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OCTOBER 9 -15, 2020 OCTOBER 9-15, 2020 Volume 13 - No. 49 • 16 Pages Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial AlsoJersey published • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858 Center, City, inNJLOS 07311ANGELES

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DATELINE DATELINE

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Public Publicwarned: warned:Beware Beware of ofCOVID-related COVID-relatedscams scams

AS the pandemic continues, individuals are AS the pandemic continues, individuadvised to stay vigilant against the COVID-reals are advised to stay vigilant against the lated scams currently spreading — from webCOVID-related scams currently spreading sites peddling fraudulent virus cures to calls — from websites peddling fraudulent virus pretending to be contract tracers to generous cures to calls to pretending to be contract tracaid promising clear debt. ers generous aidFederal promising to Commission clear debt. Totodate, the U.S. Trade date, theover U.S.206,000 Federal Trade CommishasToreceived consumer comsion has received over 206,000 consumer plaints, and recorded some $146 million in complaints, and recorded some $146 million losses. inAmong losses. the common scams right now inAmong the common scams rightprotective now include individuals ordering personal clude individuals ordering personal protecequipment like face masks, thermometers, and tive equipment like face masks, hand sanitizers. Customers would thermomreportedly eters, and handnotices, sanitizers. would receive tracking butCustomers the packages nevreportedly er ended upreceive arriving.tracking notices, but the packages never ended up arriving.

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Trump returns to White House Philippines to shift to third phase of to continue COVID-19 treatment National Action Plan vs COVID-19

5 after a three-day stay at Walter Reed Nation- mask, and posed for photos before retreating inside. al Military Medical Center. Before from the to hospital, The Galvez, 74-year-old president arrived at a Palace briefing, saidon thethe goal is to pro- being and discharged economy, and learn live with the virus until Trump downplayed the virus that has killed House’s South Lawn after a 10-minute PRESIDENT DonaldPhilstar.com Trump told Americans Whitevide an “equilibrium both on our health safety and the vaccine is available.” than 210,000 infected flighteconomic on Marinerecovery” One and made the onmore to not “be afraid” COVID-19 as he returned MANILA — Theofgovernment is looking to sustain whichhis willway takeupplace the last Galvez,individuals at a Palaceand briefing, said the goal is to whereofhe removed surgical to the White on Monday night, October PAGEon2 our health safety “gains” fromHouse its coronavirus response as it shiftsstairs, to quarter 2020 to the his firstwhite quarter of next year. pro-vide an “equilibriumuboth the third phase of its national action plan, chief im“We assure the public that there will be no more and economic recovery” which will take place on plementer Carlito Galvez Jr.said on Thursday, Oc- trade-offs,” he said. “It is anchored on effective risk the last quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of next tober 8. management...while we are opening our restrictions u PAGE 3

by AJPRESS by ChristiAn DeiPArine

Duterte receives high performance rating amid 2020 challenges by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

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Fil-Am voters weigh in following VP debate by ChristinA M. Oriel AJPress

A FLY that landed on Vice President Mike Pence’s head and California Sen. Kamala HarFlagvarious carrier Philippine will undergo a retrenchment ris’ smirksAirlines and “I’m speaking, Mr. Vice program following a tumultuous President” sound bite setyear. social media abuzz Inquirer.net photopresidential by Juliet Javellana following the only 2020 vice debate on Wednesday, October 7. “Senator Harris was abrasive and condescending. It was disheartening that the liberals focused their attention on a fly on VP Pence[’s] hair instead of what he was saying,” said Rudy Asercion, an elected member of the San Francisco Republican County Central Committee. But amid the viral moments, other viewers by R ITCHEL MENDIOLA found the vice presidential debate less chaotic than last week’s AJPress event between President Donald Trump and former(PAL) Vice plans President Joe PHILIPPINE Airlines to lay Biden, theofDemocratic nominee, and that off 35% its workforce, the company an-it gave the American public an 5. opportunity to nounced on Monday, October hear from their NoAround 2,700running workersmates out ofbefore its totalthe 7,800 vember 3rd election. workforce will be affected in the “first stage” performance of“Pence’s its downsizing initiative.was better than Trump’s so I can say if you listenonto The national flag that…But carrier also called his substance, reallyfor has a distortedseparaview of employees tohe apply “voluntary what happened in reality,” said Irene Bueno, tion.” a government relations consultant and former u PAGE 4 official in the Clinton administration. “If you are already leaning towards Trump and Pence, then you think that he performed well, but if you are the average American voter who’s been looking at what’s been happening these last four years, you could see that Pence was

PLANTS ON CART. A vendor pushes a wooden cart full of ﬂowers along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, October 7. People peddle their products notwithstanding the threat of the coronavirus disease infection. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte’s performance rating climbed to 91% as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, Pulse Asia survey revealed PresidentaDonald Trump greets supporters during a drive by outside of Walter on Monday, October 5. Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland on Sunday, Oct. The pollster’s Ulat ng Bayan Nationwide 4. Official White House photo by Tia Dufour Survey, conducted from September 14 to 20, reported that 91% of Filipinos approved of Duterte’s performance. Meanwhile, 5% said disapproved and 5% were undecided. Duterte’s performance rating is four points higher than the 87% he received in December 2019. According to Pulse Asia, Duterte enjoyed

White House doctor: Trump ‘symptom-free’ for over 24 hours u PAGE by AJP ress 4

Pandemic forces PAL to cut 35% DOH: Duque elected as chair of WHO’s Cayetano forces of workforce Western Pacific regional committee early budget approval, SCHOOL SUPPLIES. Barangay Kamuning Sangguniang Kabataan official Faith Anne Dela Cruz (right), along with other SK officials, hands over a portable study table and some school supplies to a student in Barangay Kamuning hall, Quezon City on Thursday, October 8 8. Around 610 high school and college students received school supplies. PNA photos by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler by DAPHNE GALVEZ Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Donald Trump is reportedly feeling “great” and has gone 24 hours without any coronavirus symptoms, the White House’s top doctor said on Wednesday, October 7, two days after the president was discharged from the hospital.

suspends session

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Mayor reopens libraries with in-person services, increased digital access & safety

tives from him at least until MANILA — Health Secretary by DJ YAP mid-November by forcing the Francisco Duque III was elected as Inquirer.net early suspension of session this year’s chairperson of the World MANILA — In a power play and the approval on second Health Organization Western Pacifdescribed by a critic as an act reading of the proposed 2021 ic’s regional committee. of desperation, Speaker Alan budget. The Department of Health said on companied by a new program – SD Access4All by AJP ressthe comThe Cayetano leadership Peter Cayetano on Tuesday, Wednesday, October 7 that – targeted at bridging the digital divide while October mittee is composed of 37 member maintaining existing COVID-19 programs and6 preempted any at- unilaterally forced a voice vote on the P4.5-trillion genstates in the Western Pacific region. SAN DIEGO – Continuing a phased Philippine re- practices. Health Secretary Francisco Duque tempt to wrest the leadership of the House of Representa“Our libraries offer San Diegans a treasure open of City services prioritizing the health Inquirer.net photo by Greg Montegrande u PAGE 4 u PAGE 2 and safety of San Diegans and employees, trove of resources, whether its access to health Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer announced that information, distance learning, job searching San Diego Public Libraries would reopen or even just a book to pass the time, and we Former VP Joe Biden on Thursday, Oct. 1 tweeted a message for Filipino American History Month. Saturday, Oct. 3, for the first time since mid- need them now more than ever,” Mayor Faulconer said. “We’re reopening our libraries March. A dozen libraries reopened to the public with health and safety as the top priority while u PAGE 2 over the weekend in a limited capacity acu PAGE 3

Fil-Am vies for open seat in NC city council by JOe GArbAnzOs

NATIONAL CITY – Filipino American Lorna delos Santos is vying for one of two open seats in the City Council of National City this coming November. Who is Lorna Delos Santos? Immigrant. Mother. Community advocate. Problem-solver. Action-taker. People person. Lorna is as reassuring as your favorite dish. She offers comfort and an infectious surge of pleasant energy to others. She brings this unique spirit in her candidacy as Council Member in National City on November 3 coming election. She represents the many stoLorna delos Santos is a candidate for city ries of National City. An immicouncilmember of National City Image capture from thefilipinopress.com grant who came with determi-

nation and ambition, rising to her potential through honest work and positive wits. She has worked many jobs, put in a lot of hours, and engaged with many peoples in pursuit of the American Dream. She is a mother who sees the world from the lens of many who work day-in-and-day-out to support their families and strive to make a difference in their own communities. In the world where political connections, credentials and titles are a privilege, Lorna is genuinely down-to-earth. She looks at the world, with all its challenges, as an opportunity to explore real possibilities and optimism for the future. Her work on the ground as a community advocate, for people of all ages and cultur-

al backgrounds, has also given her a real view of the world that is unpretentious – most common to people who silently thrive with their daily triumphs and struggles. She approaches community problems with common sense. She tackles peoples’ issues such as caregiving, food insecurity, health care inequalities, racial discrimination and the lack of job opportunities from the ground up. Actions speak louder than words. The question of ‘How can we help you?’ is always a primary concern to Lorna. This focus on others through her advocacies and actions has made Lorna an extraordinary worker for the community. Representing the peoples’

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Biden recognizes Fil-Ams’ ‘immense contributions to our country’ during start of Filipino American History Month by ChristinA M. Oriel AJPress

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden said that if elected, he would work alongside Filipino Americans “to protect the American people.” The presidential candidate’s promise came as October marks Filipino American History Month in the United States. “During Filipino American History Month, we celebrate the community’s immense contributions to our country — from early immigrants to the millions today, many who serve in the military or as frontline workers. As President, I’ll work alongside them to

protect the American people,” he said in a tweet on Thursday, October 1. In a longer statement posted on his campaign website, Biden said Fil-Ams “have enriched and strengthened every aspect of our country.” He also paid tribute to the “countless Filipino American essential frontline workers and caregivers” working during the pandemic as over 208,000 individuals have died from COVID-19. “And we offer our prayers to the families of Filipino American nurses, who represent 4% of nurses in the United States, but make up more than 30% of nursing deaths due to COVID-19.

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

DOH: Duque elected as chair of WHO’s Western Pacific regional committee

Dateline USa

by Daphne Galvez Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was elected as this year’s chairperson of the World Health Organization Western Pacific’s regional committee. The Department of Health said on Wednesday that the committee is composed of 37 member states in the Western Pacific region. The committee is a governing body composed of health ministers and senior officials from Western Pacific member countries that meet annually to discuss the region’s health issues. DOH said Duque will lead discussions on the coronavirus pandemic, vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization, aging and health, safe and affordable surgical interven-

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III

tions, and the program budget for 2022 to 2023. “They convene every year to formulate policies, provide oversight for regional programs, report on their projects and consider, revise and endorse new initiatives,” Health

Photo by Edwin Bacasmas

Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. “The resolution and decisions adopted during the session will guide the work of the regional and country offices for the following year which is 2021,” she added.

Fired-up Eala ousts Czech foe, barges into French Open juniors semis by Dante navarro Philstar.com

MANILA – Junior world No. 4 Alex Eala moved two victories away from a dream and record finish in a junior Grand Slam, foiling Czech Linda Noskova, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, to reach the semifinals of the French Open girls’ singles at Roland Garros Thursday. The second-seeded Pinay ace atoned for a late meltdown in the opening frame by dominating the next two frames, fashioning out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in one-hour and 59 minutes in a key triumph that lined her up against local bet and third-ranked Elsa Jacquemot for a crack at the crown. Jacquemot fended off Belarussian Kristina Dmitruk, 6-4, 6-4, in their side of the quarters faceoff in the lower half of the draw, thus sealing a duel of the fancied bets following the ouster of No. 1 Victoria Kasintseva of Angorra in the second round. Disputing the other final berth are Kasintseva tormentor Alina Charaeva and Polina Kud-

Alexandra Eala after her junior girl’s doubles win at the Australian Open last January. File photo from mb.com.ph

ermetova in a clash of Russian aces. Charaeva overwhelmed German Alexandra Vecic, 6-2, 6-3, while Kudermetova held off local ace Oceane Babel, 6-3, 7-5. The 15-year-old Eala, a scholar at the Rafa Nadal Academy, had earlier made history by winning the Australian Open doubles diadem with In-

donesian partner Priska Nugroho last January but the global health crisis forced the cancellation of the next two juniors Slam events, the Wimbledon and the US Open. But she kept on honing her skills and building her confidence during the long break, which she has put on display the past two weeks, netting her

SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC & 2-1-1 WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE We all need a little help sometimes. During wildfire season, some of us need a little more help. That’s why SDG&E® is working with 2-1-1 San Diego to help provide additional customer assistance if a Public Safety Power Shutoff is necessary. To get connected to community, health, social and disaster services, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org.

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Covered California for Small Business announces a record-low weighted average rate change of 1.5 percent for 2021 SACRAMENTO – Covered California for Small Business unveiled the health plan choices and rates for small-business employers and their employees for the upcoming 2021 plan year. The statewide weighted average rate change will be 1.5 percent, which represents the lowest annual increase in the program’s seven-year history, and is significantly lower than national projected increases for larger employers. “Covered California for Small Business continues to meet the needs of employers and their employees across the state,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “In addition to driving down premiums, we will be upgrading our platform to continue to provide small-business consumers with even more value and choice.” This year’s rate change of 1.5 percent is lower than the recent projection of 5.0 percent that larger employers expect to see in 2021 (see Table 1: Covered California for Small Business Average Rate Change, by Year). The program’s five-year average rate change is 4.3 percent. “The sustained growth of Covered California for Small Business is another example of how the Affordable Care Act continues to work for Californians,” Lee said. “The growth of Covered California for Small Business, coupled with only small rate changes, helps all small business employers and their employees by putting competitive pressure on plans across the state.” Covered California for Small Business will continue to offer five plans in 2021, including two preferred provider organization (PPO) plans from Blue Shield of California and Health Net, both

offering their broadest provider networks, and two health maintenance organization (HMO) plans — which are provider- and hospital-based — from Kaiser Permanente and Blue Shield. The 2021 portfolio of health plans also includes Sharp Health Plan in San Diego and Oscar Health Plan of California, which will be offering coverage in Los Angeles and Orange counties. In addition, Blue Shield will also provide HMO plans to residents of Fresno, Kings and Madera counties. Covered California for Small Business has experienced double-digit percentage growth in membership for six consecutive years. Currently, more than 62,000 individuals have insurance through Covered California for Small Business, representing a growth of approximately 7,000 individuals, or a 12.7 percent gain in membership over this time last year. “As we enter into open enrollment for the individual market with state subsidies again available, we want to be sure small-business owners know their options and opportunities with Covered California,” Lee said. The steady growth makes Covered California for Small Business one of the largest small-business health options programs in the nation. “Our weighted average rate change this year is again the lowest rate increase ever,” said Terri Convey, director of Covered California’s Outreach and Sales division. “We’ve been able to have low increases for the last five years, proving that our employee choice platform is working well for small businesses.” Just as in Covered California’s

individual market, consumers may be able to limit increases in their rates, or perhaps even save money on their premiums, by shopping and switching to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier. Businesses with up to 100 fulltime equivalent employees can apply for health insurance coverage for their workers through Covered California for Small Business. Federal tax credits may be available to employers with 25 or fewer employees. Visit www.CoveredCA.com/ forsmallbusiness/ for information on how to apply. Family dental plans are optional and are provided by Delta Dental of California, Liberty Dental Plan of California, Dental Health Services and California Dental Network. Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or nocost Medi-Cal program. Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

victories over Natalia Szabanin of Hungary, 6-4, 6-1; German Mara Guth, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4; and Spain’s Levre Romero Gormaz, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1. Against the power-hitting Noskova, Eala squandered three set points in the 10th game of the opening set, enabling the former to escape with the victory. But Eala came out smoking in the next, break-

ing Noskova in the first game then holding serve and breaking her rival again to go 3-0 up. Noskova, who produced five aces, including three in the opener, broke back in the fourth game and held serve to pull within but the Pinay ace recovered her form and held serve then broke again before the duo traded breaks to pave the way for the decider.

Just when Noskova thought she had checked Eala’s game with a shutout service break in the third set, the latter returned the favor via the same fashion and stayed in control from there, breaking her rival in the fourth and eighth games while holding serve twice to complete the come-from-behind victory and closer to a milestone Slam finish.

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 9-15, 2020

From The FronT Page

Philippines to shift to third phase of...

California Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, and Vice President Mike Pence squared off on Wednesday, October 7 for the only vice presidential debate before the November 3 general election Photo courtesy of C-Span

Fil-Am voters weigh in following VP debate... PAGE 1 t just trying to spin you a truth that did not exist.” Bueno praised Harris for “keeping her cool” despite instances of being interrupted by the vice president. “What the American people saw was someone who is intelligent, firm, prepared, believes in science, and someone who could really step into the shoes to be president if that should happen,” she added. Pence and Harris squared off at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City for their only 90-minute debate wherein they touched on issues, such as the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and the Supreme Court vacancy. Debate moderator Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today, reminded the candidates that they had two minutes interrupted to respond to each question. From the start, the ongoing pandemic took center stage on Wednesday night as the death toll has risen to more than 210,000 Americans with over 7.5 million positive cases. The two candidates were separated by two plexiglass dividers and were seated 12 feet apart as a reminder of the new normal. “The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country,” Harris said in her opening remarks, referring to the current administration’s management of COVID-19.

Pence, who is the head of the White House’s coronavirus task force, defended the administration’s response and said that the president acted early on, such as suspending “all travel from China.” He also alleged that the Biden-Harris campaign’s coronavirus plan “looks a little bit like plagiarism” and mirrors what the administration has already done. “When you say what the American people have done over these last eight months hasn’t worked, that’s a great disservice to the sacrifices the American people have made,” the vice president said in response to Harris’ criticism. “The reality is, Dr. Fauci said everything that he told the president in the Oval Office, the president told the American people.” For Luisa Blue, executive vice president for the SEIU and former registered nurse, the vice president’s answer to the COVID-19 question fell short. She cited how health care workers across the country reported the lack of sufficient personal protective equipment. “This administration has failed totally — they still call it a ‘hoax.’ They don’t believe in science so they haven’t responded adequately at all,” Blue said following the debate, referencing the U.S.’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization earlier this summer. “This is a pandemic [and] everybody is supposed to work together to come up with a cure, to come up with common standards to apply across the world to tamp down this virus.”

Despite the CARES Act passed in the spring, many Americans are still unemployed and small businesses have had to shutter. “If [Trump] was smart, he would come to an agreement on a relief package because then he can claim victory that he’s getting money back into the pockets of the American people and he didn’t take that advantage,” Blue said. With the vacancy left by late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Pence said the “American people really deserve an answer” on court packing, the idea of expanding the Supreme Court to allow more liberal justices to be nominated. “Joe and I are very clear. The American people are voting right now, and it should be their decision about who will serve on this most important body for a lifetime,” Harris said. “Another key moment is when Kamala Harris refused to answer Vice President Pence’s question about packing the Supreme Court, this shows how polarization negatively impacts the Democrats and the Biden-Harris message of perpetuating radicalism instead of uniting our country over Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination,” said Lisa Noeth, a small business owner in Las Vegas. Days after the first presidential debate, Trump revealed on Friday, October 2 that he tested positive for COVID-19, and is still recovering at the White House, after spending three days hospitalized. PAGE 4

PAGE 1 year. “We assure the public that there will be no more trade-offs,” he said. “It is anchored on effective risk management...while we are opening our restrictionsThe third phase is now at managing the health risks, and apparently, learning to “live with the virus.” Transitioning to ‘new normal’ But what changes could be expected with the new pronouncement? The retired military general, tasked to oversee the government’s virus response, said they are looking to improve strategies on prevention, detection, isolation, treatment and recovery of COVID-19 patients. There is also a need to strengthen active case findings in communities to detect possible cases even without having to test them. “This is something that the health department is already doing, going to the barangays in CODE teams and we started this first in communities in Metro Manila,” Galvez said in Filipino. He added that government will begin implementing the no home quarantine policy which he said “greatly reduced the active cas-

es” in Cebu, Metro Manila and in other regions. “[This] provide us the necessary strategic systems and mechanisms that will enable us to jumpstart our economy,” he said, “but at the same time, continue to lower our active cases until a vaccine is available.” Impact on the economy The government beginning June had looked to restart the economy that sustained hard losses from the pandemic, with the economy entering a recession for the first time in nearly three decades. More modes of transportation have been allowed and capacities of business establishments have been increased since then. In August, medical workers called for a two-week return to strict quarantine status in Metro Manila, as cases have increased significantly since then. The capital region was returned to MGCQ, but was also lifted out of it later on. Citing figures from the National Economic Development Authority, Galvez said some .10 to .28 percentage points from the country’s potential annual GDP growth of 6.5% is cut every week that Metro Manila remains

Mayor reopens libraries with... PAGE 1 t also expanding digital access to give residents more opportunities as we get through this pandemic together.” As library locations reopened in a limited 25% capacity beginning Oct. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the facilities will be closed for cleaning from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily and frequently touched areas will be cleaned hourly and after each usage. Everyone will be required to wear face coverings, have their temperature taken and practice physical distancing when possible. “Our libraries have been closed since March 13 and, although we have added pickup service and virtual programming, there is no substitute for welcoming patrons into our buildings,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “That is why I am so excited that we are opening 12 of our library locations starting Oct. 3. While we are offering limited services when we reopen, our staff will be working diligently

to expand services as quickly and safely as possible.” In order to protect the health and safety of staff and guests some services may be limited or modified by staff, including time limits for computer use. A full list of in-person rules and requirements can be found on the San Diego Public Library website. “The City continues to prioritize the safety of all staff and guests as we fight through this pandemic, which is why we’re opening in a phased and thoughtful way,” said Joel Day, the City’s Senior Advisor for COVID-19 Response and Recovery. “With enhanced sanitation protocols for every building, cleaning all equipment after each interaction, enforcing physical distancing and requiring face coverings, we have a plan that will allow residents to access these public resources while staying safe and healthy.” With the pandemic shedding light on the urgency of tackling the digital divide, Mayor Faulcon-

in community quarantine. He said the .10 translates to P19.5 billion in loss value-added, or around P63.4 billion in loss sales. Galvez added that they are looking to allow more labor-intensive businesses that could generate more revenue. But could this possibly lead to a spike in infections, as more people will be enjoined to go out? For the government, it’s not the reopening of the economy that causes spikes, but rather, the public not following protocols. “We are seeing that once people are made aware of the health standards, they can go out now with confidence that they will not be infected by the virus,” he said in mixed Filipino and English. “The most important thing is the changing of behavior.” Philippine coronavirus infections have reached 329,637, the highest in Southeast Asia and recently emerging as one of the Top 20 countries in the world in terms of cases. To date, there have also been 5,925 deaths, 273,723 recoveries while the newly reported cases have stayed at more than 2,000 daily. er also announced SD Access4All – a new initiative aimed at tackling digital inequity by expanding broadband access in San Diego. An estimated 53,000 San Diegans lack access to reliable internet, a resource that has proven vital for distance learning, employment opportunities and access to public health information. The program creates patio areas at select library locations to offer free WiFi and plastic-coated laptop computers for public use in a physically distanced setting. Capacity and cleaning requirements for the in-person reopening will also apply to all SD Access4All locations. In May under the first reopening phase, City libraries began a contact-free pickup service at some library locations. Now as the City enters the second phase, contact-free pick-up services will be maintained at 24 City libraries. To continue to provide services for San Diegans during the pandemic, San Diego Public Library moved many of its resources online for San Diegans to enjoy and share from home.

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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White House doctor: Trump ‘symptom-free’... PAGE 1 t Dr. Sean Conley, in a memo released by the White House on Wednesday, said that the president’s physical exam and vital signs, as well as his oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, “all remain stable and in normal range.” “He’s now been fever-free for more than 4 days, symptom-free for over 24 hours, and has not needed nor received any supplemental oxygen since initial hospitalization,” Conley’s statement added. The memo added that the president’s blood work from Monday showed “detectable levels” of COVID antibodies. On Monday night, October 5, the president returned to the White House after a three-day stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The 74-year-old president arrived on the White House’s South Lawn after a 10-minute flight on Marine One and made his way up the stairs, where he removed his white surgical mask, and posed for photos before retreating inside. Before being discharged from the hospital, Trump downplayed the virus that has killed more than 210,000 individuals and infected over 7 million in the United States since March. “Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!” the president tweeted on Monday. In another video posted on Twitter, he said: “One thing’s for certain: Don’t let it dominate

you.” “We have the best medical equipment, we have the best medicines, all developed recently,” Trump continued. “I know there’s a risk, there’s a danger, but that’s OK,” Trump added. “And now I’m better, and maybe I’m immune, I don’t know.” He will continue to be treated for COVID-19 at the White House, though his physician, Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, said the president “may not entirely be out of the woods yet.” “While he may not be entirely out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations and, most importantly, his clinical status support the president’s safe return home, where he will be surrounded by worldclass medical care 24/7,” Conley said. Early Friday morning, October 2, Trump revealed on Twitter that he and first lady Melania both tested positive for COVID-19 after it was revealed that close adviser Hope Hicks had contracted the virus. Later that day, the president was transferred to Walter Reed “out of an abundance of caution.” Since his diagnosis, the president’s team of physicians have given him different treatments, including an 8-gram dose of an experimental antibody therapy cocktail made by biotechnology company Regeneron; a five-day course of antiviral drug remdesivir; corticosteroid drug dexamethasone after his oxygen level dropped on Saturday; and supplemental oxygen. “And after about a minute on only two liters, his saturation levels were back over 95%. He stayed on that for about an hour maybe, and was off and gone,”

Conley said on Saturday, October 3. On Sunday afternoon, October 4, Trump, wearing a black cloth mask, briefly left his presidential suite aboard a black SUV to wave to supporters who gathered outside the medical center. Prior to this, the president said he “learned a lot about COVID.” “I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school, this isn’t the let’s-read-the-book school. And I get it, and I understand it, and it’s a very interesting thing, and I’m going to be letting you know about it,” he said in a video posted on Twitter. The event was slammed by critics as irresponsible as it put two Secret Service agents with the president at risk. “That Presidential SUV is not only bulletproof, but hermetically sealed against chemical attack,” Dr. James P. Phillips, an emergency medicine physician affiliated with Walter Reed, wrote on Twitter. “The risk of COVID19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play.” Other White House staff who have tested positive for COVID19 include senior adviser Stephen Miller, who tested positive on Tuesday; press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who revealed her diagnosis in a statement on Monday; and Nick Luna, personal attendant to the president. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway, who both helped the president with debate preparations, also contracted the virus.

Biden recognizes Fil-Ams’ ‘immense... PAGE 1 t Their heroism is a reminder that Filipino Americans embody the heart, the courage, and the values that define the United States,” he said. Biden concluded by saying that if elected to the highest office in November, he would “build on that proud American legacy, including by celebrating the history of the Filipino American community and expanding access to a future of opportunity for all.” On Friday, October 2, Dr. Jill Biden marked the community’s history month during a virtual fundraiser with affinity group Fil-

ipino Americans for Biden-Harris. Filipino American History Month is celebrated in the United States every October, marking the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the country. It was on October 18, 1587 when the “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Manila-built Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza under the command of Spanish Captain Pedro de Unamuno and set foot in what is now Morro Bay, California. The late Dr. Fred Cordova, along with his wife, Filipino American National Historical

Society (FANHS) Founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, first introduced October as Fil-Am History Month in 1992 with a resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees. In 2009, U.S. Congress officially recognized the month of October as Filipino American History Month. According to FANHS, this year’s theme is the “history of FilAm activism,” a reflection on how the community has been involved in social justice movements over the years. Though the pandemic continues, organizations and groups nationwide are moving their celebrations online.

Fil-Am vies for open seat in... PAGE 1 t voice is what separates Lorna from others. Electing Lorna is a vote for your aspirations and a voice to all the immigrants, parents, mothers, seniors, young people, small business and entrepreneurs who continue to search for a seat at the decision-making table in city hall. Born in Olongapo City, Philippines, Lorna is the daughter of the late Ernesto and Nita delos Santos, the sixth of their nine children. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Olongapo City, and studied Accounting &

Finance at San Diego Miramar College. Lorna has volunteered for an organization for the past five years advocating for Senior Rights and the privileges that they deserve. She currently works at Samahan Community Health Center Inc. as community outreach coordinator helping the underserved and the uninsured population. She is also a current member of the Elite Lions Club of San Diego. She is running for a National City city council seat as she sees the need for representation on issues that she deems important like public safety,

job creations, diversity and inclusion, education, advocating for the community, and more. Prior to working in the non-profit sector, Lorna worked in a manufacturing company, as well as in special projects and community events with local newspaper The Filipino Press. [For more information about Lorna’s campaign or if you wish to volunteer, contact Lorna at (619)245-1707, or send an email to Lorna4CityCouncil@gmail.com.] (This article reprinted with permission from The Filipino Press)

Fil-Am voters weigh in following VP debate...

PAGE 3 t “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!” the president tweeted on Monday, October 5, before he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Some voters hoped that going through the experience would change the president’s perspective on the seriousness of the virus. “When he came out of the hospital, and he said, ‘You know, I learned a lot about COVID because it happened to me,’ I was expecting that his next words would be, ‘We need to take this seriously. We need to wear a mask, we need to have social distancing, we need discipline in order to get this under control,’” Bueno said. “It’s because he got access to treatments that are not accessible to most Americans. So he’s asking people to continue to take risks that he’s continued to support and advocate for since he knew about the virus. He knew it was deadly back in January and concealed it from the American people.” The Commission on Presidential Debates announced on Thursday that it would move the upcoming Oct. 15 town hall to a virtual format with the candidates in separate, remote locations “to protect the health and safety of all involved.” The president, however, told Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo on Thursday morning that he would not do the virtual de-

bate, calling the format “a waste of time.” If a future debate between the two presidential candidates arises before the election, Fil-Am voters hope they can cover issues like health care reform, immigration, and the U.S.-Mexico border. “Our current healthcare system is broken as many Filipinos are facing job loss through massive layoffs due to the repercussions of COVID 19 across the nation,” Noeth said. “This issue about access to affordable health care needs to be addressed promptly by both presidential candidates about how can we reduce the cost of healthcare by removing Obamacare and forcing insurance companies to compete with one another for Filipino Americans out of work right now in these unprecedented times.” “Immigration has not come up, so assuming there’s a future debate, I hope the issue comes up because it impacts not only the Filipino American community, but also so many communities,” Bueno said. Blue said that given that family separation at the border has been a contentious topic over the past few years, it should be brought up. “I hope for the next debate, there’s going to be discussion about what’s going on at the border. They’re separating children. There’s over 2,000 migrant children that are still unaccounted for and folks are getting with COVID at the border.” Asercion would like to hear more about the U.S.’ foreign policy in the South China Sea, which other Fil-Ams are closely watching as well.

“I would like the next presidential debate to address freedom of navigation in South China Sea where $5.3-trillion worth of goods transit through annually,” he said. Last 20-some days until election With less than a month to go until the general election, Fil-Am voters on both sides are urging still undecided voters to look at both Trump and Biden’s political record. “For undecided voters, I believe Filipino Americans need to do their own research about the facts and impact of President Trump’s leadership and accomplishments of improving the lives of hardworking Filipino American workers for the past four years matters through tax cuts, protecting the police, and upholding our first and second amendment rights. President Trump and his administration’s policies triumph over Vice President Biden’s track record for over 4 decades in public office,” Noeth pitched. Meanwhile, Bueno said it’s telling how many Republicans and independents are supporting the Biden-Harris ticket. “I think it’s just really clear why they want to bring back respectability to our government. They want to be seen as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world. They want a government that relies on science and that cares about everybody…” Bueno said. “We’re exhausted these last four years of what this president has been doing tearing apart this country. We just want someone who can bring it back together again, and provide some stability and hope for all Americans.”

GOING TO MASS. A vendor sells raincoats to parishioners while lining up at the entrance of Baclaran Church to offer prayers on Wednesday, October 7. The tradition is observed by the faithful every first Wednesday of the month at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Paranaque City. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Sotto tells House: ‘Leave us out of your political warfare’ by Christia Marie raMos Inquirer.net

MANILA — “Leave us out of your political warfare.” An exasperated Senate President Vicente Sotto III said this Thursday as the speakership feud in the House of Representatives has purportedly hampered the prompt passage of the country’s budget for 2021. “Simple lang eh, ‘wag niyo kaming idamay sa political warfare niyo, ‘wag niyong idamay ang taumbayan,” Sotto said in an interview over Teleradyo. (It’s simple, leave us out of your political warfare, don’t involve the people.) “May problema kayo sa leadership, bakit niyo kami idadamay? Bakit niyo kami sisisihin? Ang collateral damage ang taumbayan. Political warfare, sila na lang ‘yun, ‘wag nila kaming idamay,” he added. (You have problems with your leadership, why should we get involved? Why will you blame us? The collateral damage of your political warfare is the Filipino people. They should settle it among themselves, leave us out of it.) Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano earlier said a possible delay in the 2021 national budget’s passage will no longer be the fault of the House but of the Senate’s. “Ang pagtatrabaho namin inaabot kami ng mga alas-onse, ala-una ng madaling araw. Wala naman kaming hinahabol pero binubusisi namin…pagkatapos ngayon kami may kasalanan? P*tcha,” Sotto said. (Our work leads us to finish late at night, even way past midnight. We are not going after something but we really just scrutinize measures. And now they’d say it’s our fault? Damn.) Earlier, Cayetano and his allies moved for a premature congressional break without the final approval of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2021. The House suspended the session until November 16. Cayetano claimed their action would only result in a one-day delay in the budget process. But Sotto disputed this, saying the House was originally set to approve the GAB on final reading and transmit it to the

Sen. Vicente “TIto” Sotto III. Inquirer.net photo by Cathy Miranda

Senate before the congressional break on October 17 so the upper chamber can have enough time to scrutinize it. The congressional calendar states that Congress will be on recess starting October 17, not October 6. Sotto pointed out that when the Senate receives the GAB approved by the House, it would still need to go through the upper chamber’s sub-committees. These sub-panels, he said, would then need to come up with a committee report based on the GAB submitted by the House, which will then be reported out to the Senate plenary for deliberations. “Mahigit 30 ang departamento, 100 ang attached agencies. Mga apat o limang makakapal na libro na tig-po four or six inches thick ang laman niyan… ‘Di naman kami katulad nung iba na pikit-mata na pipirma o pikit mata na magpapalusot,” Sotto said. (There are over 30 departments and 100 attached agencies. The budget is four to five six-inch thick books…We are not like the others who just blindly sign and approve anything under the budget without scrutinizing it.) “Lahat ng mga senador, ang ugali niyan pagaaralan ‘yon. So kung ibibigay samin ng November 17, isang linggo pa lang ‘yung printing, pagkatapos ‘yung committee report ipe-prepare pa lang. Papaano mong sasabihing isang araw lang ang

delay?” he then pointed out. (All senators have the attitude of studying all of it. So if you will give us the GAB on November 17, one week will be used for printing and then the sub-panels will still have to come up with a committee report for it. How can you say it will only be delayed for one day?) “Panong kami ang may kasalanan? Eh ang talagang usapan eh dapat ‘yun first or second week [of October] natanggap na namin,” he further stressed. (How could it be that it’s our fault? When what has been agreed upon was that the GAB should be submitted to us by the first or second week of October.) Sotto also decried Cayetano’s recent pronouncements as a clear attempt to blame the Senate. “’Wag nila kaming idamay at ‘wag nila kaming pagbibintangan na made-delay ang budget dahil samin, eh delayed na sila. ‘Di pa nila sina-submit samin,” the Senate leader said. (They should leave us out of it and they should not pass the blame on us because the passage of the budget is already delayed on their side. They have not submitted it to us.) Sotto then revealed that funding for recovery programs amid the pandemic will not be released next year should the national government be forced to operate on a re-enacted budget. “’Yung para sa 2021 budget, nakatuon para sa pandemic, sa mga Build, Build, Build, sa recovery ng ekonomiya, sa health ng mga kababayan natin na wala sa 2020 budget,” he said. (For the 2021 budget, it is focused on the pandemic response, Build, Build, Build, economic recovery, and health services for Filipinos, which are not in the 2020 budget.) “Ang daming unemployed na Pilipino, dito sa [proposed 2021] budget, ina-address natin ‘yan. Pagkatapos isasali niyo kami sa politcal warfare niyo? Kayo na lang,” he added. (There are a lot of unemployed Filipinos, in the proposed 2021 budget, we are addressing that. And then you will drag us into your political warfare? Just deal with that on your own.)

Public warned: Beware of COVID-related... PAGE 1 t Scams related to online shopping make up a majority of the reports from Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to the FTC. “That is what keeps me up at night. At a time when so many people are experiencing income insecurity, nobody can afford to lose any money,” said Monica Vaca, associate director for the Division of Consumer Response and Operations in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, during a recent press briefing. “And yet the data we have shows that people are reporting losing more than $146 million on COVID and stimulus-related problems.” Further, individuals have complained about receiving text messages with a hyperlink that says they have a package waiting for them. However, experts advise that the link may contain malware or may phish for information. “We don’t know — is there malware in there or is this a link that’s going to take you somewhere to ask for your personal information?” W.J. Murdoch of the FBI said. With individuals being laid off or furloughed from work, it puts them in a vulnerable position to look for other employment opportunities, especially those that allow them to work safely at home. But officials advise prospective employees to be cautious if a job seems too good to be true. “These con artists are preying on people who are already down. We’re seeing a lot of reports about phony job offers, where you’re pitched a job as a mystery shopper or as a clerk or to have advertising on your car. And

often people think that they’ve landed some kind of a job only to find out later that they were being scammed,” Vaca said. One such scheme is the “fake check” scam where individuals are promised that they can work from home and receive a check in the mail. But then, individuals end up with their bank accounts wiped out once they deposit the check, she added. Despite the alarming number of reports to the FTC, Vaca is hopeful that thousands more Americans can avoid being scammed if they hear about the different schemes out there. “Research that was released last year shows that people are 80% more likely to avoid losing money if they have heard about the scam before,” Vaca said. Fraudsters will often follow what’s newsworthy and build their schemes around what people are paying attention to, said Maricela Segura, regional director of the FTC’s western region Los Angeles office. Early on, the FTC tracked over 275 companies that were making false claims of treatment and cures related to COVID-19, and caught scammers promising stimulus checks and other small business relief programs, and to help individuals get out of debt. “Sometimes scammers are posing as part of a federal program that’s built to assist people to get out of debt. They will sometimes ask consumers to pay money in order to get a stimulus check,” Segura said, adding that under the CARES Act, individuals did not have to shell out money in order to receive assistance. Further, the commission has

received complaints about individuals receiving a call that they’ve come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. “All these folks are attempting to do is to get personal information,” Segura said. “We’re also starting to see scams that are offering to help people who are behind on their mortgage and on other debts all for a very large, upfront fee. Now that’s a red flag of a scam, because such upfront fees for debt relief are illegal under the FTC rules.” As there is no known cure or vaccine for COVID-19 yet, the rule of thumb that officials are following is whether the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued any guidance around certain remedies. “Generally speaking, if there’s a claim about COVID and it’s not consistent with something that out there on the CDC public guidance, it’s probably a scam,” said Nick Akers, senior assistant attorney general in charge of the consumer law section of the California Department of Justice. Segura also advised the public to consider how the information is being disseminated. “If we hear of a vaccine or a cure, it will be newsworthy,” she said. “You won’t get it in a text or an email from a company trying to sell you something.” Individuals who believe they have been victimized by a scam are encouraged to report it by using the online form atwww. ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ or can report it to the California Attorney General’s office at www.oag. ca.gov/. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 9-15, 2020

Dateline PhiliPPines

The House divided: Speakership Philippines lacks freezers rows in the 18th Congress to stock up coronavirus vaccine by Xave GreGorio

MANILA — The House of Representatives is awash with tension with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (Taguig-Pateros), Rep. Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque) and their supporters squabbling as to whether the term-sharing agreement brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019 would still push through. But times like these are not new to the chamber, which has already seen a coup d’etat and has been hounded by rumors of coup plots under the Duterte administration. Alvarez vs Arroyo Months before he was actually booted out of the speakership, rumors of a coup against Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) had already been swirling as lawmakers were reportedly dissatisfied with how he had run the House. What fanned the flames and paved the way for his actual ouster was his alleged swipe at Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, the president’s daughter and whom he supposedly called a part of the opposition after she formed her own local political party. On social media, the younger Duterte called Alvarez, a close ally of her father and a ranking official of her father’s party, an “insecure slob” and a “fat sleaze,” and urged lawmakers to stage a coup d’etat against him — and they did. Lawmakers were already planning to declare the speakership vacant on the morning before President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address in 2018, but they failed to do so as Alvarez’s allies succeeded in adjourning the session. But they were not deterred. Soon after the session’s adjournment, lawmakers returned to the session hall and routed a manifesto calling for Alvarez’s ouster that received 161 signatures. Even with the absence of the mace, which represents legislative authority, and with the mi-

MANILA — The Philippines is scrambling to build capacity to host coronavirus vaccines once they become available, a critical component needed to mount a massive immunization program as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte but which the country is currently incapable to do so. A key challenge is finding cold storage facilities big enough to store coronavirus vaccines at temperatures as low as -80 degrees Celsius to maintain their potency. The health department said an inventory of cold storage facilities is underway, but industry officials believe the government would need to build them from scratch. “The cold chain industry does not have that capability now because there is no existing need for that capability,” Anthony Dizon, president of the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines Inc., an industry group, said in a response to e-mailed questions. “Although there are some industry stakeholders who have allocated some capacity and capability for pharmaceutical products, understandably, these initiatives are scaled in accordance with market ends,” he said. As soon as a coronavirus vaccine enters the market, the health

department plans to import antigens from developers in bulk. These antigens, in turn, would need to be processed in so-called “fill-and-finish facility” that essentially puts gallons of vaccines into separate vials. Vials containing vaccines need subzero temperatures to survive. “For the vaccine transport and cold storage, we are already doing scenario building for the potential rollout of the vaccines,” the health agency said, adding the president’s directive to prioritize the elderly, health workers and the poor will be followed. At the onset however, there are few, if any, fill-and-finish facility in the country, said Beaver Tamesis, president of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines Inc., an industry group. “Nobody really invested in the Philippines in terms of manufacturing,” he said by phone. All for food Fill-and-finish facilities typically come with viable cold storage warehouses so their lack also meant a shortage of freezers. This means even if Philippines ultimately decides to import vaccines as finished products, there would still be no space to keep them. As of 2018, the latest period on which data is available, Philippine cold storage facilities have capacity of 2 million cubic meters,

90% of which are dedicated for food like meat and dairy due to demand on these products. Local cold warehouses are smaller than their counterparts in Southeast Asia like Vietnam and Indonesia where facilities can each carry 3.87 million cubic meters, according to data from Board of Investments. Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire floated the idea of partnering with private warehouses to keep the vaccines, but that also poses questions on whether food needed chilled will be sacrificed. In Mindanao, for instance, cold facilities are entirely occupied by food. “Right now, we are assessing first the existing storage for vaccines and how much can we still store on them. We are also doing forecasting for the amount of vaccines that we are set to receive,” she said in a briefing. As for distribution, Tamesis earlier said the government may get some guidance on its time-tested national immunization program. But the government had also relied on the availability of vaccine as a long-term fix to revive the economy, making it crucial that they are dispensed quickly. Tamesis said problems may be inevitable. “Logistically, it can become a real nightmare,” he said.

Rep. Lani Cayetano (Taguig-Pateros), the Davao City lawmaker’s ally and House appropriations chair Eric Yap (ACT-CIS party-list), and House Deputy Secretary-General Brian Yamsuan. With all seemingly well between him and Rep. Duterte, Speaker Cayetano again pointed his finger at Velasco for supposedly attempting to unseat him once again. As the end-date for Cayetano’s 15 months as speaker neared, he and Velasco met with President Duterte to settle the speakership question once and for all. In his speech at the House, Cayetano said he committed to the President to resign by Octo-

ber 14, but added that he cannot guarantee votes for Velasco. He also predicted that even if Velasco gets votes to become speaker, he will face a coup d’etat a week into his tenure. Cayetano added that they also agreed that he will be the one to announce what transpired during the meeting with the President, but this was preempted by leaks to the media on the night of their meeting. The speaker then offered his resignation, only for it to be rejected by the plenary. On October 6, Cayetano moved to suspend the session after the House passed the budget bill on second reading. With sessions suspended until November 16, Cayetano effec-

tively avoided a potential move from Velasco’s camp to declare the speakership vacant by October 14 — the supposed end-date for the first half of the term-sharing agreement between them brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. Velasco and his allies have been urging Cayetano to give up the speakership by October 14 to honor their term-sharing deal. Cayetano and his allies have meanwhile been insisting that the Velasco camp move on from the leadership row and unite as the House tackles the 2021 budget. Only time will tell whether that will actually happen or more surprises await the House.

by Gaea Katrina Cabino

Philstar.com

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (Taguig-Pateros)

Rep. Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque)

crophones turned off, lawmakers installed Arroyo to the top post at the House just moments before Duterte was scheduled to deliver his SONA. Lawmakers formally elected Arroyo and allowed her to take her oath of office for the second time in a formal session after the SONA. Cayetano vs Velasco The squabble between Cayetano and Velasco goes back to 2019, when Duterte — faced with the choice between three men running for the speakership — chose to broker a term-sharing deal between the two lawmakers. Under the deal, his 2016 running mate would get to sit first for 15 months, followed by the Marinduque

Philstar.com file photos

lawmaker for the remaining 21 months of the 18th Congress. But in March, Cayetano accused Velasco of attempting to stage a coup against him, which the latter denied. The speakership issue was reignited again after several lawmakers aired their concerns over the budget, which prompted Rep. Paolo Duterte (Davao City) to threaten to call on the Mindanao bloc to declare the posts of speaker and deputy speaker — all 22 of them — vacant. The younger Duterte said he only did this to help his colleagues’ concerns get heard. He and Cayetano eventually met up on September 26. With them were the speaker’s wife

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

OpiniOn

Lessons from Trump

Features Philstar.com photo

HEALTH experts have emphasized it from the start of the pandemic: coronavirus disease 2019 is highly contagious and can strike anyone. But by observing basic health safety protocols that are now known worldwide, it is possible to avoid getting COVID-19. Now the leader of the world’s lone superpower and biggest economy has contracted the coronavirus, together with his wife. U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania themselves announced their infection on Twitter in the early hours of Friday, October 2. The infection is significant because Trump has been vocal in downplaying the COVID threat and the need to observe the health protocols, starting with wearing a mask. U.S. media ran video footage of his children Ivanka, Donald Jr., Eric and Tiffany, all wearing face masks as they entered the university pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio where he had his first presidential debate Tuesday night with challenger Joe Biden. The siblings then took off their masks as they settled in their seats. In Trump’s campaign sorties, he has thumbed his nose at those who are stressing the importance of physical distancing. Some reports said the U.S. president was tested daily for the coronavirus. Clearly, testing is

different from avoiding infection. Now the illness has sidelined him for at least a week, into the final stretch of his campaign for reelection. The lessons here can be combined with those from other countries that have allowed the full reopening of businesses, particularly bars and dine-in restaurants, only to see a resurgence of the virus, compelling them to reimpose restrictions and shut down businesses again. Health experts have repeatedly warned that the resumption of economic activities must be accompanied by significant boosts in capabilities for COVID testing, contact tracing, isolation and treatment. And in the absence of a vaccine or cure, all health protocols must continue to be observed, including physical distancing, wearing of masks, regular hand-washing and disinfection. These are worth remembering especially with the approach of the Christmas season and increased attendance at church services. The virus has infected even Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle,

Editorial

PRESIDENT Donald Trump tweeted on Monday, October 5: ”I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good!” Trump sent this tweet to his followers shortly before making a dramatic exit through the front doors of the hospital, pumping his fist to cameras, NBC News reported. He said, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!” This tweet from the president created more questions than answers regarding the true condition of Trump’s health on social media. Did he really test positive with the virus or was it another diversionary tactic after trailing behind Joe Biden in the polls by 13 points as a result of their chaotic and antagonistic first presidential debate? Was it his desperate way to elicit sympathy, even from his opponent Joe Biden who pulled out all negative ads out of respect for the president, and win sympathy votes? Was it his way to seal the loyalty of his followers who now demand empathy and sympathy

Commentary

philip lim nulud andmariBandOmaCalladO FORMER President Dwight Eisenhower once said, “[t]he future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.” This is especially poignant as we approach the 2020 General Election in November. While the focus of the election is on who will be president, there is much more at stake—social equality, climate change, healthcare, taxes, and foreign policy, to name just a few. Over the past few months, our nation has faced an ongoing global pandemic, an economic downturn, record-high unemployment rates, and civic unrest from years of engrained social inequity. According to the Pew Research Center, only 61% of voting-age citizens turned out to vote during the last presidential election in 2016. As Thomas Jefferson so aptly said, “[w]e do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who

rus to be beaten for good, prayers must be accompanied by active efforts to prevent infection. Healthy people mean more people able to celebrate mass inside churches. (Philstar.com)

Despite COVID-19 infection, Trump has not learned the lessons of empathy, truthfulness and true patriotism

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel santOs-relOs

the former archbishop of Manila who now occupies a high position in the Vatican. While people pray for those who have succumbed to COVID, for the recovery of the infected, and for the vi-

from critics even when they themselves cheered on Trump when he would, in all cruelty, mock and berate people with illnesses and disabilities? Was it a diversionary tactic to move national discourse away from the bombshell reporting by the New York Times about Trump’s much-concealed tax returns, showing that Trump “had paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years — largely because he reported losing much more money than he made.” “As the president wages a re-election campaign that polls say he is in danger of losing, his finances are under stress, beset by losses and hundreds of millions of dollars in debt coming due that he has personally guaranteed. Also hanging over him is a decade-long audit battle with the Internal Revenue Service over the legitimacy of a $72.9 million tax refund that he claimed, and received, after declaring huge losses. An adverse ruling could cost him more than $100 million,” the report continued. Many wonder how he could have been discharged from the Walter Reed Medical Center and try to claim victory over the coronavirus on Monday, as he returned to the White House, when he only announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive three days before?

Many question why during his briefing on Sunday, October 4, the Physician to the President Dr. Sean Conley, “acknowledged that he had provided a rosy version of events to please his notoriously sensitive patient,” the New York Times reported. “I didn’t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction, and in doing so, you know, it came off that we were trying to hide something, which wasn’t necessarily true,” Conley said. This sounded like a “double speak” creating ambiguity more than clarity. Could this imply that the president could not accept any report that would go against his image of himself as “invincible“? The Times reported that Alyssa Farah, a White House communications adviser, “conceded that Dr. Conley had been speaking to an audience of one during his Saturday briefing.” “When you’re treating a patient, you want to project confidence, you want to lift their spirits, and that was the intent,” she said. She said that Trump’s Chief of Staff Mark Meadows was trying “to be as transparent as we can” be by amending the report later. Again, intentional double speak because the president isn’t mature enough to face the truth.

National Public Radio (NPR) reported that Trump gets steroid medication dexamethasone, which according to the World Health Organization and NIH guidelines, is given only to patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms, supplemental oxygen, and two other experimental drugs, Regeneron monoclonal antibody cocktail, and Remdesivir. After being infected with the virus, Trump said from a video recorded Sunday, October 4, from his hospital suite: “I learned a lot about Covid. I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school. I get it. I understand it.” Trump’s actions, however, betray his words. If he indeed got it, why would he endanger the life of his Secret Service agents when he made a trip outside the hospital in his SUV to wave at his adoring fans? Current and former Secret Service agents and medical professionals were aghast Sunday night at President Trump’s publicity stunt. Where was his empathy? Where was his compassion for these agents who have families to be bereaved if they die from the virus? As CNN’s Dana Bash eloquently articulated, the Secret Service would take a bullet FOR the president to save his life. But their job description

does not include making them “take a bullet” FROM the president just so he would project invincibility, strength and victory and over the virus. Where was his wisdom when his judgment call shows he did not have the intellectual nor emotional maturity to understand the facts and science about the virus, the effects of it — both short term and long term — on patients? He proclaimed: “I feel better than I did 20 years ago!” Really? Where were his wisdom and empathy when he and his cohorts in the Republican Party and his administration chose to conceal who among his staff have contracted the virus despite being asymptomatic? Was he acting based on science or his delusion that he knows more than scientists and health officials? Did Trump not know how important it is to determine who were exposed to a person with COVID-19 in order to quarantine them until a negative result comes out? Did he not understand that one can be asymptomatic yet be a carrier of the virus? Did he not get it that this was the reason why people were told by scientists like Dr. Anthony Fauci over and over again to wear masks to mitigate the spread of the virus? Did he not get it that patients with a positive result should be isolated so he would not

spread the virus and infect other people? Why did he not isolate himself when he went back to the White House? No, Trump did NOT get it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have done that SUV publicity tactic. He wouldn’t rush back to the White House, remove his mask, and interact in a short distance with his staff. Does Trump really care for these people’s safety and life? OR, does Trump see and use people as his “props” in this new episode of his reality show? Did he not learn the lesson that concealing and downplaying facts about the virus would lead to more death, even after he got infected himself? After so many members and officials of the Republican Party also got the virus because of his blatant lies and misinformation script and direction? Was projecting his false sense of strength, invincibility and victory more important to him than protecting and saving peoples’ lives? Was the threat of being determined to be “incapacitated to fulfill his duties as president” and therefore be replaced by Vice President Mike Pence or by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, pursuant to the 25th Amendment to the Constitution provision on the rules of succession, more compelling and matter more to

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Fellow Fil-Ams: Whether it’s by mail or in person, make sure to vote

participate.” Whether it be due to apathy or inconvenience, we as citizens cannot stand idly by and we must exercise our civic duty to vote. Voting is an important responsibility we all share in our democratic society. This election, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the future of our community. It is vital that candidates and elected officials understand the growing political power of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and address issues that affect our communities. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing racial group in the country. In 2018, a survey by APIA Vote and AAPI Data indicated that the number of Asian American voters in the last decade has nearly doubled from about 2 million voters in 2000 to 5 million voters in 2016, and that Filipino American voters make up the second-largest group that account for this figure. This year, more than 11 million Asian Americans will be eligible to vote, making up nearly 5% of the nation’s eligible voters

per the Pew Research Center’s analysis of Census Bureau data. The COVID-19 pandemic presents potential barriers to community members to vote in-person. Long and crowded lines at polling places will force citizens to choose between risking COVID-19 exposure and their right to vote. While many, if not all, in-person polling places will take certain safeguards with regard to social distancing and masks, voting by mail is a viable option for many. To help ensure the exercise of the right to vote while balancing the health and safety of voters and poll workers alike, many states have expanded mail-in voting. For example, California is automatically sending mail-in ballots out to all registered voters (many should have received their ballots by now), and Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington are holding their elections entirely by mail. Moreover, voters in 28 states and the District of Columbia have the right to request a mail bal-

lot without excuse this coming election. (Please check your particular state’s rules as each state handles mail-in voting, as well as their respective timeframes, slightly differently.) Voting by mail is not a new concept. Much of the country has voted by mail through an absentee ballot for years. In fact, absentee voting by mail first started during the 1860s to allow members of the military to vote during the Civil War. According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, an independent U.S. government agency, 24% of the ballots cast in the 2016 election were through mail-in absentee voting. Many of us, including the authors of this op-ed, have used absentee ballots to vote by mail for years because of the sheer convenience. It affords one with the ability to take their time while reviewing the various options on the ballot. It provides the ability to maintain one’s regular daily routine and not have to go out of their way to go to a polling location (especially if they’re far

away). And, it allows one to just avoid crowds in general. What a year to avoid crowds! (If you’re wondering, you also get an “I Voted” sticker when you vote by mail, so you’ll still be able to show off on the ‘gram that you voted.) With all these benefits to mailin voting, including the ability to avoid COVID-19 health risks with large crowds at polling places this year, there are still many that are reluctant to vote by mail. Why? The arguments range from the opportunity for fraud or potential error from mail-in voting, as well as ballots not being handled or delivered properly by the U.S. Postal Service due to budget cuts. Additionally, some believe that voting by mail favors one party over another. While these are all potentially valid concerns, they are unfounded. With regard to fraud and error, that is a misconception, paranoia, and exaggeration. There are several anti-fraud protections built into the process. In order to vote, one must be registered to vote. Ballots are only provid-

ed to registered voters and they are specifically tied to such registration, which are also crosschecked through other databases, such as the DMV’s database. States are taking safeguards to verify voters’ information so that ballots are only issued to rightful voters and that a vote only counts once. Additionally, election officials can track ballots throughout the process using a barcode. In most states, rather than mailing their ballot through the USPS, voters also have the option of dropping off their ballot at a secure government office, a secure official ballot drop box, or other identified locations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also weighed in. In an August 26, 2020 briefing to the press regarding election security, FBI officials stated that they have found no evidence of coordinated fraud with mail-in ballots and they even went as far as to highlight how unlikely such a scenario would be. Those who abuse mail ballots can be charged with election fraud and

u PAGE 7

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Despite COVID-19 infection...

PAGE 6 t him than the lives of more than almost 210,000 Americans who have already died because of COVID-19? Did he really get the science and facts of coronavirus? Then why double down on downplaying it when he was about to leave the hospital, instead of using this moment to educate his fans and the American people about the fatality of the disease to save their lives? Hasn’t Trump internalized yet that such was part of his oath when he was sworn to as president? Has he not learned the lesson that honesty and trustworthiness are important in governing? Has he not leaarned that true patriotism and love for the country is serving ALL of the American people, to protect and save their lives, to govern for the greater good and not for his own political and personal interest? “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.

We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge.” Were the lives of the American people who died of Covid insignificant to him because his goal is to be re-elected, no matter what the cost? Clearly, Donald Trump is incapable of learning the lessons of empathy and sympathy, science and facts, the true role, and the obligation of the title “President of the United States.” He is incorrigible, a hopeless, helpless case as he has proven in the last four years because he does not have the character, the heart and soul required of the leadership position. He is beneath the dignity of the Office of the President of the United States. He is definitely the WRONG MAN for the job. But like what he has done to other contestants in his reality TV show, we can fire him. Former Vice President Joe Biden has proven he has the temperament, judgment, char-

acter, vision and experience to be the leader to unite us instead of divide us, to serve us instead of using the Office of the President to serve his selfish intentions, to heal and rebuild America from the rubbles and destruction Trump has caused in the past four years, to help us all fulfill the promise of America and save the soul of our beloved nation. If you are looking for an alternative to what we have experienced as Americans for nearly four years, you can make the choice to vote Trump out of office this November. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABSCBN 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.

Fellow Fil-Ams: Whether it’s by mail...

PAGE 6 t face stiff fines and/or prison time. Even though the USPS was subject to budget cuts, prompting questions on its ability to timely deliver mail-in ballots, that should no longer be an issue due to court orders. Courts across the nation have issued injunctions ordering that election mail must be prioritized. For example, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, in Mondaire Jones, et. al. v. United States Postal Service, et. al., ruled that the USPS shall treat all election mail as first-class mail or priority mail express, pre-approve overtime that has been or will be requested for the time period beginning October 26 – November 6, and restore the on-time delivery of mail. Other courts across the nation have taken similar actions. As an additional safeguard, some states, like California, have implemented a process where a voter can track the status of their ballot online. Voting by mail does not favor any particular party. Mail-in voting simply allows more people to vote, and does not favor any candidate or party. In a recently released research article by the Proceedings of the Nation-

al Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, independent researchers found that “universal vote-by-mail does not affect either party’s share of turnout or either party’s vote share”. Thus, no matter what your political affiliation, the ability to vote by mail (or in-person) does not change the balance towards any direction. Mail-in voting is at the forefront this year but it does not mean that the act of voting is any different, nor is its need any less. 2020 has brought about significant change in our daily lives, but it has not taken away our right to let our voices be heard. Our vote is even more important now than ever. Make sure you exercise your right to vote, whether by mail, or in person. As said in Hamilton, “do NOT throw away your shot.” If you have any other questions regarding voting, the National Filipino American Lawyers Association has created a Voter Protection Program (VoPro). The NFALA VoPro is a national non-partisan effort designed to protect the vote and rights of voters for the upcoming election. Fil-Am attorneys from across the nation will be available to answer questions regarding voting in

California, Arizona, and Nevada. For more information on the program, please visit www.nfala. com/VoPro. *** Philip Lim Nulud is an attorney at Buchalter in Los Angeles, where he specializes in intellectual property law. Many of his clients are well-known fashion brands, who he represents in IP protection, strategy, enforcement, and licensing matters worldwide. He is the current president of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) and a past president of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA). He has been named as one of the Most Influential Minority Attorneys in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal. *** Mari Bandoma Callado is an attorney at the Dolan Law Firm in Oakland, where she represents employees in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower and human trafficking cases as well as injured individuals, and families of loved ones who have died due to the fault of others, including in elder abuse and neglect lawsuits. She is the current president of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (FBANC). She has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers every year since 2017.

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 9-15, 2020

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

OCTOBER 9-15, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NUMBER: 37—2020 – 00030996- CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner COBY MICHAEL COLLINS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: COBY MICHAEL COLLINS to COBY MICHAEL JAMES. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 10/20/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEPT. 4, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 652 9/ 18, 25 & OCT. 2, 9, 2020 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 652

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9014454 ISH EXCLUSIVE SKATE & APPAREL located at 8300 PARADISE VALLEY RD., SUITE # 118. Registrant: KALCULATE AND KAPITALIZE LLC., 8300 PARADISE VALLEY RD., SUITE # 118 This business is conducted by LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY . REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 07/01/2020. Signature RAMESH C. SHRESTHA. MANAGER. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/29/2020 . AJ 662 9/25, 10/02, 09/ 16, 2020. AJSD 662

FOR RENT

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NUMBER: 37—2020 – 00030383- CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ARLENE BAYNES DORSEY filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: ARLENE BAYNES DORSEY to ARLENE TINNA BAYNES. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 10/15/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: AUGUST 31, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 653 9/18, 25 & OCT. 2, 9, 2020 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 653

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9015850

JASMIN INN, JASMIN RESIDENCE INN located at 1135 J STREET, SAN DIEGO, CA with mailing address at P.O. BOX 2226, LA JOLLA, CA 92101. Registrant: M & M JASMIN INN LLC, 9302 LA FARMS RD., LA JOLLA, CA 92037. This business is conducted by LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. . REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 08/01/2020. Signature SHIRIN SAMIMIMASSARAT, SECRETARY. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/22/2020 . AJ 663 10/02, 09 16, 23/2020.

AJSD 663

LEGAL NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9014016

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9014750

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9014900

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, located at 250 SOUTH ORANGE ST., SUITE 2, ESCONDIDO, CA 92025. Registrant: COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION, 250 SOUTH ORANGE ST., SUITE 2, ESCONDIDO, CA 92025, CAROLINA DIZON, 2080 HEIGHTS COURT, ESCONDIDO, CA 92027. This business is conducted by UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATION OTHER THAN A PARTNERSHIP. . REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature ARSENIO I. JIMENEZ, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/21/2020. AJ 654 9/18, 25, 10/02, 09/ 2020.

NEY RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ, located at 6062 LAKE MURRAY BLVD., STE. 104, LA MESA, CA 91942 Registrant: MMSM TRADING INC., 6062 LAKE MURRAY BLVD., STE. 104, LA MESA, CA 91942. This business is conducted by CORPORATION. . REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/31/2018. Signature MOHAMMED AL DALLAL Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/03/2020 . AJ 655 9/18, 25, 10/02, 09/ 2020.

R. GARRETT JANITORIAL SERVICES, located at 1520 PETREE ST. APT. 686. EL CAJON, CA 92020 Registrant: RONNIE GARRETT, 1520 PETREE ST. APT. 686. EL CAJON, CA 92020 . This business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. . REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 08/28/2020. Signature RONNIE GARRETT Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/05/2020 . AJ 656 9/18, 25, 10/02, 09/ 2020.

NELSON ORAL SURGERY, 955 BOARWALK, SUITE103. SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 Registrant: TYLER NELSON, DDS, CORP. 955 BOARWALK, SUITE103. SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 . This business is conducted by LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. . REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 02/12/2020. Signature TYLER NELSON, PRESIDENT Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/05/2020 . AJ 657 9/18, 25, 10/02, 09/ 2020.

AJSD 655

AJSD 656

AJSD 657

AJSD 654

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9015403

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9014587

CorDx, Inc. located at 9540 WAPLES ST., UNIT C. SAN DIEGO, CA 82121. Registrant: Coretests, Inc., 9540 WAPLES ST., UNIT C. SAN DIEGO, CA 82121 This business is conducted by CORPORATION. . REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 08/01/2020. Signature YUFENG LI. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/15/2020 . AJ 660 9/25, 10/02, 09/ 16, 2020.

MCI AUTO REPAIR located at 1521 COOLIDGE AVE, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950 Registrant: MCI CARRILLO INC., 4344 MURRIETA CIRCLE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92154 This business is conducted by CORPORATION. . REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature CARLOS ALBERTO CARRILLO, PRESIDENT. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/02/2020 . AJ 661 9/25, 10/02, 09, 16/2020.

AJSD 660

AJSD 661

CASE NUMBER: 37—2020 – 00031352 - CU-PT-CTL

CASE NUMBER: 2019 - 65956

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner STEPHANIE CAMPOS AND ANDRES MARMOLEJO, ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a) MATEO CAMPOS MARMOLEJO TO MATEO ANDRES MARMOLEJO CAMPOS; b) NATALIA CAMPOS MARMOLEJO TO NATALIA ISABEL MARMOLEJO CAMPOS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 10/22/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT.C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 658 9/18, 25 & OCT. 2, 9, 2020 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 658

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner REYNALDO SANTOS/ LAURA SANTOS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: TIMOTHY MATTHEW BUAN to TIMOTHY MATTHEW B. SANTOS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 11/10/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEPT. 15, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 659 9/ 25 & OCT. 2, 9, 16, 2020 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 659

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00033530-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner RUBY MICHELLE DELACERDA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: RUBY MICHELLE DELACERDA.to RUBY MICHELLE MOETTE. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 11/05/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEPT. 23, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 664 OCT. 2, 9, 16, 23/2020 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 664

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9015043

BETTER ON located at 310 PARK WAY UNIT C, CHULA VISTA, CA 91910. Registrant: : JESSICA VICTORIA FERNANDEZ 310 PARK WAY UNIT C, CHULA VISTA, CA 91910. This business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. . REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME . Signature JESSICA VICTORIA FERNANDEZ. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/5/2020 . AJ 667 10/02, 09 16, 23/2020.

AJSD 667

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9014871

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00034010-CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner TATIANA TRANG NONG filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: TATIANA TRANG NONG to THANH TRANG NONG. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING 11/10/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEPT. 28, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 666 OCT. 2, 9, 16, 23/2020 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 666

OR FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REGISTRATION: FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9015474

GOLDEN SCARAB, REPAIR X located at 1591 GIBSON ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92114. Registrant: ALEXANDER GREGORY RANGO, 1591 GIBSON ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92114. And JASMINEE OCTAVIA RANGO 1591 GIBSON ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92114. This business is conducted by MARRIED COUPLE. . REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/01/19. Signature ALEXANDER GREGORY RANGO. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2020 . AJ 665 10/02, 09 16, 23/2020. AJSD 665

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SA N D I EG O O C TO B E R 9, 2 0 2 0

Social justice, activism and allyship: Filipino American History Month kicks off with calls to engage politically, culturally and socially Unpacking the history of social justice and revolution in the Filipino American community and cultivating a more inclusive, informed future

by KLARIZE MEDENILLA / AJPress

ARLIER this year, Filipino Americans from all walks of life took to the streets in protest of racial injustice and systemic discrimination following the high-profile murders of Black Americans.

Filipino Americans all across the country joined protests and rallies decrying the systems within American law enforcement that have allowed officers who have shot and killed unarmed people, particularly Black individuals, to bypass the justice system. Skeptics, critics and disengaged Filipinos alike all continue to question: Why are you getting involved in an issue that has nothing to do with Filipinos? For many Filipinos in social justice circles, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. This year, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) themed Filipino American History Month 2020 around the concept of social justice because of the pervasiveness of oppression that the Filipino American (and global Filipino) community has endured for centuries. “We choose this theme to highlight the myriad ways Filipino Americans have participated in social justice movements, including but not limited to, the United Farmworkers Movement, the fight for Ethnic Studies, Hawaii Sugar Plantation strikes, Washington Yakima strikes, and Anti-Martial Law Movements across multiple decades,” the organization said. In June during an interview about the Filipino community’s role in civil rights, Filipina American organizer Jollene Levid told the Asian Journal that “[e]very mass

Filipino labor leaders Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong, key individuals during the Delano Grape Strike that started in 1965, are memorialized in “Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana,” a mural by Eliseo Silva in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown. File photo courtesy of Eliseo Silva

The International Hotel, known as I-Hotel, was a low-income single-room-occupancy residential hotel in what used to be San Francisco’s Manilatown. During the late 60s, real estate corporations proposed plans to demolish the hotel, which would necessitate displacing all of the I-Hotel’s elderly tenants, many of whom were Filipino. In response, housing activists, students, community members, and tenants united to protest and resist eviction. All the tenants were evicted on August 4, 1977 and the hotel was demolished in 1981. Photo courtesy of Manilatown Heritage Foundation

movement in our history that has including the Philippines and the changed the way a state or govern- toppling of Marcos. People have ment or a country has been run, found a way to contribute in ways

that go beyond what you see as a normal protestor on the street.” Although contemporary Filipino Americans enjoy a relatively comfortable life, the year 2020 presented them with stark reminders that as long as racism, political tyranny and propagandistic forms of communication exist, persecution, in any form, is just around the bend. “This living nightmare that we’re living in now is not new,” Filipino American lifelong activist Kalaya’an Mendoza told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. “The anniversary of martial law in the Philippines was just a couple weeks ago, so we have come from a place when one dictator took over. History can be replicated again.” Mendoza — who helped mobilize the Filipino American community following the reignition of the Black Lives Matter movement this past June — described a present-day Filipino American community that is slowly but surely becoming privy to the various ways that bureaucracies and systems of power subjugate communities in America. “I think people are realizing that when the Black community is under attack, when the LGBTQ community is under attack and when the immigrant community is under attack, that means we are all under attack,” Mendoza remarked. As previously discussed in the PAGE 11

Filipino Americans joined a Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago in June 2020. Photo courtesy of @hazelsunday/Instagram

A group of Filipinos made their first permanent settlement in the bayous and marshes of Louisiana as early as 1763. Despite the booming settlement for two centuries, the village was largely destroyed by the 1915 New Orleans Hurricane. Harper’s Weekly illustration of Saint Malo by Charles Whitney, 1883

OCTOBER 9-15, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Social justice, activism and... ‘Guadalupe’ musical to be streamed Oct. 30, 31

PAGE 9 t Asian Journal, the “post-racial America” myth paints the now as an unprecedented period of equality across all demographics, conflicting with the grim realities of Black Americans, immigrants and other communities. For the past several months, Filipino American community leaders, including those in FANHS, have been working to mobilize the nearly four million Filipinos in the U.S. to participate civically, but Filipino American History Month provides an opportunity for Filipino Americans to examine the community’s close relationship with social justice and political activism. “I think people are recognizing that we all have a place in the movement for social justice, whether it is on the front lines providing medical aid to protestors to being behind a computer screen educating our community,” Mendoza said. A (very) brief history of Filipino American social justice Celebrated every October to commemorate the landing of the first Filipinos in America in October of 1587, Filipino American History Month was first designated and recognized nationally in 2009. Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the U.S, a group that has exponentially grown since the first North American settlement of Filipinos in 1763. These were swaths of Filipinos who were forced into enslavement during the Spanish galleon trade who escaped and established settlements across the Louisiana bayou, eventually dispersing throughout the country. By the 20th century, the West Coast became the most popular point of settlement (by then, a part of the U.S.), coinciding with a changing of colonial guards when the Philippines became a U.S. territory. As a pawn for two consecutive colonial powers — Spain and then the U.S. — sovereignty wasn’t just an issue of national political autonomy; it also became about the right to be recognized as a community that has a place in the United States. Immigration to the U.S. from the Philippines flourished from 1900 to 1934. Filipinos became U.S. nationals when it was realized that Filipino workers could fulfill the demand for cheap labor in agriculture, cannery and domestic servitude. But Filipino immigrants of the manong generation faced intense

racial discrimination prompted by changing immigration policies, anti-miscegenation laws (the prohibition of interracial coupling) and oppressive labor laws that kept wages low and conditions nearly unlivable. This prompted a wave of workers strikes and demonstrations, most prominently led by fabled Filipino organizer Larry Itliong, the godfather of the labor revolution that put Filipino American activism on the map. Fast forward to the present when the world is plagued by intense political division, fights for racial justice and, of course, a literal plague when social justice once again comes to the fore of collective consciousness. The wound of the martial law era in the Philippines remains fresh for stateside Filipinos and their American descendants as a reminder that progress isn’t linear, that tyranny and loss of basic freedom and rights occurs in a domino formation. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has disproportionately affected front line health care personnel, communities of color and essential workers (which prompted weak government response), the need to participate in meaningful activism has never been more dire. Moreover, thousands of anti-Asian hate incidents have been reported by Asian Americans across all cultures, prompting the question over whether or not America is truly welcoming of all races and ethnicities, Mendoza noted. “We’re seen as the perpetual foreigner, so regardless of where this virus came from, this rhetoric will always come back to haunt us. And we should never throw our Chinese brothers and sisters under the bus and be like, ‘We’re not Chinese.’ [Racists] don’t care about that,” Mendoza said. A more inclusive future One way that Filipinos can manifest social justice efforts into their daily lives is to become a beacon of information on these pressing topics and to marshal the people in their lives to get involved, whether that’s through phone banking, volunteering for campaigns or even simply voting. Filipino Americans for Joe Biden — made up of key Filipino Democratic volunteers across the country — is currently making its last-ditch efforts to drum up support for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who has

been characterized as an antidote to the current administration. A 2020 Asian American Voter Survey found that Filipinos are the second-largest Asian American group to support President Donald Trump, a leader who has stirred antipathy from Democrats, Republicans and moderates alike for his restrictive social policies and his efforts to scourge basic constitutional rights, as the Asian Journal recently reported. The admiration many of these Filipino Trump supporters have for the current administration is rooted in a warped view of rugged individualism and American exceptionalism that neglects the basic need for community-centered, inclusive solutions. According to Mendoza, the key to cultivating a successful social justice force — especially one that stands the test of time and isn’t built upon superficial and performative means of activism — is relationship and community building and finding which social justice avenues are the right ones to follow. If you’re immunocompromised and can’t attend a protest, you can use the internet and telecommunications to participate in specific movements and causes. Donating to reputable charities or financially supporting those who are able to take their activism to the streets is another way to rally behind a movement. Using your specific talents, whether it be graphic design, writing, videography or any other creative outlet, is another way to participate. But the strongest impact comes from educating yourself and others, especially family members, about the nuances of issues like police brutality, voter suppression or immigration reform. Whatever form your chosen mode of activism takes, Mendoza emphasized the potential of the Filipino American community to build a future that is more informed, civically engaged and inclusive of all races, ethnicities, genders and bodies. “We need to ground ourselves in the legacy that we all hold on this stolen land. When it comes to social justice because we have always been here and a lot of the times we’ve been erased from those stories, so it’s important for us to remember and to uplift all those who have come before and who will come after that fight for social justice for all communities,” Mendoza added.

THE original theater production “Guadalupe,” taped during its run at the Meralco Theater in 2018, returns as a streamable video on Ticket2me.net beginning 9 a.m. on October 30 till 11:30 a.m. on October 31. Through technology, the Julie Borromeo Performing Arts Foundation Inc. and producers of the musical’s online edition hope to reach art aficionados and devotees alike. The Filipino musical, created by Joel Trinidad and Ejay Yatco, is directed by theater legend Baby Barredo. “Guadalupe: The Musical” stars the inimitable Victor “Cocoy” Laurel (Miss Saigon) who reprises his role as Juan Diego, the Aztec mat-weaver at the center of the Martinez (“Spamalot”) and a host ries. Email guadalupethemusical-live@gmail.com or call (650) tale. Joining him are award-win- of other theater stalwarts. Proceeds from the sale of 550-9851 for more details. ning performers Sheila Valderra(Advertising Supplement) ma-Martinez (“Binondo”), Lorenz the e-tickets go to beneficia-

New digital series captures life-changing journey of young Filipino Americans in their quest for identity Filgrimage starts streaming on iWant TFC, TheFilipinoSchool.com, myxTV, and other TFC platforms in time for Filipino American History Month

SAN FRANCISCO – The series trailer for Filgrimage opens with a local saying, “Welcome to the Philippines!” The excitement and eagerness of the young travelers reflect the tone of the journey ahead of them: exhilarating sights, a cacophony of sounds, sumptuous cuisine, an experience full of surprises and deep self-reflection. Filgrimage follows eight young students who chose to spend one summer in the Philippines to nurture their Filipino roots, and to answer the question, “What does it mean to be Filipino?” The series starts streaming on October 22 on iWant TFC on TFC IPTV, and on TheFilipinoSchool. com, and will also be seen on TFC via cable, satellite and on myxTV starting October 24. The roots of Filgrimage On their website, Filgrimage is described as “a Filipino pilgrimage” and “a transformational experience that connects the next generation Fil Ams to their rich and proud heritage.” It is a project of The Filipino School. The Filipino School is a nonprofit located in San Diego, Calif., where Filipino Americans get a chance to know more about their Filipino culture and heritage. The Filipino School was co-founded by philanthropist and entrepreneur Tony Olaes. Olaes, who was born and raised in the U.S., reluctantly made his return visit to the Philippines in 2006 when his parents chose to move back to the homeland to retire. It was a trip that changed his life forever. Olaes said, “I was never proud of being Filipino because all I would see on American TV was bad news about the Philippines. The brand was always that people there were poor, corrupt and kidnappers.” Those fears of entering the Philippines quickly dissipated when he walked through a slum area and was greeted with warm smiles and hospitality. He recalls that his transformation happened in a place that is now a Gawad Kalinga village, which is also part of the Filgrimage itinerary. Olaes shares, “There was this automatic connection toward these extremely poor people I didn’t even know. I somehow literally embodied their pain and their struggle. It was such a profound feeling in my heart that something had to be done. I had

never felt this way, ever. This is when I learned the word: Bayanihan. It means coming together for a greater purpose, and when everybody comes together, the load gets lighter, and all things are possible.” From there, he wanted to replicate his experience to have others like him find their identity and help solve the problem he saw. A Partnership is Born Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Henry Bensurto, Jr. introduced Olaes to ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & Strategic CSR Head Nerissa Fernandez. That introduction harnessed a shared passion for knowing one’s history and knowing oneself. Fernandez believes that Filgrimage will challenge viewers and those who make the trip. According to her, “there can no longer be vacillation and oscillation on identity.” Fernandez and Olaes agree that “heroism does not happen without action.” The meaningful adventures of the Filgrimage ambassadors captured in the series must be shared with many others. The goal of the series is twofold: (1) to awaken the hearts of the next generation of Filipinos all over the world who would never aspire to go back to the motherland, and (2) build Filgrimage Villages for 1000 poor families through the spirit of Bayanihan (the spirit of communal unity and cooperation). Meet the Filgrimage Ambassadors Get to know AJ Asuncion, 16, a Junior at Olympian High School; Gabby Almazar, 19, a Sophomore at UC San Diego; Jocelynne Montehermoso, 18, a Freshman at UC San Diego; Lauren Bumatay, 19, a Sophomore at San Diego City Community College; Luis Borromeo, 24, a graduate of The Ohio State University; Riana Hernandez, 21, a Senior at San Diego State University; Ryah Hernandez, 18, a Freshman at California State University, Chico; and Tyler Jacobs, 18, a Freshman at San Diego State University. The ambassadors went on a soul-satisfying, life-transforming 11-day trip around parts of the Philippines that included Manila, Bataan, Clark, El Nido in Palawan, Fort Santiago, Corregidor,

and Cavite. AJ, the youngest in the group, had heard of the Filgrimage trip in the past and how it has transformed those who joined the tour. He shares that “I was most excited for who I would become after the trip, as well as reinforce my Filipino roots.” It was Jocelynne’s first ever visit to the Philippines and one of the main things she realized is how “bayanihan is borne within us and unites and defines us as Filipinos.” She adds, “After the trip, I felt more connected to my people.” For Ryah, there was an awakening. She shares, “Growing up in a predominantly white school and wanting to be something I’m not, I realized that I should no longer be ashamed of my culture because it is filled with the most selfless, appreciative and humble people ever.” Transformative trip For many, the experience did not always start during the arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. For the Filgrimage ambassadors, their parents immigrated to the United States due to several factors, whether it be due to family ties in America or in search of economic opportunities, the result is still similar. A product of immigration is assimilation, and because of this many of the children are born into American culture, yearning to reconnect with a culture and people separated by thousands of miles of land and water. Fernandez believes that Filgrimage allows one to come full circle where Filipino identity is concerned. The experience aids in understanding the previous generations who immigrated. Those who make the journey begin to feel deeper appreciation for their parents who have made sacrifices; greater gratitude for their current country and its opportunities; and a stronger desire to do something in order to give back to the homeland. Filgrimage is co-presented by TFC, The Filipino School, and Choose Philippines. The series starts streaming October 22, 2020, Thursday on iWant TFC (iWantTFC.com), on TFC IPTV, and on TheFilipinoSchool. com. Filgrimage will also be seen on myxTV and on TFC Cable and Satellite starting October 24.

From anime to Beyoncé: Janine Berdin’s transformation gets mixed reactions by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya singer Janine Berdin surprised her fans with her new look as her photos became viral in different social media sites last Tuesday, October 6 Janine was one of the top trending topics on Twitter after the singing champion posted photos of her with her new purple-ash hair color and a fairer complexion. In a recent interview with Darla Sauler, Janina admitted that she is blooming today because she’s not afraid to change. “Naging blooming po ako kasi hindi ako natakot mag-change. I think that’s everyone should keep in mind na we shouldn’t afraid of change. Na pwede rin tayong mag-change if there’s something you don’t like about yourself and you can’t be happy about it, you can do something to make yourself happy,” she said. “Let us not condemn change.

Janine Berdin in a recent Instagram (left) photo, and a Twitter photo (right) after the transformation. Philstar.com photo via Instagram, Twitter

Kung may gustong mag-change ipa-change mo sila basta masaya sila.” The “Tawag ng Tanghalan” champion said she’s thankful for the positive comments about her new look. “Thank you sa mga Kapamilya diyan. Sobrang nakakatuwa po yung comments niyo. Thank you for all the compliments. Nafa-flatter po ako sobra. Thank you,” she said. “At siyempre sa mga Buttercups ko. Sa inyo na hindi talaga bumitaw like throughout all these years and months. Salamat na ina-accept niyo whatever I show

you guys. Parang lahat ng trip ko nagiging trip nila kaya maraming salamat na tinatanggap niyo ko ng buong buo.” While there were some internet users that asked if Janine had cosmetic procedures done, many Twitter users celebrated Janine’s new look. “Ganda nga ni Janine Berdin bagay sa kanya,” said one Twitter user. “Mukha talaga syang anime,” commented another. Others said the new Janine now looks like singer Jessa Zaragoza, beauty queen Charlene Gonzalez or Hollywood star Beyonce.

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Features

Daniel will marry before he’s 30 by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

IF and when he got married, Daniel Padilla said he wanted to have it on the beach (no explanation). “Sana before I turn 30 ay mangyari na ‘yon. Ayoko nang masyadong patagalin pa.” Daniel turned 25 last April 26 that means he has five years to prepare for that big event with, of course, his girlfriend Kathryn Bernardo who is 24 (last March 26). The subject was casually brought up by Funfare recently during a Zoom interview in connection with Daniel’s virtual concert titled Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience slated on Sunday (Oct. 11) on KTX.ph., co-produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Events and Johnny Moonlight, Daniel’s own production house. A few days ago, a photo of Kathryn in a wedding gown surfaced on social media, making people wonder if she and Daniel were up to something. Turned out it was a teaser for the sweethearts’ new ABS-CBN (Star Cinema) digital movie-series The House Arrest of Us (which is not a sequel to their 2018 movie The Hows of Us). For a fee, the 13part The House Arrest of Us can be viewed via KTX.ph starting Oct. 24, with each episode dropping every Saturday. His first solo concert after Daniel Live in 2013 and D4 in 2018, Apollo is so titled because, according to Daniel, since he was a kid he has always been fascinated by the moon. “I would usually go home at night and that’s the only time I could watch the moon. People get their vitamin D from the sun. Ako naman, I get energy from the moon. I can’t explain it but ganoon talaga ako. The moon has a magical effect

Daniel Padilla and girlfriend Kathryn Bernardo

Instagram photo (@imdanielpadillaofc)

on me. When I look at it, I feel that there’s always hope at may bukas pang darating.” Directed by Peewee Azarcon, Apollo will feature songs from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, and alternative music, new wave, etc. “I prefer old songs,” shared Daniel. “Maski noong bata pa ako, mahilig ako sa songs nina Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and others (of that era).” Does Kathryn like the same songs? “I’m also into rock ‘n’ roll music and Kathryn likes ballads, mga standards. Her favorite is Michael Bublé and I introduced her to old ballads. Dun kami nagkasundo.” Their theme song is the Beatles’ Here, There and Everywhere. Asked what song he would choose if he were to court Kathryn again and serenade her, Daniel thought for a while. “Give me a minute. Yes, Panalangin by APO (Hiking Society).” He readily obliged when re-

quested to sing a line from the song: Panalangin ko sa habang-buhay, makapiling ka, makasama ka, ‘yan ang panalangin ko...He could have sung the whole song but quit laughing. The rest of the lyrics were meaningful, as if coming straight from Daniel’s heart: At hindi papayag ang pusong ito, mawala ka sa’king piling, mahal ko iyong dinggin. Wala nang iba pang mas mahalaga sa tamis na dulot ng pag-ibig natin dal’wa. At sana nama’y nakikinig ka kapag aking sabihing minamahal kita… The KathNiel fans would be very happy if Daniel sings that song on his Oct. 11 concert. “The new normal way of holding a concert is somewhat difficult,” mused Daniel who was on his first rehearsal during this interview. “Ibang-iba. I will miss the presence of my fans dahil sanay ako na nandyan sila sa audience. But I will do my best to make them feel energized. I know that I am not really a singer but I will give them a spiritually-uplifting experience.”

Erich to lead new teleserye ‘La Vida Lena’ by ian Biong Inquirer.net

ERICH Gonzales is finally returning to television after two years with a major role in the upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye “La Vida Lena”. Gonzales is set to lead the series’ cast as revealed by Dreamscape Entertainment via Erich Gonzales Instagram on Wednesday, Oct. Photo from Instagram/@erichgg 7. Jerry Lopez Sineneng and

Jojo Saguin will helm the show. “The ultimate Erich Gonzales comeback! #LaVidaLena SOON on ABS-CBN,” the production company announced. Gonzales will be joined by actors JC De Vera, Kit Thompson, Carlo Aquino, Agot Isidro, Raymond Bagatsing and Janice De Belen. Pen Medina, Ruby Ruiz, Soliman Cruz, Christian Vasquez, Malou Crisologo, Josh Ivan

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 9-15, 2020

SDCCD secures $9M in grants for initiatives helping students succeed

THE San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) secured more than $9 million in grants during the 2019-2020 fiscal year for initiatives ranging from helping homeless students find shelter to helping those studying the humanities transfer to UC San Diego, according to a report presented to the SDCCD Board of Trustees at its September 24 meeting. The total in grants received is up from $8.4 million during 2018-19. Nearly $4,817,980 million in grants was for ongoing projects. The $4,244,975 in new grants included, $901,189 for San Diego City College, $127,760 for San Diego Mesa College $1,916,666 for San Diego Miramar College, $945,168 for San Diego Continuing Education, and $354,192 for districtwide projects. At the district level additional funding came via an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant to not only continue but to also expand the Preparing Accomplished Transfers to the Humanities (PATH) program, which guides students from City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges into arts and humanities majors at UC San Diego. The district also secured $321,000 for the third year of a three-year grant from the California Campus Catalyst Fund to create and expand programs supporting undocumented students and their families. New grants at City College included $600,000 from the Califor-

Among the new grants received during 2019-20 was $112,554 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in support of the Preparing Accomplished Transfers to the Humanities (PATH) program, a partnership between the district’s colleges and UC San Diego. Here, PATH Summer Academy students, with staff, visit the Strauss Family Foundation art collection. (Photo by Patrick Hennessey/ UC San Diego)

nia Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for the first year of a three-year Homeless and Housing Insecure Pilot Program to help homeless and housing insecure students find reliable shelter. New Mesa College funding included nearly $80,000 from the U.S. Department of Education for the Developing Effective Bilingual Educators program, part of a comprehensive effort that also involves the San Diego Unified School District, San Diego State University, and National University to mold a new generation of K-12 educators from diverse backgrounds who reflect the students they teach. Miramar College received a new, $1,666,666 CCAP STEM Pathways Academy Program grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to

enhance the college’s support of high school students interested in STEM careers. Continuing Education’s new grants include $500,000 in funding for its innovative ICOM Academy. The ICOM Academy, an acronym for Interactive Competency-based Online Microcredentialing, offers students a fast, free, and flexible job training and career placement services, and it launched this year with career education options in Small Business Planning, Windows System Administration, Cybersecurity Analyst, Virtual Data Center, and Infant Care Specialist, among others. The grant came through the Improving Career Technical Education Pathways Grant and the California Virtual Campus and Online Education Initiative. (From SDCCD)

Non-filers: Expect a letter about your stimulus check IF you don’t usually file a tax return, or didn’t file a return for 2018 or 2019, you might not know you could qualify for an economic impact payment. You might be one of the nine million people getting a letter from the IRS letting you know how to register on their website to claim your payment. The new deadline for filing is November 21, 2020. If you get this letter from the IRS, it’s legit. Go only to the

IRS’s real website at IRS.gov/ EIP, or call them directly at 800919-9835 to register to claim your payment. You only have until November 21. But if someone claiming to be from the IRS calls, emails, or texts about helping you get your stimulus payment, that person is running a government imposter scam on you. Hang up, and don’t respond to or click on any links in texts or emails. Why? Because the IRS will

not text, email, or call you about your economic impact payment. And they’ll never ask you to pay a fee to get your money. Visit the IRS’s website to find out more about stimulus payments. And be sure to tell the FTC if someone pretending to be from the government contacts you. (From Federal Trade Communications) (By Lisa Lake/ Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)

Morales, Hasna Cabral and Sofia Andres will also be part of the series, which will also be introducing up-and-coming actors Renshi De Guzman and Danica Ontengco. Amid the quarantine, Gonzales has kept herself busy by

starring alongside Enchong Dee in their digital series “You. Me. Maybe“, the first project under their collaborative Enrich Originals YouTube channel. Under Enrich Originals, the two have promised fans that

they will be producing series and films that will be available for free viewing online. Gonzales’s last major TV role was back in 2018, when she lead “The Blood Sisters” by playing the role of triplets who were separated at birth.

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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