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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Volume 19 - No. 41 • 16 Pages
T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R
Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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DATELINE Measure T proponents relay importance of open spaces, public parks amid pandemic FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
A BALLOT measure in this November’s elections in Santa Clara County will continue the vital work done by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (SCVOSA) to protect open space and agricultural land, maintain parks, trails and other open spaces, protect land and rivers around creeks and continue with its Urban Grants program. These were discussed, along with the importance of public parks and open spaces to public health amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in an online media briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services last Thursday, October 11. Speakers at the briefing included Shay Franco-Clausen of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, Assemblymember Ash Kalra (27th Assembly District), Councilmember Sergio Jimenez (District 2, San Jose) and Sadiya Muqueeth (The Trust for Public Land). Measure T will continue the existing parcel tax of $24 per parcel for property within the jurisdiction of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority which was approved in 2014
O C T O BE R 1 6 - 2 3 , 2 0 2 0
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
IMF: PH to the suffer biggest blow from COVID-19 in region by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday, October 13, downgraded its gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for the Philippines this year following the slowdown in private investment and
consumption due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In its October 2020 World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, the multilateral lender said the country’s GDP is expected to contract by -8.3%, which is a decline from its -3.6% projection in June.
Newly installed Speaker Lord Allan Velasco bangs the gavel during the opening of a special session called by the Chief Executive for the passage of the 2021 National Budget at the House of Representatives, Batasan Hills, Quezon City on Tuesday, October 13. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Velasco is new PH House Speaker, Cayetano resigns
u PAGE A3
‘This is what we needed this year’: Fil-Am Laker fans react to the team’s 17th championship title LOS ANGELES — When it became clear that the Los Angeles Lakers would clinch their 17th NBA Championship, Josemaria Esteban began to cry tears of joy. The 38-year-old registered nurse in Northridge is a lifelong fan of the Lakers and, in particular, an admirer of the late great Kobe Bryant. “I was beyond excited when it became clear that the Lakers would get their 17th Championship. It’s not an uncommon moment for Lakers fans since they’re one of the best teams in all of pro sports but to get it this year felt special,” Esteban told the Asian Journal in a recent phone interview. Filipinos Americans across the Southland erupted in cheers during Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, October 11 when the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 106-93 to
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by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
INFLATABLE TOYS. A vendor of inflated toys crosses the pedestrian lane on Scout Ybardollaza Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City on Wednesday, October 14. Many ambulant vendors brave the streets even during a heavy downpour to sell their merchandise. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
THE Philippine House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 13, ratified the election of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco as the new speaker, unseating Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano. In a plenary session inside the Batasang Pambansa u PAGE A4
US Census count cut short COVID-19 can survive for 28 days after Supreme Court ruling on certain surfaces — research by AJPRESS In the latest debacle over the decennial enumeration, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to halt all counting efforts on Thursday, October 15, two weeks before the deadline. The high court on Tuesday, October 13 approved the administration’s request to suspend a lower court’s order that extended the census’ deadline to the end of the month. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the only
dissenter, saying that “the harms associated with an inaccurate census are avoidable and intolerable.” “And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years,” she added. This comes after a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit rejected the administration’s request and said that the count should continue until October 31. Following the ruling on Tuesday, the U.S. Census Bureau released a statement, u PAGE A2
NorCal Fil-Am father in desperate need for Filipino stem cell donor People of color, including Filipinos, are less likely to find a stem cell match on national registry by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
Andrew currently receives a weekly routine blood transfusion. Photo courtesy of TeamAndrewZ/Facebook
The contraction is deeper compared to Thailand’s -7.1%, Singapore’s -6%, and Indonesia’s -1.5%. China and Vietnam are seen booking GDP growths of 1.9% and 1.6%, respectively. Taiwan’s GDP, meanwhile, is expected to stay flat. u PAGE A2
ALAMEDA, CA — In a year marred by crises of varying proportions, everything feels a little bit precarious. Political divisions layered over a global health crisis and the quick erosion of socioeconomic normalities continue to shake the public consciousness. And just because the COVID-19 remains at the fore of public health doesn’t mean other unfortunate health catastrophes take a backseat. For a Filipino American family in the Bay Area, the fight for soundness of mind is literally a matter of life and death. This year, Andrew, a 35-year-old Sacramento-based father of two of Filipino heritage, was
diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare pre-leukemia disease, in June and he is in need of a stem cell transplant. MDS often goes unrecognized and, consequently, is an under-diagnosed group of bone marrow failure disorders. According to the MDS Foundation, between 12,000 and 20,000 new cases are reported every year with patients’ ages ranging from 33 to 55 years old. Organizations often try to connect patients with stem cell matches, like the Asian American Donor Program (AADP), a non-profit organization based in Northern California that works with a diverse array of blood cancer patients like Andrew to help them find a stem cell match. “Andrew is dependent on a stranger, most u PAGE A4
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE novel coronavirus can survive on certain surfaces, such as banknotes, phone screens and stainless steel for 28 days, a study by Australia’s national science agency found Monday, October 12. Researchers at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was “extremely robust” on surfaces like stainless steel, glass, vinyl, and banknotes when kept at 20 degrees Celsius (68 F). “It really reinforces the importance of washing hands and sanitizing where possible and certainly wiping down surfaces that may be in contact with the virus,” said Shane Riddell, the study’s lead
researcher. The study, published in the peer-reviewed Virology Journal, also found that the virus lasted shorter when the temperatures were hotter — at 30 degrees Celsius (80 °F), the virus survived for three days on cotton and vinyl, and seven days on glass, steel and polymer banknotes. At 40 degrees Celsius (104 °F), the virus didn’t last one day on cotton cloth. “These findings demonstrate SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious for significantly longer time periods than generally considered possible,” the research noted. The researchers stressed that the risk of infecting someone through surface transmission is dependent on several conditions. “The makeup of the virus itself, the type of surface it is on and u PAGE A4
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OctOber 16-22, 2020 • NOrcAL ASIAN JOUrNAL
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From the Front Page
IMF: PH to the suffer biggest... PAGE A1 t
“The downward revision of 2020 growth forecasts for the Philippines from -3.6% in the June WEO to -8.3% in the October WEO mostly reflects a largerthan-expected downturn in Q2 and a more gradual resolution of the pandemic as witnessed over the past months, with prolonged social distancing,” IMF country representative Yongzheng Yang said via email. The country’s economy experienced a record contraction of 16.5 percent in the second quarter after a national lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. “Despite a somewhat softer global contraction expected in the October WEO, weak public
confidence and low remittances in the Philippines as a result of the pandemic are expected to continue weighing on private investment and consumption,” Yang said. “The negative impacts of COVID-19 are expected to be only partially offset by policy support,” he added. For next year, the IMF expects the country’s economy to rebound and grow by 7.4%, which is better than the 6.8% it projected earlier. “We have seen some signs of recovery in high frequency data with the gradual reopening of the economy,” Yang said. “Real GDP is projected to expand by 7.4% in 2021, helped by — in addition to the base effect
— an expected rebound in pentup demand from the relaxation of quarantine measures and continued effects of the policy easing in 2020,” he added. However, Yang noted that the Philippines will be left significantly scarred by the pandemic. “Significant scarring effects (e.g., hysteresis, bankruptcies) are expected and it will take a couple of years before real GDP to return to the pre-pandemic (2019) level,” he said. “Over the medium term, the COVID-19 crisis is expected to result in lower levels of potential output and higher structural unemployment, but real GDP growth is expected to converge back to potential, of 6.5% by 2025,” he added. n
US Census count cut short after Supreme... PAGE A1 t
saying that the option to self respond online would be available through October 15, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time at 2020census. gov. “As of [Tuesday], well over 99.9% of housing units have been accounted for in the 2020 Census. Self-response and field data collection operations for
the 2020 Census will conclude on October 15, 2020,” the bureau said. The phone response option was also made available through Thursday, while paper responses had to be postmarked by that date. Meanwhile, nonresponse followup census takers were to finish enumeration efforts by the new deadline. The administration argued
that in order to meet the deadline of Dec. 31 to submit the data to the president, the data collection would need to end immediately. The census count determines how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives and how federal funds are distributed to communities for services from medical services to after-school programs. n
CLEAN UP. Workers clean the shorelines of the Manila Bay’s “white sand” beach on Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Tuesday, October 13. The debris and other solid wastes were swept to the shores of the bay due to the recent rains in Metro Manila. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
California Educators Say Vote
16
on YES PROP
Passing Prop. 16 will help prevent discrimination and reinstate an equal opportunity for all. Educators believe everyone, regardless of race or gender, deserves an equal shot at success. Please join California’s educators in voting Yes on Prop. 16, to build a stronger economic future for women and communities of color. - CTA President E. Toby Boyd
Learn more at
VoteYesOnProp16.org Ad paid for by Educators for Equity, Yes on 15 and 16, Sponsored by California Teachers Association. Committee major funding from: California Teachers Association. Funding Details at www.fppc.ca.gov.
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Dateline USa
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 16-22, 2020
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AAPIs rally in support of Prop 16 as vote-by-mail ballots arrive to mailboxes
Speakers at a recent EMS briefing on Measure T included (clockwise from top left) Shay Franco Clausen of the SCVOSA, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, San Jose District 2 Councilmember Sergio Jimenez and Sadiya Muqueeth of The Trust for Public Land.
Measure T proponents relay importance of...
PAGE A1 t via Measure Q. The parcel tax in Measure Q expires in 2029; Measure T would remove that sunset date and continue the parcel tax until voters decide to change or repeal it. SCVOSA, which has an annual budget of $12 million, estimates that the parcel tax will raise an approximate $8 million annually, or two-thirds of its budget, which it can commit to its projects. A native of San Jose, FrancoClausen revealed that the Open Space Authority has protected over 26,000 acres of open space land in Santa Clara Valley, operates three preserves that are open to the public 365 days a year free of charge for a variety of activities (walking, biking, bird-watching, hiking), protects farmlands that are importance food sources and provides environmental educational programs within its jurisdiction which covers Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell, Morgan Hill and Unincorporated Santa Clara County. The Open Space Authority has completed over 300 projects since the passage of Measure Q in 2014, some of which were coursed through community groups in urban areas, she added. While their programs have allowed them to protect natural habits for local wildlife, as well as help protect groundwater sources in the area and assist in controlling flooding during heavy storm events, Franco-Clausen stressed the importance of having been able to manage keeping the preserves open and space for peoples’ use during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve noticed a greater diversity of visitors,” she noted, “with many considering open space to be essential during these times for health reasons, mental health, and it really is a key part of keeping our sanity during these times.” Franco-Clausen noted that through the work of agencies like the Open Space Authority and through ballot measures like Measure Q and now Measure T, she has enjoyed the natural beauty and open spaces that Santa Clara Valley has had to offer from her childhood to the present, and that it is an activity that she has passed on to her children and is enjoyed by the diverse communities in the valley and visitors that come to the area. Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who has sponsored pieces of legislation to project land and wildlife and who opposed the development of Coyote Valley when he ran for the San Jose City Council, echoed Franco-Clausen’s observations on the importance of public spaces for mental health. “We need open spaces for our own personal health, for our family’s health,” Assemblymember Kalra said, noting that it is especially true during this pandemic and this season’s exacerbated wildfires. The UC Santa Barbara-educated legislator lauded the partnership among the state, the city and the agency that has been beneficial to area residents. Assemblymember Kalra also cited AB 948, the Coyote Valley Conservation Program, which he was able to work on with the cooperation of the SCVOSA and the City of San Jose that recognized Coyote Valley “as an incredible valuable resource, a natural resource that we need to protect for generations to come.” Assemblymember Kalra emphasized that the benefits and work done through the passage of Measure Q, including the ability to give resources to the SCVOSA to buy up land, will continue with the passage of Measure T in November. “At the end of the day the land will not be protected unless it is bought. That’s the only way you can protect it,” Assemblymember Kalra said, citing the fact that a different city council make-up or different economic needs may impact plans on lands that need protection. “That’s why it is critical that we not only have to have things like legislation to create a
conservation program… we need the Open Space Authority to have the ability and resources to actually purchase and protect land permanently.” Assemblymember Kalra told briefing participants that he is confident that Measure T will get the community’s support, especially during these times when the only respite people get are a walk outside or to go these open spaces so people understand the value of these spaces. Councilmember Jimenez, for his part, cited the many projects made possible through Measure Q, which will be continued with the passage of Measure T. These include Martial Cottle Park, Albertson Parkway Trail and Bill’s Backyward, among countless others, whose funding came from the Open Space Authority’s budget. That is not counting the many small grants that the SCVOSA has given out to groups “that are striving to provide accessibility to nature,” he added. The San Jose District 2 councilmember said that he has not been disappointed with the way that the funds collected through Measure Q have been spent and allocated, and believes that it will continue to be that way with Measure T. Councilmember Jimenez also shared that, along with Measure T, there is a need to bring people into the fold of environmentalism, referring to concerned citizens who may not have access to national or public parks and open spaces, but who see the importance of protecting such spaces. “That’s why the work done on Measure Q, and now that’s going to be done I believe through Measure T is so important to bring people into the fold and include them in some of these decisions and better understanding of how preserving our open space and opening channels to loving open spaces for our communities,” he said. Muqueeth in her short talk said that nature, in this case public parks and open spaces, is an essential part of the public health infrastructure and that spending as little as 2 hours a week, or 15 to 20 minutes a day, in nature or green spaces improves self-reported health and well-being. People living near open spaces and nature who are physically active experience less chronic diseases like hypertension or obesity and physical activity for older adults is linked to the delay of cognitive decline, said Muqueeth. In terms of the world we live in right now, Muqueeth said the ability to go outside has an impact on psychological health. “Being outside for a significant period of time during this lockdown phase was the last bastion of socialization, and we as human beings are social creatures,” Muqueeth explained. “We were struggling with a growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation before the pandemic hit, and it became even more important as we were able to physically distance outside while still being in a safe environment.” According to the SCVOSA’s Kat Wilson, Measure T has wide support in the community, with only one anti-tax group opposed to the measure. Breathe California was just the most recent organization to give its support for Measure T, added Marc Landgraf of the SCVOSA. Landgraf told participants during the Q&A that the agency provides over $3 million to community organizations, schools, cities and the County to provide connections to nature for communities in urban areas where especially socioeconomically challenged communities have a harder time accessing the outlying preserves. Landgraf also said that the SCVOSA takes its work seriously with regard to management of lands. “Management of lands is a ‘forever’ responsibility – to the Earth and to its constituents – that the Open Space Authority takes very seriously. It includes removing trash when people dump their waste products on them, it means clearing vegetation on an ongoing basis from lands where there is
greatest fire risk, in some places working with cattle grazers to mimic the conservation benefit that large elk herds used to perform to reduce vegetation loads and allow native plants to thrive, and very importantly, to be there for the public at our open preserves where the Authority manages over 20 miles of trails that are open free of charge every day of the year,” he clarified. For more on Measure T and other measures in the Santa Clara County ballot, visit https:// www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Info/ Nov2020/Documents/List%20o f%20Local%20Measures.pdf. (Joseph L. Peralta/AJPress)
LOS ANGELES – Continuing the outpouring of support for Prop 16, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) held a virtual rally this past Monday, October 5, joined by prominent AAPI leaders from across California. The objective of the rally was to reinforce the importance of voting by mail and urging supporters to send in their ballots early. Speakers included California State Controller Betty Yee, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber, Los Angeles Councilmember David Ryu, Mandy Diec, California Director of the Southeast Asia Resource Center (SEARAC), Naindeep Singh, Executive Director of Jakara Movement, Sissy Trinh, Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Community Alliance, Commissioner Manufou Liaiga Anoa’I of the County of San Mateo Commission on the Status of Women, and special guest, actress and activist, Tamlyn Tomita. Among the many supporters of Prop 16, Betty Yee and Fiona Ma, both AAPI statewide elected officials spoke during the event. They joined over 500 API groups, community-based organizations, faith groups, elected officials and opinion leaders throughout California. California State Controller Betty Yee opened the rally stating that, “To ensure we have opportunities for AAPIs, we need to pass Prop 16. Since we have not had affirmative action as the law of California, we have lost billions of dollars in contracting opportunities by AAPI
small businesses.” Controller Yee also discussed the importance of voting right away for Prop 16, saying, “by voting for Prop 16, we can say surely that California won with equality on the ballot.” California State Treasurer Fiona Ma echoed Controller Yee’s sentiments, noting, “We have not seen equity in our job market, in our housing, and in education. Passing Prop 16 is so important for the future of our children, our grandchildren. I urge all of us to vote for Prop 16.” Passing Prop 16 will reverse a historical wrong, something that was recognized by Assemblymember Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to serve in the State Assembly. “Passing Prop 16 will be an opportunity to right a historical wrong, for us to face and fix the problem, to confront systemic and structural injustice and racism.” Assemblymember Bonta continued, “Prop 16 will provide opportunity and fairness, where there is lack of opportunity, lack of fairness.” Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber, who worked with other members of the assembly like Rob Bonta, David Chiu, and others to bring noted the importance of AAPIs in the fight for equality. “All of the caucuses (in the Assembly) realized just how central and important it is, to deal with the issue of affirmative action, equal opportunity, and access. Prop 16 will enable California to join 37 other states in addressing the issues of equity and fairness.”
Actress and activist Tamlyn Tomita wrapped up the rally, speaking to the importance of the passing Prop 16, “This is an issue we are talking about because it affects all AAPIs. Prop 16 makes us equal at the table, making sure our voices are heard in terms of schooling, in terms of opportunity, in terms of hiring. We need to make sure that gender and race can be considered, not required in hiring practices in our government agencies, to make sure our schools can consider race and gender to make sure it promotes diversity across the table, Prop 16 will provide equal opportunity for all.” The virtual rally was attended by nearly 450 participants eager to learn how they can create change within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Support from AAPI legislators, educators and community leaders opened meaningful discussion on the need of Prop 16’s passage. With less than 30 days away from Election Day and ballots already reaching the homes of millions of Californians, support from all communities is crucial to ensuring a level playing field for all. Supporters of Prop 16 represent a broad coalition of AAPI groups, elected leaders and diverse groups, association and community leaders dedicated to equality, equal opportunity and an equitable California. Watch the virtual rally recording https://drive.google.com/file/ d/1nEfrpT0j5R7anPTL82dU0pQfo fBA4uUz/view?ts=5f7ca3f4.
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OctOber 16-22, 2020 • NOrcAL ASIAN JOUrNAL
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‘This is what we needed this year’: Fil-Am Laker... COVID-19 can survive for 28 days on certain...
PAGE A1 t emerge the victors of quite possibly the most unusual NBA season in history. It was easily one of the least contentious games of the series with the Lakers leading by double digits throughout most of the game, but the gravity of what an NBA Championship feels like for the population of Lakers fans across the world was like a Richter-breaking earthquake. Throughout the longest season of NBA history — which was extended due to the cancellation of the season after the COVID-19 pandemic and its return to the infamous COVID-19-free “bubble” in Orlando, Florida — the Lakers played with a chip on their shoulder. Following the death of Bryant, the organization and fans alike felt a collective pulsating sorrow. As previously covered in the Asian Journal, Bryant was a legend, his jersey numbers 8 and 24 becoming emblems of hard work, tenacity and unrequited love for the game across the globe. Bryant resembled hope and strength of will, and in the immediate aftermath of his passing, fans across the world saw it as a cruel and confusing resolution to one of the most revered legacies in all of sports. But as teammate Anthony Davis said in a post-game interview, the spirit of Bryant continued to inspire the team even when hope felt far away. “Kobe and Gianna’s legacy will last forever,” Davis said after Game 6. “It will impact lives around the world in positive ways, and this Lakers championship in 2020 is partly to build on that legacy and honor them. The moment couldn’t be any more special to do that for them.” “He would come to the game and just tell us, ‘This is y’all year. This is y’all year. Go out and take it,’” Davis added. “He had a lot of confidence in our team. He had a lot of confidence in our organisation to go out there and win it this year.” On Sunday, the Lakers not only tied their rivals, the Boston Celtics, in NBA Championships with 17 titles apiece, but since the beginning of the new millennium, the Lakers have one the NBA Championship: 2000, 2010 and now 2020. For a whole coterie of younger Lakers fans, this championshipwinning roster could signal a new stage for the Lakers, a team
that is marked by dynasties the Showtime! era in the 1980s to the colossus of the early aughts 3-peat era with Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to the back-to-back title wins in 2009 and 2010 during Bryant’s Mamba Mentality period. “Sometimes it’s hard to get used to a new roster of your favorite team since you feel so personally tethered to certain players, but this current roster with Anthony Davis and [team captain] Lebron James feels like the start of a new era,” said Hilario Gomez, an Orange Countybased physical therapist who has been a Lakers fan since the 1990s. “I think this is a new team that will bring new excitement and new things to celebrate for younger generations of Filipino fans, and I think that the impact that players like Davis have could be similar to the impact that Kobe had globally,” Gomez said. Gomez also talked about the Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who is half-Filipino and, for the last decade, has been making a name for himself as one of the best coaches of all time. “Obviously I wanted the Lakers to win. But if Miami had won, I wouldn’t have been totally bummed because of [Spoelstra]. I feel very proud that he’s a Pinoy and he’s actually done a lot for Filipinos in basketball, and it would be amazing to see him win another title. Just not against the Lakers,” Gomez added with a laugh. “We always talk about Lakers-Celtics and their rivalry, but there’s also now a Lakers-Heat rivalry so going into this series was exciting,” said Gomez, who nearly joined the post-game rally at Staples Center. “I live alone so I’ve been watching all these post-season games alone so after Game 6 I just felt this adrenaline and this need to be with people who were also hyped up after the game,” Gomez said. Angelenos are famous for partaking in raucous celebrations following the victory of all teams in LA, especially the Lakers. Historically, fans would take to Downtown LA to cause traffic, flip cars, vandalize property — all in the name of LA sports pride. But not all fans celebrated the Lakers 17th championship title with theatrics. The rally on Sunday night — which began with chants of “Kobe! Kobe!” to the arrest of 76
rowdy fans — was too out of the PAGE A1 t pointed out that the findings of environment for viruses as it bounds of social distancing for whether the virus is liquid or dried the study was causing “unneces- contains lots of white cells that can impact the time it remains vi- sary fear in the public.” Gomez. produce enzymes to destroy vi“I like to think that Kobe and able. Environmental conditions “Viruses are spread on sur- ruses and can also contain aneven the rest of the Lakers team such as temperature, exposure to faces from mucus in coughs and tibodies and other chemicals to wouldn’t want us breaking social sunlight and humidity also play a sneezes and dirty fingers and this neutralise viruses. In my opindistancing,” he said. “The bubble part,” they said. study did not use fresh human ion, infectious viruses will only However, Prof Ron Eccles, mucus as a vehicle to spread the persist for hours in mucus on in Orlando operated for all these months with thousands of people former director of the Common virus,” he said. surfaces rather than days,” he and came out with not one CO- Cold Centre at Cardiff University, “Fresh mucus is a hostile added. n VID-19 case. I think that’s the standard we should follow.” For one Filipino American, in particular, the NBA Finals provided a return to comfort and PAGE A1 t ored in the breach, what future this, tender my irrevocable resigrelief. Complex in Quezon City, a total agreement will not be subjected nation as Speaker of the House “This is what we needed this of 186 House members voted to to doubt and disbelief owing to of Representatives effective imyear, after losing Kobe and then ratify Velasco’s election in a bid our failure to honor it?” Velasco mediately,” he added. being thrown into the pandemic to remove doubts over the legal- said. Cayetano also said he is leavand the cancellation of sports,” ity of Monday’s plenary session “Let us show our country- ing his post without any regrets. said Annalynn Rosario, a graphic at the Celebrity Sports Plaza in men that loyalty and fidelity to “I have done my best, I have designer from Lakewood. Quezon City where the same the promises we make are not given my all, I leave with no reIn June, Rosario lost her fa- number of lawmakers elected mere conveniences for us. Let us grets, and I hold no rancor in my ther to COVID-19, a moment that Velasco for speakership. be good examples of palabra de heart towards anyone,” he said. punctuated the continuing dread Last week, Duterte directed “This is for our people, for this honor, and demonstrate that our in the age of the coronavirus. Af- august body and the institution word is our bond,” he added. Cayetano and Velasco to resolve ter Game 6, she teared up watch- we call Congress, for the word of Resignation the matter before it affects the ing the players’ interviews and honor of our beloved President Cayetano tendered his irre- timely passage of the proposed watched quietly, thinking about Duterte, and for God who makes vocable resignation as House P4.5-trillion budget for 2021. her father the whole time. He also called on Congress to all this happen, we will not let Speaker following the ratification “He was a real inspiration in you down!” Velasco vowed as of Velasco’s election. conduct a special session on Oct. my life, and he was really the the new House leader. “From the start I have always 13 to 16 to resume the congresone who influenced me in terms He also stressed the impor- said that I will abide by what the sional deliberations on the proof being a Laker fan because he tance of “word of honor,” apol- president, as leader of our co- posed 2021 national budget and was obsessed with them growing ogizing to President Rodrigo alition, will say,” he wrote in a to avoid any further delays on its up,” Rosario, 35, shared, adding Duterte over the “perceived Facebook post. prompt passage. that her father “would’ve been rejection” of the term-sharing “Today, given the untenable Cayetano and Velasco are supoverjoyed [at the Lakers’ win on agreement that the Chief Execu- political situation that Congress posed to be in a term-sharing Sunday] if he were here.” has been placed, and the pos- agreement, brokered by Duterte tive brokered. “He’s been a fan since he came “A rejection of the agreement sible damage to the country if in 2019, where Cayetano will to the U.S. in the early 1980s so is a rejection of palabra de honor, the 2021 budget is not passed serve as speaker for 15 months he witnessed Magic Johnson and likewise a rejection of May- on time — I take his admonition before Velasco takes over for the and Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] and or-President Rodrigo Duterte to put aside all politics and focus remaining 21 months of their got to see Kobe’s career from himself. If this agreement is hon- on the budget to heart, and with term. n beginning to end. But what was awesome was that he was a fan through and through and supported the team even when they weren’t doing so well,” Rosario PAGE A1 t said. likely Filipino heritage or of FiliSpeaking about her father’s pino and European heritage, to affinity for the Lakers brought step forward and register,” AADP emotions back for Rosario, who Executive Director Carol Gillespie admitted to still having a difficult said in a statement, stressing the time coping with the death of necessity of more multiethnic doher father. But Sunday’s game nors and donors of color to help felt like a moment of closure for close existing ethnic health care her, that the Lakers winning felt gaps. like a soft, welcoming cushion of Andrew is part Filipino with Eusolace after months of uncertain ropean ancestry, but after it was freefall. discovered that his family could not “I like to think my dad is in provide a match for him, the famHeaven. Maybe he watched the ily began its search for a stranger game from above with Kobe and who would be a match. [his daughter] Gigi and they celStem cell matches are based on ebrated,” she added. “I wish my ethnicity, specifically a patient’s dad was here to watch the game human leukocyte antigen (HLA) with me and to experience all tissue type. HLA contains key gethis with me, but as we kind of all netic characteristics and markers felt when Kobe died, people who that make it possible to undergo Photo courtesy of Asian American Donor Program physically pass away don’t really a successful transplant. This com- Andrew and his two children leave us.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ- plicates patients’ of color efforts matches the patient’s.” potential donors and encourage Press) to find a match and increase their It is crucial that patients like anybody who may be eligible to chances of successful recoveries. Andrew be able to find a match request a swab kit. The AADP said that people of before it’s too late, and his family “Being Filipino, it’s just kind color who are blood cancer pa- knows all too well the realities of of inherent how we’re just natutients are more likely to die from MDS. rally very close and there’s just their illnesses than patients of Andrew’s father passed away a lot of love between everyone,” European ancestry who are di- from the genetic deficiency in Candelaria said. “So when all this agnosed with the same cancers. 2014, according to a press release, happened, we all kind of came toAccording to statistics provided which punctuates the urgency of gether and did what we needed to to the Asian Journal, the likeli- Andrew’s search for a stem cell do to try to find a donor. There was hood of finding a matched donor match. no hesitation.” from the national Be The Match The news of Andrew’s diagnosis Like nearly every other health registry is 41% for Asians and was a shock to the entire family, es- care organization, the COVID-19 Pacific Islanders, just above Af- pecially in a year that was marked pandemic shifted daily affairs for rican Americans whose chances by the COVID-19 pandemic the AADP, but the organization are 23%. “I guess to put it bluntly, it was is still fully operational, and even “If there’s not enough donors like an insult to injury,” Jonah Can- those who are not located in the on the registry, then it’s less likely delaria, Andrew’s nephew, told the Bay Area could sign up on its webthat a patient will find someone Asian Journal in an interview. site for a swab kit to help patients with that same genetic marker,” “He’s an amazing father and like Andrew. said Mylanah Yolangco, a commu- he’s definitely a family man and he For those interested in registernity engagement representative at lives life to the fullest, and he loves ing as a potential stem cell donor, AADP. his daughters and his wife very, visit the AADP website to find out Yolangco said that potential very much,” Candelaria said, add- how to receive a home swab kit. matches need to be between the ing that the COVID-19 pandemic Yolangco added that even if poages of 18 and 44 and in “general and the safer-at-home orders have tential donors aren’t a match for good health.” Although the age made coping with Andrew’s diag- Andrew, they may be a match for range is wide, the younger the do- nosis doubly difficult. someone else. nor, the better the outcome, YolThe distance between Cande“We really want to encourage as angco added. laria and his uncle — who haven’t many people as we can to sign up,” The Be The Match registry seen each other in person since Yolangco said. “If you think about — which is operated under the Christmas of 2019 — has been it it’s kind of like an insurance polUnited States Health Resources hard on both nephew and uncle. icy and you never know who will and Services Administration’s Na- But because the family is tight- be diagnosed with a blood cancer tional Marrow Donor Program — knit, not even the COVID-19 pan- or disease. It could affect someone says on its website that transplants demic could dampen the family’s in their family down the line, and have higher success rates “when efforts to find a donor for Andrew. if we already have people signed the HLA tissue type of the marThe family has set up a Face- up as donors, they’ll be able to find row donor or cord blood closely book page to get the word out to them and get a transplant.” n
Velasco is new PH House Speaker, Cayetano...
NorCal Fil-Am father in desperate need for...
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DENR: Manila Bay dolomite not washed out Around 3.6 million Filipinos suffering from mental disorders — DOH by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
THE Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday, October 14, maintained that dolomite “white sand” along Manila Bay was not washed out by the recent rains. “Wala pong na wash out, hindi po nabawasan yung ating white dolomite ang nadagdagan tayo ng black sand galing sa ilalim ng dagat (Nothing was washed out, the black sand from the sea were instead washed in from the sea),” DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said in a briefing. According to him, about two to three inches of black sand settled on top of the dolomite white sand after being “washed in” by the recent rains. Antiporda stressed that authorities will clean up the darker sand. “Kaya ho hindi pa talaga minimaintain ngayon dahil this is still under the jurisdiction of the contractor (The reason why we are not yet maintaining is because this is still under the jurisdiction of the contractor),” he said. He likewise turned down the suggestion of marine biologists from the University of the Philippines to plant mangroves in Manila Bay. “You cannot put it in the middle of the baywalk area wherein it will destroy the landscape, hindi magandang tingnan and at the same time hindi mabubuhay dito sa lugar na to yung mangrove (it will not be pleasant to
by daRRyl John
esgueRRa
Inquirer.net
MANILA — Some 3.6 million Filipinos are suffering from mental disorders amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a Department of Health (DOH) survey. The survey, which was presented by DOH National Mental Health Program head Frances Prescila Cuevas in a recent online press briefing, showed that at least 3.6 million Filipinos are suffering from any form of mental, neurological, and substance
use disorders. However, Cuevas said the figure could be higher as it only focused on the three selected conditions. “This could be more because these are only selected conditions that we are looking at. We hope to be able to have a full spectrum of the results next year,” Cuevas said. The DOH official said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has affected the mental health of Filipinos, citing an “alarming spike of calls” on the National Center for Mental Health’s (NCMH) ho-
tline. The NCMH’s Crisis Hotline receives an average of 32 to 37 calls a day from March 17 to Oct. 6, raising the monthly average calls to 907. Of these calls, an average of 53 monthly calls are suicide-related calls. Compared to data from 2019, the daily and monthly average calls increased by around 50%, Cuevas said. The top three reasons for calling are anxiety-related concerns, asking for a referral to a psychiatrist, and inquiry regarding hospital services. n
DOT announces reopening of Batangas diving resorts Throngs of people have gathered along Roxas Boulevard last September 20, for a chance to view the Manila bay white sand. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
the eyes and at the same time the mangroves will not survive in the area),” Antiporda said. Last month, Manila Bay temporarily opened for two days to showcase the artificial “white sand beach” implemented under the DENR’s P389-million Manila Bay rehabilitation program. The Manila Bay opened to the public from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 19 and 20 after the completion of its makeover project that involved pouring piles of crushed dolomite on the stretch of Manila Bay’s shore. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, during Manila Bay’s
reopening, maintained that the DENR will continue its work on Manila Bay despite the criticism that the artificial white sand beach project received. “Sadly there are those who are telling or accusing us of not contributing solutions. Finding fault just wanting to stop [these] beach nourishment activities here at Baywalk for reasons that are critical rather than environmental. We will not allow them to deter or distract us,” he said. “We have nothing to fear as long as we know that we are doing something good,” he added. n
MANILA — Recreational diving is now allowed in select resorts in Batangas province, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed on Wednesday, October 14 This announcement came after Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), signed PCSSD Administrative Order No. 2020-001 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Dive Establishments Under a Community Quarantine. “Dive establishments in Batangas Province, insofar as
the area is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), are hereby determined to be permitted to accept guests for Recreational Diving, taking into consideration the general preparedness of the area and its impact on the tourism industry,” Puyat said in a statement. Puyat said only those who live in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) may enter Batangas. The government will also remain “optimistic yet cautious” for reopening diving sites, the
tourism chief added. “We remind everyone to Test Before Travel and likewise reiterate that only those with a valid DOT and/or PCSSD Accreditation will be permitted to operate. While guests of all ages from GCQ and MGCQ areas are welcome, the activity is off-limits to those with comorbidities and currently pregnant,” she said. DOT provided digital contact tracing application to Mabini, Batangas local government unit (LGU) for more efficient tracing method. (Miggy Dumlao/Inquirer.net)
Palace: Cabinet proposes implementation of 4-hour curfew by LGUs by KRissy
aguilaR Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet has recommended a reduced curfew to only four hours as the country aims to gradually jumpstart the economy amid the pandemic, Malacañang said on Wednesday, October 14. From the prevailing policy of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew hours, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Cabinet suggested changing it to 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.
“Ang desisyon po ng Gabinete, irekomenda na nga sa lahat ng mga local government units na paikliin na iyong curfew,” Roque said in an interview over staterun People’s Television. (The Cabinet’s decision is to recommend to local government units to shorten the curfew.) “Iyan po ay rekomendasyon ng Gabinete, pero siyempre po dahil magpapasa sila ng ordinansa, nasa lokal na pamahalaan po iyan,” he added. (This is only the recommenda-
tion of the Cabinet but of course, it is up to the local government if they will turn this into an ordinance.) Prior to the Cabinet meeting, San Juan City already shortened its curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to 12 midnight to 5 a.m. Apart from the decreased curfew, the Cabinet had also approved a one-seat-apart rule in public transportation and expanding the age group allowed to go out of their homes during community quarantine. n
This February 2018 file photo shows a peek 50 feet below Anilao, a part the country’s rich biodiversity as the so-called “center of the center of marine biodiversity in the universe.” Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV
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Plantitos, plantitas
THE coronavirus lockdowns have an upside: they have given people time to stop and smell the roses literally. People cooped up in their homes, involuntarily or by choice to avoid COVID-19 infection, have taken to gardening, according to several reports. The phenomenon has even created new words to describe the budding gardeners: plantitos and plantitas. While gardening has become an environment-friendly way of destressing amid the pandemic restrictions, however, the renewed interest in plants has led to certain problems. In Baguio City, for example, officials have appealed to citizens to stop getting plants from parks. The city and neighboring La Trinidad Valley in Benguet, one of the country’s principal vegetable producing areas, are sources of a wide variety of flowers, potted succulents, cacti and other ornamental plants. The items are sold all over the country, including in Metro Manila, even if many of the species rarely thrive in the lowland heat. A bigger problem is that some of the new plant enthusiasts are poaching endangered species from their natural habitats, either for personal enjoyment at home or for commercial propagation. The Department of Environment and Natural Re-
sources sounded the alarm before the weekend about this emerging problem. Limited resources and personnel have long made the conservation of endangered flora and fauna in this country a challenge. The country is blessed with rich biodiversity. But illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming and unsustainable forestry activities have depleted forests and destroyed the habitats of many species, putting them on vulnerable or endangered lists. Environmental advocates are hoping that the plantitos and plantitas in the time of COVID, apart from indulging their interest in gardening, will also find time to look at the problems confronting those who are working to preserve this biodiversity. The enthusiasts may also help prevent poaching of flora from parks, where the plants are meant for the enjoyment of the general public. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
DECISIONS 2020: Comparing Trump, Biden health care plans (Part 2)
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS HEALTH CARE, more than ever, especially in the age of the coronavirus pandemic, remains to be the among the top concerns of the American people as we head to the polls to vote. In Part 1, I wrote about President Donald Trump’s “America First Health Care Plan,” which just laid out the three pillars of his “vision” without details on how he plans to overhaul the Affordable Care Act — a campaign promise he has yet to deliver. Here is a summary of former Vice President Joe Biden’s detailed health care plan. Compare and contrast this with Trump’s plan and make a decision on whom to trust for your family’s health care and safety. The Biden plan to protect and build on the Affordable Care Act Give every American access to affordable health insurance. As president, Biden will stop this reversal of the progress made by Obamacare. And he won’t stop there. He’ll also build on the Affordable Care Act with a plan to insure more than an estimated 97% of Americans. Here’s how: • Giving Americans a new choice, a public health insurance
option like Medicare. If your insurance company isn’t doing right by you, you should have another, better choice. Whether you’re covered through your employer, buying your insurance on your own, or going without coverage altogether, the Biden Plan will give you the choice to purchase a public health insurance option like Medicare. • As in Medicare, the Biden public option will reduce costs for patients by negotiating lower prices from hospitals and other health care providers. It also will better coordinate among all of a patient’s doctors to improve the efficacy and quality of their care, and cover primary care without any co-payments. And it will bring relief to small businesses struggling to afford coverage for their employees. • Increasing the value of tax credits to lower premiums and extend coverage to more working Americans. Today, families that make between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level may receive a tax credit to reduce how much they have to pay for health insurance on the individual marketplace. The dollar amount of the financial assistance is calculated to ensure each family does not have to pay more than a certain percentage of their income on a silver (medium generosity) plan. Expanding coverage to low-
income Americans. Access to affordable health insurance shouldn’t depend on your state’s politics. But today, state politics is getting in the way of coverage for millions of low-income Americans. Governors and state legislatures in 14 states have refused to take up the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of Medicaid eligibility, denying access to Medicaid for an estimated 4.9 million adults. Biden’s plan will ensure these individuals get covered by offering premium-free access to the public option for those 4.9 million individuals who would be eligible for Medicaid but for their state’s inaction, and making sure their public option covers the full scope of Medicaid benefits. States that have already expanded Medicaid will have the choice of moving the expansion population to the premium-free public option as long as the states continue to pay their current share of the cost of covering those individuals. Provide the peace of mind of affordable, quality health care and a less complex health care system. The Biden plan will not only provide coverage for uninsured Americans, it will also make health care more affordable and less complex for all. The plan’s elements described above will help reduce the cost of health insurance and health care for those already insured in the
Signs of desperation
Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA THERE are so many things happening in America – shocking, scary, funny, ridiculous, unbelievable – that the usual singletopic format of Street Talk would be inadequate. We are, thus, breaking a pattern of over three decades of column writing by discussing several hot topics in this piece: Schadenfreude This is a German term that literally means taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune. An English equivalent would be, “Serves him right!” I first saw schadenfreude used in a news report on the COVID19 affliction of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The report suggested that it served Trump right to be afflicted by the virus, after he called it “a hoax,” then kept assuring the country that it would “miraculously go away” once the warm season set in, ignored guidelines of the Center for Disease Control such as wearing a mask and social distancing, taunted those who wore a mask, withheld information about the seriousness of the plague, and failed to act promptly to protect the country from the pandemic. This has resulted in over 214,000
deaths and over 7 million afflicted in the US...and counting. The U.S. has the highest coronavirus affliction and mortality rate of any country in the world. However, I don’t think it is right to take pleasure in a fellow human being’s misery, especially with an illness as deadly as coronavirus. Thus, instead of saying schadenfreude to Trump, the First Lady and the White House staffers, let us wish them a speedy recovery – at the same time, let us ask them to set an example for everyone by following the guidelines for keeping the virus under control. In this regard, I was incensed the other night when Tucker Carlson of Fox News sneered that the mortality rate “was only one percent” of the number of afflicted persons. He dismissed 214,000 deaths as insignificant. I didn’t think that I would ever witness such a despicable disregard for the worth of human life! I hope Carlson does not suffer the same pain felt by the families of those who have died, by losing his own family members to the plague. But, though it is un-Christian, if Carlson himself were to be downed by the virus, I would be compelled to say, schadenfruede! Homicidal negligence Legendary Washington Post journalist Carl Bernstein (who, with fellow reporter Bob Woodward blew the lid off the Wa-
tergate scandal that ended the Nixon presidency) has accused Trump of “homicidal negligence” for risking the health and the lives of others – his supporters, donors, administration officials, security detail, and the White House help – by persisting in moving at close quarters with them without a mask and in spite of testing positive for the virus. To date, several White House officials and at least three Republican Senators have been infected. Yet Trump has continued to act irresponsibly, urging everyone to defy the virus and not to allow it to “dominate” their lives. What he has heartlessly overlooked is that no one else enjoys the medical resources and attention that he gets. It’s like telling everyone to leap out of a plane when he alone has a parachute. And speaking of White House help, some of them are Filipinos, while nearly all are minorities, particularly Latinos and African Americans. If they are afflicted by the virus, they will not have the benefit of the medical attention that the Trumps are getting. It is truly cruel for Trump to tell them not to fear the virus or allow it to dominate their lives. Stand back and stand by In the course of the debate with Joe Biden, moderator Chris Wallace asked Trump if he was willing to condemn white supremacists. Trump hedged but finally said, ostensibly to a group called
following ways: • All Americans will have a new, more affordable option. The public option, like Medicare, will negotiate prices with providers, providing a more affordable option for many Americans who today find their health insurance too expensive. • Middle class families will get a premium tax credit to help them pay for coverage. For example, take a family of four with an income of $110,000 per year. If they currently get insurance on the individual marketplace, because their premium will now be capped at 8.5% of their income, under the Biden Plan they will save an estimated $750 per month on insurance alone. That’s cutting their premiums almost in half. If a family is covered by their employer but can get a better deal with the 8.5% premium cap, they can switch to a plan on the individual marketplace, too. • Premium tax credits will be calculated to help more families afford better coverage with lower deductibles. Because the premium tax credits will now be calculated based on the price of a more generous gold plan, families will be able to purchase a plan with a lower deductible and lower outof-pocket spending. That means many families will see their overall annual health care spending go down.
Stop “surprise billing.” Consumers trying to lower their health care spending often try to choose an in-network provider. But sometimes patients are unaware they are receiving care from an outof-network provider and a big, surprise bill. “Surprise medical billing” could occur, for example, if you go to an in-network hospital but don’t realize a specialist at that hospital is not part of your health plan. The Biden Plan will bar health care providers from charging patients out-of-network rates when the patient doesn’t have control over which provider the patient sees (for example, during a hospitalization). Tackle market concentration across our health care system. The concentration of market power in the hands of a few corporations is occurring throughout our health care system, and this lack of competition is driving up prices for consumers. The Biden Administration will aggressively use its existing antitrust authority to address this problem. Lower costs and improve health outcomes by partnering with the health care workforce. The Biden Administration will partner with health care workers and accelerate the testing and deployment of innovative solutions that improve quality of care and increase wages for
low-wage health care workers, like home care workers. Stand up to abuse of power by prescription drug corporations. The Biden Plan will put a stop to runaway drug prices and the profiteering of the drug industry by: • Repealing the outrageous exception allowing drug corporations to avoid negotiating with Medicare over drug prices. Because Medicare covers so many Americans, it has significant leverage to negotiate lower prices for its beneficiaries. And it does so for hospitals and other providers participating in the program, but not drug manufacturers. • Repeal the existing law explicitly barring Medicare from negotiating lower prices with drug corporations. • Limiting launch prices for drugs that face no competition and are being abusively priced by manufacturers. • For these cases where new specialty drugs without competition are being launched, under the Biden Plan, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish an independent review board to assess their value. As a condition of participation in the Medicare program and public option, all brand, biotech, and abusively priced generic drugs will be prohibited from increasing
Proud Boys, “Stand back and stand by!” Far from taking Trump’s words as a condemnation, the white supremacists have printed Trump’s statement on t-shirts, using it as a slogan and a call to arms. Trump’s refusal to condemn white supremacists, neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists, even referring to them as “good people,” has motivated and encouraged them to threaten violence against minorities and peaceful protestors. One group has just been busted by the FBI in the course of a plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The group also planned to attack the State House and take over the government. Mercifully, the FBI learned about the plot early and managed to infiltrate the group and arrest the leaders. But the danger may still be hovering over the country like a Sword of Damocles. It is feared that other right-wing militias may attempt an uprising should Trump be defeated. Of course, the military and the police will surely stop them in their tracks. Thankfully, in spite of Trump’s dictatorial fantasies, America is not yet a banana republic or a Russian or North Korean satellite. Make sure to vote, and vote early At any rate, it is imperative that every citizen should vote. Trump has been claiming, without any basis, that the Democrats are rigging the election and that this is the only way he can lose – this, in
spite of polls that show him trailing Biden in most of the States, including those in which Trump won against Hillary Clinton. The latest polls show Biden enjoying a comfortable lead even in the battleground states like Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona. As of the latest count, Biden appears to have crossed and gotten well past the magic number of 270 electoral votes needed to be declared the winner. But it is clear that Trump will not accept defeat, if he can help it. Philippine-style elections We are familiar with Philippine-style elections where voters are terrorized by private armies and by the police and the military. We may not see that kind of electoral violence in the U.S. but Trump and his fanatics may resort to other dirty tricks to win, like voter suppression and disenfranchisement. Come to think of it, violence may not be out of the question. As a last resort, Trump and his supporters may try to rig the electoral votes by appointing Republican partisans to sit as electors. Because of COVID-19, millions of voters have opted for mail-in ballots. Trump has been deliberately creating doubts about the integrity of mail-in ballots, in spite of the fact that he and the First Lady have also asked for mail-in ballots. Without any basis, he has claimed that millions of fake ballots will be sent out to prostitute the election. On the basis of a trumped-up claim, Trump
has threatened to contest the election results, should he lose, and bring the matter before the Supreme Court. Trump has also publicly expressed the hope that the conservative justices in the High Court, particularly those he appointed, including Judge Amy Coney Barrett, his nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, will support his threatened electoral protest and vote to make him win. Blatant abuse of the justice system It would be a tragedy if the High Court is ever used as a tool of a would-be president-for-life. Nonetheless, I have faith that the Supreme Court justices will not allow themselves to be used as a tool to inflict an injustice on the country. At any rate, I don’t think the freedom-loving people of the United States will allow such a blatant abuse of the American system of justice. I hate to imagine what would happen if Trump resorts to the dirty tricks that his idols in Russia, China and North Korea have applied to remain perpetually in office. It could be bloody. But it is feared that Trump may be desperate enough to try anything to win. According to one of Trump’s sons, if his dad loses, they may spend time behind bars. No wonder Trump has begun to show signs of desperation. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
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SAFETY PROTOCOL. Registrants flock to the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Dasmarinas near City Hall on Tuesday, October 13 for the voter registration. The Comelec has enforced health protocols, such as limiting the number of people inside the office, advising the public to wear face masks, face shields, and bring their own pens. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
DECISIONS 2020: Comparing Trump... PAGE A6
their prices more than the general inflation rate. The Biden plan will also impose a tax penalty on drug manufacturers that increase the costs of their brand, biotech, or abusively priced generic over the general inflation rate. To create more competition for U.S. drug corporations, the Biden Plan will allow consumers to import prescription drugs from other countries, as long as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has certified that those drugs are safe. Improving the supply of quality generics. The Biden Plan supports numerous proposals to accelerate the development of safe generics, such as Senator Patrick Leahy’s proposal to make sure generic manufacturers have access to a sample. Ensure health care is a right for all, not a privilege for just a few Expanding access to contraception and protect the constitutional right to an abortion. The Affordable Care Act made historic progress by ensuring access to free preventive care, including contraception. The Biden Plan will build on that progress. Reverse the Trump Administration and states’ all-out assault on women’s right to choose. As president, Biden will work to codify Roe v. Wade, and his Justice Department will do everything in its power to stop the rash of state laws that so blatantly violate the constitutional right to an abortion. As president, Biden will reissue guidance specifying that states cannot refuse Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood and other providers that refer for abortions
or provide related information and reverse the Trump Administration’s rule preventing Planned Parenthood and certain other family planning programs from obtaining Title X funds. Just as the Obama-Biden Administration did, President Biden will rescind the Mexico City Policy (also referred to as the global gag rule) that President Trump reinstated and expanded. This rule currently bars the U.S. federal government from supporting important global health efforts – including for malaria and HIV/AIDS – in developing countries simply because the organizations providing that aid also offer information on abortion services. Defending health care protections for all, regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Before the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies could increase premiums merely due to someone’s gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Further, insurance companies could increase premiums or deny coverage altogether due to someone’s HIV status. Doubling America’s investment in community health centers. Community health centers provide primary, prenatal, and other important care to underserved populations. The Biden Plan will double the federal investment in these centers, expanding access to high quality health care for the populations that need it most. Achieving mental health parity and expanding access to mental health care. In the months ahead, Biden will put forward additional plans to tackle health challenges affecting specific communities, including access to health care in
rural communities, gun violence, and opioid addiction. Supporting health, not rewarding wealth Biden believes in rewarding work, not just wealth – and investing in hard-working Americans’ health, not protecting the most privileged Americans’ wealth. Warren Buffett said it best when he stated that he should not pay a lower tax rate than his secretary. The Biden Plan will make health care a right by getting rid of capital gains tax loopholes for the super wealthy. Today, the very wealthy pay a tax rate of just 20% on longterm capital gains. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the capital gains and dividends exclusion is the second largest tax expenditure in the entire tax code: $127 billion in fiscal year 2019 alone. As president, Biden will roll back the Trump rate cut for the very wealthy and restore the 39.6% top rate he helped restore when he negotiated an end to the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy in 2012. Biden’s capital gains reform will close the loopholes that allow the super wealthy to avoid taxes on capital gains altogether. The Biden plan will assure those making over $1 million will pay the top rate on capital gains, doubling the capital gains tax rate on the super wealthy. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
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CLEAR SKY. The high-rise buildings in Metro Manila as seen from a portion of Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City, Rizal on Tuesday, October 13. People flock to the area to see an overlooking view of the metropolis, especially during weekends. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
UN rights council urges end to media attacks by Krixia
SubingSubing Inquirer.net
THE United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday, October 13, adopted a resolution seeking to protect journalists around the world, amid a growing hostile environment where leaders have used the coronavirus pandemic as a pretext to curtail civil and political liberties. The eight-page resolution, which was sponsored and adopted by over 70 countries, including the Philippines, outlined a staggering list of 21 recommendations for all states that underscored the relationship between human rights and press freedom. It is also the first UN resolution since the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khasoggi, whose murder inside a Turkish embassy allegedly in the hands of Saudi Arabian henchmen sent shockwaves across the world. The resolution stressed that
the freedoms of expression and the press are rights enshrined in international covenants, and expressed “deep concern” about “all attempts to silence journalists and media workers,” from the broad misuse of legislation to target critical reporters to blatant human rights abuses like murder, torture, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests and detention. Toll on media workers It also recognized the physical, mental and emotional toll of COVID-19 on media workers around the world, and of the concerning consequences of the economic impact of the pandemic, which increases the vulnerability of journalists and weakens media sustainability, independence and pluralism, and worsens the risks of misinformation and disinformation spreading by limiting access to a wide range of reliable information and opinions. Among others, the resolution seeks all countries to align their national laws and policies fully in
compliance with their commitments under international human rights law such that they do not limit the ability and safety of all media workers. Another crucial recommendation is to consider, whenever possible, “devising appropriate mechanisms to provide financial support for the media, including local journalism and investigative reporting,” in light of the economic impact wrought by the pandemic. Likewise, it sought the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) to present to the UNHRC at its 48th session a report “on the impact and repercussions of measures taken by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” The said report, the resolution said, “must integrate a gender perspective, and to identify trends and collect good practices, in particular on how the OHCHR can assist to the development of national approaches to protect journalists.” n
WHO, PH prepare for vaccine trials by red
Mendoza Manilatimes.net
OFFICIALS from the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Science and Technology (DoST), and Department of Health (DoH) are preparing for the Solidarity trials for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine to ensure these will be safe and orderly. WHO Philippines Representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe on Monday said the agency hopes to start the trials by the end of October as long as the DoST and its team of investigators have approved the clinical trial protocols and regulatory and ethical clearances. “Once those are ready, we believe that the selection of the vaccines for the Solidarity trials will be finalized and WHO will be in a position to send the candidate vaccines to the Philippines for the start of the trials,” Abeyasinghe said. A dry run for the trials would be held this week to be led by the DoST and the DoH, during which the WHO will assess if the country is prepared once the trials start. At least 42 vaccines are being considered for the trial, but the
WHO representative said only eight or nine are close to meeting the requirements, with two or three vaccines being considered as “frontrunners.” Abeyasinghe said at least 4,000 participants from nine cities in the National Capital Region and one city in Cebu province will participate in the trials. The goal is to have at least 60,000 patients to confirm the efficacy and safety of the vaccines in the first three months of the trial. The chosen communities were in the top five to 10 villages with the highest number of Covid-19 cases based on their attack rate per 1,000 population. “The idea is that there should be a Covid-19 transmission to measure the efficacy of the vaccines. We believe the current levels of transmission will be enough to trial the vaccines,” Abeyasinghe added. Aside from the 10 areas, 12 hospitals in Metro Manila, Cavite, Cebu City and Davao City have been selected as trial sites for the solidarity trial, which will be led by the Philippine General Hospital’s Dr. Jodor Lim as trial leader. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the InterAgency Task Force for the Man-
agement of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) subtechnical working group on vaccine development would meet with the local government units that will host the solidarity trials. Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said the department would not compromise the safety of the people, especially those who will participate in the trials. “Upang mapangalagaan ng husto ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga sasali sa vaccine trials ay masusing nakikipag-ugnayan and DoST sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan kagaya ng DoH, DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) at FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (To fully safeguard the health and welfare of those who will participate in the vaccine trials, we are closely coordinating with the different agencies of government like DoH, DILG and FDA),” de la Peña said in a statement. He also warned against those who claim there are Covid-19 vaccines being sold in the black market. He asked to public to report to the FDA, the police and the National Bureau of Investigation anyone selling spurious drugs. n
Senate Oks franchise for Bulacan airport by Paolo
roMero Philstar.com
MANILA — The Senate yesterday approved on third and final reading the franchise application for the construction of a domestic and international airport in Bulacan. The application obtained 22 “yes” votes and zero “no” votes, with the senators stressing the need for the San Miguel Aerocity Inc. to immediately start the construction of the 2,500-hectare airport complex at no cost to the government. The project is expected to generate at least one million jobs and boost the economy, according to the project proponents in the Senate. The franchise included the authority to build and operate an adjacent airport city. “This was an idea born 17 years ago, in November 2003,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III, one of the proponents of the P735billion airport project, said. Sotto said he had discussed the project with the late San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, SMC president Ramon Ang, former senator Gregorio Honasan, the late senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta and the late movie actor Fernando Poe Jr., who was considering running as president at the time. The franchise application was sponsored on the floor by Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, last month. Poe said the government would neither guarantee the SMC project’s profits nor subsidize its operations.
The proposed airport in Bulacan
She said the San Miguel Aerocity would be pouring in as much as P1.5 trillion into the Bulacan airport project, P735 billion of which will go into the airport alone. “There are no government guarantees here. What they are promising is, any amount in excess of the 12-percent rate of return will go to the government. If they do not make the 12 percent, they will still be responsible for the airport even if they have to operate at a loss,” Poe said. If the SMC loses money from the Bulacan airport project, the government is not obliged to give it funding, she said. The proposed franchise exempts San Miguel Aerocity from paying all direct and indirect taxes and fees for the 10 years that the airport is under construction. The company will be required to submit annual reports to Congress, which will be a requisite in securing permits and certificates
Philstar.com photo
from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Failure to submit reports on time, on or before April 30, will result in payment of fines amounting to P1 million for every working day that it is not submitted. The SMC will start paying taxes once the Bureau of Internal Revenue determined that it has recovered its investments in the project. Sen. Bong Go, who co-sponsored the franchise bill, said the Bulacan airport would help decongest Metro Manila’s traffic and provide employment to Filipinos, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic. Public policy think-tank Infrawatch PH urged the government to ensure that the P3.341-billion, 10-year development commitment from San Miguel Aerocity Inc. must be complied with to balance the tax perks granted to the proposed Bulacan airport. n
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Friday, October 16, 2020
OMETHING
ILIPINO
LIfESTyLE • cONSUMER GUIdE • cOMMUNITy • MARkETPLAcE
Could have been in the US years ago Dear CD: The short answer to your question is yes, you can include your domestic partner, but only if you legally marry her before your immigrant visa interview. Whether your children who aged out can Atty. MichAel be included depends on their Gurfinkel, eSQ eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), based on Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I was petitioned by my mother a mathematical formula. However, what I find sad in as a married child (F-3) in April 2001. However, I discovered that your case is that you could have my wife had cheated on me, so immigrated to the U.S. over I had our marriage annulled in 7 years ago, well before your 2012. I now have a live-in part- children had aged out. Also, ner. I want to remove my first wife your domestic partner would from the petition and include my already have a green card, and domestic partner along with our you would already be a citizen 7 children, 3 of whom have aged by now! Instead, you are only now being processed for a green out. Is that possible? card, which could still take many Very truly yours, additional months. CD
Immigration Corner
Let me explain: although you were petitioned as “married,” as soon as your annulment to your first wife was final, you became single or “unmarried.” You would automatically be reclassified from married to single and would be processed in the F-1 category (single unmarried child of U.S. citizen). The April 2001 priority dates became current (or your visa became available) in the F-1 category in 2013. That means you and your children under 21 could have immigrated to the U.S. in 2013. You then could have returned to the Philippines a few months later and married your domestic partner and petitioned her in the F-2 A category, as the spouse of an immigrant. The processing time for an F-2A PAGE B3
CITIZEN PINOY: More Answers to Immigration questions from Kapamilya, via Zoom, this Sunday. Luchie of Azusa, CA (center) asks if it is OK for a green card holder to apply for naturalization if she already has a pending petition for her husband. From Redlands, CA, Ricky (right) would like to know if his two single daughters (whom he petitioned in 2011 in the F-2B category), can immigrate sooner now that he has naturalized. These are just a few of the immigration questions that will be answered on an encore episode of --- CITIZEN PINOY: Your Tanong, My Sagot – this Sunday at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).
Utility boxes depicting Filipino Abakada alphabet pop up in SF’s SOMA neighborhood by
Christina M. Oriel/AJPress
THOSE walking down Folsom and Howard streets in San Francisco’s South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood can get a brief lesson in the Abakada alphabet, which was once taught as part of the Philippine national language. Entitled the “We Live Here” project, 10 utility boxes depicting letters from the alphabet were recently unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 6 along the two streets in the neighborhood as the city celebrates October as Filipino American History Month. The project, which comes after years of advocacy, aims to teach the community about the alpha-
FEC Galing Bata is an after school program in SOMA Pilipinas.
Photo courtesy of SOMCAN
bet, as well as to amplify the Carmichael School PreK-8/the work of FEC Galing Bata, an af- Filipino Education Center. ter school program of the Bessie “For over a century, Filipino American organizations have been serving the BIPOC community of the SOMA. This project serves as an example of community empowerment through education. Historically, the different Filipino American organizations have been providing services that instill vital linguistically and culturally responsive services and resources in the SOMA to address the needs of immigrant and multi-racial families, and FEC Galing Bata and the Filipino Education Center are some examples,” South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN)’s Lian Ladia, who facilitated the project, said. Under the collaboration between SOMCAN and FEC Galing Bata, community meetings were held to choose the designs and what would be illustrated on the boxes. “Aside from it being a learning tool, we believe that these flashArtist Mel Vera Cruz designed 10 utility boxes with letters from the abakada alphabet and cards showcase the long-lasting Tagalog words in SF’s SOMA neighborhood, which were recently unveiled to the public. PAGE B4
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celebrity world By Ferdie Villar
Marco Gumabao talks about maintaining his sanity and career moves ‘Guadalupe’ to be streamed Oct 30-31
HE is certainly one of the hunkiest and good-looking actors around. But actor Marco Gumabao, whose physique has been showcased in movies would like to be known for more than his body. In an interview with my good friend Ricky Lo of The Philippine Star, Marco, who is the face (and body) of Philippine clothing brand Bench, shared his thoughts on how he keeps his sanity amid the pandemic and his career aspirations. “I guess that like everybody else, my biggest fear during this pandemic, of course, is if my family tests positive for COVID. That’s why as much as possible I try to stay at home so none of us can bring home any virus. My family’s health is my main priority right now,” Marco was quoted as saying in the interview when asked about his biggest fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Marco, keeping fit is the best defense against the virus, aside from following the guidelines prescribed by authorities which includes social distancing, wearing a face mask and face shield, and washing hands with soap and water. “I try to work out as much as possible even if I’m just at home. But the most important thing is to strengthen your spirituality and mental health. I make it a point to read a few chapters from the Bible or play praise and worship songs to keep me sane. I’m at home with my mom and younger sister and some house helpers,” he revealed. Career-wise, Marco believes in giving his all in everything he does by reminding himself that he can do better. He also wants to be recognized for his acting someday. “I wanna be recognized someday as the best actor, any award would be great. Sa life naman, siempre marami pa ‘yan, marami pa ko kakaining bigas. Kulang na
Actress/model/singer Bea Alonzo says that her last relationship showed her that she Marco Gumabao would like to be known more can be resilient and survive anything, among than just a hunky, good-looking actor in the other lessons. industry. Philstar.com photo Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo
lang siguro is love life, hahaha!!!” he said, with a chuckle. He is happy he took a leap of faith back in 2018 by transferring to Viva, and hopes that things will continue to move his way. He dismisses talk about him being nothing but a good-looking actor in the industry. “I let my work do the talking. It’s easy for people to say, ‘Pogi lang yan pero walang talent.’ Ako naman I don’t have anything against them, kaya I let my projects do the talking. I’m open also to constructive criticism, di ako nalulungkot o na-aapektuhan sa ganun. I can offer a lot more, not just my looks,” he explained, while adding that he is proud of all the projects he has done in his nine years in showbusiness. The son of actor Dennis Roldan also does not let the compliments get to his head, particularly when he is put in the top ten lists of best-looking actors today. “Well, I honestly don’t see myself as drop-dead good-looking. I don’t let it get to my head, kasi siempre dapat lagi tayong humble at meron diyan na ibang tao who looks better than you... But I
Bea Alonzo told a fan on a recent Q&A in her YouTube channel that she will never get back with former boyfriend Gerald Anderson. Inquirer.net photo
must say it has its pros and cons. Pero I don’t really think about it too much,” he mused. Although currently single (and not ready to mingle, he said), he is happy and in a good place. “I can say now that my heart is happy. And it hasn’t been this happy in such a long time. As of now, I’m just cherishing each moment and enjoying it. MaPAGE B3
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AFTER a long wait due to the COVID19 pandemic, “Guadalupe: The Musical” returns as a streamable video, taped live at the Meralco Theater in 2018, brought to the comfort of your living rooms and favorite devices starting at 9 a.m. October 30 for the premier showing until 11:30 AM on October 31, 2020 (Philippine standard time). The success of the musical has encouraged the producers to bring the story of the Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mexico via the Ticket2Me.net video streaming platform. Through technology, the Julie Borromeo Performing Arts Foundation Inc. and the producers of the online edition of this musical viewing hope to reach all the art aficionados and devotees alike in the Philippines and all over the world. This original Filipino musical is directed by theater legend Baby Barredo and was created by award-winning artists Joel Trinidad and Ejay Yatco. “Guadalupe: The Musical” is once again led by the inimitable Victor “Cocoy” Laurel (“Miss Saigon”), who reprises his role as Juan Diego, the Aztec mat-weaver at the center of the tale. Joining him once again are award-winning performers Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (“Binondo”), Lorenz Martinez (“Spamalot”), and a host of other theater stalwarts. “Guadalupe: The Musical,” set in 1531 New Spain, shows the quest of Juan Diego: a man claiming to have seen a vision of a half-Aztec, half-Spanish Virgin Mary who has given him the impossible task of building a church in her name. He relays this to Archbishop Juan de Zumarraga (who has lost his faith due to the countless atrocities he has seen but nevertheless sees the symbol as a way to unite the land) and his sickly old uncle Juan Bernardino (who thinks his nephew
has gone insane). A ruthless governor Nuño Beltran De Guzman opposes the Archbishop’s idea and throws Juan Diego out, threatening to imprison him if he ever shows his face again. Meanwhile, the Archbishop’s young niece Clara and his Aztec assistant Luis have fallen in love. Because of the current political climate, they are forced to keep their love secret; little do they know that, all this time, someone has been silently watching them from the shadows. One night in early December, a comet sets the sky ablaze. To the people of New Spain, it is an omen. For Zumarraga, it is a symbol of hope for his dying faith; for Guzman it is the spark of a revolution that must be extinguished; for Clara and Luis, it is passion, burning bright; for Juan Diego, it is no less than a sign from the Virgin herself. Soon afterwards, miracles begin to occur: A dying man returns from the brink of death. Flowers flourish where they cannot bloom. Unexplained images appear on a simple piece of cloth. And a doubter finds his faith once again. What is significant in this online event is that proceeds from the sale of the e-tickets from
Ticket2Me.net and sponsorships involved will benefit the following organizations: Joshua Evangelical Group Inc., Philippine Independence Day Council Inc., San Antonio De Padua Parish, St. Josemaria Escriva Mission Church, Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, Nativity of Our Lady Parish, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary of Sorsogon City, Southeastern Virginia Filipino American Lions Club, Montero Medical Mission, Regnum Christi Young Women’s Section, UP High Prep Elem Integrated School Foundation, Sigma Delta Phi Alumni Assocation, JCI Makati Senate, One Global Management Company Inc., SFO Cursillo Movement, UPIS Alumni Foundation, Punlaan School and Julie Borromeo’s Performing Arts Foundation Inc. E-tickets are still on sale at Ticket2Me.net or at the links at “Guadalupe The Musical Online” FB page, or contact via email at guadalupethemusicallive@ gmail.com, or call the following numbers: 650-550-9851, +63 2 8634 5063, +639 939 910 2629, +63 918 921 8182. A 10% surcharge will be applied by Ticket2Me.net on all tickets prices as payment for its services.
(Advertising Supplement)
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Could have been in the US years ago
PAGE B1 In your case, you can see that on the facts of the particular case. The petition would have been ap- because you were not aware of information and opinions contained herein proximately one year, so that by the various immigration laws, (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, 2014 you and your new wife and requirements, and benefits, you endorsements and re-enactments) are of a children would have all been in and your family lost out on years general nature, and are not intended to apply the U.S. as green card holders. of being in the U.S. I’m not guar- to any particular case, and do not constitute Unfortunately, you let that anteeing that every person has marvelous opportunity slip by, the same situation as you, or that a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal perhaps because you were not a person can benefit, because advice regarding the outcome of your legal aware of the various laws that there are many complex immi- matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or affect a person’s case or peti- gration laws that could apply to shall be, established with any reader. tion, such as the reclassification a person’s case, and they may WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com of a petition and changing of the not be aware of them unless they Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, priority dates or waiting times consult with an attorney. Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US based on certain events. *** Immigration TV Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the Undscvrd night market would bring thousands of people to the Filipino Cultural District. That is why I strongly recomMichael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for Photo by Mogli Maureal mend that people seek the adfor over 35 years and is licensed, and an anywhere in the US: vice and assistance of an attoractive member of the State Bars of California 1-866-487-3465 ney, even if they think their case (866) – GURFINKEL is simple and straightforward. and New York. All immigration services are Four offices to serve you: I know people think, “Why do I provided by, or under the supervision of, an LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK need an attorney for something active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend ∙ PHILIPPINES as simple as a family petition?” “UNDISCOVERED X,” a two- with industry professionals from Attendees will be able to navigate the different stages and programs day gathering of Filipino/a/x MyxTV. Livestream partners will in- with ease and within the comfort entrepreneurs, creatives and thought leaders will be mounted clude major cities such as San of their homes. Select cities will Francisco (hosted by Kultivate also be able to enjoy Filipino online from October 17-18. MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is leaving the deciWith four virtual stages, four Labs, Make it Mariko, and Cre- Food Meal Kits, adding a more sion about the possible postponement of Miss Universe streaming hub cities, over 60 key ative Transit Agency), New York sensory touch to the UNDIS2020 due to the pandemic up to the international pagguests and 50+ sponsor & vendor (DJ Getlive, Rise Radio, Fil Fam COVERED experience. Featured eant’s organizers. expo booths, “UNDISCOVERED Collective, NextDayBetter), Los artists and guests include rapIn a recent Zoom media conference TV 5 held for its X,” will showcase a range of Fil- Angeles (HiFi Kitchen, SIPA, per Ruby Ibarra, singers Kiana V upcoming shows (Catriona is one of the hosts of the SunAm stories, art, music, panel dis- OneDown Media), and Manila and Jeff Bernat, world-renowned day noontime show), the beauty queen adopted a waitDJ crew – Triple Threat DJs, and (Kumu & She Talks Asia). cussions and more. and-see attitude about whether or not the international Guiding UNDISCOVERED X panels – Filipinos Changing the The virtual event ultimately ofpageant should veer from tradition this year, and postfers critical dialogue around the programming this year is the Media Game, Filipino Cultural pone the coronation rites due to the pandemic. culture and complex identities of theme “Culture Connected.” Con- Districts in the Diaspora, and Miss International and Miss World have decided to the diaspora and a much-needed sidering the consequences of the more. move their respective pageants to next year, thus lengthUNDISCOVERED SF is part of space for connection and collab- coronavirus pandemic on BIPOC ening the current titleholders’ reign (the new Miss Unioration in the community, amid communities and businesses, a multi-prong strategy to build a verse-Philippines will be named on October 25). the coronavirus pandemic, said as well as the global civil rights thriving, sustainable community Catriona now prepares for her first-ever job as co-host Fil-Am non-profit Kultivate Labs. movement for black liberation, of economic and cultural activof TV5’s “Sunday Noontime Live,” along with Piolo PasAlso included in the event’s the team has considered critical ity in the SOMA Pilipinas cultural cual Maja Salvador, Donny Pangilinan and Jake Ejercito. robust programming is “UND- questions around diasporic iden- district. She is looking forward to singing and performing along For more information and to SCVRD TALENT” a worldwide tity, community building, storywith her co-hosts. (Maridol Ranoa-Bismark /Philstar. talent show, welcoming singers, telling, cultural and economic purchase tickets, please visit Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray Photo by Patrick Prather Miss Universe Organization com) www.undiscoveredsf.com. musicians, and producers from support and allyship. By leveraging the accessibility all over the globe, to submit a video of their best original mu- of digital platform Hopin, UNsic performance. The winners DISCOVERED X is virtually able will perform at Undiscovered to host and connect anyone with X and get the chance to work internet access across the globe.
‘UNDISCOVERED X’: San Francisco’s popular Filipino night market moves online
Virtual Miss Universe 2020? Catriona speaks up
Fil-Am actor Jacob Batalon reveals transformed, fit body on birthday By Niña
V. GuNo
Inquirer.net
FILIPINO AMERICAN actor Jacob Batalon marked his birthday with a mirror selfie that showed off his trim figure. The “Spider-Man” star, who plays Peter Parker’s BFF Ned Leeds in the latest Marvel movies, surprised fans with a photo of him wearing a brown jacket and no shirt underneath on his birthday last Friday, Oct. 9, as seen on his Instagram account. “[By] the way, while I appreciate the concern, people can stop telling me to lose weight now,” the 24-year-old wrote. Just days before, he posted a photo from 2019 that showed his figure prior to the weight loss. When one Instagram user noted he’d be “swimming” in his old jacket, he replied, “HAAAAA you right.” Batalon first shared his weight transformation in August, with
Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, returns as one of the judges of GMA TV’s “The Clash” for its third season. The show is a nationwide singing competition that started last October 3. GMA photo
Fil-Am actor Jacob Batalon Photo from Instagram_@lifeisaloha
fans noticing that he had slimmed down. The Hawaii-based actor is expected to make a return in “Spider-Man 3.”
Ruru Madrid, a handsome talented actor of GMA Pinoy TV, will portray the title role “Lolong,” which starts this month. Photo from Instagram/@rurumadrid
Marco Gumabao talks about maintaining... PAGE B2
sarap na feeling na inspired ka, at may nakukuhanan ka ng inspirasyon.” *** Bea Alonzo recently answered fans’ questions in a recent question-and-answer on her YouTube channel in an article in The Philippine Star. Asked if she would get back with former boyfriend Gerald Anderson, her reply was, “No. Never again.” With regard to her relationship status, Bea answered: “Okay naman siya, nag-e-entertain siya. Nagde-date siya. Open siya maging masaya.” As for qualities she is looking for in a guy, Bea said, “A guy who’s madly in love with me.” Bea also revealed to a fan what she learned from her last relationship: “That I am stronger than I think. That I am resilient and that I can survive anything in life. And that I am worthy.” As for moving on from a failed
relationship, Bea has this to offer. “Just do. It won’t come instantly. It won’t be easy but you just have to take it one day at a time and just acknowledge your feelings. If you’re still not okay, if you have not forgiven the person who hurt you, it’s okay because that day will come. Just trust the process. Kasi sometimes, we get caught up in a situation where parang feeling mo it’s so painful, parang hindi mo kaya and so you go back to stage one,” she suggested. “Personally, ‘yun ‘yung nangyari. Parang I didn’t trust myself that I could do it and na-realize ko na kung in-acknowledge ko ‘yung feeling na vulnerable ako, that I need help from friends and family, baka mas nalagpasan ko siya earlier. Baka na-discount ko ‘yung masasakit na yugto ng buhay ko. But of course, I had to learn the hard way. But kung maiiwasan naman, sana maiwasan,” she added.
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october 16-22, 2020 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL
Pumpkin Decorating Contest IT’S that time of year to carve or decorate a pumpkin. Show the community your skills and create a silly, sparkly or totally spooky pumpkin for the City of Santa Clara Pumpkin Decorating Contest. To enter the contest, email entries to YAC@ SantaClaraCA.gov and include: name, title of pumpkin, age and three photos of the pumpkin. Submissions will be accepted Oct. 8-26. Winners will be selected by the Santa Clara Youth Commission. For more information, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/halloween. #SPOOKTACLARA
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Visitors reminded to be fire safe in regional parks October peak of already catastrophic fire season THIS year’s fire season has been one of the most devastating on record with five of the 20 most destructive wildfires in California history happening this year. Locally, we have had five major fires in our parks – Round Valley, Morgan Territory, Mission Peak, Sunol Wilderness, and Ohlone Wilderness – all caused by severe weather and lightning on August 15, 2020. These fires were part of the SCU Lighting Complex Fire, which burned 396,624 total acres and was active for 44 days. Though already catastrophic, the height of fire season is typically October when the heat of summer has dried out vegetation, and hot, dry Diablo winds from the east create dangerous fire conditions. Now is the time to be vigilant and work together to prevent wildfires. What the public should do Park visitors can provide critical help in preventing wildfires by being alert in parks and following common-sense, everyday fire-safe rules: • Smoking is prohibited in all Regional Parks. This prohibition includes vaping. • Be aware of Red Flag Warning, fire danger levels, and park fire safety rules. Abide by all posted or announced fire safety
rules. • If you see a fire in a park, call 911 immediately. Report the fire’s location, size, and direction of burn, if possible. If in a park, leave immediately for your safety. • Practice situational awareness. Be alert for any potential fire hazards and report them. • During a fire emergency, cooperate with all instructions and evacuation orders from firefighters, police, and park staff. What the east bay regional park district is doing The Park District works throughout the year to reduce fire fuels and risks in parks, as well as prepare and stay ready for wildfires, including: • Maintaining a professional fire department with 16 full-time firefighters and over 34 on-call firefighters who have other District jobs but are fully trained and available when needed. • Grazing approximately 65 percent of the District’s parkland throughout the year with cattle, goats, and sheep that help to reduce fire fuels. • An eight-member fuel reduction crew works year-round to enhance fire safety by clearing brush, trimming trees, and carrying out controlled burning.
• Headquarters is Fire Station 1 at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Seven other stations throughout the District are staffed as circumstances demand. • Two helicopters serve as observation platforms to determine fire location, spread direction, and best access for ground crews. The helicopters are also equipped with Bambi buckets to drop water on fires when needed. As part of a larger network, the District maintains Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) in four regional parks that provide data to headquarters and the region on temperature, wind speed and direction, and moisture to help determine the fire danger level. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. (From East Bay Regional Park District)
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24-hour drop boxes and voting centers available in Santa Clara
ELECTION Day is November 3, 2020! The City of Santa Clara is sharing the following information to the community: Election Information The City of Santa Clara offers election information online at SantaClaraCA.gov/November2020Election. Stay informed about local candidates, local ballot measures, find official 24-hour drop boxes and voting centers available in Santa Clara, including Central Park Library & City Hall. 24-hour Ballot Drop Box Locations City of Santa Clara Facilities October 5 through November 3, 2020 Note: November 3 is only available until 8 p.m. • Santa Clara City Hall – Outside near front steps, 1500 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara • Central Park Library, 2635
Homestead Road Other Ballot Drop Box Locations in Santa Clara • Kona Kai Swim Club, 680 Hubbard Avenue • Mission College (Student drop off) 3000 Mission College Boulevard • Santa Clara County Traffic Court, 1095 Homestead Road • Briarwood Elementary School, 1930 Townsend Avenue Vote In-Person or Drop off Ballots City of Santa Clara Facilities October 31 to November 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 3, 2020, Election Day, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Santa Clara Central Park Library 2635 Homestead Road • Northside Branch Library, 695 Moreland Way • All Santa Clara County residents may vote, drop off ballots, or get a Provisional Ballot at Central
Utility boxes depicting Filipino Abakada...
PAGE B1 history and continuous presence of the Filipinos in San Francisco. The sentiment behind this project was to expose everyone, enrich the youth, engage families, and empower the community,” FEC Galing Bata teachers Shari Sarinas and Mark Belocura said. Bay Area multimedia artist Mel Vera Cruz was commissioned to create the art, which would represent the 20 letters, essentially in a style similar to alphabet flashcards. Abakada — which was developed by Filipino scholar Lope K. Santos in Ang Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa (The Grammar of the National Language) — bears 15 consonants and five vowels to represent the sounds of the Tagalog language. It was officially adopted in 1940 and remained the national language in the Philippines until 1976 when the Philippine Department of Education, Culture and Sports expanded the alphabet with 11 letters. The current 28Photos courtesy of SOMCAN letter Filipino alphabet was in- One utility box depicts the act of yakap (embrace). stitutionalized after the signing Journal. “It’s our time to promote require at least half of the daily of the 1987 Constitution. our culture and continue to share instruction in Filipino, due to a Each utility box bears two let- our history in SOMA.” lack of resources and conflicting ters, and are represented by a The organizations involved visions. Tagalog word and illustration, with this project also hope it will “In 2014, San Francisco certisuch as radyo (radio), sarang- bring awareness to the commu- fied Filipino as the city’s official gola (kite), watawat (flag), and nity’s struggles, which includes third language. However, when yakap(embrace). The sides are fighting for the Filipino language we conducted an evaluation and wrapped with designs mimicking immersion program under the assessment report in 2018, what traditional Filipino textiles. San Francisco Unified School we saw was Filipino language “The idea was to communicate District. access has been unevenly deliva collective spirit and empowIn September, SFUSD staff ered across city departments and Division no later than Friday, No- er those while they’re walking recommended against the dual agencies and not fully supported around the neighborhood and language immersion program in institutions like SFUSD,” said vember 20, 2020. • Drop off your ballot at any they can say, ‘We are here, we are at Bessie Carmichael/Filipino SOMCAN Director Angelica CaOfficial Ballot Drop Box located proud,’” Vera Cruz told the Asian Education Center, which would bande. throughout the county. • Or drop off your ballot at any Vote Center daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. before Election Day and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. A full list of Vote Center locations can be found online at www.smcvote.org and select “All Vote Center Locations” or at www.smcacre.org/vote-center-locations. All Vote Centers comply with San Mateo County Health Department and CDC COVID-19 safety standards. Voters are expected to wear masks and adhere to all social distancing requirements. For more information on the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election, please call 650.312.5222, visit www.smcvote.org or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ smcvote. The Registration & Elections Division also offers a tollfree hotline, 888.SMC.VOTE (888.762.8683), to assist voters in any language. (SMCACRE Release) A map showing where the utility boxes are located in SOMA
Public welcome to observe opening & processing of vote by mail ballots for Nov 3 presidential general election Public invited to observe voting systems in action REDWOOD CITY – The San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division’s authorized staff began opening and processing returned Vote by Mail ballots for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election on Tuesday, October 13. Election officials may open the return envelopes containing voted mail ballots beginning 29 business days before Election Day. Operating hours for opening and processing will be daily, Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. or until all ballots are processed for the day, until the Official Canvass is complete. For each ballot, an election official will compare the voter’s signature on the outside of the envelope to the signature on the voter’s original registration application or other updated signatures on file. The ballot is separated from the envelope to preserve secrecy. The envelope is saved for the mandatory retention period, and the ballot is digitally scanned. The tabulation of the scanned ballots will not be reported until the close of voting at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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Those interested in observing the process may come to the Registration & Elections Division office at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo at any time, or make prior arrangements by contacting Elections Supervisor Michael Lui at 650.312.5238 or mlui@smcacre. org. Observers will receive a copy of the Election Observer Program Guidelines, which specifies observer rights, responsibilities and limitations, and a copy of the Vote by Mail Processing Procedures. Registered voters may use the “My Election Info” link at www.smcvote.org to verify when ballot materials were mailed and when the Registration & Elections Division received their voted ballot. The last day for registered voters to request a ballot to be mailed to them for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election is on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Voted mail ballots can be returned in one of the following ways: • Mail your ballot in the POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3, 2020, and received by the Registration & Elections
Park & Northside Branch Libraries. Other Vote-In-Person & Drop Off Locations in Santa Clara • Triton Museum of Art, 1505 Warburton Ave. (October 31 to November 2, 9 AM to 5 PM; ELECTION DAY (November 3, 2020) - 7 AM to 8 PM) • Levi’s Stadium, 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way: October 31 to November 2, 9 AM to 5 PM; ELECTION DAY (November 3, 2020) - 7 AM to 8 PM • Muslim Community Association Banquet Hall (October 31 to November 2, 9 AM to 5 PM; ELECTION DAY (November 3, 2020) - 7 AM to 8 PM) Additional Voter Information Visit the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters at SCCVote. org for details about how to vote, to check your voter registration, to track your mail in ballot and more. (City of Santa Clara Release)
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 16-22, 2020
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october 16-22, 2020 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
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