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MARCH 11-17, 2022 Volume 15 - No.18 • 16 Pages
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DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
California cop who killed mentally ill Fil-Am sentenced to 6 years in prison
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
NYC lifts most COVID-19 restrictions by MOMAR
G. VISAYA
AJPress
NEW York City has suspended some COVID restrictions beginning Monday, March 7, including vaccination requirements for businesses and school mask mandate. “It’s time to open our city and get the
economy back operating,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “The overall restriction is being removed. This is about giving people the flexibility that is needed to continue to allow not only safety, but we have to get our economy back on track.” This means that people can now “come in and enjoy the restaurants, enjoy the
by CATHRINE
GONZALES Inquirer.net
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US delivers 4-M Pfizer jabs, largest in single day
MANILA — The United States delivered on Monday, March 7 its largest singleday shipment of 3,999,060 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines as part of its continuing worldwide effort to combat COVID-19. The U.S. embassy in Manila said the U.S. government’s latest donation is part of the 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses that the U.S. distributed through the COVAX Facility.
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DFA: 199 Filipinos from Ukraine now ‘out of harm’s way’
MARTINEZ — A policeman was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday, March 4 for the on-duty shooting death of a mentally ill Filipino American man in a slow-speed chase two years ago. Ex-sheriff’s Dep. Andrew Hall was convicted last year of assault with a firearm and a gun enhancement in 33-year-old Laudemer Arboleda’s shooting death.
The boxes of U.S.-donated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine get disinfected at the NAIA Terminal 1 in Parañaque City on Monday, March 7. As of March 7, the Philippines has received a total of 231,505,650 vaccine doses, according to the National Task Force Against COVID-19. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
businesses, and be a part of this great city without having to show proof of vaccination.” NYC’s current positivity rate over a seven day average is 1.8 percent. Over 6.4 million New Yorkers are fully vaccinated and over 17 million doses have been administered.
COMFORTING MOM. Four kids comfort their mother as a health worker takes a swab sample specimen during dispatch procedure at the Multi-purpose court 1, (BP2) Depot, Quezon City on Wednesday, March 9. They are among eight beneficiary families who will return to their respective provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Naga City via the national government program. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
‘Not just a woman’: Filipinas carve their niches, defy stereotypes by CRISTINA
ELOISA Inquirer.net
MANILA — During the celebration of International Women’s Year in 1975, the United Nations (UN) formally began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. In 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of
BACLIG
MANILA — A total of 199 Filipinos who were evacuated from Ukraine are now “out of harm’s way,” an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday, March 9. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said 63 Filipinos have so far been repatriated to the Philippines, while 136 have been transported to other European countries. “As of now, 199 Filipinos na po ang out of harm’s way, kasi may nakauwi na pong 63 tapos ‘yung iba po, ‘yung 136 nandoon na po sa ibang countries, naghihintay na lang ng eroplanong pabalik sa Pilipinas,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN News’ Teleradyo.
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Peso breaches 52 vs dollar, first time in 2.5 years by RONNEL
W. DOMINGO Inquirer.net
the year by member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. At least 10 years after, the Philippine government— through Proclamation No. 224 signed by thenpresident Corazon Aquino in 1988—declared the first week of March of every year as Women’s Week and March 8 of every year
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MANILA — The Philippine peso breached the 52-per-dollar mark on Monday, March 7 for the first time in almost two and a half years, with expectations that it will get even weaker over the next few months due to the worsening Russia-Ukraine conflict. The local currency closed trading at P52.001 to the dollar on March 7, the weakest position since the P52.042 recorded on Sept. 30, 2019.
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Inquirer.net file photo
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MARCH 11-17, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Hundreds attend of Fil-Ams NYC lifts most COVID-19 restrictions... Bergenfield rally for Robredo by MoMar
PAGE 1 Adams also announced that the indoor mask requirements for DOE schools between K-12 are also lifted, saying that the schools’ positivity rate is 0.18 percent. “That is a great initiative and I know there are some who say that they still want their children to wear their masks – you can. We are not going to get in the way of your discretion,” Adams explained. “We want New Yorkers to be smart, flexible, and to be able to feel comfortable without any bullying or without any teasing.” Masks will now be an option in indoor settings and will be available for students
G. Visaya
AJPress
FILIPINO American community leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis reiterated her urgent plea to the hundreds of Filipinos who attended the Pink Caravan rally to support the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem. “Call your relatives, your neighbors. Let them know why they should think hard and vote for Leni Robredo,” she said. “And if ever they are offered any money by other candidates, kunin nila pero iboto ang konsensya.” The rally in Bergenfield was the fourth major caravan staged by organizers to drum up support for the campaign. It was attended by around 250 Filipino Americans in more than 100 cars from various cities of New Jersey and New York. Among the guest speakers and attendees were Dr. Jocelyn RobredoAustria, sister of the late Jesse Robredo, Bobby Young, Nida GonzalesChan, 1Sambayan’s Shirley Atienza, Jujo Conol, Edwin
and staff and anyone who wants to wear one because Adams said they want to give people that comfort level. “We are far from out of the woods. COVID is still here, but we are beating it back. We are showing them that we’re going to beat it back, and New York is back,” Adams said. Masks will also still be required on mass transit and at medical facilities. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently updated their federal mask guidance saying that most Americans don’t need to wear face mask in indoor public settings unless there’s a heightened risk of severe disease or health system strain.g
Filipinos in New York and New Jersey gathered in Bergenfield on Sunday, March 6 for the Pink Caravan of Hope in support of the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya
Josue, Tess dela Cruz, Jerry Sibal, Manny Caballero, Paul Verzosa, Eduardo dela Cruz, among others. Sounds of Manila sang a few songs including the national anthems of the United States and the Philippines and the patriotic Filipino song Bayan Ko, which left a few participants including host Amira Allah teary-eyed. After the motorcade that went around the main streets of the borough, participants returned to the Veterans Park
for lunch, fellowship and line dancing. The organizers also announced plans for Angat Buhay Walk of Hope in Jersey City’s Lincoln Park scheduled for April 3. “Ang People Power 30 years ago, sa EDSA lang. Ngayon, people power is all over the Philippines. Leni’s power is in the people,” Lewis said. Organizers led by Hector Fonacier and Flora Villanueva from Bergenfield who are staunch Leni-Kiko supporters
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More Filipinos from Ukraine arrive in the Philippines together with their dependents on Sunday, March 6, 2022. Inquirer file photo
DFA: 199 Filipinos from Ukraine... PAGE 1 (As of now, 199 Filipinos are already out of harm’s way, because 63 have already been sent home, and 136 have been evacuated to other countries and are waiting for a flight bound to the Philippines.) However, Arriola said some Filipino seafarers are still stranded while household service workers and Filipino women who are married to Ukranian men are still staying in Ukraine. According to the DFA official, six Filipinos have been evacuated to Poland, 33 to Moldova, 73 to Romania, nine to Austria, and 15 to Hungary.
Arriola urges Filipino evacuees to avail of repatriation to the Philippines so that they will not add to the many evacuees in European countries. “Mas mabuti na nandito sila kaysa makipagsiksikan sila sa more than two million refugees, kasi sabi ng United Nations, over two million na na refugees ang lumabas sa Ukraine. Hindi naman po tayo refugee na maiko-consider dahil ‘yung bansa po natin ay maluwag na maluwag silang tinatanggap,” she noted. (It is better if they will be repatriated to the Philippines instead of crowding with more
than two million refugees. The United Nations said two million refugees have left Ukraine. Filipinos can’t be considered refugees because our country is freely accepting them.) “Tsaka parang tulong na rin po iyon sa mga Ukrainian. Umuwi muna po sila kasi wala rin naman silang trabaho doon dahil nakikita nga po natin sa television, grabe ang bombahan,” she added. (This is also to help the Ukranians. They should go home because they do not have work there. We have seen the bomb attacks in television.) g
California cop who killed mentally... PAGE 1 The jury could not reach a verdict on a more serious manslaughter count. A sheriff’s internal probe cleared Hall of wrongdoing, and he returned to duty. In March 2021, Hall shot and killed another man, 32-year-old Tyrell Wilson, who pulled a knife and took a step toward Hall during a jaywalking stop. Hall was cleared by an internal sheriff’s probe; the DA’s office is reportedly still investigating that shooting.
Hall’s conviction is the first successful prosecution of a law enforcement officer in Contra Costa County for an on-duty killing. Superior Court Judge Terri Mockler said Hall acted contrary to his training in dealing with chases, and put colleagues and civilians in danger. Police body and dash cameras show Hall running around the front of his patrol car, gun drawn, and coming face to face with Arboleda’s sedan and shooting into the
car while backing away, inflicting nine gunshot wounds on Arboleda. Arboleda’s mother, Jeannie Atienza, told the court that her son was suffering a mental health crisis. Police found him loitering in a neighborhood where he used to reside. She had asked for the maximum sentence of 17 years. Arboleda’s family settled a federal lawsuit with the sheriff’s office for $4.9 million. (Inquirer.net)
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From the Front Page
US delivers 4-M... ‘Not just a woman’: Filipinas carve their niches... PAGE 1 “We are immensely proud that our friends, partners and allies in the Philippines are receiving this historic shipment. This significant donation underscores the United States’ commitment to continue working with our Philippine partners to combat COVID-19 even as we face serious challenges around the world,” said U.S. embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. U.S. Agency for International Development Philippines Health Office director Michelle Lang-Alli joined Philippine government officials and other stakeholders at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to receive the latest vaccine shipment. Meanwhile, another shipment of 1,167,660 Pfizer doses procured by the government through the World Bank was set to arrive on Monday at NAIA Terminal 3 on Air Hong Kong flight LD456. Only for seniors, vulnerable A second booster shot is only recommended for senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said. “For the more vulnerable population, the 60 years old and above and immunocompromised, these are the ones we are pushing to be given a second booster for better protection against the severe form of COVID,” Solante explained in English and Filipino. He added that the younger and healthy population don’t need additional shots as they are “immune competent” and are already protected by vaccines against severe infection. Based on Department of Health data, 74.22 percent of A2 or the senior citizen population have been vaccinated, as well as 70.76 percent of the target population nationwide. The government is looking to provide booster or additional doses to over 55 million fully vaccinated individuals, particularly seniors. Virology Institute The passage of Senate Bill 2241 that will create the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) is key to enabling the local development and manufacture of vaccines for humans, animals and plants, Science and Technology Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said. “Having our own Virology Institute is one of the first steps to make the country self-reliant in developing and producing vaccines,” Guevara said. Currently, there is no government institution that focuses on vaccine development, she noted. (By Pia Lee-Brago/ Philstar.com)
Peso breaches... PAGE 1 As of this writing, the peso was trading at between 52.01 and 52.30 against the greenback as the escalating war between Russia and Ukraine has sent shock waves across the global economy. In a research note on the Asian markets, ING Bank said the peso was also facing headwinds from rising oil prices and the policy stance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which remained accommodative even as influential central banks like the US Federal Reserve are tipped to start tightening in the next few months. Trade deficit “Surging oil prices will bloat the country’s trade
deficit as the Philippines is a net energy importer, resulting in an increased demand for dollars,” the bank said. “Dovish comments from the central bank may have also hurt the currency with BSP Governor (Benjamin) Diokno reiterating his preference to keep rates untouched for now,” it added. In a separate commentary, ING’s senior economist in the Philippines Nicholas Mapa noted that Diokno had penciled in a 4.7-percent inflation under a worst-case scenario when the price of crude oil would go as high as $140 per barrel. The BSP chief has also said inflation would stay
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PAGE 1 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day. “Filipino women have been active in the struggle for national independence, for civil liberties, for equality of the sexes, and for human rights,” the proclamation stated. “[I]t is but just and proper to declare a week and a particular day of the year as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day, in solidarity with the United Nations, and in commemoration of the struggle of Filipino women for national freedom, civil liberty, equality, and human rights,” it added. The following year, through Republic Act No. 6949, the country finally declared the eighth day of March of every as National Women’s Day. As the country observes
Inquirer.net file photos
the holiday this year and celebrates women who are making strides, defying stereotypes and making history every day in the Philippines and across the globe, Inquirer.net will
detail “HERstory” and highlight the achievements of every “Juana” throughout the years. ‘Babae, hindi babae lang’ According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), this year’s National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) aims to highlight the “gains achieved for women and girls, assess actions toward gender equality and look forward to steps that must be taken to ensure progress in empowering women.” “With the country still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, studies and data show that the health crisis stalled movements toward gender equality, worsening inequalities, further exposing gender gaps, and exacerbating vulnerabilities in social and political, and economic aspects,” the PCW added. Since 2017, the PCW has followed the same theme for the celebration of National Women’s Month—“WE Make CHANGE Work for Women.” This year, however, the PCW raised the following questions: Did WE Make CHANGE Work for Women? How and to what extent? Moreover, the 2022 NWMC will also follow a sub theme: “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” “It will be a celebration of women exercising their choices, taking chances to make their voices heard, and benefitting from and trailblazing changes,” said PCW. “It is a celebration of Filipino women’s power to take the narrative, raise priority issues that matter to
them, and call for concrete actions,” the commission continued. “It will be a celebration of women exercising their choices, taking chances to make their voices heard, and benefitting from and trailblazing changes. It is a celebration of Filipino women’s power to take the narrative, raise priority issues that matter to them, and call for concrete actions,” it added. The theme this year likewise highlights the sentiment of many Filipino women—and men—which could be summarized in a few words: “Babae [ka/ako], hindi babae lang.” (You are/I am a woman, not just a woman). Women in science For the longest time, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been male-dominated not only in the Philippines but across the globe. However, a recent analysis by consumer company Statista of data on female inventors, who had applied for international patents in several countries, showed that the number of women inventors has been increasing each year. The analysis also showed that the Philippines had the second-highest share of female inventors who applied for international patents last year. Around 38 percent of patent applicants in the Philippines last year are female inventors. Last month, at the celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) paid tribute to five Filipina scientists who have made significant contributions to Nuclear Science. Among those who were recognized by the DOSTPNRI for their outstanding work in the male-dominated STEM field were: • Former PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa • PNRI career scientist and Atomic Research Division Chief Dr. Lucille Abad • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the
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OPINION
FEATURES
Gender equality for sustainability
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Philstar.com photo
ON the eve of International Women’s Day, President Duterte signed a law raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16. This should improve the country’s efforts against statutory rape, child prostitution and online sexual exploitation of children, with girls still the biggest victims. Beyond protecting women and girls from sexual abuse, this year’s Women’s Day continues to focus on achieving gender equality, with the United Nations emphasizing its importance in sustainability efforts. The world has come a long way in terms of gender equality. Even during the pandemic, women have been in the front lines of providing health care. Women are also actively participating in research for COVID vaccines and treatments. In the past year, Danish toy giant Lego ended its gender-targeted packaging of its products. Women accounted for a record 49 percent of athletes who participated in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. And U.S. electronic stock exchange NASDAQ required 3,000 publicly traded companies to include in their boards at least one woman and one selfidentified LGBTQ+ as well as promote racial diversity.
Also last year, Kamala Harris was sworn in as America’s first woman vice president, and the first of Black and Asian descent. For the first time, the World Trade Organization also picked a woman and African as its head: Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In 2021, several countries elected or swore in women heads of state or government: Barbados, Estonia, Moldova, Tanzania, Samoa, Uganda, Tunisia, Sweden and Honduras. Gender equality is one area where the Philippines has ranked high in international surveys. The country has had two women presidents, and the incumbent vice president is running for the highest office in May. Filipino women have distinguished themselves in many sectors and have broken the glass ceiling in areas long dominated by men. The country has passed landmark laws against gender discrimination, domestic
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SURVEYS had been touted by the campaign of Bongbong Marcos as proof that the Filipino people are now solid in supporting the son of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos who was ousted by the 1986 People Power
violence and sexual harassment including catcalls and wolf whistles. Enforcement, however, has been spotty, and many women are unaware of their rights guaranteed by law. It also took time before legal impediments against the full implementation of the reproductive health law were removed. Apart from the political sphere, the UN is
pushing for greater participation of women in climate change adaptation and response. The theme for today’s observance is “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” Climate change will be around long after the COVID-19 pandemic has reached endemic state, and women play a critical role in confronting climate change. (Philstar.com)
The silent majority is silent no more, and the trapos are desperately trying to stop the Leni momentum Revolution. This surely emboldened the Marcos family who hired Cambridge Analytica to “rebrand” the Marcos family, that they are, indeed, on their way back to Malacañang through Bongbong’s candidacy for president. After all, they invested a lot of money on those YouTube
videos, TikTok contents and troll farms to spread disinformation to achieve two goals: Make Marcos be the hero and the underdog, by historical revisionism, and paint Bongbong as smart, hardworking, intelligent, patriotic, high achiever. They claim that Bongbong will continue his father’s
legacy but at the same time counterargue with “The sin of the father is not the sin of the son”, when the atrocities, human rights violations, and abuse of the Marcos dictatorship are brought up. The second goal is to destroy Vice President Leni Robredo by creating memes, PAGE 10
Photo shows presidential candidate Leni Robredo at a campaign event in Silang, Cavite. Photo courtesy of Facebook/@VP Leni Robredo
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. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Duterte signs law increasing age ‘Hide-and-seek’ from of sexual consent from 12 to 16 debates? Marcos Jr. by Philstar.com
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed a bill increasing the age of sexual consent to under 16 years of age, from 12 years old, which means that those who engage in sexual activities with children below the newlyprescribed age are liable for statutory rape. A copy of the legislation, Republic Act (RA) 116481, was uploaded on the Official Gazette’s website on Monday, March 7, though Duterte signed the law on March 4. The law amends several portions of the Revised Penal Code, the AntiRape Law and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation
and Discrimination Act. RA 116481 says that someone with carnal knowledge of an individual who is “under 16 years of age or is demented”, is now liable for committing rape. It said, however, that there will be no criminal liability for people who engage in sexual activities with those under 16 years of age when the age difference between parties is not more than three years, and if the act is consensual, non-abusive and non-exploitative. “If the victim is under 13 years of age, this exception shall not apply,” RA 11681 said. The penalty for lascivious conduct with a minor under 16 years is a medium-term reclusion temporal. The law also requires the Department of Education
to teach age-appropriate subjects to children on their rights and protections based on the Act. ‘New law will protect kids’ On Monday, March 7 Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the author and co-sponsor of the law, said this legislation will protect kids from malicious people from taking advantage of them. “At thirteen or fourteen, our kids cannot make informed decisions about sex yet, especially sex with adults... With this law, we will be definitively drawing a line that adults cannot cross. They cannot say a kid below sixteen gave them consent. That is statutory rape, plain and simple,” he said in a statement released Monday.
Zubiri said he hopes the law will also lessen the instances of teenage pregnancy in the country. According to him, the law broadens the definition of rape. Before, rape was defined as an act committed between a man and woman. With RA 11681, rape is defined as an act committed by a person against another person. Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs his chamber’s justice and human rights committee, welcomed the passage of the law increasing the age of sexual consent in the Philippines and called it a “big step in children’s rights.” “We are thankful for the passage of this bill, which ends the stigma of the PAGE 7
can’t be in two places at once, says spokesman by Christia
Marie Inquirer.net
raMos
MANILA — The camp of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. countered criticisms made by former congressman Erin Tañada, who called out the former senator’s non-appearance in most of the presidential debates. “Mr. Tañada is perfectly right in saying that leadership is about honoring commitments — the very same reason why presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos cannot be in two different places at one given time,” Marcos Jr.’s spokesperson, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, said in a
statement on Tuesday, March 8. This is in response to a statement issued by Tañada reminding Marcos Jr. that the “presidency is not a game of hide-and-seek.” Tañada is the campaign manager for the senatorial slate of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan. According to Rodriguez, Marcos Jr. had to “politely beg off media interviews, sometimes skip debates and fora in order to honor his promise to meet with grassroots leaders, join caravans, and attend campaign rallies that have been scheduled way ahead PAGE 10
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‘Not just a woman’: Filipinas carve their niches... PAGE 4 Pacific Director Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya • PNRI Nuclear Reactor Operations Section Head Dr. Alvie Astronomo • PNRI research specialist Dr. Jasmine Albelda The Philippine Science Heritage Center looked back and celebrated the wisdom and contribution of 11 Filipinas, who changed the game in the field of sciences in the country. Among these remarkable Filipino women include: • Fe del Mundo • Luz Oliveros-Belardo • Carmen Velasquez • Encarnacion Alzona • Cara Lim-Sylanco • Dolores Ramirez • Gelia Castillo • Clare Balatazar • Lourdes Cruz • Perla Santos Ocampo • Mercendes Conception “Our people should rejoice that the WOMEN of this country are capable of such amazing patience and endurance which are without parallel in other countries in the world,” Alzona once said. Let women lead In the coming national and local elections, at least 14 women will try to secure a spot in the nation’s top positions—president, vice president, senator. Although they are still outnumbered by male candidates (83 male candidates) aiming for the same government positions, the figures this year were a bit higher than that in 2016 with 11 female candidates running for top government seats. Of the 11 female candidates for president, vice president, and senator in 2016, only three were elected—Leni Robredo, Risa Hontiveros, and Leila de Lima. In 2010, the numbers were higher, with 16 total female candidates for the top three government positions. Out of those, only two were successful. This year, among the list of women running for president, vice president, and senator are: • Vice President Leni Robredo • Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte • Agnes Bailen • Sen. Leila de Lima • Samira Gutoc • Sen. Risa Hontiveros • Nur-Mahal Kiram • Loren Legarda
• Emily Mallillin • Marieta MindalanoAdam • Dra. Minguita Padilla • Astra Pimentel • Lady Anne Sahidulla • Carmen Zubiaga Their decision to run for the country’s top seats came at a time when even the current President—Rodrigo Duterte—questioned the leadership skills of a woman and whether or not women can run the country. Last year, Duterte said that the presidency was no job for a woman. “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,” said Duterte—who is known for his comments often deemed offensive, sexist and misogynistic. The Philippines has had two women presidents, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2010 and Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1992. “I long for a time when we no longer need to remind the world that women are gifted,” said Robredo in a speech last March 7 during the Gobyernong Tapat, Kababaihan Angat event in Quezon City. “We have a month to remind them of our greatness as women, but I hope that someday we no longer need to prove ourselves, to show evidence, that we are [as strong as our male counterparts],” Robredo said. “I hope that no voter will choose not to vote for a candidate just because she is a woman,” she added. Award-winning Filipinas Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, notable Filipino women have made headlines for their achievements and award-winning successes in different fields. In July, weightlifting star Hidilyn Diaz delivered the country’s first Olympic gold ever, after lifting a record 127 kg in the clean and jerk during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Neshty Petecio, despite not being able to bring home a gold medal, likewise made history during the Tokyo Olympics as the first Filipino female boxer to medal in the Olympics. Petecio ended up with the silver medal in the women’s featherweight final after Japan’s Sena Irie denied
Petecio of gold as she beat the Filipino for the third time in four meetings since 2019–albeit a controversial victory. Another Filipina athlete who competed in Tokyo Olympics, Margielyn Didal, made headlines due to her infectious energy which charmed the public. In October last year, journalist Maria Ressa became the first Filipino to win the Nobel Peace Prize for defending freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Ressa, who is also the chief executive officer of online news site Rappler, shared the award with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov. In 2020, the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), the country’s 98-yearold professional nurses’ organization, awarded the Bayaning Nars award to 15 nurses—14 of whom have sacrificed their lives at the frontline of the fight against COVID-19. The Bayaning Nars award recognizes “unsung hero nurses… who have done valiant, and extraordinary deeds that exemplify love of God and country, caring, and integrity beyond her call of duty,” the PNA said. Among the awardees was Mary Lorraine Pingol, who shot to fame for helping a homeless woman give birth on a sidewalk that same year. She was the sole living recipient of the said award. Three of the 14 nurses who were granted posthumous awards were women. They were: • Shella Malto, from Bacoor, Cavite; died on April 6 • Faye Marie Palafox, head nurse at Philippine General Hospital handling the COVID-19 ward; died on April 17 • Ma. Theresa Cruz of Cainta Medical Hospital; died on July 22 In June 2021, Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on Philippine General Hospital (PGH) health workers who led the evacuation of patients and newborn babies as fire hit the facility in May. Among the health workers who received the Order of Lapu-Lapu were Kathrina Bianca C. Macababbad, Esmeralda E. Ninto, Phoebe Rose C. Malabanan—all of whom were nurses of PGH’s neonatal intensive care unit.
Overseas, several Filipinas have made their names in their respective fields or careers. One of them was Rodelia Pedro Villar, a Filipina domestic helper from Western Visayas, who became the first-ever Filipina to clinch the Lion Rock People’s Choice award during the 8th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in November 2020. Villar was recognized for the support she provided to the domestic worker community through Domestic Workers Corner, a group she founded in 2017. Villar has been staying in Hong Kong for more than 17 years. Through her group, she was able to assist fellow domestic helpers who were victims of romance scams, sexual harassment, and termination of contracts. Last year, a Filipina nurse in the United Kingdom has been awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her outstanding work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Charito Romano, a staff nurse at the Arbrook House Care Home in the UK, was among those included in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s honors list. Filipina nurse Minnie Klepacz, who works as a matron for ophthalmology and leads the hospital’s Black Asian Minority Ethnic Network at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, likewise received a British Empire Medal for her “tireless work to support her colleagues and community” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evelyn Tumalad, a Filipina English and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher at Clackamas High School, was named Oregon’s teacher of the year in Oct. 2021. Most recently, Filipina filmmaker Martika Ramirez Escobar was given the Special Jury Prize for Innovative Spirit at the World Cinema Dramatic section for her film-withina-film “Leonor Will Never Die.” Escobar, through her directorial debut, became the first Filipino feature film director to win at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, which was held online for the second year in a row. g
GADGET FOR SCHOOL. A girl, whose family is one of the beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) program, holds a tablet as she poses for a photo at the BP2 Depot on Agham Road in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 8. School-age beneficiaries of the BP2 program are given tablets that they can use for online classes. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Hundreds attend.... PAGE 2 expressed their gratitude to the attendees who joined the rally despite the rainy weather, and to everyone who donated money and food for the breakfast and lunch of
all the attendees. “We are thankful to all our fellow organizers and to those who helped us make this event very successful,” said Fonacier in a postcaravan statement. g
Peso breaches... PAGE 4 within the government’s target band of 2 percent to 4 percent if crude oil averaged at less than $95 per barrel. “Diokno has touted his hefty supply of GIR (gross international reserves) as his reason for comfort,” Mapa said. “He has also cited the peso’s general tracking of regional peers even if the local unit has largely underperformed and is now headed to a 2-percent depreciation for the year,” he added. Spot market The economist said the BSP might be expected to step up presence in the spot market to smooth out volatility. “(B)ut we cannot rule out a scenario akin to 2018 where BSP burns through its reserves initially before relenting and turning hawkish,” Mapa said, referring to the year when the peso depreciated against the US dollar by more than 9 percent. For his part, Diokno said the BSP was seeing a muted impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the peso, noting that the local currency continued to trade “sideways, with slight depreciation pressure.” “The BSP views such development as a result of the impact of the geopolitical tensions on oil prices, which likewise affected the peso,” Diokno said. “But this is in line with the behavior of other currencies in the region, which also depreciated against the US dollar.” The BSP chief reiterated that the Philippines has a more than adequate level of foreign exchange reserves to temper any volatility in the currency exchange rate market. The Philippines’ “external sector is supported by structural inflows from overseas Filipino remittances, receipts from business process outsourcing, and foreign direct investments which have shown resilience even amidst the pandemic,” Diokno said. g
Duterte signs law... PAGE 6 Philippines having the lowest age of sexual consent in Asia. It fortifies protection of children’s rights, and criminalizes perverted minds,” he said in a separate statement. Citing data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Gordon said that in 2015, many victims of rape and child incest were aged 14 to below 18. g
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MARCH 11-17, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Why do sophisticated investors prefer Pahrump, Nevada? THERE are many reasons why people go to Pahrump, Nevada. Time Magazine did a poll on projected population growth or loss by percent for the period 1980 to 2000, entitled “America in The Year 2000,” which said that the State of Nevada, one of the most rapidly of all is growing states then, was expected to increase its population from about 800,000 to almost 2 million by the start of the 21st century. In 1996, there were 30 million tourists that came to Las Vegas. According to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, each tourist spent an average of $300 which meant $9 billion in gross revenues for the city. Additionally, the estimated population of Nevada in 2021 was approximately 3.14 million, with Clark County estimated to be at 2,388,515, for a growth rate of 1.73%. What is the effect of this population boom in Las Vegas? It creates a large demand for Pahrump land. In fact, many residents of Las Vegas are now moving out and relocating to Pahrump, many of whom are my clients. Not all of them are retirees. Many still work in Las Vegas but preferr to live and raise their families in Pahrump
Realtor Fely Quitevis with Alka Products CEO/ President Andrew Hoang, who is building a glove factory in Pahrump.
The Time Magazine report in 1983 showed that Nevada was one of the few states with a projected population growth of more than 100%.
where they believe it is peaceful, tranquil and a great place to raise their kids. The major reasons cited for their preference in Pahrump over Las Vegas are heavy traffic, crowded classrooms and the growing crime rate. Pahrump is about 60 miles from Las Vegas and is an estimated 45- to
55-minute drive. Pahrump is dubbed as the “bedroom community of Las Vegas” not only to seniors but also for the young as well. Pahrump is a perfect example of an “EXURB”. Many are aware of the words suburban and urban communities. An “EXURB,” according to Harry Dent, a well sought economist and advisor to major 500 Fortune
companies, is an area that is between 60 to 80 miles away from a center of development that has hit a million in population or more. The County of Clark where Las Vegas is located just hit 3.14 million in 2021, and it is still growing. Among the many factors that contribute to the tremendous growth of the valley include the Sun Belt climate, improvements in Highway 160 between Las Vegas and Pahrump, better medical facilities and the rapid influx of retail businesses. For instance, Walmart and Home Depot employ a large PAGE 10
Fely Quitevis (extreme right) with Hung (SBA Loans) and Annie Yeh who bought commercial lots near Highway 160.
A young investor, IT specialist Chris Dela Cruz of San Antonio, Texas, with Fely Quitevis.
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MARCH 11-17, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Why do sophisticated investors... PAGE 5 number of Pahrumpians. According to reliable source Silverton Hotel may break ground in May and the Spring Mountain Motor Sports is building many of its presold million-dollar homes, including those already built featuring a 26,000-squarefoot house with 17 bathrooms. Another job on the pipeline is the glove factory to be built on a 10-acre parcel by my investor, Andrew Hoang from Orange County, CA, which will create hundreds of jobs in Phase 1. Also, notable is the Front Sight that attracts hundreds of members and tourists each month that create room shortage in
Celebrating with my clients, Jorge and Reggie Bondoc of Houston, Texas, after getting their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on a commercial lot.
Pahrump. With several banks, casinos, wineries, drugstore outlets and all burger chains (except In and Out Burger), Pahrump almost has everything. Many
Realtor Fely Quitevis (2nd from left) with Philippine Realtor Bing Palma Gil Roldan and repeat investors Jorge and Reggie Bondoc, the King and Queen of Ritello USA 2021.
huge projects in neighboring Las Vegas under construction such as The Sphere, and the Drew Hotel with proposed grand opening next year with 3,000 rooms and about 6,000 jobs, will definitely attract thousands of new residents and heavier foot traffic for Las Vegas, which is one another huge reason why old-time residents are moving out to Pahrump. Precious Properties is a full-service company serving its clientele since 1992 and can be reached at 775-5138447, 805-559-2476 and 702538-4948. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)
‘Hide-and-seek’ from debates... PAGE 6 of the requests for media appearances.” “He can take the consequences for not attending the debates and media fora, but not the loss of trust of his leaders and supporters with whom he had confirmed appointments,” he said. “Because his words are his bond,” he added. Rodriguez also said Marcos Jr. had accepted media interviews and joined presidential fora “whenever his tight campaign
schedules.” “His participation in the Boy Abunda, Korina Sanchez, DZRH, DZBB, and TV5 presidential interviews and the SMNI debate will disprove Mr. Tañada’s assertion,” the spokesperson added. In his statement, Tañada also said the camp of Marcos Jr. is embracing a different kind of “cancel culture” amid the former senator’s noshow at some events. Tañada particularly mentioned the called-off political rally scheduled in Antique. “On Mr. Tanada’s claim
of cancel culture, the local folks in Panay island knew that those scheduled rallies were canceled for the sake of peace and unity among the residents in the community because of the growing tension during those scheduled dates caused by political partisans,” Rodriguez said. “The UniTeam cannot afford the disunity among local folks because its advocacy is for unified citizens to face the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” he added. g
ESSENTIAL. A farmer is hauling dried palay (unhusked rice) along a highway in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday, March 8. The government is keeping a close watch on soaring oil prices, which may also result in an increase in food prices due to higher production and transportation costs. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
The silent majority is silent... PAGE 5 maliciously edited/spliced videos to attack Robredo, the Aquino legacy, the Liberal Party and Marcos’ critics — painting them as the “lutang,” “bobo,” salot ng lipunan,” komunista, puppet, bayaran, etc. Trolls are paid to create a toxic discourse online by using expletives, name-calling, intimidation and even threats aimed at Marcos critics and Leni supporters. They immediately respond to pro-Leni and anti-Marcos posts and dominate the discussion threads with the aim of silencing the critics. The Marcos campaign dominated the conversation and the surveys, for a while until the official start of election campaign season in February, when people had the chance to watch Leni, hear her talk and discuss about her vision and platform toward “Gobyernong Tapat” -- beyond the online propaganda of the Marcos campaign against her. And with caravans and political rallies moving from province to province, with fora and debates, epiphany happened… Let me quote Ding C. Velasco’s post on Facebook: “The Team Leni - Kiko Grand Rallies have now become an upmanship on cultural exposition extravaganzas, with provinces outdoing other provinces in good fun and cheer. It started in the Proclamation Rally in Naga City on February 8; the Quezon Circle Mass on February 13, then the February 18 rallies in Cagayan de Oro. Loren tried to sabotage the February 20 rally in Antique (while theirs was postponed) then Cebu happened with the biggest crowd there in the Visayas but outgunned by Iloilo City a night later, then Little Balic-balic in Sampaloc stole the show, then another miracle followed in small Calapan on March 3 (where Marcos cancelled their March 7 Grand Rally). Two nights later at General Trias, Cavite the Team Leni rally was sabotaged in many levels of obstacles but VPLR capped the night riding a motorcycle just to join the massive 47,000 crowds of Caviteños gathered. The next night, Bulaceños timidly opined that Cavite was a hard act to follow but as things proceeded later in the bday 45,000 Bulaceños graced the Malolos rally where gorgeous fireworks and the singing RobreDocs stole the show with their rendition of “Les Miserables” in Tagalog. In every way, the nation aside from Leni were the winners. Clearly, the unique cultural traditions of each province get displayed, night after night - in a friendly upmanship game awakening rich cultural displays each time. This is a good thing. Not only are hundreds of thousands more people are engaged, but the political momentum has been clearly manifested that it has started in Cavite when the people there defied their governor not only in numbers showing up but the variation of personal placards and tarps ridiculing the promise to deliver Caviteños to Marcos Jr without asking the electorate. Who will follow Bulacan? Albay says they want another stab at another grand rally in their province, but Northern Luzon beckons where Leni Robredo would be most interested to test her Robredo People’s Councils against the established sway of the dynastic politicians of the Solid North. Leni Robredo has the momentum. It had been a miracle that in all these massive rallies - the People’s Councils shouldered the
expenses in order to make her their Guest of Honor each time. It’s a beautiful thing too, to watch that our national culture is being dragged by Leni’s momentum to full display, every night. We are witnessing a miracle a unique chapter in socio-politics never witnessed before.” The political network of Bongbong Marcos campaign was caught flatfooted because of their own lies and disinformation that they did not anticipate the growing open support for Leni Robredo by the Filipjno people. They scrambled to try to turn the momentum back to their favor by doubling down on their dirty tactics that would appear to violate election laws. “Res Ipsa Loquitur” — Latin word for the thing speaks for itself: videos of the Marcos campaign in violation of election laws as stated in the Omnibus Election Code Article XX11 Section 261 on vote buying, hakot, public officials intimidating and accusing Leni’s supporters of receiving money to attend her rallies without evidence, etc. And then there are questions on the integrity of the May 9, 2022 elections because of questions and doubts on the impartiality, objectivity and independence of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) because of recent developments. The COMELEC junked the Disqualification Case against Marcos despite strong black and white evidence that he did not pay taxes for years as evidenced by a guilty verdict by the Regional Trial Court that should have imposed sentenced jail time and ban from running for any political post, had it not been for the Court of Appeals that overturned the sentence. The COMELEC’S apparent favoring the Marcos campaign in setting up election materials while violating the rights of citizens in the privacy of their own homes by destroying the tarps, posters, billboards they put up in support of Robredo. President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent appointment of veteran election lawyer Greg Garcia as new COMELEC Commissioner. Garcia’s clients include Bongbong Marcos, who he represented in the electoral protest vs Robredo in 2016. Isn’t this conflict of interest, especially because of the unholy alliance between Duterte and Marcos, with the President’s sonSara Duterte-Carpio being Marcos’ running mate? Are there no other qualified candidates to fill this position without raising even more doubts about COMELEC’s impartiality? And the debates issue! Marcos and Duterte declared they would not participate in any debates. Would COMELEC enforce its new rule that candidates who skip the COMELEC debates will be denied streaming time on the poll body’s e-rally channel on Facebook. (To be continued…) *** 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. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos
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COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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Immigration questions of the Fil-Am South Bay Community take centerstage in this Sunday’s special episode of Citizen Pinoy “CITIZEN Pinoy” features a new episode, where the show’s host, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, reaches out to various Filipino American community organizations across the U.S. and gets to know more about them. On the premiere of Citizen Pinoy’s community outreach, Atty. Gurfinkel meets the Fil-Am South Bay Community of San Jose, California, and neighboring areas. He sits with their officers and finds out that the FASBC was created to uplift the members and support one another during the bleak times of the pandemic, when many people lost their livelihood and source of income. Atty. Gurfinkel also answers immigration questions from the local community, like “What are the requirements for petitioning siblings of a U.S. citizen? Can a 3-time divorcee petition
and marry her soulmate in the Philippines even if she was deported 26-years ago? Will a green card holder, who overstayed in the Philippines due to COVID restrictions, be allowed to return to the U.S.?” Other Fil-Am community organizations in the U.S. may also get the chance to be featured on Citizen Pinoy. Visit the Facebook page of the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel and signify your interest by sending a private message via messenger. Watch this special community encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, March 13 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
CITIZEN PINOY FEATURES ATTY. GURFINKEL REACHING OUT TO THE FIL-AM COMMUNITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (center) meets with the officers and members of the Fil-Am South Bay Community (from left): Rhea Salazar, Jen Young, Joyce Lynn Layos, and Ana Rita Reyes) in this special episode where Citizen Pinoy reaches out to the Filipino community and organizations. Atty. Gurfinkel discussed the mission and purpose of the FASBC, and highlights the group’s service to the community. He also addresses some of the immigration questions and concerns from some members of the community. Watch this special episode on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, March 13 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
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MARCH 11-17, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS FROM the Associated Press on Wednesday, March 2: “TAMPA, FL – A visibly annoyed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis admonished a group of high school students for wearing face masks at an indoor news conference Wednesday, saying it was time to stop what he called ‘this COVID theater.’ The Republican governor approached the students and asked them to remove their masks as they waited for him at the press event at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The college is located in an area where the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends indoor masking due to high COVID-19 risk.” Obviously wanting to tell the world that “he was” the greatest state governor who was ahead in the country in “defeating” COVID-19, Governor DeSantis acted like a dictator, berating the students with him on the stage to remove their masks while some towns in Florida still had a high level of COVID-19 cases and the “CDC still recommended indoor masking due to high COVID-19 risk.” He had no right to do that, especially in an angry manner devoid of respect, more so because of the risk, which the CDC recognized. Those students had the right to wear a cap, a gown, a mask as they so desired. This is a free country. If DeSantis had a mask mandate to reduce COVID-19 transmission at that time and the students refused to do so, he would have that right to demand them to wear masks, but not the opposite situation since that area and the nation as a whole still had a significant number of cases and number of deaths, albeit lesser than a week ago. This is an example of a medically ignorant, misinformed leader just like many other politicians trying to be politically correct. They are one of the reasons why we have almost a million COVID-19 deaths in the United States. “The Florida Health Department plans to recommend against COVID-19 vaccination in healthy children, directly contradicting CDC guidelines,” according to the
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Disturbing news Tampa Bay Times. This is one of the many confusing opposing views among our leaders that risk people’s lives, the very reason a timely national mandate on PPE and vaccination for all without medical contraindication is so essential during a pandemic, and not leaving the management to the various states, whose 50 governors have 51 different ideas, resulting in almost a million deaths in the United States, the worst compared to all other countries. Kennedy against vaccines The other reason is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who is insanely against the COVID-19 vaccines, besides all other vaccines in the past. He must be ignorant how the world has practically eradicated killer Smallpox with Jenner’s (1796) “inoculation vaccine,” and how Polio has been severely reduced with the Salk (1955) and Sabin (1960) vaccines. Not to mention all the preschool vaccine requirements the whole world is using to protect all our children and the seasonal flu vaccines saving millions in the U.S. alone every year. And the most current are the COVID-19 vaccines which have so far saved billions of people around the world. (The WHO recommends the booster shot for more vulnerable adults with health issues for added protection.) Sadly, even doctors… Unfortunately, even some people of science, a few physicians and nurses are anti-vaxx, like “Simone Gold, founder of America’s Frontline Doctors, an activist group known for spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about the pandemic and Covid vaccines, who has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.” COVID-19: Brain fog? People who have been infected and developed postacute COVID-19 syndrome, termed Long COVID-19 (40 percent incidence), could have lingering neurological effects like brain fog, fatigue, breathing difficulties, visual disturbances, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and a problem with memory. These could last for up to 6 months for 37 percent of people. Mild-to-moderate
COVID-19 usually gets better within 1-2 weeks. Studies have so far explained that the reduced oxygen supply to the cells of the nervous system can “silence” the cells. These “silent neurons” may be responsible for some Long COVID symptoms and increasing their blood flow to increase their oxygen and micronutrients supply using neuromodulation techniques can reactivate silenced cells of the nervous system,” said the Journal on Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience. “Researchers at the SAVIR-Center in Magdeburg, Germany, found that noninvasive neuromodulation using NIBS improved visual field loss in under 4 days and noted improved blood vessel dilatation in peripheral arteries and veins (113 to 300 percent) after NIBS treatment. Both vision and cognitive problems have improved after treatment,” the research also stated. Indoor air quality A research team at the University of Oregon found that air filtration, and good humidity levels of an indoor room can reduce how easily a virus spreads. Dryness enables the virus (much like dust) to float and fly around easier with airflow and cause infection. Outdoors, the wind dissipates the virus, the reason why outdoor dining, for example, is safer than eating inside restaurants. One thing this pandemic also taught us is that “most public buildings have poor air quality inside them, which is conducive to increasing risk of pollution, respiratory illnesses, and during a pandemic like COVID-19, to increased risk of transmission. The recommendation is to regularly monitor the air quality inside these buildings and be publicly graded. Large apartment buildings, children’s facilities, schools, commercial buildings, and stores are advised to have MERV 13 filtration, and every classroom and childcare facility in the United States should either MERV 13 or HEPA filters.” Current data reveal COVID-19 case, hospitalization, and death rates are much lower for vaccinated Americans than they are for the unvaccinated, who are nearly 25 times more likely to be hospitalized
Student empowerment: Actress-gamer Myrtle’s latest advocacy By AllAn
PolicArPio Inquirer.net
AS a celebrity who inhabits both the television and digital spaces, actressgamer Myrtle Sarrosa and her work is constantly exposed to the opinions of people on social media. Bashing and criticisms are inevitable. But through the years, she has grown to take them in stride. “I read almost all the comments… What I have realized is that you shouldn’t get offended. What people think about you shouldn’t affect who you are. Because you, more than anyone else, know yourself best and who you really are,” she said. “Their opinions shouldn’t change who you are— unless if it’s for the better. ‘Di naman mga bashers ang nagpakain o nagpa-aral sa ‘yo,” the 27-year-old Kapuso artist added, laughing. This kind of composure online comes handy, especially now that many things in entertainment are expanding to—if not moving to—the digital world. ‘Search for the bright side’ At the onset of the pandemic, television projects were practically nonexistent. And so, Myrtle, like just about every other celebrity, had to look for opportunities elsewhere. Thankfully, content creation and game streaming were things she was already into even before they were the lucrative industries they are now. “There was no work on television because of the than vaccinated individuals. COVID-19 stat update As of Monday, March 7, 2022, there were 69,459 cases and 1,686 deaths in one day in the United States. Globally, on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 ( 5:35 PM (EST), total cases number 449,368,894, deaths are at 6,033,022, with new deaths at 5,764; U.S.: 80,998,258 cases, deaths: 986,958, new deaths: 851; the Philippines: 3,668,710 cases, deaths: 57,072, new deaths: 6. While the numbers are going down, the pandemic is far from over. Let us continue to be wise, vigilant, and careful. We are almost there. And let us continue to pray
Myrtle Sarrosa
Photo from Instagram/@myrtlegail
strict protocols. Projects were hard to come by. But when there’s a storm or crisis you have to search for the bright side. And so I delved into the online and gaming spaces again,” she said. True enough, the said fields flourished because people at home had nowhere else to go or nothing else to do. “Gaming, cosplaying really grew when things started going digital. Opportunities weren’t plentiful back then… But as businesses saw that digital media consumption was increasing, new opportunities started sprouting,” she said. 3.3M followers Now, Myrtle’s Facebook— an online repository of her livestreams, new cosplay creations and other gamingrelated content—has 3.3 million followers. She also does various sponsorships, commissioned work and collaborations with video
game companies, and even entertainment companies like HBO Asia. “Some gaming companies have consulted me on how they can better grow their games. And with the opportunities coming my way, I was able to provide jobs for those people interested in play-to-earn games,” Myrtle said. “When you’re early in a space, there are big chances of being rewarded.” Myrtle has also put up her own “miniproduction company” that helps her produce digital content. “I’m thankful for the chance, because it’s also important to know how things work in front and behind the cameras,” she said. With the recent decrease of COVID-19 cases and the easing of restrictions, things seem to be slowly returning to normal in show biz. And Myrtle couldn’t be more thrilled for the acting offers PAGE 13
for the people of Ukraine and all those who are suffering around the world. [Erratum: In my column last week, the correct statement in the second paragraph under Health News Capsules should be: “Ivermectin, like hydroxychloroquine, has NOT been found to be effective against COVID-19.”] *** 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, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
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Student empowerment... PAGE 12 waiting for her. “My projects have been coming on after another as of late. I recently did ‘Wish Ko Lang’ and ‘Magpakailanman.’ I also host ‘iBilib’ (an infotainment show),” she said. Myrtle was also part of the recently concluded afternoon soap “Nagbabagang Luha.” “I’m excited to do more movies and explore other things,” she said. “So much has happened after [winning] ‘Pinoy Big Brother.’ I went back to school, I did different roles in film and television—from nice to fierce and recently, to contravida,” she said. The actress has been a Sisters endorser for six years now. And part of her responsibility is going on school tours around the Philippines to interact and give talks to students. “We had this concept of empowering students and encouraging them to study well, do their best in school. We show that we appreciate their hard work and talent,” she related. Zoom classes “And when we visit these
schools, we provide them with equipment like computers, speakers, microphones and other necessities,” added Myrtle, who graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a degree in broadcast communications. She also served as a Sangguniang Kabataan president in her hometown in Iloilo when she was 15. But because of the pandemic, Myrtle and the Sisters team had to make do with online activities and seminars. “We joined them in their Zoom classes. Even a simple hello really helps; at least there’s still connection,” she said. Asked what kind of message she hopes to share with students—especially young girls—it’s to always go for their dreams. “Each of us has different talents and passions. We should continue pursuing our dreams,” she said. “There are so many things we want to accomplish. But sometimes our own fears hinder us from achieving our goals. Regret is more painful than failure.” g
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Asia Pacific Fashion Week kicks off in Los Angeles, then goes to Las Vegas this summer APFW strives to create public awareness about sustainability issues and to cast a focus on ‘eco fashion’
PREPARE for two Saturdays of dazzling runway events, entertainment, and fashion expo in August 2022, when Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW) visits two legendary cities: Los Angeles and Las Vegas. APFW is a global platform for fast-rising designers who are showcasing their cultural identity and unique voice in fashion. The purpose of APFW is to place these designers in the global market as a way to celebrate ethnic variety of the AsiaPacific realm through fashion. However, APFW is more than just a slew of international runway shows. Textiles, accessories, and artistic objects are also on display. APFW chose Los Angeles as its debut location due to the city’s growing
SERVICES
A ‘CAN’T MISS’ EVENT. Asia Pacific Fashion Week kicks off August 6 at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. AJPress Photo
importance in the global fashion industry, with a regular stream of big-name designers establishing roots in the city. As a result, many fashion experts think that L.A. is the place to be. After London, Milan, Paris, and New York, Los Angeles
Following its debut in Los Angeles, APFW will move to Las Vegas on August 13, 2022 at the Decades Event Center. Photo courtesy of Decades Event Center
is now the world’s “fifth fashion capital.” In its first year, APFW aims to raise public awareness about sustainability issues while focusing on “green fashion.” A ‘can’t miss’ event On August 6, Saturday,
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at 4 p.m., the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a historic landmark on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the heart of Los Angeles, will host APFW’s debut event, a “can’t-miss” fashion presentation featuring three PAGE 15
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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R C H 1 1 , 2 0 22
people events arts culture entertainment
Getting to know Robert Alonzo, stunt coordinator and 2nd unit director of ‘The Batman’ Fil-Am stunt coordinator Alonzo trained Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz for the film by MOMAR
G. VISAYA / AJPress
nearly 30 years of stunt design experience, Filipino American Robert Alonzo is WITH adding this week’s box-office hit The Batman into his extensive international resume. He has accumulated over 200 credits in television, commercials, music videos, and film and his broad work in front of and behind the camera includes training the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Tom Cruise, Mark Walberg, Jeremy Renner, and Jake Gyllenhaal just to name a few. With The Batman, we are adding Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz to this growing list. Alonzo is a multihyphenate talent in Hollywood. He is a fight choreographer, stunt performer, stunt coordinator, occasional actor, and 2nd unit director in films such as Oblivion, Tomorrowland, Deadpool, Bright, Braven, Lethal Weapon, and Ad Astra. He also worked closely with Disney’s Pixar film Incredibles 2, to formulate and capture the physics of live-action filmmaking. In our recent conversation, the 51-year-
Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz lead the cast of The Batman. Both stars underwent weeks-long training with Fil-Am Robert Alonzo, the film’s supervising stunt coordinator.
old martial artist talked about his Filipino background and how he incorporates Filipino Martial Arts in his thought process when he designs Hollywood blockbusters’ action-packed fight scenes. The Batman Alonzo’s journey to becoming the Supervising Stunt Coordinator and Second Unit Director for The Batman began with a call from Dylan Clark, who he had
worked with previously on Oblivion starring Tom Cruise, where he also had the dual roles handling stunts and as unit director. Clark called him without telling him what the project was. Then they got on the phone with director Matt Reeves and he started talking about the project and what he would want to see from this project. Alonzo pitched in his ideas as well.
Alonzo told the Asian Journal that he prefers giving the actors reactive training rather than actual choreography to make the action sequences more real and organic.
Looking back, he says that the meeting had “an instant like chemistry in regards to creative collaboration.” He told Reeves that he gravitates towards “designing action sequences that are so raw and gritty and real and based on the actual physics that we as humans can understand.” And that’s exactly what he did when he trained the cast led by Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz. “My process pretty much stays the same from movie to movie, project to project. But you know, what I do is delve deep into the study of the actual character, just like what Rob and Zoe have done,” Alonzo told the Asian Journal. “What I love to do is do grounded, raw, real emotional-based action.” Reactive Training Alonzo said he did a lot of reactive training with the characters “so that they don’t get used to doing choreography.” “I kind of focused more on reactive training - with Rob Pattinson I did some Filipino Martial Arts like Eskrima Kali, and Arnis, Penjak Silat drills, some Muay Thai, also some boxing and kickboxing and with Zoe, I focused a lot on Taekwondo and Hapkido,” he said. This means that for Bruce Wayne’s character as The Batman, they trained Pattinson and used more hammer fists, elbows, and knees, while also drilling with sticks that would later enable him not only to improve his reaction time in closer
Robert Alonzo
AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
pockets of engagement but also to pick up anything and use it as a weapon. He explained that he likes to train this way and he doesn’t show them any choreography until two or three weeks before they shoot primarily because he doesn’t want them to get used to doing the same thing over and over and over the same way. “You don’t want to say dialogue because then it’s anticipatory, and you’re not really feeling the moment so I hone in on reactive training,” he shared. Through reactive training, they’re able to learn how to fight in a particular style, so that they’re always looking at center mass or knowing how to stand and how to close or open their center line when they need to, and knowing how to change ranges. “It’s not necessarily about learning the choreography
but so that they understand their own spatial awareness. And also so when they’re doing an offensive or defensive position, or neutral position, they can understand what the options are in the positive and negative effects of each position so that they’re actually using their mind to see what options there are,” Alonzo added. Alonzo sounded like a proud mentor when he shared that he was Zoe’s taekwondo teacher when she was only seven years old. “Yeah, it was such a great experience working with her on this. I mean, I’ve known her for so long and I always have an affinity… to have my students succeed in whatever shape or form and whatever age they are,” he said. “She was really good and was so driven and focused, even at such a young age, when I noticed a lot of kids were so PAGE 15
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Asia Pacific Fashion Week kicks off in...
PAGE 13 international designers. The event will also feature a trade exhibit curated by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry. Following its debut in Los Angeles, APFW will move to Las Vegas on Saturday, August 13, at 4 p.m., and will showcase more fashion-forward styles from the same international designers in Decades Event Center, located in Vegas Pointe Plaza, Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. InterEdx, a business that provides educational and themed events, is in charge of the Las Vegas event. The latest stylish designs for summer, evening, and red-carpet occasions will be showcased at these two events, which will, of course,
APFW is more than just a slew of international runway shows. Textiles, accessories, and artistic objects are also on display. Photo from Instagram/@CITEM
be the main attraction of APFW. According to Roger Oriel, the CEO of One Global
ECO FASHION. MYET by Mayeth Codoy creates couture-worthy dresses made from the natural leaf fibers of abaca and banana tree. Photo courtesy of MYET
NEO-ETHNIC FASHION. Fast-rising designer from Milan, Lionell Christian Lanuzo, says APFW is the perfect occasion to show his fashion collection to the world. Photo courtesy of Sujata Photography
Management, the event’s organizer, APFW “promises to be among the highlights of the fashion season in the West Coast for many.” The designers Lionell Christian Lanuzo, a young designer from Milan set to unveil his 2023 collection in APFW, said that “APFW is the perfect occasion to show our collections to the audience that comes from all over the world.” MYET by Mayeth Codoy, Norway’s fast-rising fashion house, will also show its latest collections during APFW. The designer recently debuted her collection at Paris Fashion Week, which included couture-worthy ensembles
created from the natural leaf fibers of the abaca and banana trees. Genette Mujar, a fastrising fashion designer from Vancouver who won the “Outstanding Women of Vancouver 2021” award, is another designer to be showcased at APFW. She decided to pursue her ambition at the age of 50 and founded Gnetz Designs, a thriving fashion line. Her life story has gone viral, proving that dedication pays off no matter how old we are. Event partners This inaugural edition of APFW is presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, DTI Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Los Angeles Event of APFW enjoys the support of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, MTS Law Firm, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Tina Modeling. The Las Vegas event is co-produced by InterEdx, a dba of Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing and Lend with Love. g
NEVER TOO LATE. At age 50, Genette Mujar decided to pursue her dream, and established her own fashion label, Gnetz Designs. Photo courtesy of Gnetz Designs
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Alonzo boasts of an impressive resume when it comes to Hollywood films and working with superstars like Tom Cruise. For Robert Pattinson, Alonzo designed a training that included Filipino Martial Arts like eskrima, kali, and arnis.
Getting to know...
PAGE 14 easily distracted.” Alonzo’s Journey Alonzo was born in Manila and moved to the States with his family when he was 10 days old. “The first five years of my life, I think we lived in San Francisco close to Daly City, where I believe there’s a big Filipino community,” he recalled. “The family moved down to LA five years after that.” His mom Julieta was from Tarlac while his Dad Dionisio was from Cagayan. “Unfortunately though, my brother and I were never taught to speak in Tagalog or Ilocano. One thing I wished I would have learned growing up,” he lamented. He started training in martial when he was around eight or nine. He got into Filipino Martial Arts when he was 16 years old, adding to his growing arsenal of skills. He made it a point to be trained in different styles including Capoeira, Jujitsu, Judo, and Wing Chun because all he wanted to do when he was younger (before he got into showbusiness) was to have his own school as a martial arts instructor. “I love it. I train all the time in various styles because I think the more styles you have as a martial artist, it’s like a painter. If you only have three colors, obviously you can have the colors you should have all the primaries. But if you have more colors on your palette, you can create much more definitive paintings and, you know, visual pieces,” he said. Another thing he wishes he could have done more was visit his parents’ homeland, responding to our question on the last time he was in the Philippines. “Oh, man when I was 14, it’s been a long time,” he exclaimed. “So I’m hoping that I would be able to go back at some point.”
He shared a story where he had an opportunity to potentially work there, for The Bourne Legacy with Jeremy Renner. “He asked me, he’s like ‘Man, I would love for you to come work on this with me,’” Alonzo recalled. “My schedule didn’t allow me to accept the offer because I was already locked in to do a film called Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise. Alonzo said that he and Renner have become good buddies after they trained together for Mission Impossible. He said he gave the same approach and Renner loved the training he got that they trained when they were traveling and whenever there was an opportunity. “You know, I don’t deal with choreography. I like to teach or train actors how to fight in their particular style because I kind of draw from different styles according to who their character is, and that’s how their character is shaped physically,” he said. The reactive training has paid off and using Renner as an example, he said other actors should continue this kind of training even after their films. “I mean, now he’s so well-versed and can do a lot of his own action,” he said. “He constantly wanted to train and it shows because looking now, in any of his fight sequences, that’s him doing it.” Nowadays, Alonzo lives where he works and says he’s all over the place. “So I still live in LA but I also live and work in London. I’m currently in Italy right now. So I’m kind of wherever the work is. That’s where I lay my head. But you know, I will always be an Angeleno. I’m a huge Laker fan, huge Dodgers, and huge Rams fan,” he said. “I will always have my roots there. But you know, I love traveling, and I love London as well, too.” g
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