APRIL 3-6, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 26 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
Locsin: Hate crime against elderly DATELINE USA Bay Area Fil-Am teen Filipina will ‘influence’ PH foreign policy recovering after FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
being shot in the face
A FILIPINA American teen has been discharged from the hospital after getting shot in the face in San Francisco during an incident her family is calling a hate crime. Jessica Dimalanta, a 19-year-old from Vallejo, California, was reportedly attending car stunt shows with four friends in San Francisco on Sunday, March 21, when a group of men pulled up in a dark sedan and opened fire on the grey Lexus she was riding in. Dimalanta and a 19-year-old male were hit, while their other three friends were unharmed. The suspects fled the scene. She was taken to UCSF Mission Bay Hospital in downtown San Francisco, and was later transferred to SF General Hospital, according to a report from Daily Mail. Her uncle, Dexter Martin, confirmed with the Asian Journal that Dimalanta is Filipina. He started a GoFundMe page for her, claiming that his niece was a “victim of a hate crime” for being Asian.
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PHILIPPINE Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has condemned the recent brutal attack against an elderly Filipina American in New York City, saying it will influence the country’s foreign policy with the United States.
“This is gravely noted and will influence Philippine foreign policy. I might as well say it, so no one on the other side can say, ‘We didn’t know you took racial brutality against Filipinos at all seriously.’ We do,” Locsin said in a tweet on Wednesday, March 31. A 65-year-old Fil-Am woman, identified as Vilma Kari, was walking to church in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood on Monday morning, March
LA Catholic leaders hold prayer vigil in solidarity with AAPI communities by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
u PAGE A3
‘This is the reality a lot of us face’: Fil-Am Army veteran hurt in another hate crime in SF
29, when a man assaulted her and knocked her to the ground, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. The unprovoked attack was captured by a CCTV camera, showing the man kicking the woman several times in the head before walking away. He reportedly told her, “You don’t belong here,” according to the police. u PAGE A2
Auxiliary Bishop Alejandro “Alex” Aclan of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles delivered a homily on Wednesday night, March 31 at Incarnation Church in Glendale, California denouncing the recent attacks on Asian Americans, including on a Filipina senior citizen in New York. He also encouraged dialogue and reconciliation with other communities and racial groups. Aclan is the second Filipino American priest to be ordained a bishop in the United States. Photo by Angelus News/Víctor Aleman
A FILIPINO American U.S. Army veteran from San Francisco was recently subjected to a racist tirade and injured in a physical attack in what is being considered a hate crime. Ron Tuason — a 56-year-old longtime Bay Area resident who is of Filipino, Chinese and Spanish descent — was waiting for the bus after a trip to the grocery store in the city’s Ingleside neighborhood on March 13 when another man approached him and started spewing racial insults. The man, who was wearing a Navy hat, pointed out Tuason’s veteran cap. “He notices me and the color of my skin and the fact that I’m wearing a hat that says, ‘veteran.’ He ends up saying, ‘Get the hell out of my country, you caused this problem. Do you want to get hurt? You’re not a veteran, I’m a veteran,’” Tuason recounted in a recent interview with the Asian Journal. The veteran, who uses a cane to walk, tried to record the incident on his cellphone until u PAGE A3 Vilma Kari
AMID the surge in racial violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) across the United States, Los Angeles Catholic leaders held an outdoor candlelight prayer vigil in solidarity with the affected communities. LA Archbishop José H. Gomez on Wednesday, March 31, reminded attendees that Asian American families belong to the oldest communities that arrived in the country. “The first families from the Philippines arrived here in California, at Morro Bay, nearly 450 years ago, in 1587,” he said during the prayer vigil held at the Incarnation Parish Church in Glendale, California. “If you think about it, Asians were here, working and worshipping, 33 years before the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower on the other side of the country. It is very sad that these relatives, neighbors and u PAGE A3
65-year-old Filipina in ‘good spirits’after brutal attack Over $200K raised for Vilma Kari’s recovery by MOMAR
G. VISAYA AND CHRISTINA M. ORIEL AJPress
THERE’S an outpour of support for Vilma Kari, the 65-year-old Filipina immigrant who was violently attacked on her way to church in New York during the start of Holy Week. A GoFundMe page — started by Kari’s daughter Elizabeth days after the brutal incident in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood — has garnered over $200,000, within a day. “First and foremost, I want to start off by saying my mom is humbled by the outpouring of messages and support from not only our friends and family, but from the kind souls all over the world,” her California Gavin Newsom, 53, received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine on
u PAGE A2
Thursday, April 1 as the state’s residents 50 and older became eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Newsom
fend themselves! Fight me instead.” “We have one color in our Blood! Stop discriminating. LOVE AND PEACE TO EVERYONE!!” he wrote in the accompanying tweet. The Filipino victims included in the graphic are Jessica Dimalanta, a 19year-old from the Bay Area who was shot in her right eye; Noel Quintana, a 61-year-old who was slashed from cheek to cheek on the New York subway; and Danny Yuchang, a 59-yearold travel agent who was punched during his lunch break in San Francisco. It features a photo of Brandon Elliot, the suspect who attacked Vilma Kari, Senator-turned-boxer Manny Pacquiao sent a message on social media to Photo from Twitter/@MannyPacquiao u PAGE A3 those attacking Asian Americans.
older, individuals over the age of 16 with high risk conditions, and those working in education, child CALIFORNIANS over the age care, agriculture and food, and of 50 are now eligible to receive a emergency services have been COVID-19 vaccine as it continues prioritized for vaccinations. its mass vaccination campaign. On Thursday, Governor Gavin The expansion took effect Newsom received the Johnson & on Thursday, April 1 to include Johnson single dose vaccine at a those 50 years and older who South Los Angeles vaccination previously did not qualify to be site. inoculated under one of the eli“Getting vaccinated is a vital gible categories. step we can take to protect ourHealth care workers, long- selves, our loved ones and our term care residents, those 65 and u PAGE A3
Pacquiao challenges perpetrators of anti-Asian attacks: ‘Fight me instead’ by AJPRESS PHILIPPINE Senator and eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is daring those committing violence against the Asian American community to challenge him instead. The 42-year-old people’s champ took to social media on Thursday, April 1, calling for an end to anti-Asian hate and racism by posting a photo of him in front of a collage of recent hate crime victims and suspects. The graphic, which was also translated in Tagalog, Chinese and Korean, bears the message to perpetrators: “Stop attacking Asians who can’t de-
California expands COVID-19 vaccinations to residents 50 and older by AJPRESS
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From the Front Page
Locsin: Hate crime against...
PAGE A1 The CCTV also caught the building’s doorman shutting the door on the victim who sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, police said. On March 31, the suspect, identified as Brandon Elliot, was arrested. He faces two counts of
assault as a hate crime, attempted assault as a hate crime, assault and attempted assault, police said. “That’s not heartbreaking. That’s enraging. And what goes around and kicks a lot will come around and get kicked back a lot,” Locsin said. The Philippine Consulate Gen-
PH Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Philstar.com
eral in New York welcomed the arrest, thanking the New York Police Department. “We thank the New York Police Department (NYPD) and all those who, in one way or another, contributed to the efforts that led to the arrest of Brandon Elliot,” it said in a statement on Thursday. The country will extend aid to Kari under the Consulate’s assistance to nationals program, according to Locsin. The Consulate General also reminded members of the Filipino community in New York and surrounding areas to remain vigilant. “In view of the alarming surge in hate crimes against members of the Asian Community in the United States, the Consulate General would like to remind the kababayans in New York and surrounding areas to remain vigilant and to immediately report any incident by calling 911 or the Asian Hate Crimes Task Force of the NYPD at 1-800-440-HATE,” it said. In addition to local authorities, victims can contact the Consulate General’s Assistance to Nationals Hotline at 917-239-4118 or by email at newyorkpcg.atn@dfa. gov.ph. For his part, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the Embassy in the US, along with other Southeast Asian diplomats, have expressed to the White House their “strongest concern” over the surge of anti-Asian attacks in the U.S. “We have already communicated strong concern to the White House about these hate crimes. We have banded together with our Asean brothers to express the same serious concern,” said Romualdez. n
65-year-old Filipina in ‘good spirits’...
PAGE A1 daughter wrote on the fundraising page. Kari suffered serious injuries including a fractured pelvis from being kicked and stomped on, according to police. She was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and “is safe and in good spirits,” her daughter said. “Although the healing process will not be easy, she has always been a resilient role model for me. We are hopeful that in time she will make a full recovery,” Elizabeth continued. Surveillance footage of the brutal incident on Monday, March 29 shows Kari being violently kicked in the stomach as she fell to the sidewalk. The suspect, Brandon Elliot, proceeded to stomp on her head and body multiple times, according to police. Elliot, who is a parolee convicted of killing his own mother in 2002, reportedly shouted antiAsian slurs at Kari and said, “You don’t belong here.” He was arrested early Wednesday, March 31 and charged with two counts of assault in the second degree as a hate crime, and one count of attempted assault in the first degree as a hate crime. He had been living in a hotel serving as a homeless shelter a few blocks away from the scene of the crime, according to re-
ports. The video, which has since gone viral, also caused outrage online as it appeared to show two lobby staffers at the luxury apartment building witnessing the attack but not intervening. One of the men is seen closing the door as Kari laid on the sidewalk. Mayor Bill de Blasio called the incident among “the horrible, disgusting attacks on Asian American New Yorkers, and it’s got to end and we’re going to use every tool we have.” He said it was “absolutely unacceptable” that none of the witnesses intervened. The disturbing surveillance footage released by the NYPD showed the building’s doorman shutting the door on the helpless victim who sustained serious injuries. “Look, I don’t care who you are. I don’t care what you do, you’ve got to help your fellow New Yorker,” de Blasio said. The Brodsky Organization, which owns the building along 43rd St., said the employees who witnessed the assault were “suspended pending an investigation in conjunction with their union.” “And if you see someone being attacked, do whatever you can – make noise, call out what’s happening, go and try and help immediately call for help, call 9-
1-1,” de Blasio added. “I mean, this is something where we all have to be part of the solution. We can’t just stand back and watch a heinous act happening.” Extended footage from the company, released by PIX11, reportedly shows staff coming to Kari’s aid after the suspect fled. Elizabeth said off-camera, a witness across the street saw the attack and “yelled and screamed to get the assailant’s attention.” “That is where the video cuts off as the attacker crossed the street to him. To this person, I understand your decision in remaining anonymous during this time. I want to THANK YOU for stepping in and doing the right thing. This gesture of action is what we need in our world right now. I hope one day, my mom and I can thank you personally,” she wrote. For now, the GoFundMe account is how individuals can help Kari as she recovers. “This does not take back the pain and trauma my mom has experienced nor will it replace the time to heal as she gets back on her two feet,” Elizabeth said. In addition to medical expenses, funds will be allocated to other victims of hate crimes and organizations supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. n
Borough of Manhattan President Gale Brewer organized a rally on Tuesday afternoon, March 30 in front of the luxury apartment building on West 43rd Street where the attack on Filipino American Vilma Kari happened. She was walking on the sidewalk when she was approached by the suspect who kicked her so hard and knocked her to the ground. The assailant then kicked her and stomped on her face three times while hurling anti-Asian sentiments at her, police said. Photo by Don Tagala
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Bay Area Fil-Am teen recovering after being...
PAGE A1 According to Martin, a bullet went straight through Dimalanta’s right eye. “While doctors were able to remove the shell, fragments still are embedded in her face, and she is unable to chew and speak without pain. She is now permanently impaired,” he wrote. He also shared that Dimalanta was diagnosed with diabetes, and while in care, tested positive for COVID-19. “Jessica will need medical care, is afraid for her life, and does not want to go outside because she fears something else is happening to her,” he said, WORK IN PROGRESS. The COVID-19 pandemic might have slowed down the economy but the construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 adding that she will also require (MRT-7) continues along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, March 31. The 22-kilometer, 14-station line is 54-percent complete as of February. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja physical and mental therapy in the future. Dimalanta, who recently
LA Catholic leaders hold prayer vigil in... PAGE A1 parishioners of ours are facing violence and discrimination in recent months, not only here in California, but in other parts of the country as well,” he added. Gomez also urged Catholics to pray for a renewed spirit of fraternity in the society, reminding everyone that they are all part of the family of God. “We pray for a new spirit of fraternity in our society, that we may all come to see one another as brothers and sisters. We are all children of God, who loves us and created each of us in his own image to live in equality and with dignity as one family of God,” he said. For his part, Auxiliary Bishop Alejandro “Alex” Aclan – who became the second Filipino
American priest named bishop in the U.S. – echoed Gomez’s sentiment during his homily. “We gather tonight to enter our Lord Jesus Christ so we can ask him for his help so we can overcome the racism we are living in at this time,” he said. Aclan highlighted the contributions of AAPI professionals to the U.S. economy, noting that countless of them are professionals in the healthcare field and culinary businesses. He also called the faithful to action, including educating themselves, participating in activities that foster community, dialogue and reconciliation with people from different races and to form the conscience of the young so they can learn to respect each other’s dignity.
‘This is the reality a lot of us...
PAGE A1 the man knocked it out of his hand. Then, the suspect started punching him several times, causing him to hit a fence and fall to the ground. “There was a steel fence behind me and I hit my head on the pole, so I was really seeing the stars. I went down and my glasses flew off,” Tuason continued. “Because of the amount of weight in my backpack, I couldn’t get up unless I used both hands and I have mobility issues.” Three witnesses came to Tuason’s aid by pulling the suspect off him and helping him get back up. San Francisco Police Department officers came within minutes after he called 911. Officers were able to locate the suspect, identified as 53-year-old Victor Humberto Brown, shortly after at a nearby McDonald’s. Brown faces felony assault and hate crime charges. The suspect was wanted on three separate warrants for violating probation in San Francisco, battery in San Jose and battery on a bus driver in Santa Clara County, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Tuason took photos of his injuries, which include a black eye and a swollen cheek, and also reported the incident to the Stop AAPI Hate website. He said that after he appeared on the local news, individuals have since recognized him in public and have reportedly verbally harassed him. He continues to wear his veteran hat outside, a symbol of his service as a combat engineer in Louisiana and Germany in the 1980s. “This story is bigger than me.
Ron Tuason, a 56-year-old Filipino American Army veteran, suffered a black eye after he was attacked while waiting at a bus stop in the Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco. Contributed photo
What scares me right now is seeing this hateful trend. There have been negative comments on my story and when I’ve gone out to the store, people have recognized me and have given me funny looks. One individual even called me a racist slur,” Tuason recounted. Since the March attack, Tuason said he is suffering from short-term memory loss and continues to have a hard time sleeping. However, he said he will use this spotlight to speak up about anti-Asian attacks in hopes of seeking justice and preventing future attacks. “People have been attacked, harassed or have had their vehicles broken into. If anything, San Francisco as a whole is a smokescreen. What’s really going on here is sad and it’s the reality a lot of us face. We don’t feel safe,” he said. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
California expands COVID-19 vaccinations to residents... PAGE A1 community, and brings us that much closer to ending this pandemic,” he said. To date, the Golden State has administered over 18 million doses, according to data released by the California Department of Public Health. Of that number, 6.7 million are considered fully vaccinated. Later this month, on April 15, vaccines will become available to residents 16 and older. With the expanded eligibility, residents are cautioned that they may have to wait for
an appointment depending on supplies. “While supplies are currently limited, our statewide network of providers is ready to meet the growing demand and we look forward to vaccine allocations dramatically increasing in the months ahead,” Newsom said. Residents can use My Turn to find and schedule available appointments, either by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov (now available in 12 languages, including Tagalog) or by calling 1-833422-4255 (assistance available in 250+ languages). n
Pacquiao challenges perpetrators of... PAGE A1 a Filipina on her way to church in New York on Monday, March 29. Elliot, a parolee who was previously convicted for killing his mother, was arrested two days after a video of the brutal attack went viral. The collage also highlights Xiao Zhen Xie, a 75-year-old woman who was punched in San Francisco, but fought back by smacking her attacker with a wooden board. She plans to donate the nearly $1 million raised
for her to organizations helping the community and combating hate. Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that tracks anti-Asian American discrimination, reported that from March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021, it has received 3,795 firsthand incidents of racism and discrimination from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Of that number, 503 incidents took place in the first two months of 2021 alone. n
turned 19 in March, was scheduled to start school last week to become a health care provider but is now unable to attend due to her injury. “Jessica is the sweetest, kind, caring person with an angelic voice, loves to sing and spend time with her family. She helps her single mother take care of her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. She did not deserve to have to suffer like this. No one deserves this at all,” wrote Martin. He also condemned the surge in violence against Asians in the United States, calling for an end to hate and racism. “We also want to bring awareness to the anti-Asian violence and racism that is evolving around us. Let’s please work together to stop senseless violent
hate crimes and continue to take care of one another. We are praying for past and current victims of these crimes, and hope we can move toward a safer and more inclusive society,” said Martin. In an update posted on Saturday, March 27, he said Dimalanta has been discharged but is currently in quarantine. “It’s been very tough for our family, currently and still processing the events. Our primary focus right now is my niece’s recovery, beating COVID and her well being. As one would expect, she is very traumatized and needs her space to heal as well,” Martin said. The GoFundMe page has since raised over $63,000 to help with Dimalanta’s recovery. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)
Among the attendees of the prayer vigil were Auxiliary Bishop Marc Trudeau for the San Pedro Pastoral Region, Fr. Rodel Balagtas, Incarnation’s pastor, who delivered introduction remarks, and more than a dozen priests from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, mostly of Asian American descent. Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that tracks anti-Asian American discrimination, reported that from March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021, it has received 3,795 firsthand incidents of racism and discrimination from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Over 500 incidents occurred in the first Jessica Dimalanta, 19, of Vallejo, California was shot in the right eye on March 21 in what her family is calling a racially motivated attack. Photo courtesy of Dexter Martin two months of 2021. n
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Fil-Am sprinter Kristina Knott wins Philippines slips in global gender equality silver in Texas to start Olympic bid by louise
MauReen Philstar.com
by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
FILIPINA American sprinter Kristina Knott bagged the silver medal in the 93rd Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin, Texas, as she begins her qualifying bid for the Tokyo Olympics. The Fil-Am track star clocked in at 11.54 seconds, finishing behind Kiara Parker, who registered 11.20 seconds during the women’s 100-meter dash event held at the University of Texas-Mike A. Myers Stadium on March 27. Knott’s trainer, Coach Rohsaan Griffin, who has also been the Philippine Athletics Track and
Field Association consultant since 2016, said her seasonopening stint “was not bad per se.” “She had a few technical flaws with the race setup, and had poor execution, but nothing to panic about,” noted Griffin. Knott, 25, currently holds the Philippines’ national record for both the 100 meters and the 200 meters sprints. In 2019, she broke the record set by Filipina sports legend Lydia de Vega-Mercado when she recorded a time of 23.01 seconds during the women’s 200-meter dash in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, taking home the gold medal.
Last year, she clocked in at 11.27 seconds during the Drake Blue Oval Showcase meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, eclipsing the 33-year-old record of 11.28 set by De Vega in the 1987 Jakarta SEAG. Knott is reportedly set to compete at the Pure Athletics meet in Clairemont, Florida on April 3. She is also scheduled to see action at the Miramar Invitational in Florida on April 10, the Cardinal Meet set April 15 to 18 in Stanford, and the 10th Savona International Meeting in Savona, Italy on May 13 as she vies for a spot in the next Olympic games. n
siMeon
MANILA — The Philippines slipped a notch in the global ranking on gender equality, highlighting the pandemic’s consequence on more Filipino women leaving the labor force. Based on the Global Gender Gap Report 2021 of Genevabased World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines ranked 17th out of 156 countries. It scored 0.784 out of a parity score of one. This means that it closed 78.4% of its overall gender gap to date. While it slid one notch in the global ranking, its performance was second-best in the East Asia and Pacific region, after New Zealand. However, the country’s ranking continued to deteriorate as it ranked sixth in the world when the WEF started its gender equality report in 2006. For the 12th time, Iceland ranked as the world’s most gender-equal country, followed by Finland, Norway, New Zealand and Sweden. The report benchmarks the
evolution of gender bias in terms of economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment. Based on the report, the Philippines closed both its educational attainment at 99.9% and health and survival gaps at 97.9%. It is also among the 18 countries in the world that have closed at least 79.5% of their economic participation and opportunity gaps. “This result is due in part to the fact that the Philippines is one of the few countries that has closed at the same time its gender gap in senior roles and in professional and technical roles,” the report said. However, the WEF said women should be incentivized to participate more in the broader labor force. It said only 49.1% of women are in the job market, corresponding to a gap closure of just 65.3%. Similarly, income and wage gaps persist. On average, 22% of the wage gap and 31% of the income gap have yet to close. When it comes to politics, the WEF noted that only 36.2% of
the gap has been closed so far. “Despite having a woman as head of state for over 15 of the past 50 years, there are still too few seats in the parliament held by women at 28% and even fewer women among ministers at 13%,” it said. The report said progress towards gender parity is stalling many economies, partly due to women being more frequently employed in sectors hardest hit by lockdowns combined with the additional pressures of providing care at home. “The pandemic has fundamentally impacted gender equality in both the work place and the home, rolling back years of progress. If we want a dynamic future economy, it is vital for women to be represented in the jobs of tomorrow,” it said. Data showed that the pandemic had more negative impact on women than men, with women losing jobs at a higher rate of five% than men at 3.9%. And even as the labor market recovers, women are being hired at a slower rate in multiple industries. They are also less likely to be hired for leadership roles. n
Olympic hopeful Kristina Knott won a silver medal in the recent 93rd Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin, Texas. Philstar.com file photo
PH posts new record of 15,310 cases in a single day by Red
Mendoza ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippines logged 15,310 cases of COVID-19 in a single day on Friday, April 2, its highest, so far, for a total of 771,497 infections. Of the total, 153,809 are active cases, including 3,709 that were supposed to be recorded on March 31 but were affected by the CovidKaya application sys-
tem backlog, resulting in a lower 6,128 infections on that day. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire assured the public that the problem has been resolved. A positivity rate of 20.7%, or 7,275 out of 35,143 samples tested yielded positive results. Nearly 99% of all active cases remain mild, moderate or asymptomatic, while the rest remain severe or critical.
Recovery rate continued to decline at 78.3%, or a total of 604,368 recoveries, including 434 newly recovered patients. Seventeen more people died, raising the toll to 13,320 for a 1.73% case fatality rate. Hospital capacity in the National Capital Region (NCR) continues to get tighter with 78%, 71% and 59% of intensive care unit, isolation and ward beds occupied. n
RICE FOR LIFE. A worker unloads sacks of rice for delivery along Kaliraya Street, Quezon City on Maundy Thursday, April 1. It’s business as usual in the food and delivery services despite the Enhanced Community Quarantine status in Metro Manila, and the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
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DIVINE INTERVENTION. Religious items for sale on a sidewalk near St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City lure a customer on Maundy Thursday, April 1. Sales are expected to be minimal the rest of the Holy Week as Filipino traditions are banned for the second straight year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Philippine tourism sites, DOT secure nominations at Asia Edition of 2021 World Travel Awards by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
MANILA —The Philippines and the Department of Tourism were once again included in the list of nominees for the 2021 World Travel Awards Asia Edition. “I am very excited to share with you that, once again, the organizers of the WTA have shortlisted the DOT and the Philippines for multiple awards under the Asia category of its annual program, which is now on its 28th run this 2021,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat shared. “In addition to our efforts to expand the source markets for the Philippines and prepare for the eventual relaxation of our travel restrictions, we also put equal importance in maintaining the country’s image as a top-of-mind destination among international travelers through the help of notable industry platforms such as the WTA,” she added. The Philippines secured two nominations this year — Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, while the DOT was nominated as the region’s Leading Tourist Board.
Cebu was also shortlisted under the Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination category. On the other hand, Intramuros remains to be a nominee for Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction since it is the title holder for the same award in both the World and Asia categories in WTA last year. WTA, established in 1993, is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive global recognition bodies that aims to “acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.” How to vote This year, the public and travel industry stakeholders can vote for the Asia-WTA nominees until August 16. The voting period started March 30. Votes by regular users count as one, while votes cast by travel industry voters count as two. To vote, the DOT said online users should register to create an account on the WTA portal: https://www.worldtravelawards. com/nominees/2021/asia. using a valid e-mail address. “After an e-mail verification, registrants will be able to cast their votes. Additionally, users who are members of the travel industry have the option to apply
for an upgraded WTA account by providing additional details such as company name and association number upon registration and fulfilling the minimum requirement of ten votes,” the DOT said. Puyat encouraged Filipinos to vote for Philippine nominees. “On behalf of the DOT, I am enjoining the support of our industry stakeholders, and Filipino and foreign travelers to support the Philippines in the 2021 WTA. By casting our votes, we can show that the Philippine tourism industry is alive and even more determined to bounce back, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. Last November, Philippines’ dive sites and famed walled city Intramuros were hailed World’s Leading Dive Destination and World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2020, respectively. The following country’s tourism gems were also nominated for the respective WTA categories last year : • World’s Leading Beach Destination 2020: Philippines • World’s Leading Island Destination 2020: Siargao • World’s Leading Tourist Board 2020: the Philippines, Department of Tourism n
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OPiniOn
FeatURes
Storming the heavens
FOR the second year in a row, the country is marking Holy Week amid sickness and death. The toll this time has become much worse, with over 10,000 fresh COVID cases recorded in just one day last Monday. A quick end to the scourge is unlikely. The toll on livelihoods and the economy has been as devastating. As of February, there were 4.2 million unemployed Filipinos, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The 8.8 percent rise was higher than the 8.7 percent or four million unemployed in January – an indication that the gradual reopening of the economy has failed to stop the loss or diminution of livelihoods. Underemployment also went up, with 7.9 million people looking for more work while holding other jobs – a rate of 18.2 percent from the 16 percent or 6.6 million people in January, according to the PSA. The government’s economic managers pointed out that the reopening of more enterprises restored an estimated 1.9 million jobs. President Duterte himself, however, has admitted that the crisis has brought him close to tears. Addressing the nation at the start of Holy Week, he warned Filipinos to brace for “bleak months”
ahead. The National Capital Region and four adjacent provinces have been reverted to the strictest enhanced community quarantine as COVID cases surge, and the ECQ could be extended by another week. With vaccines in short supply and experts warning that the infection numbers would get worse before they get better due to the ECQ, people are turning to prayer. In this unprecedented crisis, Holy Week is no longer holiday time but a real season for introspection. We assess what matters most in our lives; we contemplate our mortality; we reconnect with our Maker. In the time of COVID, we also take responsibility for each other’s health, adhering to safety protocols not only to avoid catching the coronavirus but also to avoid infecting others and putting their lives at risk. It’s a time to intensify what spiritual leaders had called for at the start of this pandemic: let us storm the heavens with prayers, hoping for an end to our suffering. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
My mother’s journey: Chasing the promise of Easter in the age of coronavirus The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS IF Good Friday is here, can Easter be far behind? This is a rhetorical question that takes on a different meaning during these challenging times as we continue to fight the war against COVID-19, especially when we think about our loved ones in the Philippines. Every day, we read messages asking for urgent prayers as the threat of the coronavirus pandemic hits home, going beyond the boredom of being asked to say at home and the lack of freedom of navigation. This year, we have heard and read news about our own families and friends from the Motherland dying of COVID19, or are in critical condition because of breathlessness and there is no more room in the ICUs. This is the worst time to be sick, or have an accident because the illness or injury you went to the hospital for may not be the one that will kill you. It is being exposed to the killer virus especially if you are
Commentary
already vulnerable and your health and wellness are already compromised. During times like this, how do we look forward to Easter, to the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, when there is a dark cloud hovering over us that doesn’t seem to go away? When no matter how much we try to take care of ourselves, so many things are still beyond our control? My own family members are still living in the Philippines, including my mommy, Angelita Santos, and my siblings and their families. I think of and worry about them every day, praying for their protection, as I feel the pining and desperation because we could not even visit them because of lockdowns and travel restrictions. My brother Joel Santos sent me a very touching message, which to me, is God’s grace, to remind me that despite all of these daunting frustrations, we have so much to be thankful for. Joel reminded me how last year, when the coronavirus pandemic fully paralyzed Metro Manila, including Quezon City where my family lives, my Mommy had an accident. Of all times, she tripped as she was walking to the toilet
one night, causing her to hit her eye, which bled profusely that she had to be rushed to the emergency room. Mom’s eyes were badly damaged that she needed an operation to remove her eyeball or it could cause a lifethreatening infection. Mommy was hospitalized and upon discharge after the operation, she and my brother Joel and their caregiver Vhoy had to quarantine because of possible exposure, and still had to go back to the hospital for a follow-up. When I talked to Mommy, she intimated that there was a point when she would ask God why this had to happen to her, after all that she had gone through in life — losing her parents when she was barely 5 years old, and seeing them die up close when they were directly hit by the bomb when Manila was declared an open city during World War II. She would ask God why she wasn’t spared of this freak tripping mishap when she had to take care of Daddy when my father had an accident that paralyzed him at a young age? Mom was just turning 31 then and Dad was 34 and they had to raise us five children. Mom couldn’t help but feel “Tampo,” abandoned… “My
God, my God, why did you abandon me?” Yet after praying without ceasing, Mommy received God’s grace to seek those she could be thankful for. She was thankful for her life, and that she was spared from COVID19 despite her possible exposure in the hospital. She may still be navigating her new life losing one eye, but she is still grateful she still has the other eye to see the dawning of each new day, to see the way her children look at her and take care with so much love, to see the smiles of her grandchildren who adore her, to read God’s Word that feed her soul, to check on her Facebook and see what is going on with me and our family here in the U.S., and chat with everybody else, and to share words of hope and encouragement with everybody. She received God’s grace of healing when she shifted her focus from what she lost to what she still has, and she prays for people who need healing and hope. Mom’s resilience has been more viral and infectious than the dreaded virus, and she has been doing her part to help lift others up in their desperation, especially us, her own family. She constantly reminds us to
der pressure and, as you wait, courage and hope will flow into your being, irradiating all your lives with the warm sun of My Presence. Let all go this Eastertide. Loosen your hold on earth, its worries, even its joys. Unclasp your hands, relax, and then the tide of Easter joy will come. Put aside all thoughts of the future, of the past. Relinquish all to get the Easter Sacrament of Spiritual Life. So often man, crying out for some blessing, has yet such tight hold on some earth-treasure that he has no hand to receive Mine, as I hold it out in Love. Easter is the wondertime of all the year. A blessing is yours to take.” *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
A border of bureaucracy has kept On dealing with racists, bullies and thugs my family apart for 35 years Street Talk
MICHAEL MILAN I WAS born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from the Philippines. My father served in the U.S. Navy and my mother was a registered nurse who traveled across the country and finally landed in California. After my parents divorced, my sister and I stayed with our mother who raised us as a single parent while she continued to work at the hospital. My mother worked hard to provide for me so I could have a good education and be an upstanding citizen in this community. As a U.S. citizen, my mother petitioned her sister to come to the United States a few years after I was born. After 11 years, my family received confirmation that the petition was received. We were told that we could now submit the visa application for my aunt. We had to wait 11 years for confirmation of receipt from INS – the wait period was excruciating, but we were still hopeful. The INS document stated: “This completes all INS action on this petition” and at that point, we were approved to ap-
trust in God completely, totally, unconditionally. “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened for you” (Matthew 7:7). This is the test of our faith — to continue praying and believing that what we prayed for is already on its way, trusting God’s will, God’s perfecting timing, and God’s wisdom and promise that He will make everything work together for our good. We ask for grace to sustain us during these most difficult trials of our life, and one way to achieve this is to intentionally seek how the hand of our Lord has saved and sustained us in the past, and therefore, He can and will do that again for us and more than we can ever ask and dream of. We have to thoughtfully seek how God is blessing us now in the midst of the storm, counting even more blessings He continues to grant us, instead of just focusing on what is lacking and missing in our life. To close, let me share with you this reading from one of my bedside books, “God Calling”: “I lay My Loving Hands on you in blessing. Wait in Love and longing to feel their ten-
GREG B. MACABENTA
ply for a visa. We immediately applied for a visa in 1997, we knew it was going to take some time to get a response back. We did not receive further notice until 2019, 22 years after we applied for a visa. Some try to equate the immigration backlog to a line at a grocery store, or the post office. But have you ever waited 33 years for a government document? A few of us have. My aunt was corresponding with the U.S. Embassy in Manila and was given a notice that stated in part that my mother
was required to provide a birth certificate from the Philippines. However, my mother was born in 1941, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and did not have a birth certificate. She had to find two witnesses from her hometown, who knew my grandparents and could provide a signed affidavit acknowledging my mother’s birth. It took a while to make this happen, but with a 33 year wait – we had to do everything we were asked. It wasn’t until November of
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TWO instances of unprovoked attacks on elderly Asian women were featured on network TV in March — one in New York and the other incident, in San Francisco. The New York attack was so brutal. I’ve only seen that kind of cruelty in movies, inflicted by Nazis on prisoners of war (POWs). The 65-year-old Filipino woman, Vilma Kari, was walking on the sidewalk, in the vicinity of Times Square, when a big, burly man met her with a kick to the body. The poor woman fell on the pavement. The brute then kicked her thrice, before walking off. The assailant was arrested the next day. He was on parole and had served time for killing his own mother. The San Francisco anti-Asian attack, which was also unprovoked, frankly made me feel good. The intended victim, 76year-old Xiao Zhen Xie, fought back with a piece of wood and
maimed the assailant. The old woman suffered a swollen face, but the attacker — also big and burly like the New York brute — was in an even worse condition and had to be carried off in a stretcher by the police. According to data compiled by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism of California State University, San Bernardino, hate crimes in the U.S. have decreased overall by 7%. But acts of violence committed against Asians have increased by almost 150%. Yet, it could be a mistake to attribute all of these attacks to racism. Some may have been plain bullying or an intended robbery or hold-up. Asians may just seem more vulnerable, particularly the elderly. When I sent my wife and four kids to the U.S. in 1986, racism was rampant in America. I was told that this was the case in Cambridge, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where my elder sister had a medical practice. Our two youngest children, Jinx and Jojo, were the only Asians at Cambridge South Dorchester High School. Before my sister’s children went on to college, they were also the only Asians in that school. But our boys had no problem
making friends, some of whom keep in touch to this day. But one morning, as I prepared to drive to work in Makati, my wife called me long distance to inform me that Jinx had been suspended for getting into a fight in school. Asked what had happened, Jinx explained that a classmate used a racial slur on him. “So I hit him!” Then he asked me quite candidly: “What would you have done, Papa?” My response must have sounded awkward, coming from a father who wanted to properly raise his kids: “Well... I would have waited until after school.” In truth, I felt conflicted. Gigi and I had endeavored to raise our children, according to the Boy Scout motto: Physically strong mentally alert, and morally straight. While the kids, all strived for good grades, they were also active in competitive sports. Jinx, Jojo and Christina, our only girl, had been members of the tae kwon do team at Colegio San Agustin in Makati. Ringo, the eldest, was a member of the swimming team at Don Bosco. He was also taking judo lessons at YMCA. Christina was the first of the children to study in the U.S., as
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 3-6, 2021
Filipino priest develops oral, yeast-based COVID-19 vaccine by Kathleen
a. llemit
Philstar.com
MANILA — A Filipino priest and scientist is developing an oral, yeast-based vaccine against COVID-19 and its many variants. Fr. Nicanor Austriaco has been working on the vaccine since last year. A molecular biologist and visiting professor at the University of Santo Tomas, the Dominican priest shared his proposed yeast vaccine delivery system during a virtual lecture last December. Speaking to UST’s university-wide paper, The Varsitarian, Fr. Austriaco said that once developed, the oral vaccine will be something “like Yakult” that anyone can drink everyday. With the use of the probiotic yeast, his team will genetically modify it to induce immune system response against the virus, he told News5 in December. The priest-scientist, who holds a PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has said in several interviews that he aims to develop the vaccine in oral form so that it could reach as many people, even as far away as boondocks. He also sees it as a means to lessen the risk of exposure or contact. He even said that since yeast can be stored at room temperature,
EXPRESS YOURSELF.
Fr. Nicanor Austriaco is a molecular biologist and visiting professor at the University of Santo Tomas. Photo from Facebook/Nicanor Austriaco OP
refrigeration is not necessary for his proposed vaccine. “You don’t need a doctor, you don’t need a nurse, you don’t need an injector, you don’t need a refrigerator. For our country, with more than 7,000 islands, millions of Filipinos in the bundok, how will you deliver the vaccine to them?” Fr. Austriaco said in an interview with GMA News Online. “This yeast delivery system is very stable. You can put it in a box and you can carry it with you, take it on the boat, take it
on the Babuyan islands without refrigerators,” he added. He said that he does not expect for this vaccine to be as 100% effective as the vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna but hopes it will “provide enough protection” so that Filipinos will not have to go to the hospital. In the same interview, the priest-scientist shared that he and the team will conduct tests on mice at UST and estimated that the results of the study will be out by December this year. n
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A border of bureaucracy has kept my family...
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2020, after nearly 35 years of waiting and stuck in the backlog, we received notice that my aunt’s visa application was denied and that she was not eligible. She did everything that was asked of her yet, she was forced to be separated from our family for 35 years and was denied. We searched for the attorney who helped my mom file the paperwork 35 years ago, but he has since passed away. These documents were filed before I was even born and now I have witnessed firsthand the injustices of the separation of families and the extreme backlog to reunite families and process immigration paperwork. I joined the Value Our Families campaign to fight for reform in the family immigration system, and as someone who has witnessed the limitations of this program, I fight for other families who are working to
reunite. My family wants to share our immigration story to raise awareness about problems caused by our country’s seriously flawed immigration system, in the hopes of helping to pass important legislation intended to address these very fixable problems. I have met with governmental officials such as Congressmembers Norma Torres, Pete Aguilar and Ken Calvert, and back then Senator Kamala Harris to
ask for their support in the passage of the Reuniting Families Act. I will continue to advocate for immigrant rights and the reunification of families. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Michael Milan is a U.S. citizen and the son of Filipino immigrants.
Wear a mask to help keep your community healthy. Take a risk with fashion, not your health. covid19.ca.gov
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Robredo: ‘Love means calling for effective governance’ by currIe
cator ManilaTimes.net
Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo OVP photo
ONE of the best ways to show love for one another in these trying times is to call for effective governance, said Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Maundy Thursday, April 1. “In this time of pandemic, love means doing everything we can to protect the person next to us from infection,” she said in her Holy Week message. “It means
spreading correct information about the virus and the vaccines. It means calling for effective pandemic governance. It means helping those in need.” Quoting Pope Francis, Robredo added that love is the “most effective tool in building a better world: the better normal that we all dream about — a fairer, more just, and more humane society.” Robredo underscored that the challenges brought about by the crisis are binding experiences
On dealing with racists, bullies... PAGE A6 t a high school exchange student in Massachusetts. In one of her letters, she told us about a boy in the school bus who kept taunting her. Apparently, the boy had heard that she knew “some tae kwon do.” Boasting that he was good in martial arts, he said he wanted to test Christina. She avoided the boy for as long as she could — but finally gave in one day. She gave the boy a sound beating. In another incident in Cambridge, three boys ganged up on Jinx outside of school. The next day, the news was all over the campus: “Hey, we heard you got beat by a guy named Jesus!” Jinx’s full name is Jesus Federico. Indeed, having lived in the U.S. for almost 35 years, my family and I have had a taste of racism, as well as bullying. But, frankly, I experienced more racism growing up in the land of my birth. I spent my boyhood in Tacloban, Leyte, overlooking Cancabato Bay and the San Juanico Straits. To say that I was swarthy from frequent dips in the sea, would be an understatement. People actually used the “N” word on me. In Tagalog movies, where I worked for many years, a common plot was a variation of the ugly duckling who — you guessed it — was always darkskinned. Towards the end of the film, she would be magically transformed into a cream-complexioned Gloria Romero. Former Makati Mayor, Vice President and presidential candidate, Jojo Binay, knows what I mean. Because he was leading early in the polls, pundits quipped that he could be “the first black president of the Phil-
ippines.” However, VP Binay did not suffer from an “inferiority complexion.” During the presidential campaign, he actually made his swarthiness part of his “pang-masa” appeal. But, for good or ill, another non-Tisoy candidate won the presidency. Sadly, we Filipinos have been so brainwashed in over 300 years of Spanish colonization, followed by decades under the influence of America and Hollywood. This could explain why most Pinoy men fantasize about a “white cover” girlfriend and why the women have made skin whiteners a hot-selling commodity. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, Pinoys tend to regard those with darker skin as inferior. I understand that this attitude is also common in Latin America, a region of indios and mestizos. In 1978, as I prepared for my first trip to the U.S. to attend the Advertising Age Creative Workshop in Chicago, Ruffin Grey, a friend from Clark Field, warned me about the dangers of walking around Chicago and downtown Los Angeles. It sounded like the advisory the State Department issues about going to Muslim Mindanao. However, I enjoyed Chicago and Los Angeles without any incident. Well...almost. There was this drunken salesman at the bar of the Conrad Hilton in Chicago. He barked at me to vacate my seat at the bar, so he could take over. Having had a few drinks myself, I snarled back at the fellow and told him I didn’t want to kill anyone on my birthday. I was bluffing, of course, although it really was my 38th birthday. The guy turned pale and backed off. We ended the evening buying drinks for each other.
Wolfgang Schoen, a client at Nestle Philippines, gave me an earful about dealing with people in strange places. A German with a fondness for beer and playing the piano, he frequented the honky-tonks in Culi-Culi in Makati, West of South Superhighway. Worried for his safety, I cautioned him about going to Culi-Culi, then notorious as a red light district. “You don’t know your people enough,” said Wolfgang. “You should go with me sometime.” I did join him in Culi-Culi and was amazed at how protective the bar girls and the “tambays” (street gangs) were of him. “If you look for trouble,” Wolfgang lectured, “trouble will find you.” Of course, the two elderly Asian women who were assaulted in New York and San Francisco were not looking for trouble. But trouble found them, nonetheless. And I’m afraid that they won’t be the last victims of anti-Asian violence in America. In fact, my eldest grandchild, Derick, who is active with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, has been designated to organize a protest march against anti-Asian violence in San Francisco. But I would still advise everyone to heed Wolfgang Schoen’s words as much as possible: “Don’t look for trouble or trouble will find you.” The keywords are: “As much as possible.” However, if it is not possible, my own advice is also from the Boy Scouts: “Be Prepared!” ***
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** (gremacabenta@hotmail.com)
and opportunities for Filipinos to help each other and contribute to the greater good. “Ang pagpapabaya sa isa ay pagpapabaya sa lahat, at ang pag-angat ng mga nasa laylayan ay pag-angat din ng lahat,” said the Vice President. “Sama-sama ang pagsulong dahil itinuturing nating kapatid ang bawat isa.” (Neglecting one is neglecting everybody, and lifting up those who are at the hem of society is lifting up all of us. We should
move forward together because we are brothers and sisters.) While ushering in the Holy Week is not the same for Filipinos for the second time around because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Robredo highlighted that it does not lose its true essence and meaning. Rather, it is a chance to “revive our faith and renew our hopes.” “We all feel grief at loss and suffering, but we also find hope that life will always prevail over death, that good will always win over evil, that light will always
shine amidst the darkness,” she said. “Sa panahon ngayon ng pangamba, ng maraming banta sa ating kaligtasan at paraan ng pamumuhay, para bang napakahirap makahanap ng pagkukunan ng pag-asa. Pero pinapaalala sa’tin ng mga Mahal na Araw na nakatahi mismo sa pagkatao natin ang pag-asa,” she added. (Amid fears, and threats to our safety and livelihood, it may be difficult for many of us to find hope. But this Holy Week, we are reminded that hope is within all of us.) n
China projects in PH found riddled with secretive conditions by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
MANILA — Contracts for three China-funded projects under the Duterte administration’s infrastructure program were found riddled with highly secretive conditions that give Beijing undue advantage in debt settlement. The Kaliwa Dam Project, Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, and technical assistance for the Philippine National Railway (PNR) South Long Haul Project were among the 100 Chinese contracts worth $36.3 billion analyzed by researchers and found to contain grossly disadvantageous provisions against 24 developing economies. These “Build, Build, Build” projects were cumulatively worth $493.08 million. The findings were contained in an 85-page report drawn up by AidData, a research unit at the William & Mary’s Global Research Institute, together with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Center for Global Development and the Peterson Institute for International Economics. While the Philippines overall is minimally leveraged to China — only 0.002% of state debt last year came from Beijing — overall liabilities have increased over the past year due to pandemic costs, and liabilities from already-signed China loans are only adding to the burden. None of the 3 projects named in the report is completed, hit by construction delays not only emanating from the health crisis, but also opposition from grassroots and those that worried about President Rodrigo Duterte’s cozying up to China. Five years into this however, there are little economic gains to dangle, and
the persistent threat of a debt trap — no matter how unlikely — is consistently re-surfacing. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, whose agency manages official development assistance, did not respond to request for comment. Former socioeconomic planning chief Ernesto Pernia, under whose term these contracts were signed, also did not respond. Confidentiality The report said that all Chinafunded ventures from 2014, which inevitably included the 3 local projects in 2018 and 2019, contained confidentiality clauses. The terms prohibit the disclosure of contracts to anyone and had been a source of worry In 2019 for many lawmakers who pressured government to divulge contract details. The finance department, in response, managed to win concessions from the Chinese that allowed making public the loans. Full payment ensured But problems go beyond confidentiality, according to the latest report. In the $211.2 million Kaliwa Dam project for instance, the Philippines was mandated to funnel “profit accruing from the Project…to repay the principal and interest” in the Chinese loan used to build it. The dam’s construction has dragged due to concerns it would damage the environment and tribal lands. It appears however that this is a counterpart provision to tighter ones found in other contracts that mandated opening a bank account with sufficient balance for repayment at all times. On top of these, in the three Philippine projects as well are “cross-default clauses” that trigger full repayment of Chinese loans if and when the Philippines defaults in any foreign debts even
from different creditors. For Kaliwa Dam and Chico River Irrigation, the trigger will activate if outsider debts worth at least $25 million get unpaid, while a bigger $100 million was set for PNR South Railway. This clause ensures that China is guaranteed automatic full payment even when the borrower is supposedly already encountering difficulties paying up other obligations. “A commercial cross-default clause helps protect creditors from falling behind in the payment queue,” it said. “They adapt legal and financial engineering tools—some new and others over a century old—to protect their investments and climb the ‘seniority ladder,’ potentially gaining repayment advantage over other creditors,” the report said. Worse, Chinese loans may not be restructured. They are exempted under the Paris Club, a group of large creditor countries that aim to ease the burden of indebtedness among their borrowers. While China is indeed not a member of the club, it is a G-20 country, and being committed to help poor but eligible borrower countries ease their debt load. This provision runs counter to that obligation. “Several contracts with Chinese lenders contain novel terms, and many adapt standard commercial terms in ways that can go beyond maximizing commercial advantage,” the report said. “Some of the debt contracts in our sample could pose a challenge for multilateral cooperation in debt or financial crises, since so many of their terms run directly counter to recent multilateral commitments, long-established practices, and institutional policies,” it said. n
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Embassies are reopening: When will your family be interviewed? Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IN a previous article, I reported that on February 24, 2021, Pres. Biden revoked Trump’s immigration ban, which was set to expire at the end of March 2021. Because of that ban, most immigrant visa processing was suspended at the U.S. embassies around the world. That caused a lot of confusion, heartbreak, and sadness to so many families around the world, who played by and followed the rules, only to be told they would now have to wait. Some already had their visas issued, but the visa expired. Others were already interviewed and were just waiting for their visas to be delivered. Others were told to submit additional documents, which they immediately did, but their future was left up in the air. Now that Trump’s immigration ban is no longer in effect, U.S. embassies are opening up, and will again start issuing immigrant visas. In this column, I will discuss the current status of how the U.S. embassies are
opening up, and I’m basing it primarily on the information from the U.S. embassy in Manila. But the same policy and procedures for reopening are likely to be applied to all U.S. embassies around the world. Here are some of the key points to remember in connection with rescheduling interviews and visa issuance: • Routine visa services continue to remain suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This might include applying for or renewing visitor visas and other such routine
for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This includes primarily spouses and children under 21 years of age of U.S. citizens. In fact, during the pandemic, the U.S. Embassy continued to issue visas for immediate relatives. I’ve had several cases at my office where visas were issued for spouses of U.S. citizens during the past year. • Cases where an applicant was previously interviewed but was instructed to submit additional documentation under section 221(g). This is like a request for evidence from the USCIS that asks for additional documents. It might have been something like a marriage contract or birth certificate and the person immediately submitted it. I would imagine these people would not need to be re-interviewed, but instead, their immigrant visas can now be issued, if all the documentation has been submitted. • K-1 and K-2 fiancé visas on a limited basis, if they are “expedite – approved missioncritical cases,” such as a K-2 children about to age out. • Employment-based EB-3 cases for “healthcare positions,” on a case-to-case basis. This would include nurses and others in the medical field. It’s unclear if this could also include caregivers because they are considered “other workers”
“Also, remember there is a requirement that anyone entering the U.S. from abroad, including U.S. citizens, must take the COVID-19 test a few days before arrival, to be admitted.” services. Routine visa services will resume “as soon as possible” but embassies cannot provide a specific date at this time. The embassy further notes it “cannot predict when the resumption of full visa services or a specific set of visa cases will resume.” As for immigrant visas, whether family-based or employment-based, the following cases are being processed in “limited numbers”: • The embassies continue to interview and issue visas
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LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL (TOP LEFT) ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM KAPAMILYA AROUND THE U.S. REGARDING THEIR IMMIGRATION SITUATIONS ON A BRAND-NEW CITIZEN PINOY! Mila from Menifee, California (top right) wants to know what her brother can do regarding his visa which already expired due to the shutdowns caused by the pandemic. Nanding from Aurora, Illinois (bottom right) recently became a U.S. citizen. He has been separated from his wife for over 32 years, and now has a girlfriend. He wants to know if he can bring his girlfriend to the U.S. Cora from Los Angeles, California (bottom left) petitioned her daughter last 2012 when she was still a green card holder. Cora is now a U.S. citizen and wants to know if her daughter can come to the U.S. as a tourist and just wait for her petition to be current. Find out the answers to these questions on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, April 4 at 5:30 pm PT (8:30 pm ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)
B2 APRIL 3-6, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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UP alumni virtual Immigration news, updates, and answers to questions from Kapamilya get-together set for April 24 on Citizen Pinoy this Easter Sunday!
LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel gives viewers the latest immigration developments, as featured on his YouTube channel: US Immigration TV. He also answers questions from Kapamilya around the U.S. regarding their immigration concerns. Mila from Menifee, California asks about her brother and his family whose visas were approved and scheduled to be delivered in March 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the visas were only delivered in June and have already expired when he got them. What should her brother do?
Nanding from Aurora, Illinois recently became a U.S. citizen. He has been separated from his wife since 1988, and he now has a girlfriend. Can he bring his girlfriend to the U.S.? Cora from Los Angeles, California petitioned her daughter last 2012 when she was still a green card holder. She is now a U.S. citizen and wants to know if her daughter can come to the U.S. as a tourist and wait for her petition to be current. Atty. Gurfinkel provides answers to these questions and more on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, April 4 at 5:30 pm PT (8:30 pm ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)
Fil-Am star Olivia Rodrigo releases new single By ritchel
MendiolA AJPress
FILIPINA American Disney star and singer Olivia Rodrigo has returned with a follow-up to her debut smash hit “Drivers License.” Rodrigo on Thursday, April 1, released “Deja Vu” from her upcoming and highly-anticipated debut album out on May 21. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the star of “The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” shared that she wrote the track Olivia Rodrigo PAGE B3
Filipina OPM singer Claire dela Fuente dies at 62 By AJPress
Screenshot from Youtube/OliviaRodrigo
Embassies are reopening... PAGE B1 rather than EB-3, but we will monitor that situation. Also, remember there is a requirement that anyone entering the U.S. from abroad, including U.S. citizens, must take the COVID-19 test a few days before arrival, to be admitted. Obviously, this is not “great” news. It is merely good news. But I’m glad to see that the embassies are opening up again and are expanding the scope of immigrant visas they will issue. I know it can be frustrating, and no specific date can be given, but as soon as there are
developments about requirements and additional cases being accepted, we will keep you informed. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different, and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to
FUN, fellowship, and friendship awaits all U.P. alumni in the 5th Annual Spring Fling get-together of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) scheduled on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. PST via Zoom. Spring Fling is open to all U.P. alumni (UPAAGLA members and non-members) from Kern County to Orange County. This free event that will take you back to memory lane is guaranteed to be filled with fun and surprises as well as a raffle drawing. UPAAGLA is a 501 c3 nonprofit alumni organization that aims to engage U.P. Alumni in Southern California and to raise funds to support the various programs and projects of the University of the Philippines. Currently, UPAAGLA has over to U.P. from 2019 to the pres- register, please visit: upaa200 members and has do- ent. gl a s pr i ng f l i ng 2 0 2 1.e ventnated over 1.8 million pesos For more details and to brite.com
apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, YouTube: US Immigration TV and Instagram. com/gurfinkellaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
FILIPINA singer Claire dela Fuente has passed away a week after testing positive for COVID19. She was 62 years old. Her son, Gigo de Guzman, confirmed in an Instagram video that she died due to cardiac arrest on Tuesday, March 30, at around 7 a.m., adding that his mother had suffered from anxiety after contracting the virus. “My mom, Claire dela Fuente, died early this morning...from cardiac arrest, kasi overanxiety kasi na-confirm nga na mayroon siyang COVID (she had overanxiety because it was confirmed she had COVID). They tried to revive her but wala na talaga (but it was hopeless),” he said. “Bigla-biglaan na lang (It happened without warning),” he added. De Guzman also shared that he was in quarantine after also contracting COVID-19, lament-
Claire de la Fuente ManilaTimes.net photo
ing that even with his condition, he wasn’t allowed to be with his mom in her tent outside the hospital. Dela Fuente rose to fame in the 1970s after winning a singing competition and catching the attention of composer George Canseco, who got her to sing the Hope cigarettes jingle.
She recorded several OPM or Original Pilipino Music hits including “Sayang,” and “Nakaw na Pag-ibig.” Dela Fuente was dubbed as “the Karen Carpenter of the Philippines,” as well as “Asia’s sweetest voice” during the peak of her career. Aside from music, she was also involved in food and transport businesses. Several OPM musicians have paid tribute to her on social media. “Heard Claire dela Fuente died this morning. Condolences to her family. We performed together many times, she was proud to be called a Jukebox Queen. Rest In Peace, Claire,” said singer Leah Navarro in a tweet. Singer Richard Poon also shared on Facebook a post about her death that said, “Isang OPM Icon na naman ang namaalam (Another OPM Icon has said goodbye). Rest in peace Claire dela Fuente.”
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Bank of America increases commitment to advance racial equality, economic opportunity to $1.25B Expansion will include actions to address racial justice and advocacy for people of Asian descent
CHARLOTTE – Bank of America on Tuesday, March 30 announced that it has increased its $1 billion, four-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity to $1.25 billion over five years. This effort further accelerates work already underway to address racial equality and opportunity through direct actions, investments and work to catalyze similar efforts across the private sector. To date, the company has made more than $350 million in various investments from its initial $1 billion four-year commitment, announced in June 2020, across its primary focus areas of health, jobs/ reskilling, affordable housing and small business. Additional funds announced today will further support investments to address racial justice, advocacy and equality for people and communities of color, including those of Asian descent. “The urgency we feel to address longstanding issues of inclusion and racial inequality has only increased following the attacks and hate speech directed at Asian people over the last year,” said Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan. “Across the public and private sectors, it is clear that we must do more – to take action, help others convene, and serve as a catalyst for a broad-based, collective response to the critical issues affecting our nation.” The bank also announced an immediate $1 million commitment and related actions in support of increased advocacy, dialogue and engagement with the Asian American community. Further investments will be identified as part of the company’s expanded five-year effort. Immediate actions taken to help accelerate and expand pre-existing work include: • A grant to the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) organization to advance the nonprofit’s work to promote civil rights, bystander intervention, in-language advocacy, social services assistance and legal support. This funding supports five Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliates based in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. • The addition of Connie Chung Joe, chief executive officer of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, to serve as a member of Bank of America’s National Community Advisory Council (NCAC), in support of ongoing dialogue and stakeholder engagement with the Asian community in the U.S., and on broad issues of gender and racial equality. Members of the NCAC engage with leaders on Bank
of America’s business policies, practices and products in support of employees, clients and local communities. • Additional support for the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) and The Leadership Conference Education Fund as the two organizations work to advance local community advocacy, training, and resources through community-based efforts. • Increased philanthropic support through Bank of America’s employee matching gift program. Bank of America employees can double their charitable donations to these three nonprofits and select others; the company’s matching gift minimum has been lowered to $1 for the next 90 days, to expand the impact of their support to the Asian community in the U.S. “The rising number of attacks against Asian people, including the tragic shootings in Atlanta recently, have served as a stark reminder that we must stand united against discrimination, hate speech and violence,” said Thong Nguyen, vice chairman at Bank of America. “We will not tolerate acts of racism in any form. Today’s commitment builds upon Bank of America’s many years of work in support of inclusion and racial equality.” “Over the past year, we’ve witnessed increased racism and violence against Asian Americans, underlining the significant need for tools and resources to combat these, as well as a need for culturally specific mental health and victim support resources,” said Chung Joe. “We look forward to working with Bank of America and other national advocacy leaders to advance racial equity and create opportunities for all Americans.” Bank of America’s work to address racial equity includes participation in the Business Roundtable’s new, multi-year effort to improve equity, diversity and workplace culture, and the bank’s partnership with the Smithsonian Institution in support of its “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with our Racial Past” initiative. Within the company, Bank of America’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Council includes senior executives from around the world and has been led by Moynihan for more than a decade. The company also connects and supports employees through 11 employee networks and local chapters, including the Asian Leadership Network with more than 11,000 members. Expanding perspectives is a critical aspect of how Bank of America drives a culture of inclusion. Over the last decade,
the company has hosted thousands of courageous conversations with employees, external partners and members of the community to cultivate awareness, inclusion and understanding. Sessions held recently include an event hosted by Bank of America’s Asian Leadership Network regarding allyship to address the current climate of race relations in America, particularly in the Asian and Black/African American communities. Bank of America’s $350 million in commitments since June 2020 include: • Equity capital investments in 12 minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to provide lending, housing, neighborhood revitalization and other banking services to thousands of individuals and small businesses that do not qualify through traditional lenders. This includes a new investment in Central Bank, an Asian American MDI. • $188 million of investment in 61 private equity funds focused on minority and women entrepreneurs to address the persistent gap in access to growth capital for minority-led businesses. • Founding partner of the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past” initiative exploring how Americans understand, experience and confront race. • More than $22 million in grants to national and local nonprofits supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship, health and emergency needs. • Partnerships with 21 higher education institutions and major employers to enhance up-skilling and re-skilling for Black and Hispanic-Latino students. • More than $13 million committed to Native American Communities hardest hit by the coronavirus. • Expanded opportunities for 50,000 women entrepreneurs at the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell. • Distribution of 25 million masks to underserved communities across the U.S. Bank of America also recently tripled its affordable homeownership commitment to $15 billion through 2025 and issued a $2 billion Equality Progress Sustainability Bond designed to advance racial equality, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. In 2020, the company provided $6.17 billion in affordable housing and economic development financing to help build strong, sustainable communities across the U.S. (Bank of America Release)
Olivia Rodrigo
Fil-Am star Olivia...
PAGE B2 a month after writing “Drivers License.” “I’m sort of obsessed with the concept of déjà vu, like I really like that concept, I get déjà vu all the time. And so I thought it would be a cool play on words to use déjà vu as a metaphor for this very universal thing that happens when you break up with someone and they get with somebody else, and see them living the life that you lived,” said Rodrigo. On January 8, she released “Drivers License,” which quickly dominated the charts of major streaming platforms. It climbed to no. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Top 100 chart, Apple Music’s Top 100: Global chart, and Spotify’s Global Top 100. The song is also now the longest-running number-one song on the Billboard Global 200, spending eight weeks at the top and surpassing BTS’s “Dynamite” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” In total, “Drivers License” has now racked up 1.033 billion streams, according to Billboard. It is the first song to reach the milestone in 2021. Rodrigo admitted that she felt the pressure to follow up “Drivers License” with another hit. “The success of ‘Drivers License’ has been a huge lesson in how you just need to, when
you put a song out, you just need to let it go. And it’s everyone else’s song to interpret, it’s not your song anymore,” she told Lowe. “But it is sort of difficult having that be my first song ever, because the success is so immense,” she added. Rodrigo was born to an American mother of Irish and German descent, and a Fil-Am father. In an interview with the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), Rodrigo talked about the Fil-Am side of her family. “My great-grandfather immigrated here from the Philippines when he was just a teenager. He’s my grandma’s dad, and my grandpa is also Filipino as well,” she said. “My dad grew up in a house where they were always making Filipino food, his grandpa always spoke Tagalog. All of those traditions have trickled down to our generation. Every Thanksgiving we have lumpia, and things like that,” she added. Rodrigo also revealed that she wants to go to the Philippines one day. “I have never been to the Philippines, but I really, really want to. We still have extended family there, but I’ve never met them. That’s on my bucket list, definitely,” she said.
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IRS, FBI, FTC warn of new mobile phone scams
Tax Tips Victor Sy, MBA, cPA (retired) ThIeveS’ new target: Mobile phones. People are vigilant in protecting their computers but not their cell phones; accordingly, scammers are feasting on mobile phones. The IRS FBI FTC have issued warnings about protecting phones especially when shopping. Make sure that your phones and tablets are just as secure as your computers. Federal and state agencies are working together stem this dangerous scheme. 1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued warnings about fraud related to
the pandemic. It specifically warned of COVID-19 schemes related to taxes, antibody testing, healthcare fraud, cryptocurrency fraud and others. We urge you to report COVID-related fraud complaints to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. 2. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also has issued alerts about fraudulent emails claiming to come from the Centers for Disease Control and the World health Organization. 3. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), state tax agencies, and the private sector tax industry, including tax professionals, work in partnership as
the Security Summit to help protect taxpayers from identity theft and refund fraud. *** Victor Santos Sy, MBA. CPA (Retired) Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.
An Easter message Pastor’s Notes reVerend rodeL g. BALAgtAS On this Easter Sunday, I reaffirm our relentless spirit as Catholic Christians, which is evident in the ongoing worship and services worldwide amid the pandemic, whether in-person gathering or livestreamed. As I’ve always said, no pandemic or financial crisis could ever stop us from practicing and living our faith! We have a strong Church, built on the shoulders of people who have gone before us and flourishing in the present time under our stewardship. We cannot let any catastrophe
or trial extinguish the Light of Christ in Christian communities worldwide. This is the Church we love— where you and your children receive the Sacraments and where we get spiritual nourishment. This Easter, as we continue to deal with this pandemic, we never lose hope and faith in God. We continue to fulfill our commitment and mission to make our churches true Houses of Worship, where everyone feels at home, regardless of race, language, culture, age, and gender. We continue to be a beacon of life, joy, and hope to everyone. We are here for each other in health, sickness, and death — through every crisis and challenge. I am amazed and inspired to witness all those volunteers’ courageous and tireless
efforts in different parishes involved in liturgy, liturgical ministries, technology and media ministry, bereavement ministry, and catechetical ministry social outreach, and others. We have not only survived. We are thriving! May this Easter Season bring you hope and joy in our faith in the Risen Christ! May it enlighten people’s hearts to end the evils of racism, hatred, inequality, and injustice. Amen. Alleluia! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Stop foreclosure, reduce your debt by filing Chapter 13 HAS your income been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? If you are currently unemployed and have no resources to pay creditors, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to wipe out your debts and start fresh may be the clear and only option. To file Chapter 7, you generally need to be able to show zero disposable income every month. But what if you had some disposable income but not enough to pay all your creditors? Is there a way to pay only based on how much you can afford? If you are struggling to pay your bills due to insufficient income and/or excessive expenses, yes, there is a way to make your debts more manageable so you can sleep better at night. For individuals, it’s called Chapter 13. While every case is different, of course, let me explain in general terms how Chapter 13 works and how it might benefit you if you are in the situation I described above. Chapter 13 is the section of the US Bankruptcy Code that allows individuals in the United States to reorganize their finances. If you are having difficulty paying your debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, taxes, late mortgage payments and property taxes — all kinds of debts), don’t despair. Chapter 13 can give you the relief that you need so that you can get back on track as quickly as possible. Let me explain. We all know how difficult it is to catch up once you start falling behind on debt payments. If you’ve experienced a reduction in income (example: reduced income from employment — or business, if you’re self-employed), Chapter 13 allows you to pay back your creditors (with the exception of a few types
Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BuLAon of debts, you will also pay 0% interest) over a 3-5 year period based only on the amount of your surplus income every month, not based on how much you owe. In Chapter 13, you also don’t need to worry about losing any assets you may have because you will keep everything and lose nothing. And if you are in business, you will be allowed to continue running your business as usual. This is another reason Chapter 13 makes more sense than Chapter 7 — when you have assets that cannot be exempted in a Chapter 7 case (Most assets can actually be protected in Chapter 7 but this is not true for all cases where people have significant assets). Chapter 13 immediately stops all collection actions against you. That means no more annoying creditor calls, collection letters and no marshals at your door. Once the court approves your proposed Chapter 13 plan, creditors are legally bound by the terms of the approved plan and cannot ask for more money. Your bankruptcy attorney can review your monthly living expenses with you, analyze your income and help you propose a realistic payment plan that you can afford. In most cases, Chapter 13 is a far better alternative than trying to pay debts on your own or hiring a debt management company. This is because
Sanya feels ‘kilig’ with Gabby By Kathleen
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
IS Chapter 7 better than Chapter 13? I would say generally speaking if you have accumulated debt that is too burdensome for you, Chapter 7 is better for you than Chapter 13 because, in Chapter 7, all your debts are wiped out, giving you a fresh start in life so you can be productive again. In Chapter 13, you’re paying something to the trustee who distributes that among all your creditors for 36 to 60 months. The senior client owes $60,000 of credit cards. He’s now on social security with $2,000 a month whereas he used to gross $6,000 a month before retirement. Chapter 7 would just wipe out the entire $60,000. He doesn’t have to pay a single cent back, thus getting a fresh start without the $60,000 of debt. What if he had $500,000 in his 401K, could he still get a Chapter 7 discharge of the $60,000 cards? Yes because ERISA qualified retirement accounts are exempt up to $1.1M. Can he qualify for Chap-
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng ter 7 even if his equity in his residence is $500,000? Yes because 704.730 was recently amended to provide a homestead exemption in LA County of $600,000. In Chapter 13, the client would have to pay a portion of the $60,000. Just this fact alone makes Chapter 7 “better” than Chapter 13. If the client needs to pay $300 a month in Chapter 13 for 60 months, this means he has to pay at least $18,000 of the $60,000, so Chapter 13 is $18,000 more expensive than Chapter 7 where the client pays nothing. However, things are not as simple as the foregoing. Sometimes, debtors cannot qualify for Chapter 7, or Chapter 13 is
a. llemit
Philstar.com
GABBY Concepcion finds himself working again with a much younger woman in the romantic-comedy, family series, “First Yaya” on GMA. The ‘80s matinee idol repeatedly took it in jest whenever he was asked about being paired with younger actresses. “Siguro dahil sa tubig,” he quipped when one press noted during the virtual presscon that he still looks good with his new leading lady, Sanya Lopez, 24. The 56-year-old actor previously starred with Jennylyn Mercado, Carla Abellana and Sunshine Dizon, all in their mid30s, in dramas “Love You Two,” “Because of You” and “Ika-6 Na Utos,” respectively. He finds Sanya to be simple and “burgis,” traits he thinks people will find charming, es‘First Yaya’ stars Gabby Concepcion and Sanya Lopez PAGE B6
Photo from Instagram/@sanyalopez
more beneficial for them because of certain circumstances. For example, the debtor is behind in his $20,000 house payment. Chapter 13 will freeze the $20,000 and allow the debtor to pay off the amount in 60 months, thus saving his house from foreclosure. So each case is different from other cases. If you need debt relief, please set an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. *** DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THE FOREGOING IS CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. EACH CASE IS DIFFERENT. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
Dealing with assets omitted from a divorce case Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth urSuA reyeS YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your spouse get tired of bickering and being mean to one another that you both decide to compromise on each other’s positions and resolve all issues in your divorce case through settlement. Shortly thereafter, the divorce judgment is finally entered by the Court and you get a sigh of relief. Later you discovery that “Oops!,” your ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of the divorce judgment. This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment. What is one to do in this situation? The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556. California Family Code §2556 provides, “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties, the court has continuing jurisdic-
tion to award community estate assets or community estate liabilities to the parties that have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.” Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it. The Court’s “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case. Family Code §2556 provides, “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment [Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9]. The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property [Marriage of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332]. If an asset was partially omitted, the Court can still divide and adjudicate the portion that
in Chapter 13, you cannot be sued by your creditors as long as you remain under court protection. And if you are being represented by an attorney, all creditor communications go to your attorney so that you do not have to deal with your creditors directly. ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS! Lastly, as a result of the pandemic, a lot of homeowners requested a mortgage forbearance from their lender and a lot of those are now coming due. Unfortunately, it has been frustrating for certain homeowners who are not getting straight answers from their lenders as to how to resolve the delinquency. While their account continues to be late, they are now at risk of foreclosure. If this describes your situation, Chapter 13 may be the best solution to protect your home. Chapter 13 stops all foreclosure proceedings and allows you to pay the lender slowly over the next 3-5 years as opposed to paying what the lender is demanding to bring your account current. For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation.. *** NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me. Questions? Email me at gethelp@ rjb-lawoffices.com. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any Maja Salvador as Niña and Noel Comia Jr. as Niño on the new TV5 show. specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
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has been omitted postjudgment under Family Code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability” (Family Code §2556). *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
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Maja on rumored GMA move, ‘pirating’ ABS-CBN stars By Kathleen
a. llemit
Philstar.com
MANILA — Maja Salvador reiterated that she neither inspired nor convinced ABS-CBN stars to transfer to TV5. In a virtual media conference recently for her new TV5 show “Niña Niño,” the actress told Philstar.com and other press that she already addressed the issues that connected her to a blind item about stars who will find it hard to return to a former network because of allegedly influencing peers to sign with a rival network. The blind item by showbiz columnist and talent manager Ogie Diaz only left the names of the stars with letters “B” and “M.” Netizens guessed that it allegedly referred to Maja Salvador and Billy Crawford. The two have appeared on TV5’s shows, including the now defunct “Sunday Noontime Live.” “hindi namin napag-uusapan at all,” Maja was heard saying with parts of the audio
of the virtual session inaudible at times. When prodded by the press, she said that she already answered it in her interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal. “Nasagot ko na po ‘yun sa Pep. Tawanan na lang natin ang mga lumalabas. Sabi ko nga at the end of the day, ‘yung katotohanan, wala namang ibang nakakita noon, kung ‘di ang nasa taas. Kung anuman ‘yung nilabas nila, okay po,” she answered with a smile. She denied the allegations through the PEP article published March 16. She also indirectly answered the rumors that she had an offer from GMA-7. “Sabihin na natin, ah, nasagot ko na ‘yan so ‘yun na ‘yun. Basta, ang daming naniniwala sa akin,” she said, referring to another PeP article where she categorically did not confirm if she had an offer from the said network. Maja said that her upcoming “dramedy” (drama-comedy)
project with Noel Comia, Jr., Arron Villaflor, Lilet Esteban, Moi Bien, Ruby Ruiz and Empoy was something that she needed to accept. She said that it was not only because it was co-produced by Piolo Pascual, who owns Spring Films, but it was because of the show’s timely reminder. “Kailangan ko ang teleserye na ito dahil feeling ko kahit sobrang lakas na ng kapit ko kay God, ng faith ko kay God, kailangan ko pa rin itong teleserye na ito na magre-remind sa akin na kahit gaano kahirap ang buhay, ang mga sitwasyon natin ngayon, just believe in God. Paniwalaan mo na hindi ka niya pababayaan, na nandiyan siya, may milagro lagi. It’s a reminder for me and para rin ipakita sa audience and remind din sila na kaya siguro nagkapandemya ngayon ay nakakalimutan din natin siya at humihingi lang siya ng atensyon. At eto ‘yung kailangan na mas todohin pa natin ang pagdadasal,” she shared.
B6 APRIL 3-6, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Cassy admits pressure to follow Carmina, Zoren as actors By Kathleen
a. llemit
Philstar.com
CASSY Legaspi is among the growing list of showbiz offsprings who followed in the footsteps of her parents. Born to actors Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi, Cassy and her twin Mavy basically grew up before the
cameras, thanks to the endorsements and commercials they did while growing up. As such, one would think she would easily get her way with things. For her first series, however, she is immediately met with a challenge. She plays Nina, the rebellious daughter of President Glenn Acosta (Gabby Concep-
cion) in the romantic comedy, family drama “First Yaya” that premiered last March 15 on GMA. Cassy is first to say she’s nowhere near Nina. “’Yun po ‘yung problema ko,” Cassy answered when asked if her role in the show is bad. “That’s why direk LA (Madridejos) was really, really helping me throughout the show kasi I’m nothing like Nina as in super love na love ko ‘yung yaya ko.” Cassy shared that she has the same yaya named Cora when she was three years old until now that she’s 20. “’Yung mga yayas namin sa bahay, they’ve grown to be our second mom and I really trust them. Every day, kahit dati pa, after school, I always make kwento and they actually know ‘yung buong life story ko. They take care of Mavy, my family and I. All I can say is, especially my family, we really value our helper sa bahay kasi, I wouldn’t like to call them as workers. They’re more like family. We really love them,” Cassy related. This is the reason why she initially found it hard to portray a role that is opposite of who she is reared to be. “What I’m doing as Nina to Yaya Melody, oh my gosh, ‘di ko po kaya. Ganoon po talaga ugali ni Nina at the first part but eventually maybe things might get patched up,” she shared. PAGE B7
Should you be paid if the boss requires COVID testing and vaccination? Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues, government agencies have issued guidance on how to reduce transmission of the illness. On March 4, 2021, California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) updated its guidelines regarding frequently asked questions (FAQs) on keeping workplaces safe while continuing to uphold civil and employment rights. Below are examples of FAQs obtained from both DFEH and dir.ca.gov: 1. May employees be required to submit to a medical test to detect the presence of COVID-19 or antibodies to the virus before permitting them to enter the workplace? An employer may mandate a medical examination when it is “job-related and consistent with business necessity.” Employers may require employees to submit to viral testing but not antibody testing. Only viral testing may be required by employers and not antibody testing because an employee with COVID-19 is unable to perform the employee’s essential duties in a manner that would not endanger the health
or safety of others in the workplace even with reasonable accommodation there. 2. May an employer require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19? An employer may require employees to receive a vaccination against COVID-19 infection so long as the employer does not discriminate against or harass employees or job applicants on the basis of a protected characteristic, provides reasonable accommodations related to disability or sincerely- held religious beliefs or practices, and does not retaliate against anyone for engaging in protected activity. 3. Should employees be paid for time spent obtaining an employer-mandated COVID-19 test or vaccination? If an employee is required, then the employer must pay for the time it takes to undergo the testing or vaccination. Such time would constitute “hours worked,” which means the time during which a worker is subject to the control of an employer. Whether a worker’s time must be paid depends on whether the employer exercises control over the worker. Certainly, an employer’s requirement constitutes control and would thus make employees’ time spent to comply, including traveling and waiting time, as time worked. An employer cannot require the worker to utilize paid
leave if the time is considered “hours worked”. Regular paid sick leave may be used for preventive care, which includes medical testing and vaccines, for the employee or the employee’s family members, and is protected against retaliation under the Labor Code. 4. Is my employer required to compensate me for the cost of a COVID-19 test or for the cost, if any, of getting a COVID-19 vaccination? Yes, if an employer expressly requires an employee to obtain a COVID-19 test or a vaccination, or if the employee obtains them as a direct consequence of the employee’s duties, the employer must pay for the costs. This is part of the employer’s legal obligation to reimburse employees for incurring necessary business expenses.. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)
Sanya feels ‘kilig’ with Gabby...
Cassy Legaspi Photo from Instagram/@cassy
PAGE B5 pecially when she portrays her Yaya Melody opposite to his President Glenn Acosta in the show. “Siya talaga ‘yan. Wala siyang front. Wala siyang pinapakita na best foot forward kaya maganda ang working relationship namin. Nagwo-work, nag-click,” he shared. Sanya, who was seating beside him during the virtual mediacon, could not help but reveal that she feels “kilig” with her leading man. “Every time na nakakaharap
ko siya, ‘yung kilig nandoon. Nalaman tuloy. Kayo kasi e,” the actress divulged while blushing. “’Yung kilig kay Mr. Gabby Concepcion, lalo na nung una ko siyang nakita, talagang ayaw alisin ni Direk LA (Madridejos). Tungkol sa chemistry (namin), ang mga tao ang nakakapagsabi, hindi ‘yung kami. Meron lang kilig na nararamdaman every time may ginagawa kaming mga scene,” Sanya shared, adding that she used to be intimidated with Gabby. Gabby, meanwhile, shared his thoughts on establishing chem-
istry with his younger leading ladies. “Magagaling naman silang lahat. Minsan nga kinakapa ko kung ano ‘yung natutunan nila na pwede kong matutunan tulad ng TikTok, mga ganyan-ganyan. Sayaw-sayaw. Hindi, pero nageenjoy ako pag kasama ko sila,” he noted. The cast has bonded over TikTok while in lock-in, he added. “I think it’s a brew, a concoction of different elements. Kumbaga sa pagkain, tamang spices, tamang halo. That’s what makes the dish.”
B7 APRIL 3-6, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Alice welcomes first baby at 51 By nika
roque ManilaTimes.net
Bishop Alex Aclan led the church’s celebration on Sunday, March 21 alongside Fr. Rodel Balagtas. Photos courtesy of Incarnation Catholic Church
Southern California community commemorates 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines
PArISHIOnErS of Incarnation Catholic Church in Glendale, California observed a Eucharistic celebration of 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines last Sunday, March 21. The event started with praying the rosary. The image of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga, Patroness of Cavite, was placed at the altar while rosary was said. Immediately after completion of rosary prayers, a concelebrated mass followed. Most reverend Alex Aclan was the main celebrant. Fr. rodel Balagtas was the homilist. Music Director Les M. rangel, played the Jubilee theme song “Gifted to Give” while sacred movement/ prelude of mass was performed by Vessels of Mary Liturgical Dance Group, led by Jo Solomonson, who carried the image of Santo nino De Cebu while the Cross was carried by Bernadette Blackshaw. The members who carried Philippine flags were: Loretta neag, Mercy Macarina and Tess Domingo. Christianity was brought to the Philippines in 1521 by Portuguese explorer, Ferdi-
nand Magellan and claimed the land for King Philip of Spain. As Archbishop romulo Valles of Davao, President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines mentioned in his address, “We realize and appreciate that we are GIFTED – gifted in faith from the Lord.” The theme song’s lyrics emphasized a strong message of hope and love; that we are to continue to persevere and bring gospel to all, to evangelize and carry on with the mission of bringing Christ to others. This year’s monthly masses in Tagalog (third Sunday) will observe 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines with a devotion to the Blessed Mother before each Mass. next Mass will be on April 18th with Our Lady of Manaoag as lead image. She is the Patroness of Pangasinan. All are welcome to attend. Wearing mask and social distancing are observed. For more information, please call: Ben Aranda (818) 437-1406, May Mallari (323) 401-0886 or Incarnation Catholic Church office (818) 242-2579.
Fr. Rodel Balagtas (center) with members of the Incarnation Church parish.
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil
Photo from Twitter/@lizasoberano
Liza looks into the future with Enrique on his birthday: ‘To growing old together’ By Dana
Cruz Inquirer.net
LIZA Soberano gave a romantic greeting to her boyfriend Enrique Gil on his birthday, talking about the adventures she wishes to have with him — including growing old together. “Happy birthday to the loml (love of my life),” Soberano said through an Instagram post on Tuesday, March 30. Soberano’s message was accompanied by a photo of Gil as the sun sets behind him in Lake Tahoe in California. “I can’t wait to make so many more great memories with you. To more adventures and growing old together,” she added. Soberano also expressed disappointment in not being able to travel with Gil for his
birthday, through an Instagram video post showing a vacation they had in October 2020. She noted that they would usually travel for Gil’s birthday but the pandemic has prevented them from going on adventures. “I feel so bad ’cause you’re all cooped up at home when you should be exploring the world, but you never complain and that’s what I love about you!” she stated. “I can’t wait to travel the world again with you my travel buddy!!” This is the second year Gil celebrated his birthday in quarantine; he marked the occasion out of town with Soberano in previous years, before the pandemic. In 2018, the actress threw him a beachthemed birthday party in Batangas, and the year after, he went on a trip to Bali with Soberano and her family.
AT 51, Alice Dixson is a firsttime mother. The actress announced on her Instagram and Facebook accounts that she has welcomed their “newest little family member,” on Good Friday, April 2. Sharing her photo holding a document imprinted with baby’s feet, the actress and former beauty queen wrote, “Despite the unexpected trials this year, God gave us a little miracle…” Dixson has always been open in interviews about wanting to have ababy and her dream of being a mother despite her age. “For those of you who really know me — you’ve known that I’ve been praying for this every year on my birthday for
10 years now. Each year — my wish [is] the same when I blew out my candles. “So with great patience, belief and trust — I am happy to announce my wish has finally come true. “From my family to yours, advanced Happy Easter,” expressed the star of GMA’s upcoming teleserye “Legal Wives.” Dixson was previously married to businessman ronnie Miranda from 1999 to 2013. They separated due to what Dixson described in interviews as “irreconcilable differences.” It is unclear who the father of the baby is, but in a 2019 interview with Karen Davila on AnC’s “Headstart,” Dixson revealed that she and her unnamed partner were in the process of surrogacy. The actress
also mentioned that she had doubts of ever having a baby. She spoke of her personal journey, “Sa akin (For me), it was never about the way that I would look after [the pregnancy]. It was about my age and my concern about the safety of the child, the wellness of the pregnancy. I had tried previously, it didn’t work out, so my partner and I decided, okay, let’s try surrogacy. “I have not given up on [surrogacy], and I think this is our last year to try,” she said. On Instagram, fellow actors shared their excitement. Ogie Alcasid wrote, “Oh wow[!] Praise God,” and Bianca Manalo posted heart emojis. Screenwriter Garlic Garcia said, “Truly happy for you Alice. I know this silent prayer in your heart. We rejoice with you.” Alice Dixson Photo from Instagram/@dixson
Cassy admits pressure to follow Carmina...
PAGE B6 She is one of the wards of Yaya Melody, played by Sanya Lopez, the show’s titular female lead. Cassy is seen regularly on the Sunday musical variety show “All Out Sundays.” She might have starred in a handful of TV commercials as a kid and been singing and dancing for the Sunday show but she admitted that taping a show is a lot more different, and like other newbies, she got the jitters. “I guess people would expect na sanay na ako sa showbiz because literally my entire life, I am in showbiz. But ‘yun nga po, this is my first teleserye ever and, I guess noong first day, I was so, so nervous because it’s super different from what I usually do which are commercials or singing and dancing. But noong first day, I became super comfortable right away. Thanks again to Direk LA. He helped me calm down kasi sobrang high blood ako, na-stress ako kasi I was scared kasi both of my parents are actors. So the expectation is very
high for me,” she shared. It was just the first day, though, as she is happy with the cast and production of her very first series. In fact, she is happy to say that even her mother, Carmina, who recently shared in an interview that she found it hard to let her only daughter go to the lock-in taping, saw how happy she is on set. “My parents know that I really, really want to pursue acting. I know that they’re happy naman for me. It’s just that I have to be locked-in. Alam nila na safe ako at happy ako because they can see it especially sa Instagram and TikTok naming (cast) lahat,” she shared. Cassy added that she shares her lock-in taping stories, about how fun it was for her, whenever she goes home. “Ever since the first lock-in, I’m more happier now for some reason. I guess my mom saw that I am happy and that I like what I’m doing. But my mom still cries. She just cried when I left for this lock-in. So she needs to get used to it.”
B8 APRIL 3-6, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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