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FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 5, 2020 Volume 13 - No. 17 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Duterte to ABS-CBN: Apology accepted but franchise up to House MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 26, said he was accepting the apology of ABS-CBN for his personal grievances against the media network, vowing not to interfere with its pending franchise renewal in Congress. “Yes, I accept the apology,” he told reporters in a chance

DATELINE

interview at Malacañang. At a Senate hearing on Monday, ABS-CBN Corp. president and CEO Carlo Katigbak said sorry to the president for airing an advertisement critical of him and for failing to air his provincial and regional political commercials during the 2016 presidential campaign. “We felt we were just abid-

ing by the laws and regulations that surround the airing of political ads,” Katigbak said. Asked about ABS-CBN’s offer to return his campaign’s P2.6-million payment for unaired ad placements, Duterte said he’d “rather not” take it DEFEND PRESS FREEDOM. Despite the heavy rain, dozens of Filipino American community members flocked in front of the Philippine back. Consulate in New York on Tuesday, February 25 to protest the Duterte administration’s actions against broadcast giant ABS-CBN and “They could just give it to its impending franchise expiration. Similar events were held in Los Angeles, San Francisco (inset) and Chicago coincided with the 34th

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Filipina Italian model on Weinstein’s convictions: ‘Pure happiness’

USA

DEMOCRATIC presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg released an extensive plan on Wednesday, February 26 addressing issues facing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations, from disaggregating data to restoring the

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by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

“Happiness. Pure happiness. It was the verdict that I AMBRA Battilana Gutierrez was really wishing for,” Gutisaid she felt “pure happiness” errez told CourtTV outside the when movie mogul Harvey New York Supreme Court in Weinstein was found guilty of Manhattan moments after the a criminal sexual act and third verdict was announced. The Filipina-Italian model, degree rape on February 24. AJPress

Screen cap from Ronan Farrow’s #CatchAndKill podcast

who was 22 at that time said Weinstein assaulted her in his Tribeca office at a business meeting in March 2015. She moved to the United States a month earlier to pursue her modeling career.

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DFA confirms second Filipino US coalition holds protest in support COVID-19 patient in Hong Kong of ABS-CBN franchise renewal by

GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (center) met with AAPI labor leaders in Las Vegas. AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya and Joseph Peralta

THE VINDICATION OF AMBRA GUTIERREZ

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg releases AAPI plan that would disaggregate data, restore Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program

commemoration of the People Power Revolution.

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said it has confirmed reports that a second Filipino woman in Hong Kong has tested positive for the COVID-19. According to DFA, the information from the Hong Kong Health Department was relayed to the Philippine Consulate General in China’s special ad-

ministrative region. “The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, confirms the report of a Filipina who tested positive for COVID-19,” DFA said in a statement. “The Consulate was officially informed by the Hong Kong Health Department today and upon receiving this information, immediately checked with

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by JOSEPH

L. PERALTA

AJPress

SAN FRANCISCO — A United States-based coalition, We Stand With ABS-CBN Coalition, held a protest rally on Tuesday, February 25 in front of the Philippine Center Building in downtown, which houses the Philippine Consulate General, in support of the franchise renewal efforts of Philippine network giant ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. The protest rally coincided with the

34th commemoration of the People Power Revolution, which brought down the Ferdinand Marcos regime and ended more than a decade of martial law in the Philippines. The midday protest, attended by about 75 Filipino Americans, featured chants and a few speakers, with protesters holding placards and banners espousing press freedom and the hashtag #WeStandWithABSCBN, all under the watchful eyes of members

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From the Front Page

Duterte to ABS-CBN: Apology... PAGE 1 any charitable institution of their choice,” he said. Duterte had castigated the network repeatedly for not airing some of his political advertisements when he was still running for president, while airing an ad placed by then Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV attacking him. At the Senate hearing, Katigbak explained that Duterte’s ads had been placed too late. He said ABS-CBN returned some P4 million to Duterte for the unaired ads but was delayed in refunding the remaining P2.6 million. The president assured the broadcast giant that he had not spoken to any lawmaker from the House of Representatives to block its application to extend the 25-year license. “There are about [300] of them — you can ask anybody, and if there’s a congressman who says [I spoke to them], I will resign. I never told anybody, I never spoke to anybody,” the president said. Power to grant franchise He insisted that only Con-

Militant organizations, including the feminist group Gabriela, join calls for the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise and the dismissal of the quo warranto petition filed against the network by Solicitor General Jose Calida, in a rally outside the Supreme Court compound in Manila on Wednesday, February 26. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

gress had the power to grant or deny ABS-CBN’s franchise. “All of these things must originate from the House. Forget all this hullabaloo. The critical move is on the House. And I tell you I’m not going to interfere,” the president said. But Duterte did not make any promises of signing the franchise into law, should it finally reach his office.

He had previously threatened to veto any measure extending ABS-CBN’s license. “I will cross the bridge when I get there. Maybe I will call the media when that happens. It will be a difficult decision,” Duterte said. ABS-CBN’s license will lapse on May 4, but the House has yet to conduct a hearing on 11 bills that would renew the TV

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Filipina Italian model on Weinstein’s... PAGE 1 Gutierrez said that she went straight to the police an hour after the meeting to speak about what happened. She collaborated with the officials and gathered proof on record. The police asked her to wear a wire when she met with Weinstein again. “I needed to be here to at least get a positive memory of this situation because of course, I had a bad experience in 2015 and I don’t want anybody to have the same,” she said. “Everything I have done, I did it for other women. Right now, I know that I won so this is enough for me.” The jury of seven men and five women found the 67-yearold Hollywood producer guilty of criminal sexual acts in the first degree and rape in the third degree and not guilty of first-degree rape and predatory sexual assault. With the two convictions, Weinstein faces up to 25 years in prison. The story didn’t break until 2017 and dozens of women have come forward with allegations against the producer. With the initial media reports, Weinstein’s supporters tried to discredit the model and accused her of lying. Gutierrez received negative press, particularly from American tabloids. Her past in Italy was scrutinized, including her involvement in the scandal that eventually brought down former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. “Everything was manipulated…having everyone think that I was a liar and blackmailer without knowing there was those proof of recordings that I got with the police,” she

Ambra Gutierrez, in an interview with Court TV outside the New York Supreme Court building in Manhattan moments after Harvey Weinstein was found guilty on a criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree and he was remanded to jail until sentencing.

expressed. While she went into depression following this chapter in her life, Gutierrez held on because she knew the truth and it was her best weapon when she decided to take her life back. She had these audio recordings to prove that she was telling the truth. “My life was destroyed, my reputation as destroyed. I had to leave New York and I moved to another country,” Gutierrez added. “My name was ruined and I couldn’t really pursue my dreams. I lost everything for a while, and I got it back.” Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance praised the women who testified against Weinstein saying that this “new landscape for sexual violence survivors” and that what they did has changed the course of history. “We all owe an immense debt to you, who had the courage beyond measure to speak your story to the world, to the

courtroom, at great personal risk, and in great personal pain,” Vance said. “Weinstein is a vicious, serial sexual predator who used his power to threaten, rape, assault, trick, humiliate, and silence his victims.” Earlier this month, Vance faced calls to resign over his handling of the sexual abuse case in 2015 involving Weinstein and Gutierrez. The producer reportedly admitted to groping Gutierrez in the audio recording, which was part of a New York Police Department sting operation. The Manhattan DA declined then to charge Weinstein despite the evidence that Gutierrez provided. The New York City Council’s Women Caucus, which includes all 12 women of the city council, called for Vance’s resignation for “failing to protect and fight for survivors against rich, white, and powerful men who committed countless sexual assaults.” n

DFA confirms second Filipino COVID-19... PAGE 1

the said patient to ascertain her condition and provide needed assistance,” they added. The patient is currently under close observation in an undisclosed hospital, the DFA said. This is the second case of a Filipino who tested positive for the dreaded virus in Hong Kong. DFA also mentioned that the first patient is scheduled for release this week, after testing negative for COVID-19, which was previously known as the 2019 Novel coronavirus (2019nCoV). The other Philippine citizen who was placed under quarantine meanwhile is set to be released on Friday, after being assessed to be “healthy and

asymptomatic.” “Meanwhile, the first Filipina COVID-19-positive patient is scheduled [for release] this week, provided that her test results remain negative for the disease. The Consulate continues to closely monitor the condition of all Filipino nationals in Hong Kong and render assistance as needed,” DFA said. “As of today, there remains only one other Filipina in quarantine as a patient under investigation (PUI). She is said to be healthy and asymptomatic, and is set to be discharged tomorrow,” the department noted. Aside from Hong Kong, there are other Filipinos overseas who have contracted the CO-

VID-19, including 80 Pinoys inside the quarantined cruise ship in Yokohama, Japan, three in the United Arab Emirates and one in Singapore. Reports say that the number of infected individuals worldwide has risen to 82,320, with 2,805 dying from it. Most of the cases and the deaths are from mainland China, where the COVID-19 originated. At least 1,766 individuals have been infected in South Korea, with 13 deaths, while 447 patients tested positive in Italy, with 12 deaths. In Iran, there are only 141 recorded cases but the Islamic country also recorded the most casualties outside of China, currently standing at 22. n

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US coalition holds protest in support of... PAGE 1 of the San Francisco Police Department. In a joint statement a coalition of community organizations — which includes the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Asian Community of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (ACCNMI), U.S. Pinoys for Good Governments (USPGG), DAMAYAN Migrant Workers Association, Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA) and Fil-Am Journalists and Communication Professionals of The Fil-Am Press Club of New York (FAPCNY) — denounced the Philippine government’s actions aimed “at shutting down the Philippines’ largest media conglomerate, ABS-CBN, and its U.S. subsidiary, The Filipino Channel (TFC).” The coalition’s statement likened Duterte’s actions to those of Marcos. It added that the broadcast giant “has been a champion of Philippine democracy and in upholding and promoting the democratic rights of the Filipino people, both in the Philippines and in the Filipino diaspora.” TFC, it said, has been crucial in delivering news to Fil-Ams and “in championing the rights of Filipino World War II veterans, and in the political empowerment of the community.” “We deplore Duterte’s move by a farcical quo warranto action in the Philippine Supreme Court to shut down ABS-CBN and cause the unemployment of its 11,000 workers. This move will drive a stake through the heart of Philippine democracy,” the statement said, adding a call for Filipino communities across the U.S. and globally to protest the Duterte administration’s actions against press freedom. Coalition spokesperson Atty. Rodel Rodis and other community members told the Asian Journal that there is a lot at stake with this issue. “This will send a devastating message to people that you cannot oppose Duterte because look what Duterte will do to you, like what he’s doing to ABS-CBN. It’s one thing to shut down Rappler, which is a small press entity. It’s another thing to shut down ABS-CBN,” Rodis said. “So he already has the Congress, the House, the Senate. He can do whatever he wants right now. And if we allow it to continue further, whatever few liberties we have, then we’re going to lose it all. So we’re determined to stop it.”

Dateline USa

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Duterte to ABS-CBN: Apology... PAGE 2

network’s franchise. Congress will go on recess on March 11. Besides the apparent footdragging by the House, ABSCBN is facing a petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida asking the Supreme Court to nullify the network’s soon-tolapse franchise. Guevarra suggestion Calida claims that ABS-CBN has violated the terms of the franchise and the Constitution, charges that the media conglomerate denies. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra insists that Congress can order the National TeleProtesters hold up signs standing in solidarity with thousands of ABS-CBN workers globally communications Commission who will be affected if the franchise is not renewed. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya (NTC) to issue ABS-CBN a Emil de Guzman, who at- tivities, including humanitar- provisional permit to operate tended the event to empha- ian in nature, and is a com- after its franchise expires, notwithstanding a Supreme Court size the plight of murdered munity stalwart. “I really support ABS- ruling to the contrary. journalists and what he feels “If it’s Congress itself, the is an attack on press freedom, CBN/TFC because they are said, “If we don’t do anything really a big help to us, espe- sovereign power in the matto stand our ground now, to cially to the seniors. And not ter of franchise grants, which ensure that they will stop this, only to the seniors, but also authorizes the NTC to issue the next one will be some- to the community of Filipi- a provisional permit in the body else… it’s like a domino nos. Especially when we have interim between the expiraeffect. They think they will disasters, they are there to tion of the original franchise have that sense of authority support without asking for and congressional action on and power.” De Guzman add- money, with their manpower its renewal, who is there to ed that feels that the majority and by [providing] advertise- question that authorization?” of Filipinos are being held ments. That’s a really big help Guevarra said in a text meshostage by a small clique in to the Filipino community, es- sage to reporters. “As long as both houses pecially in the Philippines,” government. Fr. Mark Reburiano of Paniza said, citing the recent come out with the proper St. Gregory Church in San involvement of Bantay Bata resolution, whether jointly or Mateo, who read a passage Foundation in coordinating separately, that’s sufficient affrom the Letter of St. Paul to donations to the recent Taal firmation for the NTC to issue the Ephesians, told the Asian Volcano victims and ABS- a provisional authority,” the Journal that having differing CBN’s efforts in connecting justice secretary continued. Guevarra was expected on opinions on issues should be the fruits of their fundraising welcomed. According to Fr. efforts to institutions back in Wednesday to formally relay this position to the NTC, which Reburiano, St. Paul is the pa- the Philippines. Paniza supports a frantron saint of mass media. “It’s always good to be chise renewal since she sees able to have some disagree- how ABS-CBN programs, via ments or some arguments TFC, keep seniors abreast of PAGE 1 in order for us to search for the goings-on in the Philipthe truth. And if we just shut pines and give them motiva- Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program. down one company because tion. The plan, “Belonging, Op“When I ask seniors, they they are not aligned with our ideas, or they disagree with say it’s their therapy watch- portunity, Empowerment: An us, that’s unjust… Freedom ing the ABS-CBN programs,” Agenda for Asian Americans of speech would mean also Paniza as she was slightly and Pacific Islanders,” covwe fight for the truth. And overcome with emotion. “Ev- ers the education, economic, we try to get the truth and we ery time I meet with them health and immigration conunravel the truth,” Reburiano at 1 p.m., they tell me about cerns of AAPIs, considered the said, while adding that many the story of a movie or a tele- fastest-growing racial group in of the network’s subscrib- serye. They say, ‘Oh what the country. “For far too long, the chalers, who are also his parish- happened to Coco Martin?’ ioners, have told him that or what happened to this or lenges facing Asian Americans they believe that ABS-CBN that actor or actress. It’s like and Pacific Islanders have is balanced when it comes to their own therapy… it is just been sidestepped by Washingits presentation of news and like they are not missing the ton,” the former South Bend, Indiana mayor said in a statePhilippines.” stories. The Asian Journal reached ment. Dorie Paniza, who is a Acknowledging current data member of a few organiza- out to the Philippine Consultions and is an Arts and Cul- ate General in San Francisco collection practices that clump ture Commissioner in Daly for a statement regarding the groups together and fail to get City, is hopeful that, in the issue and the protest rally. the nuances and challenges end, ABS-CBN will get its Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona each one faces, the plan calls franchise renewed by the replied via email that the on federal agencies to sepaPhilippine Congress as the Consulate has no comment rate data for specific AAPI and Native Hawaiian populations. company sponsors many ac- on this matter. n

requested a legal opinion. Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno pointed out in an interview over CNN Philippines on Tuesday that under a Supreme Court ruling, ABSCBN could no longer operate even under a provisional license unless it acquired a new broadcast license from Congress. Supreme Court ruling Under the Feb. 17, 2003, decision of the Supreme Court’s Third Division in Associated Communications & Wireless Services-United Broadcasting Networks versus NTC, which Puno authored, a TV station was required to have a franchise and the NTC could not grant it a provisional permit without the license. The former chief magistrate also pointed out that under the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995, NTC had no authority to issue a provisional license without a franchise from Congress. Drilon’s concurrent resolutionCiting Guevarra’s suggestion, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday filed a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that ABS-CBN continue to operate while the legislature debates on its franchise renewal, and urging NTC to issue a provisional authority to allow it to do so. Drilon’s resolution noted that there were only eight session days before Congress went on recess, and the Senate and the House would need more time to deliberate on whether the

network’s franchise should be renewed. Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. also made his own move to help the beleaguered network, filing a bill that would extend the life of the franchise to Dec. 31, 2020. But not all senators were sold on Drilon’s concurrent resolution. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he would discuss Drilon’s concurrent resolution with his colleagues, and pointed out that a similar move was not done for other franchises that had expired before renewal. In the House, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman questioned moves in Congress to pass a joint resolution extending the franchise of ABS-CBN, warning that these would put the network’s fate at the hands of Mr. Duterte. “A concurrent resolution expresses the sense of the House and the Senate on a particular issue and is used for matters affecting the operations of both houses of Congress but does not have the force of a law,” he said. In addition, he said: “If the President does not approve the joint resolution, Congress cannot override his disapproval because only bills vetoed by the President can become law if the veto is overridden by two-thirds of the members of the House as well as of the Senate.” (DJ Yap, Dona Z. Pazzibugan, Leila B. Salaverria, Melvin Gascon/Inquirer. net)

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg... “As president, I’ll take my lead from community leaders and center their voices in the critical work of empowering AAPI families,” Buttigieg added. Dispelling the “model minority” myth, Buttigieg’s plan would disaggregate data to look at the barriers to learning — from early childhood to higher education — across AAPI groups. With 15% of Asian American children considered dual language learners, the presidential hopeful would increase the number of programs and instructors for “culturally responsive education.” The data will also look at incidences of AAPI students being bullied and access to counseling. “His administration will mandate data disaggregation for AAPI students and include data on topics like access to

counseling, experiences with school discipline, and instances of bullying,” the agenda said. Unlike fellow presidential candidate Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders whose central campaign promise Medicare for All calls for a single-payer, national health insurance program, Buttigieg’s answer is “Medicare for All Who Want It,” which gives individuals the choice to opt into an affordable public alternative to health care and incentivizes private insurers to bring down costs. “The public plan will provide self-employed AAPIs, such as small business owners, with a new affordable insurance option and push private insurers to compete on price and quality. Americans on private insurance, including 72% of PAGE 7

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 5, 2020

OPINION

FEATURES

Still a work in progress THE nation commemorates the 1986 people power revolution today with the country’s largest broadcast network facing possible closure chiefly because it has incurred the ire of the top official of the land. ABS-CBN’s president and CEO publicly apologized on Monday, February 24 after it was revealed at a Senate inquiry that the chief executive resented the broadcast network’s “unfair reporting” and airing of an anti-Duterte political ad during the 2016 presidential campaign, and then failing to air his own ad to rebut the attack. At the same inquiry, the National Telecommunications Commission explained that ownership issues raised against ABS-CBN are gray areas that have yet to be settled amid a rapidly evolving media and telecommunications landscape. The NTC explanation provides fodder to those who see the travails of ABS-CBN — which was seized by the Marcos dictatorship during martial law — as a serious threat to press freedom. It fuels concerns that 34 years after the people power revolt, the

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country is in danger of sliding back to authoritarian rule. The administration has dismissed such fears as baseless fake news bordering on paranoia. President Duterte has often vowed that he does not intend to spend a moment longer in power than what is allowed by law, and that in fact he is prepared to leave office any time, even ahead of schedule. There are Filipinos who have been disillusioned by people power, mainly because the revolt failed to bring about the expected dramatic reforms. Corruption has become endemic; human rights are violated with impunity; cronyism is galloping back. Democratic institutions remain fragile and the country remains controlled by a miniscule elite. The frustration with democracy has made Filipinos accept short cuts to law enforcement and embrace populism. But the revolt is a work in progress, and building a strong democracy does not happen overnight. The significance of the seem- diminished by the disappointments. Thirtyingly impossible feat that was accomplished four years after Filipinos restored democracy in those four days in February 1986 cannot be in a peaceful uprising, the saying holds true:

Editorial

ABS-CBN’s case: Believe facts delivered under oath and not lies and fabrications peddled on social media

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PERJURY is the intentional act of swearing a false oath or falsifying an affirmation to tell the truth, whether spoken or in writing, concerning matters material to an official proceeding. It is considered a serious offense, as it can be used to usurp the power of the courts, resulting in the miscarriages of justice. On Monday, February 24, ABS-CBN was finally given the chance to address allegations of franchise violations, among

an urgent matter. This is unlike a charter change, as his statements suggested to be of paramount importance that the lawmakers should be prioritizing. The Senate asserted its oversight function and held this hearing, notwithstanding the gag order filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida to silence ABS-CBN and its people — and arguably, even the Senate itself — over alleged franchise violations of the broadcasting PAGE 10

the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. And building a strong, dynamic and free republic requires a lot of hard work. (Philstar.com)

The raging coronavirus epidemic and China’s decisive response; an assembly of youth and women political leaders in Ulaanbaatar

PeaceMaker

FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. others, circulated by no less franchise of ABS-CBN as not than the supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte before the franchise of the broadcasting network is set to expire on March 30. Despite more than 11 bills waiting to be heard in the House of Representatives, and despite the public threats by the president himself to shut down the broadcasting company echoed by his minions of adoring fans and ever-loyal followers, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano determined the issue of the renewal of the

Philstar.com photo

IN the midst of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic facing China, and indeed, the world, we, in our humble capacity as Founding Chairman and Chairman of Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), wrote President Xi Jinping to extend our sympathies and prayers to the Chinese government and the Chinese people The Communist Party of China (CPC) sits in the 37-member Standing Committee of the

ICAPP, which, we are always delighted to note, represents some 350 ruling, opposition and independent political parties from 52 countries in Asia, including the political parties of the Philippines. In our letter, we told President Xi that we are confident that China would definitely surmount this crisis, for as history would show, the Chinese people had faced gigantic crises and sufferings in the past, but they had always overcome them and emerged triumphant. Truly, China hadalways risen

up to the multiple challenges that confronted them in the past and has today emerged as a global economic power, with a strong security force. An unshakeable proof of the strength of character and indomitability of spirit of the Chinese people, no doubt. Indeed, nobody knows how long and widespread the Corona Virus epidemic will rage and gauge its effects on public health security as well as socioeconomic development not just in the countries hit by the outPAGE 10

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Poe: ABS-CBN hearing fair and objective Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg... by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Despite her family connections to ABs-CBN, philippine senator Grace poe on Wednesday, February 26, said the network giant’s franchise hearing is fair and objective. poe, who chairs the senate Committee on public services which led the hearing, said the issue is within the committee’s jurisdiction as it handles “all matters affecting public services and utilities; communications; land, air, river and sea transportation including railroads, inter-island navigation, and lighthouses; and the grant or amendment of legislative franchises.” she also said that she remained objective throughout the hearing, giving all parties the chance to speak. “Number 1: i am the chairman of the Committee on public services. Number 2: it’s no secret the business relationship of my family with ABsCBN. Number 3: i am only one of 24 senators. Whatever i say, even if i am for it or against it, if the majority will not side with my opinion, it will not prevail,” poe said during an interview with ANC’s “Headstart.” she added, “the chairman of a hearing will allow everyone to speak. We were the ones, i in particular, made sure that the [Federation of international Cable tV Associa-

PAGE 4 Chinese Americans and 78% of Filipino Americans, will be able to keep their plan if it works well for them,” according to the plan. Buttigieg’s agenda also mentions research investments into the health issues that affect the various AApi groups, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes in the Fil-Am population, access to screenings to reduce the number of preventable deaths, and reducing the costs of prescription drugs, This February 24, 2020 photo shows executives of ABS-CBN Corp. attending the Senate especially insulin. the former mayor has been hearing on the broadcasting giant’s franchise. Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo endorsed by a handful of AApi elected officials, including tions of the philippines], the paying taxes for the past num- Filipino Americans Christoones against the renewal of ber of years. pher Cabaldon, mayor of West He also said that ABs-CBN sacramento, California, and el the ABs-CBN franchise [were] paid at least p14.398 billion Cerrito Councilmember Gainvited.” poe’s mother, susan Roces, in income tax payments from briel Quinto. is an actress who appears in 2009 to 2018. “Whether our families arMeanwhile, former ABs- rived here two weeks or two “FpJ’s Ang probinsyano,” while her father, the late Fer- CBN corporate services head centuries ago, as AApis we’re nando poe Jr., was the “FpJ” Mark Nepomuceno revealed either invisible or scapegoats in the series’ title. He also that network was cleared by in American politics. that’s starred in the movie “Ang the Department of Labor and why pete’s plan is the bold acemployment for its compli- tion we need to reverse the sysprobinsyano.” ABs-CBN cleared of allega- ance with general labor stan- temic effects of colonization, dards, occupational safety and exclusion, internment, confistions At the hearing on Monday, health, and security of tenure. cation, and hate violence at the He told the senate that core of enduring discrimination February 24, the Bureau of internal Revenue (BiR) said ABs-CBN has a total of 11,071 and inequality faced by AApis,” ABs-CBN fully complied with workers — all of whom get Cabaldon wrote in an email to the tax requirements of the “above the mandated benefits the Asian Journal. of the government.” government. the agenda released on telecommunications Com- Wednesday broadly notes the According to simplicio Cabantac Jr, BiR Large taxpay- missioner Gamaliel Cordoba, contributions AApi immigrants ers service head, the network for his part, said ABs-CBN has have made on American socihas been regularly filing and PAGE 10 ety, including a mention of Filipino labor leader philip Vera Cruz, who helped to found the United Farm Workers. the and how many they are, De come up with a list,” the de- immigration plan promises a reversal of current trump adLima said she “justified each tained senator said. philippine Justice secretary ministration policies, making and every name on why they are part of my persecution, as Menardo Guevarra responded naturalization more affordable that he trusts the call of the for the over 1.5 million AApis reported by Rappler. eligible for U.s. citizenship, previous reports stated that U.s. government. “i am not interested to know and increasing prosecution efpresident Rodrigo Duterte and his spokesperson, sal- who are in her list... i trust that forts to break up human and vador panelo, topped the ini- the U.s state Department will drug trafficking networks, as tial list of those who should exercise its own independent trafficking victims in the U.s. be banned from the U.s. the evaluation and exercise pru- are largely Filipino. Addressing the trump adsenator also included solici- dence and circumspection,” ministration’s termination of tor General Jose Calida, for- he said in a statement. in December, U.s. presi- the Filipino World War ii Vetmer Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, Davao del Norte dent Donald trump signed erans parole program, ButtiRep. pantaleon Alvarez, the 2020 U.s. federal bud- gieg said he would restore it to public attorney’s office chief get, which included a provi- allow family members to be repersida Acosta, and former sion prohibiting the entry of united and provide care for the Lower House legislators Rey- foreign government officials surviving veterans in the U.s. naldo Umali and Rudy Fari- involved in the “wrongful im- (the trump administration announced in August 2019 that nas, according to the philip- prisonment” of De Lima. De Lima, a staunch critic it would end the program folpine star. De Lima said that her list is of president Rodrigo Duterte, lowing an executive order on only a recommendation, add- has been detained since 2017 border security and immigraing that the U.s. state Depart- for her alleged involvement tion enforcement that called ment still has the final deci- in the proliferation of illegal for determining parole on a drugs in the New Bilibid pris- “case-by-case basis.”) sion to implement the ban. “i think it highlights general “With or without my list, ons during her stint as justice democratic values, reverses they (U.s.) are mandated to secretary. n

List of De Lima’s ‘persecutors’ sent to US by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

seVeRAL philippine government officials have been recommended to be banned from the United states for reportedly being involved in senator Leila de Lima’s detention, according to the senator’s office. the senator sent the United states embassy a list of philippine government officials in question, her chief media officer Ferdie Maglalang confirmed tuesday, February 25. earlier this year, De Lima said she was in the process of completing the list of her socalled persecutors “complete with a summary and citation of references justifying their inclusion.” the detained senator submitted her list to the U.s. government around the second week of January. though she refused to disclose the names

some current administration policies and addresses what’s important for communities of color,” Melissa Ramoso, state chair of the California Democratic party’s Asian pacific islander Caucus, told the Asian Journal after reading Buttigieg’s plan. However, she had questions about how the former mayor would go about simplifying the process for the lawful permanent residents seeking citizenship and visa backlogs as many Filipino families are still waiting to come to the U.s. nearly three decades later. “Albeit a bit late, i’m happy Mayor Buttigieg put something in writing. All candidates should have a plan for the AApi community and recognize we matter as much as any other community,” Ramoso added. Buttigieg’s plan comes six days before the March 3 super tuesday primaries, when 14 states will be casting their ballots. One of them will be California, where AApis make up 20% of the electorate, according to a fact sheet from ApiA Vote and AApi Data also released on Wednesday. “As i talk with fellow Filipino Americans—and Americans of Chinese, indian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, southeast Asian, pacific islander, and Native Hawaiian ancestry—we see in pete Buttigieg a president who will turn the page on invisibility and usher in a new era of belonging,” Cabaldon added. “As more than a third of America’s AApi voters go to the polls on super tuesday, pete’s plan is a must-read for how the next president can help uplift our communities.” in the 2018 Asian American Voter survey, 50% of Asian Americans reported that they received no contact or were unsure if they received contact about the election from the Democratic party. But in the past year ahead of major nominating contests, including the Nevada caucuses on February 22, Democratic hopefuls have courted AApi voters — who as a whole have not rallied behind one particular candidate — through meet and greet events, tours of small businesses and in-language outreach materials. Buttigieg held events with AApis in Las Vegas, including a dinner with the AApi Democratic Caucus and a town hall with local community organizations. sanders launched the national AApis for Bernie orga-

A volunteer for Buttigieg’s presidential campaign holds up an “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Pete” sign at a get out the caucus rally in Las Vegas on Friday, January 21. AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

nizing program last fall, while the campaigns of Massachusetts senator elizabeth Warren and former Vice president Joe Biden have also released formal agendas on AApi issues earlier this month. Author and journalist Jeff Yang acknowledged that having major presidential candidates release plans to uplift AApi communities is a huge step, but highlighted the contrasts between Buttigieg and Warren’s plans. “But the differences between elizabeth Warren’s plan and pete Buttigieg’s speak directly to the differences between the candidates themselves,” Yang, who co-organized a list of over 150 AApis backing Warren, told the Asian Journal. He argued that Warren’s plan, which also calls for data disaggregation, was framed more as a “civil rights issue” and that the data would help determine better, individualized solutions for the various communities. “Buttigieg’s plan elevates corporate CeOs like indra Nooyi and Andrea Jung, and emphasizes education and economic empowerment as a one-size-fits-all answer for AApis,” Yang said. “While our communities welcome this kind of investment like all Americans do, this approach just doesn’t show the depth of engagement and understanding of our breadth of needs and aspirations that Warren’s does. We’re here. We’re the fastest-growing population in America. We deserve better than slogans and promises: We need candidates who immerse themselves in our communities, and genuinely care about our diversity.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

february 28-march 5, 2020 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARY 28-mARch 5, 2020

10 february 28-march 5, 2020 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

World tourism body urges nations: Avoid travel bans by Catherine

talavera Philstar.com

WALK OF FAITH. Supporters, media workers, artists and ABSCBN employees wear white shirts, light up candles and occupy Sgt. Esguerra Avenue in Quezon City to protest and demanded to junk quo warranto case versus the network and allow renewing franchise. Cars and passing vehicles were requested to honk their horns by the protesters in support of their cause on Monday, February 24. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ace Castillo

ABS-CBN’s case: Believe facts delivered under oath...

PAGE 5 network. As reported by ABS-CBN News, “Senate Minority leader Franklin Drilon cited a 25-year old Supreme Court ruling that said the Senate could tackle bills simultaneously with the House of Representatives.” This is a principle being challenged by Cayetano. “The Supreme Court squarely ruled that there is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits the filing of counterpart bills in the Senate as long as the filing of a committee report in the body is withheld,” Drilon said. Senate Chairwoman of the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media Sen. Grace Poe said simultaneous hearings would make the process even faster. ABS-CBN News reported that in his opening statement, ABS-CBN President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo L. Katigbak maintained under oath that “it did not violate any of the provisions of its franchise, and emphasized that it operated based on its mission to be in the service of the Filipino people.” This assertion had been corroborated by government officials and regulatory bodies called in the hearing to testify

under oath. After the hearing the network issued on the statement on the Senate Hearing on the ABS-CBN franchise issue: “We are very grateful for the opportunity given to us by the Senate to air our side and clarify issues about our franchise. As we have heard today, ABS-CBN has not been cited for any violations with regard to tax payments, election laws, or compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Like many other companies that have been operating or providing services for a long time, we have pending issues associated with labor as well as other matters related to the regular course of doing business. We believe in due process and will comply, as we always have, with any decisions made by the proper authorities. We continue to trust in the legal processes and the fairness in the hearings for our franchise renewal. Thank you to everyone who showed support for us today. We hope for your continued support and prayers as we pursue the chance to continue

providing meaningful and important service to the Filipino people. This is what we, and all employees of ABS-CBN, believe in.” In contrast, the critics, bloggers, some news personalities and supporters loyal to the president would freely castigate and declare the shutdown of ABS-CBN, but no one among them had testified under oath in a formal hearing to swear by the veracity of their allegations. Some have even spread malicious lies and fabrications against ABS-CBN, its management, owners, personalities and supporters. So what could be the cause of the threat of Duterte to shutdown ABS-CBN? “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth?” Abangan ang susunod na kabanata... *** 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.

Poe: ABS-CBN hearing fair...

PAGE 7 no standing penalties with the National Telecommunications Communications (NTC), quoting Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra who said franchise laws cover “commercial purposes,” such as the offering of a pay-per-view service. “[It is] hereby granted a franchise to construct, operate, and maintain, for commercial purposes,” read Section 1 of Republic Act 7908, which allows ABS-CBN Convergence’s broadcast operations. Apology accepted During the Monday hear-

ing, ABS-CBN Corp President and CEO Carlo Katigbak apologized to President Rodrigo Duterte for airing former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s political ad that featured clips of Duterte using foul language and making offensive gestures. Duterte said he has accepted the apology. “I accept the apology, of course,” the president said Wednesday. He also vowed that he will not interfere in the network’s franchise renewal. “But fundamentally, really,

ang (the) decision nasa (is with the) House ngayon (now), not so much of the Senate because the Constitution says all of these things must originate from the Lower House. Forget about all these hullabaloo,” he said. “The critical move is in the House and I tell you I am not going to interfere. Wala talaga ako (I really won’t),” he added. Duterte also told ABS-CBN to donate the remaining P2.6 million to charity that the network owes him for the ads it failed to air during the 2016 national elections. n

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MANILA — Closing borders, imposing travel bans and other extreme policies will not stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but will choke the travel industry, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) said on Wednesday, February 26. “Governments and those in authority must not seek to choke travel and trade at this time. Closing borders, imposing blanket travel bans and implementing extreme policies are not the answer to stopping the spread of coronavirus,” WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara said. Guevara, former tourism minister of Mexico, has firsthand experience of containing a major contagion, the H1N1 influenza virus in Mexico. “Past experience shows that taking such extreme action has been ineffective at best. We urge governments to explore fact-based measures, which don’t affect the vast majority of people and businesses for whom travel is essential,” she emphasized. Guevara called for governments and authorities worldwide not to overreact with disproportionate measures in a bid to control COVID-19. On the local front, the Philippines is currently implementing a travel ban on China, where the virus originated, as well as on its administrative regions Hong

Kong and Macau. The country also earlier implemented a travel ban on Taiwan, which it eventually lifted following protests from Taipei and Filipino workers. Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) president Jose Clemente III said plans to ban travel should be carefully studied. “At this point, we have to study this very carefully as there may be some adverse ramifications if this is done haphazardly,” Clemente said earlier. South Korea has been the country’s top source market of foreign arrivals since 2010. In 2019, the Philippines registered a total of 1.98 million arrivals from Korea, a 22.48 percent increase from the year before. “We need to proceed with caution but maintain the safety of our country as well,” Clemente said. “Perhaps we need to look at how other countries are dealing with this situation and see if we can strike a balance between safety and maintaining good relations with South Korea,” he added. In an email, WTTC vice president for policy Tiffany Misrahi reiterated the World Health Organization (WHO)’s call on countries to not impose travel restrictions. “Evidence from previous outbreaks indicates that travel restrictions directed at individual countries are unlikely to

keep the virus out of a nation’s borders,” Misrahi told The STAR. “Closing borders, blanket travel bans and more extreme government policies may in fact exacerbate the epidemic’s social and economic tolls – making us less safe as a travel ban may actually discourage people from coming forward and being transparent about their systems and behaviors,” she added. Data from the WTTC show that among 33 countries, only 16 percent reported cases of COVID-19, with a majority of affected patients having fully recovered. The organization emphasized that COVID-19 has a lower mortality rate than previous viral outbreaks such as SARS in 2003 and MERS in 2012. “Millions of people are continuing to travel throughout the world on a daily basis, whether taking flights, cruises, rail journeys or driving,” the WTTC said. “One death is one too many from any virus but now is not the time to panic,” Guevara said. “We understand there is huge concern about COVID19. However, it’s important to remember that fatality rates remain very low and the chances of contracting the virus, for the vast majority of people, are very remote if they travel responsibly and observe simple hygiene measures,” Guevara maintained. n

The raging coronavirus epidemic and China’s decisive... PAGE 5 break but in the international community. A few days ago, the foreign ministers of China and the ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam) met in Vientiane, Laos and discussed possible ways and means of cooperation in battling the Corona Virus. They agreed, among others, to “share information and best practices in a timely manner, including exchanging available epidemiological information, technical guidelines and solutions for epidemic prevention and control, diagnosis, treatment and surveillance.” ASEAN and China are closely linked as they are each other’s biggest trading partners and tourist destinations. Today the crisis rages. We hope that in a few months, God

willing, the spreading virus will sputter out and the plague will come to an end. In the meantime, government and our citizenry, families, friends, townmates and neighbors must and should help each other in every possible way. *** This coming April, youth and women leaders from all over Asia will troop to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for the Youth Wing and Women’s Wing conference of our International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP). The assembly will be hosted by the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), led by its Chairman, incumbent Prime Minister Uhknaagiin Khurelsukh. The MPP sits in the Standing Committee of the ICAPP. In the course of our speaking engagement in Ulaanbaatar,

we will also meet with Prime Minister Uhknaagiin, Speaker of Parliament (State Great Khural) Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, and other political leaders of Mongolia. We and wife Gina last visited Ulaanbaatar in 2008, when we addressed an international conference participated in by leaders of parliament, political parties and civil society organizations, organized by the New York- and Seoul-based Universal Peace Federation (UPF). UPF is managed today by civil society leaders led by New YorkerDr. Thomas Walsh and Seoul philanthropist, Madame Hak Ja Han Moon, widow of the celebrated UPF Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who built a hotel and automobile assembly plant in Pyongyang, then donated both to the North Korean government and people. Their charities worldwide are non-stop and plentiful. n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARY 28 - mARch 5, 2020

COMMUNITY Journal

11

How would an immigration officer view your case? Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ WHEN some people apply for immigration benefits, they look at their entitlement or eligibility from their OWN viewpoint. Many are overly optimistic that their case has no problems or issues. Therefore, since THEY see no problem with their case, the officer, consul, or adjudicator would similarly see no problem and should readily approve it. Even when a person has highly questionable or suspicious issues, they put on “rose-colored glasses,” and convince themselves that their viewpoint and opinion should be what matters. But that’s not how it works in the real world. Regardless of how YOU may view your case, it is the OFFICER’S viewpoint or opinion that matters. If the officer thinks your case is suspicious or there are issues, then your case is suspicious and has issues, regardless of what you may think. That is why it is important to take an objective view of your case from the standpoint of the officer. I’ve come across situations where a person was married to a U.S. citizen, but never lived with them. Instead, the U.S. citizen spouse may be liv-

ing on the East Coast, but the person is living on the West Coast with his or her family or friends. They also don’t have joint bank accounts or many joint documents. The person may think nothing is wrong with the case and it should be approved. However, if a married couple is not living together, or there are very few joint documents, the Officer may become suspicious it is a fixed marriage, regardless of the reasons, justification, or excuses the person may offer for not living together (such as they could only get a job on the West Coast, even though they may already have a work authorization and can work anywhere, or they need to “help out” relatives on the West Coast with their business, etc.). In such a situation, the case could be delayed and put under investigation for a fixed marriage and possible denial. In another situation, the person was being sponsored by an employer, but never worked for that employer, even though they had work authorization. They also didn’t work for the employer after their green card was approved. In their mind, they should have no problem when they apply for U.S. citizenship. But from an officer’s viewpoint, they definitely have problems if they received a green card through an employer but never work for that employer. My point is you have to look at your case from an officer’s

viewpoint, and be aware of potential issues or problems, rather than convincing yourself that there are no problems. An attorney is well-versed in immigration law regarding the requirements, eligibility, and potential issues which a person may not see about their own case. That is why, in this era of Trump, when the USCIS is getting very strict and thorough, it is all the more important you have an attorney to assist you with your immigration matter. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Aged-out child realizes his American Dream on a brand new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday DESPITE being refused his immigrant visa because he had aged out as a derivative of his father’s petition, Paolo never gave up. He consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL and retained their services more than three years after the visa refusal. On January 22, 2019, after

gathering all pertinent documents, the team at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel sent out a Motion for Reconsideration to the American Embassy, arguing that Paolo was under 21 years old based on the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). On May 13, 2019, the American Embassy approved the motion for reconsidera-

tion, concluding Paolo was eligible for immigration benefits under the Child Status Protection Act.” See how Atty. Gurfinkel and his team were able to help Paolo realize his dream of coming to America, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

CSPA VICTORY FOR AGED OUT CHILD: PAOLO NEVER GAVE UP HOPE, DESPITE BEING REFUSED A VISA AT THE US EMBASSY BECAUSE HE HAD AGED OUT. Paolo (left) was only a small child when his U.S. citizen aunt petitioned his father. But when the priority date became current and Paolo went to the U.S. Embassy in 2015, his immigrant visa was refused because he had “aged out.” He then consulted with the law offices of MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL, Inc. Atty. Gurfinkel sought reconsideration from the U.S. Embassy, arguing that Paolo was still under 21, based on the Child Status Protection Act’s (CSPA) age calculation. Find out how leading U.S. immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was able to turn a denial into a visa, by convincing the Embassy that Paolo was eligible for immigration benefits under the CSPA, on an all new episode of Citizen Pinoy – on Sunday at 6:15 PM (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

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February 28 - MarCH 5, 2020 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS THE silent killer of the 1970s, high blood pressure, is now replaced by Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of three or more risk factors like abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, abnormal lipids, and insulin resistance (pre-diabetes T2), which is actually a “pandemic” today, robbing us of our health and potential longevity. “The syndrome feeds into the spread of the diseases like type 2 diabetes, coronary diseases, stroke, and other disabilities. The total cost of the malady, including the cost of health care and loss of potential economic activity is in the trillions,” according to the US National Institute of Health. While there are around 80,000 cases of nCorona virus (COVID-19) infections worldwide in 44 countries and with more than 2600 deaths (majority of which are in China), metabolic syndrome kills millions of people annually around the world by way of complications of diabetes T2, heart attack, stroke, and other metabolic illnesses. COVID-19 is a faster killer compared to metabolic syndrome, which kills slowly over time. Of course, they are two entirely different diseases. The expanding waistlines of Americans (and Filipinos) the past several decades has been alarming, not only from the cosmetic/physical point of view but, more importantly, from their adverse impact on health, morbidity. and mortality. The researchers from Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, in an article posted this year in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology ad Therapeutics, stated that “being overweight and obesity contribute to metabolic syndrome, which affects 1 in 3 adults and about 40 percent of adults aged 40 and older… that the risk factors are more than just the sum of their parts.” Obesity is indeed surpassing tobacco as the pre-eminent preventable cause of early morbidity and premature deaths in

killing us ‘softly’

the United States and globally. The rule of thumb is that optimizing health requires and includes a waistline of less than 40 in men and less than 35 in women, and a healthy lifestyle: diet (foremost!), then exercise, abstinence from tobacco, disciplined alcohol intake, and stress management. The authors of the study explain “that the visceral fat component of abdominal obesity leads not only to insulin resistance but also to the release of nonesterified free fatty acids from adipose tissues or body fat… the lipids then accumulate in other sites such as the liver and muscles, further predisposing individuals to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia-abnormal amounts of lipids… and adipose tissue may produce various adipokines that may separately impact insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk factors.” Persons with metabolic syndrome are generally without symptoms and are severely underdiagnosed and untreated, but have a 10-year risk of a first heart attack, according to the Framingham Risk score of 16 to 18 percent, which puts them in a higher risk category, similar to those who already had a previous heart attack. Various clinical studies have shown than even with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), individuals with expanding waistlines from visceral fats could still have metabolic syndrome. Those who consume soft drinks of any kind – cola or uncola, diet or regular, caffeinated or not – have a higher risk for development of metabolic syndrome, especially children. Indeed, soft drinks are toxic to our body, to our DNA. As I have highlighted in the book Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children, healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, in order to be fully effective, must start in the womb, and dieting and discipline must begin in the crib to protect the children’s DNA. This pre-emptive and proactive strategy at the cellular/molecular level will exempt them from having the so-called “expected and normal diseases of aging,” like arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes T2, heart diseases,

stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Indeed, these are preventable. The pandemic of obesity, which begins in childhood, has increased in the past century. The current generation of children and adolescents (who eat more calories and unhealthy foods and who exercise less) will reach middle age with higher morbidity and mortality rates from metabolic, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer, which may even be worse than their parents, in spite of the great advances in medical science and technology. While colon cancer rates have been going down among the elderly (55 and older) since the 1980s, they are increasing among those in their 20s and 30s. This was the recent alarming finding of a US cancer registry, which reviewed nearly half a million colorectal cancers diagnosed between 1974 and 2013, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and in the March 1, 2017 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The research shows that for colon cancers, a rate increase of 2.4 percent annually was noted for those in their 20s and 1.0 percent among those in their 30s. For rectal cancers, the yearly increase was even higher, 3.2 percent. In general, the study also found that there was an increase in the rate among adults in their 40s and early 50s, but not as bad. This report revealed an alarming retrogression in our battle against colorectal cancers: “that young adults’ colorectal cancer risk is now similar to that of adults born around 1890.” The investigators pointed out that high obesity rates the past several decades “may play a role in this generation. Obesity increases the risk for all types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases, like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Diet and calories are major culprits.” Our lifestyle, which includes what and how much food we eat, whether we exercise or not, and all our self-indulgences/abuses, contribute a lot to our state of health. Metabolic syndrome, especially obesity, and red meat and processed meat consumption, all in-

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

Bucket List #7

Fix the broken “Broken hearts? Broken relationships? The solution is always the same. FORGIVE. Forgive as you have been forgiven. And while you’re at it, FORGET.”

THINGS break. Once broken, a thing loses its value. If it is worth fixing, it can be fixed and in the hands of a whiz, can be as good as new. In our throw-away consumer-driven, impatient society where quality has taken a back seat to quantity in the name of profit and the bottom line, we are encouraged to simply toss away the broken item in the trash heap and replace it with a new one. For those of us who grew up and were trained by mothers, fathers, teachers and even great nuns (in my book) who taught us the meaning and value of preserving items, we tend to find the fix for the broken item. We look at the rip in the hemline of a nice dress and figure out carefully how a stitch here and there can make it good as new. That is probably why I can never get on with the supposedly “fashionable” items of ripped jeans. It is, to me, a nod toward rottenness and ugliness. Why pay good money for something so downright ugly? Oy Vey indeed! We look at holes in the wall and buy spackle and paint to patch it up and smooth out the flaws. We crazy glue crockery to weld things back. We solder metals so that the thingamajig, whatever it is, functions once again. We replace batteries so watches and clocks go tick-tocking again. We repair broken items. That is our default setting when we see things that are broken. But how about when the breakdown is with affairs of the human heart? How do you fix a broken

heart? There are no easy answers. In the physical realm, if something is broken, you can fix it. And if you can’t, you relegate it to the trash heap. But not so with the human heart… Though broken to a thousand pieces, the heart can live through the dark days until time brings its healing effects. The pain becomes dull and as life goes on, the sunlight breaks through the darkness and the heart is made whole. Resiliency of the human heart is based on the deep and enduring understanding in the wisdom of the words: “This too, shall pass.” But when the pains and the hurt are forged into the deep recesses of the memory and the wounds are encouraged to fester, the brokenness can be as deep as the Grand Canyon. These are the very sad cases, when the heart never heals. It is true what they say about dying of a broken heart. There is that thing called pride and in extreme cases, hubris, the kind that damned the fallen angels. This is the one that makes it hard to fix brokenness. We become so big for our britches that forgiveness is beyond us. We equate forgiveness with weakness and our supreme pride won’t let us do it.

Broken hearts? Broken relationships? The solution is always the same. FORGIVE. Forgive as you have been forgiven. And while you’re at it, FORGET. You do yourself no favors by letting the pains and hurts fester. Not that it’s easy to forgive and forget. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. But that’s the whole story of our redemption. God forgives and forgets our iniquities. Who are we not to try and do likewise during our short time here on earth? The full benefits of forgiveness accrue first to the aggrieved party, the one who forgives and forgets. Why? Because then the heart is allowed to mend and heal with time, it becomes whole once again. There is a play on words about time and healing that one wit wrote. It is said that. “Time heals all wounds.” And if you believe in the laws of karma, “Time wounds all heels.” Let that sink in for a moment. God makes the prayerful heart resilient. In time, the human heart can love again as though it was never broken. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc. com.

crease the risk for cancer. Neglecting regular medical/ dental check-up and recommended tests also increase our health risk. The national Institutes of Health reports “approximately two-thirds of adults between 20 and older are overweight or obese with BMI greater than 25, and nearly one-third have BMIs greater than 30…less than 1/3 of them are at a healthy weight with BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.” Shedding off at least

5 pounds of our excess weight through disciplined calorie counting and walking (exercise) for about 20 minutes a day will reduce our risk for metabolic syndrome and cancer by more than 33 percent. This is a practical and wise strategy we can painlessly do for free! Glaringly obvious are the evidence-based roles and impact of diet (we are what we eat), exercise, tobacco, and alcohol on our individual health and longevity. To

a great extent, our health and our life are in our hands and what to do with them is our choice. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com.

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Matteo: ‘We are Mr. and Mrs. Guidicelli’ By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

SIX days after his supposed secret wedding with singer-actress Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli broke his silence on Wednesday for the first time and confirmed on Instagram they are indeed husband and wife. The 29-year-old actor-triathlete and military reservist posted a photo with Geronimo, all smiles and toasting their life together. His lengthy caption read: “02 20 2020, A day full of pure love, honesty and genuine emotions. Yes, we got married. Mr and Mrs. Guidicelli. First and foremost, we would like to express the overwhelming joy, love and excitement we have in beginning our life together.” Without citing specific complications, Guidicelli wrote they decided to keep their wedding secret because of “private matters.” He also expressed immense gratitude over the public’s overwhelming support for their union, despite the unfortunate turn of events when Geronimo’s mother gatecrashed the reception and allegedly caused a commotion. “Each and everyone of you have been part of our love journey, and we want to say, “Thank you. Friends, family and everyone on ‘social media’ have been a source of inspiration, strength and most importantly, of love,” Guidicelli continued. Addressing accusations he punched his wife’s closein body guard Jerry Tamara during the scuffle, Guidicelli continued, “That evening was almost perfect until some unexpected events took place, but don’t worry I never ”punched” anyone.

Sid Lucero in “Norte, the End of History”

The actor proudly and happily signed his thank-you post with wife Sarah Geronimo, “Mr. and Mrs. Matteo Guidicelli.“ Photo from Instagram/@matteog

Inquirer.net photos

Lav Diaz comes to LA to be saluted in American Cinematheque’s first tribute to a Filipino filmmaker By RuBen

V. nepales Inquirer.net

The newlyweds spent their Sunday night with the Agoncillos. This is the first photo of them that became public since the wedding. Photo from Instagram/@banxlorufino

I will forever stand up and protect my wife just as how my father would protect my whole family.” Guidicelli especially thanked his family “for loving Sarah like a daughter.” “Our family is growing and we are blessed. Papa and mama, thank you for deeply loving and welcoming Sarah into our family. In time, with God’s grace and Love, everything will heal and fall into place.” And as the proud and happy new husband he should be, the actor signed his post “Mr and Mrs. Guidicelli.” “We are happy, we are blessed and we are husband and wife! Let’s always celebrate life and love! Nothing

will ever defeat pure honest love. God bless everyone for your love and support! “Again, from the deepest part of our hearts thank you! Sincerely, Mr and Mrs. Guidicelli #family #blessed #HappywifeHappyLife #G022020.” Meanwhile, Guidicelli was back to work the same day of his post and was launched as the newest endorser of a health supplement brand. Unable to avoid questions about his milestone, he told reporters, “I just got married, and it’s our sixth day together. This is my first event kumbaga. [These are] the best days of my life, best times. We’re blessed, we’re all blessed.”

Lav Diaz

LOS ANGELES —American Cinematheque, the prestigious nonprofit organization dedicated to the celebration of film in all of its forms, is saluting a Filipino filmmaker, Lav Diaz, for the first time. “As far as I know, this is the first salute we’ve done to a Filipino filmmaker. I am hoping that this will lead to more tributes soon,” said Chris LeMaire, American

Cinematheque’s assistant programmer. Chris explained how the tribute to Lav came about: “We were fortunate to screen Lav’s latest film, ‘The Halt,’ as part of our Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Foreign Language Film Series in September last year. The film was met with great enthusiasm from the audience, which led me to explore the possibility of bringing Lav to Los Angeles for a tribute sePAGE 15

WE ARE

Top 5 revelations from ‘T.G.I.S.’ reunion on ‘Bawal Judgmental’ By DenI Rose M. afInIDaD-BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

EVEN before the highly anticipated cast reunion of ‘90s top-rating comedy series “FRIENDS” airs on HBO Max in May, Filipino noontime show “Eat Bulaga” has already got fans excited with “throwback feels” as it capped off the Love Month by reuniting some cast members of hit ‘90s GMA youth-

oriented show “T.G.I.S.” or “Thank God It’s Sabado.” Select cast members, including Maui Taylor, Michael Flores, Bobby Andrews, Angelu de Leon, Ciara Sotto, Dino Guevarra and Polo Ravales, were invited as guests for the show’s “Bawal Judgmental” segment. Here are some of “T.G.I.S.”cast members’ revelations: 1. Angelu de Leon and

Bobby Andrews never had a relationship. Viewers and fellow “T.G.I.S.” members were shocked to know that the show’s leading love team never got together in real life, although Bobby admitted that he had a big crush on Angelu. Angelu said she and Bobby became “more than friends” but less than lovers. PAGE 15

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people events arts culture entertainment

Fil-Am chefs named semifinalists for James Beard Awards F by

MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

iILIPINO American chefs across the United States woke up to great news on Wednesday, Feb. 26 as the James Beard Foundation Awards released its Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for 2020.

Five finalists per category will be announced on March 25 and winners will be announced at the James Beard Awards Gala in Chicago on May 4. Up for Best New Restaurant Award is Tanam, in Somerville, Massachusetts. Margarita Manzke of Republique (Los Angeles) is a returning semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Manzke and her husband Walter run Republique, a French restaurant in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles that the couple opened in December 2013. Three Fil Am chefs are in the mix for the Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific award: Chera Amlag of Hood Famous Café + Bar (Seattle), Sheldon Simeon of Lineage (Wailea, HI) and Aaron Verzosa of Archipelago (Seattle). Simeon’s Lineage, a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant last year is the chef’s second solo restaurant. He opened Lineage in October 2018, two years after Tin Roof in Maui, his first venture. He was in two seasons of the Bravo reality show Top Chef, first in the show’s 10th season in Seattle and in the show’s 14th season shot in Charleston. Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint (Washington, DC) won as Best Chef: Mid Atlantic last year, after being nominated for the third time. Eater Boston named Tanam as Restaurant of the Year for 2019. It also describes Tanam as “This tiny Filipinx American restaurant at Bow Market in Somerville is one of the most daring restaurant openings in recent

memory: It’s worker-owned, for one thing, and the bulk of its services are multi-course feasts with moderately expensive tickets that must be purchased ahead of time.” In essence, Tanam is a food and artspace based in Union Square Somerville, about four miles outside Boston. It is an offshoot of Pamangan, a Filipino American pop up that made its way through the Boston area in the past four years or so. Tanam opened its doors in January 2019. The place offers “Kamayan Dinners” every Wednesday and Sunday and “Storytelling Dinners” every Friday and Saturday. Among the dishes they serve are Sugba Kilaw, Sinigang Chawanmushi and Kare Kare. They also have a bar that serves creative cocktails made with Tanduay, pandan, calamansi, bitter melon and ube, aside from Red Horse and San Miguel Beer. Ellie Tiglao, Tanam’s chef and art director, has been pushing for “narrative cuisine” ever since their pop up days and says that Tanam is about “telling stories that don’t often get told, shared by the people who live those stories.” America’s Classics Last week, James Beard Foundation also announced the winners of America’s Classics 2020, given to “older, tried and true restaurants that reflect the character of their communities.” Among the six honorees this year is Oriental Mart in Seattle, a three-generation family-owned Filipino lunch counter in the heart of Seat-

tle’s iconic Pike Place Market. The mart opened back in 1971 selling groceries, the turo turo style dining began in 1987 and its chef-owner Leila Rosas has been serving her famous dishes since then. What could be better than the freshest salmon collar sinigang from the market across the street? Pair that with a plate of silog and call it a day. It has been said that a trip to Pike Place is not complete without a meal at Oriental Mart. Marcus Samuelsson, the acclaimed chef behind Red Rooster in Harlem featured Rosas and the growing list of Filipino chefs and restaurants in the greater Seattle area in the premiere episode of the new season of PBS’ “No Passport Required.” “Aunt Leila, she’s such a good cook. Her set up is real simple but her flavors are not,” Samuelsson remarked. “When you taste Filipino food, you taste the history.” Samuelsson spent time with immigrant and secondgeneration Filipinos who are PAGE 15

Chera Amlag of Hood Famous with Chef Marcus Samuelsson in a scene from PBS’ No Passport Required which featured the burgeoning Filipino food scene in Seattle.

Chef Sheldon Simeon Photo courtesy Bravo TV

The famous cheesecakes of Hood Famous in Seattle.

Ellie Tiglao, chef and art director of Tanam, a Filipinx American restaurant in Somerville.

Tanam won Eater Boston’s Restaurant of the Year Award for 2019. Photos courtesy of Instagram/@tanamofficial

The star and most famous among Hood Famous’ cheesecakes: ube. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@hoodfamousbakeshop

Chef Aaron Verzosa and Amber Manuguid of Archipelago in Seattle.

Archipelago’s version of pinakbet is cheekily called “Anak ni Bet”. It has spot prawn, wild mushrooms, bitters, Archipelago won Eater Seattle’s squash, and Archipelago’s own in house Restaurant of the Year Award for 2019. fermented bagoong. Photo courtesy of @shiftingscales @archipelago_restaurant

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Fil-Am chefs named semifinalists...

Cast of 90s teen drama “T.G.I.S.”

Top 5 revelations from...

PAGE 13 2. Angelu had a relationship with Michael Flores But the actress said this was before “T.G.I.S.”, and Michael said he stepped back when Bobby approached him and told him about his feelings for Angelu. Michael dismissed his past with the actress as “puppy love.” 3. Onemig Bondoc had a relationship with Angelu and Ciara Sotto. Onemig was Ciara’s love team partner and their relationship developed through the program. Angelu, however, clarified that Onemig became her boyfriend after “T.G.I.S.” 4. Dino Guevarra and Kim

Delos Santos were together for about seven years before calling it quits. Dino said he and Kim had been together even before “T.G.I.S.” and they just continued their romance during the show. Although they did not end up being together, he revealed that he plans to visit her in New Jersey in the coming months to reconnect. 5. Polo Ravales and Sunshine Dizon were together for around four years. Polo said his feelings for Sunshine began to develop even before “T.G.I.S.,” when they were paired in the 1995 drama series “Anna Karenina.” Six months into “T.G.I.S.,”

when he has confirmed his feelings for his love team partner, he courted her and made the onscreen romance real. Though they did not end up together, Polo and Sunshine continue to work together in the top-rating afternoon drama series, “Magkaagaw.” “T.G.I.S.” ran from August 1995 to November 1999 and also included Rica Peralejo, Red Sternberg, Bernadette Allyson, Jake Roxas, Raven Villanueva and ex-lovers Dingdong Dantes and Antoinette Taus and Anne Curtis and Chubi del Rosario in the cast. It is unclear, however, if there will be a “T.G.I.S.” reunion project in the works.

Lav Diaz comes to LA to be...

PAGE 13 ries. “I have been an admirer of Lav’s work for some time, so I was thrilled to see one of his films truly connect with our audience. I think these backto-back nights with ‘Norte, the End of History’ and ‘Batang West Side’ will make a fitting introduction for anyone new to Lav’s cinema, and hopefully, will inspire further interest, as we continue to screen his films throughout the year.” The LA-based cultural organization will pay tribute to Lav with a two-day screening and a discussion with the internationally acclaimed auteur afterward in the series titled “The End of History: The Cinema of Lav Diaz.” In its press release, American Cinematheque stated, “One of the Philippines’ most celebrated filmmakers, Lav Diaz has utilized the instinctual storytelling sensibilities of a great Russian novelist and the filmmaking styles of cinematic poets, such as Andrei Tarkovsky, Robert Bres-

son and Béla Tarr to create masterworks of epic lengths. Born in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, Philippines, Diaz began directing features in the late 1990s, developing his signature connection between modern everyday life and the baggage of historical memory.” On Saturday, Feb. 29, at 5 p.m., the series kicks off with a screening of “Norte: The End of History,” which the New York Times included on its “Most Influential Films of the Decade” list. The 2013 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard entry, described as Lav’s “epic reimagining of Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’ … [as] … both an intimate human drama and a cosmic treatise on the origin of evil,” stars Sid Lucero, Angeli Bayani and Archie Alemania. “Norte…” will be screened at the historic Aero Theatre, which opened in January 1940, in Santa Monica, California. A Filipino food reception at 4 p.m., catered by Fiesta Fastfood, will precede

GMA photo

the screening. Fiesta Fastfood, a family-owned catering services company started by Minda and Jun Chin, is an inspiring immigrant success story. On Sunday, March 1, at 5 p.m., American Cinematheque’s celebration of Lav’s cinematic vision continues with a screening of “Batang West Side.” Released in 2001, the film, also titled “West Side Avenue,” is described as “addressing the traumatic fallout from the Ferdinand Marcos regime in an epic murder mystery set against the illusion of the American Dream.” Shot in Jersey City, New Jersey, “Batang…” stars Yul Servo, Joel Torre, Gloria Diaz and Angel Aquino. Chris pointed out, “The 35mm print of ‘Batang West Side’ came from the Austrian Film Museum, which holds Lav’s film collection. The print is a new 35mm restoration, so it is by far the best way to see the film. As far as I know, it is the only print available for loan.”

PAGE 14 taking charge of Seattle’s food scene. As Filipino food gains more national, mainstream recognition, members of the community are working to tell the story on their own terms. Two of these Seattle-based chefs are now James Beard semifinalists: Archipelago and Hood Famous Café + Bar. Eater Seattle named Archipelago as Restaurant of the Year for 2019 citing the tiny restaurant for its ingenuity, storytelling and passion. Chef Aaron Verzosa and his wife, Amber Manuguid opened Archipelago in December 2018. Their premise is simple: Pacific Northwest ingredients as the star in Filipino dishes. They get these ingredients, including fresh produce, from Filipino farmers in the Washington area. “Can I find the taste of what I grew up with in ingredients that are not used in Filipino cuisine?” Versoza said, describing the idea behind Archipelago. The couple offers a tasting menu consisting of ten courses. According to a glowing Seattle Times review, the meal costs $126. “An evening at Archipelago is both entertaining and enlightening, as

much a cultural odyssey as a culinary adventure, though to be sure, at $126 per person, including tax and tip but not beverages, it’s no cheap ticket,” the reviewer said. “Save up. The evening is worth it.” “It’s a deeply affecting dining experience that also drives the Seattle food conversation forward,” Eater says, describing the experience. Like Tanam, Archipelago also pushes for narrative cuisine. As they served Chef Samuelsson, Verzosa and Manuguid showed their spin on the Filipino culture’s food traditions, marrying Filipino flavor with Northwest ingredients. The meal started with a pan de sal made with Washington wheat and served with shallot butter and sustainable caviar from Idaho, followed by kinilaw steelhead belly ceviche served with ver jus and mixed apples. The gustatory experience went on with Oregon king salmon sinigang and Maria Orosa, a ribeye steak dish and an homage to the inventor of banana ketchup. Samuelsson described the overall experience as “incredible, well curated,” an “absolutely amazing meal” and a “theatrical performance with

smell, flavor, taste, aesthetic, design”. Chera Amlag and Geo Quibuyen are another power couple in the Seattle Pinoy food scene. Amlag and Quibuyen are the co-owners and founders of Hood Famous Bakeshop (Ballard) and Hood Famous Cafe + Bar, a dessert shop offering her original takes on traditional Filipino sweets and flavors. She was born in the Philippines, grew up in Bremerton, graduated from the University of Washington, and currently resides in Seattle with her husband, Geo, and two sons. Hood Famous has become a favorite among Seattle foodies and visitors for their sweet pastries and among their most famous and bestselling products are the ube cheesecake, buko pie and mango calamansi cheesecake, perfect with a cup of hot coffee or pandan latte. Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and furthers the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.

This second screening will be at the historic Hollywood Egyptian Theatre, which opened in 1922. Restored and reopened by American Cinematheque in 1998, the Egyptian includes a stateof-the-art 616-seat theater housed within Sid Grauman’s first grand movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. A Los Angeles landmark, the Egyptian hosted the first-ever Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. Lav, who often serves as writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, production designer and composer on his films, is flying from the Philippines to attend both screenings and Q&A sessions afterward. The two films are in Tagalog and English, with English subtitles. Chris addressed why these are must-see films despite their epic length, a trademark of Lav’s oeuvre: “For one thing, these are two of Diaz’s very best films. ‘Norte…’ is often considered his masterpiece, and it’s easy to see why—few films manage to balance the two opposite extremes of human nature in

such a beautiful way. In my opinion, it’s one of the best (loose) adaptations of ‘Crime and Punishment’ there is. “Likewise, Lav’s ‘Batang…’ takes a novelist approach to storytelling through its epic portrait of the American Dream set in Jersey City. It’s one of Diaz’s early films, so it will be interesting to compare these two films and see how his style has evolved. “As for the intimidating lengths of these films, thankfully, our audience has grown accustomed to the experience. Over the past year, we have screened films, such as ‘Satantango,’ ‘War and Peace’ and ‘The Human Condition,’ all of which were met with great enthusiasm. I think our audience will gladly accept the challenge this weekend, and hopefully, acknowledge Diaz’s ambitious scope as one of his greatest assets.” In addition, Lav’s “Storm Children: Book One,” described as his “observational documentary which chronicles the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in 2013 after it tore through Tacloban Island in the Philippines,” will be screened on March 2,

at 7 p.m., at the University of Southern California’s The Albert and Dana Broccoli Theatre, SCA 112, George Lucas Building Lobby, School of Cinematic Arts Complex, 900 W. 34th Street in LA. Lav will also participate with an inperson discussion following the screening. American Cinematheque’s tribute to the Pinoy director, whose films’ many awards include Venice Film Festival’s 2016 Golden Lion (best picture) for “The Woman Who Left,” will continue with once per month screening of his films thereafter. Founded in 1981, the American Cinematheque is “a nonprofit viewer-supported public film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the moving picture in all of its forms. At the historic Egyptian and Aero Theatres, the Cinematheque presents regular film and digital programming, which ranges from the classics of American and international cinema, to sneak previews of new independent and studio films, pop-culture gems and cult cinema in all genres.

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