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MAY 7-13, 2020
T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
Volume 31 - No. 18 • 12 Pages
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PH sees flattening of COVID-19 curve - expert by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
HAS the Philippines flattened the coronavirus curve? A local epidemiology expert thinks so, citing the recent decline in the number of new cases and fatalities due to the virus. According to Dr. John Wong, who serves on the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the doubling time for the confirmed cases has slowed down to at least Female coast guards in full protective gear on Tuesday, May 5 prepare to man 66 testing every four days while the death booths at Palacio de Maynila, an events venue on Roxas Boulevard that has been converted cases have been flattening at a into a temporary swabbing center to expand the government’s testing capacity for the new “more dramatic” slowdown as it coronavirus. The Department of Health aims to conduct 30,000 tests a day by the end of May. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
DATELINE
USA
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Philippine senators urge gov’t to reconsider order vs ABS-CBN by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Fil-Am Snapchat co-founder donates $5 million to fund more ‘Angeleno Cards’ for low-income residents THE Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles will now be able to distribute more Angeleno Cards to struggling families thanks to a $5 million donation from Filipino American tech entrepreneur Bobby Murphy, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti. Angeleno Cards, which were first unveiled on April 13, are prepaid debit cards specifically for lower-income Angelenos who were financially hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, as previously reported in the Asian Journal. The first application period of the Angeleno Cards, April 14-16, drew thousands of applicants and the cards ran out quickly, Garcetti
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Highway in Daly City closer to being named after Pinay trailblazer
A PORTION of State Route 35 in Daly City, California may soon be named after a Bay Area Filipina trailblazer. The state Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday, May 4 approved ACR 165, a resolution by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) that designates the Daly City portion of the highway as the Alice Peña Bulos Memorial Highway. “In recognition of Alice Peña Bulos’ four decades of dedicated public service to residents of the City of Daly City and throughout the County of San Mateo and across the world, it is fitting to designate a portion of State Route 35 in her honor,” a part of the resolution reads. Born on March 31, 1930 in the Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Bulos received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social and behavioral science from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where she later served as professor and chair of the Department of Sociology. In 1972, she and her family moved to San Francisco and later to Sacramento. “Every May, we celebrate Asian Pacific
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SILENT PROTEST. Employees and members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines light candles in front of the headquarters of ABS-CBN Corp in Quezon City on Tuesday, May 5. The National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order against the broadcast network even if it said previously that it would issue provisional authority to allow ABS-CBN to operate until June 2022 while Congress deliberates on its franchise renewal. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
SEVERAL Philippine senators on Thursday, May 7, filed a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to reconsider its cease and desist order against broadcasting giant ABS-CBN, after the network went off-air on Tuesday night. The group of lawmakers also urged the NTC to allow ABS-CBN, as well as its subsidiaries and affiliates, to continue operations pending the disposition
of its franchise renewal. “Now more than ever, in the middle of the biggest public health crisis of our generation, the Filipino people deserve access to up-to-date news provided by a free and unfettered media, and multiple sources of information provide the best pathways for truth to emerge,” the senators said. They added the impact on 13,000 of the network’s employees, which is “creating joblessness that could not be more ill-timed given the looming
economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” The senators also pointed out that there are precedents for entities whose franchises have expired but were allowed to continue their operations pending the grant of franchise renewal by Congress such as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Broadcast, Globe lnnove’s and PT&T. NTC’s Memorandum Order 03-032020 was cited by the senators as well,
saying it is another demonstration of the agency’s “liberality.” According to the MO, “(a)ll existing permits certificates and licenses, including radio operator certificates, to operate radio communications equipment, networks, and facilities, government or private, in various radio services… issued by the National Telecommunications Commission, expiring within March 15, 2020, to April 14, 2020, or during the Enhanced
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Pope Francis promotes Cardinal This National Nurses Week, Tagle to rank of cardinal-bishop remember the Filipino and Fil-Am nurses providing care and risking their lives daily by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
FILIPINO Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been promoted by Pope Francis to the rank of cardinal-bishop, the highest position within the Church’s College of Cardinals. The Catholic Church on Friday, May 1, announced that the Pope elevated the rank of the former archbishop of Manila. “The appointment was made in an audience granted to Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs for the Secretariat of State, on 14 April 2020,” the Vatican press said. “In naming Cardinal Tagle to
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by MOMAR
Pope Francis with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
CBCP photo
Over 40,000 displaced OFWs to return home by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
OVER 40,000 more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were displaced due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are set to arrive back to the Philippines. “More than 40,000 OFWs are to be repatriated. That might even be a conservative estimate because we have yet to include in the count medium- to long-term economic effect of the pandemic,” noted Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said on Wednesday, May 6. About 45,000 affected seafarers and 40,000 affected land-based workers have been repatriated since COVID-19 swept
across the globe. Cacdac also noted that some 7,000 OFWs remain in quarantine facilities. “In the mass testing being conducted among OFWs, we are prioritizing those who have already completed their 14-day quarantine. Those who tested negative would be immediately sent home so we can decongest our quarantine facilities,” Cacdac noted. “We really need to empty our quarantine facilities to accommodate those who are coming home,” Cacdac added. Meanwhile, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) for COVID-19, pointed out that the ban on incoming flights
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G. VISAYA AND CHRISTINA M. ORIEL AJPress
IN honor of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the World Health Organization declared 2020 as the “International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.” The American Nurses Association followed suit by adopting the same observance for this year. Wednesday, May 6 marks National Nurses Day, the annual celebration for the nearly 4 million nurses providing care across the United States, comprising the largest health care occupation. Typically, the day kicks off the week-long National Nurses Week until May 12, but the ANA expanded it to a celebration for the entire month of May with four themes celebrated by week: selfcare, recognition, professional development and community engagement. With the coronavirus pandemic, the tireless work that nurses do has been placed under the spotlight and along with it, the rightful recognition that has earlier eluded the profession. For the over four million Filipinos living in the U.S., this annual observance has also been about recognizing a part of Filipino American culture and the professional contributions many Filipi-
Araceli Buendia Ilagan, 63, (top) and Noel Sinkiat, 64, (bottom) were the first two reported Filipino American nurse fatalities on March 27.
nos have made to the country’s health care system by tending to patients from the beginning to end of life. Roughly 200,000 nurses in the U.S. are of Filipino descent
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May 7-13, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 7-13, 2020
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From The FronT Page
PH sees flattening of COVID-19...
PAGE 1 now approaches the seven-day rate. “When April 1 came around, you see the curve started to flatten. From doubling every less than three days, now it’s doubling around four days,” he said, presenting a graph to members of the media on Tuesday, May 5. “The deaths started very fast... then we start to see it flattening. Deaths are flattening at a more dramatic rate. Near the 7-day line,” he added. Wong also acknowledged that the picture of the Philippines’ COVID-19 situation presented in his data was from 10 to 14 days ago. “This is a picture [of the COVID-19 situation in the country] about 10 days back. We already saw that 10 days ago, there was already an improvement in both
cases and mortality,” he said. “We already saw that the curve had already flattened. If there [are] no significant changes, the flattening will continue, meaning, we will have very few additional cases,” he added. When asked if the country has reached its peak, Wong admitted that it was “difficult to predict when the peak will be and how many cases we’ll have at the peak.” “There are several models going around, but they are [presenting] different numbers. I don’t want to speculate whether we have reached the peak,” he added. The Philippine Department of Health (DOH), on the other hand, said that flattening the curve should not be based solely on the number of new cases and mortality rates. “Ito pong mga sinasabi nat-
ing mga ito ay kailangan hindi kuhanin or intindihin sa iisang konteksto lang. Katulad ng sinasabi natin, hindi lang numero ng kaso ang pinaguusapan natin dito (What we are discussing here should not be interpreted within only one context. Like what we’ve been saying, we should not just look into the figures),” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. “Pinag-uusapan natin dito ang kapasidad ng health system kung tayoy makakagapay kung sakaling dumami ang kaso (We are also talking about the capacity of the country’s health care system to respond if there’s a rise in the number of infections),” she added. As of writing, there are now 10,343 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, with 685 fatalities and 1,618 recoveries. n
Sen. Pia Cayetano. Palace: ABS-CBN situation ‘very far’ from ’72 martial law Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured that ABS-CBN’s shutdown is not a prelude to the declaration of martial law, after Bishop Broderick Pabillo claimed that the shutdown of the network is a move closer to martial law. “Nirerespeto po natin ang opinyon ni Bishop Pabillo. Pero ang katotohanan po, bukas po ang Kongreso, bukas po ang Supreme Court at ang ating ibang hukuman, bukas po ang mga media outlets bukod lang po sa ABS-CBN dahil nawalan nga siya ng prangkisa (We respect the opinion of Bishop Pabillo. But the truth is Congress is still open, the Supreme Court and lower courts are still open, media outlets are still open except for ABS-CBN
because its franchise expired),” he said. “So sa tingin ko po, malayong malayo tayo sa sitwasyon ng martial law noong 1972 (So I think the present situation is very far from the 1972 martial law),” he added. Roque also reiterated that only Congress can give ABS-CBN a fresh franchise, assuring that appropriate actions will be taken by the lawmakers. “Ang solusyon, kinakailangan hingin ng ABS-CBN ang kaniyang prangkisa sa Kongreso (The solution is ABS-CBN must ask a new franchise from Congress),” he said. “Hindi naman po bulag at hindi naman bingi ang inyong mga representante sa hinaing ng mga taumbayan (Your lawmakers will not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear),” he added. n
Philippine senators urge gov’t to... PAGE 1 Community Quarantine Period shall continue to be valid sixty (60) days after the end of the government-imposed quarantine period.” The senators, for their part, said that it suggests that “there is enough basis in policy and in practice to allow ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiaries and/ or affiliates to continue their operations pending the renewal of their respective franchises.” Senate Resolution No. 395 was signed by 13 senators — Senate Majority Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Ralph Recto, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Sen. Sonny Angara, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Sen. Nancy Binay, Sen. Lito Lapid, Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Leila De Lima and
Over 40,000 displaced OFWs to... PAGE 1 for repatriating OFWs would be lifted by Friday, May 8. “We will start accepting inbound passengers from abroad this coming Friday. But we will limit them to 400 to 500 (OFWs) to make it manageable,” Galvez said.
“At present, we have more or less 23,480 OFWs quarantined in Metro Manila and in nearby Batangas. And it is our recommendation that was approved by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) for us to have temporary restrictions. It is only for the inbound OFWs or incoming OFWs
in our national airport. It was intended to regulate the entry of OFWs,” he added. The Philippines on Sunday, May 3 suspended all inbound international passenger and commercial flights in and out of the country to further stop the spread of the coronavirus. n
This National Nurses Week, remember the... PAGE 1 — all familiar with ironed scrubs, matching clogs or nursing shoes, baon (packed lunch) preparations, and long 12-hour shifts. In California alone, 20.3% of the state’s registered nurses identify as Filipino. On the opposite coast, one in four Filipinos in the New York-New Jersey region works in the health care industry. How Filipinos came to be represented in the U.S. nursing pool dates back to the early 1900s as American nursing programs were established in the Philippines. “This Americanized nursing curriculum inadvertently prepared them to work in the United States. They were trained, oftentimes, in English instruction. Even their early nursing licensure examinations had an English language component,” said Catherine Ceniza Choy, an ethnic studies professor at UC Berkeley and author of “Empire of Care” (2003). Then, the first batch of government-sponsored scholars arrived in the United States through the Pensionado Act of 1903. Upon graduating, many students went back to the Philippines to work and to help establish nursing schools. Many others remained in the U.S., where they eventually became the first generation of Fil-Am nurses. Some of those who stayed for employment established the Philippine Nurses Association of New York in 1928. In the 20th century, the Exchange Visitor Program of 1948 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 allowed Filipino nurses and other professionals to come to the U.S. and fill the country’s shortage of nurses, Choy said. It’s not uncommon to see nursing become a multi-generational profession for many Filipino families, as Filipino Americans born in the U.S. have followed the footsteps of their parents or extended relatives. Through the month of May, the Asian Journal honors the countless Filipino and Fil-Am nurses who have been tasked with fighting this pandemic and continue to keep the nation’s hospitals and clinics running smoothly. We also remember those who showed up to work, or came out of retirement, and have died on the front lines due to COVID-19
since March. Here are their stories of selflessness and passion to improve the well-being and health of others. Araceli Buendia Ilagan, Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami, FL) Araceli Buendia Ilagan was the first Filipino American nurse reported to die from complications of COVID-19 on March 27. The 63-year-old worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit for 33 years, treating some of the hospital’s most critically ill patients. She started developing the symptoms on March 24, while working a shift. Three days later, she died. “During her long and storied career, she also mentored and trained other nurses, and was a champion for the profession,” a statement released by the hospital said. “As we battle this global public health crisis, caregivers throughout the world are bravely serving on the frontlines, often putting their patients’ lives before theirs. These medical professionals — people like Araceli — are the true heroes, and we salute them all.” Noel Sinkiat, Howard University Hospital (Washington, DC) Noel Sinkiat, 64, was a year away from retirement after working at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C for the last 41 years. On March 27, he became the second known Fil-Am nurse in the U.S. and the first of the 155,000-member of National Nurses United to fall victim to the coronavirus. Sinkiat and his wife Lourdes Gerardo had returned from a trip to the Philippines where they celebrated a reunion with his high school classmates. He went back to work and did his usual 12hour shift at Howard. He began experiencing flu-like symptoms on March 22, which he initially thought were his allergies acting up. He visited an urgent care facility near their home in Olney, Maryland, where he was tested for COVID-19, Gerardo told The Washington Post. The result came back positive after he died. His wife brought him to a hospital on March 27, with his health rapidly deteriorating. Doctors had to intubate him within an hour, his heart failed and they could not resuscitate him.
Rosary Celaya Castro-Olega, retired RN/volunteer (Los Angeles, CA)
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rosary Celaya Castro-Olega received a bachelor of science in nursing and entered the field in 1980. The registered nurse worked for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for 37 years and retired in 2017, according to her obituary. Following retirement, she continued to perform her duties as a traveling nurse, spent time with family, and traveled. With the onset of the coronavirus, Castro-Olega rejoined the front lines and volunteered in LA County. In mid-March, she exhibited symptoms associated with COVID-19 and tested positive. She was hooked up to a ventilator in the ICU at the Panorama City Medical Center and died on March 29 at the age of 63, the New York Times reported. Castro-Olega is survived by husband Mario, her three daughters, Tiffany, Tatiana, and Trisha, and her two brothers and three sisters. Divina “Debbie” Accad, Detroit VA Medical Center (Detroit, MI)
Originally from Alimodian, Philippines, Divina “Debbie” Accad was a long-time nurse at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. PAGE 4
May 7-13, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL
Pope Francis promotes Cardinal Tagle to... PAGE 1 the Order of Bishops, Pope Francis made him equal in all respects to those Cardinals with suburbicarian Churches,” it added. Tagle has been serving as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples since February, replacing Cardinal Fernando Filoni. Before the Pope appointed him to the role in Vatican City, Tagle was the 32nd Archbishop of Manila from 2011 to 2020. He is also the president of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 national Catholic relief and development agencies, since 2015. According to the Pontificio
Collegio Filippino, the home of Filipino priests in Rome, Tagle is the first Filipino to be named cardinal-bishop. The College of Cardinals are divided into three orders: cardinal-deacons, who are often called “the pope’s cabinet;” cardinal-priests, who are working in dioceses all over the world; and cardinal-bishops, who are holding jurisdiction over a church in a suburb of Rome, while working in departments of the Roman Curia, the central administration of the church. “Traditionally, six cardinal bishops from the Latin Church are appointed as titular bishops of Rome’s ancient suburbicarian
Dateline USa
sees. Eastern Catholic patriarchs who are cardinals are also cardinal-bishops,” the Catholic News Agency explained. However, Pope Francis broke tradition in June 2018, expanding the number of cardinal-bishops beyond six. “Tagle was not assigned a suburbicarian see. Instead, Pope Francis issued a rescript giving the Filipino cardinal the same status as other cardinal-bishops,” it added. Tagle is now among the 14 cardinal-bishops who are assigned to the Vatican, and are consulted by the Pope anytime individually or as a group, with regards to any question in the Church. n
This National Nurses Week, remember the... PAGE 3 The 72-year-old nurse, who was set to retire in April, was hospitalized with pneumonia and spent 11 days at a Taylor area hospital before she died on March 30, becoming the first health care worker fatality in Detroit. Her son Mark Accad, one of four children, said he hopes his mother’s death raises awareness of the risks that health care workers face during the pandemic. “She sacrificed her life for our troops. I want my mom to be known for what she did,” Mark told the Free Press. Nicanor Baltazar, Long Island Care Center (Flushing, NY)
Fil-Am Snapchat co-founder donates $5 million... PAGE 1 said on Monday. The website where residents applied for the cards crashed the morning the program went online, the city reported. It is unclear when the new round of Angeleno Cards will be available, but the mayor added that the donation from Murphy and his wife will be able to fund 20,000 more cards. The grants
provided by the Angeleno Card program range from $700, $1,100 or $1,500 depending on the overall household income and size. Murphy, 31, is the son of a Filipina immigrant mother and a United States-born father. In 2011, Murphy, along with fellow Stanford University student Evan Spiegel, founded Snapchat, the popular image-sharing app. According to Forbes magazine, Murphy’s net
worth is $3.6 billion as of 2020. In order to qualify for a grant, recipients must live in the city of LA, have a family income level that falls below the federal poverty line before the COVID-19 pandemic and have experienced a significant economic loss — a 50% loss in overall household income, for example — due to the crisis. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Highway in Daly City closer to being named after...
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Nicanor “Nick” Baltazar dedicated 40 years of his life to nursing — 30 of those in the United PAGE 1 “Throughout her life, ‘Tita Alice’ States. The Fil-Am nurse worked Heritage Month to commemorate was committed to opening doors at Long Island Care Center for the important contributions Asian for young Fil-Ams who wanted to 15 years, and 2020 would have and Pacific Islander Americans enter public service and politics been his fifth year as the director have provided our country,” said but did not see themselves repre- of nursing, according to the New Ting in a statement. “With this in sented in those places of power. York State Nurses Association. mind, it is my honor to recognize While she is no longer with us, Baltazar, who died from COAlice Peña Bulos, who is considher memory lives on in her family VID-19 on March 31, leaves beered the Godmother of Filipino and the numerous friends, sup- hind his wife Grace, also an RN, American politics and empowerporters, and pupils she inspired and his daughter Abigail, who ment. Her career in community over her decades of service,” said just graduated with her bachelor organizing epitomizes leadership the Filipino American Democratic of science in nursing. not just in the Filipino communiClub of San Mateo County, whose Daisy Doronila, Hudson County, but also throughout the state members include Daly City and ty Correctional Facility (Kearny, of California. I am proud to repreSouth San Francisco Council NJ) sent the district where Bulos’ acmembers, as well as other promitivism was rooted and her legacy “Tita” Alice Bulos nent San Mateo County Filipino lives on.” tional Asian Pacific Democratic American leaders. Over the span of four decades, Council. ACR 165, which was introduced Bulos — known by many as She became the first Fil-Am in the Assembly in February, has “Tita Alice” — dedicated herself appointed by a sitting U.S. presi- a few more stops in the legislative to empowering generations of dent to a federal council when process, Ting’s office said. If the Filipino Americans to amplify then President Bill Clinton picked resolution is signed into law, suptheir voices through civic partic- her to be part of the National porters may raise money for the ipation. Her influence includes Council on Aging in 1993. Two cost of signage. Non-state funds forming the Filipino American years later, Clinton called upon are required for the creation of all Grassroots Movement, and Bulos to serve as a delegate for memorial highway signs. co-founding the state Filipino the White House Conference on In addition to the highway American Democratic Caucus Aging. proposal, last year the Daly City and the Fil-Am Democratic Club Bulos spent many years as a Council approved the Serra staof San Mateo County. She also San Mateo resident, before she tion townhouse project commuDaisy Doronila, a nurse at the served on the National Filipino died of heart failure on October nity room to be named in honor Hudson County Correctional FaWomen’s Network and the Na- 21, 2016 at the age of 86. of Bulos. n cility for over two decades, died on April 5 of complications related to COVID-19. She was initially diagnosed by her private doctor with strep throat and was admitted to a hospital later on after developing a fever and dry cough. Eight days later, she was on a ventilator fighting for her life, her daughter Denise posted on Facebook. A single mom who lived in Nutley, Doronila recently celebrated her 60th birthday. In a tweet, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy honored Doronila for her service to the state as “she gave tirelessly to her family and community.” Denise plans to fulfill her mother’s wishes by laying her to rest alongside her parents in the Philippines. Susan Sisgundo, Bellevue Hospital (New York City)
Born in San Luis, Batangas, Solomon — nicknamed Estie — started her 39-year nursing career in her home country before migrating to the United States in 1973, where she spent two years at Indian River Memorial Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida. She came to New York in 1976 and landed a job at the Brooklyn hospital. She was promoted to head nurse of the telemetry unit and served that position until her retirement in 2012. Ali Dennis Guillermo.tif Known for her encouraging emergency room, fell sick with COVID-19 in mid-March and was attitude and selflessness, Solohospitalized for two weeks. On mon was laid to rest on April 28 April 8, he died in the ICU of the at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery in same hospital where he cared Flushing, New York. Celia Lardizabal Marcos, CHA for many patients and helped save many lives. The 44-year-old Hollywood Presbyterian Medinurse leaves behind his wife Ro- cal Center (Los Angeles, CA) mielyn and children, Denice, Ali and Aljon. “His expertise as an ICU, stepdown, medical-surgical and emergency room RN was exceptional for he’d always be willing to help and assist the team whenever and wherever. He’d make the busiest work nights lighter with his jokes and songs,” wrote colleague Carmelo Espiritu in a GoFundMe page for the family. Felicisimo “Tom” Omaña Luna, Trinitas Regional Medical Trained as a nurse in the PhilCenter (Elizabeth, New Jersey) ippines, Celia Lardizabal Marcos emigrated to the United States in 2001 and settled in Los Angeles. Three years later, she became a telemetry charge nurse at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. Marcos, 61, was one of three nurses who responded after a suspected coronavirus patient went into cardiac arrest on April 3. Only wearing a surgical mask, she intubated the patient. Three days later, she had a headache, body aches and difficulty breathing. Her symptoms worsened, and Felicisimo “Tom” Luna, from she was admitted on April 15 Pasig City, Philippines, earned to the hospital where she had a degree in medical technology worked for 16 years. Two days from the University of Santo To- later, she went into cardiac armas in 1978 and migrated to the rest and died, becoming the first United States in 1986. He worked fatality for the SEIU Local 121RN, several jobs before working as a which represents 9,000 RN memlicensed medical technologist in bers in Southern California. Her the Bronx. He did not enter the case highlights the dire need for nursing profession until the early personal protective equipment 2000s when he studied at a local for front-liners. community college in New JerMarcos is survived by sons sey and passed his nursing board Donald and John, who both reexam. He later attained a bach- member their mother for her genelor’s degree in nursing at The erosity and how she put the wellCollege of St. Elizabeth in 2016. being of others first. They plan to Luna was a dedicated regis- honor her wishes to be cremated tered nurse in the Emergency and buried in her hometown of Department at Trinitas Regional Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, alongside Medical Center in Elizabeth, her parents. New Jersey, where he worked Domingo Victorio “Victor” Silong hours. He prided himself on son, Complete Care at Hamilton never being sick a day in his life, Plaza (Passaic, New Jersey) according to his obituary, but he died from COVID-19 on April 9 at the age of 62. Luna, who was a devoted member of the Iglesia Ni CristoChurch of Christ, is survived by his wife, Enriqueta, of 26 years, children, Gabrielle, Gracielle Dane and Giselle. Ernesto “Audie” DeLeon, Bellevue Hospital (New York City)
Known by colleagues as Audie, Ernesto DeLeon diligently worked at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for three decades and most recently was head nurse of telemetry. On April 13, the Baguio City native succumbed to his 13-day infection with COVID-19. Claire Martinez, a colleague, Since 2014, Susan Sisgundo had been working in the Neona- remembered the 61-year-old tal Intensive Care Unit at Bellevue nurse as a mentor to other nurses Hospital in Manhattan and caring and hospital staff. “He was an immensely kind soul with a humble for newborn babies. After an eight-day battle with demeanor. He will always be COVID-19, she died at Queens dearly loved by his friends who Hospital on April 8, a month be- have become family, his co-workfore her 51st birthday, which she ers, and relatives,” she said. Estelita Atienza Solomon, had planned to celebrate with her retired from Wyckoff Heights family in Bicol. “Susan was a valued and Medical Center (Brooklyn, NY) friendly coworker. She was a team player; always willing to work day time, night time, overtime, and weekends. She always went out of her way to greet people. We can all still hear and see her frequent laugh and smile, and appreciate her efforts to connect with everyone. She was a trusted confidant that could protect a friendship, keep a secret, and honor a debt,” her co-workers wrote on a GoFundMe page they organized to raise funds to help send Sisgundo back to the Estelita Atienza Solomon, a 72Philippines. Ali Dennis Guillermo, Long Is- year-old nurse who retired from land Community Hospital (East Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, died of COVID-19 Patchogue, New York) Ali Guillermo came to New on April 10. Solomon lost her York in 2004 to seek a better life husband Antonio to the virus two for his family and spent his Amer- weeks prior to her death, while ican career at Long Island Com- her daughter Catherine has been recovering. She is also survived munity Hospital. Guillermo, an intensive care by her daughter EmyLou and unit nurse who also helped in the three grandchildren.
Victor Sison, 64, was assistant director of nursing at Complete Care at Hamilton Plaza, a nursing home in Passaic, New Jersey. He was planning to retire in the coming year. A front liner who fought COVID-19 until his last breath, Sison died on April 18. He leaves behind his wife Antonia and sons, Paulo and Dominic. Marlino Cagas, Harlem Hospital (New York City)
A native of the Philippines, Marlino Cagas joined the Harlem Hospital staff as a pharmacy technician. At the age of 60, Cagas embarked on a nursing career at the hospital and started at the bedside in 2018. He died on April 20 and is survived by two sisters in New York and other siblings in the Philippines. Colleagues released white balloons into the sky to honor his memory. Celia Yap-Banago, Research Medical Center (Kansas City, Missouri) At the end of April, colleagues at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri were set to celebrate Celia Yap-Banago’s retirement after a nearly 40-year career at the hospital. The 69year-old nurse, who had previously expressed concern over the hospital’s preparedness for COV-
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 7-13, 2020
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
D ateline PhiliPPines Almost 2,000 Filipinos globally test positive for COVID-19 eries, and 1 new death in the Americas, ASPAC (Asia Pacific), Europe, and Middle East,” the NEARLY 2,000 Filipinos glob- agency said. ally have tested positive for COOf the total number, 1,167 VID-19, the disease caused by or more than 61% of them are the novel coronavirus, accord- currently undergoing treatment ing to the latest figures released while 523 have recovered and by the Philippine Department of been discharged. Foreign Affairs. One new fatality was recordThe DFA on Wednesday, May ed from the Americas, bringing 6 reported 38 new cases of CO- the death toll to 215. VID-19 among overseas Filipi“Based on the updated fignos, bringing the official count ures, the total number of our nato 1,905. tionals abroad who have recov“Today, the total number of ered from COVID-19 remains COVID-19 cases among Filipi- higher than the total number of nos abroad has breached the deaths,” the DFA noted. 1,900 mark with 38 new conThe confirmed cases of COfirmed cases, 10 new recov- VID-19 among Filipinos abroad by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
are spread out across 46 countries, the majority of them coming from Europe with 608 cases. This is followed by the Americas, with 488 and the highest death toll at 121. The Middle East/Africa has 433 cases, while the Asia Pacific region has 376 cases. The DFA urged returning Filipinos affected by the suspension of flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate where they are currently located. Over 24,000 overseas Filipino workers affected by COVID-19 have been repatriated by the agency as of May 2. n
Duterte wants government study on blocking health workers’ migration by alexis
RoMeRo Philstar.com
MANILA — President Duterte wants the Department of Justice to study whether Filipino health workers can be legally prevented from migrating to other countries. Duterte said the health workers are given the necessary travel documents “in a jiffy” by coronavirus-hit countries that desperately need manpower, placing the Philippines at a disadvantage. In a televised address on Monday night, Duterte said he plans to consult Justice Secretary Me-
nardo Guevarra within the week on “whether or not it would be legal for us to just stop the migration of health workers simply because they are being taken in in a place where is there is so much (risk).” He said he does not want Filipino workers “to go there and come back in a coffin. That’s my... only argument if you may because you are Filipinos and I love the life of my countrymen.” Last month, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration suspended the sending of health care workers abroad until the national state of emergency
is lifted and until pandemic-related travel restrictions are lifted at the destination countries. The ban sought to ensure that the Philippines has enough human resources in its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019. Criticisms prompted the government to exempt from the deployment ban health care workers with perfected and signed overseas employment contracts as of March 8. A total of 34 Filipino health workers have died while attending to coronavirus patients while more than 1,700 others have contracted the virus, according to the health department. n
This National Nurses Week, remember the... PAGE 1
Celia Yap-Banago, 69
ID-19, treated an infected patient in mid-March. Yap-Banago began showing symptoms on March 23 and tested positive for the disease, prompting her to self-isolate at home for two and a half weeks. Because she did not experience shortness of breath, the nurse did not seek medical attention. She died at home on April 21 after her son Jhulan found her unresponsive. A vigil was held at the hospital two days after her passing to remember her dedication to the field and to shed light on the lack of protection for critical workers. Jhulan said, “You’re either not smart to be in this job for 40 years or you are so compassionate and selfless that you dedicate your entire life to helping others.” Manny Carrillo, The Plaza Rehab and Nursing Center (Bronx, NY)
Manny Carrillo, originally from Quezon City in the Philippines, was an infection control nurse at the Plaza Rehab and Nursing Center in New York. A resident of Teaneck New Jersey, Carrillo spent six weeks fighting COVID-19 and died on April 23. He is survived by his wife and their three adult children. Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc, University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center (Chicago, IL)
Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc, who served in the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, had spent over 30 years in the nursing profession. Thirteen days after testing positive for COVID19, she died from the disease on
April 23 at the age of 53, becoming the first nurse fatality at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Systems. She is remembered by colleagues for being crafty and lending supplies and equipment to her fellow nurses. “She did not necessarily give physical hugs, rather it was a hug for the soul, a nurse’s soul. She was always ready to say something soothing to all the new nurses or soon-to-be nurses. Or she would feed them or provide whatever they needed. Joyce had the ability to hone in on what someone needed and then give…generously,” co-worker and friend Eileen Fajardo-Furlin wrote on the Illinois Nurses Association website. Pacubas-Le Blanc is survived by her husband Lawrence and two sons, Lawrence Jr. and Derek. Romeo Agtarap, NewYorkPresbyterian (New York City)
ECQ TRAFFIC. Vehicles passing through EDSA increases on Wednesday, May 6 but seem to be practicing social distancing under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed to contain the coronavirus disease. The ECQ was extended in the National Capital Region; Central Luzon, except Aurora; Albay; Calabarzon; Benguet; Pangasinan; Iloilo province; Cebu province; Bacolod City; Davao City; and Zamboanga City up to May 15. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
On Month of the Ocean, groups call for policies that will protect country’s seas released in 2019. “We need to draw up and enforce holistic policies to put a stop MANILA — Environmental or- to this devastating pollution, as ganizations on Thursday, May 7 well as to the unrestrained coastal called for laws and regulations developments, overfishing and that will protect the country’s seas climate change that are damagfrom the “devastating” effects of ing the oceans,” the organizations plastic and chemical pollution. said. Oceana Philippines, Mother Proposed pollution prevenEarth Foundation and EcoWaste tion policies Coalition made the appeal as the Oceana Philippines urged the nation celebrates the “Month of Department of Environment and the Ocean” in May. Natural Resources to include The groups warned that un- single-use plastics in the list of controlled production and use non-environmentally acceptable of single-use plastics and indis- products and packaging (NEAP). criminate disposal of plastic and “The effect would be a tremenother pollutants pose threat to the dous reduction at the source of health of the world’s oceans as plastic pollution as production, well as the survival of humans and use and trade of single-use plasother life forms. tics as NEAP will be prohibited, Plastic pollution is a major with a hefty fine and other sancproblem in the Philippines. The tions,” Gloria Estenzo Ramos, country—along with China, Viet- Oceana Philippines vice presinam and Indonesia—is frequently dent, said. listed among the top contributors A survey commissioned by to marine plastic pollution. GAIA in January found that seven Almost 59.8 billion pieces of out of 10 Filipinos want singleplastic sachets and more than 17 use plastics banned at all times, billion shopping bags are used with sando bags topping the list across the country every year, ac- of materials that should be regucording to a study of Global Alli- lated or used less. ance for Incinerator Alternatives In November last year, Presiby Gaea
KatReena Philstar.com
cabico
dent Rodrigo Duterte floated the idea of banning the use of plastics. Prohibiting or regulating the use of plastics, however, would require legislative action. Sonia Mendoza, Mother Earth Foundation chairman, said there is a need for a “toxics in packaging disclosure law” that will control the presence of lead, cadmium, mercury and other hazardous substances in packaging materials. “Now more than ever, we see the need for a comprehensive policy banning throw-away plastic packaging to reduce their manufacture, prevent chemical and waste pollution and ensure the successful implementation of such a policy nationwide, while non-toxic reusable bags and containers are actively promoted and supported,” Jove Benosa, EcoWaste Coalition zero waste campaigner, said. Benosa also said the government should adopt a national ban on waste importation and ratify the Basel Ban Agreement, which prohibits the transfer of hazardous waste and other wastes from developed to developing countries. n
Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote. NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR ALL-MAIL PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2020 IBINIBIGAY ANG ABISONG ITO na ang Tagapagtala ng mga Botante ng Lalawigan ng Clark, Nevada, ay magsasagawa ng pagpaparehistro ng mga karapat-dapat na mga manghahalal para sa Pangkalahatang Koreo na Pangunahing Halalan na gaganapin sa Martes, Ika-9 ng Hunyo, 2020.
Maria Guia Cabillon, 63
what a giver is,” Shane DeGracia, a co-worker for six and a half years, told the Asian Journal. Cabillon had plans to retire, but continued to serve on the front lines. After almost a month of battling COVID-19, Cabillon died on April 26, becoming the first staff fatality in the department. She is survived by her husband, four daughters and two grandkids. Romeo Agtarap retired last Krist Angielen Guzman year after working in the adult (Chicago, IL) emergency department of New York Presbyterian / Columbia University Medical Center in Manhattan for 20 years. However, the profession called him back as the hospital was in need of nurses when the coronavirus outbreak hit the city. On April 24, the 63-year-old RN died from the virus. His colleagues remember his wit and the way he loved to make them laugh, according to the New York State Nurses Association. “He was an incredible soul and human being who devoted his life to saving others. He radiated love, kindness and joy and had a spirit full of enthusiasm that was hard to match. His smile, his compassion and his generosity towards Krist Angielen Guzman, 35, loved ones and strangers [were] what made him special,” his col- followed her passion and worked leagues wrote in a GoFundMe on the front lines at a hospital in Chicago. She died on May 2 page. Maria Guia Cabillon, Kings from COVID-19, leaving behind County Hospital (Brooklyn, NY) her husband Omar and their Fondly called “Mama Guia,” three young children, ages 6 and Maria Guia Cabillon, 63, brought 5 years and 4 months old. “Krist set the bar for exceedher motherly instinct to the nursing profession in which she ing expectations as a life-long devoted over 30 years of her learner, a loyal and honest life. As the head nurse of the friend, and a strong and fierce department of emergency medi- nurturer. She made her parents cine at Kings County Hospital in proud when she made the deciBrooklyn, New York, Cabillon di- sion to settle in Chicago as she rected the department and took pursued her dreams of becomyounger nurses under her wing, ing a nurse. She was a frontmentoring and guiding them to liner who treated all her patients be the best nurses possible. She and colleagues with respect and would often feed co-workers and dignity,” said the description of wouldn’t take “no” for an answer a fundraiser for Guzman’s family. if they declined. If you would like to add a Fil“Mama Gui gave herself to everyone without asking for Am nurse colleague or loved one anything in return. She’s a giver to this list, please email editor@ and I’d say she is the epitome of asianjournalinc.com. n
Sino man ang karapat-dapat na manghahalal na ang pangalan ay hindi nakikita sa opisyal na talaan ng pagpapatala ay maaaring humiling para sa pagpaparehistro sa pamamagitan ng koreo o online sa paraan na pinagtibay ng batas ayon sa mga huling araw na nakatala sa ibaba.. Ang mga huling araw upang isapanahon ang iyong umiiral na pagpaparehistro ng botante sa pamamagitan ng koreo o online sa oras para sa Ika-9 ng Hunyo, 2020, Pangunahing Halalan at makakatanggap pa rin ng isang pangkaraniwang koreong balota ay nasa ibaba. Pagkatapos lumipas ang mga petsang iyon, ang mga botante na ninanais na gumawa ng mga pagbabago sa kanilang impormasyon ng pagpaparehistro ay kinakailangang gawin sa pamamagitan ng magkaparehong araw ng pagsasaahanon na pamamaraan, alinman sa online o sa personal, at sila ay maaari lamang bumoto ng isang papel na pansamantalang koreong balota ng personal sa Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan. Kami ay mahigpit na naghihikayat sa iyo na gumawa ng kahit anung kinakailangang pagsasapanahon sa lalong madaling panahon upang ikaw ay makaiwas ng pagpunta sa Tanggapan ng Kagawaran ng Halalan. Tingnan ang bahagi ng “Pagsasapanahon ng Iyong Umiiral na Pagpaparehistro” para sa karagdagang impormasyon. 2020 PANGKALAHATANG KOREO NA PANGUNAHING HALALAN MGA HULING ARAW AT ORAS NANG PAGPAPAREHISTRO NG BOTANTE Pamamaraan ng Pagpaparehistro Ipadala sa pamamgitang ng koreo ang iyong aplikasyon ng pagpaparehistro ng botante sa: Lalawigan ng Clark Sentro ng Halalan 965 Trade Drive, Suite A North Las Vegas, NV
Online lamang www.registertovotenv.gov
Petsa
Oras
Martes, Ika-12 ng Mayo
8 n.u. – 5 n.h.
Miyerkules, Ika-13 ng Mayo hanggang Huwebes, Ika-4 ng Hunyo 24 oras hanggang 11:59 n.g. sa Ika-4 ng Hunyo
Ang Nevada at batas na pederal ay inaatasan ang mga unang beses na nagpaparehistro na magbigay ng isang pagkilala na numero (Nevada lisensya sa pagmamananeho o ang huling apat na numero ng kanilang social security na numero). Kung ito ay hindi nagtugma sa talaan na pinapanatili ng Kagawaran ng Sasakyan o Social Security Administration, ang nagpaparehistro ay kinakailangang magpakita ng pagkakakilanlan bago bigyan ng pahintulot na bumoto. Mga uri ng umiiral at wastong pagkakakilanlan kabilang ang Nevada Lisensya sa Pagmamaneho, Nevada Pagkakakilanlan na Kard, Pagkakakilanlan na Kard ng Militar, O isang kopya ng kasalukuyang pahayag ng kagamitan, pahayag ng bangko, tseke para sa sweldo, o kasulatan na ibinigay ng isang sangay ng pamahalaan, na nakatala ang pangalan ng nagparehistro, at direksiyon ng tirahan. Ang mg taong ito ay nabigyan ng pahayag sa pamamagitan ng koreo sa pangangailangan na ito. PAGSASAPANAHON NG IYONG UMIIRAL NA PAGPAPAREHISTRO Pagsasapanahon sa Pamamagitan ng Online: Kung hindi ka maaaring magsapanahon ng iyong umiiral na pagpaparehistro ng botante sa pamamagitan ng koreo sa Ika-12 ng Mayo, 2020, ikaw ay maaari pa rin magsapanahon sa website ng Kalihim ng Estado sa www.registertovotenv.gov hanggang Ika-4 ng Hunyo, 2020 (Huwebes). Ika-13 ng Mayo hanggang Ika-21 ng Mayo: Kung isinapanahon mo ang iyong pagpaparehistro sa pamamagitan ng online sa pagitan ng Ika-13 ng Mayo (Miyerkles) at Ika-21 ng Mayo, 2020, (Huwebes), sa loob ng isang linggo ikaw ay makakatanggap ng isang pangkaraniwang koreong balota kasama ang naisapanahon mo’ng pangalan, presinto, partido, at iba pa, gaya ng naaangkop. May 22 to June 4: Kung isinapanahon mo ang iyong pagpaparehistro sa online sa pagitan ng Ika-22 ng Mayo (Biyenes) at Ika-4 ng Hunyo, 2020, (Huwebes), ikaw ay maaari lamang bumoto ng isang papel na PANSAMANTALANG KOREO NA BALOTA NG PERSONAL SA LALAWIGAN NG CLARK KAGAWARAN NG HALALAN, NA KAILANGAN MO’NG IBIGAY KAAGAD-AGAD. Ang direksiyon ay 965 Trade Dr., Suite F, North Las Vegas, NV. Hindi mo maaaring dalahin ang iyong balota papalabas ng gusali. Ang iyong papel na pansamantalang koreo na balota ay magkakaroon ng lahat ng labanan at kandidato na mayroon sa isang pangkaraniwang balota. Ito ay naiiba mula sa pangkaraniwang balota na mabibilang lamang pagkatapos ng pagpapatunay na: (a) Ikaw at karapat-dapat na bumoto ng isang balota sa kasalukuyang halalan; (b) Ikaw ay hindi bumoto ng higit sa isang balota sa magkaparehong halalan; (c) Ikaw ay nagpakita ng katanggap-tanggap na pagkakakilanlan nuong ikaw ay bumoto; at (d) KUNG kinakailangan, ikaw ay nagbigay ng katanggap-tanggap na pagpapatunay ng paninirahan. NAPETSAHAN APRIL 14, 2020
JOSEPH P. GLORIA Tagapagtala ng mga Botante
PUB: Ika-23, 30 ng Abril at Ika-07, 14 ng Mayo, 2020 Las Vegas Asian Journal
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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
MAY 7-13, 2020 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Pandemic of misinformation WORLD Press Freedom Day was marked on May 3 amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Various sectors have warned that the COVID19 crisis has also given rise to what United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described as “a second pandemic of misinformation, from harmful health advice to wild conspiracy theories.” The press, Guterres notes, “provides the antidote: verified, scientific, fact-based news and analysis.” A more accurate statement is that the press strives to provide that antidote, while pursuing the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020: “Journalism without fear or favor.” This mission is not as simple as it sounds. The Philippines should know: it has consistently ranked among the most dangerous and stressful places in the world for media workers. The restoration of democracy in 1986 did not put an end to the murder and harassment of journalists in this country, with the weakness of the criminal justice system allowing perpetrators to get away with permanently silencing the press. Since the UN General Assembly proclaimed World Press Freedom Day in 1993,
FEATURES
Philippine journalists continued to be subjected to threats, harassment and outright murder. The sub-themes of the special day resonate with members of the Philippine press: the safety of both male and female media workers as well as gender equality in all aspects of mass media, and the pursuit of independent and professional journalism free from political and commercial influence. These days, Filipino journalists must also contend with laws against cyber libel and trolls unleashed by public officials who have no tolerance for criticism. These are on top of traditional libel laws, wherein litigation costs can lead to the bankruptcy of smaller media outfits, and official resistance to the passage of a Freedom of Information Act. While governments are reminded about their commitments to press freedom, journalists are also reminded about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Media licentiousness weakens the credibility of the press. Unlike anonymous commentators on social media, members of so-called legacy media are prop- journalism, putting greater pressure on the need for erly identified and can be held accountable for their accurate, fair and fearless reporting and analysis.
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS IN THE TIME when the global community is attacked by the coronavirus pandemic — an invisible enemy that has killed more than 251,580 people and infected over 3,584,174 — we would think the leaders of the world would unite us all together. With the help and strength of different societal institutions, humankind could win over this invisible enemy and save as many lives as possible. Unfortunately, that is not what we are seeing right now, here in the United States and back home in the Philippines, when personal and partisan interests take precedence over true genuine public and humanitarian service. On Tuesday, May 5, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines issued a cease and desist order that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately. The shutdown covers five AM stations, including DZMM, 18 FM stations and 42 TV stations, including Channels 2 and 23. This was yet another tactical move of Philippine Solicitor General Jose Calida, whose perfect sense of timing was pointed out by CBS News. As journalists marked World Press Freedom Day, Calida threatened to charge regulators at the NTC with graft. NTC officials have said they had no choice but to follow the law. Calida had also filed a case in February asking the Supreme Court to revoke the operating franchise of ABS-CBN and its
Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA THERE is a saying, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In other words, you try to make the best out of what fate has given you. Jessica Cox, a young FilipinoAmerican from Arizona, was born without arms. In 2005, she decided to learn how to fly a plane. It took her three years and a plane with special dual controls that she could manipulate with her feet – but Jessica succeeded in earning her pilot’s license. She became the world’s first armless licensed pilot. But that’s not all. Jessica is also the world’s first armless taekwando black belter. She is married to her karate instructor, Patrick Chamberlain. This suggests that she is also good in this martial art. Jessica, who has a book on her life entitled “Righthanded,” devotes a good part of her time as a motivational speaker, inspir-
Philstar.com photo
This is of utmost importance especially in this confusing period of a deadly pandemic. (Philstar.com)
PH government’s shutdown of ABS-CBN: Déjà vu of martial law’s chilling effect on a free, independent press subsidiary ahead of the franchise expiration, for allegedly abusing its franchises and violating a constitutional prohibition on foreign investment in Philippine media. ABS-CBN denied the allegations in public statements on Calida’s quo warrant petition and in a sworn testimony during a Senate hearing. As TIME reported, the NTC’s order “caused shock and confusion among lawmakers because the agency’s top officials had agreed to grant a temporary operating license to ABS-CBN while Congress weighs its franchise renewal.” “Rep. Franz Alvarez, who heads the congressional committee on legislative franchises, told ABS-CBN that he was surprised that the commission backtracked on its pledge. Many senators and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra have agreed that the broadcaster could operate with a temporary license pending renewal of its franchise. Alvarez added that the company’s franchise renewal application would remain active, and the network said it will pursue efforts to reopen.” CBS News reported that pursuant to Philippine laws, “Congress has sole authority in the Philippines to grant broadcast licenses, but lawmakers in the Lower House, who are overwhelmingly allied with President Rodrigo Duterte, have declined to act on bills seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s permit. Duterte has repeatedly stated his disdain for the network and the family who own it.” Reporting on this news, the Washington Post said, “Presi-
dent Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly threatened to close down the network in the past. His office denied that he had a hand in the order, saying the decision was entirely up to the commission.” CBS News added that “Media organizations [like the Kapisanan ng mag Broadcaster ng Pilipinas] and press freedom advocates call the order for ABS-CBN to stop broadcasting an attack not only on the company, but on freedom of speech and the country’s fragile democracy.” KBP is a self-regulatory body founded in 1973 that provides its members broadcasting standards to promote professional and ethical standards in Philippine radio and television broadcasting. In a statement, KBP said as reported by ABS-CBN News online: “ABS-CBN is performing a valuable service to the public in the midst of a public service emergency not only by providing important news and information to keep the public safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus but also in giving the public much relief from the mental and emotional pressures of quarantine by continuing to broadcast its entertainment programs.” “Without warning, both the public and the government are deprived of that service. It creates an unnecessary distraction for both government and the private sector from focusing on saving lives and keeping people safe,” it added. “The KBP urged the government to allow the country’s largest entertainment and media conglomerate to operate under
‘equitable remedy’ while the company’s franchise bills [remain] pending.” The self-regulatory media organization also called on Congress to expedite deliberation on ABS-CBN’s franchise bills that have languished at the House of Representatives.“The decision is unfair not only to the network and the thousands who depend on the network for their livelihood but, even more important, to the millions of people served by the network through its broadcasting activities.” The KBP public statement also pointed out how unfair the NTC’s decision has been not only to the network and the thousands who depend on the network for their livelihood but, even more important, to the millions of people served by the network through its broadcasting activities. ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak appealed to people to let their feelings on the closure be “felt, expressed and heard” for the benefit of the network’s more than 11,000 employees and millions of Filipinos who he said need the network’s services “specially now in the worst time of sickness and hunger,” TIME reported. CBS News reported, that “ABSCBN is not the first news organization to be on the receiving end of pressure from Duterte’s government. Maria Ressa, who was a correspondent for CNN International and now runs the Manila-based online news service Rappler, is facing close to a dozen court cases.” This report was in corroborated by TIME: “At least two other media organizations, including
a leading newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, have come under attack from Duterte for critical reporting. The government separately accused an online news organization, Rappler, of violating the ban on foreign ownership and sought its closure. Rappler denied the allegation and continues to operate.” ABS-CBN has been fearless in its news reporting in fulfillment of its role as “watchdog” of the government, holding elected officials accountable even during the Marcos dictatorship. The network was shut down and its broadcast headquarter was claimed by the Philippine government from the Lopez Family when Marcos declared martial law in 1972. The Lopez family was able to reclaim ownership and operation of the broadcasting network after Marcos was deposed by People Power in 1986. In response to the order of the NTC, the network issued a statement saying: “Millions of Filipinos will lose their source of news and entertainment when ABS-CBN is ordered to go off-air on TV and radio tonight (5 May 2020) when people need crucial and timely information as the nation deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) today that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately. Despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchises’ letter, the guidance of the De-
partment of Justice, and the sworn statement of NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, the NTC did not grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate while its franchise renewal remains pending in Congress. In an interview with DZMM last week, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano even gave an assurance that there is no move to shut down the network. ABS-CBN has been providing comprehensive news coverage on the public health crisis and working with local governments and the private sector in providing food and basic goods for those in need through its ‘Pantawid ng Pag-ibig’ campaign. To date, it has delivered over P300 million worth of goods for the benefit of over 600,000 families affected by the enhanced community quarantine. We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABSCBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times. ABS-CBN remains committed to being in the service of the Filipino and we will find ways to continue providing meaningful service to them.” *** 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.
If life gives you lemons, make lemonade ing those who would otherwise despair over their misfortunes. If a college degree is considered a plum, then dropping out of college would be like getting lemons. But many high-tech legends converted their lemons into lemonade, among them, Steve Jobs of Apple, Bill Gates and Paul Allen of Microsoft, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, and Larry Ellison of Oracle. These multi-billionaires all dropped out of college en route to making their fortunes and changing the world’s digital landscape. Of Forbes Magazine’s 2017 list of the 400 wealthiest people in the U.S., 70 did not finish college. In another era, industrialist Andrew Carnegie was also a college drop-out, while Thomas Edison, who invented the incandescent lamp, the phonograph and the movie camera, among many others, did not even finish high school. Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s greatest presidents, had very little formal education. But Lincoln had a voracious appetite for learning. As a barefoot boy, he studied by lamplight in a log
cabin. Max Indolos was the editor-inchief of the Movie Confidential Magazine, of which I was associate editor as a teenage writer. Max and his wife may not have been in the same league as the high-tech and industrial titans but they did something that most parents would consider daunting. They decided to teach their children at home instead of sending them to regular schools. The kids attained college level education to a degree that would have been the envy of most alumni of exclusive universities. Well, maybe, these were exemplary human beings who could have made a fortune making virtual lemonades out of the lemons that life had given them. But what about ordinary folks with ordinary talents and skills but subjected to extraordinary streaks of bad luck? What does one do in the face of the coronavirus/COVID-19 global pandemic that has forced businesses to close down and lay off their employees? And what do you do if you suddenly find
yourself without regular earnings while your bills continue coming regularly? What do you do with your time if you are forced to remain indoors for weeks and even months? How does one make lemonade out of this bitter lemon? One fine example is the readyto-wear company in Florida that switched from making clothes to fabricating face masks when the coronavirus pandemic caused most manufacturing operations to close down. The RTW firm has been able to keep its workforce and has even hired extra help. An Asian supermarket and restaurant chain has developed a new online customer segment among young homeowners who had remained untapped through its regular bricks-and-mortar operations. Restaurants that have not been able to offer dine-in services are managing to remain in business with home-delivered meals. Hunger is said to be stalking those who have lost their jobs. But, as a little boy during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, I recall that most people
did not have jobs either. But the Japanese army, realizing the need to keep the people fed, made it mandatory for every household to grow its own vegetables. Those that did not have land had to plant in pots which were mounted on the window sills of their homes. Home-grown poultry and hogs provided the meat requirements of people, while those living by the sea or near rivers and streams survived by fishing. Indeed, the squatter problem of Metro Manila would be significantly solved if people remained in the provinces where seeds stuck into the ground can sprout into edibles while the seas and rivers yield fish a-plenty. Of course, I should not criticize those who decide to go to the big cities to try their luck. My own parents gave up a comfortable existence in Leyte to bring us, their children, to Manila – because they felt that the city was where we could get our “breaks.” It was a struggle, because no one had a job at the outset, but through God’s mercy and through hard work, we managed to make lem-
onade out of the lemons of our lives. Of my parents’ five children, four had the benefit of higher education, with two becoming medical doctors. Only one could not finish college. Me. I guess I was too busy making lemonade out of the lemons. Years later, my wife and I decided to relocate to the US to give our four children their own “breaks.” To do this, I had to give up my job as CEO of an advertising agency in Manila. I was willing to take on any kind of job to feed my family and send the kids to school, but being a college drop-out limited my employment options. So I decided to follow a piece of advice that I had been giving to friends who had difficulty finding satisfactory jobs in America: put up a company and appoint yourself President and General Manager. That would look impressive on a business card. With your self-confidence revived, build a network of contacts and prospects. With diligence, luck and prayers, you PAGE 7
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 7-13, 2020
Duterte institutionalizes Balik Probinsya program by Catherine
Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) institutionalizing the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” program that seeks to decongest Metro Manila. EO 114 institutionalized the program to “ensure balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities through policies and programs that boost countryside development and inclusive growth; provide adequate social services; and promote full employment, industrialization and an improved quality of life in rural areas.” He noted that the epicenters of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the Philippines were congested areas located in the National Capital Region (NCR). “The uncontroled upsurge of population in the NCR brings to the fore longstanding issues on the lack of viable and sustainable employment opportunities in the countryside, unbalanced regional development, and unequal distribution of wealth,” Duterte said in his order. “To reverse migration to the NCR and other congested metropolises, as well as to attain rural prosperity through equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities, a balanced re-
gional development program to foster socially cohesive, resilient and sustainable rural communities needs to be institutionalized,” he added. The President also ordered the creation of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Council, which will be chaired by the Executive Secretary and co-headed by the Socioeconomic Planning secretary and director-general and the National Economic and Development Authority. The members of the council includes the heads of almost all the agencies in the executive branch. “The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program is hereby established as a national program of the government, and adopted as a continuing strategy to drive inclusive and balanced urban and rural development, ensure rural prosperity and complement initiatives towards attaining resilient and sustainable communities,” Duterte said. The council shall identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes to promote balanced regional development and recommend to Congress the enactment of such reforms into law. It must also coordinate with local government units to formulate policies and implement the program’s components. The program’s key areas are empowerment of local indus-
tries; food security and agricultural productivity; social welfare, health and employment; and development of infrastructure. The funding requirements of its pipeline or existing programs, activities or projects shall be identified by the Department of Budget and Management. The order takes effect immediately. The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution sponsored by Duterte’s long-time aide — Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, urging the executive department to formulate and implement a “Balik Probinsya” program. Go earlier urged the government to consider the Balik Probinsya program, noting that congestion in Metro Manila and other urban centers had led to the fast spread of Covid-19 and slowed down the distribution of relief aid to affected communities Under the Balik Probinsya program, the government would provide free transportation and livelihood assistance to Metro Manila residents who want to be relocated to their respective provinces. The relocation program will begin after the national government lifts community quarantine policies in various areas. The 2015 census revealed that Metro Manila is home to 12.87 million Filipinos. n
ECQ could be lifted in some Metro cities – Año
SOME cities in Metro Manila could be placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) next week, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday. He said the enhanced community quarantine could be lifted in cities where cases of the Coronavirus disease had gone down. These cities include San Juan and Valenzuela. “There are cities in Manila that may be ready for a GCQ,” Año said in a television interview. Howeve, he pointed out that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has one week to make a decision on the matter. Año earlier said that a localized form of ECQ is possible in some cities, municipalities, and provinces after May 15. (ManilaTimes.net)
J. ismael ManilaTimes.net
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go urged the government to attract more foreign businesses to invest in the country, particularly in less developed regions. Go said that the move would support the long-term plan for the implementation of a Balik Probinsya Program (Back to the Province Program or BPP). “Dahil po sa problemang dulot ng Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 20019) sa iba’t ibang bansa sa mundo, marami pong mga negosyo ang nagnanais pumunta sa mga bansang may mas murang production costs at skilled workforce (Because of the crisis triggered by Covid-19 that affected most countries, there are many businesses wanting to shift to countries with cheap production costs and have skilled workforce),” the senator said. “Oportunidad rin ito para sa Pilipinas upang mahikayat ang mga negosyo na dito na lamang mamuhunan sa ating mga probinsya sa Pilipinas. Magiging daan
‘PhilHealth faces fund depletion’ MANILA — The suspension of premium contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. will deplete PhilHealth’s funds, an official said. PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales said the agency would run out of resources if OFWs would permanently stop paying premiums, as mandated under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law. “The premium contributions that we collect are part of the funds that we use for the medical needs of those who get sick. If
PAGE 6 could hit paydirt. I got to know Philippine News publisher Alex Esclamado. With his encouragement and a loan, we set up an ad agency, Minority Media Services, that would specialize on the Filipino- American consumer market. This was at a time when the major advertisers were not even aware of the potentials of this market segment. But like prospectors digging for gold, through hard work and diligence, we finally hit paydirt. We landed AT&T as a client. The rest, as the cliche goes, Police officers inspect vehicles passing Roxas Boulevard on Wednesday, May 6. ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia is history. But to go back to the coronavirus pandemic, there have been some positive results, of sorts.
din po ito upang makapaghanda tayo sa implementasyon ng Balik Probinsiya Program at mapalakas ang regional development (This is an opportune time for the Philippines to entice foreigners to invest in the country. This will pave the way for the implementation of the Balik Probinsya Program and strengthen regional development),” he added. He explained that companies that would invest in the provinces could create jobs for Filipinos in the countryside. Go said one of the aims of the BPP was to create business opportunities in the provinces. He also expressed the need to improve the tax and incentives system in order to balance tax collection and incentives for urban and rural areas. Acting National Economic and Development Authority Director-General and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua had said the grant of tax incentives could be focused on the provinces since the present system grants the same incentives regardless of the location of a business in the country.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd and Chua believe that the passage of Senate Bill 1357, or the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act, would reinforce the BPP, as more incentives will be given to business in the provinces. “We need to scale up our policies to the standard that it will also be fair for both investors and the community. I ask the concerned government agencies, such as the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), DTI (Department of Trade and Investment), DoLE (Department of Labor and Employment) and Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) to map out the skills of proposed BPP beneficiaries in order to match them with possible investors,” Go said. Last Monday, the Senate adopted a resolution filed by Go urging the executive department to formulate and implement his proposed BPP. The proposal also aims to better prepare the country in responding to future pandemics. n
Pandemic prompts Fitch to lower PH’s upgrade expectations MANILA — The government’s credit rating upgrade ambitions were tempered by Fitch Ratings on Thursday, May 7, with the debt watcher scaling back its “positive” outlook. The debt watcher’s decision returned the outlook for the country’s BBB investment grade rating to “stable” which the government said indicates it “will likely be maintained over the next 18-24 months.” In contrast, a positive outlook would have meant an upgrade to at least a BBB+, which would have put the Philippines just a notch away from its coveted “A”level rating. The Duterte administration set its sights for an “A” rating by 2022, before the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic messed with its plans. Central bank Governor Benjamin Diokno said while the government is sticking with that target, bagging an “A” rating “would have to take a backseat” for now as all efforts are concentrated to contain the outbreak. Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement after Fitch’s actions: “The government is capable of meeting the huge financial requirements of its COVID-19 response…”
FARM TO MARKET. People buy fresh agricultural products at “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) along Elliptical Road in Quezon City on Thursday, May 7. The Kadiwa market helps farmers sell their produce and at the same time ensure consumers of fresh and affordable food such as fruits and vegetables. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
they don’t contribute, our funds will be depleted,” Morales said in an online interview with “The Chiefs” on One News channel Monday night. President Duterte has suspended the collection of higher premium contributions from OFWs, and said OFWs should pay premiums on a voluntary basis. OFWs opposed the .25-percent increase in their PhilHealth premium this year. The adjustment will complete the three percent hike in premium for 2020. Last year, the agency imposed an in-
crease of 2.75 percent. Morales said by becoming PhilHealth members, the OFWs as well as their dependents are protected. He said they are expecting a net loss as PhilHealth was tasked to shoulder the hospital expenses of COVID-19 patients on case rate package. “We are anticipating a net loss, especially since we were not given the budget that we asked for this year and then we had this pandemic. Our funds will be affected,” Morales said. (Philstar. com)
If life gives you lemons, make...
Go tells gov’t: Entice more foreign investors by JaVier
A credit rating is a measure of an entity’s capacity to settle its debts. The higher the rating, the better the perception of investors on a borrower. For most credit raters, an “A”-level rating represents the highest tier. Wider deficits, bigger debts seen In a statement, Fitch recognized the virus’ impact on the economy. “The outlook reflects the deterioration in the Philippines’ near-term macroeconomic and fiscal outlook as a result of the impact of the global COVID19 pandemic,” it said. “Fitch projects the economy will contract this year, and that fiscal relief measures will contribute to a widening of the 2020 general government deficit by more than 3.5 percentage points of GDP,” it explained. The weakness is already being felt. Earlier in the day, state statisticians reported gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 0.2% year-on-year as of March, the weakest performance since the final quarter of 1998. For now, Fitch said it sees the Philippine economy shrinking by as much as 1% by year-end, although this is still “uncertain and subject to considerable downside risks,” meaning economic performance could be worse due
to “muted” consumption. Remittances, which fuel household spending, are seen to fall 2.5% this year, contributing to a wider current account deficit projected to hit 1.6% of GDP from last year’s 0.2%. Meanwhile, higher state spending to support the poor during the outbreak also means “higher deficits” which officials already said they are willing to tolerate. Deficits mean there could be more borrowing which Fitch said will push up debts to “about 46% of GDP” by 2021 from currently 35%. “The Philippines’ general government revenues are still weaker than the peer median, although we expect further progress on tax reforms to lead to higher revenues over time,” the debt watcher said. Fitch said it can tick up the country’s BBB rating if it sees a “recovery” on economic growth, as well as “strengthening of governance standards.” Higher revenues and lower debts are also key. On the flip side, a downgrade may happen if high foreign-currency reserves deteriorate, with external debt. More bad loans from banks that “leads to instability” could also prompt a negative action.
With most cars kept off the streets and traffic minimized, the environment has been cleared of smog and the air has been cleansed, The coronavirus scare has also kept wayward husbands at home for their children to finally get to know, although this has also created marital problems among stir-crazy adults and frustrated adulterers. Of course, life’s lemons can also be used to make bad lemonade. The face masks and gloves that have become necessary as protection against the virus can hide the identities and fingerprints of criminals. I haven’t heard of any incidents, so far – but the pandemic has already been used in other unsavory ways. Hustlers
have been soliciting donations from unsuspecting folks, ostensibly for the benefit of the poor and those who have lost their jobs. It should also have become obvious by now that a certain politician has been using the television briefings on the pandemic as a means to gain high visibility and prominence. And if you believe in karma, then you may also have noted that this tactic has backfired on the politician. Instead of enhancing his popularity, the TV briefings have exposed his mean-spirited nature and his ignorance. That’s what you call harvesting rotten fruits from the lemon tree. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
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May 7-13, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL
Journal Meals over video chat, self-care rituals: Fil-Am moms share how they’ll spend Mother’s Day at home by AJPress THIS Sunday, May 10 marks Mother’s Day — another major holiday that families will have to celebrate while sheltering in place and social distancing. While treating mom to a dine-in meal at her favorite restaurant or going to a church service may not be viable options, the Asian Journal asked Pinay moms and their children around the country how they’ll be spending their special day this year. Schedule a video chat with loved ones For family members who live in different cities or are quarantining apart, a group video call is one of the easiest ways to mimic a large festivity. The options to host this are aplenty, whether it’s Facebook Messenger, Zoom, FaceTime, Skype or Google Hangouts. Digital communication is how Amira Allah Arcangel of Jersey City, New Jersey has been keeping in touch with and parenting her daughter Aylah in Manila from afar. “We will spend it as always via Facebook messenger talking about anything under the sun,” Arcangel said. “Since I am thousands away from my daughter and [the] time difference is an issue, as a Mother, I have to be flexible. I always check her in the morning before going to work, if she has eaten dinner, done with homework and ask how her day was with friends. Then while at work before going home, my alarm at 5:30 p.m. EST is to wake my daughter up at 6:30 a.m. Manila time so she will get ready for school...My motherhood has been virtual for the past 10 years. My daughter even told me, ‘Ma, LDR couples will get jealous at us, we have been talking for 8 hours now.’ Talking to my daughter
EMPLOYMENT
Grace Labaguis with husband Ron and children Jericho and Marc
Ledy Almadin and daughters Ellie and Elena
Sara Meredith and her mom, Rhiza, who lives in Dubai
online keeps me stay connected with her as if she is just [in the] next room.” Paloma Concordia, a public relations professional and mother of four in Daly City, California, said she’ll be watching a movie with food and a cocktail in hand with other mom friends, thanks to the “Netflix Party” extension on Google Chrome. For Sara Meredith, who runs skincare brand Kaya Essentials in Los Angeles, honoring her mom has been a virtual celebration for the past decade as her parents live in Kuwait. Each year, she schedules a video call with
her mother Rhiza and cooks her favorite Filipino dish. “I would make my favorite Filipino dish that my mom cooks for me, sinigang na baboy (pork in sour tamarind soup). Although I have the recipe written down, I still like to call her and go through it with her because it makes her feel special, needed, and like she’s taking care of me,” Meredith said. “Even though — [and] maybe this is kind of typical of Filipino moms — she doesn’t say that, but I know she feels it.” Make a meal together Ria Pretekin, a mother of two PAGE 10
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Asian American nonprofits give back to NV health workers during COVID-19 pandemic AS much of Nevada remains on lockdown due to the COVID19 Pandemic, Asian American communities are finding ways to give back to the community. On the week of April 27th, the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) in partnership with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NAFFAA) distributed over 100 sandwich boxed lunches donate by Truffles & Bacon Cafe to health workers on the front line. The volunteers dropped off food at Las Vegas Post Acute and Rehabilitation on Maryland Parkway and St. Joseph Transitional Rehabilitation Center on West Charleston Boulevard. “On behalf of our medical team, I want to thank the NAFFAA and ACDC for bringing all these presents to us,” said Pinky Quintana, an administrator with Las Vegas Post Acute & Rehab Center. “The lunch, the care packages, and all the good stuff we appreciate. Wa are thankful for our facility being a recipient of all these donations.” The volunteers from both nonprofits also distributed face masks to health workers at Sum-
merlin Hospital Medical Center and St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena Campus. The 600 masks were made by local Asian American business owner Leon Le of Euphoria Fashion. Medical teams at Kindred Hospital on St. Rose Parkway in Henderson also received donations. “Thank you everyone from bringing us the masks,” said Estrella Sutton, chief clinical offer of Kindred Hospital. “We really appreciate the gesture and thank you for all you do.” On May 5th, 80 meals are donated directly to the COVID19 PAGE 9
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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE target organs of the SARS-CoV2 virus (COVID-19), which eventually kills patients, are the lungs. While this deadly viral infection also affects other organs in the body like the heart, liver, and kidneys the destructive effects it has on the pulmonary system transform the lungs from airy soft, spongy, alveolar tissues that efficiently absorb life-sustaining oxygen and eliminate the waste product carbon dioxide into hard solidified non-functional organs with disabled air exchange capability. This deprives COVID19 patients of vital oxygen and literally suffocates them in the end – even a ventilator (which pushes oxygen into the lungs) is no longer of any help at that stage. One of the recommendations to lessen the risk for COVID-19 is for those who smoke tobacco to quit because smoking burns and reduces the resistance of the lungs and weakens the entire body’s immune system. Since the recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in many states, the question is, do smokers or users of any cannabis products have higher risk to acquire COVID-19 infection? It appears that marijuana smokers and illicit drug users have increased risk of getting the COVID-19 infection and their use also negatively impacts the outcome of the infection, compared to non-users. Is marijuana the same as cannabis? Basically, they are the same. Cannabis is the plant and refers to cannabis products in general, while marijuana is cannabis products made from dried flowers, leaves, stems, seeds of cannabis plants. What is the difference between THC and CBD? THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) comes from cannabis sativa plant and CBD from hemp. While both substances interact with cannabinoid receptors in the human body and brain, their effects are very different. THC is the psycho-active component of cannabis, which provides the feeling of “high” with the use of recreational marijuana. CBD is non-psycho-active and does not produce “high” among users, hence it is more popular in dietary and natural supplements. Is hemp the same as marijuana? No, hemp is the sterilized roots, seeds, stems, stalks; marijuana refers to the viable leaves, flowers and seeds. Hemp comes from cannabis plant with less than 0.3 percent THC, while marijuana, also from cannabis plant, has more than 0.3 percent THC, the psycho-active substance. Hemp is native to Central Asia and dates back to 2800 BCE in Ancient China. Its fibers are used to produce burlap, canvas, artificial sponges, cable, rope, twine, paper, biofuel, etc., and its roots and seeds produce oil with medicinal use. It is the cannabidiol content of cannabis plant which provides its various medicinal properties. What conditions has CBD been used for? Cannabidiol, an anxiolytic (sedative) and cellular antioxidant, sometimes used in combination with THC, has been tried as an adjunctive therapy for seizures, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and muscular (neurological) spasm or pain. What are the side effects of marijuana? Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is not harmless. The adverse effects of marijuana use include memory loss, paranoia, addiction, psychosis, lowers testosterone, panic, anxiety, mood disorders, heart, lungs, liver, kidney problems, decrease
Marijuana and COVID-19 Kite Runner
motor responses, hallucination, altered decision-making, cognitive impairment, chronic bronchitis, poor school performance and educational outcome, depression, altered judgement and decision making, and lung cancer. Cardiac complications with the use of Cannabis, especially among the young, has a death rate of 25.6 percent. Marijuana users are also more prone to use addictive illicit drugs. Like in second-hand cigarette smoking, the hazards of second-hand marijuana smoke to heart and lungs have been found to last even longer and equally deleterious, including cancer formation. While medical marijuana has a legitimate place in society to help countless patients, it seems senseless legalizing recreational marijuana, in view of the world’s 140 years devastating and dreaded experience with killer tobacco which does not even have as much multi-organ side effects and complications listed above compared to marijuana. Regular use of marijuana, like smoking tobacco, could also lead to lung cancer. We have so many recreational avenues today that mankind does not need another that is potential destructive. The opium addiction in the whole of China in the 1700 has almost doomed the entire Qing Dynasty. There were two Opium Wars, the British against China (1839-1842) and British and French against China (1856-1860). Indeed, addicting substances can destroy a nation. Can Marijuana or CBD prevent or cure COVID-19? No, at this time, there is no known drug or substance that can cure or prevent COVID19 infection. Various anti-viral drugs and potential vaccines are currently being tested. Remdesivir intravenous anti-viral treatment – 140,000 rounds might be available by the end of May 2020 and about one million rounds by the end of this year – could be a game changer in this pandemic. The popular heart-burn medication, famotidine (as in Pepcid), is being studied as a potential drug useful in the treatment of COVID-19. HydroxyChloroquineAzithroymcin combo has not been proven to be fully effective against COVID-19 and found to have a potentially fatal cardiac rhythm side-effect, among others. For the entire duration of this pandemic and possible resurgence, the best prophylactic strategy to avoid getting infected is discipline and this CO-V-I-D acronym: Cover face to scratch, sneeze or cough; Omit non-essential travels; Voluntary quarantine; Intensive handwashing; Distancing. Indeed, staying home, when possible, is the safest “bunker” in our war with this invisible enemy, where viral bullets outside are flying all around, looking for human host-targets in order to survive, and hit the maximum number possible. And those of us who are non-compliant with that basic C-O-V-I-D strategy, will be aiding the enemy (traitors in this war) and help spread COVID-19 further, and more massively, prolonging this pandemic. Let us all be responsible and do our part to help end this pandemic soon and save lives. Could COVID-19 pandemic recur? For patients who have recovered from COVID-19, reinfection among those who did not develop enough antibody is deemed possible. As for resurgence of the pandemic, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), analyzing the data from past influenza pandemics, predicted the future of the COVID-19 with these scenarios in the U.S.: the current wave is followed by a larger wave in the fall or winter of 2020, and one smaller wave in 2021. Also, “this current pandemic will likely last 18 to 24
Asian American nonprofits give back to NV health...
PAGE 8 Unit at St. Rose Dominican Hospital Siena Campus. NAFFAA and ACDC volunteers say they grateful to have this opportunity to help the community, especially those working in the health care industry. “In line with ACDC”s mission, it was very fulfilling to launch our COVID 19 relief efforts as a way to connection organizations and communities in need during this healthy crisis,” said Weiss Solano, Director of Family Services at ACDC. “the AAPI community is the core of who we are and what we do. Therefore, we all have to rise up, work together and help others in times of uncertainty and crisis.
Community Journal
NAFFAA and ACDC volunteers also donated sacks of rice and other dry food items to the Cavite Associaton of Nevada, to help unemployed individuals in the community. Food donations will also be made to the Laos/ Burmese community at the Wat Lao Buddhaaximay and other temples. ACDC is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers dedicated to building, connecting, and educating the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Nevada. NAFFAA is a also a non-profit, non-partisan organization created to promote the active participation of Filipino Americans in civic and national affairs.
months and 60-70 percent of the population may need to be immune for the pandemic to end.” This could also be true for the Philippines, which has almost 10,000 cases and nearly 700 deaths. The figures in the U.S. (cases: 1,240,000, with about 73,000 deaths) could double by August, 2020. Worldwide there are about 3.8 million cases and nearly 260,000 deaths in 212 countries. In the meantime, CDC says the healthcare workers who tested positive could be higher than the reported 9,200 and that the infected medical front-liners account for 11 percent of the COVID-19 cases in the United States, with 27 deaths so far. In UK and Italy, more than 100 healthcare personnel have died from COVID-19 in each country. The entire world has lost countless healthcare workers who have heroically exposed themselves in harm’s way saving the lives of others, and many losing their own. They are the unsung heroes of this pandemic who shall forever inspire us with their dedication, service, self-sacrifice, and grit and grace under fire. *** 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 Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
ProF. EnriquE Soriano AS the world economy grounds to a complete halt, a looming recession is at our doorstep and deaths and infections continue to surge everywhere, it is time for business owners to assess the impact of an agonizingly painful journey towards normalcy both on the family and the business aspect. Looking beyond this lockdown, we can expect that losses will be staggering. We also acknowledge that this unprecedented crisis is wrought with uncertainty. Yes, we can see the tip of the iceberg but we do not know how deep it is. If the infection spread decelerates, we can anticipate that the crisis will be severely felt in the third and fourth quarter of 2020. However, if the pandemic worsens, the economic impact will extend until the end of 2021. While we are all in a state of shock and making sense of this unheard-of disruption, it is important for business leaders to take a step back and make a full assessment on the severity of the impact and immediately plan on how to navigate, weather and hopefully bounce back as quickly as possible. Upside-down world In a well written Forbes article by globally recognized family business expert and author Prof Dennis Jaffe, he highlighted that “today’s pandemic crisis is turning everyone’s world up-
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 7-13, 2020
Business owners must never, never give up! side-down in ways that couldn’t have been anticipated just a short time ago. After a halfcentury of observing and sometimes resisting the increasing pace of change and the many innovations disrupting our behavior, we are now encountering a situation that makes it impossible not to change. However, there appears to be no clear way to reasonably plan what to do next or how to manage the extent of the upheaval. Yet every day we must act and even make some tough choices—despite the lack of any reliable information about the best direction to take.” He further added that “every business, large and small, is feeling threatened, and every family faces deep challenges just to stay afloat. Without being able to go to work or attend school right now, we cannot imagine how life will return to some sense of normalcy. That uncertainty and inability to control makes us anxious. And when we’re anxious, we can do impulsive, short-sighted things.” As a family business advisor, my advice to entrepreneurs and business leaders is straightforward: Never, never give up even when the going gets tough. Sail along despite the headwinds and manage your emotions! When we help turnaround businesses, our go-to-mindset will always be on a long-term view but in our current situation, it’s nothing but crafting a short-term fu-
ture. Time can be our friend or foe and speed in decision making is paramount. Additionally, alignment of strategies with well-defined roles within the ownership and management team is extremely important. Every owner must learn how to adapt by constantly tinkering with business models outside his industry. Focus on solutions At this juncture, it is in the best interest of owners to break down the issues so ICU’s (Important, Critical, Urgent) that need immediate intervention is prioritized. As you start sorting the problems, you can now rationally focus on how you can move forward with a certain degree of confidence. One of the first few items that are usually raised is the current financial state of the business. Understandably, when the lockdown restriction was imposed, most companies experienced a sharp downturn in their top lines. When sales dropped, the natural reaction was to preserve cash while maintaining a workforce. By default, the leadership team should have stepped up and prepared a financial and workforce contingency plan outlining the operational aspect of cash flow and human resource management during and post lockdown. In my ICU interventions since March, sadly most companies did nothing, and their leaders PAGE 10
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May 7-13, 2020 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL
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WGU and Kenzie Academy partnership creates new pathway to degree Coding school graduates will be eligible for transfer credit for prior learning
Michael Bublé surprises his grandfather’s Filipina caretaker Minette with a newly-renovated home that he helped work on with “Property Brothers” Drew and Jonathan Scott. Photos from Facebook/Property Brothers
Michael Bublé gifts Pinay caretaker a ‘home’ ent for Minette. Michael even had a hand in the restoration as seen in the latest episode of HGTV series “Celebrity IOU,” a show “where Hollywood A-listers express their deep gratitude to individuals who had a major impact on their lives by surprising them with big, heartwarming home renovations that bring everyone to tears.” The multi-Grammy-winning artist was initially lost, admitting that he never worked on building or renovation prior to shooting the episode. “I’ve never broken stuff before...purposely,” Michael confessed, to which one of the Scott twins quipped back that he’s “broken hearts for a living.”
Surely enough, before-and-after pictures of the property’s interiors only underscore how the already beautiful can be magnified into perfection. Among the features that had the recipient feeling good are gas fireplace inserts, energy-efficient windows and a stylish slat wall that offers privacy by separating the dining room from the rest of the house. “I came from the Philippines, working as a community health worker, then I got hired by Michael’s family to look after grandma and grandpa at the same time,” Minette said on “Celebrity IOU,” revealing how she knows Michael as family outside of stardom.
PAGE 9 were passive all throughout the lockdown. Interventions Moving forward, any decision that can impact cash must be studied. But preserving cash is one thing, managing the workforce is another significant and sensitive variable in the equation therefore any decision that will impact people must always be thoroughly planned with a strategic intent in mind. Owners must demonstrate empathy toward its employees as work reduction and termination are highly likely options for as long as the crisis continues to compromise business operations. I commiserate with the owners as they are wrestling with many tough decisions – including being forced to let some employees go especially when the same employees may have spent a significant part of their careers in the organization. It is a very delicate
balancing act and requires really tough decisions. Apart from cash and workforce planning, there are other key metrics that must be considered. Some of them are highlighted below: • Capability and commitment of the leadership team • Control of Operating expenses • Managing inventory levels • Compensation cuts of the senior team • Temporary or permanent layoffs • Elimination of dividends • Rationalizing or deferment of capital acquisitions • Communication plan for partners, employees, customers and suppliers For skeptical leaders who think their businesses are so small and feel that contingency planning has no place in their companies, I urge you to think and reflect on this critical initiative. We are experiencing
an uncertain environment out there and your inaction coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 virus on most sectors can lead to irreversible damage to your business. Believe me, without a plan, this crisis can take your business out overnight! It does not distinguish between big or small businesses. Just like when you were starting your business, every day was all about survival. That instinct must be reactivated. You must take action, move fast, rise to the challenge and decide on things that you need to do. Now! *** Prof. Soriano is a National Agora Awardee for Marketing Excellence, an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author and Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, W+B Strategic Advisory. He has close to three decades of real estate experience and is currently the Program Director for Real Estate at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
PAGE 8 in Chicago, said her family has to forgo their annual tradition of having afternoon tea at a hotel, but they will be having a brunch meal at home. Fortunately, her parents live at their house so they can all celebrate together and have a Zoom call with her sister’s family as well. “We’ve been craving Filipino treats but they’re pretty hard to come by where we live so we’ve been learning how to bake in quarantine. We’ve learned how to make our own pan de sal and it has been such a nice family activity to make something from scratch together,” said Pretekin. For those in Los Angeles, Kristine de la Cruz of Créme Caramel LA has partnered with coffee shop Kindness & Mischief and online retail store Manila Oriental to develop a “Mother’s Day Cupcake Kit” that gives families an interactive, yet easy way to make treats at home. Each $45 kit includes three ube and three vanilla cupcakes, two piping bags with vanilla mascarpone buttercream and Belgium chocolate frosting and sprinkles, plus 1 16oz Oat Chai and 1 16oz Oat Matcha from Kindness & Mischief Coffee and a mug from Manila Oriental that says “tulog kain tae.” $5 of each purchase will go toward the bake shop’s Pandesal for Health Heroes donations. Order from a local restaurant Too tired to cook or craving a particular dish? Let a local restaurant take care of your dining needs! In Los Angeles, Filipino res-
taurant La Rose Cafe is offering a $150 meal good for up to five people, featuring eight savory dishes like seafood paella and Cebu lechon plus a dessert choice. Tatang in North Hollywood is offering a $70 “Mama Bundle” with lumpia, chicken sisig, bistek, salad and an assorted tray of small bibingkas for dessert. There are several eateries in the Bay Area to choose from, such as 7 Mile House, a local Pinay and family owned restaurant in Brisbane, which is now reopened. The restaurant has savory comfort dishes, desserts like the ube cheesecake, and a long list of cocktails for take-out or delivery. Little Skillet in San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas district has family meal boxes for up to four people, with options like its famous fried chicken or cajun crispy catfish with a choice of three sides and one dessert. Make time for self-care Many families have been holed up at home for over two months since stay-at-home orders were put in place. In addition to work and other household tasks, mothers have taken on an additional role as a teacher because classes have moved online. Taking a moment for one’s self and putting individual needs first are definitely welcomed, even if you can’t book a service at your usual salon or spa. “Our labors are an incredible expression of love, though we need to remember that it’s necessary to make time to love ourselves too. It’s important for our families to remember this, and give us the
by Ratziel
San Juan Philstar.com
MICHAEL Bublé recently honored his grandfather’s dying wish to leave his longtime caretaker Minette a home to stay at with her family. The Canadian singer behind the hit song “Home” rewarded the lucky Filipina, who stood by her grandfather’s side for eight years, with a picturesque, newlyrenovated house in Vancouver — and it is everything! He employed the help of award-winning “Property Brothers” Drew and Jonathan Scott to jazz up the 1970s house built and once owned by his late grandfather Demetrio as a special pres-
LAS VEGAS — Western Governors University (WGU) and Kenzie Academy announced a partnership today that will give learners a skills-focused pathway to hightech careers. The agreement will allow graduates of Kenzie Academy, an industry-aligned technology training provider, to convert their Kenzie credentials into credit for transfer into a WGU information technology degree program, reflecting both institutions’ focus on educating workers for an increasingly skills-based economy. With programs in software engineering and user experience, Kenzie Academy offers skill-specific credentials with the sole purpose of preparing graduates for an in-demand technology job, regardless of where they live. Through this partnership, WGU has created pathways for Kenzie graduates to stack those credentials into one of seven flexible, online College of Information Technology degree programs, adding the long-term value of a full degree and enabling a lifelong learning loop—not just the “one and done” approach of
model, this partnership is a demonstration of success for the future. It is crucial that students have access to learn where they are and can quickly upskill to adapt to changes in the workplace and economy. “Traditional higher education is finally being forced to re-think how they provide a quality education to students, and the direction they will have to go will include online, affordable curriculum and degrees, something WGU and Kenzie have been doing for years,” said Chok Ooi, the Founder of Kenzie Academy. “We are excited about this partnership because more students than ever before will be looking online to find a quality education and a new career path, and the offerings WGU and Kenzie provide are timetested under a common belief that education should put the students’ needs first.” Kenzie Academy graduates interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree through WGU’s College of IT may find more information about enrolling here: www.wgu. edu/kenzie.
the traditional four-year undergraduate experience. “WGU’s partnership with Kenzie is another example of how higher education is meeting learners where they are, delivering the education they need to build career success,” said Dr. Elke Leeds, the Dean and Academic Vice President of WGU’s College of Information Technology. “With the advancement of a skills-based economy and myriad ways to develop skills, learners need alternative pathways to support their lifelong learning, with flexibility to continue working so they can provide for themselves and their families today as they build a better tomorrow through education.” Shifts in technology and workforce demands are shaping the future of higher education. Individuals need access to affordable lifelong learning loops where they can develop skills and competencies to meet workforce demands and that stack into new opportunities to upskill. As higher education and the workforce are having to embrace an online and remote
Business owners must never, never...
Francisco Martin
Photo from Instagram/@franciscomartinmusic
Fil-Am Francisco Martin makes it to ‘American Idol’Top 11 By Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
FILIPINO American singer Francisco Martin on Sunday, May 3, made it to the Top 11 of “American Idol” Season 18, earning a spot after his rendition of James Arthur’s “Falling Like The Stars.” He took to Instagram to express his gratitude for everyone who supported him. “I just made top 10 and I feel speechless to be honest. I actually didn’t think I was gonna make it. I was super scared at the end. I was shaking, my legs
were quivering. I am just super grateful,” he said. “Thank you guys for voting for me, for voting me in. I am just super grateful. I can’t talk right now. I am still in awe. Thank you guys so much,” Martin added. Martin, who sang from home due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, brought judge Katy Perry to tears. “When you sang those lines about having four kids and then one on each knee, I was like — yeah sure it was hormones, but it was believability too. It was real believability and I felt it,” she said.
Meals over video chat, self-care rituals: Fil-Am moms share...
love and support to breathe. This weekend, our advice goes out to the gift-givers, to those wondering what mom really wants. Let ‘tulog (sleep), kain (eat), tae (poop)’ be your guide. Let mom sleep in (or even just stay in bed to hide out for an extra hour). Feed her a meal she didn’t have to think about, cook or bake, and celebrate her with cupcakes and coffee. And finally, let her poop in peace. Oh, and don’t forget to say thank you,” said Olivia Reyes, co-founder of Manila Oriental. For Menchu Sanchez of Secaucus, New Jersey, self-care is about “taking time to rest, sleep and pray a lot for the healing of the whole world” and “doing self pedi and mani, like I am in a real salon.” She maximizes the time she has at home by doing chores, and recently, she brought out an old sewing machine and she has been making cloth face masks and shields for neighbors and friends. Grace Labaguis, a marketing consultant and mother of two sons in Jersey City, New Jersey, said that “me time” for her has been rediscovering an old hobby, whether that’s baking, writing, reading or playing an instrument. “Two weeks ago, I saw my keyboard that’s been sitting in our attic for many years. I got so excited that I immediately asked my boys to set it up for me,” Labaguis said. “I tried playing my piano piece back in grade school and was surprised that I still know the exact keys, but not the title of the song. I’m now thinking of getting a piano refresher course online.” Julie Cruz, a mother of three young children in Pasadena, California, said keeping a list of one’s favorite self-care rituals is a good reminder. “Take the time to reflect on what self-care activities re-energize you and make a list of them. Keep the list visible — either post it in your bathroom and glance at it while you brush your teeth and/or keep a list in your daily planner where you can easily refer to it. The point is to keep it topFor Ria Pretkin (far right), a Chicago mom of two, Mother’s Day will include a brunch with her of-mind and easily reference your go-to options when you need to parents and a Zoom call with her sister’s family
recharge,” said Cruz, who runs FilAm Fam, an organization that teaches the next generation about Filipino heritage. Arcangel said that self-care for her is also giving back to others by checking in on relatives and friends and see if they need anything. “‘Virtual moms’ like me take time for myself by keeping myself healthy physically by doing home exercises, home cooking, cleaning and volunteering in the community,” she said. “I always send photos to my daughter of my daily activities.” Self-care can also mean delegating and asking for help from your support system. “Do what works for you. Don’t feel pressured to do it all because it’s an impossible task to work from home, assist your kids with distance learning, keep the house clean, and still find time for yourself. My tip for self-care would be to ask for help from your partner or parents if you can and be specific about what you need,” Pretekin said. Safely go outside and enjoy nature The weather in many cities on Sunday is projected to be warm and perfect for a day outside, but local governments are closing down parks and other areas to prevent large crowds gathering. However, there are some other options to spend time outside as a family. “Go to your local farmers market and have the kids choose flowers (or a new plant) for you, it’s always a nice touch to have fresh flowers in the home (not just on Mother’s Day!), and the kids will love the experience. You could even make it a learning moment and find out the names of the flowers they picked,” Concordia said. Cruz said she and her husband have started a “merienda and tea time ritual” with the kids and hope to make that into a Mother’s Day tradition. “In these past weeks, we’ve been itching to pitch a tent somewhere, have a picnic and let the kids run around. Unfortunately, it has yet to happen when factoring in the logistics plus our depleted energy levels as a result of caring for three young children 24/7,”
Judge Luke Bryan, meanwhile, described Martin as “a diamond in the rough.” “You really know how to get all the emotions out of a song. If I was a little more hormonal, I’d be crying right now,” he said. On the other hand, judge Lionel Richie commended Martin’s confidence. “Halfway through that song, I just saw you fly out of that nervousness and give us exactly what you’re all about which is true talent,” he noted. Martin is currently vying for a spot in the top 7 of “American Idol” Season 18.
Amira Allah Arcangel Facetimes with daughter, Aylah
Paloma Concordia from Daly City, California and her four children
Cruz said. “This Mother’s Day, we’ll likely set out an elevated version or our usual merienda and tea time — as a picnic, with flowers, candles and jazz music playing in the background.” For Ledy Almadin, a mother of two adult daughters in Summit, New Jersey, going out for a walk
nearby will be a way to unwind on Sunday. “Time for myself since I can’t go to a spa or salon to treat myself is to [go for] a walk at our local hiking trail since this is the only recreation outside without any physical contact,” Almadin said.
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RHMC awards $141,000 in scholarships LAS VEGAS — Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Las Vegas, along with McDonald’s and its community partners, has awarded $141,250 to 90 high school seniors and 43 returning college students through the organization’s Scholarship Program for 2020. Since 1999, RMHC and its community partners have awarded more than $4.4M in scholarships to eligible students and alumni in Clark and Nye counties. RMHC Las Vegas is the largest, and one of only two remaining RMHC chapters in the world that offer a scholarship program. “In these uncertain times, RMHC is excited to be able to preserve the Ronald McDonald Scholarship Program this year,” said Alyson McCarthy, CEO of RMHC of Greater Las Vegas. “We know that so many deserving students really depend on this financial assistance, and now more than ever, it can mean the difference between going, or not going, to college in the fall.” RMHC staff and scholarship committee members plan to hold a scholarship appreciation event via RMHC Facebook Live on Monday, May 18th at 12pm for students to be honored virtually. In addition, recipients will receive a scholarship certificate via email. Alyssa Marie Lagua, one of
RMHC’s 2020 scholarship recipients, is a student in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at West Career & Technical Academy. In the fall, she will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, which is ranked as the world’s best nursing school. As an immigrant and a first-generation college student, she is excited for the opportunities the scholarship will provide. “My brothers couldn’t afford college, and my parents told me it was OK to not aim as high as I wanted due to costs. The scholarship funding is making my dreams come true,” says Alyssa. “I always dreamed I could go to any college I wanted and be able to afford it on my own. With this, a dream of mine has been ful-
filled.” A portion of every Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper sold in McDonald’s stores helps support the RMHC of Greater Las Vegas Scholarship Program, as does a portion of every Happy Meal sold at all participating McDonald’s locations. Additionally, RMHC works with several community partners who provide scholarship funding, including 100 Black Men, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Hispanic Educators, Omega Psi Phi, The Village Foundation, United Firefighters, and the James & Eva Martin Charitable Trust. More information on our Scholarship Program can be found on our website: https://rmhlv.org/ scholarship-program/
AlDub fans rejoice ‘Kalyeserye’ comeback by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
“KALYESERYE,” the “Eat Bulaga” segment that launched the love team of Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards, is making a comeback as the longest noontime show will air its episodes again. In its Twitter account, “Eat Bulaga” posted a photo of the “Kalyeserye.” “Tutok lang sa inyong ga TV mga Dabarkads! Enjoy your tanghalian kasama ang inyong mga Dabarkads at iba pang throwback episode ng Eat Bulaga,” it said. Fans of the AlDub love team showed their excitement for the comeback as #ALDUBKalyeSeryeAngSimula has been trending on Twitter with over 194,000 tweets. “Ngayon na lang ulit ako manonood ng Eat Bulaga mula noong hindi na sila Live. Because of Kalyeserye,” a Twitter user wrote.
Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards
“Is Eat Bulaga seriously going to rerun AlDub Kalyeserye? The memories! Those were the days,” another posted. “Di ako masyadong nakatulog, gusto ko lunes n, Excited ulet mapanuod Ang aking number 1 Phenomenal loveteam, my Multimedia idols ALDEN RICHARD and MAINE MENDOZA...thank
GMA photo
you EB and GMA marinig nyo rin Ang aming hinaing,” another user commented. “Kalyeserye” reinvented “Eat Bulaga” as they shattered rating records and even broke social media records. It also filled the 55,000-seated Philippine Arena during Alden and Yaya Dub’s first screen meeting.
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