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MARCH 12-18, 2020 Volume 31 - No. 11 • 16 Pages
T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
USA
DATELINE 6 Filipinos on Grand Princess ship docked in CA infected with coronavirus FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
SIX Filipinos aboard the MV Grand Princess — now docked in Oakland, California — have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Philippine Department of Health confirmed this week. The confirmation, based on a report from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was delivered by Joel Buenaventura on Tuesday, March 10, chief health program officer of the DOH’s Migrant Health Unit during a House of Representatives committee hearing. However, it is not yet clear whether the six infected Filipinos are all crew members or if some of them are passengers. Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Henry Bensurto Jr. previously said there are 529 Filipino crew members and nine Filipino passengers on the luxury cruise ship. In an advisory, the Philippine government is working with the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., Consulate General in San
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Virus cases rise to 46 in PH as public health emergency declared by AJPRESS THE number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines has risen to 49, days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency in the country. The country’s Department of Health (DOH) confirmed 16 new cases as of Wednesday, March 11.
Ten of the new patients have no history of travel or exposure to someone with COVID-19, while two were exposed to someone with the viral disease. Three more foreigners from Japan, Singapore, and South Korea with histories of travel to the Philippines contracted COVID-19, the department also announced. “We have six confirmed cases of foreign nationals with history of travel to the Philippines,” said
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III at a briefing with the House Committee on Health. According to him, a Japanese who stayed in the country for nine days has been admitted to a medical facility in Japan. A Singaporean was also found to have contracted COVID-19 after staying in the Philippines for three days. A South Korean who has an “extensive” travel history in the coun-
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Nurses at the Quezon City General Hospital prepare a quarantine tent for coronavirus patients. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
Filipinos in US urged 67-year-old woman in to register to vote in Manila is first Filipino next PH elections COVID-19 fatality AHEAD of the 2022 Philippine national and local elections, overseas Filipinos are being reminded to register to vote. Though the deadline to register is over a year away on September 30, 2021, the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs-Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) are starting their outreach efforts, as registration began in December 2019. Under Republic Act No. 9189, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of the Philippines or dual Filipino American citizens, who are not disqualified by law, at least 18 years of age by May 9, 2022 may register as an overseas voter and vote for president, vice president, senators, and party list representatives in the upcoming 2022 elections. Registration is conducted in person for biometrics capturing at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate to the voter. Registered voters who wish to change their mailing address, transfer their registration from other
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MANILA — A COVID-19 patient confined at the Manila Doctors Hospital in Manila has died, the Department of Health confirmed late Wednesday night, March 11. “The Department of Health confirms circulating reports regarding the death of a confirmed COVID-19 patient,” the DOH said, adding that the patient was ID PH35. PH35 was a 67-year-old Filipina with no travel history nor history of exposure to the novel coronavirus. She first reported symptoms on February 29 and tested positive on March 11. PH35 was among the 19 new cases that the DOH announced earlier Wednesday. She is the first Filipino COVID-19 fatality in the Philippines. “DOH is currently gathering and validating more information on the reported death,” the department also said. It said it would provide further details when they are available. It also urged the public to “follow DOH’s official accounts and to only source information on the COVID-19 health situation from official DOH channels.” ■
FIRST LINE. Personnel of Caticlan Airport in Boracay Island await foreign and local tourists who will be given temperature checks upon entering the airport on Wednesday, March 11. Temperature scanning is one of the measures being implemented in various establishments and places as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
PH Congress OKs bill allowing foreign ownership of public utilities by NEIL
ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net
MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the bill seeking to allow foreign ownership of public utilities in the country, a move seen as “fatal violation” of the Constitution. With 136 affirmative votes, 43 negative votes, and one absten-
tion, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 78, which seeks to amend the Commonwealth Act No. 146 also known as the Public Service Act. Under the 1987 Constitution, ownership, operation, control, and management of public utilities should be given to Filipino citizens or to firms that are at least 60 percent owned by Filipinos.
The proposed law now limits the definition of a public utility to electricity distribution, electricity transmission, and water pipeline distribution or sewerage pipeline system. It also distinguishes “public service,” whose definition under the law is retained, from “public utility.” While the bill was approved, it
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Duterte urges Fil-Ams to vote for Trump, stays firm on VFA stance ABS-CBN to get temporary permit by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
President Rodrigo Duterte confers with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, March 9. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte told Filipino Americans eligible to vote to support U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election efforts this November. “I’m telling the Filipino now: You’re getting the best deal with Trump,” Duterte said during a press briefing on Monday night, March 9. The Philippine president quipped about “interfering” in the U.S. election process by endorsing his American counterpart, equating it to how several U.S. senators have reportedly meddled in domestic affairs and have criticized the administration’s human rights violations associated with the anti-drug campaign.
“To the Filipinos… bumoto kayo kay Trump (vote for Trump). And they say that I am interfering. Of course, I am interfering. Tell that to the Americans, that Duterte is insisting on interfering,” he added. “Do you know why I’m interfering? Because they did it first. They (accuse us of) extrajudicial killing 70,000 (people).” Earlier in the press briefing, Duterte reiterated his decision to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States after senators filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to compel him to seek Senate concurrence in the treaty’s abrogation. “They cannot compel me. I refuse to be compelled. I have terminated it, tapos ang
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by DIVINA
NOVA JOY DELA ManilaTimes.net
CRUZ
THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) assured Congress on Tuesday, March 10 that it would grant ABS-CBN Corp. a temporary permit to allow the network to continue its operations when its franchise expires in May. NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba gave the assurance during the House Committee on Legislative Franchises hearing on the 11 franchise renewal bills. Cordoba said the NTC would issue a provisional authority for the network. “May I assure this committee that barring a gross violation of its franchise, the NTC will follow the latest advise of the DoJ (Department of Justice) and let
ABS-CBN continue its operations, based on equity,” he told the House panel. “Most likely, your honor, we will follow the latest opinion of the secretary of Justice,” Cordoba responded when asked by Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel if the agency would issue a provisional franchise. Cordoba, however, clarified that the commission might issue the permit after network’s franchise expires on May 4, 2020. “Actually, it would be premature to do that right now because there is an existing provisional authority right now in the existing franchise. The life of the franchise is concurrent with the life of the provisional authority,” he explained. The Justice department earlier
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march 12-18, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
ABS-CBN to get temporary... PAGE 1 opined that ABS-CBN could operate based on equitable basis. “There’s sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their respective franchise remain pending with congress. However, a more stable legal environment could be created if
Congress, by a concurrent resolution, would authorize the NTC to issue a provisional authority to these broadcasting companies. Under such terms and conditions as it may deem necessary until Congress’ final disposition of the franchise renewal bills,” the DoJ said. During the hearing, the House panel approved a resolution
From The FronT Page
adopting the letter enjoining NTC to grant ABS-CBN a provisional permit. The Senate also approved a similar resolution, Senate Resolution 40, expressing that ABSCBN may operate beyond the franchise expiration. “We are very comforted by the fact that both chambers of Congress are aligned with the DoJ’s and NTC’s thinking on the issue,” Cordoba said. Various legal personalities have earlier expressed conflicting views on allowing ABS-CBN to operate past May 4. Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman maintained his stance of “no franchise, no operations,” which was also the stand of former chief justice Reynato Puno. Deferred Meanwhile, the Supreme Court again deferred on Tuesday the ruling on the petitions filed against ABS-CBN and decided to resume deliberations in April. The court en banc will take up the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida against the network in its summer session in Baguio City on April 14, a source told The Manila Times. Also pending before the high court is Calida’s motion for a gag order on the parties to the case. The high court, in the meantime, has yet to decide if it will consider the petition filed by lawyer Lorenzo Gadon seeking to stop the extension of ABSCBN’s permit and if it could be consolidated with Calida’s petition. ABS-CBN had asked the tribunal to junk the petition for a gag order, saying that granting it would be tantamount to suppressing the freedom of speech and of the press. In the quo warranto petition, Calida assailed the legality of ownership and transfer of shares of ABS-CBN Corp. and ABSCBN Convergence. He claimed that ABSCBN Corp. shares were transferred to ABS-CBN Holdings Inc. and later on the latter issued financial securities in the form of Philippine Depository Receipts (PDRs), which were then issued to both Filipinos and non-Filipinos. Investment instruments like PDRs give foreigners the right to earn dividends without ownership of a company. n
SAFETY GEAR. Seller of face masks made of cloth draws buyers near Munoz public market along Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, March 11. People resort to cloth face masks amid the shortage and higher price of surgical masks triggered by the new cases of the deadly coronavirus disease. Prices of fabric face masks range from P25 to P65 depending on the style and design. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Virus cases rise to 46 in PH... PAGE 1 try also tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Duque said the patient stayed in the Philippines for two months. “What we have now is localized transmission in the areas we have earlier mentioned. But the situation can very quickly progress into a community transmission, which means, there could be a larger area of affected communities,” Duque also said during the briefing. Earlier, the DOH confirmed that a 38-year-old Taiwanese male, a 44-year-old Japanese man and a woman based in Australia caught the virus after traveling to the Philippines. But Duque pointed out that the two men may have caught the virus elsewhere based on their travel histories. The department also confirmed the death of a 67-yearold Filipina woman with no history of travel abroad of exposure to a known case, making her the first Filipino to die from the disease. A Chinese man previously died in the country on February 1, which was the first virus-related death outside of China. The president signed the
proclamation putting the country under the state of public health emergency on Monday night, March 9 in accordance with the Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. Under the act, a public health emergency is an “occurrence of an imminent threat of an illness or health condition which could pose a high probability of a large number of deaths… widespread exposure to an infectious agent.” Duterte’s proclamation orders government agencies and local government units to provide assistance and resources to address the current cases and prevent the virus from spreading further. “All citizens, residents, tourists, and establishments owners are urged to act within the bounds of the law to comply with the lawful directives and advisories to be issued by appropriate government agencies to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19 and ensure the safety and well-being of all,” he added. PhilHealth to shoulder test-
ing costs for COVID-19 Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will be shouldering the testing costs for the novel coronavirus in hospitals. Apart from that, PhilHeath will also shoulder hospital fees for quarantine and isolation. “The last thing we want is for our citizens to worry about medical costs and expenses. Their only concern should be their well-being and the wellbeing of their families,” said Nograles in a statement. “The president recognizes that everyone in the country is concerned about COVID-19 and the threat this poses to the health and lives of our loved ones, especially vulnerable individuals like senior citizens,” he added. The state of emergency declaration will remain in effect until Duterte lifts it. Coronavirus symptoms include fever, tiredness and dry cough, according to the World Health Organization. The respiratory disease has left more than 3,800 dead and affected over 110,000 worldwide. n
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Filipinos in US urged to register to vote in...
Dateline USa
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-18, 2020
PAGE 1 countries into a new country or city, or correct other details in their registration — such as a change in their name — must also do so in person. There is no online registration option. Consulate offices will also begin outreach missions to other nearby cities where there is no office within the registration period. Overseas voters must have a photocopy of valid Philippine passport; documents required by the Consulate General for passport application, such as a PSA-issued birth certificate and other supporting docs (i.e. valid Green Card, valid U.S. visa, Notice of Action). Or if the voter is a dual Filipino American citizen:
745
$
a copy of Dual Citizenship Identification Certificate or Order of Approval. COMELEC and DFA-OVS also remind voters to check the list of previously registered voters on
the website of Philippine foreign service post nearest them. If they are on the list, then they have to reactivate the registration in person, subject to the requirements stated above. (AJPress)
MILLION for education
6 Filipinos on Grand Princess ship docked in... PAGE 1 Francisco, U.S. government and cruise line on the repatriation of Filipino passengers and crew members “who wish to be voluntarily repatriated.“ The Grand Princess had been stranded off the coast of San Francisco after it was stopped by United States officials to test those on board for the potential virus infection, a move that was decided after several passengers who were on the Grand Princess’ earlier voyage and remained on the cruise ship for its next stop to Hawaii developed flu-like symptoms. Reports have also said that the Grand Princess previously car-
ried the first person who died from COVID-19 in California. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced that 21 people out of the 45 tested were positive for COVID-19. On Monday, March 9, the cruise ship docked at the port in Oakland with its first passengers finally disembarking. As of Tuesday, 1,406 people had disembarked from the ship, leaving at least 1,000 still on board. The individuals who disembarked are being relocated to a cluster of buildings on the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove. They will be temporarily housed in buildings that are removed from
visitors and the public, and will not interact with other Asilomar guests, employees or the general public. While none of them contracted COVID-19, they will be tested and monitored by medical professionals while at Asilomar. “We understand people across California are concerned about novel coronavirus, and that’s why we’re collaborating with our federal partners to ensure that the community surrounding Asilomar is not impacted,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. (Ritchel Mendiola/ AJPress)
Duterte urges Fil-Ams to vote for Trump... PAGE 1 problema ko (my problem is solved),” he said. Senators, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, filed the Petition for Declaratory Relief and Mandamaus before the SC on Monday, urging the high court to order the Office of the Executive Secretary to seek their concurrence in the termination process. Declaratory relief is an action that seeks to determine a question of construction or validity arising from an instrument, executive order, regulation or statute, among others. Meanwhile, Mandamus refers to compelling the other party to perform a particular act. “It is respectfully prayed that
this Honorable Court…issue an order directing respondents to forthwith refer the Notice of Withdrawal to the Senate of the Philippines for its concurrence, pursuant to Section 21 Article VII of the 1987 Constitution,” the petition read. While there is no explicit provision in the 1987 Constitution stating whether or not the concurrence of the upper chamber is necessary for the abrogation of a treaty, Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution states that no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred with by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate. Aside from Sotto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Panfilo Lacson, and
Richard Gordon were present to file the petition that included Resolution 337, asking the high court to define the chamber’s authority in the abrogation of international treaties. Following Duterte’s order on February 11, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. sent the U.S. a notice to terminate the twodecade-old VFA. The treaty is said to be terminated 180-days after the notice. “As far as I am concerned, we are beginning to count the 180 days for them to pack up and go. I am not reneging on the VFA [abrogation] and I am not going to America to discuss this with anybody, though I respect highly Trump,” Duterte said. n
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Fill out your census form at census.nv.gov
All figures are estimates based on 2010 Census data, figures subject to revision.
march 12-18, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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Dateline USa
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-18, 2020
UN: Progress on gender equality remains slow by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
Sen. Risa Hontiveros on the occasion of International Women’s Day yesterday challenged men to take part in the fight for women’s rights. “Male privilege should be used one last time to provide a platform for issues surrounding women, then dismantled. Male privilege is also a structural issue, perpetuated by a system that keeps women oppressed,” Hontiveros said. Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate committee on women, children, gender equality and family relations, said men should unlearn “toxic macho traits they have grown accustomed to for generations,” especially those that result in violence against women. “Men need to unlearn this entitlement to women’s bodies, clothing and attention. This entitlement results in pervasive gender-based abuses directed at women,” she added. Sexual harassment, domestic violence and rape start with the thought of ownership over women, according to Hontiveros, adding that in the Philippines, a woman is raped every hour while one in four women have experienced spousal violence. The senator said men have the power to stop themselves from exercising such traits. Meanwhile, Sen. Leila de Lima called for an end to misogyny and gender-based persecution, especially by those who are in power. In her International Women’s Day message, De Lima underscored that in the Philippines,
women are still attacked and persecuted because they dare to defend women’s rights and fight derogatory social norms wielded by oppressive societies. “I have been unjustly detained for 1,109 days now. All over the world, many women human rights defenders like me continue to be oppressed and politically imprisoned for speaking truth to power,” she said. “An increasing number of women parliamentarians like me are being subjected to misogynistic attacks by men in power,” she added. De Lima supported the passage into law of an expanded maternity leave from 60 days to 105 days as well as penalties for gender-based harassment in public places, including online spaces. For Sen. Francis Pangilinan, women are agents of positive change. “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many milestones on the road to women empowerment, and we recommit ourselves to continue the fight for the rights and equal opportunities of women and girls around the world. We sometimes wonder what the future would look like if it were led by women,” Pangilinan said. “Half the world is women, and half the world is under 25 years of age. Imagine the potential if we invest in women and girls, when we allow them to rise and achieve their full potential – the world would be brighter, more peaceful, more prosperous for all,” he said. n
NO country has achieved gender equality, according to the latest United Nations review on women’s rights. The report “Women’s Rights in Review” looked at how the landmark gender equality plan, the Beijing Platform for Action, is being implemented and called for greater parity and justice. There is faltering progress and hard-won gains are being reversed by rampant inequality, climate change, conflict and exclusionary politics, the report said. The review highlights a lack of effective action to boost women’s representation in key decision-making, and warns that the plan will never be realized if all women and girls are not acHOSTAGE TAKING. Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team take positions in one of the knowledged and prioritized. entrances of the mall during the hostage-taking at Virra Mall in Greenhills, San Juan City on Monday, March 2. Police said disgruntled former “The review of women’s rights security guard Archie Paray held hostage around 30 persons inside the mall. After almost eight hours, the security guard surrendered to authorities Monday night. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler shows that despite some progress, no country has achieved gender equality,” UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said. Maintaining that “equality isn’t just one-quarter of the seats at the tables of power,” Ngcuka however said this was “the current reality of women’s repreTogether with the Leadership road, or they take public transby Mark Hedin sentation, across the board.” Conference, the Brennan Center portation, if they have a kid in Ethnic Media Services Men hold 75 percent of all school … there is nothing that’s and the Mexican American LeAS the 2020 Census gets un- not impacted by having an accu- gal Defense and Education Fund parliamentary seats and 73 perderway, a group of four civil rate census count.” (MALDEF), the groups have also cent of managerial positions, rights organizations is providing The telephone hotlines al- organized a network of legal and make up 70 percent of clitelephone hotlines in a range of ready are operating and will be specialists across the country to mate negotiators as well as most languages to give people infor- available throughout the census respond to questions as basic as peacemaking roles. “Only half is an equal share mation and, when needed, legal data-collection period. Census obligations regarding the census referrals if they’re unsure about questionnaires have been dis- to concerns about threats to dis- and only equal is enough,” Ngcuka said. filling out the questionnaires. tributed to some communities, rupt census participation. Hontiveros challenges men The government uses the once- but the effort begins in earnest The organizations have previevery-10-years census provides in mid-March and April. Fol- ously offered hotline services to to annually distribute up to $1.5 low-ups to those who have not protect election integrity. trillion tax dollars’ worth of ser- responded to initial Census BuOne widespread concern vices and guide the creation and reau outreach efforts will con- about the 2020 Census is wheth- PAGE 1 ment. vice under Commonwealth Act realignment of political bound- tinue through July. The hotlines er respondents can trust that also had its fair share of opposi“The ‘New Public Service Act’ No. 146. The key to fixing this aries for allocating representa- will operate throughout that en- their personal information will tion in the lower chamber. if enacted into law, is a mere problem is to develop a clear tion in Congress, the Electoral tire time. truly be kept confidential, as Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman ear- statute which cannot amend the statutory definition of public utilCollege and local governments Those whose preferred lan- promised and required by law. lier said the bill was is “fatally fundamental law,” the lawmaker ity,” Salceda said in the bill’s exacross the United States. guage is Mandarin, Cantonese, Applicable laws include some of violative” of the 1987 Constitu- added. planatory note. The census, included in the Korean, Vietnamese, Urdu, the strictest confidentiality regution, further arguing that there Lawmakers in the House’s The lawmaker added that the original 18th century wording Hindi or Bengali/Bangla can call lations anywhere in government, is no distinction between “public Makabayan bloc are also against enactment of the bill once signed of the U.S. constitution, is the (844) 202-0274, or (844) 2020- such as fines of up to $250,000 utility” and “public service.” the proposed measure. into law will be beneficial to concountry’s largest peacetime proj- API. This line is staffed from 8:30 and years of incarceration for “It is well-settled that public But Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, sumers. ect and participation is required a.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST through anyone who shares a person’s service is an indispensable attri- who authored the bill, explained “This legislative reform will by law. It invariably falls short of the end of July, and Asian Ameri- personal information with other bute or element of a public util- that “competition and foreign in- significantly contribute to inits mission to count absolutely cans Advancing Justice promises government agencies such as ity, and the two are synonymous vestment are inhibited because creasing competition, as well as everyone, no matter if they’re to return all voice mail messages police, U.S. Immigration and and interchangeable, so much limitations that should only ap- protecting the public interest. citizens, English speakers, hom- within 48 hours. Customs Enforcement (ICE), so that there is no sound reason ply to the operation of a public More competition among provideowners, renters or homeless. The Lawyers’ Committee for the IRS or the Border Patrol, to for making a distinction to justify utility are applied to all public ers would result in lower prices But the census is intended to Civil Rights will operate its Eng- name a few examples. defiance of the Constitution by services. and improved quality of basic be a benefit to all who participate lish language hotline, (800) 268But in case those laws and allowing the non-compliance of “This situation is caused by services, creating a more comand it is widely understood to be 6820, and 888-Count20, through promises aren’t enough, the or‘public service’ enterprises with the ambiguity in the definition petitive economy towards a betrisk-free. Four organizations are the end of July. It’s working ganizations, with MALDEF leadthe requirement of Filipino citi- of public utility that is often used ter quality of life for all,” Salceda stepping up to provide confiden- now from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, ing the way, also have taken a zenship,” Lagman said in a state- interchangeably with public ser- said. n tial information to the communi- and beginning March 2 will be census confidentiality protection ties they serve: the Arab Ameri- staffed until 9 p.m. EST. The pledge. Intended to boost confican Institute, Asian Americans organization promises to return dence among so-called hard-toAdvancing Justice, the Lawyers’ voice mail messages left at other count populations, it commits a Committee for Civil Rights, and times on the following business coalition of individuals and orthe National Association of La- day and will refer non-English ganizations to using their power tino Elected Official (NALEO). speakers to its sister hotline or- and influence to address, deter “The reason for the hotline is ganizations. and end any breaches of census we have to be available to our All hotlines will also field calls data confidentiality. community and every person from English-language speakThe Census Bureau, as part of who has a question to make sure ers. its own efforts to overcome lanthey understand their participaThe organizations expect calls guage barriers, has prepared 10tion in the census is critical,” will a range from basic census 15 minute instructional videos C<>8C @DD@>I8K@FE `j X 9@> @JJL< k_\j\ [Xpj% D8EP `e fli Zfddle`kp E<<; said Maya Berry, executive di- information requests to legal about the census ranging from pfli j\im`Z\j% K_\i\ Xi\ k_fljXe[j n_f dXp nXek kf \og\[`k\ k_\`i i\j`[\eZp fi rector of the Arab American In- questions or concerns about in- 10 to 15 minutes long in 27 langlijl\ ]lcc Z`k`q\ej_`g Ylk [feËk befn _fn kf Y\^`e Xe[ n_\i\ kf ^f% stitute. “If they drive a car on a cidents that require follow-up. guages, including Tagalog. n
Civil rights groups offer toll-free multilingual census hotlines for questions, concerns
PH Congress OKs bill allowing foreign...
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Cory Aquino, Maria Ressa among Time’s 100 influential women
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by AJPress TWO Filipinas are among those featured in Time Magazine’s “100 Women of the Year” project in celebration of March as Women’s History Month and to highlight a century of influential women often overlooked by history. Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, both of whom were previously named Woman of the Year by the magazine, were included in the esteemed list of women from the past century. With this year marking the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, the magazine “revisited each year since 1920, looking for women whose reach transcended their time,” wrote Time’s former editor-in-chief Nancy Gibbs. “Their influence in public and private life was not always positive; part of this exercise is acknowledging failures and blind spots as well as genius and vision,” she continued. For 72 years, Time named a “Man of the Year” honoring world or industry leaders until 1999, but “while the name rightly changed, too often the choice was the same,” the magazine wrote in its introduction of the project. “With this 100 Women of the Year project, we’re spotlighting influential women who were often overshadowed. This includes women who occupied positions from which the men were often chosen, like world leaders Golda Meir and Corazon Aquino, but far more who found their influence through activism or culture,” it added. Aquino was named Woman of the Year in 1986 after she ended
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Fli gi`ek \[`k`fej ile `e kXe[\d n`k_ 8AËj Gi`ek <[`k`fe Fec`e\% Fec`e\1 _kkg1&&`jjll%Zfd&Xj`XeaflieXc[`^`kXc\[`k`fe Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino was named Time’s “Woman of the Year” in 1986, while Rappler CEO was the magazine’s “Person of the Year” in 2018 alongside other global journalists. Both Filipinas are now part of the magazine’s “100 Women of the Year” project unveiled this March.
the nearly 21-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and became president of the Philippines. “That democracy has endured on the archipelago. So have its power structures: a tradition of elite rule helped her son Benigno Aquino III to a widely admired term as President. And his coarse, swaggering successor, Rodrigo Duterte, daily demonstrates both the machismo Corazon Aquino overcame, and the value of the principled civility she modeled,” wrote Karl Vick in his piece about the former Philippine leader. Ressa — who has become an international icon for press freedom and for being a vocal critic against the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte — was named Person of the Year in 2018 alongside other “Guardian in the War on Truth.” In addition to her long journalism career, she was one of three women who started the news organization Rappler in 2012, “aiming to serve a Filipino population rapidly moving online.” “But the news site turned into
a global bellwether for free, accurate information at the vortex of two malign forces: one was the angry populism of an elected President with authoritarian inclinations, Rodrigo Duterte; the other was social media,” Vick wrote. The list also includes British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana of Wales, former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, fashion icon Coco Chanel, artist Frida Kahlo, and entertainment personalities like Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Oprah Winfrey, among others. “The 100 choices in this project are the result of a monthslong process that began with more than 600 nominations submitted by TIME staff; experts in the field; our creative partner, filmmaker Alma Har’el; and a committee of notable women from various backgrounds,” the magazine explained. In the process, 89 new magazine covers were designed by prominent artists, while 11 covers were left intact for those named Person of the Year. n
6
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MARCH 12-18, 2020 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Disappearing beaches
FEATURES
THE Philippines may be small in land area, but with over 7,100 islands, the country has one of the most extensive coastlines in the world. This makes the archipelago among the most vulnerable to the impact of global warming. Last week, researchers warned that sea level rise and climate change are on track to wipe out half the world’s beaches by 2100. Even with a drastic reduction in fossil fuel pollution — the biggest driver of global warming — the researchers warned in the journal Nature Climate Change that over a third of the sandy shorelines around the planet would still disappear. Several communities in Bulacan are already feeling the impact of rising sea levels. Across the country, coastal areas that depend on tourism would feel the impact on their main source of livelihood. The researchers warned that sandy beaches also serve as the first line of defense from coastal storms and flooding. The destruction of beaches could make inland communities more vulnerable to extreme weather events. In recent years, the Philippines has seen an increasing number of coastal cities and towns devastated by powerful storm surges and freak floods, including areas in secluded bays where tropical cyclones used to be rare. Even with ongoing global efforts to cut down on fossil fuel consumption and pollution, too
many beaches will still disappear, and vulnerable countries must prepare for the disaster, the researchers warned. The 10 countries that stand to lose the largest sandy shorelines, according to the study, are Australia, Canada, Chile, the United States, Mexico, China, Russia, Argentina, India and Brazil. Advanced economies are drawing up massive — and expensive — engineering interventions to reduce the impact. Obviously, countries with limited means for disaster mitigation such as the Philippines would need help to prepare such defense systems. The research said the problem was aggravated by reduced sediment from dammed rivers. Countries with limited resources can stop such projects as well as strictly impose construction easement rules along shorelines. Coastal communities in the Philippines are familiar with the consequences of natural disasters. Long-term measures must be drawn up to prevent the loss of lives and destruction of property and livelihoods as a result of rising sea levels. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS I HEAR YOU. As a mother of four millennials who have campaigned and voted for Senator Bernie Sanders since the 2016 presidential election, I feel your pain and understand your worries for your future. The facts have been so excruciatingly painful in the past decade as you transition to adulthood and have to take care of yourselves. It just hit you that the America that had raised your Boomer parents has now turned out to be so different from the America where you are working so hard to survive in right now. Whatever happened to the American dream — the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved? You worry about your chance of finishing your bachelor’s degree, or the opportunity to go to graduate school. Quality affordable higher education has given your Boomer parents the chance to go up the economic ladder even if they were born to a lowincome or middle-class family. Now, most of you would have to contract student loans to afford the astronomical rise in the cost of tuition and attendance fees. You worry about your student loan debt in the tens of thousand, if not in the hundreds of thousand dollar range, that would take you decades to pay off, while banks have increasingly been more powerful and unbridled in their loan shark business practices, condoned by the government in the name of “free market economy.” You worry about having to
Open letter to the millennials who believe Sanders should be the Democratic nominee and not Biden to defeat Trump and transform America
take on a job, or two jobs just to pay for your bills, cover the living expenses of going to college. Even after graduation, you worry about having less purchasing power because the decent wages that your boomer parents enjoyed in the past are now gone. While the government boasts of low unemployment rate, a $7/ hour minimum wage that has not coped up with the higher costs of living is not a living wage, and has not been so for 10 years. This reality is contrasted by the millions of dollars in bonuses raked in by the CEOs of corporations even when their companies go bankrupt. Again, this is protected by the government in the name of “free market economy.” You worry about your health and are afraid that you are jus one accident or medical diagnosis away from bankruptcy. Prices of premiums have skyrocketed and would have to take a much bigger share from your already lean income. What happens when you turn 26 after the Affordable Care Act kicks you out of your parents’ health plan? How can you afford to give your own family health care coverage when you are struggling to have your self covered as employers fight hard to cover just the barest minimum for you to lower their cost and maximize their profits? What happens to you when you are hit by a pandemic like the coronavirus and are asked to self-quarantine? How do you pay for the expensive tests? How do you pay for your family’s bills when you cannot work? How do you pay for your treatment when your insurance cov-
THIS March, households across Nevada will be asked to fill out a questionnaire for the 2020 Census. Make sure that each and every member of your household is counted. For AAPI Nevadans, completing the 2020 Census is especially important, as Asian American and Pacific Islanders are at a particularly high risk of being undercounted. A recent report by the Census Bureau found only about half of Asian Americans said they were “extremely” or “very” likely to respond to the
erage doesn’t give you enough coverage? You worry about the taxes you have to pay every year to Uncle Sam, even as the quality social services accorded to you by the government get leaner and leaner every year. You wonder why you, as part of the middle class, pay for so much taxes as millionaires and billionaires pay less commensurate to the wealth they are amassing from the economy you help build? You wonder why corporations are given corporate welfare and pay zero taxes as you struggle to pay for the basic needs of your family? You worry about racial biases and discrimination being persons of color, a sad reality in America that has escalated even more during the present administration. You worry about how carbon emissions have been threatening our planet earth and the life of your family and the future generation, and yet the government has not been doing enough to fight against climate change, and even deny the facts and science of it to protect the interests of the fossil fuel industry. YES, you worry about these realities and you have lost faith in the ideals of the American dream because you feel betrayed. You have witnessed how politicians do not really represent the interest of ordinary hardworking Americans like you, and have election cycle after election cycle failed to deliver on their campaign promises. This is until Senator Bernie Sanders ran for president in 2016. You got to know about his vision for America and how he has been fighting for this for
decades since he was a young adult like you. You found out how Sanders marched with Dr. Martin Luther King to fight against racial discrimination, and for the protection of civil rights, justice and protection for all Americans. Sanders has been fighting for an America where health care is a right for all Americans, and not just for the privileged powerful few by proposing to create a Medicare for All, just like how it is in all other major industrialized nations in the world. He has introduced a proposal to eliminate past-due medical debt. He also proposed measures to guarantee housing as a human right and to eliminate homelessness. Sanders has been fighting for free public college education and wants to cancel all student loan debt, and place a cap on student loan interest rate going forward at 1.88%. He has proposed to guarantee universal child care and preschool for families in need and to reinvest in public education. Sanders has been fighting to empower workers by strengthening labor laws and regulations so that each worker will get the fair and equitable living wages and benefits. Sanders has been fighting to expand social security and to protect the most vulnerable sectors of society. Sanders has been fighting to protect the environment by transforming our energy system away from fossil fuel and toward energy efficiency and renewable energy. He has been proposing to pay for all of these by making the millionaire and billionaire peo-
ple and corporations pay their fair share in taxes, establishing an income inequality tax and wealth tax, and make the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution. THESE ARE WHY the powerful corporate elites have been fighting against a Sanders presidency. This is why Sanders does not accept hefty campaign contributions from Wall Street, Super PAC, millionaires and billionaires so that he will not be beholden to anyone but only to the American people. For many Boomers like your parents and grandparents, Sanders’ vision for America may be too radical, too extreme. This is just how corporate lobbyists have been framing Sanders’ vision to tap into that fear of change, just like how Social Security and Medicare that our Boomers are now enjoying had been fiercely fought against in the past. Millennials, you have been marginalized and mocked for being loud and fierce supporters of Sanders who did not show up in the polls to vote for your candidate last Super Tuesday that gave former Vice President Joe Biden the momentum moving forward. Again, do not give in to these labels and intimidation to dishearten you and make you stay home and out of the game. The Boomers have all to lose, having already established their life and fortunes, that is why they are more cautious and are more leaning to protect and perpetuate the status quo, fighting against “radical” changes, clinging to the same old model they have grown accustomed to, no matter how imperfect. This is why for many of them,
Biden is the safe choice. Centrist is the safe choice. Moderate is the safe choice. This is exactly the position and the message of the Democratic Party, that is why the other centrist, moderate, safe candidates dropped out of the race to rally their support for Biden. But changes in history have not been driven by those who want to play it safe. It is propelled by the youth, fueled by their dreams and idealism, lifted by their fearlessness and hunger. The students spearheaded the French Revolution and ended the reign of abusive monarchs. The Filipino youth of the 70s to the 80s fought against the Marcos dictatorship through a peaceful and bloodless revolution. Millennials, this is your time. You have the numbers to write the next chapter of our history. You have the power to transform America and make it live up to its ideals. But history is written by those who show up and vote. Millennials, this is your revolution. Fight it to win it by getting out of your comfort zone, by going to the polls, by voting for Bernie Sanders to be the Democratic nominee who will defeat Trump. Fight it by empowering others to vote. Your future depends on it. ***
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.
AAPI participation in the 2020 census will be critical
Commentary
SENATOR CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO
Philstar.com photo
census, compared to 69% of white respondents. Members of the AAPI community face unique barriers to participation. For one, Asian Americans are the racial group that reported being least familiar with the census. This may be in part because many members of our AAPI communities are immigrants. It may also explain why 4 out of 10 Asian Americans worry the information they share with the census could be used against them. For these reasons, I want to dispel some of the myths around the census and personally encourage everyone in Nevada’s AAPI community to make their voice heard. First, the census is complete-
ly confidential. The Census Bureau is forbidden from releasing personally identifiable information, and your responses cannot be used against you by the government, law enforcement, or any court. While the census collects important demographic information – age, birthplace, race – you will not be asked about your citizenship status. Last summer, the United States Supreme Court blocked the Trump Administration’s efforts to politicize the census by including a citizenship question in the 2020 questionnaire. The census was created to count every person living in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, and I’ll fight to keep it that way. Rest assured that your
information is safe. The census serves many purposes. For example, it determines how many representatives in Congress each state receives. States also rely on census data to draw voting districts for federal, state, and local elections, which can determine the voting power of AAPI and other minority communities. It also helps the federal government monitor compliance with civil rights, voting rights, and anti-discrimination laws. Just as importantly, the federal government distributes money from various federal programs to each state based on population. In 2015 alone, the federal government used 2010 Census data to funnel $675 billion to states through dozens of federal
programs. With accurate census figures, the federal government can award states and communities their fair share of money for programs to fund health care, highway construction, education, child care and much more. It’s crucial that every Nevadan is included in the census tally. An undercount of AAPI Nevadans would have serious repercussions for communities across our state. It could mean less money from federal programs that help AAPI families and could even impact AAPI political power in the Silver State. That’s why the state of Nevada, and a variety of nonprofit groups are working so hard to make sure every single person is counted. It’s why Governor Steve
Sisolak created Nevada’s Complete Count Committee to raise awareness of the census. You’ll be hearing much more about these efforts later this month. Until then, I’m doing everything I can to ensure that the 2020 Census counts every Nevadan. I encourage you to help us count all the people in your household, so that our communities get the resources they deserve. *** Born and raised in Las Vegas, Catherine Cortez Masto has spent her career fighting for Nevada’s working families. She served two terms as Attorney General of Nevada and in November 2016, she made history by becoming the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever elected to the United States Senate.
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
Palace urges public to stop ‘panic-buying’
gave assurances that we have ample stock of essential items,” the spokesman added. Panelo also appealed to everyMalacañang on Wednesday, March11, urged the public to re- one to stop spreading unverified frain from panic-buying and the information on the coronavirus. “let us not circulate unverified sharing of unverified information amid threats of the coronavirus dis- information that may only cause unnecessary anxiety among the ease (cOVID-19) in the country. Presidential Spokesperson Sal- members of our respective comvador Panelo said “buy only what munities and instead maintain they need” after reports about good hygiene and observe proper hoarding necessities in groceries etiquette at all times,” he said. Panelo reminded the public that came out. “This would only result in undue those who have had a close contact hoarding and price increases,” he with people suspected of having the coronavirus “should be prioriexplained. “Our officials from the Depart- tized in obtaining medical attention ment of Trade and Industry (DTI) and management.” by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
“close contacts include persons with a travel history in the last 14 days to countries with local transmission or those who have a history of exposure to patients who tested positive for cOVID-19, i.e., those who provided direct care for a cOVID-19 patient or those working together, staying in the same close environment, traveling together, or living in the same household with a cOVID-19 patient within the 14-day incubation period,” he said. currently, there are 49 confirmed cases of cOVID-19 in the country. President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, March 9, declared a state of public health emergency. n
Pacquiao-Garcia showdown inevitable THE unavailability of both Errol Spence Jr. and Terence crawford has, for all intent and purposes, paved the way for an inevitable encounter between Filipino eightdivision world champion Manny Pacquiao and four-division titlist Mikey garcia. garcia, following his unanimous decision win over Jesse Vargas last week, expressed interest in squaring off with Spence, crawford or Pacquiao, among others as his potential next opponent but with the way he was shutout by Spence in May last year, it is doubtful whether a rematch is viable, economic-wise. a matchup with crawford would be attractive, but, likewise, a big hindrance existing between garcia’s camp and that of his former promoter Top Rank that makes the fight a possibility. Pacquiao, the reigning World
Boxing association welterweight super champion, hasn’t fought since scoring a split decision triumph over erstwhile undefeated Keith Thurman in July 2019 and himself intimated the possibility of facing his former sparmate in the absence of the still reluctant Floyd Mayweather Jr. The Filipino fighting senator, in a television interview last week, said talks of his fight with garcia have already been started. There still was no mention, though as to when and where the title-defending showdown with garcia would push through except insinuation of a July date and the city of Jeddah in Saudi arabia as venue. garcia, younger brother of his chief trainer Robert, is the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight, WBO super-featherweight, World Boxing council/
International Boxing Federation lightweight and IBF super-lightweight champion. garcia had fought only one Filipino, Bernabe concepcion, in his career, whom he subdued via seventh round knockout in Puerto Rico in 2012. He was one of Pacquiao’s sparring mates in preparation for the second of their trilogy on January 21 which the Filipino won via a 10th round TKO to avenge his 12-round decision loss a year earlier. “It’ll be a great matchup and I think we could win,” elder brother Robert projected in talks with newsmen after the Vargas victory. During his TV interview, Pacquiao said:” If the fight is sealed for July, training will start in april during which time, the Senate is in recess.” (Eddie Alinea/ManilaTimes.net)
Duterte seeks legalization of POGOs by catheRin
S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDEnT Rodrigo Duterte has urged congress to pass a law to further regulate Philippine offshore gaming operators (POgOs) in the country instead of shutting them down amid allegations that they were being used for illegal activities. Duterte made the statement over lawmakers’ accusations that the POgOs have led to the rise of criminal activities such as money-laundering, prostitution and kidnapping, among others, in the country. “I want it legalized. If they can pass a law about POgO, fine, go ahead. Supervise it by law. Hindi kami (Not us),” he said in a news briefing in Malacañang late Monday night. The president added that he was not inclined to shut down the POgOs because the country “needs the funds” these companies bring in. “We are not justifying it. We are just saying that it is allowed because we need the funds,” he said. “I assure you that every centavo na kikitain diyan sa mga gaming (that will be earned by all gaming operations) supervised by Pagcor, are accounted for. Walang korupsyon diyan at hindi ako papayag (There is no corruption there and I will not allow it),” he added, referring to the Philippine amusement and gaming corp. Pagcor earlier reported that the government collected almost P7 billion from fees and licenses from the offshore gaming companies. Sen. Richard gordon previously led a Senate inquiry into
the alleged crimes and stacks of cash brought into the country by POgOs, which were believed to be used to launder money. anti-Money laundering council (aMlc) Executive Director Mel georgie Racela has said at least P14 billion worth of transactions by POgOs were related to suspicious activities. The president, however, said the government obtained a list of bank deposits and found no proof of money laundering activities in connection with POgOs. “There is a report of money laundering. Pero doon sa bangko mismo wala (But in the bank itself, there was none),” he clarified. There are around 60 POgOs operating in the country, according to Pagcor. In november last year, Duterte imposed a three-day deadline for delinquent POgOs to settle their tax liabilities after the Finance department estimated P2 billion in withholding taxes from foreigners working in the gaming sector. From January to august 2019, the Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P1.6 billion in taxes from POgOs. More supervision The aMlc on Tuesday recommend several measures in regulating internet-based casinos or POgOs. Due to the gaps in the sector, the study recommended increasing the level of anti-money laundering/counterterrorism financing effectiveness of compliance and supervision through training and workshops; revisiting the supervision of POgOs and service providers (SPs), conducting a regulatory assessment and enforcing actions; reevaluating the licenses
of POgOs and the certificates of authority/operation issued to SPs; and recommending the cancellation of licenses of POgOs/certificates of accreditation of SPs with unfavorable records. The aMlc also suggested the execution of memoranda of agreements between appropriate government agencies and aMlc, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), law enforcement agencies and other relevant agencies to identify and curb illegally operating casinos; issuance of guidance from supervisors comprised of the BSP, Securities and Exchange commission, Insurance commission and aMlc to their respective covered persons to conduct enhanced due diligence on internet-based casinos and SPs; and dissemination of the study to supervising agencies, and law enforcement agencies. In its published study, “Understanding the Internet-Based casino Sector in the Philippines: a Risk assessment,” aMlc said POgOs had an estimated value of proceeds based on suspicious transaction reports from 2013 to 2019 amounting to P14.01 billion The aMlc investigated internet-based casinos and SPs offering services such as gaming software, content streaming and other components of gaming operations to qualified non-Filipino gaming patrons located outside the Philippines. The council conducted on-site checks on POgOs cited by the Philippine amusement and gaming corp. and discovered that authorized representatives do not exist in the registered addresses provided. n
Losses due to ASF hit P80 billion by louiSe
MauReen Philstar.com
SiMeon
ManIla — The local hog industry has lost around P80 billion since august due to african swine fever (aSF). The amount represents 30 percent of the P260-billion industry, officials of the Philippine Swine Industry Research and Development Foundation Inc. told the hearing of the House committees on agriculture and food and local government yesterday. “Bulacan is almost totally wiped out, then Tarlac and Pampanga. Bulacan and Tarlac are the two biggest producers,” foundation president arnulfo Frontuna said. Frontuna disputed Department of agriculture (Da) records which show that only 1.85 percent of the total hog population in the country were affected by aSF. “That is definitely too small. It is creeping despite control measures,” he said. “If we could not control the situation, we will reach 60 percent by September. It’s the worst,” Frontuna added. Stiffer penalties agriculture Secretary William Dar said he agrees with proposals to impose stiffer penalties against hog raisers and traders who continue to sell aSF-infect-
A meat vendor waits for customers.
ed pigs. “Stiffer penalties must be put in place. We will submit a position on stricter penalties,” Dar said. Isabela Rep. antonio albano said imprisonment aside from confiscation of license should be slapped on hog traders and raisers caught for the second time. 237,406 pigs culled The Da said 237,406 pigs were culled due to aSF. nineteen provinces, 160 cities and municipalities and 625 barangays were hit by the swine disease. “The virus can easily be contained but we cannot control the trading of infected pork and pork products,” Dar said. Director Ronnie Domingo of the Bureau of animal Industry
Philstar.com photo
also cited insufficient laboratory reagents. “Delivery cannot be done immediately because these come from other countries. commercial raisers are doing the testing on their own,” he said. Processed meat confiscated In a related development, 700 boxes of hotdogs and sweet ham feared contaminated with aSF were confiscated from a van in a roll-on roll-off ferry at the Boracay port in albay on Saturday. The driver of the van failed to present the necessary documents for the processed meat worth around P720,000, according to the Philippine coast guard. a total ban on the entry of pork and related products is being implemented in the province to prevent the spread of aSF. n
IMMUNE BOOSTERS. Fruit vendor Marina Fontanilla is busy selling her fruits to consumers at Munoz Market on Roosevelt Avenue, Quezon City on Wednesday, March 11. She says since the outbreak of the coronavirus, their sales increased as customers have been trying to get more citrus fruits such as pongkan or oranges. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Negotiations with water distributors must be in public, says Duterte by alexiS
RoMeRo Philstar.com
ManIla — President Rodrigo Duterte is open to a compromise with the two major water distributors serving Metro Manila but wants the negotiations for the new concession deals to be made public. Duterte is pushing for new contacts with water firms Manila Water and Maynilad, saying the existing concession deals are “onerous” and disadvantageous to consumers. The president, in particular, assailed contract provisions that supposedly bar the government from stopping water rate hikes and permit water concessionaires to collect damages for losses that stem from regulatory actions. Duterte has also accused water firms of passing on their corporate income tax to consumers and failing to provide water treatments. He has also vowed to run after government lawyers who drafted the 25-year deals, which were
signed in 1997. “Sabi ko, mag-areglo tayo (I said, we can compromise). Well, of course, I can. I can talk to you. But it must be in public,” Duterte said during a gathering of local executives in Pasay last Tuesday. Criminal charges Duterte, however, clarified that the acceptance of new contracts won’t necessarily spare the two water distributors from criminal charges. “But then I cannot assure you that you will not be prosecuted for graft and corruption or plunder. It involves millions,” the President said. “I told them, ‘Hey son of a b****, your document and the anti-graft law are almost the same book.’ all the violations that you can think of or all the violations that you would ever know is there,” he added. Duterte said his plan to file charges against the owners of Manila Water and Maynilad should satisfy critics who demanded
that he run after the “big fish.” He singled out former socioeconomic planning secretary and newspaper columnist Solita Monsod, whom he said was fond of criticizing him. “look at these writers, commentators...They are arrogant... You want the big fish? One day, I said, ‘OK I will give you the biggest crocodiles,’” Duterte said. “The commentators who are sons of b******. They are now silent. This Monsod used to complain and complain, ‘Where’s the big fish? Where’s the big fish?’It’s there. That animal. She can’t say anything now. I suspect that she is also connected with the...Well, somehow,” he added. Duterte said the public should not let go of the issue involving water distributors. “These sons of b****** are now silent. congress is silent. nobody asked for an investigation. So my appeal is if I do not reach the finish line for one reason or another, kindly do not forget this,” he said. n
March 12-18, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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Dateline PhiliPPines
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SHOOTING SPREE. Senator Richard Gordon slams the series of assassinations by motorcycle-riding gunmen in the country during a hearing at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, March 9. A grab in video footage (inset) shows a suspect shoots at close range Police Maj. Jeffrey Dalson, who was about to leave a mechanic shop on board his vehicle parked on J.P. Rizal in Barangay East Rembo, Makati at about 7 a.m. PNA Photo By Avito C. Dalan
Court okays trial vs former Health chief over Dengvaxia row A LOCAL court ordered a trial against former Health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin after it dropped her plea to dismiss her case involving the questionable release of Dengvaxia, an anti-dengue vaccine, during her term that proved to do more public harm than good. In a three-page order, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Maria Gilda Loja-Pangilinan denied Garin’s motion to dismiss for lack of merit a damage suit filed by the kin of Zandro Colite, 11, who died on Dec. 27, 2017 due to multiple organ bleeding after receiving the vaccine.
The court ruled that it found enough basis to proceed with the trial after stating that the venue of the case was properly laid out and there was enough cause of action. “Upon perusal of the complaint, the court finds the allegations in the complaint sufficient to constitute a cause of action, and defendant’s averments as merely directed to the veracity and correctness of the allegations found therein,� it stated. Garin assailed the venue where the case was filed since she was not a resident of Quezon City, grounds for dismissing the case. However, the court said that
“the venue [was] properly laid by the plaintiff when he chose to file the instant complaint in this court by reason of the residence of one of the impleaded defendants which he considers as a principal defendant.� Garin is also facing several criminal charges in the lower court after the Department of Justice (DoJ) indicted her and several others for the Dengvaxia vaccine, which allegedly claimed hundreds of lives. Garin faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and violations of the Anti-Torture Act and Consumer Act. (Jomar Canlas/ManilaTimes.net)
House passes bill to create OFW department
MANILA — The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill creating a separate department for overseas Filipino workers. With 173 votes, the lower chamber passed on Wednesday, March 11 House Bill 5832, which seeks to create a Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment. Only 11 lawmakers voted against the proposed legislation, while no one abstained. The new department will be mandated to formulate and implement policies, programs and guidelines that will ensure the protection of Filipinos abroad and help resolve the problems they face overseas. It will be also tasked to regulate the deployment of Filipino workers, and protect the welfare, wellbeing and interests of the families of migrant workers. The department will also be
given the power to prosecute cases, particularly those involving human trafficking and illegal recruitment, in coordination with quasi-judicial bodies. House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, former Foreign Affairs secretary, is among the principal authors of the bill. He said the proposed measure will address the problems of OFWs, which range from physical and sexual abuse, illegal recruitment, human trafficking, inadequate safety nets for displaced OFWs and rude treatment from embassy personnel. ‘Export’ of Filipinos But for Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay), the proposed department will only institutionalize the “export� of Filipino manpower. “This department does not add any protection to OFWs aside from expediting the exodus to foreign employment,� Lagman said.
Rep. Gabriel Bordado (Camarines Sur) also said the new department will duplicate the functions of existing agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Department of Labor and Employment and even the Department of Foreign Affairs. The government should instead focus on creating job opportunities for Filipinos in the country. “Creating localized, long-term employment opportunities for our citizens will ultimately be more beneficial to the economy and citizens who have no other choice but look at other countries for better job opportunities,� Bordado said. At least six bills seeking the creating of a department for OFWs remain pending at the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 12-18, 2020
Duterte on no-touch policy: I will shake hands with everybody PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will not follow the “no-touch policy� imposed by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to keep him safe. “Kalokohan iyan (that’s foolish). I will shake hands,� he said
in a press briefing on Monday night, March 9. The PSG earlier said it “will implement preventive measures against COVID-19 to ensure the safety of President Rodrigo Duterte and the first
family.� Thepresident however said that he will not decline invitations to events. “I will shake hands with everybody,� Duterte said. (Reina Tolentino/Manilatimes.net)
Invoking arbitral award, Philippines rejects Malaysian, Chinese claims in South China Sea by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA — Citing its July 2016 arbitral victory, the Philippines rejected Malaysia’s submission for an extended continental shelf claim in the South China Sea, as well as China’s opposition against this. In December, Malaysia submitted a request to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) to extend its continental shelf beyond the 200-nautical mile limit. Accusing Malaysia of infringing on China’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea, Beijing earlier asked the UNCLCS not to consider Kuala Lumpur’s submission. Malaysia’s claim overlaps with the Philippines The Philippines also rejected Malaysia’s claim as it overlaps with the country’s claims over the Kalayaan Island Group and portions of North Borneo. In a note verbale dated March 6, the Philippine Mission to the UN noted that Malaysia’s submission also overlaps with the country’s continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which Philippine territorial sea is measured. The Philippines, however, has yet to make an official submission to the UNCLCS requesting for an extended continental shelf. The area also overlaps with the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea of the Republic of the Philippines is measured, and over which the Government of the Republic of the Philippines intends to make a submission at a future time. Moreover, the Malaysian submission is projected from portions of North Borneo over which the Republic of the Philippines has never relinquished its sovereignty. Philippines invokes arbitral award
In another note verbale also dated March 6, the Philippine Mission to the UN also rejected China’s rejection of Malaysia’s submission. “The Government of the Republic of the Philippines considers China’s positions as inconsistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which comprehensively allocate maritime rights to States,� the Philippines said in its note verbale. Citing the July 2016 arbitral ruling, the Philippines pointed out that under the UNCLOS, none of the high-tide features in the Spratly Islands are capable of sustaining human habitation or economic life of their own. They also cannot generate entitlements to an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf. The Tribunal conclusively settled the issue of histpric rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea. The Tribunal ruled that claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction that exceed the geographic and substantive limits of maritime entitlements under UNCLOS, are without lawful effect. It further ruled that UNCLOS “superseded any historuc rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, in excess of the limits imposed therein.� Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative director Gregory Poling said this indicates that the Philippines maintains the arbitral award as the “law of the land.� “Although it raises problematic questions about the so-called joint development talks since the arbitral award said there is no dispute over Recto Bank,� Poling told Philstar. com. Recto Bank is one of the areas being considered for the possible joint exploration of the Philippines with China. Philippines should file own claim Retired Supreme Court Senior
Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, meanwhile, said the Philippine government should file its own claim, which would overlap with Malaysia’s claim. “DFA should do more than that. DFA should file our own extended continental shelf claim in the South China Sea,� Carpio said in a text message to Philstar.com The extended continental shelf claim would cover 150 nautical miles from the edge of the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, noted how the Philippines invoked the South China Sea arbitral ruling in its latest note verbale contradicting Beijing’s position. “This is unlike previous instances where the [Philippine] government kept downplaying the Award and seemed to want to avoid having to take a position,� Batongbacal said in text message to Philstar.com. Prior to a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in August last year, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would invoke the South China Sea arbitral ruling with his Chinese counterpart. Duterte previously claimed invoking the arbitral ruling, which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, would risk going to war with China. Despite the Philippine leader’s earlier pronouncements, it turned out that Duterte and Xi “agreed to disagree� over the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. “Both of them agreed that while the variant positions of [the] two countries remain, it should not, however, be a reason for them not to talk and continue with the dialogue peacefully to resolve the conflict,� Panelo said in an interview with CNN Philippines in August. n
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March 12-18, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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VEGAS&STYLE Journal
From Army nurse to author: Filipina American author Tif Marcelo releases fifth novel, ‘Once Upon a Sunset’ By Christina
M. Oriel
AJPress
WHEN Tif Marcelo first read “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton growing up, she knew she wanted to be a writer. “I told my dad and, of course, his reaction was not super excited because my parents were definitely more pragmatic and logical,” recalled Marcelo, who grew up in San Francisco after migrating from Quezon City, Philippines at a young age. Like the common experience of many Filipino Americans, she was directed toward the nursing profession, which she pursued while serving in the Army. “I started blogging about being a mom and doing crafts and that led me to a little bit of freelance writing with Military Spouse maga zi ne,” Marcelo said. It was then when her mom suggested that she consider writing a book. Fast forward years later, her fifth novel, “Once Upon a Sunset,” was released on March 3. “Once Upon a Sunset,” published by Simon and Schuster imprint Gallery Books, follows Diana Gallagher-Cary, a Washington, D.C. OB-GYN who is forced to take a leave of absence when a decision attracts bad
“This visit has changed me. You have changed me, too, for the better. But now I don’t know where I fall, with this family, with my mother, with you. I don’t…I don’t know what to do with all of this, with all this information, at Corregidor, the letters between my grandparents, the will. Am I supposed to leap for joy? Cry? What of me is Filipino, is American, of my mom or Antonio? Was I supposed to be more than what I am now? I thought I knew who Diana was before coming here, down to what brand of socks she likes, but it all doesn’t seem to make sense now. Who am I supposed to be?” —“Once Upon a Sunset,” p. 300. press for her hospital. Her mother Margo finds a box of letters her World War II veteran grandfather Antonio left behind, spurring curiosity and a trip to the Philippines to find surviving relatives. Diana, who is of Filipina and European descent, is an homage to Marcelo’s four biracial children and “how they fit in the world,” she said. The character is witty, analytical and set on her own ways — oft times coming across as stubborn — as a contrast to her more free-spirited mother. The story also comes from a
six-week trip Marcelo took to the Philippines as a teenager, during which she spent time with her grandfather, her “first pen pal” who also fought in World War II and had moved back to his home country at 40 years old. She had wondered what his life was like during those years in the United States and if he had made any romantic connections. “The trip was really a true life-changing event. I came back feeling like, ‘Okay, I belong somewhere.’ I always say now that where I belong is really in the in-between,” she described.
Written in Marcelo’s signature charming style, “Once Upon a Sunset” has the recurring themes of identity, family, romance and that search for ‘happily ever after’ found in her novels. With this story primarily taking place in the Philippines, she also hopes it will spark interest in readers to visit the country and learn more about Filipino culture. “I really wanted to put books out there that reflected the joy in being a Filipino American and falling in love. To me, I thought that was just as important of a message as all the non-fiction,
Tif Marcelo’s five novels, including “Once Upon a Sunset,” which was released on March 3.
Filipina American author Tif Marcelo
historical, and ver y serious, sometimes very sad, books. It is my goal even now in 2020 to write books that have a ‘happily ever after’ for these characters,” she explained. Since her first novel “North to You” was released in 2017, Marcelo has unapologetically personified Filipino American main characters who are experiencing love in a way that is not often portrayed in media. Every morning, Marcelo wakes up around 5 a.m. and writes for the next two hours until her children need to get ready for school. Then, most days, the house is quiet so she spends that time writing and revisiting until they
return. The laser focus is where her Army and nursing past come to play. “There’s no substitution, no matter what process do you do — you either outline, not outline, get up in the morning, stay late at night, write one day, write 10 days in a row, doesn’t matter. But you have to get to the end. You have to write the end,” Marcelo said. The first novel led to a threebook “Journey to the Heart” series and then “The Key to Happily Ever After” (2019) about three sisters who have their own share of romantic adventures. While she does not write with PAGE 13
Kim addresses fans, assailants a week after ambush Kris is living proof of life after ABS-CBN by Jan
MilO severO Philstar.com
A WEEK after the unfortunate ambush happened to her, Kapamilya actress Kim Chiu updated her fans on social media. In her Instagram account, Kim said the incident made her realize that life is short and precious. “It has been a week since.... that day made me realize life is really short, life is very precious and most of all felt God’s presence he protected me, my PA and my driver,. None of us was hurt. He is really powerful amongst us all,” Kim started her lengthy post. She added that what happened to her was a miracle. “I must say it was a miracle. I could not explain the feeling but I know he was with us and so our guardian angels,” she said. Kim also thanked the people who supported her through her trying times. “I want to thank my AbsCbn family Direk Lauren Dyogi who picked me up at taping and secured my safety all through out and abscbn bosses Tita Cory, Sir Mark and Sir Carlo to my StarMagic family Tita Mariole and Mr M, my handler Ate Edith and my sister Ate Lakam, to my friend Ranvel Rufino for urgently went on set with lawyers with him thank you sobra sa inyo,” she said. “So many people helped me get through this I am blessed to
by rOnnie
CarrasCO ManilaTimes.net
Kim Chiu
Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess
be surrounded with these kind of people they dont have to do this ang dami na nilang pinoroblema but still they insisted to help me. Now everything is slowly unfolding and I am glad that I am alive despite........ I realized a lot of things., you discover people who are willing to help, people who care for you and people who just wants to bring you down,” she added. Kim also addressed her assailants, saying: “I don’t want to get mad at them or ‘hate’ them.” She said the love she receives is enough for her to not feel
hatred and bitterness over what happened. “Puno ng pasasalmat ang puso ko, Im just happy that I am here posting another IG post and thanking HIM for this Precious life! Tuloy ang buhay,” she said. “I want to thank tita cory and tita mariole for the continuous update. Thank you for always checking on me. Atty Aby and Atty Edwin thank you. Papa God maraming salamat po. Now no need to be scared. ???? Kung wala ka namang ginagawang masama, there is no need to be scared,” she ended her post.
BESIDES movies, Kris Aquino became the big star that she is because of ABS-CBN. Whether it was a payback for Pres. Cory Aquino “returning” the network to the Lopezes, Kris nevertheless amassed following even beyond the term of her mother. But, as they say, nothing is permanent in this world. It will be remembered that Kris’ biggest career letdown happened when the gates of the network would never open up again, this after having served for 22 years and TV being her greatest love. Only if she’s physically sound could Kris have sneaked up on the recent prayer vigil to tell its employees and artists alike that there awaits a glimmer of hope for them should the country’s leading TV station face shutdown (God forbid). It’s true — and even more disheartening — that time is running out for some 11,000 employees and an undetermined number of network talents. But take it from Kris who has other things going — and growing — for her to supplement the absence of a high-paying profession. Aside from a handful of business partnerships, Kris has invest-
Kris Aquino Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino
ed in fast food store franchising with her son Bimby also having one of his own. Kris’ former manager Boy Abunda cum business partner feels far from being severely affected. “I can go back to teaching,” Abunda, a former part-time communication arts professor at PWU, said. A PhD in social development holder, he can even land a much higher position. Over a recent dinner he hosted for the GMA bosses, was Boy by any chance offered anew to be
the network’s public relations consultant? Exploring the many possibilities will also allow other bignames to discover their untapped potentials, or restudy their longcherished plans. Already in the taxi business, Luis Manzano — for instance —considered venturing into food business three years ago. He can learn the ropes of the trade from her Tita Emilyn (his mom Vilma’s elder sister). Also arguably one of the richest actors around is actor-producer Coco Martin. Holding a Hotel and Restaurant Management degree, Coco must have amassed a fortune to have one built. Also a former OFW who worked as a janitor in Alberta, Canada, Coco can perhaps put up an OWWAaccredited recruitment agency posting vacancies for hotel and restaurant utility personnel. Of ABS-CBN’s female stars, soon to be married Angel Locsin can help her would-be partner Neil Arce run his ice cream business while making use of what she learned from a refresher course in fashion and design from a London school. This includes all the other Kapamilya stars who are just about to embark on one. Yes, life never stops after ABS-CBN.
Vice Ganda retires ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ Carla looks back on working in the after 9 years to give way to new show corporate world before show biz by
niña v. GunO Inquirer.net
Carla Abellana
CARLA Abellana recently reminisced about her days in the corporate world, when she was focused on human resources rather than memorizing scripts. The actress posted on Sunday, March 8, a picture of her seated at a desk of the real estate development company where she was employed as an HR associate. The desk was not hers but rather belonged to a boss. Abellana recalled, “My [s]upervisor, Mike, made me sit on our boss’ chair to take a picture. Future HR VP daw ako (He said I was a future HR VP).” While climbing the corporate ladder would not be in the cards for her, at 23, Abellana would star as a lead in the 2009 telenovela remake of “Rosalinda.” She has stayed in show biz since, with teleseryes under her belt such as “My Husband’s Lover” and this year’s “Love of My Life.” The actress’ work experience also includes teaching in preschool, as per Cosmopolitan in 2009. She graduated cum laude with a psychology degree from De La Salle Photo from Instagram/@carlaangeline University – Manila.
by Jan
MilO severO Philstar.com
“GANDANG Gabi Vice,” a talk show hosted by TV host and comedian Vice Ganda, has officially signed off after almost a decade of bringing laughter to the public every Sunday night. In his Twitter account, the “Unkabogable Star” posted a series of tweets to thank the show’s patrons and staff. “Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!!! #GandangGabiVice,” Vice wrote. In another tweet, Vice said that the comedy talk show will just have a long break and will continue to bring joy to the public in the near future. “Don’t be sad. No goodbyes. GGV will be back. Isang mahabang commercial break lang. I love you guys!” he wrote. “Napakasarap malamang ma-
saya kayong nakapiling ako at ang GGV sa loob ng 9 years. Masaya akong nakapagpasaya ako. Salamat po!!!” Vice posted in another tweet. In his final speech, Vice addressed the show’s fans and apologized to those he might have offended. “I am not perfect. The show is not perfect, sigurado ako may mga pagkakataon na nao-offend namin kayo— ang mga nakasayananan niyo paniniwala sa buhay o mga trip ninyo o hindi ninyo trip, mga ginagawa namin, We apologize… pero maraming salamat pa rin. This is a very big blessing,” Vice said. Vice also announced that the comedy talk show will be replaced by “Everybody, Sing,” which he will also host. “GGV’s” last episode last Sunday featured broadcaster Raffy Tulfo. In one of the segments,
For his finale episode, Vice Ganda interviewed popular TV host Raffy Tulfo. Photo from Instagram/@raffytulfoinaction
celebrities such as Morisette Amon, Moira dela Torre, Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu and Daniel Padilla, to name a few, gave tribute to the show by stating what the show meant for them.
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA I AM suspending my idea series for a Bucket To-Do List for the time being to share a story told to me by Sister Anna. A little back story… Anna Cinco was a classmate in high school who graduated way up the rungs and copped a college degree majoring in Mathematics. She taught at the International School in Manila for a while and decided to join the religious life thereafter. She lived in Rome for more than a decade working on the canonization of Mother Candida Maria de Jesus, foundress of her religious order, Hijas de Jesus. Mother Candida is now a saint with documented miracles ascribed to her intercession. Sister Anna speaks Spanish and Italian fluently. Her story is not cut and dried as all that. There are twists and turns in every life story and hers is no different. She told me the Cliff Notes version of her conversion from someone who repudiated and did not need God at one point. But that riveting story when she became, as she describes how her young, irrepressible students at the International School saw her at the time of her epiphany, “positively radiant,” is for yet another day. I reconnected with her on a trip to Europe in 2011 with my husband spending a wonderful spring day in Rome: dusting off the cobwebs of the past, cracking jokes (yes, religious people have a squeaky clean sense of humor that will have you ROTFLOLing, that is, rolling on the floor laughing out loud), scarfing down pizza margherita at one of those small joints by the Vatican and walking aimlessly about, shopping for Italian-made sandals on the sidewalks while slurping on scoops of gelato, all three of us looking positively ghetto. HAH! A perfect day in my book … I emailed her just recently hoping to see her in Rome again mentioning in passing that I am putting together a Bucket List series of sorts. Her story stuns me. It never occurred to me that while we are busy making plans, the Big Man upstairs also has plans for us to do. And whether we like it or not, we are part of His Grand Plan. It is up to each one of us to find out our part in His plan and decide to get in with the program or not. Yes, God loves us so much, He gave us free will. So enjoy this story. The actions happened in airports just before boarding. Time was on Sister Anna’s side. She checked in way early and didn’t miss her flight. We might be able to widen our perspective just a tad and realize in time that we are each a piece of colorful mosaic in God’s Grand Mural for HIS story about us.] HE HAS PLANS, TOO. By Sister Anna Cinco, Hijas de Jesus In 2015 I had to make a 12-day trip to Spain and then a 9-day trip to Rome. Usually, for these short trips, I plan and make to-do lists way ahead, because I cannot afford to miss anything. One day, as I was coming to the end of my stay in Salamanca, I was praying in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. I took out my to-do list for Spain, checked it carefully, and saw that I had pretty much achieved what I had come for. I was very satisfied with myself, when the thought came to me, “I have a list, too.” Startled, I looked at the tabernacle. “I have a list, too.” “You have a list Lord?”, I asked.
God’s list “Sister, do you speak Italian? Can I talk to you? I am very angry with God.” I turned my head and it was a beautiful lady, elegantly dressed. I thought, “She has tortured eyes.” “Yes, I have a list.” I pondered that for a few moments. Of course, He has a list. So I prayed, “Make me open to Your plans, Lord. Give me a docile heart, a docile spirit.” The day after, I left for Madrid for a 2-day stay. I had a few things more to do there. When the day of my departure for Rome came, since I was going to the airport alone, I decided to go early and leave a wide margin for the unforeseen. When I reached Barajas, I had almost the whole morning to wait. So I sat by my boarding gate and buried my head in a book about causes for canonization. Suddenly I heard someone say, “Anna Cinco!” Surprised, I looked up - it was a young woman in jeans but wearing a silver cross like mine. She smiled and came over and introduced herself. She was a young sister of ours from the Dominican Republic who had been in one of our houses in Brazil, and said that she had met me in one of my trips there. (We have a cause for canonization which had been initiated in Brazil.) So I asked why she was in the airport, and she said she had just come from Rome where she had participated in the preparatory course for final profession, and that she was on her way to her boarding gate for her flight to the Dominican Republic. Since she was young and was not familiar with Madrid airport, and I knew her boarding gate was half an hour’s walk away, I insisted on going with her. We laughed and chatted along the way, and I was sorry to leave her at her boarding gate. I still had plenty of time before my scheduled flight, so without any hurry, I began walking back to my own boarding gate. Then I heard a voice say in Spanish, “Sister, Sister!” And as I stopped and looked back, I saw a dark young man running towards me. And he said, “Sister, do you speak Spanish? Can I talk to you, please?” I wondered what for, but stopped. And he began to walk with me, and tell me about his problems. It was hard to talk while walking, and I was afraid we were getting too far from his boarding gate, so I invited him to sit down with me. He was a migrant worker from Mexico who had marital problems and did not know what to do. I listened to him in sympathy, and pretty soon he was in tears. I looked around with some embarrassment. People were beginning to look at us. I prayed for wisdom. After some time, he stopped and asked me, “Sister, is there still hope for us? for me?” I directed that question to the Lord, and found myself saying, “Of course, there is hope for you. Look, I shouldn’t even be here. My boarding gate is half an hour away, on the other side of the airport. But the Lord brought me here because He wanted to reach you! So yes, there is hope for you.” I myself was surprised at my answer... His face began to clear, and then light up, and by the time we parted, he was smiling. He still emails me once in a while. So I continued with my trip to Rome, still pondering what had happened. Toward the end of my stay in Rome, I did the same thing – tick off items on my list. Then, on the day of my departure, the Superior, who was bringing me to the airport, asked if I would
mind leaving early for the airport, since she had to get back to the house for an appointment. I said, why, no, I would not mind at all. I always bring material to read. So we reached the airport early, and I found that my boarding gate had not even appeared on the screen. I took one of the seats nearby. You know, those airport seats where people sit back to back. I had just opened my book, when I heard a voice behind me say in Italian, “Sister, do you speak Italian? Can I talk to you? I am very angry with God.” I turned my head and it was a beautiful lady, elegantly dressed. I thought, “She has tortured eyes.” Saying, “May I sit beside you, then?”, I went over to do so. Then I saw that she was reading a Spanish book, so I asked, “Do you speak Spanish?” And she said she was from Argentina. “Fine,” I said, “I speak Spanish better than Italian. Let’s talk in Spanish.” And she began talking. I listened to her (prayerfully) for about an hour - it was a list of problems, sick family members, one trial after another, anger with God, etc. And I thought, looking at her, “Without those problems, she would be very self-satisfied, with no thought of God whatever, angry or not.” So when she had come to the end of her list and was looking at me expectantly, I said, “So now you wanted to tell God how angry you are with Him?” And she nodded her head vigorously and asked, “Is that wrong, Sister?” I answered slowly, “I guess, when things were going right, you never talked to Him. Now you are angry with Him, but at least you are talking with Him, right?” Her eyes flew open in surprise, then she began to nod slowly, and as she saw me smile, she began to laugh. We laughed together for a while. And I said, “Don’t you think God prefers this, than have you go back to ignoring Him?” Her face changed completely. And we continued talking happily, and she laughed heartily when I told her that story of St. Teresa of Avila, that in one of her travels, “...her saddle slipped, and she found herself head down under the belly of a donkey as she crossed a stream. Complaining to the Lord of her treatment, she heard him reply, “Teresa, whom the Lord loves, he chastises. This is how I treat all my friends.” She replied tartly, “No wonder you have so few!” (http://www.paceminterris. org/experience-pacem/the-hermitages/st-teresa-of-avila/) Time passed quickly, and I had to catch my flight. The lady had already told me her name (she was from Argentina but she was married to an Italian), and said she was so happy to have met me and talked with me. She invited me for coffee, but I had to go. And as I walked to my boarding gate, I remembered that thought, “I have a list, too.” And I realized that had I fallen short of my to-do lists for Salamanca and Rome, the entire trip would still have been worthwhile if only for these two of His children... Next week: Back to yet another idea to consider for The Bucket List *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Moira’s ‘reflection’ on new career milestone by CHRISTINA
ALPAD ManilaTimes.net
ALMOST everyone who grew up watching and loving Disney movies dreamt of becoming their favorite Disney princess, but only a few get to live it out somehow. Filipina singer Moira de la Torre is one of the lucky few. Walt Disney Philippines revealed last week that the 26-yearold will sing “Reflection,” the famous theme from the animated film “Mulan,” for the promotions of its live action adaption in the country. “It’s a dream that we all share — to be a Disney princess and it feels almost close to that [singing this song] so I am very grateful,” de la Torre said during the grand reveal at the ballroom of The Shangri-La at The Fort in Bonifacio Global City. The feat is extra special for de la Torre who said she has a personal connection to the song. “It’s the first song I ever sung in public. I think I was seven or nine when I used to join singing contests and perform special numbers in church. I only had
Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS A CLEAN and well-ventilated home is the safest sanctuary from the current COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spreading around the world, now involving 121 countries (and 2 international conveyances, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess Cruise ships), killing almost 4,400 worldwide and now affecting 39 States in the U.S. Current statistics are stated below. Proper perspective The CDC reports that “during the 2019-2020 Flu season in the USA, more than 26 million have fallen ill with the regular flu, 250,000 have been hospitalized and 4,000 have died. The Influenza B strain virus was at its peak.” The strain B virus is less likely to mutate to become virulent, according to the Mayo Clinic, and older people exposed to before it now carry immunity but children who were never exposed to this strain were more vulnerable. During this season, there were 105 children who died from it. The CDC report says “the second wave of Flu this year was due to Influenza A, featuring the H1N1 infection that hit the USA, which is at its peak right now…This year the flu vaccine is a pretty good match with major strains around the country; the H1N1 part of the flu is essentially 100 percent match with vaccine for the circulating strains.” Black Death, Ebola, MERS, SARS The Black Death (Bubonic plague) pandemic between 1347 and 1351, which originated in China, wiped out 25 million people in Europe. A resurgence in 1661 killed 15 percent of Londoners. Quarantine was “invented” then and it is still the best preventive measure even today. Ebola virus was first identified in 1976, hitting a village bordering the Ebola River in the Congo, with mortality rate of 55 to 60 percent. In 2013-2016, there was an outbreak in West Africa, 28,652 cases with 11,325 deaths. As of July 28, 2019, there were 2,671 cases, with 1,790 deaths from Ebola in the same region. MERS - Middle East respiratory Syndrome – (started November 2012 Saudi Arabia) had 2,494 Cases with 858 deaths, in 27 countries, 34.4 percent mortality. SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - (started in Guangdong, China November 2002) – 8,437 cases, with 813 deaths, in 26 countries, 9.63 percent mortality. COVID-19 – novel Corona virus infection – (started in Wuhan, Hubei, China, December 2019), As of March 11, 4:07 PM, GMT, the global stats: 122,005 cases, 4,390 deaths, 64,611 recovered; China, 80,790 cases, new - 22, 3, with 158 deaths; Italy (entire country in lock
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-18, 2020
Sanctuary versus the coronavirus down, self-quarantine), 10,149 cases, 631 deaths; Iran, 9,000 cases, new - 63, with 958 deaths; South Korea, 7765 cases, new – 63, with 66 deaths; USA, 1016 cases, new – 22, in 38 States, 31 deaths; and, the Philippines, 49 cases, new – 16, with 1 death. COVID-19 mortality – 2 to 3 percent. The cases are increasing as you read this column. Most of the deaths were elderly seniors with major illnesses like pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and those with lowered immune system. The number of cases and deaths from the seasonal flu is much higher compared to the COVID-19 infection. Be calm, but be on guard. Self-quarantine, Telemedicine The situation stated above is a good reason to practice selfquarantine, whether one has been exposed to an infected person or not. If the probability exists, contact your physician immediately by telephone (Tele-Medicine is now covered by most medical insurance firms). A clean home is the safest sanctuary in the face of an epidemic or pandemic. Be sure to have adequate supply of water, food, medications, and other necessities. Avoiding nonessential travels, even in your neighborhood or city is a part of self-quarantine among the unexposed individuals. Those possibly exposed must have total quarantine (away from their healthy family members) and be under a TeleMedic’s supervision. Six US lawmakers who were exposed to one infected case during the CPAC meet have quarantined themselves. Quarantine works! The CDC has issued an Advisory for people to postpone their cruises and non-essential travels. During the plague in Europe, there were towns without cases which had imposed self-quarantine (no in or out) on their own for 40 days (number chosen for religious reason) and this saved millions. Today, we know how long the incubation period is...for prevention and for quarantine purposes too. For COVID-19, extending observation from 14 days to 30 should be conservative (more than) enough. Last week, our column dealt with FAQs from the World Health organization circulated globally to stem any misinformation or fake news about COVID-19. The perspective above (re: Influenza) is aimed at the same goal: to emphasize medical facts and provide accurate information for public education and safety, and prevent panic. Recommendations First and foremost: Do not Panic 1. Stock up on food, water, medications, and other necessities, for at least a couple of months, to minimize going to the grocery stores. 2. Watch the news and be updated on COVID-19 and other
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important matters …and, of course, entertain yourself while at home 3. Eat a healthy diet; get enough sleep and rest. 4. Avoid any behavior or activities that would lower your resistance. 5. Stop smoking and minimize alcohol intake. Do daily exercises. 6. Wash your hands at least 8 times a day, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, whenever you use your hands, especially in public places. Dry your hands very well, since viruses love moisture, like bacteria, fungus, and molds. Hand sanitizers work. 7. Do not touch your face; use facial tissue or towel if you must. 8. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. 9. Say “Hi” instead of a handshake; others would prefer this also. 10. Avoid all non-essential travel; a clean home is the safest sanctuary. 11. Regular home and workplace vacuuming and cleaning with vinegar/alcohol, which kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds. 12. While masks, even the N95, are not totally effective, wearing one (properly, covering nose and mouth) does not hurt if you are outside, if you feel more secure with one. 13. Avoid being in a crowd, avoid persons who are coughing or sneezing or look sick; to panic is counter-productive and counter-productivity; a little reasonable paranoia (call it health vigilance) will be beneficial. 14. Do not touch public doorknobs, handrails, any surface with your bare hands; wash your, even after touching money, an item that passed through countless thousands of germ-loaded hands. 15. Carry disinfectant wipes or gel or liquid in with you. Wipe handle of grocery carts and other objects before touching them. 16. If not feeling well, especially with fever or cough, do not go to the emergency room or to your doctor’s office. Instead, call your physician without delay and quarantine yourself. Protect others. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Prevention, as with any other infectious diseases, is the vital key in our battle with COVID-19 and most diseases. With it goes discipline, equanimity, practical wisdom, awareness of the environment, and vigilance (a healthy dose of paranoia). *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
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#EveryFilipinoCounts: US Census Filipino Outreach in LA County The Filipino Complete County Committee of Los Angeles County on March 14, beginning at 10 am, will he hosting a day of action to ensure everyone in the Filipino American community takes part in the upcoming 2020 Census. Activities will be in Artesia/Cerritos, Carson, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Panorama City and West Covina. Contact filipinoscountca@gmail.com or call (562) 301-2593 for more information and how to be involved.
Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit in Santa Clara, CA
Moira de la Torre sings ‘Reflection’ the theme from the animated film ‘Mulan,’ for the promotions of its live action adaption in the country. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Philippines
one minus-one cassette tape and it was [the theme from] Mulan,” the singer-songwriter recalled. One of the most streamed female artists in the country today, as certified by popular streaming app Spotify, the singer looked every bit a princess that day as she sang Reflection the Moira de la Torre way. “I was actually expecting to
have a lot of rules [in my interpretation] but when I got into the studio [to record the song], they just said, ‘We just want Moira,’” de la Torre happily related. Pressure from the past Of course, like the movie, Reflection became a popular song in the Philippines from the start, not only because pop star PAGE 12
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LEAD Filipino’s 2020 Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mission College (3000 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95054) in Santa Clara, CA. The Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit is a day-long conference dedicated to elevating, highlighting, and engaging ~150 Pinay women and students in stories on sisterhood and mentorship. Since 2017, the Annual Fly Pinays has gathered women and students from across the Northern California region in breakfast and lunch, and series of speaker sessions, interactive workshops, and notable keynotes. 2020 will be even better. 2020 Themes: The 2020 Annual Fly Pinays will have three centering themes that will resonate through our workshops, guest speakers, and content: Mental Health, Ethnic and Cultural Identity, and Professional Development. Featured Workshops: Memories, Migrations, and Movements: Situating WOC Voices in the Diaspora: Leah Sicat; Public Speaking 101: Pam Dominguez, Vice President, Alliant Insurance Services; Intro to Tagalog; Eskrima. The keynote speaker will be Kamille Rose Soler, Founder and CEO of Ultimate LYFE. Since 2017, LEAD Filipino’s volunteer-run and community-based Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit has celebrated sisterhood and mentorship with nearly 200 Pinay women and students from across the Northern California region. Held every March during Women’s Herstory Month, the Annual Fly Pinays continues to engage professionals from leading brands and companies to share their stories, experiences, and insights with students from every major Bay Area college and university. For more information, please visit https://leadfilipino.org/.
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Mylene finds working with Nora ‘surreal’ Shaina clarifies role in ex-boyfriend John Lloyd’s new film by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
For almost 25 years in the entertainment industry, Mylene Dizon’s career has flourished from being a teen star in the youth-oriented show “Gimik” in ‘90s to portraying heavy dramatic roles in such programs as “Sahaya” in 2019. With an astounding 30 films and almost 50 television appearances under her belt, not to mention three Best Actress Awards from Cinemalaya, Gawad Urian and Golden Screen Awards for Movies for her portrayal as Joyce De Leon in “100,” Dizon has indeed proven that she is one of the most respected actresses in Philippine cinema. The 43-year-old depicted numerous characters onscreen, and of course, she has been with a lot of co-actors throughout her profession. But there is one actress that she has been dreaming to work with ever since, and that is no other than the country’s one and only superstar, Nora Aunor. In an intimate interview with select members of the press, Dizon shared that she initially wanted to take a rest from soaps after doing “Sahaya” so she can focus on her two sons Tomas and Lucas. However, when she got an offer to star in “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit” with Nora Aunor, without hesitation she accepted it right away. The 43-year-old depicted numerous characters onscreen, and of course, she has been with a lot of co-actors throughout her profession. But there is one actress that she has been dreaming to work with ever since, and that is no other than the country’s one and only superstar, Nora Aunor. In an intimate interview with select members of the press, Dizon shared that she initially wanted to take a rest from soaps after doing “Sahaya” so she can focus on her two sons Tomas and Lucas. However, when she got an offer to star in “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit” with Nora Aunor, without hesitation she accepted it right away. “Ngayon lang ako na-offer na may kasamang Ate Guy… first time ko. Tapos fan pa ang mommy ko. To be honest lumaki ako around Kislap magazines. Kulang na nga lang i-plastic cover ni mommy yung Kislap — yung malalaki pa,” Dizon recalled. According to her, it was a
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by Jan
MIlo severo Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA actress Shaina Magdayao clarified that she only did a cameo role in ex-boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz’s comeback movie “Servando Magdamag.” “Actually, it’s not my film with [John Lloyd Cruz]. I’ll answer it once and for all para hindi na tayo humaba pa. It’s not my film with him. It’s his film. It’s a ricky Lee material. It’s called ‘Servando Magdamag.’ It’s directed by Lav Diaz. It’s not my film. Cameo lang po ako,” she said in an interview with the media during the press conference of her 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival summer entry “Tagpuan.” Shaina added that she accepted to do the movie with her former lover because of director Lav Diaz. “Sa lahat ng films na ginagawa Myline Dizon with Nora Aunor and Kyline Alcantara Photo from Instagram/@missmylenedizon ko po kasi with Direk Lav, hindi ko po hihindi-an ‘yan. I was able surreal feeling when she got to opportunity to sit with her while to attend so many international first share a moment with the waiting for the set to be finished, I film festivals and the exposure acting legend during one of their would do it. Not to talk about how he has given me is something na she was when she was younger, hindi ko inakalang mararating scenes. “In the beginning, nahuli not talk about how she started. ko,” she said. ko yung sarili ko na nakangiti. We can all read that, we can all Dapat serious, dapat paiyak yung Google that. But how she is now eksena eh. Sabi ko sa staff, ‘Teka and just talk to the Nora Aunor lang naka-smile ako.’ Kasi talag- as she is,” she added. Dizon admitted that if not for PAGE 11 ang, ‘oh my goodness. I’m really in front of her and I’m going to Aunor, she would not accept any Christina Aguilera sang the combe doing scenes with her,’” she shows even “Bilangin ang Bituin mercial release in 1998 but more sa Langit.” shared. so because Philippine pride Lea “Si Ate Guy kasi hindi ko Salonga lent her voice to Mulan “It’s not starstruck, it’s more like surreal. Kasi parang na- kailangan tanungin para magku- to sing for the original animated kikita mo lang siya sa magazine wento but she would really talk movie. [while] growing up, at sa pelikula. about how everything started Did de la Torre feel pressured Nasa harapan mo na siya, so it’s for her, how different it is now, to follow in Salonga’s footsteps? not starstruck. Parang mapapa- like yung nakatira sila near train “Actually, at first, to be hontanong ka, ‘totoo ba ito?’” she station, yung nagbebenta siya est, I was terrified, but if there’s [ng tubig], kinuwento naman one thing that I learned from continued. Dizon also mentioned that she niya. Hindi ko na kailangan Mulan, Lea Salonga and Christina felt head over heels right after tanungin, nakakatuwa naman,” Aguilera, it’s really being true to she got to see for herself the Dizon said. myself. They made it to that stage “Sabi nga niya hindi na daw because they were true to them“Nora Magic.” “Yung magic ng mata, yun ang sana siya magtatrabaho. Sabi selves and I feel very empowered inabangan ko talaga. Sabi ko ‘Ay ko ‘bakit ka naman hindi magta- by that,” the singer confidently totoo nga yung tsismis.’ Yung trabaho, kaya ko nga tinanggap replied. pag tumitig siya sa ‘yo…it’s not ito dahil sa iyo.’ Sabi niya ‘Kasi The warrior in her intimidating, it’s not scary, it’s not siyempre yung Ate mo… nahihiBeing true to one’s self, the something to be nervous about rapan din ako.’ Sabi ko ‘Ooh, pa- very message of “Mulan,” is pero parang katulad niya yung rang hindi naman,” she jested. something de la Torre has sought “Pero kung hindi kay Ate Guy, to do for the last seven years. mga mata sa mga cartoon – nila ni Cinderalla, ganun eh. So I’m gusto ko mag-slow down kasi A regular talent for commernot scared, not really nervous,” lumalaki yung mga anak ko nang cial jingles, it was in 2013 when wala ako. Ang daming changes de la Torre first tried her luck in she enthused. “Kayo, you see her all the time. sa buhay nila dahil ang teenager national singing competitions via Ako this was my only chance to pala, ang dami talagang changes “The Voice Philippines.” She was, be with her, to share the same sa buhay. So I wanted to be with however, eliminated in the early space with her. So I had to say them because it wasn’t easy for part of the show. yes. And whenever there’s an the boys,” Dizon ended. Nevertheless, de la Torre
Shaine Magdayao Photo from Instagram/@shaina_magdayao
“Hindi ko inakalang ma-eexperience ko sa tanang buhay ko. So isang malaking utang na loob ko sa kanya ‘yun. So this is my way of thanking him by not saying ‘no.’ So I did a cameo to be very exact,” she added. But after shooting the film, Shaina said she’s happy that she was able to support the comeback movie of her ex-boyfriend, who
she now calls her friend. “At first, before shooting the film, ang disposition ko was okay gagawin ko ‘to for the love of Lav Diaz. But as we ended and by the last shooting day, I’m happy that I can now say that I was able to support not just my director Lav Diaz also my friend, John Lloyd,” Shaina said. When asked about her present relationship with John Lloyd, Shaina said that they are “okay” but admitted that she can’t see herself working with him again until the movie “Servando Magdamag.” “okay naman kami nu’n. Pero never ko talaga nakita sarili ko na magkakasama kami sa trabaho. It was something na never ko naman na-experience before din,” she said. “Whenever you would always ask me, ‘I don’t think that it’s going to happen ever,’ ‘I don’t see any possibility.’ Because that’s the truth. And hindi ko talaga siya nakita. And ilang beses na rin ako natanong. Siguro sasagutin ko kung nandiyan na ‘yung opportunity. And the opportunity arrived.”
Moira’s ‘reflection’ on new career...
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forged a career when she released hit songs “Malaya” and “Tagpuan” among others. And throughout this journey, de la Torre remarkably fought against the standard to show that there is a place for non-belters like her in the music industry. “It’s very intimidating to be in a generation like this, where there’s a standard to everything. [In music] what’s in is birit or, you know, the dancing ones. I want to dance but I really can’t,” she laughed. “I could’ve gone on stage and change who I was to fit in but I didn’t,” the sweet singer divulged. The bigger battle she fought and continues to endure is depression. Admirably, de la Torre openly talks about her condition. And so, when The Manila Times asked her how she relates to the character of warrior Mulan, she said it is her continuing battle with mental health and her advocacy to let others know they can seek help. “I have a lot of wars in my head! I’m battling depression and
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anxiety. I have gotten better but it’s a step-by-step process every day. It’s consciously making an effort not to let the lies and outsiders get the best of me.” Aware that depression is common in showbiz, she noted, “I know that we’re conquering [the problem] because we are slowly learning to be more authentic in our industry. And I love it, because we’re all growing together.” And like the true Mulan she admired while growing up, de la Torre refuses to let depression and anxiety get the better of her for she knows that rising above the condition will benefit not only herself but others who look up to her. “There are definitely good days, but after everything that’s happened, I really feel that my calling is to lead people back to hope. When I step on that stage, and one person feels encouraged, then I already know that I fulfilled my calling. That trumps every fear and anxiety that I have, just knowing that I have changed a person’s life,” de la Torre ended.
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Reading: A bonding time for Judy Ann and Ryan’s brood by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
AT a time when almost every reading material is accessible through digital platforms, it is truly admirable to learn that there are still parents who make it a must to gather and read them story books. One such family is that of celebrity couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo whose almost 11-year of marriage has blessed them with three beautiful children. “When it’s reading time for the family, alam na ng kids na wala ng TV, walang gadgets, our phones are out of sight — nakatabi na lahat yan. We focus on our children, we focus on that activity and they treasure that,” the multi-awarded actress told The Manila Times on the sidelines of McDonald’s Happy Meal Readers book launch. The couple, together with their youngest, Luna, was revealed as the family brand ambassadors of the chain’s new program, the Happy Meal Readers. Through this, customers now have the option to bring home a toy or a book for every Happy Meal purchase. “And then, eventually, yung reading time namin it became a regular thing. The kids are looking for it, they are requesting for it, they know what to call it — they know it’s bonding time when it’s reading time,” Santos continued. The 41-year-old also said they knew their reading time became a thing even for their children who grew up in the digital age because they would often still talk about the stories they shared the night before in their breakfast table. “Ibig sabihin natatandaan nila at nagmamarka sa kanila yung mga oras na nilalaan natin sa mga anak natin,” Santos said smilingly. Meanwhile, for Agoncillo, Santos’ husband, encouraging their children to love reading seems natural since he himself loved the activity during his childhood. “Reading was a big part of my childhood. Bedtime stories though were not, my parents were very busy with work. But fortunately, yung bahay na kinalakihan ko, may library and we really had a lot of books,” Agoncillo shared. The growing Agoncillo thought it was normal for every child to grow up with complete encyclo-
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 12-18, 2020
Registration now open for Las Vegas spring break camps and no-school fun days March-April Camps available for ages 5-14
LOOkInG for a fun and educational experience for the children during spring break and other work days school is not in session? Check out the options below. Advance registration is required for each one. Spring break camps Spring Break Camp Monday-Friday, April 6–10, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at most locations. • Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 n. Cimarron Road; 702-229-1607; $125/week; ages 5-11. • East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 n. Eastern Ave., 702229-1515; $75/week; ages 5-11. • Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargove Ave., 702-2296359; $125/week, ages 6-11. • Municipal Swimming Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, 702-2296309. Hours 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; $150/week; ages 6-11. • Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 n. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-229-1100; $150/week; ages 5.5-11. Youth enjoy games, crafts, sports and park play time. Call the center you would like to attend for more information. Register online. Spring Break Theater Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos with their daughter Luna Photo from Instagram/@officialjuday
pedias and different story books from around the globe. “That’s why I grew up reading a lot. Tapos yung panahon na maraming brown out, walang TV at wala pa namang internet noon so you are really forced to pick up a book, stay under a tree and read a book. And we are all the better for it.” A different challenge Successful in their goal to inspire their children to read more, the challenge now for the couple is how to gather all their three children — who may have varying interests now because of their age gaps — and read to them just one book. “Their average is six years apart. Si Yohan, growing up, she had her fill of her books, and then Lucho, of course and then Luna. Ang maganda lang ngayon, sometimes, it’s kuya reading to Luna and ganun din si Yohan, it was ate reading to Lucho. “So, yes, that’s the challenge now, to make them pick just one
book but may mga times naman na nagkakasundo sila,” Agoncillo answered. He cited one instance where they read Goldilocks and the Three Bears which their youngest, Luna, 4, picked. Lucho, who is turning 10 this year, quietly slept in the room because he already knew the story. “Sometimes, they’ll insist maybe on books by local authors, may time na Filipino yung storya na babasahin namin just so maenrinch yung vocabulary nila sa Filipino,” Agoncillo further informed. In conclusion, Santos reminded parents that regardless of the title, it is important to encourage kids to read. “Ngayon ko na realize that it really is important that we let our children read a lot because you let their minds be creative, yung imagination nila, yung range ng vocabulary nila, yung knowledge nila, [nagiging] malawak,” Santos ended.
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Camp (ages 10-14) Monday-Saturday; April 6–10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; April 11, 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $135/week. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229ARTS (2787). The six-day camp gives students the opportunity to go from “page to stage” in just one week! Students will spend Monday through Friday learning stage technique, character work and rehearsing in preparation for a presentation on Saturday. Register online. Visual Arts Spring Break Camp (ages 7-14) Monday-Friday, April 6–10, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost: $75/week. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229ARTS (2787). Led by Visual Arts Instructor Audrey Fox, students will create artwork daily they can take home. Art lessons will teach elements and principles of design along with an integration of key concepts including fine arts relevancy and historical/cultural significance. Students will explore and create artwork that
may include dioramas, cartooning, texture paintings and more. Fox is a professional visual artist and instructor with over 20 years of experience teaching painting, sculpture and design to youth. She exhibits new artwork regularly, participating in gallery shows and contributing to the art scene in the Las Vegas Valley. Fox also possesses years of experience teaching advanced skills to adults. Register online. No-school Fun Days No-School Fun Day Camp (ages 5-11) Monday, March 9, or Monday, April 13, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 n. Eastern Ave., 702229-1515; $20; or Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 n. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-229-1100; $35. Youth enjoy a day away from school exploring the world. Advance registration required. Register online. Safekey No-School Fun Day (grades K-5) Monday, March 9, or Monday, April 13, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $25 per child; a specific no-School Fun Day registration PAGE 15
From Army nurse to author: Filipina... PAGE 10 a target readership in mind, she thinks about the human inspirations around her, whether it was her grandfather, children or female friends. Marcelo is set to release yet another novel in spring 2021 titled “In a Book Club Far Away,” which was prompted by t he sisterhood amongst militar y spouses. (“They’re in a book club so it’s very meta writing a book about them talking about books,” she joked.) “There are all kinds of little nuances that I grew up with and wanted to throw out there in the world. I’d like my books to be slotted with other Filipino American stories so that it is just one story out of so many stories,” Marcelo said. “My books are not meant to speak for all Filipino Americans, but I want it to be part of the landscape and the Marcelo (second from right) was one of the featured authors during a recent “An Evening of Romance” panel at East City Book Shop in Washington, DC. Photos courtesy of Tif Marcelo fabric.”
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March 12-18, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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Drum Tao returns with a bang to The Smith Center on april 11 Tickets on sale now at TheSmithCenter.com
LAS VEGAS — The world’s foremost Japanese taiko drumming ensemble, DRUM TAO returns to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas with a one-night-only engagement of DRUM TAO 2020, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $29 are on sale now and available at TheSmithCenter.com and at The Smith Center box office. Special pricing for students is also available starting at $16.50. Having performed for more than 8 million audience members around the globe, DRUM TAO 2020, tour booked and produced by Columbia Artists, returns to Las Vegas with a thrilling stage spectacle featuring fiery and athletic drumming routines executed
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Celebrities grace 24th Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala
THE 24th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love gala was held at MGM Grand Arena Las Vegas on Saturday, March 7. The iconic singer Neil Diamond, who stopped performing in 2017, sang his hit songs with “Hello Again,” “Love on the Rocks,” and thrilled the 1,500 guests with “Sweet Caroline,” as everyDRUM TAO 2020 will be a one-night only engagement on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at The Smith Center body sang with him, “so for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Performers are the world famous Japanese taiko drumming good, so good!” ensemble DRUM TAO.Tickets start at $29 and are on sale and available at TheSmithCenter.com and at The Smith Center box office. Special pricing for students start at $16.50.
Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
with impeccable syncopation Odaiko drums that can weigh up on a wide assortment of drums, to 3 tons, and more. Highlighting including handheld snare drums, Japan’s many art forms, DRUM TAO also features elegant performances on flute, marimba, harp, and more while showcasing vibrant choreography, sets, and contemporary costuming for a large-scale performance experience that captivates audiences’ eyes and ears. Recognized for its “outstanding cultural contribution,” DRUM TAO is rewriting the story of traditional Japanese drum for a new generation. Tickets for the electrifying DRUM TAO 2020 at The Smith Center on April 11, starting at $29, are on sale now. Student pricing is available from $16.50. For tickets and more information, DRUM TAO’s worldwide performances include playing at the Vancouver Olympics, selling out every visit TheSmithCenter.com. (Advertising Supplement) show in its debut North American tour, and performing an acclaimed Off-Broadway show.
Stardust Letters re-lamped, illuminated in the Neon museum Boneyard LAS VEGAS – The monumental Stardust letters—one of The Neon Museum’s most iconic Neon Boneyard sign exhibits—have been re-lamped and are now illuminated daily. These letters join the growing number of restored and illuminated Las Vegas neon signs on display in the Boneyard. To re-lamp the eight, letters, which range in height from 14 to 18-feet, Hartlauer Signs used more than 1,100 energy-efficient, 3-watt cold cathode compact fluorescent (CCFL) bulbs. Their original location on the building and the year they were put on it are currently unknown. The sign originally used 25-watt incandescent bulbs. In the course of this partial restoration, Hartlauer Signs found flashers, electrical devices enabling the oscillating effect associated with bulbed signs. Now, visitors to the Boneyard can see the Stardust illuminated just how it appeared when it last functioned on the Las Vegas Strip. Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. It has been named “Best Museum” by Las Vegas Weekly, one of “Sin City’s
Best Retro Sites” by MSN, “No. 1 Las Vegas Museum Sure to Entertain and Educate” by USA Today’s 10best.com, “One of the Top 10 Coolest Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do” by Forbes.com, one of the “Top 10 Historic Spots in Las Vegas” by Vegas.com; one of “15 Most Fascinating Museums in the U.S.” by VacationIdea. com; and earns a consistent 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor. On its 2.27-acre campus, the Neon Museum houses an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard (“boneyard” is traditionally the name for an area where items no longer in use are stored); the North Gallery, home to the nighttime augmentedreality, audiovisual spectacle, “Brilliant!”; the Boulevard Gallery outdoor exhibit and event space; and its visitors’ center, housed inside the former La Concha Motel lobby. The museum collection also includes nine restored signs installed as public art throughout downtown Las Vegas. Public education, outreach, research, archival preservation and a grant-funded neon sign survey represent a selection of the museum’s ongoing projects. Both the Neon Boneyard and the La Concha Visitors’ Center are located at 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North in Las Vegas.
Vin is on a roll by Ricky
caldeRon ManilaTimes.net
VIN Abrenica says he is happy with what is happening to his career and likewise pleased with matters of the heart. The newest celebrity endorser of an underwear line met with the media to talk about his new endorsement deal, his very first. “I am excited. It feels really great to be part of a great company like Hanford. Dreams do come true and I really believe it because for the longest time, I’ve been dreaming to have something like this. I’ve been working out every day and also praying [that this day would come]. I would like to thank Hanford for the trust. I hope I will be able to help Hanford become even more successful,” he said. The Kapamilya hunk said getting this endorsement is very special. “Anything that you have for Vin Abrenica Photo from Instagram/@vinabrenica PAGE 15
ENTERTAINMENT
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-18, 2020
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Jane salutes past ‘Darna’ stars: ‘Symbol of a strong Filipina’ by RYAN
ARCADIO Inquirer.net
JANE de Leon honored the women who portrayed the Filipino superhero Darna in the past, just as the world marked International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8. De Leon, who is the latest actress to take on the role, uploaded photos of the previous Darnas on her Instagram page on the same day. Among the women she featured were Nanette Medved, Vilma Santos, Anjanette Abayari, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera and Rosa del Rosario. She also included a drawing of Liza Soberano wearing the heroine’s red helmet. Soberano was named the newest “Darna” star in 2018 but withdrew from the project last April due to a finger injury. “I respect and salute all these women (and to all the Darnas before them) who became a symbol of a strong and independent Filipina,” de Leon said. “The voice of their generation who have been continuously doing their part as superheroes behind the costume through their individual achievements, efforts, and advocacies to help humanity and nature in general,” she added. “You are all and will always be an
Jane de Leon with Marian Rivera
Photo from Instagram/@imjanedeleon
inspiration today and onwards.” De Leon was chosen as the latest actress to portray the iconic heroine last July following Soberano’s decision to back out from the upcoming “Darna” film. Paulo
Avelino will also star opposite de Leon in the production, which will be helmed by filmmaker Jerrold Tarog, known for “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”.
Vin is on a roll
PAGE 14
the first time is special — your first love, first kiss and so is your first endorsement,” he added. As the new celebrity endorser of the men’s underwear brand, his schedule ahead is very busy. “I will be doing mall shows and I am glad being onstage because it is my happy place. I will have my own pictorial for
the billboards too. So I am really excited to see myself on EDSA,” Vin said, adding that he is willing to pose wearing only an undergarment. “Nagwala ako when I learned Hanford got me as endorser,” he said laughing. “I am so happy kasi.” With regards to matters of the heart, the actor says his relation-
ship with Sophie Albert is as strong as ever. “I am happy with my relationship with Sophie. We’ve been together for some time and we’ve talked about getting married. But I’d like to tell you that there is no wedding happening soon. And if ever there is, I am a very private person, we will just surprise you with it,” said Vin.
Registration now open for City of Las Vegas... PAGE 13
is required. Joseph Neal Elementary School, 6651 W. Azure Ave. or J.T. McWilliams Elementary School, 1315 Hiawatha Road • Current Safekey Customers - Log in to your Parent Portal account at lasvegasnevada.gov/ safekeypayments and click on
“Registration,” then select NoSchool Fun Day. • New to Safekey? - Visit lasvegasnevada.gov/safekey to access the New Registration Portal and select No-School Fun Day. Youth enjoy an exciting day away from school with games, contests, craft projects, sports
and more, all in a safe, enriching environment. Participants are to bring a sack lunch; an afternoon snack will be provided. Limited spots available. Call 702-229KIDS (5437) for more information. City of Las Vegas summer camp registration will begin online April 14.
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March 12-18, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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