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APRIL 10-16, 2020
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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
California to add 50,000 new hospital beds AS California continues to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak, Governor Gavin Newsom said the state is slated to add 50,000 new hospital beds. The state this week has secured 4,613 additional beds at alternate care sites and shuttered hospitals to anticipate the surge in COVID-19 patients, Newsom said during a press briefing on Monday, April 6 in Sacramento. At least 60% of the additional beds will come from within existing hospitals, while the state will secure the remaining number. The state’s current bed capacity is 75,000. “California has been working closely with hospitals to aggressively expand our state’s ability to treat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients,” Newsom said. “As a result, California u PAGE 3
Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
California’s coronavirus cases approach 17K level by AJPRESS CALIFORNIA’S number of coronavirus cases is nearing 17,000, as of Wednesday, April 8. The amount of positive cases stands at 16,957, based on figures from the California Health and Human Services Agency. Of those cases, 2,714 are in the hospital and 1,154 are in intensive care units. The leading county with the most cases is Los Angeles with 6,885, followed by San Diego at 1,456, Santa Clara at 1,193 and Orange at 971. San Francisco, which was the first to announce
shelter-in-place measures, reported 636 cases, while San Mateo stood at 573 and Alameda at 560. Meanwhile, 442 deaths have been reported — 170 of which were in LA County, 46 in Santa Clara and 31 in San Diego. San Mateo recorded 22 deaths, while Alameda had 14, 12 in San Joaquin, 7 in Contra Costa, 7 in Marin and 6 in San Francisco. On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that 68 new deaths were confirmed, considered the deadliest day so far for the state. “442 individuals who have lost their lives. 442 families torn asunder since this virus hit the state of California. Our hearts go out to all of them, particularly today, on Passover,” said Newsom. “I just want
to extend our deep sympathies and empathy for all of those who are struggling from not only this moment, but from the deep impact losing a loved one is having on families large and small. Newsom noted how COVID-19 has highlighted disparities, especially across ethnicities in the state. Though based on 37% of total data for California, the governor said that those of Asian descent made up 14% of positive cases and 16% of deaths. He reminded state residents that testing and treatment for COVID-19 at hospital emergency rooms was available to everyone, regardless of immigration status. California, which adopted social distancing and u PAGE 4
PH stops deployment of Fil-Am designers shift Filipino health workers
from dress making to sewing masks to fill shortage
FOR several Filipino American designers, the spring season usually brings in orders for wedding dresses, debutante gowns, and outfits for other special occasions. But amid the coronavirus pandemic, cities like Los Angeles have ordered the closure of nonessential businesses and put large gatherings on hold. Instead of sitting idly by, designers are reshifting their focus and putting their sewing machines to work to meet the national demand for face masks, including those for front-line health care workers. u PAGE 3
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippines has temporarily suspended the deployment of health care professionals abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic to guarantee that the country itself has a sufficient number of medical front-liners. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration last week approved the resolution to suspend sending Filipino health care workers abroad until the current crisis is over. Signed by POEA Governing Board chairman and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the resolution calls for prioritizing the “human resource allocation for u PAGE 3
HELP FROM CHINA. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (9th from right), Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. (8th from right) and PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar (7th from left) welcome the arrival of a medical expert team from the People’s Republic of China at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City on Sunday, April 5. The medical team will assist the Department of Health in the coronavirus emergency response. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
15 Filipino tycoons among the world’s billionaires by AJPRESS FIFTEEN Filipino tycoons landed on Forbes’ 31st annual ranking of the world’s billionaires, with former Senator and real estate tycoon Manuel Villar leading the pack. Forbes said this year’s roster was made up of 2,095 billionaires across the globe, noting that it was 58 fewer than those recorded in 2019, and 226 fewer than just 12 days earlier before March 18 when the list was finalized. “The richest people on Earth
are not immune to the coronavirus. As the pandemic tightened its grip on Europe and America, global equity markets imploded, tanking many fortunes,” the business magazine said. Villar, the richest Filipino, ranked 286th globally with a $5.6 billion (about P280 billion) fortune. Among his businesses are AllHome Corp., Golden Haven Inc., Starmalls Inc., Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. Following him in 565th place is port terminal operator and integrated gaming tycoon Enrique Razon, Jr. with a $3.4 billion u PAGE 3
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
Real estate tycoon Manuel Villar is the richest among 15 Filipino billionaires who made it onto Forbes’ annual ranking.
Pinay detective in Santa Rosa becomes first line-of-duty death related to coronavirus in CA by AJPRESS A FILIPINA American detective of the Santa Rosa Police Department, who became California’s first line-of-duty death related to the novel coronavirus, was honored with a procession of patrol cars through the North Bay on Friday, April 3. Marylou Armer, 43, was a 20year veteran of the department and succumbed to the illness on Tuesday, March 31 after testing
positive for COVID-19 earlier in the month, the department confirmed in an email with the Asian Journal. A resident of American Canyon in Napa County, she was also the county’s first death related to COVID-19. In addition to the procession featuring patrol cars from across the state, the police department on Friday honored her by wearing blue. “Marylou was a bright light in this organization. She was a u PAGE 3
COVID-19 cases in PH climb to 3,764
Marylou Armer, a 20-year veteran of the Santa Rosa Police Department, died on March 31. Photo courtesy of SRPD
THE Philippine Department of Health on Wednesday, April 8, announced 106 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, bringing the official count to 3,870. The agency noted how the number of new cases dropped from a high of 414 to a low of 104. “It is too early to tell if these cases are already actually decreasing. But rest assured we are exerting our maximum effort to track all cases to see a better picture at the soonest possible time,” said Special Assistant to the Health Secretary Beverly Ho. The DOH also announced that over 200 healthcare workers have contracted the virus. Of the number, 152 are doctors while 63 are nurses. The professions of the remaining 37 were not indicated. Health chief Francisco Duque III on Tuesday, April 7 pointed out that most COVID-19 cases in the country are in the National Capital Region. “More than half or more or less 80% of the cases were recorded in Metro Manila,” he said. The Davao region and Central Visayas are the two areas outside of Luzon that registered the high-
est number of COVID-19 cases, with 79 cases and 39 cases respectively. “Dito [Luzon] rin po kasi unang nakapasok sa Pilipinas ang virus buhat ng volume ng flights na dumarating sa Metro Manila (It’s because the virus first entered in Luzon due to the volume of flights that landed in Metro Manila),” Duque explained. “Mas kaunti po ang kasong naitala sa Visayas at Mindanao dahil dulot na lang po ito ng local transmission mula sa Kamaynilaan (There are lesser cases recorded in Visayas and Mindanao because they are due to local transmission from the metropolis),” he added. The DOH also reported five additional fatalities, bringing the official death toll to 182.
It added that at least 12 doctors have died from COVID-19 in the country. However, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines recorded 21 deaths from the Philippines’ frontliners. Doctors who have succumbed to COVID-19 include Philippine Pediatric Society president Sally Gatchalian, cardiologist and internist Raul Jara, anesthesiologist Gregorio Macasaet III, oncologist Rose Pulido, and Dr. Mary Grace Lim from Asian Hospital and Medical Center. The tally of recuperation in the country, meanwhile, has risen to 96 as 12 more patients have reported recoveries from the virus. “The recovery of COVID-19 patients is long. It will take around u PAGE 3
APRIL 10-16, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
From the Front Page
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 10-16, 2020
Fil-Am designers shift from dress making... California to add 50,000 new...
PAGE 1 “It was natural for me to do this because of my training. I knew the need firsthand because most of my California brides are Filipina nurses. Many of my regular Filipino clients are in the health care industry, whether as doctors, operators of home care, rehab, or spa businesses,” Oliver Tolentino, a celebrity couture designer based in Beverly Hills, California who spent the earlier months of the year designing attire for red carpet events, told the Asian Journal. His masks are made of polyethylene fabric — a common material used for surgical face masks — mimicking the pattern used by major manufacturer 3M with pleats, a nose wire and garter. “I use non-toxic glue to seal floral wire (or ‘twisties’ used to seal bread loaves) [on] the top of the mask so it can fit snugly around the nose. I sew the pleats at the side and double-stitch the garter to secure it,” Tolentino added. Once he posted a photo of himself making masks on social media, he started receiving messages from followers from around the United States and back in the Philippines asking whether he would sell his creations. However, he said he will be donating them and not charging. Kristine Amarillo, who has her LA-based line Tale for Esther, began production with fabric she already had on hand after her own family members and friends who are nurses and caregivers desperately said they needed face protection. “My sister is a nurse and she was very disappointed to find out that the CDC recommends only wearing surgical masks if you are directly taking care of a suspected COVID patient and wear the N95 respirator only when intubating a patient during a code blue. This is brought upon by the
PAGE 1 is adding tens of thousands more hospital beds, sourcing and distributing lifesaving medical supplies and ventilators, and significantly expanding our health care workforce. This is an all hands on deck effort, and I am extremely grateful to all of our partners in the medical community, the private sector and across government for helping us get this far. All of these efforts will only pay off if we continue to slow the spread of the virus. Staying home will save lives.” The former Sleep Train Arena, now known as Natomas Arena, in Sacramento is one of several alternate care sites that will provide Hawaii designer Kini Zamora made a YouTube care for less sick patients, thus Oliver Tolentino, a celebrity couture designer in tutorial video showing individuals staying at Beverly Hills, California, is donating the masks home how to make masks using cloth fabric allowing hospitals to focus their resources on those with the most he makes from home. Contributed photo and other easy materials. acute needs. The state’s alternate care sites to date include: • Eight federal medical stations operating or being set up across the state, each with a maximum of 250 beds;
PAGE 1 (about P170 billion) net worth. He runs the International Container Terminal Services, Inc., the biggest port yard operator in the country, and Solaire Resort & Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Siblings Hans, Herbert, Henry Jr., Harley and Teresita Sy all Fil-Am designer Alexis Monsanto cuts fabric to make masks at his work studio in Los Angeles. made it into this year’s list, as Contributed photo well, with their net worths estiworldwide shortage of PPEs,” this pandemic with little protec- mated at $2.3 billion, $2.2 biltion pushed me to help. I gath- lion, $2.1 billion, $2.1 billion and Amarillo said. Her sister’s hospital was reu PAGE 4 $2 billion respectively. Elizabeth, portedly following those recommendations so fellow nurses have been worried since individuals can also have the virus but be asymptomatic. “The thought of having these health care workers — especially having a family member — battle
worker and a fighter,” Police Capt. John Cregan told the Napa Valley Register. Colleagues also remembered how Armer would bring lumpia (Filipino fried spring rolls) to staff potlucks or even on any given day. “It wouldn’t last a half hour,” Blaine Hunt, a retired officer, told the Napa Valley Register. She could never make enough of it to make the whole department happy.” Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, April 2 released a statement in light of Armer’s death and ordered flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff. “Jennifer and I are terribly saddened to learn of Detective Armer’s untimely death,” Newsom said. “Amid the current fight against COVID-19, Detective Armer selflessly and courageously served her community and the people of California. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and members of the Santa Rosa community as they mourn her loss.” Armer is survived by her husband and daughter. The Peace Officers Research Association of California has set up a fundraiser for Armer’s family. n
PH stops deployment... PAGE 1 the national health care system at the time of the national state emergency.” Among the professions that are temporarily barred from leaving the country are medical doctors/physicians, nurses, microbiologists, medical biologists, medical technologists, clinical analysts, and respiratory therapists. Pharmacists, laboratory technicians, X-ray/radiologic technicians, nursing assistants/aides, operators of medical equipment, supervisors of health services and personal care and repairmen of medical-hospital equipment are also included. This comes as the country’s health care system is becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases and reports that hospitals do not have sufficient medical personnel. POEA chief Bernard Olalia said that those affected by the suspension in deployment will be mobilized if necessary to replace, substitute or reinforce the existing health care workforce in different medical facilities na-
tionwide. He also said that negotiations of bilateral labor agreements for government-to-government deployment of health care workers are also temporarily suspended for the duration of the national state emergency. The department is set to come up with guidelines that will “amend, clarify, and/or provide program support to this resolution pursuant to lawful orders.” President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, April 6 signed an order giving a special allowance to front line health workers during the enhanced community quarantine in vision includes a onetime allowance — an extra 25% of monthly basic pay — to regular, part-time or casual health workers. “There is a need to recognize the heroic and invaluable contributions of our public health workers throughout the country, who bravely and unselfishly risk their lives and health by being at the forefront of the national effort to address the public health emergency,” the president said in his order. n
COVID-19 cases in PH... PAGE 1 two weeks for those with mild cases to recover, while three to six weeks for severe or critical cases,” Ho noted. Over 500 Filipinos abroad positive for COVID-19 The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, April 8 announced that there are now 594 Filipinos abroad who tested posi-
and out-of-state health care providers. In addition, the state has leased two hospitals and received a naval medical ship from the federal government as surge facilities: • Seton Medical Center in Daly City, which has a maximum capacity of 220 beds; • St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, which has a maximum capacity of 266 beds; and • USNS Mercy, which has an easily-accessible maximum capacity of up to 550 beds. (Note: USNS Mercy has a capacity of 1,000 bunk beds). The California Department of Public Health reported 14,336 total cases on Monday, with 343 fatalities. The majority of the cases (7,099) are between the ages of 18 to 49, followed by 50 to 64. Of the confirmed cases, 2,509 have required hospitalization, with 1,085 in the intensive care unit. As of Sunday, April 5 around 143,800 tests have been conducted across the state. (AJPress) n
15 Filipino tycoons among the world’s...
Pinay detective in Santa Rosa...
PAGE 1 thoughtful and committed public servant who loved helping people and loved the people she worked with,” police chief Rainer Navarro said in a video shared on Twitter. Armer was a member of the police department’s domestic violence sexual assault team at the time of her death. She began her career in Santa Rosa as a field evidence technician in 1999 and was sworn in as a police officer in May 2008. Before moving to Northern California, Armer grew up in San Diego and joined the National City Police Department’s Explorer program. “She’s a very caring person and wanted to be there to help the community,” her sister Marites Lau, who lives in Riverside County, told NBC San Diego. ”We never thought that this COVID-19 is the one that’s going to put her in the hospital and take her away from us.” In July 2013, Armer and another officer arrested a woman on suspicion of drunk driving when a male passenger came at them and attacked Armer, resulting in serious injuries to her head and face. She recovered and returned to duty. “She was naturally just a hard
• The former Sleep Train Arena, which has a maximum capacity of 400 beds; • Fairview Developmental Center, with a maximum capacity of 520 beds; • Porterville Developmental Center, with a maximum capacity of 246 beds; • San Carlos Hotel, with a maximum capacity of 120 beds; and • CPMC – Pacific Campus, with a maximum capacity of 291 beds. Alternate care sites will be staffed using a number of resources, including the newly established California Health Corps. The Health Corps is made up of health care providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators who sign up to work at alternate care sites. They will add to the existing state health care workforce with underutilized and underemployed professionals, and with qualified student, retiree,
tive for the disease. Three deaths were recorded in the Americas and Europe, bringing the death toll to 37; while 164 have recovered. According to Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center, 1.4 million people have been infected with COVID-19 globally, with 300,000 recoveries and more than 82,000 fatalities. n
their sister, also placed with her $1.6 billion net worth. In the eighth and ninth place are tobacco magnate Lucio Tan and property tycoon Andrew Tan with their respective estimated fortune of $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion. Also included are businessmen Roberto Ongpin ($1.8 billion), and Jollibee founder Tony Tan Caktiong ($1.5 billion) as well as San Miguel Corp. president and Eagle Cement chair Ramon S. Ang ($1.5 billion), Robert Coyiu-
to Jr. ($1.4 billion), and Eduardo Cojuangco ($1.1 billion). Forbes’ list was topped by Jeff Bezos, the man behind e-commerce giant Amazon, with a $113-billion fortune. His ex-wife Mackenzie came in 22nd with a net worth of $36 billion. Trailing behind Bezos are Microsoft founder Bill Gates with $98 billion, Bernard Arnault of LVMH with $76 billion, and Warren Buffet with $67.5 billion. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg landed at No. 7 with $54 billion. n
APRIL 10-16, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Fil-Am designers shift from dress making... PAGE 3 ered whatever materials I have and started making masks,” she added, describing the creation of washable and re-usable masks with pocketing in the inner lining so the health care workers can change the filter daily. So far, she has made over 100 pieces and has shipped them to contacts across California and in Florida, Hawaii and Montana, and will continue producing until her fabric runs out. While business for Alexis Monsanto, also a couture designer, hasn’t entirely slowed down since clients have events later this year, he turned his atelier along Melrose Avenue in LA into a production line for making medical grade masks. “I currently have orders for weddings but I’ve pivoted my production to the facial masks to help meet the demands in the market,” he said, sharing stories of nurses having to reuse their PPE or get creative to shield themselves. As of the beginning of April, he and his crew of five sewers have produced 1,400 washable masks, following standards by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using 100% Egyptian cotton with an 800 thread-count for the outer layer and an inner layer of polypropylene. Of that number, 800 will be donated to various organizations, including Downey Rehab Facility, Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation locally in LA, while the remaining 600 will be shipped around the country. Each mask is packaged in plastic to ensure cleanliness. Last month, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced “LA Protects,” a partnership with the fashion and garment industry to make protective gear and other medical supplies for frontline workers. The initial target for the initiative is the manufacturing of 5 million non-medical masks for people who need protection — grocery store workers, non-medical staff in hospitals, and others providing essential services during the COVID-19 crisis, according to the mayor’s office. “I have fabric vendor connections, factories and friends willing to pitch in financial help to pay labor cost to the contractors. It’s made in Los Angeles and in doing so, I’m keeping the operators on their livelihoods instead of them getting laid off,” Monsanto
Downtown LA-based designer Joey Galon shared washable, breathable and decorative masks, using lace and sequin embellishments or whimsical patterns like snake print or florals.
said, adding that he’s in touch with the offices Garcetti and California Governor Gavin Newsom who have a list of hospitals and facilities in dire need. Monsanto said he will continue pushing out 1,500 to 2,000 a week and move to sell them as this week, LA issued guidance directing residents to wear face coverings — such as a bandana, scarf or other cloth — when leaving their homes. The city, however, said medical grade masks should be reserved for front-liners. The CDC on Friday, April 3 also updated its guidance for Americans to cover their faces in public areas where social distancing is hard to maintain, such as the grocery store, because the virus can “spread between people interacting in close proximity.” Joey Galon said he was starting to get “stir crazy” staying in and was compelled to create with his hands since orders for formal attire have ceased. Galon’s designs are washable, breathable and decorative, using lace and sequin embellishments or whimsical patterns like snake print or florals. However, they should only be used by those who are stepping out for an activity like going to the market and not those who work in the medical or other essential fields. “For me, one challenge has been keeping up with the demand of the orders,” he said, sharing that one local company has ordered 100 masks while groups in Hawaii and Atlanta have requested as well. “It’s a simple template and pattern but it’s amazing how many hundreds of orders are coming in. I’m just a one man show, not a manufacturer with a lot of machinery.” He added that he’s also look-
ing to work with the mayor’s office for fabrics to join in the LA Protects effort. Other Fil-Am small businesses have also shifted to mask making. Handbag designer Gina Alexander announced her efforts to produce medical grade masks. Manahan+Co, an apron company, is selling masks and will donate $1 of the proceeds to Pilipino Workers Center. ELLERALI, a brand that uses upcycled fabric, has donated 100 masks to hospitals and is selling masks that include a pocket for extra filter protection and a slit for a removable nose bridge. Hawaii-based designer Kini Zamora, who’s known for his stint on “Project Runway,” told the Asian Journal that he knew people would need to fill their time under quarantine, so he decided to record a series of “howto” videos on YouTube. The first release in mid-March was a tutorial on how to make a personal mask using cotton fabric, elastic and basic tools from the comfort of their homes. By making their own masks, Zamora said, it would prevent regular individuals from buying the ones reserved for front-liners. He and his team also started making dozens of masks for health care professionals in the Honolulu area before he closed down his workshop. “I love that everyone is just collaborating and so many designers are coming on board every single day to help with the efforts. It’s not just designers, but everybody at home who’s pulling out their sewing machines,” Zamora said. “That was my intent when I created the YouTube video to make sure that people are keeping busy at home and helping out.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress) n
QC QUARANTINE FACILITY. The Quezon City government has put up an additional quarantine facility on Monday, April 6. It has a 15-bed capacity and is located inside the Quezon City General Hospital compound. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
California’s coronavirus cases...
PAGE 1 stay at home measures early on, has demonstrated that the actions have been working. However, officials still anticipate a rise in positive cases going into the coming month. “I’ve talked about the curve bending but also stretching,” Newsom said Tuesday, April 7. “And that’s why I just want to impress upon people that our modeling shows that we’re not at peak in a week or two. That we are seeing a slow and steady increase, but it’s moderate. And it’s moderate, again, because of the actions all of you have taken.” On Wednesday, the governor’s daily briefing focused on addressing the state’s efforts for more personal protective equipment (PPE) for front line health care workers
and other personnel deemed essential, such as grocery store workers. “While we’ve had a little national support from the national stockpile, we haven’t relied on that,” said Newsom, saying that state has acquired 4.5 million N95 masks and has requested $1.4 billion in federal funding. Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci added that California will be getting technology to help sterilize used N95 masks so they can be used again — up to 20 times. Newsom also reminded that though California is making progress, residents are still urged to practice safe physical distancing and other measures to reduce the spread. While the curve is bending in the
state of California, it’s also stretching, and at any moment we pull back, you can see that curve go back up, that slope go back up,” he said. “I know everybody is tempted with Easter Sunday, the weather’s starting to improve, we’re already trying to get more messages out there to everybody who’s likely to say, ‘Well maybe, honey, this is the weekend we can take a nice stroll and walk in the park or go up on a trail head.’ I just want to remind folks, if you do that, you must practice safe physical distancing. And if you’re on a single trail head going up and folks are coming down, you can’t do that.” As of April 6, approximately 157,800 tests had been conducted in California. At least 143,172 results have been received and another 14,600 are pending. n
IATF approves release of P5 billion aid for workers by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
THE Philippine Department of Labor and Employment will be receiving P5 billion in additional funding for programs designed to help formal sector workers affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The aid package for formal sector workers was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases through Resolution No. 21 issued Monday, April 6, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. “The recommendations of the Department of Labor and Employment for the social amelio-
ration program for the formal workers sector as presented are hereby approved,” he announced on Tuesday, April 7. “For this purpose, the IATF supports the approval and immediate release of the requested budget by the Department of Labor and Employment amounting to P5 billion,” he added. The additional fund will be for DOLE’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP), a one-time P5,000 assistance for affected formal workers; Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), an emergency employment program for displaced workers; and the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) sa OFWs
program, a program that aims to provide relief to migrant workers. DOLE said that the additional P5 billion it requested will help more workers affected by the pandemic. Previously, the agency expressed hope that it can provide cash aid to more than 350,000 formal and informal sector workers by utilizing the P1.5 billion budget earlier allocated for CAMP and TUPAD. “Provided that the beneficiaries of the aforementioned shall be separate and distinct from those already covered by social amelioration programs by other agencies of the national government,” Nograles said. n
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 10-16, 2020
Dateline PhiliPPines
PAL, Air Asia flights still canceled until Angara recovers from COVID-19 April 30 as Luzon quarantine extended by gaea
by Katrina
Hallare Inquirer.net
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
MANILA — Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny� Angara said Monday he has recovered from the coronavirus disease. Angara was the third senator to have contracted the viral illness after Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz� Zubiri and Senator Aquilino “Koko� Pimentel III. “After several days in the [emergency room] and the COVID wing, my doctors finally sent me home today—negative for the virus and pneumonia free,� Angara wrote on a social media post. The senator expressed gratitude to the healthcare workers leading the country’s fight against the virus. “I am truly grateful for the gift of life and even more so now for those at the frontlines who safeguard our lives and protect our society. I met nurses and doctors who don’t go home anymore, possible but are unable to provide fees are valid for one year in the by CHristia Marie raMos country where the fee was paid,� Inquirer.net a specific date at this time.� After the quarantine is lifted the embassy noted. President Rodrigo Duterte earTHE US Embassy in Manila in Metro Manila, the embassy has canceled all immigrant and advised all affected applicants to lier placed the entire Luzon under non-immigrant visa interviews reschedule their visa interviews ECQ as the number of COVID-19 scheduled between April 7 until through the Embassy call center cases in the country continued to May 4 as the entire Luzon re- by phone at (+632) 7792-8988 increase. The quarantine became mains under an enhanced com- and (+632) 8548-8223, or through effective on March 17 and was the online appointment system at initially set to be lifted on April munity quarantine (ECQ). 13. In an advisory on Tuesday, ustraveldocs.com/ph. The quarantine period, howev“There is no fee to change an April 7 the embassy said it would resume visa services “as soon as appointment and visa application er, was extended until April 30. n
“We will announce details on the start date and which flights will resume in due course,� she MANILA — International and added. Also in a statement released domestic flights of local flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), as Tuesday, AirAsia said that all of well as Air Asia, will remain sus- their affected guests will be notipended until April 30, as the gov- fied either through email or SMS ernment extended the enhanced that their flights have been cancommunity quarantine, across celed. “AirAsia is making provisions Luzon. PAL spokesperson Cielo Villalu- for guests affected by the flight na said Tuesday, April 7 that their cancellations and travel restricregular commercial operations tions following the Philippine govwill remain on hold “until at least ernment’s latest directive,� AirAsia April 30� as “(t)he plan is for PAL said. “While guests may request operations to partially resume af- for a full refund, those with existing flight bookings made on or beter quarantine is lifted.�
fore 22 March 2020 with a departure date until 31 May 2020 will now be able to select from a range of extended flexibility options for future travel.� The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier said President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine period until 11:59 p.m. of April 30. This comes as cases of COVID19 in the country soared to 3,764 as of April 7. Of this count, 177 have already died while 84 managed to recover. n
US Embassy cancels scheduled visa interviews due to ECQ
Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny� Angara
some even doing double duty in other hospitals. They truly, truly are real heroes,� he said. Some senators went on a self-quarantine last month after learning that a resource person at a committee hearing in the chamber was diagnosed with COVID-19. One of them, Sen. Aquilino “Koko� Pimentel, went on selfquarantine but also went to the
Philstar.com file photo
Makati Medical Center and to S&R Membership Shopping in Taguig while waiting for the result of his COVID-19 test. He tested positive and is facing separate inquiries by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice. The new coronavirus has so far infected 3,246 people in the Philippines, 152 of whom have died. n
Pimentel charged for quarantine breach
ing infected with the virus. He said that a day earlier he tested positive for Covid-19, and he was not aware of it when he brought his wife Kathryna to the hospital on March 24. “I never intended to breach any protocol, but I realize now that my presence in MMC unnecessarily caused additional anguish and concern to the courageous frontline health workers we all depend on. I was simply there to be with my wife during the birth of our daughter,� Pimentel said in a statement. Quicho said his complaint “references the online change. org petition that gathered around 200,000 signatures. We are one
with the Filipino people in condemning negligent and reckless acts which expose the public, especially our health workers, to unnecessary risks.� “As a lawyer and advocate of the rule of law, I cannot in good conscience allow the reckless actions of Senator Koko Pimentel to be brushed aside so easily,� he said. Quicho said Pimentel “blatantly violated laws, which put the lives and health of frontliners and even ordinary citizens at grave risk.� “He has categorically admitted his breach without remorse. And yet because of his position, he is still not being made accountable,� Quicho said. He said he hoped the Health department “will swiftly act and pursue legal actions against Senator Koko Pimentel. We trust that DoJ will be true to its commitment to the Filipino people to uphold the rule of law without fear or favor.� A high-end supermarket had also reported that Pimentel had shopped at its branch at the Bonifacio Global City several days before he visited Makati Medical. The National Bureau of Investigation is preparing its own case against Pimentel. n
In Davao City on Sunday, police arrested Vicente CaĂąonera for posting a list on Facebook of people supposedly found positive for COVID-19. CaĂąonera posted the list on Facebook pages of Deca Homeowners and Neighborhood Association Inc. and Barangay Cabantian of Davao Concerned Citizen. He posted the list supposedly to help in contact tracing. The Department of Health Region XI denied giving such information or any other official report to CaĂąonera. The Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit 11 in coordination with Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Cyber Response Team arrested CaĂąonera in Barangay Cabantian, Buhangin district, Davao City. “This operation should serve as a warning to everyone. Keep in mind that the PNP can track down those who make posts of unverified information that might endanger the privacy of individual and caused panic to the public,â€? Southern Mindanao regional police office chief Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal said. “It is during these times that all should be responsible in using their social media accounts. As responsible citizen of this region, help us in this fight. Together, we can heal as one,â€? he said. CaĂąonera is now under the custody of DCPO for violation of the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases, Data Privacy Act, and of provisions of RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. Sara cries fake news Meanwhile, presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said a certain James Opre was reportedly behind the fake viral video/audio file that featured her in a bad light. “This incident only reinforced my previous call against this sick habit of people to create content with the intention of making themselves famous online — and to also misinform, amuse, and confuse the public,â€? she said. “The latest fake video/audio file was originally produced and up-
loaded by a certain James B. Opre on Facebook,â€? the mayor said. The post was captioned: “A great Philosopher once said‌ #PasagpaMu?â€? and I can be heard saying, ‘Ana ko stay-at-home unya makita tamo mag order og pizza sa Alberto’s, unya mag take-out og milk tea tas mag yawyaw mo asa ang rasyon? Pasagpa mo?’â€? The mayor called on the PNP to further investigate Opre, who reportedly defied appeals from the public to avoid further spreading fake news. “Let me once again ask the public to refrain from creating, uploading, and sharing content on social media that could cause more confusion, misunderstanding, and fear among the public,â€? the mayor said. Duterte-Carpio also lambasted those behind a photo of the President with healthcare workers in a Davao City hospital where she gave birth to her youngest child Stonefish last March 2017. It was reportedly made to appear that the photo was recently taken, or at the height of the COVID-19 scourge. “This photo has been going the rounds on social media now and presented to appear like it was recently taken. That it is malicious and presented to confuse the public and stir outrage against the president and the healthcare workers is obvious. It tastes poorly as the country is fighting against the spread of the deadly Covid-19 infection,â€? she said. The mayor said the use of the photo to attack the President shows the desperation of antiDuterte groups. “It also shows their disrespect of the sacrifices of the healthcare workers who are on the frontlines. This kind of political attack in this time of health crisis deserves nothing but our outright rejection and condemnation,â€? she added. “Our common enemy is toxic and deadly enough. We should not allow our common resolve to overcome this health crisis be poisoned by the political toxicity of those who are against the government,â€? Duterte-Carpio said. n
by JoMar
Canlas ManilaTimes.net
CRIMINAL charges were filed on Monday, April 6 before the Department of Justice (DoJ) against Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko� Pimentel III for violating COVID-19 quarantine protocols. Former University of Makati College of Law dean Rico Quicho filed the complaint against Pimentel via email before the Office of Secretary Menardo Guevarra. DoJ Prosecutor General Ben Malcontento told The Manila Times the prosecutor to handle the preliminary investigation would be named on Tuesday, April 7. Sought for comment on Quicho’s complaint, Pimentel replied through a text message: “[I] Haven’t read it. Sana (I just hope), to be fair to me, he furnishes me with a copy; so, I can answer/respond [to it].� He said he was not familiar with the procedure for filing a complaint through email. On March 26, the senator apologized to the Makati Medical Center (MMC) if he breached its safety protocols for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) when he went to the hospital despite be-
Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko� Pimentel III ManilaTimes.net photo
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Cyber cops arrest 32 for ‘fake news’ by eMManuel
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MANILA — Police have arrested and charged with criminal offense 32 people for allegedly peddling fake news about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) either on social media platforms or through word of mouth in their communities. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNPACG) said on Monday, April 6 24 of the suspects were rounded up spreading false information about COVID-19 on social media while the rest were accosted for allegedly spreading misinformation in their neighborhood. ACG director Brig. Gen. Dennis Agustin said the suspects were from Quezon City, Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula and Caraga. The Southern Mindanao regional police office made a separate arrest on Sunday, April 5. One of the suspects, public school teacher Juliet Espinoza, was arrested on March 27 over a Facebook post that said people in General Santos City were going hungry. In her post, Espinoza supposedly urged villagers to raid a gym where food packs were stored. Agustin said the complaints against the 32 were submitted for inquest or preliminary investigation from March 9 to April 5. The charges were for the unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterance under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Anti Cybercrime Prevention Act. He urged the public to refrain from sharing and posting false reports that may sow panic and confusion. “The ACG will be relentless in taking countermeasures on misinformation and spread of fake reports by conducting cyber patrol operations on social media and other online platforms,� Agustin said in a statement.
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APRIL 10-16, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Harassing the heroes
FEATURES Philstar.com photo
AROUND the world, songs have been performed for them. In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism has put together a video cheering them on. Pope Francis, in his homily to mark the saddest Palm Sunday of his ministry, hailed the “real heroes” in this dark hour of humanity – “they are not famous, rich and successful people; rather, they are those who are giving themselves in order to serve others.” The pontiff need not spell out who he was referring to; in Rome and the rest of Italy, and nearly the entire planet now affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health workers are on the frontline of a battle against an unseen, deadly enemy. Many are ill equipped for the war, but soldier on nevertheless, carrying out their sworn duty to save lives even at the risk of losing their own to COVID-19 and endangering their loved ones. So why are health workers suffering not just discrimination but even violent attacks in the Philippines? One health worker was splashed with bleach. Others have complained of being kicked out of their rented dwellings by landlords worried about COVID-19 contagion. Most people understand the great risks being
taken by health professionals in this battle, and are aware that physicians account for nearly a tenth of all the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. That same awareness, unfortunately, makes people consider health professionals as top risks for spreading the coronavirus. Such concerns are behind people’s efforts to avoid health professionals in public places. The avoidance is in fact encouraged in this season of physical distancing. Discrimination and violent attacks, however, are unconscionable. This also goes for similar maltreatment of confirmed COVID-19 cases, who forgo their privacy rights and publicly identify themselves to facilitate contact tracing and prevent more infections. ments are moving to stop the harassment and Both the national and certain local govern- discrimination. Appealing to people’s best nature
Editorial
Magdasal po tayo ng sama-sama: Lenten reflections and prayers as we all carry the cross of the coronavirus
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SEMANA SANTA. For the first time in my lifetime, my family will not be able to go to church for the mass of the palaspas, stations of the cross, washing of the feet, seven last words, retreats and recollections, salubong, confession, Visita Iglesia, Easter Sunday mass — traditions that we all share as Filipinos and as Catholics during Holy Week. This is because of the “social distancing,” “shelter in place”, “stay at home” orders implemented in almost all states in America to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 that is transmitted faster when people gather together in especially in an enclosed space, just like how it is in churches in observance of Lent. The churches may be closed for now, but thank God we have online services to attend mass, and participate virtually in most of these traditions. But wherever we may be, Lent is a good time to reflect on our faith and the meaning of the promise of Easter as we all feel
may not be enough; those who commit such acts must be identified and penalized. (Philstar.com)
like we are on the Good Friday — the Biyernes Santo of our lives. Many of us may be wondering or asking God why He would allow the pandemic to happen, kill so many lives and disrupt our own life as we know it. We have no answers, except that we believe as Christians that everything — including crises such as the coronavirus or a recession — work together for our good. This Lenten Season, allow me to share poignant messages from Pope Francis and other prayer warriors as we all navigate our life during these challenging and heartbreaking times, and also a prayer from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines that I wish we can all say together and offer up to the Lord in faith. “It is not the time of your judgment, but of our judgment: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”
—Pope Francis “This virus is teaching us that from now on, living wages, guaranteed health care for all, unemployment and labor rights are not far left issues, but issues of right vs wrong and life vs death.” — Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Oratio Imperata against the spread of coronavirus God our Father We come to you in our need To ask your protection against the 2019 N-Corona Virus, That has claimed lives And has affected many. We pray for your grace For the people tasked with studying the nature and cause Of this virus and its disease And of stemming the tide of its transmission. Guide the hands and minds of medical experts That they may minister to the sick With competence and compassion, And of those governments and private agencies That must find cure and solu-
tion to this epidemic. We pray for those afflicted May they be restored to health soon. Grant us the grace to work for the good of all And to help those in need. Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us. St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. St. Rock, pray for us. St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. Sr. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us. *** 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.
AJPress illustration by Kendrick Tan
Filipino health care workers on the coronavirus front lines Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA SEVERAL years ago, I produced a special TV report on the topic, “What would happen if Filipino health care professionals in the U.S. do not report for work?” The point I wanted to make was the vital role that Filipino doctors and nurses, and other health-care professionals, play in America’s health-care system. In the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, it would be heartless to even contemplate that possibility. Filipino doctors and nurses are now in the thick of the deadly struggle against the pandemic, like soldiers sent to the front lines. And, like soldiers, some of them may not come back alive. We should all hope and pray that no harm will befall them and that they will continue the good fight, despite the lack of rest and sleep and, worse, despite the lack of adequate protection against the unseen foe. So many lives depend on them. I feel personally concerned because some members of my family could be involved in the struggle. My elder sister, Dr. Evangeline Garcia, is a medical
practitioner in Maryland. Because she is 84 years old, she has been advised to stay home. I should thank the Lord for that, although, knowing her, she will probably want to go to the front lines. I recall that during the first Iraq War, as a reserve Lt. Colonel in the US Air Force, she volunteered for active duty. Mercifully, Saddam Hussein’s forces surrendered before she could be dispatched to the battlefront. But she was actively involved in caring for trauma victims following the 9/11 attack in New York. One of my daughters-in-law, Anne Marie, is a nurse. Born and raised in New York, she is now doing her share, attending to patients in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, her younger sister, Allison, and her mother, Sonia, who are also both nurses, reside and work in New York. New York City, from the latest reports, has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. As of the latest count, there were 29,158 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city and over 52,000 in New York state. But these are only the figures that have been officially reported to health authorities. Who knows how many there are who have not yet been accounted for but are — or could be — infected? Of the confirmed cases, as of this writing, 517 have died in New York City and 728 in the
state. Dreadfully, the numbers could grow exponentially tomorrow and before this column goes to press. A January 2008 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that, of the 215,000 Filipinos residing or working in New York, 3 out of 10 are nurses or health care professionals. Many of the rest are their spouses and children. Like many Filipinos, I have relatives and friends in New York and I’m worried about their safety. At Seton Hospital in Daly City, one of the largest medical facilities in Northern California, 60% of the employees are Filipino. Many of them are nurses. According to Philippine government records, the Philippines is the largest exporter of nurses in the world. As of 2019, one-third of foreign-born nurses in the U.S. are Filipino (that figure does not include my daughter-in-law and her sister because both are native-born New Yorkers). Since the mid-60s, when U.S. immigration law favored the entry of professionals, some 160,000 Filipino nurses have joined the U.S. health-care system. The latest figures indicate that Filipino nurses account for 17.6 percent of registered nurses (RNs) in California. The Golden State is one of the hardest-hit by the pandemic. According to official records, as of 2016, the Philippines provided the third-largest num-
ber of actively licensed foreign doctors in the U.S. at 13,507, next to India and the Caribbean. I also know of several Filipino doctors who had a medical practice in the Philippines but not in the U.S. due to licensing issues. And I understand that some of these doctors have become RNs. Also, according to records, the University of Santo Tomas College of Medicine accounts for the largest number of Filipino doctors in the U.S. (4,545), followed by the University of the Philippines (2,044) and the University of the East (2,070). I believe my elder sister, a UST alumnus, and a first cousin, Dr. Eriberto Tanpiengco (Far Eastern University College of Medicine), were among the earliest doctors from the Philippines to join the American medical corps. The fact is that Filipino nurses and doctors are among the largest number of health care professionals in the world. This also means that many of them are on the coronavirus global battlefronts. Wherever the diaspora has dispatched workers from the Philippines, a significant number likely comprises of health care professionals. The two European countries that have reported the largest number of coronavirus cases, Spain and Italy, also have large Filipino populations, with an estimated 150,000 in Spain and 108,000
in Italy (plus undocumented Pinoys whose estimated numbers vary from 20,000 to 80,0000). In the United Kingdom, where even Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have been found positive for the coronavirus, Filipino nurses make up the largest number of foreign RNs at 10,719, according to a parliamentary report dated April 8, 2019. A 2004 report of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicates that the UK is the third most preferred destination for Filipino nurses, with Saudi Arabia and the U.S. ranking first and second, respectively. Also, according to the POEA, of the 2.3 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) officially accounted for in 2018 (excluding the undocumented), 25% are health-care professionals. That’s a whopping 575,000 conceivably out there on the world’s pandemic front lines. Needless to say, this massive drainage of health-care professionals has resulted in a decline in the availability and quality of health services in the Philippines where the coronavirus has also become a major threat. We would, understandably, wish that these health-care professionals were in the Philippines, attending to our countrymen. Years ago, I asked a younger brother of mine, Dr. Vic Makabenta, if he wanted to join my
sister and me in the U.S. to continue his medical practice. His response embarrassed me. He said there were more than enough doctors in America and he was needed more urgently in the Philippines. He worked as an assistant provincial health officer in Biliran sub-province until he died in his mid-40s. But we cannot begrudge those who chose to work overseas. They have their own valid reasons, mainly economic. We should only pray for their safety as they minister to the sick and dying in the midst of the contagion. Newsweek reported that, as of March 27, more than 50 doctors had died from coronavirus in Italy. A BuzzFeed News report dated March 26 stated: “Health care workers fighting the coronavirus outbreak across the country are getting sick and dying, nurses and doctors say. And despite the fact that they’re essential to fighting the epidemic, no one in the US seems to be keeping track. “At least 35 California health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak have already tested positive for COVID-19, state officials reported on Wednesday.” Who knows how many of these heroes and heroines are Filipinos…or relatives and dear friends? We can only pray that the numbers are few. *** gregmacabenta@hotmail.com
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA THIS Holy Week when the churches are empty because of mandatory shelter-in-place isolation and forced social distancing caused by the Wuhan China coronavirus pandemic that has affected more than 150 countries, it is a good idea to tune out cold turkey from the media-driven hysteria and go deep into the silence. Turn off your TV. Shut down all electronic devices. In a word —UNPLUG. Instead, dig into the roots of our Christian faith. There, we shall find the courage, the peace and the quiet assurance that THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Consider the life of Saint Paul. Paul, aka Saul of Tarsus, lived more than two thousand years ago. He had something to say about what does matter in life. He spoke about a special kind of love that in Greek is called Agape (ahgah-pay). Agape is unconditional love, a kind of love that has no agenda or motivations, a kind of love that is exemplified in God sending His only Son, a kind of love that if emulated by humans, sets us apart from all of God’s creatures, makes us a little closer to the angels and truly created in God’s own image and likeness. But Paul didn’t start out as a defender of the Christian faith. He was, in fact, an avid persecutor feared by early Christians. As a Jew and a Pharisee who was also an educated man and a class above because he was a Roman citizen, he used everything in his power and position to quash the growth of the church persecuting the members of the then budding Christian church. Saul was his Jewish name. Paul was his Roman name. Paul stood by watching the cloaks of the stone throwers, tacitly approving the stoning to death of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Paul was a young, rising brilliant star of his time eager to make his mark in the Judaic tradition. At first, Paul was hot and bothered by the intensity of the love and fervency of the Apostles and early believers. This start-up movement was a threat to his career track and his
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“… And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE.” Judaic core belief system. Paul thought he was going to make it his life’s work to eliminate Christ’s early followers and eradicate what Christ himself has started. If murder and mayhem were the tools to get it done, he was going to use them. But God had other plans for Paul. On his way to Damascus on a mission to arrest and persecute Christians, a blinding light shone on him. He fell off his horse while Jesus’ voice is heard asking him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” This dramatic, miraculous conversion when he temporarily became blind was a critical juncture for the Christian church. Inspired by the Holy Spirit who suffused his entire being when the scales of his blindness fell off his eyes, Paul’s teachings and writings have an eternal shelf life - true today, as it was then, and will be for much of human history. In the quiet of your soul during this holy season amid these troubled times, read the gospels. Also, you just might discover the exquisite beauty, range and depth of human emotions made known to God, contained in the Psalms, all 150 of them. And then read Paul. You’ll be surprised at the clarity and current relevance of many of his writings to today’s unfolding story. He has a wealth of wisdom to share with anyone seeking meaning in a confusing world seemingly hell bent on selfimmolation. In a swirling fast-paced technological world full of self–love, vanity, illusions and artifice that only tend to distort and act as centrifugal forces pushing God away as the center of our lives, Paul’s directives make absolute sense. His words have the power to keep us all centered, as they were intended to be, not on ourselves, but on God. Ironically, it’s like being in the eye of the storm where there is peace while swirling forces rage about in the periphery. This one below, if etched in many hearts and minds and lived out in our daily rounds through thoughts and more specifically in
even the tiniest of actions, particularly in couples, already married or planning marriage in the foreseeable future, could remarkably bring down the alarming rate of break-ups and a whole universe of heartaches among couples. This has the power to preserve FAMILIES, the last best hope of humanity on steroids. These days, the very structure and integrity of the family unit are heavily assaulted from many fronts with popular culture, insane power hungry globalists, Hollyweird, media and the internet leading the charge at a time when the church has been rendered weak by internal abuses and scandals in the not so distant past. Thankfully, the persecutions of Christians around the world which was at a terrifying, alarming rate and intensity is coming down with the ascent of conservative leaders among Christian countries. With unceasing prayer and fasting among millions on bended knees, good people will bring forth a strong and fervent resurgence of a stronger Christian faith in most parts of the world. FEAR NOT. Let not our hearts be troubled. As history will bear and as written in the song, “Canticle of the Turning,” which is based on the Blessed Mother Mary’s “Magnificat,” it is when the church is at its most vulnerable, when the forces of heaven align to defend itself and go on the offensive in subtle yet dramatic ways. The blood of early Christians spawned the rise of the early Church. Now as then, the pattern remains the same. History does repeat itself. Marriage as a bedrock institution between man and a woman is in serious danger, as man-made laws masquerading as civil liberties, are enacted to challenge it, all in the name of political correctness. There is a growing pushback against political correctness and the often times wanton moral depravity the lies of political correctness seek to promote. With PAGE 9
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MArtin SAntiAgo, Broker-ASSociAte WE are back to work. The Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) updated its list of essential services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis and expressly included residential real estate. Since Governor Newsom’s order incorporates this list, the order now includes residential and commercial real estate, including settlement services, as essential services in California. Notwithstanding this new development, all real estate licensees must take into account the health and safety of their clients and fellow licensees, and follow the existing protocols for protecting against the spread of COVID-19. No open homes are permissible under any circumstances. Showings of homes must be virtual. Only if it is not possible to show a home virtually may a showing of a vacant home take
Health@Heart PhiliP S. chuA, Md, FAcS, FPcS FOLLOWING our columns about COVID-19 the past several weeks in this paper since the Wuhan outbreak, we received dozens of questions from our readers, which we have organized, consolidated, and answered below: I am confused, mask or no mask? If you do not have to go out, stay home, which is the safest sanctuary from any outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. This will prevent you from being exposed and become a carrier who can infect countless people, geometrically, and rapidly, including your family. If you have to go to the grocery, drug store, etc., wear a mask, covering nose and mouth, a cap, large goggle on top of your prescription glasses, and gloves.
place, by appointment, and the number of people in a home may not exceed a maximum of 2 visitors and they must be from the same household. No showings of any occupied homes may take place, even if the occupants leave the home for the day. At any showing of a vacant house, social distancing protocol must be in place and a form must be completed and posted at the showing. What will happen to your mortgage payment? Many mortgage servicers have programs to help people avoid foreclosure. Your mortgage servicer will look at your situation to consider the options that may be available to you. The servicer may ask you to fill out a mortgage assistance application. Mortgage forbearance Forbearance is when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to pause or reduce your mortgage payments for a limited period of time. Forbearance doesn’t erase what you owe – you’ll have to repay any missed or reduced payments in the future. If your income is restored, reach out to your servicer and resume making payments as soon as you can. If your mortgage is a feder-
ally backed mortgage, you have two mortgage relief options under the CARES Act: First, your lender or loan servicer may not foreclose on you for 60 days after March 18, 2020. Specifically, the CARES Act prohibits lenders and servicers from beginning a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure against you, or from finalizing a foreclosure judgment or sale, during this period of time. Second, if you experience financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, you have a right to request a forbearance for up to 180 days. You also have the right to request one extension for another up to 180 days. You must contact your loan servicer to request this forbearance. There will be no additional fees, penalties or additional interest (beyond scheduled amounts) added to your account. You do not need to submit additional documentation to qualify other than your claim to have a pandemic-related financial hardship. Refinancing? One silver lining is that the crisis has driven mortgage rates in a downward direction. As such, prospective homeowners are clamoring to apply for mortgages while current homeowners PAGE 9
Your COVID-19 queries
When you get back home, wash all these in your garage with soap and warmest tolerable water. Wash your hands and face in your bathroom or take a shower. Some people use two cotton ball plugs for their nose underneath their mask. The visit to the grocery/drug store, etc., should be as short as possible. Again, masks are protective, not only for you but for others too, on top of social distancing of at least 6 feet and good hygiene. Since the Wuhan epidemic, as early as February 7, we have been advocating the use of masks and gloves. The authorities finally recommended everybody to wear a mask when outside. Do people have the right to stay out and enjoy life? Being interviewed on TV, a young arrogant man on the beach teeming with other students on their spring break a couple of weeks ago invoked his civil rights to justify his refusal to stay home or do social distanc-
SERVICES
ing. Only a brainless, self-centered, inconsiderate individual would think that way and be reckless. Yes, he had the right to get infected and kill himself, but he did not have the right to infect and kill others. Some of those students later tested positive for COVID-19 and, who knows, how many dozens or hundreds they had transmitted the virus to. This is the major reason why this pandemic has infected and killed so many. This twisted thinking is a graver threat to society and to freedom and democracy than COVID-19. Can I get the virus from mail and packages? The SARS-CoV2 virus responsible for COVID-19 pandemic, can stay in the air for 2 hours after an infected person sneezes or coughs, and land on surfaces within 10 feet. The virus could be sprayed into the air by talking or breathing, and highly contagious. On copper and wooden PAGE 8
April 10-16, 2020 • NOrCAl ASiAN JOUrNAl
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celebrity world By Ferdie Villar DURING these volatile and dangerous times we live in, many celebrities have chosen to do their part in helping the needy and also supporting the brave men and women who continue to be at the frontlines treating patients who have been afflicted with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). • Recently, powerhouse showbiz couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes recently shared an Instagram video where they cooked a special family recipe (menudo ni Nanay Ingkang) and packed food for the health workers of Quezon City General Hospital. According to PEP.ph, the Kapuso network actors are supporting Andrew’s Fund, a fundraising project spearheaded by Caritas Manila with Dingdong’s Yes Pinoy! Foundation which aims to provide food for marginalized families and frontliners, as well as provide employment opportunities for the youth. Per a recent post, the actors will also be sending food to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. • Recent America’s Got Talent finalist Marcelito Pomoy and fellow Original Pilipino Music artists Morisette Amon, Elaine Duran, Julie Ann San Jose and Christian Bautista are performing on digital platform LazLive this whole month of April to encourage donations to an ecommerce site which has so far raised P15 million to aid frontliners and provide relief for people affected by the virus in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Star, the donations will help purchase 13,578 personal protective equipment, 16,453 meals and food packs, and 1,821 hygiene supplies. • Former Miss World Second Princess Ruffa Gutierrez, recent birthday celebrant KC Concepcion and television news anchor
Karen Davila donated groceries, fruits and vegetables to about 250 families in Parañaque who have been affected by the crisis created by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The donated items were distributed via the initiative “#BFBayanihan” spearheaded by Gutierrez’s friends, Mikaela Martinez and Garlic Garcia. Ruffa is also supporting a crowdfunding effort started by her brother Richard Gutierrez and wife Sarah Lahbati for hospital frontliners. • Actress Jasmine Curtis sent boxes of rice cakes to hospital workers as she celebrated her 26th birthday recently. According to Inquirer.net, Jasmine, who is the sister of actress/TV host Anne Curtis, sent a shoutout via Instagram to workers at Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital and Lung Center of the Philippines for their amazing service and sacrifice during these challenging times. She added, “I celebrate yesterday with your victories these past few weeks of patient recoveries, may we celebrate more recovered cases soon.” (prayer emoji) • Celebrities including Megastar Sharon Cuneta, her hubby Kiko Pangilinan, daughter Frankie Pangilinan, Enchong Dee and Ria Atayde banded together to post bail and other legal funds for the release of 21 members of the San Roque community who were arrested for rallying for food along EDSA. The bail money for each of the detainees was said to be P15,000, aside from processing fee of P2,500 and other documents requested in order to file bail. • As I featured in a recent column, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano and a host of Kapamilya network singers have come together to record a new
Celebrities, ordinary citizens show support for front-liners, the needy during pandemic
version of gospel song “Ililigtas Ka Niya.” The royalties from the streaming and views of the song will be donated to the “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” campaign launched by ABS-CBN. Funds will be geared towards assisting Filipinos and families whose livelihoods have been affected by the community quarantine in the Philippines. These are just some of the examples of celebrities helping their fellow kababayans during this extraordinary situation. But it is not just celebrities who doing their share. Ordinary citizens are doing their part in helping those who are in need in the community. There are those who are grocery shopping for the elderly, the sick and people who have compromised immune systems. There are some who have volunteered to pick up medication for their elderly/senior citizen neighbors. There are those who include extra for people who are alone in quarantine in their cooked meals, delivering them to their doorstep or leaving it on their front door. And there are many in the community who laud the doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery workers and employees of other essential businesses who remain open in order to serve the needs of the community. Especially in this Lenten Season, which culminates with Easter on April 12, this is significant. In the face of adversity, human kindness, compassion and generosity will go a long way in making the lives of the needy and those in danger a little more bearable. Kudos to all of you who are helping find solutions to the problems generated by the coronavirus. And to our doctors, nurses, emergency/first responders and essential business workers, we salute your sacrifices and pray for your continued health and safety!
Actress Iza Calzado shares her battle with COVID-19 By Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
AFTER battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), ABSCBN actress Iza Calzado candidly shared her experience. During an interview on “Magandang Buhay” on Monday, April 6, she said the symptoms she had were fever, cough and loss of appetite. After she was confined in the hospital, the doctors found that she had also contracted a bacteria called “Acinetobacter Baumannii” aside from COVID19. “Ito po ay hindi COVID (This is not COVID). Ito po ay isang bacteria na hindi namin alam kung ‘yun ba ay dala-dala ko na nung pumasok ako sa ospital (This is a bacteria which we didn’t know if I was already carrying when I went to the hospital) or it could have been something I got nung pumasok ako sa ospital (when I went to the hospital),” Calzado said. She added, “Sa totoo lang, kung COVID lang ang binattle ko, mahirap siya pero mas lumala dahil dito sa bacteria. Dalawa na ‘yung nilalabanan kasi nasa lungs ko din ‘yung bacteria (Honestly, if COVID was the only one I was battling, it was difficult but it worsened because of this bacteria. I was fighting two since the bacteria was in my lungs as well).” The actress also said she had a bad reaction to one of the antibiotics given to her, sharing that she couldn’t feel her “mouth, lips, tongue.” While she didn’t have to be
Iza Calzado Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado
intubated or be moved to the intensive care unit as her condition improved, she realized a lot of things about her life. For one, her experience humbled her. “If you’re faced with a life and death situation, ‘yung mga material na bagay walang maitutulong (the material things will not help). Hindi natin puwedeng i-deny na (We can’t deny that), of course, I was being taken care of in a nice hospital. If you think about it, sasabihin ng tao, ‘Mayaman ka and may pera ka pang ospital’ (People would say, ‘You’re rich and you have money to afford a hospital’),” she said. She called for universal access to hospitals and that Filipinos shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for medical treatment. Apologies The actress also took to Instagram to apologize for her
Your COVID-19 queries...
PAGE 7 surfaces, it stays active for up to 4 hours. On cardboard and paper, this virus could survive up to 24 hours, about 2-3 days on ATM machines (screen and keypad) and likewise on plastic and metal surfaces. All mail and packages go through dozens of hands before they get to you. It is best to wear gloves when picking up your mail, or wash your hands well with soap and water, then leave your mail in a box in your garage for one full day. Gloves must
likewise be washed with soap and water or peroxide, or 75% alcohol. I purchased UVC lamps about a year ago. I was using it to sterilize rooms and closets. Now, I use it inside our laundry room to sterilize my mail, clothes, masks, caps, gloves, shoes, and practically anything else. UVC lights have been routinely used in sterilizing OR, ER, ICU rooms, etc. for more than a century. UVC light is also used to sterilize CPAP mask, tubing, etc., and surgical instruments in hospitals and clinics. The food
Former Miss World Second Princess Ruffa Gutierrez has involved herself with #BFBayanihan and a separate crowdfunding effort to help Filipinos affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Inquirer.net file photo
Mylene Dizon, a talented actress of GMA Pinoy TV, is currently showingher excellent acting ability in the teleserye “Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit.”
Gabby Eigenmann, a macho-looking actor in the Philippine entertainment world, is one of the lead actors in the GMA teleserye “Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit.”
Recent AGT finalist Marcelito Pomoy and a few OPM singers are performing in an online platform to generate funds to help frontliners and aid people affected by COVID-19. Philstar.com file photo
Abigail (Larcy) Perez, youngest daughter of Antioch Filipino leaders Anthony and Vangie Perez, celebrated her 11th birthday last January at the Hidden Dragon Cuisine Restaurant. Shown in photo are (from left) brother Mark Anthony, Abigail, brother A.J., brother Mark Evan and sister Angeline.
Showbiz powerhouse couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera provided food Actress Jasmine Curtis shows off a homemade birthday cake in an Instagram for health workers at Quezon City General Hospital. With Dingdong and Marian post. The actress sent bibingka to hospital workers to celebrate her 26th in photo is daughter Zia. Inquirer.net file photo birthday. Instagram photo/@jascurtissmith
Menggie Cobarrubias — one of PH entertainment’s finest
comment about COVID-19 being “the universe’s way of making the world a better place moving forward.” “When I started getting sick, I made a comment on an IG post that was totally misconstrued. I understand how and why that happened and I am sorry if anyone was offended and felt bad about it. Please know that I would never intentionally say anything to hurt others nor celebrate anyone else’s suffering. I am a hopeful person and always try see the silver lining in every dark cloud. I am sad that you missed my heart but I also understand your sentiments,” she wrote. “After 2 weeks of battling Covid 19, pneumonia and a nasty bacteria called Acinetobacter Baumannii, I am alive and for that I am truly grateful. I know that so many of you sent your love and support, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Please know that even if I didn’t get to read all the messages, I felt the love and good energy and that you helped me pull through one of the darkest moments of my life,” she added. The actress also expressed her gratitude to the front-liners at Asian Hospital as well as her family and friends. “My deepest gratitude to my friends and family who prayed hard and made me feel their love and care for me, especially my number 1 nurse, my husband, Ben. I could never have done this without you, my Love. We did it, by God’s grace, we made it!” she added.
AN outpouring of grief flooded social media on March 26 when news that veteran character actor Domingo “Menggie” Cobarrubias had passed away from complications of pneumonia. Five days later, his test results came out positive for the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Cobarrubias was 68 years old. As friends and family mourned his demise, colleagues in film, television and theater paid tribute to the highly respected actor who had always been noted for his immense versatility. Director Kip Oebanda (“Liway,” 2018) took off his hat to the prolific actor, tweeting, “Goodbye, Sir Menggie Cobarrubias. RIP. The film industry is mourning the loss of one of our finest veteran actors.” Another filmmaker, Dan Villegas (“Exes Baggage,” 2018) also posted, “RIP Tito Menggie Cobarrubias. You were a generous man. Salamat sa lahat;” while poet and actor Juan Miguel Severo wrote, “RIP Meggie Cobarrubias who was all about the craft.” From family, his wife Gina Jorge Cobarrubias achingly sent him off with the words, “Goodbye my love. Thank you for the 30 wonderful years. I love you. Dear God please give me the strength to be able to face this very difficult moment of my life.” His niece Patricia Prudo also posted, “Rest in peace,
industry uses it also to sterilize food items before shipping them out. Can I get infected by touching money? Most definitely yes, if the paper money and coins have been recently (with 4 hours) touched by a cashier or people who are infected without even knowing they are carriers because they have no symptoms. One of the dirtiest things on earth is money because it goes from one person to the other, handled millions of times, including by those with poor personal hygiene. They are loaded with microorganisms. It is best to have the exact amount
when you go to drive-by burger stands or even in groceries, so they don’t hand you back any change which could be contaminated. What disinfectants can be used for SARS-CoV2 virus? Three more popular EPAregistered disinfectants are Clorox, alcohol at least 75%, and peroxide 3%. Most homes have these. It is best to allow the disinfectant to be left on the surface for at least 15 minutes to dry. A DIY disinfectant is easy to do. Mix four (4) teaspoon bleach (like chlorine) in a quart of water, or simply use 75% to 91% rubbing alcohol sprayed or wiped
Tito Menggie! We love you! Thank you for being a father, a lawyer, a general and a whole lot more roles to Philippine cinema. You will surely be missed. Please pray for our loved one’s soul and his family.” The night before he died, Cobarrubias was still able to post a message on Facebook, which simply said, “Good bye.” Decades’ long career The long-active character actor was noted for his versatility whether on stage or the movies and TV. News of his
death greatly saddened many directors and fellow artists who were unanimous in saying the country has lost one of its finest actors. Cobarrubias’ first screen exposure was in the 1976 drama movie “Sakada,” using his first screen name, Dom Cobarrubias. Since then, the prolific actor was cast in over 170 roles on TV and the movies, with his final appearance in an episode of the GMA Network prime time series “Beautiful Justice” as President Ricardo San Jose. He received critical acclaim when he won the Gawad Urian for Best Supporting Actor in the 1979 Lino Brocka film “Jaguar,” where he was also nominated for a Famas award in the same category. The crime drama starred Phillip Salvador and Amy Austria and was screened at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival. Cobarrubias played Salvador’s rich and callous boss, Sonny Gaston, in a piece that illustrated the power of rich over the poor in the Philippines. On TV, Cobarrubias was best known as Don Manuel Aguilar in the 2010 Precious Hearts Romances series “Impostor,” which was top billed by Maja Salvador, Melai Cantiveros, and Sam Milby. Other recent and notable screen credits include “The Killer Bride,” “Wagas,” “Signal Rock” and the Cinemalaya 2018 Best Film awardee, “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon” where he played one of the leads alongside Dante Rivero and Perla Bautista.
directly on surfaces. None of these should be taken or applied on the body. They are poisons. Is vinegar useful as disinfectant? Vinegar is good for cleaning but NOT for sterilizing. Surfaces cleaned with cooking vinegar will have much lesser bacteria. For cleaning, mix 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water. To clean vegetables, 4 tbsp of vinegar in 1 gallon of water may be used. Half a cup or one cup of vinegar into the kitchen sink drain once every two weeks will deodorize it. Orange peel or lemon peel will also help. Vinegar will not be effective for the SARS-CoV2
virus. Will various oils, fruit juices, herbs, prevent COVID-19? No, none of those or any drinks or remedies known to man will prevent nor cure COVID-19, except for discipline and practicing the wise strategy of staying home, omitting non-essential travels, social distancing, using masks and gloves when outside, washing hands with soap and warm water frequently, not touching the face, and, as recent news suggests, perhaps using preventive medication like hydroxychloroquine, which is now being tried, would PAGE 10
By nika
Roque ManilaTimes.net
Domingo “Menggie” Cobarrubias
Inquirer.net photo
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 10-16, 2020
New hope for maintaining status when attorney messed up Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON April 2, 2020, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that if an alien failed to maintain lawful status (or went out of status) as a result of his or her attorney messing up and missing a filing deadline or providing wrong advice, there could still be hope or relief for that alien: “When a non-citizen’s failure to maintain lawful status results from her reasonable reliance on the assistance of counsel, nothing more is needed to show that the failure [to maintain lawful status] has occurred “through no fault of [her] own.” In that particular case, an alien’s attorney had failed to properly file the paperwork necessary to obtain an extension of her lawful H-1B immigration status. As a result, the alien became “out of status.” When she later applied for a green card and adjustment of status, her adjustment application was denied because she had been out of status for more than 180 days when she filed her adjustment application. She tried to argue that she was entitled to relief because the statute provides that a person could still be eligible for adjustment if the failure to maintain status was “through no fault of his own or for technical reasons.” In her case, it was not her fault that her attorney missed a filing deadline and/or did not properly file the extension. She was placed in removal/
deportation proceedings, and both the immigration judge and BIA upheld the USCIS’s denial of her adjustment application, concluding that her attorney missing a deadline did not excuse her going out of status. The Ninth Circuit reversed, concluding that an attorney missing a deadline, or failing to properly file an extension or other application, resulting in the alien going out of status, definitely constitutes the person going out of status “through no fault of her own.” As a result, she was eligible to adjust status. I know there are many people who desperately tried to maintain status, but a previous attorney messed up, and either did not file an extension, petition, or application on time, or they filed the paperwork and it was rejected after the deadline because they did not include all the necessary forms. As a result of the attorney’s acts or omissions, the alien fell out of status. My office has handled several similar cases in the past, which were fortunately approved. In one case, an attorney was supposed to file an extension for an H-1B visa holder, along with his H-4 wife. The attorney filed an extension only for the H-1B visa holder and forgot about the wife. Therefore, she went out of status. We were able to get her extension granted, showing her failure to maintain status was “through no fault of her own.” In a different case, an attorney’s incorrect advice resulted in the client going out of status, and his adjustment was denied. Again, we sought reconsideration, arguing that it was through no fault of the alien that he went out of status, and were able to get
the case approved. Looking back, we were able to accomplish this without the alien being put in removal, BIA appeals, or 9th Circuit petitions, as happened in this published opinion. While I am not “guaranteeing” success or results in your case, this Ninth Circuit decision clearly and indisputably establishes there could be hope for a person who went out of status because their prior attorney messed up. If that’s the case, you may want to consult with a different attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and see if you meet the requirements for relief, by demonstrating your failure to maintain status was through no fault of your own. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
Real estate during COVID-19... PAGE 7 are rushing to take advantage of these competitive rates by refinancing. Refinancing allows you to swap an existing mortgage for a new one. When rates drop, you get an opportunity to lower your monthly mortgage payments without paying a lump sum toward the principal of your home loan.
Property Tax deadlines? San Francisco and San Mateo counties have extended their normal April 10 property-tax payment deadlines until May 4, the date their tax collector’s offices are scheduled to reopen to the public after shelter-in-place orders are lifted. *** Martin Santiago is a broker associate at Com-
pass Burlingame, a full-service residential brokerage firm. He is also an International Associate at the American Institute of Architects. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be a formal legal advice nor the formation of a broker-client relationship. Call or email Martin at (415)850-7704; teammsquare@gmail.com; www.teammsquare.com. (Advertising Supplement)
THREE DIVINE SIGNS GUIDED FAMILY TO HUMANITARIAN REVALIDATION APPROVAL. Nanay Beatriz petitioned her sons Romeo (left) and Mario (not in photo) back in 1994, and when she became a U.S. citizen, the category was updated from single child to married (F-3). However, Nanay Beatriz was diagnosed with late stage cancer, and her final wish was that her daughter, Juliet (3rd from left), make sure that her brothers make it to the U.S. by retaining leading U.S. immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL (right). The devout Juliet prayed for three signs to know how she should proceed, since after her mother died, the petition for her brothers “died” with her. And the signs came while Juliet was watching an episode of Citizen Pinoy. Find out what these three signs were, and see how the power of prayer and a dedicated team at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel were able to make Nanay Beatriz’ final wish come true on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Love as the center of...
PAGE 7 courageous, right leaning Christian leaders who will defend the Christian faith, more and more people are emboldened to call a spade, a spade and think and act accordingly. The courage to confront the evil in our time is getting stronger as people quietly humble themselves before God and ask for His grace and mercy not only this Lenten season but through all seasons. Strong family units built on LOVE are so essential in creating strong societies from the ground up. Each generation builds upon and learns from the ones that came before it. The passage below is a favorite among couples and wedding planners and for good reason. These words are more than the pretty, superficial veneer of rituals in weddings. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 13, are words to live by telling us what really matters as he did then to members of the early church who were probably just as lost, confused and disconcerted as most of us probably are. Set your hearts on the greater gifts. I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great
enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong
but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure. Love never fails. … And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
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April 10-16, 2020 • NOrCAl ASiAN JOUrNAl
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Friday, April 10, 2020
OMETHING
ILIPINO
Fil-Am restaurants band together to feed SF’s front-liners, low-income families
I
by AJPRESS
n light of the coronavirus pandemic, Filipino Americans around the country — particularly small business owners and those in the health care field — are trying to navigate how to survive on a daily basis.
Fil-Am restaurants, which have been staples in their communities for years and have even garnered awards and mainstream attraction, are reporting a decrease in revenue following cities’ restrictions that limit serving food through take-out and delivery. Owners are stressing over whether those options will be enough to cover rent, payroll and other expenses in the coming months. On the medical side, families are affected personally as Fil-Ams make up 20% of California’s registered nurse workforce and are thrown into the front lines of this fight against the virus. As the state’s health care system is anticipated to be overwhelmed with the uptick in positive cases, many Fil-Am nurses, doctors and scientists worry about how they can come home and be with their families in fear of transmitting the virus. To address some of the local San Francisco community’s pressing issues, non-profit economic development and arts organization Kultivate Labs is spearheading a new effort to raise $100,000 to help stabilize 10 Fil-Am restaurants and spread the Filipino spirit of community and hospitality. “Two weeks ago we released a survey to our network of entrepreneurs and we found that all of them are scared. It’s expensive to start a restaurant. Some of them have leveraged their homes for financing and are afraid of losing them. We also have others that are afraid of becoming homeless. The economic impacts of COVID-19 are devastating,” Desi Danganan, Kultivate Labs’ executive director, told the Asian Journal. The survey found that 40% of Filipino businesses have laid-off their staff and 67% of
A sample meal under the #FilipinosFeedTheFrontlines campaign
these businesses only have two months until they are insolvent. Called #FilipinosFeedTheFrontlines, the campaign’s funds will in turn provide 10,000 meals for health care workers and scientists and Filipino seniors and low-income families in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood. “Filipinos believe in ‘Kapwa,’ the idea of interconnectedness and shared empathy. We’re always finding ways to help others,” shared Danganan. “#FilipinosFeedTheFrontlines is our way of connecting the dots in our community, from the heroic efforts of our healthcare workers to the most vulnerable of society like our seniors to our Filipino businesses that are on the brink of collapse.” The participating restaurants have been involved with the UNDSCVRD Night Market network of businesses or are part of the Kusinerio Alliance of Filipino Food, Danganan
said. They include: Senor Sisig, Mestiza Taqueria, Little Skillet, Sarap Shop, Lumpia Company, Nick’s on Mission and Grand, FK Frozen Custard, Manila Bowl, Ox and Tiger, and IVSF Catering and SF Chicken Box. “Many of us are concerned about the implications this has on our individual and community health. We are experiencing collective trauma on so many levels from financial loss to loss of our loved ones. It takes a lot of
courage to choose a path where we fully rely on ourselves for stability. And now more than ever is our resilience being stretched,” said Kristen Brillantes, co-founder of the Sarap Shop, which serves a menu of Filipino comfort classics. The tiers for pitching in include: $10 for a meal; $20/ month to send two meals to the front lines; $50 for a family of 5; and $100 to feed a staff of 10. As of this writing, the campaign has received $11,630, and the first $5,000 in donations have been matched $1 for $1 by private sector partners. (Donations can be made at https://www. kultivatelabs.com/frontlines) The hospitals and facilities that will receive the food service are: Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley6North, NICU, Emergency Depart; Chan Zuckerberg BioHub; Laguna Honda Hospital; Seton Medical Center in Daly City; Sutter Health Mills-Peninsula ER, Infection Prevention; Stanford HospitalPatient Care, Case Management and Social Work; University of San Francisco COVID19 Screening Tents, COVID19 Mobile Clinic, OB-GYN, and Charles Chui’s Lab. “ P a r t ner hospitals were engaged through organic outreach. Many people in our community are leaders in these hos-
The Sarap Shop preps to-go boxes for delivery.
The Sarap Shop packs meals for front-liners and low-income families in San Francisco at a certified commissary.
pital departments and were proactive in reaching out to care and morale boosters for their units with meals,” Brillantes said. Organizations SOMCAN, United Playaz and Westbay are helping bring the meals to the vulnerable groups in SOMA. The restaurants plan to have prepackaged, refrigerated meals that can be warmed up when the health care professionals and families need, whether during a break time or at the end of their shifts. Brillantes added that the
Your COVID-19 queries...
Sarah Geronimo
Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph
Sarah shares positivity and happiness in challenging times
POPSTAR Royalty Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli is grateful to be telco brand TNT’s newest brand ambassador, for even as the timing of her endorsement comes in the midst of a global crisis, she is able to give more meaning to this endeavor. Geronimo has actively joined TNT to help in its goal to provide relief and optimism in these particularly trying times — not only to her millions of Popsters, but also to every Filipino doing his or her best to make it through these challenges. “Ako po ay masaya at bahagi na ako ng TNT Family. Maraming salamat po sa pag-
kakataon na maging bahagi ng isang misyon to keep Filipinos connected and entertained all the time,” she said in an emailed statement. “We welcome Sarah Geronimo to the TNT family, and with her, we hope to continue uplifting Filipinos through our services. Sarah is also the personification of TNT in the sense that she grew up entertaining the public and kept her fans connected because of her songs and movies,” announced Jane Basas, SVP and Head for Consumer Individual Wireless Business of Smart. Geronimo also understands that Filipinos need
more encouragement at this time, which is why she plans to use her new status as a TNT endorser to be an inspiring figure, doing what she can to help Filipinos cope with the current situation. “Sa panahon ngayon, importante po na meron pa rin tayong kaunting tawanan, kantahan, sayawan para po mas mapagaan ang pagdala ng ating buhay sa araw-araw,” the celebrity said in a teaser video addressed to TNT subscribers. “Ako po at ang TNT ay may solusyon para diyan para bigyan po kayo ng saya kahit kailan kahit saan abangan po ninyo.” (ManilaTimes. net)
PAGE 8 prevent infection with the virus. Beware of scams and scoundrels promising prophylaxis or cure – pills, potion or lotion against COVID-19 – in exchange for your money. Will alcoholic drinks destroy this virus? Most alcoholic beverages have 20 to 50 percent alcohol in them, too low in alcoholic content. However, there are drinks that have more than 75% alcohol in them, and theoretically, could destroy viruses: Spyritus Stawski – 96%; Bruichladdich x4 quadrupled whisky – 92%; River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum – 90%; Hapsburg Gold Label Premium reserve Absinthe – 89.9%; Pincer Shanghai Strength – 88.88%; Valcan 176 Vodka – 88%; Good ol’ Sailor Vodka – 85%; Sunset Rum – 84%; Devil Springs Vodka – 80%; and Bacardi 151 – 75.5%. The ten drinks sound like they will also kill the drinker besides the virus, and faster. Seriously, alcoholics or those who imbibe a lot are not immune to COVID-19 or any viral infection. What did you mean with “Fight COVID-19 with COVID”? We used mnemonic to make the COVID-19 Task Force recommendations easier to remember. We called on society to fight COVID-19 with COVID: Cover face to scratch, sneeze or cough; Omit non-essential travels; Voluntary quarantine; Intensive hand washing; Distancing socially. This DIY strategy needs wisdom, discipline, optimism, sacrifice, patience, and compassion, to lessen the spread, flatten the curve, and end this pandemic
Photos courtesy of The Sarap Shop
much sooner. We are now nearing that final spike. Is the COVID-19 virus hard to “kill”? No, the SARS-CoV2 virus responsible for COVID-19, is very easy to deactivate and destroy. We cannot kill viruses because they are not alive, as I stated in my column last week. A virus is a protein molecule covered by a protective “envelope” of lipid (fats) all around it. Simple foamy soap and water, preferably warm/hot, destroy the protective fats and DNA of the virus easily and destroy it, and so with those listed disinfectants commonly found at home. Only the carelessness, indifference, arrogance, and stupidity of some of us (and the lack of responsibility and the dishonesty of the Wuhan authorities in China) are the reasons why this outbreak in Wuhan turned into an epidemic, then into a devastating pandemic that is projected to infect more than 1.5 million and kill almost 100,000 worldwide before it is wiped out. Are healthcare workers more vulnerable to COVID-19? Yes, because they are on the front lines, dealing with COVID-19 patients. They are overworked, tired, sleep-deprived, stressed out physicians, nurses and other responders, many of them with inadequate personal protective equipment due to shortage of PPE, since the national emergency was declared by President Trump on March 1, 2010 and restricted non-essential travels and WHO officially naming it a pandemic on March 11, 2010. In Spain, about 15% of the COVID-19 deaths were health-
food businesses in the campaign are practicing strict food safety practices and that meals will be prepared in certified commissary kitchens. Chefs and staffers will be donning proper protective gear throughout the process and will make no-contact deliveries. “We hope this campaign provides some inspiration and a boost of energy that we are not alone in this and we will get through it together and that all we have worked so hard for to date will not be wasted,” Brillantes added.
care providers. There are countless other physicians, nurses, allied workers in the U.S. and in other nations who have died taking care of COVID-29 patients. They are the courageous and admirable front-liners who have put themselves in harm’s way, true to their oath, and brave death to serve their sick fellowmen. They are our wonder heroes. The youngest physician who died from COVID-19 was in her mid-30s. What a tragedy. What a waste. When all of us, the entire society of man, follow those simple COVID rules with discipline, the viral spread would be effectively controlled sooner, and millions of lives around the world would be saved, including those of our selfless medical saviors, our soldiers on the battlefield. After COVID-19 is defeated, the World Health Organization and the United Nations must conduct an investigation on the origin, the 44-delay in reporting to WHO (first case November 17, 2019 reported December 31), the death of the whistleblower, and all pertinent mysterious matters surrounding the first nCorona virus outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in order to prevent another global catastrophe, or a worse one, from ever happening. Let us pray for our unsung heroes worldwide, because billions of lives around the globe depend on them, and May God bless all peoples on earth. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com.
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 10-16, 2020
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April 10-16, 2020 • NOrCAl ASiAN JOUrNAl
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160