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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 resolu“Tita” Alice Bulos ranking. tion 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 Heritage Month to commemorate the important contributions Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have provided our country,” said Ting in a statement. “With this in mind, it is my honor to recognize Alice Peña Bulos, who is considered the Godmother of Filipino American politics and empowerment. Her career in comu PAGE 2
Almost 2,000 Filipinos globally test positive for COVID-19 by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
NEARLY 2,000 Filipinos globally have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the latest figures released by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. The DFA on Wednesday, May 6 reported 38 new cases of COVID-19 among overseas Filipinos, bringing the official count to 1,905. “Today, the total number of COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad has breached the 1,900 mark with 38 new confirmed cases, 10 new recover-
by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AS California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan this week to begin loosening some restrictions, Filipino American business owners whose retail stores have been closed for the past two months are mulling whether to reopen under new modifications. Newsom on Monday, May 4 unveiled stage two of reopening lower-risk workplaces — which were previously deemed non-essential — with certain measures, including masks for employees, and curbside pickup and physical distancing for customers, as early as Friday. “We’re not going back to normal,” said Newsom in his daily remarks on Tuesday, May 5 talking about the next phase. ”It’s a new normal with adaptations and modifications, until we get to immunity and a vaccine.” Among the businesses he referenced that can start u PAGE 3
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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: selfu PAGE 3
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 the Order of Bishops, Pope Francis made him equal in all respects to those Cardinals with suburbicarian Churches,” it added.
Female coast guards in full protective gear on Tuesday, May 5 prepare to man 66 testing booths at Palacio de Maynila, an events venue on Roxas Boulevard that has been converted into a temporary swabbing center to expand the government’s testing capacity for the new coronavirus. The Department of Health aims to conduct 30,000 tests a day by the end of May. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
Palace: Duterte will not veto ABS-CBN franchise bill by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte will not reject ABS-CBN’s bid for a franchise renewal if the majority of lawmakers find valid ground to allow the country’s largest television network to operate again. Malacañang on Wednesday, May 6, assured the public that the president would not veto the bill that proposes renewing the network giant’s renewal. “Sa tingin ko, wala naman pong dahilan para i-veto ng Presidente iyang ABS-CBN franchise (I think there is no reason for the president to veto [the bill seeking the renewal of] ABS-CBN’s franchise),” said Presidential SpokesAraceli Buendia Ilagan, 63, (top) and Noel person Harry Roque. Sinkiat, 64, (bottom) were the first two reported Filipino American nurse fatalities He also said that Duterte is on March 27. “completely neutral” and would not hold a grudge against his allies in Congress should they vote in favor of ABS-CBN’s franchise Tagle has been serving as Pre- renewal. “He [Duterte] really is neufect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples since tral and (wants) to let all his alFebruary, replacing Cardinal lies know that he will not hold it against them. It will not endear Fernando Filoni. Before the Pope appointed him him either way. They can vote as to the role in Vatican City, Tagle they wish,” he said. Roque also stressed that only was the 32nd Archbishop of MaCongress can give ABS-CBN a nila from 2011 to 2020. He is also the president of fresh franchise. “Talaga pong tanging ang KonCaritas Internationalis, a confedu PAGE 2 greso lang po ang may kapang-
Pope Francis promotes Cardinal Tagle to rank of cardinal-bishop by RITCHEL
pinos abroad 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. ■
AJPress
G. VISAYA AND CHRISTINA M. ORIEL
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
ies, and 1 new death in the Americas, ASPAC (Asia Pacific), Europe, and Middle East,” the agency said. Of the total number, 1,167 or more than 61% of them are currently undergoing treatment while 523 have recovered and been discharged. One new fatality was recorded from the Americas, bringing the death toll to 215. “Based on the updated figures, the total number of our nationals abroad who have recovered from COVID-19 remains higher than the total number of deaths,” the DFA noted. The confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Fili-
Fil-Am retail businesses in California weigh reopening under ‘new normal’
This National Nurses Week, remember the Filipino and Fil-Am nurses providing care and risking their lives daily by MOMAR
Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
The ABS-CBN in Quezon City
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN
yarihang mag-desisyon kung given new franchise),” he said. ABS-CBN on Tuesday, May 5 magkakaroon muli ng prangkisa ang ABS-CBN (Only Con- shut down its radio and television gress has the power to decide operations nationwide after the u PAGE 2 on whether ABS-CBN should be
MAY 8-14, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Pope Francis promotes Cardinal Tagle... PAGE 1 eration 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 sees. Eastern Catholic patriarchs who are cardinals are also cardinal-bishops,” the Catholic News Agency explained.
Pope Francis with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
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
CBCP photo
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
Palace: Duterte will not veto ABS-CBN franchise... PAGE 1 National Telecommunications Commission issued the network a cease-and-desist order. The CDO came after Solicitor General Jose Calida warned the NTC against granting a provisional authority to the network. ABS-CBN, with its expired 25year franchise, signed off at 7:52 p.m. after its flagship news program, “TV Patrol.” “The Palace notes that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued a Cease and Desist Order against ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation for lack of a valid legislative franchise. ABS-CBN is free to exhaust all legal remedies available to it,” Roque said Tuesday night. He also expressed gratitude to the network and its public service amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “We thank the network for its services to the Filipino nation and people especially in this time of COVID-19,” he said. “But in the absence of a legislative franchise, as we have earlier said, ABS-CBN’s continued operation is entirely with the NTC’s decision,” Roque added. NTC’s CDO draws ire from media, lawmakers alike The Malacañang Press Corps condemned NTC’s issuance of the order, calling the move a “shameless and blatant attack on press freedom.”
“We demand that the NTC honor its commitment to Congress to issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN and to leave the issue of the franchise renewal to Congress,” the MPC said. It also called out the Congress’ lack of urgency when it came to deliberating the network’s franchise renewal bid. “Since 2014, Congress sat and dilly-dallied on ABS-CBN’s application to renew its franchise until it was too late on May 5, 2020 – one of the darkest moments in the history of the Philippine media,” the MPC said. It added, “The confluence of events shows us that this is an orchestrated attack in part against ABS-CBN, and on the whole, an attack against press freedom by agents of the government who are only too willing to please their master. They have done it before. They are doing it again.” Meanwhile, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, the head of the Committee on Franchises, pointed out that NTC had no basis to shut down ABS-CBN’s operations. “If the NTC chooses to succumb to the pressure of the solicitor general and disregard the commitments they gave under oath, we reserve the right to call them before Congress and explain why they should not be held in contempt,” he said. Sen. Sonny Angara, for his part,
noted that NTC’s order against ABS-CBN contradicted the resolution separately adopted by both chambers of Congress, which authorized the NTC to let ABS-CBN operate pending the approval of its franchise extension. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. also took to Twitter to express his disappointment over the order. “I don’t watch TV much if at all but shutting down a major media outlet that has provided entertainment and comforting connection to tens of millions of OFWs and 80 million Filipinos, not to mention dependable news of real not made up events is a shame for NTC and Congress,” he said. Vice President Leni Robredo said shutting down ABS-CBN will “cost lives.” “In this time of crisis, we are relying on free flow of accurate and timely information to give shape and direction to our actions,” she said in Filipino. “This free flow of information literally saves lives. Closing down ABS-CBN costs lives on top of unnecessarily burdening the thousands who will lose their jobs,” she added. On the other hand, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines pointed out that the CDO was issued two days after World Press Freedom Day. u PAGE 3
‘EKADIWA’ MARKETING APP. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar (left), and Antonio Tiu (right), president and chief executive officer of AgriNurture Inc. (ANI), demonstrate how “ekadiwa.da.gov.ph” works during its launching held at the DA central office in Quezon City on Monday, May 4. The eKadiwa is the first online digital platform of the DA that connects farm producers and agripreneurs direct to consumers. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Highway in Daly City closer to being named... PAGE 1 munity organizing epitomizes leadership not just in the Filipino community, but also throughout the state of California. I am proud to represent the district where Bulos’ activism was rooted and her legacy lives on.” Over the span of four decades, Bulos — known by many as “Tita Alice” — dedicated herself to empowering generations of Filipino Americans to amplify their voices through civic participation. Her influence includes forming the Filipino American Grassroots Movement, and co-founding the state Filipino American Democratic Caucus and the Fil-Am Democratic Club of San Mateo County. She also served on the National Filipino Women’s Network and the National Asian Pacific Democratic Council.
She became the first Fil-Am appointed by a sitting U.S. president to a federal council when then President Bill Clinton picked her to be part of the National Council on Aging in 1993. Two years later, Clinton called upon Bulos to serve as a delegate for the White House Conference on Aging. Bulos spent many years as a San Mateo resident, before she died of heart failure on October 21, 2016 at the age of 86. “Throughout her life, ‘Tita Alice’ was committed to opening doors for young Fil-Ams who wanted to enter public service and politics but did not see themselves represented in those places of power. While she is no longer with us, her memory lives on in her family and the numerous friends, supporters, and
pupils she inspired over her decades of service,” said the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County, whose members include Daly City and South San Francisco Council members, as well as other prominent San Mateo County Filipino American leaders. ACR 165, which was introduced in the Assembly in February, has a few more stops in the legislative process, Ting’s office said. If the resolution is signed into law, supporters may raise money for the cost of signage. Non-state funds are required for the creation of all memorial highway signs. In addition to the highway proposal, last year the Daly City Council approved the Serra station townhouse project community room to be named in honor of Bulos. n
Palace: Duterte will not veto ABS-CBN franchise... PAGE 2 “All this stems from President Rodrigo Duterte’s personal vendetta against the network, whose franchise renewal he pledged to block. It sends a clear message: What Duterte wants, Duterte gets. And it is clear, with this brazen move to shut down ABS-CBN, that he intends to silence the critical media and intimidate everyone else into submission,” said NUJP chair Nonoy Espina in a statement. Calida: Blame lawmakers Calida, who filed the quo war-
ranto petition against ABS-CBN, came to NTC’s defense, saying the commission was only doing its job. “Why blame NTC when they are only following the law? Without a valid and subsisting franchise from Congress, the NTC cannot allow any broadcasting entity from operating in the country,” he said. The solicitor general pointed out that the franchise bill has been stalled in Congress since 2016. Malacañang also defended Calida, denying that he influenced the
NTC to issue the order. “Hindi po tayo nagpasara. Pinagsara po ang ABS-CBN dahil wala itong prangkisa (We did not order its closure. The ABS-CBN had to stop operating because it no longer had a franchise),” Roque said. Despite the shutdown on Tuesday, ABS-CBN assured Filipinos around the world that it would continue broadcasting on its international channel, The Filipino Channel, as well as online. News will also be available on its various websites. n
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This National Nurses Week, remember the... Fil-Am retail businesses in California weigh...
PAGE 1 care, 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 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 — 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. 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)
Nicanor “Nick” Baltazar dedicated 40 years of his life to nursing — 30 of those in the United States. The Fil-Am nurse worked at Long Island Care Center for 15 years, and 2020 would have been his fifth year as the director of nursing, according to the New York State Nurses Association. Baltazar, who died from COVID-19 on March 31, leaves behind his wife Grace, also an RN, and his daughter Abigail, who just graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing. Daisy Doronila, Hudson County Correctional Facility (Kearny, NJ)
Daisy Doronila, a nurse at the Hudson County Correctional Facility 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) Since 2014, Susan Sisgundo
had been working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan and caring for newborn babies. After an eight-day battle with COVID-19, she died at Queens Hospital on April 8, a month before her 51st birthday, which she had planned to celebrate with her family in Bicol. “Susan was a valued and 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 u PAGE 4
PAGE 2 to open their doors are florists and stores that sell books, clothing and sporting goods. Pamela Augustus, co-owner of Cerritos Florist in Cerritos, California, closed the store in early March following Los Angeles County’s “safer at home” order and because floral suppliers had to suspend operations also. Ahead of the governor’s announcement on Monday, the store decided it would reopen to fulfill orders for Mother’s Day, one of its busiest days of the year. Augustus and co-owner Vivian Delpilar have set plans to take phone orders, prohibit customers from physically browsing inside the store, and have curbside pickup or delivery options. However, the challenges they anticipate are older customers who may not be keen on placing phone or online orders and prefer coming to the location, as well as the sparse supply of flowers this year. “Our older customers are used to walking into the shop, being able to look at the flowers and placing an order,” she told the Asian Journal. “There are two things going on right now. Number one, we can’t have anyone in the shop and two, our flower selection is a little different and limited because it’s based on what we can get our hands on.” After this weekend, the flower shop will decide how it will operate moving forward as customers are now getting used to current physical distancing measures and contactless delivery. “Even if businesses are re-
California Governor Gavin Newsom File photo from www.gov.ca.gov
opening, everyone is still wondering how to navigate this new normal,” Augustus said. In Los Angeles’ Atwater Village neighborhood, Rheena Mae Bartolome has rented a brick and mortar space for her line, MaeMae Jewelry, for the past four years. She closed its doors on March 14 and furloughed all seven employees, who worked onsite to craft the jewelry by hand. The pandemic also affected her inventory in some 300 retailers, which include spas, yoga studios and boutiques, nationwide that carry her pieces. “The magic of MaeMae was coming in, talking, and hugging...If I have to talk to [customers] 10 feet away, the experience is not the same,” Bartolome told the Asian Journal, adding that it wouldn’t be feasible to cap the store at two customers and then have to sanitize products each
time. While her landlord has been accommodating with later rent payments and as she waits to hear back about her Paycheck Protection Program application, Bartolome has “no immediate plans” to reopen her doors and is leaning toward going completely online, which she said is more “flexible.” In the past month and a half, the line has experienced a significant increase in online sales but the downsides are that she has to make the jewelry by herself with no additional help and the profits wouldn’t be enough to cover rent for the coming months. “I don’t know what the future holds but I can be excited, though...As an entrepreneur, I think this is when grit and resilience come in and make your brain creative in different ways. It’s definitely happening for us,” Bartolome said. Arkipelago Books, a bookstore in San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas, has seen about a 70% increase in online sales, especially in cookbooks and titles geared toward children and Filipino history, since closing its physical space in early March. “Currently, we are shipping out from the shop and will continue to do so for at least a couple weeks more to safeguard the health of our families,” co-owner Golda Sargento told the Asian Journal. This phase, which is the second of four, of California’s reopening will not include malls, offices or sit-down service in restaurants. A more detailed guide will be released by the governor later this week. n
MAY 8-14, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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This National Nurses Week, remember the...
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. Known for her encouraging attitude and selflessness, SoloAli Guillermo came to New York mon was laid to rest on April 28 in 2004 to seek a better life for his at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery in family and spent his American Flushing, New York. career at Long Island Community Celia Lardizabal Marcos, CHA Hospital. Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Guillermo, an intensive care Center (Los Angeles, CA) unit nurse who also helped in the emergency room, fell sick with COVID-19 in mid-March and was hospitalized for two weeks. On April 8, he died in the ICU of the same hospital where he cared for many patients and helped save many lives. The 44-year-old nurse leaves behind his wife Romielyn and children, Denice, Ali and Aljon. “His expertise as an ICU, stepdown, medical-surgical and emerTrained as a nurse in the Philgency room RN was exceptional for he’d always be willing to help ippines, Celia Lardizabal Marcos and assist the team whenever and emigrated to the United States in wherever. He’d make the busi- 2001 and settled in Los Angeles. est work nights lighter with his Three years later, she became a jokes and songs,” wrote colleague telemetry charge nurse at CHA Carmelo Espiritu in a GoFundMe Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. page for the family. Marcos, 61, was one of three Felicisimo “Tom” Omaña Luna, Trinitas Regional Medical nurses who responded after a suspected coronavirus patient went Center (Elizabeth, New Jersey) 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 she was admitted on April 15 to the hospital where she had worked for 16 years. Two days later, she went into cardiac arrest and died, becoming the first fatality for the SEIU Local 121RN, which represents 9,000 RN memFelicisimo “Tom” Luna, from bers in Southern California. Her Pasig City, Philippines, earned a case highlights the dire need for degree in medical technology from personal protective equipment for the University of Santo Tomas in front-liners. Marcos is survived by sons Don1978 and migrated to the United States in 1986. He worked several ald and John, who both remember jobs before working as a licensed their mother for her generosity medical technologist in the Bronx. and how she put the well-being of He did not enter the nursing pro- others first. They plan to honor her fession until the early 2000s when wishes to be cremated and buried he studied at a local community in her hometown of Tagudin, Ilocollege in New Jersey and passed cos Sur, alongside her parents. Domingo Victorio “Victor” Sihis nursing board exam. He later attained a bachelor’s degree in son, Complete Care at Hamilton nursing at The College of St. Eliza- Plaza (Passaic, New Jersey) beth in 2016. Luna was a dedicated registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he worked long hours. He prided himself on never being sick a day in his life, according to his obituary, but he died from COVID19 on April 9 at the age of 62. Luna, who was a devoted member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo-Church of Christ, is survived by his wife, Victor Sison, 64, was assistant Enriqueta, of 26 years, children, director of nursing at Complete Gabrielle, Gracielle Dane and Care at Hamilton Plaza, a nursing Giselle. home in Passaic, New Jersey. He Ernesto “Audie” DeLeon, Bel- was planning to retire in the comlevue Hospital (New York City) ing year. A front liner who fought COVID19 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) PAGE 3 back to the Philippines. Ali Dennis Guillermo, Long Island Community Hospital (East Patchogue, New York)
BEATING THE DEADLINE. Personnel from the Parañaque City government distribute cash aid as part of the Social Amelioration Program to around 859 beneficiaries at the Tambo Elementary School on Monday (May 4, 2020). Local officials in Metro Manila and other areas under the enhanced community quarantine were given a seven-day extension from April 30 to complete the distribution of the first tranche of the cash aid. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Assessor Chu extends filing deadline for San Francisco businesses to June Last day to File Form 571-L Business Personal Property moved from May 7 to June 1
SAN FRANCISCO – On Monday, May 4, San Francisco Assessor Carmen Chu announced new action to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis to avoid tax penalties. All businesses in California are required to file their business personal property with their County Assessor by May 7 every year. However, due to physical office closure, the San Francisco Office of Assessor-Recorder has moved the filing deadline to June 1 this year. “We understand businesses, especially small businesses, are experiencing an unprecedented financial challenge that is outside of their control. As a City, we need to step in and help in every way we can,” said Assessor Carmen Chu, “by effectively pushing back the date at which penalties begin applying, we give businesses some much needed breathing room.” Under the State law, items like furniture, machinery, equipment
and supplies used to run a business are subject to property taxation. They are called Business Personal Property (BPP). Last year, 41,236 businesses were required to report or declare their business personal property in San Francisco. Of the over 40,000 businesses assessed, close to 4,300, or a little more than 10 percent, were ultimately exempt from paying taxes because their total BPP value was under $4,000. As of May 1, over 7,600 businesses have already filed their BPP statements. “Our local businesses are the backbone of our City’s economy and they are struggling,” said Rodney Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “The entire business community appreciates Assessor Chu’s leadership in extending the filing deadline. The extension helps our small businesses preserve thousands of dollars in cash reserves
that will be critical to helping them get back on their feet.” California state law under Revenue and Taxation Code (section 441(b) and 463) automatically applies a 10% penalty for those who file after May 7. With a physical closure, the date at which the penalty applies is pushed back to June 1. The office plans to safely accept in-person business personal property statement drop offs on June 1. Additional details will be announced. Meanwhile, the safest and most convenient way to file is through electronic submission. Currently, 6,450 businesses filed electronically through its website (sfassessor.org) – click on https:// sfassessor.org/property-information/business-owners/571-l-business-property-statement-e-file for more information. Businesses can also mail in their filings at any time. For any questions, please email askbpp@sfgov.org. (From SF Assessor’s Office) n
Jersey City outlines plans for reopening by MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
“I firmly believe that we shouldn’t make decisions on “opening” based on polling. It should be based on science but also respect that people can make personal smart choices,” Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop told CNN in an interview earlier this week. “If someone doesn’t feel comfortable with parks or a business, than they should make a personal choice not to go to the park or business.” With those words, the Jersey City mayor said his city has made plans to slowly reopen, something that has not been discussed by other cities and counties in the New Jersey, which has the second highest total infections and coronavirus related deaths in the country. “We need to slowly move forward,” Fulop added. “We don’t live in a perfect or risk free world for anything so we shouldn’t pretend that it will be for this. We’re all better off managing risk as opposed to pretending it doesn’t exist. Jersey City, with a population of about 250,000, is the largest town
in Hudson County. It is planning to ramp up testing this week, loosening restrictions so that any resident who requests one can get it, even those showing no symptoms. The expansion will eventually include antibody testing. On Monday, May 4, Jersey City began testing anyone who lives in the city whether they have symptoms or none. The city is one of the first cities in the country to do this. On its first day of testing, the city did 747 tests, compared with the previous daily average of 250 tests for those with symptoms. Antibody testing for residents is also set to begin this week, making the city the first in the state to provide this service. First up will be the city’s front line workers and after that, any resident can call and schedule an appointment. Appointments are necessary and residents are advised to call (201) 547-5535 to schedule an appointment for this antibody test. Fulop believes that initiatives such as these are needed to help get the city functioning again since more testing is essential to moving the local economy forward. Next week, the city will also start opening nine Farmer’s Mar-
kets throughout the city in an effort to help the local economy. “We’ll take precautions, there will be more space between vendors, masks will be required and rules will be in place, but we have to trust residents to make good decisions,” Fulop said earlier. The city will offer tools to manage costs, provide sanitation stations and provide food for people in need at the end of the market day, which will help both farmers and struggling families. In an email, Fulop shared his optimism in taking careful “baby steps” forward. He reported that there are 5,518 COVID-19 cases in Jersey City and 285 fatalities but the positive signs of progress are starting to show as COVID-19 patients at Jersey City Medical Center are down 48% from the peak and Carepoint has had a 30% decline in their COVID patient count. “While the fight is not over and you should not be relaxed in social distancing, we must slowly shift our conversation towards a gradual return to the new normal,” he said. “Again, this is a slow path forward but nonetheless, we are moving forward.” n
Next generation APA elected leaders announce ‘Rise: Asian Pacific America’ national town halls to amplify discussion on xenophobic hate incidents, APA community recovery from COVID-19 SAN FRANCISCO – In response to the growing tide of anti-Asian bigotry in the public sphere and the continuing impact of COVID19 in hard-hit Asian Pacific American communities, prominent state and local Asian American elected officials — including David Chiu (member, California State Assembly), Fue Lee (member, Minnesota House of Representatives), YuhLine Niou (member, New York State Assembly), Sharon Tomiko Santos (member, Washington House of Representatives) and Michelle Wu (member, Boston City Council) — have gathered together with over 50 grassroots and civil rights organizations and leaders to launch, “Rise: Asian Pacific America,” a series of four virtual town halls that seek to confront the significant issues facing APA communities in the wake of COVID-19. In these virtual town halls, the lawmakers, who represent some of the largest and hardest-hit Asian Pacific American communities in the nation, will engage in thoughtful and provocative dialogue with prominent activists, policymakers, academics and artists and athome audiences to address present challenges, historical context and the path forward to a future beyond this pandemic. The goal is to uplift diverse experiences and voices from around the country; highlight ways for individuals to get involved in local, regional and national efforts; build and amplify our collective national voice; encourage fundraising support of organizations involved in advocacy, civil rights, and support
of hate crime victims; and frame next steps for the future of Asian Pacific American communities. The sessions will take place online at 8pm ET/ 7pm CT/ 6pm MT/ 5pm Pacific Time, as follows: • MAY 8 — Rise APA: The State of Asian America Today The necessary context of this conversation, and an overview by diverse voices of the present situation across the country — hate crimes, anti-Asian sentiment and communities struck both by COVID-19 and the virus of racism. With guests Viet Thanh Nguyen (Pulitzer Prize winner for The Sympathizer), Jenny Yang (writer and comedian), Cynthia Choi (Chinese for Affirmative Action and Stop Anti-AAPI Hate), Dale Minami (Minami Tamaki LLP and lead counsel for Korematsu v. United States) and Bo Thao-Urabe (Coalition of Asian American Leaders and former Obama appointee to the White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders). • MAY 15 — Rise APA: Our History, Our Roots A conversation with policybased, academic and activist voices on the larger historical context of anti-Asian discrimination. Is what’s happening familiar from a big-picture perspective? How has harm against our community manifested in the past? Guests to be announced. • MAY 22 — Rise APA: Getting Back to Better What does relief and recovery from this pandemic look like, both socially and economically? What do our communities and vital in-
stitutions need at this time, to come back from its direct impact, to reframe the narrative about who we are as a people, and to ensure resilience in future crises? Guests to be announced. • MAY 29 — Rise APA: Reaching Beyond Our Community Next steps for the future: How do we build organizational infrastructure across our APA communities and coalition build with others? What do we need to do to strategically plan for a future where we aren’t just responding to threats, but leading toward solutions? Guests to be announced. “Our APA communities are under assault both by the COVID-19 virus and the virus of racism,” said Assemblymember David Chiu (DSan Francisco), a member of the Rise organizing committee and Chair of the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. “Our national leaders use dogwhistle language that encourages anti-Asian sentiment and inevitably bleeds over into hostility toward Asian Americans: terms like ‘Chinese virus’ and ‘Kung Flu’, slurs about Chinese hygiene and dietary habits, and unfounded, China-centered conspiracy theories. We have seen this before with the Chinese Exclusion Act, the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans, the murder of Vincent Chin, and post-9/11 antiMuslim bigotry. Now with growing activism and representation in the halls of power, we can change our future.” Individuals may register for the series and find more information at www.riseapa.org. n
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 13day infection with COVID-19. Claire Martinez, a colleague, remembered the 61-year-old nurse as a mentor to other nurses and hospital staff. “He was an immensely kind soul with a humble demeanor. He will always be dearly loved by his friends who have become family, his co-workers, and relatives,” she said. Estelita Atienza Solomon, retired from Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (Brooklyn, NY)
Estelita Atienza Solomon, a 72year-old nurse who retired from Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, died of COVID-19 on April 10. Solomon lost her husband Antonio to the virus two weeks prior to her death, while her daughter Catherine has been recovering. She is also survived by her daughter EmyLou and three grandchildren.
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-
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)
Romeo Agtarap retired last year after working in the adult 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 loved ones and strangers [were] what made him special,” his colleagues wrote in a GoFundMe page. Maria Guia Cabillon, Kings County Hospital (Brooklyn, NY)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Palace: Regardless of what outsourcing Duterte wants to stop migration of industry group says, POGOs are BPOs health workers amid COVID-19 crisis by alexiS
roMero Philstar.com
MANILA — MalacaĂąang on Monday, May 4 insisted that Philippine offshore gaming operators are into business process outsourcing even if the umbrella group of the information technology and business process management industry has distanced itself from the gambling entities. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque previously said POGOs are now allowed to reopen even if some areas are under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) because they can be classified as BPOs. The government has exempted BPO firms from quarantine restrictions but they are required to observe social distancing and health standards. The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has disassociated itself from POGOs, citing the differences between its industry and the mostly Chineseoperated gaming entities. The group noted that BPOs are registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) or the Board of Investments while POGOs are registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). IBPAP also pointed out that BPOs come to the Philippines to leverage off human capital while majority of the POGOs’ staffing comes from foreign labor brought into the country to support their operations. Roque, however, insisted that POGOs can be considered BPOs because they render services for activities that are not taking place in the Philippines. “It’s not for them (IBPAP) to say that (POGOs are not BPOs) because we are following a definition of POGOs that are consistent
by Catherine
S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque
with the guidelines, especially of those granting tax incentives,� the Palace spokesman told GMA News on Monday. “If you provide services for an activity that is not happening in our country, that’s BPO... The BPO outsources to its service providers the IT (information technology), the computer requirements of its online gambling, which is not happening in the Philippines but is taking place abroad, in China,� he added. Online gambling not in list of BPOs PEZA director general Charito Plaza previously said online gaming is not included in her agency’s list of BPOs. She said BPO in the Philippines is classified into contact centers, back office services, data transcription, animation, software development, engineering development and game development. Roque also responded to IBPAP’s statement about POGOs employing foreign workers, saying the sector provided employment to about 31,500 Filipinos. “Why are they employing a lot of foreigners? Because it was outsourced, it’s a BPO. The
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to study the legality of preventing Filipino healthcare workers from migrating to other countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. In a taped public address aired over state-run PTV-4 late Monday night, May 4 Duterte said he would discuss with Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra if the government President Rodrigo Duterte could stop health workers from from leaving the country was that he did not want the workers to releaving the country. “Maybe two days from now, turn to the country as among the we’ll have to meet again and con- Covid-19 fatalities. Philstar.com file photo sult‌ Secretary Guevarra wheth“Please don’t misunderstand language used in their comput- er or not it would be legal for us me. I am making it clear now. I do ers is Chinese, Mandarin so no to just stop the migration of health not want you to go there and come Filipinos can render such service workers simply because they are back in a coffin. That’s my only arbecause we do not know how to being taken in a place wherein gument, if you may, because you are Filipinos at mahal ko ang mga there is so much,â€? Duterte said. speak Mandarin,â€? he said. The chief executive clarified that buhay ng mga kababayan ko (and Roque said the P600 million per month in regulatory fees col- the reason he wanted to stop them I love the lives of my countrylected by PAGCOR and the taxes paid by POGOs would help fund the government’s coronavirus response. He said the government is expected to collect P22 billion worth of taxes from POGOs in two years. “My suggestion is all revenues from POGOs should be used...for the social amelioration program. Many of our countrymen who are suffering and who cannot work because of ECQ are waiting for this,â€? he said. Roque said it is the duty and privilege of the Senate to probe the operation of POGOs, which has been linked to illegal activities like money laundering, prostitution, bribery, and kidnapping. “But the question is while there is no vaccine for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), where will we get the aid to be given to our countrymen who cannot work?â€? he added. n
ManilaTimes.net file photo
men),â€? he said. The president said his unease over their health and safety was a “more valid reasonâ€? to stop them from migrating compared to what he initially said was his fear that the country would be deprived of health workers. “The Covid is here to stay‌that is how dangerous it is for itong ating mga (our) health workers,â€? Duterte said. n
Bongbong Marcos tests negative for COVID-19 by ratziel
San Juan Philstar.com
cine],� Marcos posted on social media Tuesday evening. (I am happy to inform everyone MANILA — Former Sen. Fer- that I am NEGATIVE for COVIDdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. 19. This is based on the last two on Tuesday, May 5 said that he results of my RT-PCR test conretested negative for coronavirus ducted by the RITM.) Marcos, however, did not specidisease 2019 (COVID-19), weeks after announcing his recovery fy when these tests were conducted or when the results returned. from the illness. The Muntinlupa-based COVID“Ikinasisiya ko pong ibalita na NEGATIVE na po ako sa COVID- 19 testing facility on April 20 said 19. Ito ay ayon sa huling dala- that its turnaround time for diagwang resulta ng aking Real-time nostic results was more than five Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- days due to its decreased number PCR) test na isinagawa sa [Re- of available staff and the large volsearch Institute for Tropical Medi- ume of specimens on its table.
Previously, the former senator said he was recovering from the coronavirus. “Welcome to my first vlog since recovering from this terrible COVID-19 that’s been plaguing the entire world,� he said on April 16. “I’m feeling better, I’m starting to feel better. This was really something of an experience, because I did not realize how bad this COVID was until I got it.� It was not mentioned in the vlog, however, if he was confirmed negative for COVID-19. Bongbong initially received his positive test results on March 28. n
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OFWs’ PhilHealth premium hike halted by John
eriC Mendoza ManilaTimes.net
HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday, May 4 ordered the suspension of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) directive raising the premium payments of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to 3 percent of their monthly salary starting this year. “I call for the suspension of Section 10.2.C of the IRR of the UHC law in light of COVID19 and its economic impact on OFWs,� tweeted Duque, referring to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. “We will recommend this to PhilHealth for their action.� Section 10.2.C of the law indicates that the premium contribution of OFWs shall be salary-based, and a proof of actual income shall be submitted, lest PhilHealth will charge them based on the income ceiling. The premium rate for this year is at 3 percent for those with an income of P10,000 to P60,000. PhilHealth ordered the 3-per-
cent premium increase, citing the law as a basis. Several lawmakers, meanwhile, are seeking to lower the PhilHealth contributions of OFWs. House ways and means committee and Albay Second District Rep. JosĂŠ MarĂa Clemente “Joeyâ€? Salceda proposed the granting of relief for OFWs under the Economic Stimulus bill by lowering premium contributions to no more than P300 per month in 2020, no more than P375 per month in 2021, and no more than P450 in 2022. Salceda said OFWs are “uniquely burdenedâ€? by Covid-19, with an estimated 420,000 of them projected to lose their jobs due to a global economic slowdown. He said OFW remittances could decline by as much as 25 percent in 2020 and was not expected to recover by 2021. Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. proposed a onetime pre-departure PhilHealth membership fee of P1,000 and a P20-fee deduction for OFWs’ remittance or money transfer of any amount. ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo believed that instead
of a mandatory payment, “OFWs must be able to choose whether or not they want to become a direct contributor through the 3-percent premium imposed by PhilHealth’s memorandum circular 20200014.� Agusan First District Rep. Lawrence Fortun said imposed rates for OFWs must be recomputed. Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo called for a moratorium on the increase of PhilHealth premiums amid the pandemic and the opposition to mandatory contributions. Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go, chairman of the Senate health and demography committee, on Monday asked PhilHealth to determine if the payment by members of the premium contributions could be delayed. “I am also appealing to PhilHealth to intensify its information dissemination so that the Filipinos will understand where their contribution goes,� he added. Go said every possible way has to be scrutinized to ensure that Philhealth payments do not become an added burden to the OFWs amid the pandemic. n
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t 803, */+63*&4 This National Nurses Week, remember the... t "650.0#*-& "$$*%&/5 PAGE 4 Fondly called “Mama Guia,� Maria Guia Cabillon, 63, brought her motherly instinct to the nursing profession in which she devoted over 30 years of her life. As the head nurse of the department of emergency medicine at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, Cabillon directed the department and took younger nurses under her wing, mentoring and guiding them to be the best nurses possible. She would often feed co-workers and wouldn’t take “no� for an answer if they declined. “Mama Gui gave herself to everyone without asking for anything in return. She’s a giver and I’d say she is the epitome of what a giver is,� Shane DeGracia, a coworker 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.
Krist Angielen Guzman, 35, followed her passion and worked on the front lines at a hospital in Chicago. She died on May 2 from COVID-19, leaving behind her husband Omar and their three young children, ages 6 and 5 years and 4 months old. “Krist set the bar for exceeding expectations as a life-long learner, a loyal and honest friend, and a strong and fierce nurturer. She made her parents proud when she made the decision to settle in Chicago as she pursued her dreams of becoming a nurse. She was a front-liner who treated all her patients and colleagues with respect and dignity,� said the description of a fundraiser for Guzman’s family. If you would like to add a FilAm nurse colleague or loved one Krist Angielen Guzman (Chi- to this list, please email editor@ asianjournalinc.com. n cago, IL)
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8
MAY 8-14, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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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 subsidiary
The Kite Runner PROF. ENRIQUE M. 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
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
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 ABSCBN 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 ABSCBN’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 franchis-
es’ letter, the guidance of the Department 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.” ***
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 upside-down in ways that couldn’t have been anticipated just a short time ago. After a half-century 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 future. 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 imme-
diate 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 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 part-
ners, 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! ***
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.
Business owners must never, never give up!
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.
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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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 8-14, 2020
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ
CASE REVIVED AFTER NVC TERMINATES IT FOR FAILURE TO APPLY FOR VISA WITHIN ONE YEAR – FULL STORY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Khalidha (second from right) was petitioned by her mother Shami (center) in 2004. In 2011, the National Visa Center (NVC) sent a notice that Khalidha’s visa was available and gave her one year to reply. However, Khalida never received any notice, until she finally received one advising that her visa petition had been terminated for failure to respond to the NVC within one year. The family went to two lawyers, to a U.S. senator, and to a congressman, but none were successful in reviving the case. Finally, a Filipino co-worker (and fan of Citizen Pinoy) suggested they consult with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. After going through hundreds of pages of documents, and diligently reviewing the case history, Attorney Gurfinkel was able to convince the NVC to reopen the case and issued visas for the entire family. Watch this success story on an all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
NVC terminates daughter’s case for failing to apply for visa within one year on an all new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday KHALIDHA was petitioned by her mother, Shami, in 2004. Seven years later, in 2011, the National Visa Center (NVC) sent notices to Khalidha, informing her of the availability of her visa and giving her one year to apply. However, Khalidha never got these notices and therefore did not respond within the one-year deadline. The
NVC then terminated the case. The family went to two lawyers without any success. They even sought the help from a U.S. senator and a U.S. congressman, to no avail. A Filipino coworker suggested the family consult with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who reviewed and evaluated
hundreds of documents provided by the family and came up with a winning strategy. He was then able to convince the NVC to reinstate the petition and issue visas for the entire family. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY on Sunday at 6:15 PM (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
THE U.S. Embassy in Manila announced that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is canceling all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa interviews scheduled through May 31, 2020. They hope to resume routine visa services as soon as possible, but cannot provide a specific date at this time, meaning it is possible visa interviews will be canceled beyond May 31. Once the quarantine is lifted in Manila, applicants should reschedule their own visa interviews through the Embassy’s call center. If your immigrant or nonimmigrant visa interview was canceled, don’t sit back and wait to be notified by the Embassy of a new interview date. Instead, you must take steps to have your interview rescheduled. And make sure you do so within one year, or it could be possible the Embassy will terminate your case. However, Pres. Trump has already signed a 60-day “suspension” of immigrant visa applicants coming to the U.S. through June 22, 2020 (except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens), so it would seem only nonimmigrant visa applications would be entertained starting May 31, 2020, unless the Embassy further cancels interviews. And there may be further confusions or delays because of Pres. Trump’s proclamation, in that while people applying for their immigrant visas outside the U.S. are subject to that 60-day suspension, workers in the U.S. applying for adjustment of status inside the U.S. are not. They could still be interviewed and have their green cards issued in the U.S. What’s more, the annual allotment and distribution of employment visas are based on those applying both outside and inside the U.S. If only those inside the U.S. can apply, the State Department may advance or move the priority date forward, allowing
US Embassy cancels visa interviews through May 31, 2020 even more applicants in the U.S. to apply, so as to use of the supply of annual visas. For example, right now the priority date for EB-3 and other workers is January 1, 2017. In order to make sure the annual allotment of visas is used up by those in the U.S., the State Department might make that category “current,” and the annual supply could be quickly depleted. Then, no more visas would be left for those applying outside the U.S. until October 2020, which is the new fiscal year for visas. I understand many people are anxious and confused because the rules, regulations, and procedures are constantly changing in the middle of the game to deal with this pandemic. People have followed the rules, waited patiently in line, and it seems now they’re being told they will have to wait in an even longer line. If you have any questions or concerns about your case, you should consult with an attorney who can evaluate your situation and determine your best course of action.
*** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
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May 8-14, 2020 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL
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Friday, May 8, 2020
OMETHING
ILIPINO
Meals over video chat, self-care rituals: Fil-Am moms share how they’ll spend Mother’s Day at home
T
by AJPress
HIS 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 dinein 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 Grace Labaguis with hubsand Ron and children Jericho and Marc get jealous at us, we have been talking for 8 hours now.’ Talking to my daughter 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 Sara Meredith and her mom, Rhiza, who lives in in Los Angeles, honoring her Dubai mom has been a virtual celebra- Ledy Almadin and her two daughters tion 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 PAGE 11 Baby Bibingka at Tatang in North Hollywood
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar CELEBRITIES from ABSCBN Channel 2 (known as Kapamilya network) and its rival, GMA-7 (known as Kapuso network), expressed their support for the former as it shut down its broadcast after its broadcast license was not renewed by Congress before it went to recess. Angel Locsin, Coco Martin, Lovi Poe, Maine Mendoza, Atom Araullo, Bea Binene, Gabbi Garcia, Janine Gutierrez, Julie Anne San Jose and Howie Severino were among the stars who expressed their thoughts via social media, according to an article in The Phiilippine Star. Most sent their support for the network and the estimated 11,000 affected workers who are losing their jobs due to the shutdown. Coco Martin, who revealed that he could not contain what he felt anymore, expressed his anger at the people responsible for the shutdown as thousands of people losing their source of livelihood. This, despite what he says, has been the network’s efforts to help Filipinos in times of crisis, including in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic where ABS-CBN has continued to entertain, share happiness and give hope to its viewers. While saying that he may not have better knowledge of the country’s laws compared to those involved with the permit’s decision-making process, Martin lamented the fact that those involved did not seem to have taken a thorough look at the whole situation before deciding to leave thousands of families in the
precipice of hunger. Angel Locsin, meanwhile, was said to be crying non-stop after hearing that her home network signed off. Her fiancé, film producer Neil Arce, said in an Instagram post that it “breaks his heart to see her (Angel) like this.” Although the actress had not renewed her contract with the network as she and Arce decided to concentrate on their wedding preparations, it was heartbreaking for Angel, according to Arce, “because she knows that 11,000 people lost their jobs.” “May 5, 2020. Araw na hindi malilimutan. Isang mahigpit na akap sa mga mahal ko sa ABS-CBN. Mahigit 11,000 ang hindi makakatulog ngayong gabi,” Aquino said in an Instagram post. In another post, Locsin questioned the decision and also expressed her gratitude to the network. “Para sa kapwa. Sa panahon na kailangan ng hanap buhay ng mga tao. Let’s be considerate and ask ourselves kung makakatulong ba ang mga desisyon natin sa lalo na sa panahong ito. To ABS-CBN, isang karangalan po na nagging bahagi at nakasama ko po kayo, Mahal ko kayo,” Angel said, while ending the post with the hashtags #MalayangPamamahayag and #NoToABSCBNShutdown, Here is hoping that this is just a temporary glitch. When Congress resumes its sessions, they should prioritize and tackle the issuance of a new broadcast license for ABS-CBN. PAGE 12
Amira Allah Arcangel facetimes with daughter, Aylah
For Ria Pretkin (far right), a Chicago mom of two, Mother’s Day will include a brunch with her parents and a Zoom call with her sister’s family
Paloma Concordia from Daly City, California and her four children
Kapamilya, Kapuso stars express support for ABS-CBN after shutdown
Philippine entertainment Superstar Nora Aunor is shown in photo above with beauty impresario Ferdie Villar. Both are May birthday celebrants – La Aunor celebrates her 67th birthday on May 21, while Villar celebrates his 83rd birthday on May 30.
Anthony Rosaldo, the new singer and a GMA Pinoy TV recording artist, is now making his mark with his song “With A Smile.”
Eren Grace Padilla, daughter of Filipino community leader Brenda Padilla, celebrates her 15th birthday on Tuesday, May 19.
Comedy Queen Ai Ai de las Alas’ love of baking has turned into a profitable business during the extended community quarantine in the Philippines. Her most in-demand product is her ube pan de sal. Philstar.com File Photo
“Ang Probinsiyano” star Coco Martin recently expressed his anger at the shutdown of network giant ABS-CBN. Inquirer.net File Photo
Angel Locsin was said to have cried non-stop at the ABS-CBN shutdown, thinking of the thousands of people who have lost their jobs. Inquirer.net File Photo
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 8-14, 2020
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Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ) still operates during COVID-19 outbreak FOR many of us, the coronavirus means staying at home for an extended period of time. While it may be disappointing to hear that events are being cancelled, these measures are necessary to help slow down the spread of the outbreak. At the same time, being at home gives us a chance to make some positive changes, whether it is starting an exercise routine, eating healthier, or resting more. If you smoke or vape, one of the most important and timely changes you can make is to quit. According to the US Surgeon General’s Report, smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight off disease. There are more than 7000 chemicals in a cigarette, 70 of which can cause cancer. The smoke from a cigarette or aerosol from vaping attacks the upper respiratory system, one of the same things the Coronavirus does. For someone whose respiratory system is already compromised from smoking or vaping, they may experience more serious COVID-19 symptoms should they contract the virus.
Currently, there is no guaranteed treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. One important way to fight back is to build up the immune system by getting plenty of sleep, regularly exercising, managing stress and staying hydrated. Quitting smoking and vaping is another way to bolster the immune system. Using telephone counseling alone or in combination with FDA-approved quit aids increases the chance of quitting for good. During these challenging times it feels like the pause bottom has been pressed. But the Asian Smoker’s Quitline (ASQ) is still up and running. We are here to support smokers and vapers, their friends and family, community partners, and healthcare professionals. Please give us a call at 1-800-838-8917 or go to our website at www.asq-chinese.org to register. Quitting smoking and vaping is hard. But the key is to never ever give up. ASQ provides a free twoweek supply of nicotine patches to eligible smokers along with the encouragement and strategies to
Francisco Martin
support quit attempts. We also provide help to tobacco users who have quit but are struggling to stay quit. Asian Smokers’ Quit line (ASQ) is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ASQ provides FREE evidence-based stop smoking services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese to Asian communities throughout the U.S. Eligible smokers can receive a free two-week supply of nicotine patches. Studies have shown that smokers who enroll in ASQ services double their chances of quitting successfully. ASQ operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sylvia Sanchez and her husband Art Atayde have finally reunited with their children after recovering from COVID-19. The couple confirmed they tested positive for Photo from Instagram/@sylviasanchez_a Pacific Time (10 a.m. to Midnight the coronavirus on March 31. Eastern Time). To enroll, call or register online today at the following: • Mandarin & Cantonese, 1800-838-8917, www.asq-chinese. org; • Korean, 1-800-556-5564, (I remember the feeling of weeks after they started rewww.asq-korean.org; By ryan arcadio not being able to come near, ceiving treatment in a hospi• Vietnamese, 1-800-778Inquirer.net hug or kiss our children. It tal. 8440, www.asq-viet.org. SYLVIA Sanchez and her was so sad! Very sad.) “Finally, nayakap na (Advertising Supplement) husband Art Atayde have fiSanchez then expressed namin mga anak namin kaninally reunited with their chil- how it crushed her heart nang lunch. Yahoooo!!!” the dren after recovering from whenever she thought how it happy mother said. “Ang COVID-19. The couple con- was possible she and Atayde sarap sarap ng pakiramdam!! firmed they tested positive for could infect their children at Ang saya, saya.” the coronavirus on March 31. the time. (Finally, we were able to “After [one] month [and] “Yan ang pinaka kinaka- hug our kids during lunch a [nine] days, we can now hug, takutan ko habang nakiki- while ago. Yahoo! It felt so kiss, play, and eat together paglaban kami mag asawa good! It was so much fun.) [with] our kids,” Sanchez said sa [COVID-19],” she added. She then thanked all her on her Instagram page on May “[Yan] ang pinagdarasal ko fans and colleagues who 3. She posted a series of pho- araw araw sa hospital bed ko prayed for their recovery. tos of her and her husband na sana wag mangyari.” “But most of all, thank you hugging and enjoying a meal (That was my greatest fear to all the frontliners that took with their children, Arjo, Ria, while my husband and I were care of us and to those who Gela and Xavi. fighting COVID-19. That was continue to fight for every“Tandang tanda ko yong what I prayed for every day in one,” Sanchez stressed. pakiramdam ko na di namin the hospital bed, that it may “Ngayon,” she said, “hapwedeng malapitan, mayakap not happen.) harapin namin ang buhay ulit o mahalikan ang mga anak Sylvia said that she and nang magkakasama.” (Now, namin,” she recalled. “Ang Art are finally well as they we will face life together are reunited with their kids, again.) Photo from Instagram/@franciscomartinmusic lungkot! Napakalungkot.”
Sylvia, husband reunite with family after beating COVID-19
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.
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.
US documentary shines spotlight on Fil-Am Green By Jeremiah
m. Sevilla ManilaTimes.net
FILIPINO American combo guard Jalen Green, the top high school prospect in the United States, and his team Prolific Prep are the subject of a 14episode online documentary series made by sports media company Overtime and aired through its YouTube channel. Titled “Superteam: Prolific Prep,” the documentary highlights the ups and downs of the 2019-2020 basketball season of the 18-year-old Green and the California-based Prolific Prep of Napa Christian High School. The 18-year-old Green made history when he decided to skip college to become the first player to sign up for the National Basketball Association’s professional pathway program via the NBA GLeague. The unicorn, as Green is dubbed, is the No. 1 prospect in the ESPN 100 Class of 2020, a five-star recruit in various rating bodies and a member of the McDonald’s All-American. The 2018 FIBA Under17 World Cup Most Valuable Player is projected to be an early pick in the NBA Draft 2021. Green, whose mother Bree traces her Filipino roots to Ilocos Sur, was the main man in the documentary’s first two episodes aired on April 27 and on May 4 (Manila time). The documentary, aired weekly, features off-court stories about Green, as well as of fellow prospect Nimari Burnett and the team as a whole, as their goal to go undefeated in the latest season turned into a 31-3 win-loss record and a breakthrough title in the Grind Session Championship. “It showcases the team’s
Prolific Prep’s Jalen Green dribbles against La Lumiere during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. Photo from Instagram/@jalen
triumphs and tribulations, the wins and the losses, but most importantly, as they come together as one,” said Overtime in a statement. The 6-foot-5 Green decided to skip college to play for a G-League team made for elite high school players. He is reportedly set to receive $500,000 (P25 million) during the five-month season of the NBA’s developmental league. “A lot of opportunities
came, but the ultimate end goal is to get to the NBA. That being said, I decided to partner with the NBA G-League’s new team for elite players,” Green announced through a video on his Instagram account midway through April. “I have a goal to get to the NBA, and I know it’s not going to be easy. I know I’m going to have to work for it,” he said in a recent interview on NBA TV’s “GameTime.”
Meals over video chat, self-care...
PAGE 10 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 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 restaurant 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 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 top-ofmind and easily reference your
go-to options when you need to 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,” 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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Fil-Am Community Feed, May 10 Is it a buyer’s market again?
DALY CITY – The Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County, in collaboration with the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center and the Census2020, announced an open invitation to the public for free meal pickup at the Fil-Am Community Feed, on Sunday, May 10, 2020, between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Community Feed will take place at the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC) located at 2121 Junipero Serra Blvd in Daly City, CA. Meals will be provided by volunteer chefs cooking adobo and rice. Meals will be available for pick up in individual packages and family size trays. No questions will be asked, and no registration is required. Meals are available to everyone on first-come, first-served basis. The public is invited to drive to the event; meals will be loaded onto their vehicles. The Community Feed was organized to help people who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. As a way to provide food relief, volunteer home cooks will prepare chicken adobo and rice, a traditional Filipino staple. To supplement the food distribution, locally impacted Filipino restaurants will be paid (from donations) to prepare additional meals. The goal is to feed 500 to 1,000 people. Although the program will be serving Filipino food, it’s mission and purpose is to serve all members of the community. “Everyone in need is invited to come pick up free meals for their families, no questions asked, no registration required,” said Jus-
Real Estate Knowledge Martin Santiago, Broker-aSSoCiate
lyn Manalo, event co-chair and president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County. “This is an exhibition of the true ‘bayanihan Spirit’ to provide for those needing help in these difficult times,” said Ray Satorre, event cochair and board member of the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center. The Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County promotes political awareness and active participation in the political process; educates and disseminates information and materials and encourages its members to express their views and positions on relevant issues; and promotes the development of the Democratic Party in the County and in the State of California.
Founded in 1989, the PBRC is a nonprofit, community-based organization serving the Filipino population in Daly City and Mateo County by providing direct services and community education. PBRC’s mission is to collaborate, build and empower the Filipino community by providing opportunities for Filipinos to reach their fullest potential, while nurturing and caring for each other to enhance life in a healthy, safe and sustainable environment. PBRC aims to develop and empower the Filipino community, promoting dignity, equality, and independence. For more information, additional details or to donate, send email to smcfilamdems@gmail.com or call Juslyn Manalo, co-chair, at (650) 580-7777.
A BUYER’S market refers to a situation in which supply exceeds demand. Driven by pandemic fears, shutdowns and job losses, U.S. home prices are expected to dip between 2 and 3 percent this year, with sales falling by as much as 60 percent, according to a new forecast by Zillow. Historically low inventory and rock-bottom mortgage rates would normally set the stage for a highly competitive home buying season. While recessions normally have only a minor effect on the housing market, the coronavirus is making life and markets anything but normal. Buyers are more cautious to proceed. Either they have been laid off or furloughed or they fear they might be. Even with the mortgage forbearance under the CARES Act, buyers are still hesitant to purchase a property in other parts of the country. But the roaring Bay Area home market, heedless of economic ups and downs for nearly a decade, will likely see few price retreats and discounts. The housing market projections look relatively mild compared with the precipitous fall during the mortgage foreclosure crisis in 2008, which drove median home values down 30 percent across
AS individuals and institutions the world over face unprecedented challenges, Grammy Award-winning music legends teamed up to help spread a smile and stay well. The result is the music video “Spread a Smile,” a modern-day “WE ARE THE WORLD” that has already hit over 10 million views, generating an international following across more than 100 nations. The music video inspiration and now internet sensation features Grammy Award-winning legends David Pomeranz, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Mark Isham and David Campbell among an array of 60 international artists. Two of the sensational artists are locals, Mark Isham, award-winning composer, and David Campbell, known for his work on more than 450 gold and platinum albums. This uniquely inspired collaboration comprises an ensemble filming from their homes around the world. Art-
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ists participated from Los Angeles, Bogotá, New York, Milan, Melbourne, Cape Town and more than a dozen other cities across Europe and the United States. Hagit Raviv-Ron, the Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology of the Valley in North Hollywood, said she is especially excited about the involvement of David Pomeranz on the song. “The Philippines is virtually my second home,” admitted David in an interview withThe Philipine Star. “I love the loveliness of the Filipinos and their sweetness.” David recorded his album “Born for you” in the Philippines and this album went ten-time platinum. “Spread a Smile” tells viewers that even if you’re stuck at home, you can lift the world up by spreading positivity. It’s a message harmonized throughout the video by Smash Mouth’s Greg Camp, radio and television personality Kerri Kasem, Australian icon Kate Ceberano, Chilean
singer-songwriter Alberto Plaza, Argentine star Diego Verdaguer, Israeli guitarist extraordinaire David Broza, Cuban-born bass virtuoso Carlitos Del Puerto, Idols South Africa star Tebogo Louw and Colombian actorcomedian Andrés López. Written and produced by Scientology Media Productions, “Spread a Smile” is about the power of togetherness, even in a time when we’re all apart. The video further raises awareness about basic prevention and wellness resources available at the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center. The center provides materials, including PSAs, booklets and signage—all downloadable for free online at Scientology. org/StayWell. Even though we are all keeping our distance, we are all in this together. More about David’s music and his success can be seen on his episode: www.scientology.tv/ ser ies /meet-a-scientologist / david-pomeranz.html.
Kapamilya, Kapuso...
*** It seems that the extended community quarantine (ECQ) has given the opportunity for people to immerse themselves in projects that have revealed their other talents. Case in point: Ai Ai de las Alas has rekindled her love of baking. According to the column of my good friend Ricky Lo in The Philippine Star, Ai Ai’s baked goodies (breads and pastries) have become popular that her showbiz friends have started ordering by the boxes. Her
most popular product seems to be ube pan de sal. It is actually her hubby’s fondness for the purple yam f lavored pan de sal plus the long wait for bread delivery during the early days of ECQ that gave way to the Comedy Queen practicing her culinary skills. She had taken up a course in culinary arts years ago. Of course, Ai Ai got so into the task of bread-making that before she knew it she had baked more than enough for her family that she would donate some to front-liners
working near their place. Lo and behold, a new enterprise was born as word spread about her products and orders from people started pouring in. This has kept Ai Ai busy during the quarantine. “I’m working at home at maganda naman ang kita,” Ai Ai was quoted as saying. “I produce more than 500 pieces per day and adding more kasi padami nang padami ang order. Kaya habang nasa lockdown, very busy ako at walang time ma-bored.” Good for you, Ai Ai. Best wishes on your new venture!
local real estate groups are encouraging agents to do virtual tours when possible. Difference in offers. It is normal for sellers to accept offers with contingencies. Since the housing market is not as strong like in March of this year, sellers are willing to take the risk of accepting contingent offers. Limited showings are allowing buyers to have an inspection contingency. Appraisals are always based off the recently sold properties but with the lockdown extension, Bay Area home prices might start to slide down. Loans are protected with the new COVID-19 Addendum Form from the California Association of Realtors letting buyers cancel escrow in case they lose their jobs. When can real estate bounce back? I expect that home sales will bounce back in the second half of the year as the economy begins to improve. Continuous vaccine research sheds light at the end of the tunnel and since most Bay Area home buyers are millennials working in tech and biotech, our market is more stable as compared to the rest of California. *** Martin Santiago is a broker associate at Compass Burlingame, a full-service residential brokerage firm. He is also a licensed mortgage loan originator & an International Associate at the American Institute of Architects. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be a formal legal advice nor the formation of a broker-client relationship. Call or email Martin at (415)8507704; teammsquare@gmail.com; www. teammsquare.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Marijuana and COVID-19 Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
Grammy Award-winning legends come together to ‘spread smiles’ and stay well
the country. We’ll see prices drop by as much as 10 percent, particularly at the level of homes priced at $4 million and up. The under $2 million market should still remain strong as inventory is so low and demand is still high. Bidding vs Priced at Value. Many new listings are priced at value due to limited showings by appointment only. The less exposure a property gets, the fewer number of offers it receives. Though there are still a lot of homes listed with a low teaser price and a set offer due date, a common technique makes the sellers switch to “accepting offers as they come” if they will not get the price they expect. This is common especially in homes owned by investors. Home prices are changing as inventory increases and the number of buyers diminishes. If this lockdown will be extended beyond May, we can expect home prices to go down. Home showings. Appointments and residential real estate viewings can only occur virtually or, if a virtual viewing is not feasible, by appointment with no more than two visitors at a time residing within the same household or living unit and one individual showing the unit. Open houses and brokers’ tours are off the table. Last Monday (May 4), owner-occupied homes can now be shown by appointment. Bay Area health officials loosened real estate restrictions allowing agents to now show occupied homes as long as the residents are not present. But open houses are still banned and state and
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 nonfunctional organs with disabled air exchange capability. This deprives COVID-19 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 nonpsycho-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, artifi-
cial 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 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 (18391842) 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 C-O-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 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, selfsacrifice, 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 Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
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May 8-14, 2020 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160