established act, so the viewers are already there. His mark “I’m blessed that I began my career earlier and I have managed to establish my name; that I’m closely associated with a particular style of singing. People have

Jed Madela

the image of me: When you say Jed Madela, they think of a male belter,” he said. “That’s my mark. But of course, it shouldn’t stop there,” Jed added. “Like what I have said, I continue to put myself out there. I’m very active now on social media.” In “Hearts of Fire,” which is part of the YouTube Music Night series, Jed performed 10 numbers—all “hugot” songs—including “Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin,” “Till My Heartaches End” and his rendition of the Moira de la Torre “Paubaya.” He also sang duets with Juris and Markki Stroem. The show was live streamed on Feb. 13 and is now available to rewatch on Star Music’s YouTube page. Although the show was shot live in a studio with musicians, there was no live audience—something

Photo from Instagram/@jedmadelaofficial

Jed is still getting used to. Different feeling “When I perform, I get energy and life force from the reaction of the audience. Now that I sing in front only of a camera and a couple of people, it’s a different feeling because there’s no applause,” he related. But this is as good as it gets given the current situation. And so live performers like him would just have to adjust. “It’s a different feeling. But after doing it for the past year, the artist in you starts to get used to it,” he said. “You just have to imagine that there are people watching you.” “You have to keep in mind that people will still see it online, so you have to put twice the effort,” Jed said. “But still, performing for a live crowd and getting an instant reaction is still different. And it’s something we miss.”

Dingdong on experience as delivery rider: ‘I realize how difficult this job is’ by niñA

V. Guno

Inquirer.net

FOR Valentine’s Day, Dingdong Dantes moonlit as a delivery rider for his own service DingDong. After completing six deliveries, he reflected on the average rider’s day of work. “I started at 9:30 [a.m.] and ended before 3 [p.m.], and as [I] sit here at home waiting for early dinner, I realize how difficult this job is,” he wrote on Instagram on Sunday, February 14. “There are so many factors to consider: heat, dehydration, heavy traffic, wrong addresses — which can cause panic and delays, customer’s temperament, plus the danger of getting into accidents especially if you have not been properly trained,” he noted. He lauded all delivery riders for the service they provide each day. “And today, mas lalo pang tumindi ang paghanga at respeto ko sa inyong lahat,” he said. (And today, my admiration and respect for you all has grown even more.) “That’s why [I] will never get

Dingdong Dantes personally made Valentine’s Day deliveries. Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes

tired of my mission of professionalizing this industry, especially for those who want to be successful in this field.” The actor put up his own delivery app to help create job oppor-

tunities in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic last year. Among those employed were employees retrenched from ABS-CBN, after Congress refused to renew the network’s franchise.

Matteo is the epitome of happy and unbothered by MJ

MArfori ManilaTimes.net

SINCE his controversial PlayStation unboxing vlogs and judging debut on TV5’s “Masked Singer Pilipinas” last year, Matteo Guidicelli has definitely upped his following all the more on the small screen and online, with part-admirers and part-bashers as expected. As he puts a different hat on for 2021 as host of “Born to be a Star Season 2,” still on TV5, In the Know had the opportunity to ask how he feels about the year that was and what is to come, which you’re all about to read right here. Chatting virtually with Matt alongside “Born to be a Star” co-host Kim Molina, the popular heartthrob was in a very playful mood. Describing the fun he’s having on set, he joked, “It’s nice coming out of the closet ha ha ha!” quickly adding, “I mean it’s nice to come out and just be honest and have fun on stage specially with a partner like Kim.” Now we all know Matteo’s a good guy, despite the occasional headlines related to his better half Sarah Geornimo’s family in the past, but very clearly, he’s loosened up a lot over the pandemic with a live and let live attitude. These days, he takes things quite lightly, so much so that in between our Q&A, he had to check several times if he wasn’t in trouble with his handler yet for supposedly off-the-record stuff he was spilling. Even Kim had to glare at him at one point.

Matteo Guidicelli

Laughing all through it though, Matteo quipped, “Every night I go inside my closet and cry kasi pinapagalitan ako o!” All in the name of good fun, he explained, “At the end of the day this is entertainment and we’re coming out here just having a good time. Specially with Covid, everybody’s just home and stuck, just walking around in circles.” It can be recalled that when Matteo posted his PS5 unboxing vlog a month ago, it quickly hit a million views albeit with more dislikes than likes because of how brutal he was in handling the gadget. Gaming aficionados

Photo from Instagram_@matteog

couldn’t believe how rough he was, ransacking the box to get to the PS5 then playing with it without a care in the world. Asking if his vlog concepts were planned to be so, Matteo says he just does what’s natural to him every time. He’s very much aware of the backlash over his style but says again, “At the end of the day it’s entertainment, and it’s how people receive that. For me, it’s just about not taking everything too seriously. Life is already difficult to begin with so [what I do offers] a source of happiness, a source of love and a source of good vibes that I also hope to bring to people.”

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 18-24, 2021

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B6 february 18-24, 2021 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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