2 November 3-5, 2021 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page
Dela Rosa: Pres. Duterte really...
PAGE 1
if he really wants it because as I know it, he really wants to run.) Dela Rosa — a long-time follower of Duterte and implementer of the latter’s drug war as then chief of the Philippine National Police — admitted that the President is blowing hot and cold when it comes to his political plans, with one hand wanting to retire, and the other still wanting to remain in public office. “Gusto niya magretire sometimes, sometimes naman gusto niyang tumakbo. Let’s leave him sa kanyang choice kung ano talagang gusto niya,” he added. (Sometimes, he wants to retire. Other times he wants to run. Let’s let him choose what he really wants.) When asked further, Dela Rosa maintained that to his knowledge, President Duterte would much rather remain in politics than to retire, describing the chief executive as a “workaholic.” “Yes, ‘yan ang tingin ko sa kanya kasi parang workaholic itong si President Duterte, gusto niya hanggang mamatay siya nasa trabaho siya,” he said. (Yes, I think he would rather
stay in politics because he is a workaholic. He wants to be in service until he dies.) “Ayaw niya yung idle moments niya na useless, na walang ginagawa so habang buhay pa siya gusto niya i-dedicate ‘yung kanyang remaining life sa pagseserbisyo sa ating bansa,” he added. (He does not like being idle and useless, so as long as he is alive, he wants to dedicate his remaining life force to serve the country.) The PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi originally wanted Duterte to run for vice president with his long-time assistant, Go, as his president. However, the President balked at his initial acceptance of the party’s nomination and announced his intention to retire from politics. Go then took his place and filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for vice president while Dela Rosa filed his COC for president at the last minute. Dela Rosa also insisted that the party is not convincing Duterte to run for senator to strengthen the party’s senatorial lineup. He believes the group’s Senate
slate can win “through their own merits.” “‘Wag nating sabihin na pinipilit natin tumakbo si Pangulong Duterte para lumakas ‘yung lineup ng PDP-Laban. Bakit wala ba kayong tiwala diyan sa mga tumatakbo sa Senate slate namin?” he said. (Let’s not say that we are convincing President Duterte to run for senator to up our Senate slate’s chances of winning. Don’t you have faith in our lineup?) “Puro naman ‘yan achievers, magaganda ang records. Kahit wala si President Duterte, they will win through their own merits,” he added. (They are achievers and have good records. Even if President Duterte will not run, they will win through their own merits.) The organic senatorial bets of the PDP-Laban Cusi wing include former chief presidential counsel Salvador Panelo, actor Robin Padilla, Silvestre Bello Jr. (Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III’s brother), broadcaster Rey Langit. Cusi earlier said any of these Senate bets would be willing to give up their slots and make way for President Duterte’s senatorial bid if ever he decides to run. n
States from the Philippines when she was 7. She worked for San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department and completed her education at UC
Groups petition to cancel COC of...
PAGE 1 when he claimed that he was eligible to be a candidate for president of the Philippines in the 2022 national elections when in fact he is disqualified from doing so,” they said. “Marcos is not eligible to run for any public office as he is, plainly, a convicted criminal. Marcos was convicted by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City in a July 27 1995 Decision for his multiple failures to file income tax returns,” the petitioners added. They noted that the Court of Appeals upheld Marcos’
conviction and no longer appealed to the Supreme Court, thereby becoming a final and unappealable conviction. “Having been convicted by final judgment of a violation of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), Marcos is perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, to vote and to participate in any election as mandated under the NIRC,” they stressed. Further, the petitioners also said that “the crimes for which Marcos was convicted by [the] final [judgment] are also crimes involving moral turpitude that
The new, equitable era of the Los Angeles... PAGE 1
Journal, the county — along with multiple municipal jurisdictions and environmental preservation agencies — has for the last couple of decades begun developing plans to restore the LA River. According to the “LA River Master Plan,” which was released by LA County earlier this year, San Diego before becoming a more than 1 million people across teacher in Palm Springs Unified the county live within one mile of 15 years ago. She was named the river, making it an essential a Riverside County Teacher of part of the landscape of not only the Year in May.(Inquirer.net) LA City but the county at large. The 480-page plan details more than 200 potential environmental and urban planning project sites that promise: local job creation; disqualifies Marcos from being targeted efforts “that assist in a candidate for any office under mitigating future disasters such Section 12 of the Omnibus as flooding, drought, and extreme Election Code.” heat”; and initiatives to combat The petition noted that the homelessness across the river crime involves moral turpitude while addressing displacement since, among others, Marcos and gentrification. and his family refuse to pay Poor maintenance and to the Filipino people roughly carelessness on the part of P203.8 billion in estate taxes, residents and local governments inclusive of interests, surcharge, are a major culprit of the river’s and other penalties. tragic state, but changes in the As of this posting, INQUIRER. climate have also exacerbated net is still seeking comment conditions along the river’s vast from Marcos’ camp through stretch. his chief of staff Atty. Victor But that is starting to change, Rodriguez but has yet to receive and the county says that the LA a response. n River Master Plan, which will span
California names Fil-Am ‘Teacher... PAGE 1 advocate for incorporating social and emotional wellness into her classroom. Aviña moved to the United
CLOSED. A sign showing “walang dalaw” (no visitors) is placed at the entrance gate of Bagbag Cemetery in Quezon City on Tuesday, November 2. The Metro Manila Council has urged local government units in the National Capital Region to close cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from the public for five days to avoid possible spikes in COVID-19 infections. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
the next several decades, will be an essential blueprint for the river’s long-overdue restoration — and according to a recent survey of Angelenos, residents are all in. In July, StudyLA — a research organization based at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) that strives for more equitable research-based advocacy for the greater LA area — conducted its 2021 Los Angeles River Survey, a 600-person study that sought to gauge residents’ attitudes and opinions regarding the LA River. Each participant took part in a 15-minute telephone poll — which was conducted in four different languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Korean — which found that 91% of Angelenos support revitalization efforts of the region’s most prominent water passage. And, after a long period of shelter-in-home and social distancing, community leaders agree that the LA River has lots of potential to be a source of prosperity for Angelenos. “When we started thinking and reimagining what a postpandemic city is going to look like, the river should be upfront,” Fernando Guerra of LMU said at a Sept. 10 press briefing releasing
the survey results. “We need to be outside [and] we need to have activities in the urban space, and thinking of a revitalized river is a great support for this effort.” During the telephone survey, many questions were fielded to participants, including, “What comes to mind when you think of the Los Angeles River?” StudyLA created a word cloud of the most commonly spoken words during these telephone calls, and by far, the most prominent word was “dirty,” which presented a complicated issue. “If you don’t think it’s worthy, you’re not going to invest. If you don’t invest, it will never be worthy. I think this is what that word speaks to me: that we have to have some initial investment to try to get people to understand the potential of this resource,” Guerra shared. As written about in the Asian Journal, the history of the LA River goes back centuries. The river was a primary source of fresh water for indigenous Americans and wildlife and provided plenty of fish, including the now-endangered steelhead trout. After colonists began settling in the area and the county started PAGE 3
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
DATE LIN E USA
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 3-5, 2021
3
Protest erupts vs Roque at upscale New York restaurant by XAVE
GREGORIO Philstar.com
A PROTEST erupted at an upscale restaurant in New York City to object to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s nomination by the Philippines to the International Law Commission over accusations that he “failed to uphold international law.” Rallyists from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – USA and its allied organizations staged a protest at Aretsky’s Patroon where Roque said he was hosting a private reception for representatives of several foreign missions in New York. Protesters chanted “No justice, no peace, stop the killings in the Philippines!” and “Roque out of ILC!” as heard in a Facebook Live video by Bayan – USA. “Harry Roque is a war criminal! He has no place joining the International Law Commission! We abhor everyone inside at the UN to dismiss his candidacy!” said one protester. Another protester said, “He has failed to uphold international law! He has justified the killings of Filipino women!” As they were blocked entry into the dining area, protesters shouted, “How dare you protect
a war criminal!” and proceeded to chant, “Shame!” In a statement following the protest, Roque condemned the protesters for supposedly trying to “cause harm to innocent people.” “The militant groups were not content to peacefully rally outside the restaurant, they charged upstairs, in the process injuring two elderly waiters, and causing damage to property,” he claimed. He also claimed that the protesters ordered food and drinks from the restaurant but did not pay for them. Bayan – USA denied Roque’s allegations, saying that he is just attempting to divert attention from the key issues they raised. They added that at least three protesters were injured by his security staff as they were “violently pushed down the stairs.” “Protesters raised legitimate opposition to his candidacy in the ILC especially given his role in Duterte’s crimes, and Harry Roque, as presidential spokesperson and vying for a spot in the UN International Law Commission, must be held accountable for these crimes,” the group said. Objections to Roque A number of groups in the
Philippines have voiced out their objection to Roque’s bid for a seat at the ILC, a United Nations expert panel that develops and codifies international law. The ILC was instrumental in the creation of the International Criminal Court, which Roque has repeatedly tried to discredit amid its prosecutor’s ongoing investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed under the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs.” Among the groups that have either signalled their opposition or have written to the ILC to object to Roque getting a seat at the commission are the Free Legal Assistance Group, the National Union of People’s Lawyers and the executive committee of the University of the Philippines. Roque has dismissed opposition to his nomination as “bereft of legal merit.” According to the ILC’s website, members serve in their individual capacity and not as representatives of their governments. It also states that “[m]embers of the Commission are paid travel expenses and receive a special allowance in accordance with article 1348 of the Commission’s statute.” ■
SIPA to honor Fil-Am community leaders with... PAGE 1
more than 100,000 meals to frontline workers throughout Southern California. The award will be presented by Danny Trejo, actor, restaurateur and owner of Trejo’s Tacos and Trejo’s Cantina, as well as a collaborator with The Park’s Finest. Internet star Bretman Rock and MTV Digital will likewise receive the Barangay Award for the “Following: Bretman Rock” series which uplifts the story and experience of Fil-Am and LGBTQIA+ influencer Bretman Rock. Recently, Bretman made history as the first-ever openly gay man to grace the cover of Playboy magazine. The award will be presented by Manila Luzon, International Drag Queen of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
According to Maniquis, the honorees were chosen for their contributions to the Filipino community during a year that saw a pandemic, as well as uprisings related to racial justice and a movement to respond to anti-Asian violence. “It was important for us to honor community leaders who actively sought to address and challenge the current times. SIPA’s indigenous values are kawanggawa (compassionate action), damayan (engage) and pagtutulongan (help). We sought out individuals and groups of people who embodied those values especially in this past year,” she added. The Barangay Awards will be hosted by actors Asia Jackson and Dion Basco. In addition to the awards, SIPA will highlight its latest work
HiFi Collective redevelopment project, home to the new SIPA headquarters and community center, and 62 units of affordable housing, set to open in 2022. To continue its mission, SIPA will host a live fundraising during the awards show, in the hopes to meet or exceed its fundraising goal of $100,000. All funds raised the night of the Barangay Awards will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Anyone interested in participating in the live fundraising event on Nov. 5 can register at www.every.org. All proceeds support SIPA in fulfilling its mission of enriching and empowering generations of Filipino Americans. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and donations, visit sipacares.org. ■
When you GET VACCINATED you have greater protection against hospitalization and death.
WEAR A MASK when it can protect you & others.
GET TESTED & STAY HOME when you feel sick.
Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you MyTurn.ca.gov
833-422-4255
MORE JABS. National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. (right), and U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Heather Variava (left) place a Resbakuna sticker on the box containing a portion of a total of 2,098,980 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 on Sunday, October 31. The latest shipment of the American-made jabs is expected to beef up the country’s vaccination efforts, especially the inoculation of minors aged 12 to 17. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
The new, equitable era of the Los Angeles... PAGE 2
to transform into its current manifestation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encased the river in a deep concrete trench following an intense rainfall in 1938 that caused flooding across the county. These concrete trenches allowed for more pedestrian and recreational use, but Angelenos agree that the river could provide more in terms of multipurpose functionality. The StudyLA poll found that many Angelenos supported more bicycle and pedestrian lanes as well as parks and recreational areas — the LA River Master Plan details a massive transformation of 32 miles of concrete-lined river to public green spaces. Among poll participants, 82% support creating habitats for flora and fauna and 79% said that flood control is also a priority. About 64% of Angelenos believe that the river could be a tourist attraction, which has been a goal since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified the LA River as a navigable waterway. “What has been a singular purpose [in revitalization efforts] is to get water out quickly because of atmospheric flooding,” said Sarah Rascon, environmental equity officer of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.
“But with this renewed focus, we realize that you can do so much more. The water quality is tested three times a week now, [and] there is recreation for everyone,” she added. Notably, 76% of survey respondents said that any efforts to revitalize the river should not displace local communities and feed into the growing concern over gentrification. In order to benefit “those who live along the [LA river] corridor, we have to tackle several issues,” said Mark Stanley, executive officer of the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. “How do you look at encampment issues, how do you look at housing, how to integrate that into the open space, how do you look at the communities that want to create greater economic development, without creating displacement and gentrification?” Gentrification has already impacted communities along the river, particularly the neighborhoods near Frogtown, Chinatown, Cypress Park, and Eagle Rock. At the Sept. 10 press conference, community advocates, like Damon Nagami — senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council — noted that any and all river restoration projects must have these communities of color in mind. “There are opportunities
here for equitable community development, he said. “But we have to be intentional and build those policies.” “It could be a resource for all of L.A. County, not just those that are by the river,” says Guerra of the L.A. River. “I certainly didn’t expect that, but it’s one of the major findings— how much support for investing in the river goes way beyond the neighborhoods by the river.” However, although support for the river is overwhelmingly positive, only 48% support a tax increase to fund the revitalization effort. But the State of California announced on Sept. 29 that it would commit to $15 million to fund two upcoming key restoration projects: $10 million toward the completion of the Glendale-LA River pedestrian and $5 million toward bicycle bridge and the creation of an under-crossing path along the North Atwater East Bank. The latter, once completed, will allow pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians to easily access parks, horse facilities, neighborhoods and businesses — integrating the river into the everyday lives of Angelenos. “To be a great city, we need a great river,” Guerra said. “I think that Angelenos are coming around to that perspective. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
4 November 3-5, 2021 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
Date lin e USa
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
LA County public health provides framework for... ‘Not quite on board’: Parents proving a tough... PAGE 1 For masking requirements to be lifted at indoor events or establishments involving fewer than 1,000 people, including indoor offices and worksites, sites must have a vaccination verification process in place, and all employees and customers must be fully vaccinated, accommodating with additional requirements those employees with approved exemptions. Additionally, L.A. County metrics must meet all of the same standards as for lifting masking requirements at outdoor mega events. Indoor masking will remain mandatory due to federal and state requirements on public transit and transportation hubs (federal), and at TK-12 schools, childcare, and youth settings; healthcare settings; correctional facilities; homeless and emergency shelters and cooling centers; and indoor mega events involving more than 1,000 people (state). In LA County, 900,000 children between the ages of 5 and 11 will likely become newly eligible for vaccination this week. The County is well prepared to vaccinate children once the CDC grants final approval. Currently, the County expects to get nearly 300,000 doses as part of its first three waves of vaccine supply by the end of this week; the first pediatric doses are arriving today with additional doses scheduled to arrive later this week. If the CDC approves pediatric vaccines today, sites that already received doses may be able to start vaccinating as early as tomorrow afternoon or on Thursday. Doses are being allocated to the County and to the rest of the country on a prorata basis. Public Health does not anticipate scarcity, and expects there will be ample vaccine to meet demand. A network of nearly 900 providers countywide is prepared to provide vaccines to children between the ages of 5 and 11. County mobile vaccination teams will work to supplement vaccinations offered by existing providers so that children have easy access to our most powerful protection from COVID-19. Over the course of the month of November, vaccines for children will be offered at 480 school-based events with a
focus on schools in high-need areas. Public Health confirms 17 new deaths and 896 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 17 new deaths reported today, three people who passed away were over the age of 80, five people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, three people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and two people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49. Four deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach. To date, Public Health has identified 1,495,014 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 26,661 deaths. The County’s daily average case rate, with a 3-day lag, is 9.0 cases per 100,000 people, a slight increase from last week’s 3-day-lagged case rate of 8.0 cases per 100,000. CDC’s estimation of the County’s weekly case rate is 80.3 new cases per 100,000 residents, reflecting continued substantial transmission across the county and a small increase from last week’s case rate of 72 new cases per 100,000 residents. There are 659 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 26% of these people are in the ICU. This is an increase of 30 daily hospitalizations over the past week. Testing results are available for more than 9,076,000 individuals with 15% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 1.0%. “Our deepest condolences to those who are grieving the loss of a friend, neighbor, coworker, or loved one at this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “We are hopeful that with continued increases in vaccination and boosters and adherence to the existing common sense safety precautions, we can reach a lower level of community transmission that positions us to lift the masking requirements. While transmission is substantial, we need to continue layering on protections, understanding that significant spread of the virus affects unvaccinated individuals and increasingly results in post-vaccination infections among those vaccinated.
Substantial spread also creates a fertile breeding ground for new variants that can threaten our progress to date. Let’s continue to do what it takes to enable everyone to celebrate the upcoming holidays with family and friends, rather than being quarantined, sick, or hospitalized.” As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it can be helpful to plan ahead in order to have the safest and healthiest gatherings possible. Getting yourself and your loved ones vaccinated now gives you the best chance at having some protection from COVID over the holidays. Public Health recommends staying local until everyone in your household is fully vaccinated, and if you travel with unvaccinated family members, including young children, planning enough travel time to complete quarantine before joining the holiday gathering. Gathering outdoors is safest, especially when masks are off for eating and drinking. If outdoors isn’t possible or practical, improve the air flow indoors by opening windows and doors, using fans and portable air cleaners, and running the heating or air conditioner with upgraded or replaced filters. Los Angeles County is administering boosters for all three FDA-approved vaccines; Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People eligible for boosters include adults of any age who received their first Johnson & Johnson dose at least two months ago, and people who got the second dose of their Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at least six months ago and are 65-plus years old or are over 18 and live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or work or live in high-risk settings. To find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit: www. VaccinateLACounty. com (English). If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound. n
PAGE 1 the vaccine for their 5- to 11year-olds. More than threequarters of parents of children in this age group reported they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned that not enough is known about the long-term effects of the vaccine in kids. “I’m not quite on board with everybody getting vaccinated,” said Tara Currier, 42, a mother of four in Marysville, California, who decided not to vaccinate her three older children, ages 12, 14 and 16. She said she also plans to delay vaccinating her 10-year-old daughter. While she is fully vaccinated herself, Currier said she won’t vaccinate her children until she can be certain the shot is “actually a protection and not something that’s going to affect their bodies later on. I don’t know that can be answered yet, because the vaccine hasn’t been seen in people for very long.” Public health officials and leading experts have been increasingly vocal in emphasizing that while children are at lower risk of serious illness from covid, they are not at zero risk. Nearly 6.3 million children have tested positive for covid, and more than 580 have died, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. A small percentage have developed long-term symptoms. They also stress that vaccinating children is essential to slowing the spread of the virus in the broader population. Nationwide, more than 45 million people have been infected by SARS-CoV-2, which causes covid, and more than 745,000 have died. The Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech covid vaccine for emergency use in children ages 12-15 in May, after approving the same shot for teens 16 and older five months earlier. On Friday, the agency authorized for emergency use a smaller dose of the vaccine for children ages 5-11, and shots are expected to be available this week following signoff by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In clearing the Pfizer vaccine for children and teens, the FDA said ongoing clinical studies show children and adolescents face greater risks from covid and its potentially devastating side effects than they do from
a rare side effect of the vaccine involving inflammation of the heart reported in some young adults. Still, California offers a lens on the challenges health officials and pediatricians face in persuading parents nationwide to embrace the new shots. The state ranks in the nation’s top quartile in overall vaccination rates, with 72% of people 12 and older vaccinated, according to the CDC. But that number masks vast disparities among the older and younger age groups. Statewide, just 59% of kids 12 to 17 were fully vaccinated by Oct. 24. By comparison, 71% of people 18 to 49 were vaccinated by that date; 80% of residents 50 to 64; and 75% of residents 65 and older. In addition, teen vaccination rates vary hugely by region, another microcosm of the U.S. While many of the wealthier urban and suburban counties along the California coast boast vaccination rates upward of 70% for kids 12 to 17, multiple counties in the state’s rugged north report fewer than a quarter of that age group are vaccinated. Marin County is one of the state’s success stories. Relatively wealthy, decidedly Democratic and overwhelming white, the county had vaccinated 93% of kids 12 to 17 as of Oct. 19, according to the California Department of Public Health. That’s more than twice the rate of 12- to 17-year-olds vaccinated in rural Madera County in the Central Valley; and it dwarfs the 16% of kids 12-17 vaccinated in Modoc County in the state’s mountainous northeast. When younger teenagers became eligible in the spring, public health officials in Marin County set up two mass vaccination sites with “lots of fanfare and confetti and a ribbon-cutting kind of feeling,” said county public health officer Dr. Matt Willis. Families were eager, and within 10 days, the county had vaccinated half their adolescent population. For parents who were more hesitant, “pediatricians were crucial,” Willis said. Dr. Nelson Branco, a pediatrician in Larkspur, said his practice waited a few weeks before opening its own vaccination clinic. They checked the vaccine registry for their 4,000 12- to 17-
year-old patients, identified 800 who had not been vaccinated, then sent out an email blast inviting them to one of their weekly clinics and to call with any questions. “We found that there were lots of parents of teenagers who are very anxious for their kids to get back to more normal activities,” said Branco. “We’re seeing the same things with parents of younger kids. The question is ‘When?’ not ‘Should I?’” In a rural county like Madera, which hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since Jimmy Carter, the low vaccination rates reflect factors beyond a conservative political bent, said Dr. Nicole Webb, a pediatrician at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Madera. Rather, many residents face logistical challenges that don’t exist for Californians in the suburbs and cities, where a pharmacy or doctor’s office is a short drive or transit ride away. “I think the tempting thing is to try to make global generalizations based on political or ideological blinds, but I think it’s actually a lot more complicated than that in a place like this,” Webb said. Even in counties reporting high teen vaccination rates, there are pockets where pediatricians are struggling to convince wary parents. Santa Clara County has vaccinated 75% of kids 12 to 17, according to CDPH. But at her practice in central San Jose, Dr. Amna Khan said most of her patients are on the fence. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center sees mostly Medi-Cal patients, and many of Khan’s patients are recent immigrants. “In my patient population, they have a lot of reason to distrust the government and medicine in general,” Khan said. “It’s not a political statement. It’s distrust from things they’ve heard from their family or church or neighbors.” Often, these conversations are a “difficult dance” that Khan must navigate with cultural sensitivity and help from translators. Sometimes, she faces the minefield of parentteen conflict, with arguments breaking out in the exam room between kids who want the vaccine and parents who refuse. No matter where parents are u PAGE 7
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Date lin e USa
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvembeR 3-5, 2021
Dateline PhiliPPines
5
PH mulls over total lifting Locsin hits abuse of nature at climate summit of face shield requirement by Pia lee-BRago Philstar.com
shields),” he added. However, Roque advised the AJPress public to continue wearing face THE Philippines is consider- shields until a final decision has ing lifting its mandatory use of been made. “Pero, wala pa pong desiface shields in crowded areas. Presidential Spokesperson syon. So, suot pa rin po tayo Harry Roque on Tuesday, No- ng face shields (But, we have vember 2, said that the decline no decision yet. So, let us still in COVID-19 infection rates wear face shields),” he said. “Nililinaw ko lang po, might persuade the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Manage- bagamat dumadami ang sumument of Emerging Infectious suporta sa hindi na paggamit Diseases to drop the face shield ng face shields dahil bumababa ang numero, sa ngayon po, requirement. “I can confirm po na habang isuot pa rin po natin ang face bumababa ang mga numero, eh shields (I’m just clarifying, pinag-uusapan na rin po kung while many support not using ipagpapatuloy pa ang pagsu- face shields because of desuot ng face shields (I can con- clining numbers, for now, we firm that while the number of have to wear face shields),” the infections continue to decline, spokesman added. In September this year, we are discussing whether it is still necessary to wear face Philippine President Rodrigo shields),” he said in an online Duterte limited the use of face shields in places that fall under press briefing. “So, tama po kayo dahil bum- the “3Cs” category: crowded, ababa ang numero, marami closed, and close contact. “Pwede na tanggalin sa labas nang kumbaga nagsasabi sa IATF na baka dapat itigil na rin (You no longer need to use that ang pagsusuot ng face shields outside). No more face shields (You are right because the num- outside. Ang limitasyon, ang bers are dropping, many people face shield gamitin mo [sa] are telling the IATF that maybe three ‘Cs.’ Iyang tatlo na iyan, it is time to stop the use of face face shield is a must pa rin. by Ritchel
Mendiola
Iyan ang recommendation (The limitation is the use of a face shield in three ‘Cs.’ Face shield is still a must in those three. That’s the recommendation),” the chief executive said. The IATF first issued the use of face shields outdoors in December last year. In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they would look into the country’s experience in requiring the use of face shields. “It’s interesting that we have also been able to sort of delay the speed at which the Delta variant is spreading and we don’t know whether the face shields are a contributory factor. So, while we are understanding all of these issues, it’s best to look for evidence and make decisions based on that,” said WHO representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe. The Philippines is the only country in the world that requires using face shields in addition to masks. To date, there are a total of 2,792,656 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 43,404 fatalities and 2,708,466 recoveries. n
CA OKs Maria Ressa US travel by evelyn
MacaiRan Philstar.com
to Boston from Oct. 31 to Dec. 2 to attend a 30-day program at the Harvard Kennedy School. MANILA — The Office of the The CA, which is hearing Solicitor General (OSG) has failed Ressa’s appeal to her cyber libel to stop Nobel Peace Prize winner conviction, noted that in the inviand Rappler chief executive offi- tation letter sent to the journalist, cer Maria Ressa’s travel abroad the Harvard program requires after the Court of Appeals (CA) her physical presence. granted her request to attend a While in the U.S., she will also series of lectures at the Harvard celebrate Thanksgiving in Florida University and visit her parents with her parents, whom she had in the United States. not seen for two years. Ressa left for the U.S. on SunThe appeals court granted day, October 31, according to her request to travel because in her news agency. sum, “the OSG failed to present In a six-page resolution dated compelling reasons to warrant Oct. 29, the appellate court’s a reconsideration of the Oct. 18 Eighth Division denied the OSG’s resolution. Thus, granting of motion for reconsideration and Ressa’s fifth urgent motion to granted Ressa’s petition to travel travel abroad stands.” to the U.S. The appellate court said Ressa The resolution was penned by was able to prove that her travel Justice Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig. was urgent and necessary and The CA allowed Ressa to travel that she is not a flight risk.
Maria Ressa Photo from Twitter/@mariaressa
The CA promulgated its decision more than a week after the journalist was named one of the two winners of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. n
MANILA — Humankind’s abuse of nature “is now blowing back on all people,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. underscored on Tuesday, November 2. “Nature is the cradle that is soon to be the grave of the human race,” Locsin said in a statement at the 26th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. “We have each only ourselves to blame; unless we are blind to our reflection in the mirror before our face,” he said. The official opening of the two-week UN climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland came hours after preliminary climate talks among world leaders at the G20 summit in Rome saw meager forward movement. The UN weather agency, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has warned that the past seven years are set to be the hottest on record and “our planet is heading into uncharted territory.” “We all share the same blame for caring nothing about the planet – some more than others – because we didn’t care to clean up after ourselves; we stayed deliberately heedless about dirtying this: the one and only home of the human race from which there is no escape,” Locsin said. The COP26 brings together heads of state and government, civil society and business leaders who have been invited to set out ambitious actions to reduce emissions, scale-up adaptation and mobilize finance and signal commitment to ensuring that 1.5 degrees Celsius is within reach. “This is the day of judgment. Sadly, the judges are us – the planet’s destroyers. No one else. But it is a legal truism that no man can be judged in his own case. Yet this is the case we are to judge and provide the remedy,” the foreign secretary said. He noted that President Duterte pleaded at the 75th UN General Assembly that the climate vulnerability of the Philip-
pines, an archipelagic state with a coastline of 36,000 kilometers situated along the typhoon belt of the Pacific, is undeniable. “Filipinos, battered and bruised by brutal typhoons that come year after year, yearn for climate justice,” he said. Duterte urged developed countries to fulfill their longstanding commitment to cli-
mate financing, technology transfer and capacity-building in the developing world, saying “that is a moral obligation that cannot be avoided.” “Please, we beg, let’s not succumb to the temptation to use this forum for recriminations instead of solutions; practical and never at others’ expense,” u PAGE 7
6 NOVEMBER 3-5, 2021 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
OPiniOn
Don’t forget climate change
FeatURes
LONG after the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the planet will continue to grapple with the existential threats posed by climate change. The COVID health crisis unavoidably relegated global warming to the backseat. COP 26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow, Scotland from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12, hopes to get global warming back on the agenda of governments even as they grapple with a still raging killer pandemic. Debates on measures to reduce global warming have always been contentious. COP26 hopes to secure commitments from participants for ambitious emission reduction targets by 2030. While there is little argument over the need to stop deforestation, there is pushback on timetables set for the phase-out of coal, which is a cheap source of energy for developing states. Advanced economies are being urged to do more in reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Switching to electric vehicles and increasing investments in renewables are also meeting resistance from
those who balk at the initial high investment that is required. COP26 is hoping to get countries to work together to protect and restore ecosystems as well as build defenses, warning systems, and resilient infrastructure and agriculture. Developed countries have committed to mobilize at least $100 billion in climate finance annually by 2020. COVID-19 has surely affected this commitment, but it must be put back on track. The Philippines, identified as one of the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, has a large stake in seeing the COP commitments carried out. The country itself must do its own homework in attaining the climate change conference objectives. Every country and every person on the planet has a role to play in confronting climate change, even in the middle of a deadly pandemic. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Facing death will make you look at life differently
Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ MORE than a year and a half since the COVID-19 outbreak, five million people all around the world have gone from this earth – perhaps even more – due to other illnesses such as heart disease and stroke which are among the leading causes of death. Not since more than a century ago has the world seen such a high death toll due to a pandemic. The magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic can be seen in heartbreaking images such as medical frontliners sitting tired and helpless in hospital corridors as they continue the battle against an unseen enemy, patients breathing through ventilators, hospital emergency rooms crammed with patients waiting to be admitted, families weeping at the passing of loved ones. So many photos also shocked the world, like the bodies lined up before cremation in India, coffins inside a church in Italy and mass graves in Brazil.
Commentary
YEN MAKABENTA First word SERIOUSLY, can the announced candidates for president and vice president write a rudimentary essay on why each of them is seeking election to either of the two highest positions in our government? I wish I had thought of this idea sooner. We could have averted the march of clowns and losers into our presidential and vice-presidential elections on May 9, 2022 had we included in our election rules an essay requirement similar to that of the college admission process in the United States and the United Kingdom (in these countries, college applicants are required to submit an admission essay or personal statement of purpose when applying for admission to a college or university program). High candidate turnout If low voter turnout is the perennial problem of US national elections (only 51.3 percent of Americans exercise their right to vote), here in the Philippines, we have the opposite problem of too much candidate turnout in our elections, particularly in the races for the most important posts in government. Filipino politicians and nonpoliticians make the decision to throw their hat into the ring
Rich or poor, this virus does not discriminate – affecting everyone regardless of age, race, gender, wealth, social status, culture or religion. To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended lives and caused untold anguish and suffering would be an understatement. People have lost jobs, businesses have gone under and the toll on mental and emotional health has been great due to many reasons. Last year, a couple from Denver started a howling ritual outside their home every 8 p.m. to ease the pain of isolation – and this spread not only among their neighbors and the state of Colorado but also in California, New York and Georgia. People also howled to show their gratitude to health workers and other frontliners thick in the fight against COVID-19. The struggle is real, with people trying their best to financially survive, coping with the frustration that comes along due to the inability to do things people may have taken for granted: going out for a walk, attending birthday par-
ties, eating with friends in a restaurant, traveling to a favorite spot. Some even admitted to me that opening social media has become stressful because they keep seeing posts about friends or relatives getting sick or dying. Tomorrow is Nov. 1, the day we remember the dead – but all of us are staring at the face of death knowing that all of us can be vulnerable to the coronavirus or any other illness that may come along. Yet this time of great loss is also teaching us what life is really all about, making us reflect on the things that matter most. One realization is that material wealth is not the be all and end all – what’s more important than anything else is your relationship with your family and loved ones, because you never know when your number will be called by God. The worst of times have also allowed us to see the best in people, with kindness, compassion and generosity coming to the fore. We have seen it in the community pantries that provide items for free – from
rice to eggs, milk, vegetables, canned goods, etc. that anybody who needs to tide his hunger over can get from. We are also seeing a great sense of solidarity among nations, helping other countries struggling to keep the pandemic under control by donating protective equipment, hospital beds and most of all, life-saving vaccines. We have to admit that the United States has been extremely generous, having distributed over 200 million vaccines to more than 100 countries with large volumes going to lower-income nations. The U.S. has committed to donate more than one billion vaccines and perhaps even more – proving that it is indeed the world’s best arsenal of vaccines. During our engagements with officials here in the U.S., my messaging is that they are blessed because their country is generous, helping people and saving lives all over the world through their vaccine donations. There is absolutely no doubt that any act of generosity will
come back a hundredfold, perhaps not necessarily in terms of material wealth but in some other form like peace of mind, health and perhaps true happiness. That, in the end, is what a true and meaningful life should be. ASEAN economic rebound UK-based IHS Markit expects positive growth for the ASEAN region in 2022, with the Philippines projected to post the strongest growth at around 7.2 percent. This is a very encouraging piece of good news because our main focus is on economic recovery to help businesses recover and create jobs for people. According to IHS Markit, ASEAN will be one of the three main growth engines of Asia Pacific over the next decade, along with China and India. We’re also glad to hear that the Asian Development Bank has reaffirmed its support for ASEAN’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that such recovery will be strong and lasting. Filipinos are very encouraged by positive developments in
the country such as the continued downtrend in the number of new infections, due in large part to the vaccination rollout. To date, the Philippines has secured over 100 million total vaccine doses since the first batch arrived in February. According to NEDA Secretary Karl Chua, Philippine economic growth has begun to recover in the first three quarters this year, and if Metro Manila’s current Alert Level 3 is downgraded to Level 2, the economy stands to gain at least P3.6 billion a week – which would obviously reduce unemployment. He also stressed the importance of accelerating the vaccination rollout as well as the safe reopening of the economy while strictly adhering to health protocols to ensure strong recovery in 2022. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
Why do you want to be president of the Philippines? at the drop of a hat with little soul-searching. The Commission on Elections always faces a huge challenge of weeding out nuisance candidates from the thousands who file certificates of candidacy during elections. High candidate turnout seems superficially to confirm how serious or ardent we Filipinos are about our electoral democracy. On closer look, however, this betrays how cavalier we are about the rigors and demands of high public office. Candidates for high office here sprout from out of nowhere like a virus. To the public, there is little rhyme or reason why so-and-so is running for president because it never occurs to them to feel the weather, if it is opportune or sensible for them to run, or to ask whether they possess the qualities of a political leader. Many of the professed candidates for president today will probably be hard put to explain coherently the reasons for their candidacy and their program of governance if elected. College admission essay requirement According to Wikipedia, an admissions or application essay, sometimes also called a personal statement or a statement of purpose, is an essay or other written statement by an applicant, often a prospec-
tive student applying to some college, university or graduate school in the US and UK. The application essay is a common part of the university and college admissions process. The common application, used for undergraduate admissions by many American colleges and universities, requires a general admissions essay, in addition to any supplemental admissions essays required by member institutions. The common application essay is intended as a chance to describe “things that are unique, interesting and informative about yourself.” In the UK, a personal statement is part of an application sent to Universities and Colleges Admissions Service by a prospective student at a UK university. In a personal statement, the student writes about what he hopes to achieve in a UK university course, what he hopes to do after the course and why he is applying to this particular university. Considering how they require an essay in a college admission process, I think it reasonable and sensible for us to require it also from individuals who seek the authority to lead and govern the nation. The essay, if the candidates write it out, will at least impel them to think and reflect on their motives for running for public office. Of course, if the decision
to run was not willed but dictated to them, it will not matter much if you keep it all to yourself. Why I want to be president Since it is too late now to introduce this essay rule into the May 2022 elections, I recommend that in the coming TV debates sponsored by the Comelec, the discussion should kick off with each presidential and vice- presidential candidate presenting concisely in three minutes why they each want to be elected president or vice president of the Philippines, and what they seek to accomplish in office. The statements of purpose can then be released for publication and rebroadcast. If the candidate cannot articulate what has propelled him to run, he/she will not deserve anyone’s vote. This innovation will serve to correct the dismal situation wherein many candidates do not offer the slightest proof of seriousness and resolve in standing for election. Election as quest for leadership I urge this change of perspective on the current election cycle because the May 9, 2022 balloting will be the culmination of the nation’s quest for a new leader to replace President Rodrigo Duterte whose term will irrevocably end on June 30, 2022. Finding that leader is not a
humdrum process that will play out naturally or automatically. To the contrary, it is certain to be an intense, competitive and raucous process. Candidates will be fully engaged and will be fully tested in debate, and their camps and coalitions will take off the gloves and pull out all the stops. Before the election campaign gets formally rolling next year, there will likely be some changes in the cast of characters. Some candidates will push forward to the end, and there are some who will quietly wither away. Two cardinal political skills James MacGregor Burns, the distinguished political scientist and historian, has written eloquently about how the candidates in a presidential election is winnowed down and how the electoral contest is progressively resolved. There are, he says, two cardinal political skills that a presidential candidate must have — either on the way to the presidency, or once he/she is inaugurated. These skills are: 1) the ability to appeal to mass publics at home and abroad; and 2) the ability to negotiate with rival leaders holding independent bases of power. This is to say, says Burns, that he must be both a preacher and a politician. Obviously, he must know how to reach, inform, arouse
popular feelings in the country, and should be magnetic and articulate. Secondly, he should be able to organize and lead a large campaign organization. He must skillfully bargain and negotiate with the rival leaders, and pave the way for creating a strong coalition that will propel him to victory on election day. There will be a winnowing of candidates who are doing poorly and have failed to gain much support or financial backing. Some may opt to drop out, or fold their campaigns into the campaign of a stronger candidate, in order to become part of a winning coalition. The identity of the serious candidates will become apparent to everyone and to the candidates themselves. At a key point in the campaign, it will be apparent who are the candidates who are capable of leading the nation and can inspire the people with vision. Then the nation will choose who is the candidate to take the country off the past and point it to the future. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** yenobserver@gmail.com
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief
MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor
US HEADQUARTERS: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com
IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal
With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines
DING CARREON Videographer
ANDY TECSON Photographer
Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind. ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Date lin e PH iliP P in e S
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 3-5, 2021
7
‘Not quite on board’: Parents proving a tough... PAGE 4 raising their kids, pediatricians said, the common factor driving their decision to vaccinate — or not — is concern about their child’s safety. Parents lining up to vaccinate their children are worried about the threat of covid. Parents hesitant about the shot are worried about possible side effects of the vaccine. Somewhere in the middle are parents unsure what to think because of the conflicting information they have gotten from social media or friends. Even among parents who have unquestioningly vaccinated their children for other diseases, the choice on covid isn’t an obvious one. “Parents are now saying, ‘You know what? I don’t think this is right for my kid. I don’t think I’m going to make this decision, or at the very least I’m going to wait at least six months, maybe a year or maybe longer before I even consider this for my child,’” said Jessica Calarco, a professor of sociology at Indiana University who has been monitoring a group of
moms in Indiana throughout the pandemic. “They’ll say, ‘You know what, my kid wears masks. We wash our hands. We are responsible with play dates. And so, the vaccine just isn’t necessary because we’re doing enough, and my kid is healthy enough that they will probably be fine.’” Doctors and public health officials say they find themselves regularly explaining to parents that covid is indeed harming kids. “There have been more than 35 pediatric deaths in California alone, and this is more deaths than we see with flu,” Dr. Erica Pan, California’s state epidemiologist, told reporters last week. “This simply is not an acceptable number of child deaths when such effective and safe prevention is available.” Covid has triggered multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a potentially life-threatening condition in which the immune system attacks the body and impedes organ function, in more than 660 California kids
since March 2020, Pan said. Six have died. California is slated to have more than 1.2 million doses of the weaker version of the vaccine for kids 5 to 11 the first week the vaccine is approved for emergency use, Pan said. Pediatricians will be crucial to the state’s efforts to vaccinate kids, along with clinics at school sites and door-to-door campaigns by community leaders. In Yuba City, pediatrician Dr. Mark Sawyer tells patients, “If you want to stop hearing about covid on the radio and stop hearing about lockdowns and everything, then this is it, this is the way. Just get vaccinated.” (Jenny Gold and Samantha Young/Kaiser Health News) Phillip Reese, an assistant professor of journalism at California State UniversitySacramento, contributed to this report. This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. ■
The Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, Hon. Neil Ferrer, together with his wife, Miriam Ferrer, met with Rajah Tours Owner, Dading Clemente, Tourism Attaché Soleil Tropicales, Philippine Airlines Manager, Dell Merano, and Asian Journal’s Roger Oriel to discuss about the programs and activities that can be implemented to help Philippine tourism bounce back in 2022. The main focus of the programs is for the Balikbayans, which is the biggest market from North America. This collaborative effort hopes to encourage more of our Balikbayans to go home and explore different destinations in the country.
Locsin hits abuse of nature at climate... PAGE 5 Locsin said. “Those who have greater capacity to absorb the brunt of hard solutions must take them and help those with less capacity, who even now are taking as much of the brunt as they can, without equivocation or purpose of evasion.” Global warming The WMO warned that record greenhouse gas concentrations have pushed the planet into uncharted territory, with repercussions likely for current and future generations. The WMO?State of the Global Climate 2021 report said a temporary cooling La Niña event early in the year means that 2021 is expected to be only the fifth to seventh warmest year on record. Global sea level rise accelerated since 2013 to a new high, with continued ocean warming and acidification, it said. The report combined input from multiple UN agencies, national meteorological and hydrological services and scientific experts. It highlighted the destructive impacts on food security and
mountain tops, from melting glaciers to relentless extreme weather events, ecosystems and communities around the globe are being devastated. COP26 must be a turning point for people and planet,” Guterres said. For the UN chief, “scientists are clear on the facts” and “leaders need to be just as clear in their actions.” “The door is open. The solutions are there. COP26 must be a turning point. We must act now, with ambition and solidarity, to safeguard our future and save humanity,” he added. WMO?Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said all events show that “extreme events are the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Philstar.com file photo new norm.” “There is mounting scientific population displacement, cru- evidence that some of these cial ecosystems and slowing bear the footprint of human-inprogress toward the 2030 Sus- duced climate change,” Taalas tainable Development Goals. said. It listed some of the extreme At the current rate of increase in events over the past year. greenhouse gas concentrations, UN Secretary-General An- the WMO said the world will see a tónio Guterres said the report temperature increase by the end gathered the latest scientific ev- of the century far in excess of the idence “to show that the planet Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to is changing, before our eyes.” 2 degrees Celsius above pre-in“From the ocean depths to dustrial levels. ■
Place your dental health back on your to-do list Many people skipped their dental visits during the pandemic. If this sounds like you, now is the time to catch up on your dental care needs. We ask everyone to make dental health a priority. Make an appointment today for yourself and your family for regular cleanings and checkups. Dental offices are safe with COVID-19 safety rules in place for patient care. Don’t miss out on using all of your family’s annual dental benefits. With regular dental checkups, you will have good oral health for your family and yourself for a lifetime. For Medi-Cal members,
dental care is covered. Free or low-cost checkups are covered every six months for patients under age 21, and every 12 months for people over age 21. Dental care is health care. By getting important cleanings and checkups now, you can avoid serious problems later. According to the Centers for Disease Control: “More than 1 in 4 adults have untreated cavities, and nearly half of those aged 30 or older show signs of gum disease. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss.” Help keep your smile strong and healthy by going to the dentist now,
before the end of the year. Keep smiling. Keep brushing. Keep flossing. And schedule your dental visit today. Visit SmileCalifornia.org to find a dentist near you or call 1-800-322-6384 for more information or help. *** California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, currently offers dental services as one of the program’s many benefits. Medi-Cal Dental, also known as Denti-Cal, is the program that provides free or low-cost dental services to eligible children and adults. For more information, visit SmileCalifornia.org.
Oras na ng Taunang Buwis sa Ari-arian!
سلآ ن س لج فرا دی سرها ست ومز ان خادر پت الا سنه مالیاتر ب امال و در Ang Los Angeles County
ازخنهراد و صحتیراد ل مالیاتی شهرستان
Tresurero at Kolektor ng Buwis
ماay کnagkoreo می دک ن هng روآد اومال یای حا صبانna بang یراد هunang وبسایتی کام ال دی د ج م bayarin sa Oktubre, hulog ay nakatakda ika-1میو ng اNobyembre ) هک/https://ttc.lacounty.gov( : آ ردsaتنیدن Maraming opsyon ng self-service ang magagamit online at sa ز ilang wika )ندارد هینهای هیچmga رنیک • ادر پخت طخر ب انماج هدید ک چ) ک التو https://ttc.lacounty.gov/, kabilang ang: ست غال مالیاتر ب مااولیار بیابید هکدی سر ر سشانر فا دی سرها • مب • • • • •
Pagbabayad online (walang gastos para sa eChecks) کن ی بازبینی د را تیخهچ Paghahanap ng nakatakdang halagaار ngپتتان buwisادر saخari-arian Pagsisiyasat sa iyong kasaysayan ng pagbabayad زو امiwasan ارجیم بیدی جاتنابزا Pagkakatuto kung paano ang mga multa رد دروم Pangangasiwa ng maramihang ari-arian
• •
کن ی • دن چین دروم زا اومالار دمیت یر د
CNSB#3416371
CNSB#3519921
8 The
Asian Journal
mdwk The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 3, 2021
mAGAZINE
Wednesday NOVEMBER 3, 2021
asianjournalpublications
@asianjournalcom
@asianjournal
www.asianjournal.com Los Angeles | Las Vegas | Orange County/Inland Empire | Northern California | New York/New Jersey
Fil-Am star Olivia Rodrigo leads American Music Awards nominations by AJPress
Olivia Rodrigo Photo from Instagram/oliviarodrigo
FILIPINA American singer Olivia Rodrigo has scored the most nominations at the 2021 American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted awards show. The 18-year-old star of “The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” on Thursday, October 28, got seven nods including Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Favorite Female Pop Artist. Her debut album “Sour” got nominated for Favorite Pop Album while her hit song “drivers license” was up for Favorite Trending Song and Favorite Music Video. Rodrigo is a first-time nominee competing against fan favorites like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Drake. Fellow Fil-Am singer Bruno Mars, who is part of Silk Sonic along with Anderson .Paak, was nominated for Favorite Pop Duo/Group. Their song “Leave the Door Open” scored nominations for Favorite R&B Song and Favorite Music Video. Meanwhile, Fil-Am rapper Saweetie got nominated for Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist. Canadian R&B singer The Weeknd followed Rodrigo with six nominations, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Male Pop Artist, and Favorite Male R&B Artist. Doja Cat, reggaeton star Bad Bunny, and R&B singer Giveon received five nods each. The nominations are based on performances on the Billboard music charts, streaming and album sales, radio play and social media engagement. The measurements were tracked by Billboard and its data partner MRC Data, and covered the time period September 25, 2020, through Sept. 23, 2021. The AMAs will take place on November 21 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Errol C. Mendoza: The man endowed with creative gifts By
Dan E. nino
IF there’s somebody who passionately dares to thread a career path that’s rarely taken by like-minded professionals, Errol C. Mendoza typifies this description. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Errol’s artistic mind or gift, has shifted to painting which is being noticed by the community and art critics alike. He is a self-taught painter. His paintings range from impressionist to abstract,which are digitally captured and translated on either oil or acrylic. In fact, Cid Reyes, a Philippine-based author of more than 40 art books and doyen of Philippine Art Criticism, commented, “Mendoza’s quirky, zany and jazzy lines are best appreciated in works like ‘The Mountain Resort’ and as a bow to his country of origin, the Philippines, ‘The Vinta,’ those colorful sailboats in the tropical archipelago’s second largest island of Mindanao. All these works are an eyeful, leading one to think that Mendoza had taken lines out on a holiday.” Reyes added, “The advantage of Mendoza is that he has not yet fallen into mannerisms, idiosyncrasies and eccentricities – alas, vices that are engendered and encouraged by newfound fame and fortune. For artists like Errol Mendoza for whom art-making is a joint venture with his instinct, visual intelligence and frisky imagination, abstraction can be generous, opening up the bliss of its arcadian realm.” For those who know him, Errol is more identified as impresario, concert promoter, theater practitioner, artistic director, musical thespian, a successful stage actor, stage director and producer both at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and in the United Kingdom. What prompted him to take this most off-beaten professional path? His parents who are natives of La Union but early pioneers of Baguio City are not in this mold. His father was an affluent businessman and a well-known public defender, politician as well as prominent civic leader in this Summer Capital of the Philippines. His mother was a teacher and businesswoman. His siblings are leaders and personalities in banking, nutrition, teaching profession and publishing in both Baguio City, Manila and the United States. Errol is happily married to Mayette Esparrago Mendoza, a graduate of St. Scholastica’s College, Manila who was in the hospitality, telecommunications and healthcare professions. They are blessed with two
Errol C. Mendoza
children: Louise and Richard Kenneth. Let me find the answers in his paths to these mostly unbeaten professions. Born and raised in Baguio City and youngest of seven children, Errol C. Mendoza, strangely enough was not inspired by anyone. He shared, “It was always seemingly a natural inclination for me to immerse in the arts, speech contests, dramatic arts or theatrical productions or even singing contests and involvement in the staging of musicals or opera. And now in the visual arts particularly in painting.” As a snap shot, Mendoza was a dramatic and theater personality and also a radio broadcaster (DZWX, Baguio City) and high school teacher at the St. Louis University Boys High where he was the adviser of its school publications, the “St. Louis Echo” and the “Louisian Yearbook” before hitting it big in Manila and abroad. A consistent honor student, Mr. Mendoza obtained his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English and Philosophy also at St Louis University, Baguio. No doubt, he got his leadership DNA from his parents. This achiever was a student leader as well as civic and religious youth leader in Baguio City. He garnered gold medals in speech and oratorical contests, a university representative in an important and major nationwide seminar on “Youth and Social Change” sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
As fate would have it, the aspiring theater enthusiast was spotted by the President of De La Salle to teach at the prestigious high school, La Salle Green Hills. Mr. Mendoza eventually became the adviser of La Salle Green Hills Drama Club. From here on, Errol’s ascent to world stage was unstoppable. He was discovered and was a lead of the premiere and critically acclaimed stage musical production of Dale Wasserman “Man of La Macha” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines where he played the role of Sancho Panza, the manservant of Don Quixote. Curiously enough, he played Don Quixote himself in two other amateur productions. As his reward, he was awarded a scholarship by the CCP to study drama in London at the British Theatre Association composed of the five leading Drama Schools in this European country. He was also awarded a scholarship grant in his post graduate studies in theatre at the Sherman Theatre at the University of Wales. He earned his spurs in the best production and direction of Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an Author” at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, United Kingdom. He also won a scholarship to study under the tutelage of BBC and ITV at the Catholic Radio and TV Center in Middlesex. Because of his prodigious gifts, he was selected from
Readers across the country rank Pechanga Resort Casino Best in the West outside of Las Vegas
Readers across the country rank Pechanga Resort Casino Best in the West outside of Las Vegas PECHANGA Resort Casino was just named the West’s Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, and Best Casino Hotel by the readers of USA Today’s national 10Best poll. Pechanga Resort Casino was the only California resort/casino in California to be nominated in both categories. Votes for Pechanga Resort Casino came pouring in from people throughout the United States. Fans of Pechanga from California and elsewhere told Pechanga staffers they voted for the Temecula resort/casino in the national poll. USA Today’s 10Best asked voters to cast their ballots for their favorite casinos starting in midSeptember. Voting ended Monday, October 11. The final standing in the Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas category came in with an East Coast casino/resort in first place and Pechanga in the number two spot. Three East Coast casino/resorts placed ahead of Pechanga Resort Casino in the Best Casino Hotel category. “It is a true honor to be voted the best in the west,” said Andrew Masiel, Sr., President of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “Being named the best comes because of the hard work and dedication our team members demonstrate and we are grateful for each and every one of them. We all work very hard to give our guests an unparalleled resort experience where they’ll receive personalized service from our friendly team members, so it brings a lot of pride to our entire team to be recognized by readers in these polls.” Pechanga Resort Casino has been nominated in USA Today’s 10Best national polls every year since their inception in 2015. The Temecula, California resort/casino has earned a spot in the 10 top in each category every year, and was voted the #1 casino in the U.S. in 2015. Visitors often remark to Pechanga staff that they are surprised at the magnitude of the resort’s size, luxury, cleanliness, amenity variety and genuine friendliness of its team members. They also point out that Pechanga is the only one in California with as many on-site amenities as they have, including a championship 18-hole golf course, 25,000-sqaure foot luxury spa, 1,100 hotel rooms and suite, a pool complex numerous applicants to undertake Art Administration by the Arts Council of Great Britain which he had to incorporate in his theatre studies at the Sherman Theatre. Not everything was a bed of roses for Mendoza. There were challenges that affected his theatrical pursuits in England for almost eight years. There were obstacles such as cultural shock as well as priorities in the limited positions in drama and theatre courses meant for Commonwealth countries and UK residents. He was advised to seek further studies in the U.S. Undaunted, he asserted to give him a chance because UK is known for drama and theater institutions. At this juncture of his struggles, he invoked the lyrics of the song which summarized his noble quest, “The Impossible Dream” from the musical, “Man of La Mancha”: “To fight the unbeatable foe, to bear the unbearable sorrow, to run where the brave dare not go…this is my quest, to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far.” Upon returning from the UK, he was appointed to be a staff member and eventually the executive assistant to the president and artistic director, Lucrecia Kasilag, the National Artist in Music at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and CCP Complex. When I ribbed
larger than the size of four football fields, entertainment, an array of restaurants and bars, and around-the-clock casino excitement. Those attributes also helped Pechanga secure three other top regional ratings in recent weeks. Readers of the Press-Enterprise, Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times all named Pechanga as the Best Casino in Southern California for 2021. Pechanga Resort Casino features a fullservice resort/casino complete with 1,100 hotel rooms and suites; a 200,000 square foot casino floor; 4.5-acre pool complex; on-site championship golf course; 12 restaurants; exciting entertainment; luxury spa; 275,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and more with 24/7 excitement. Pechanga Resort Casino is known as a fun getaway from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and beyond, and is just minutes from the Temecula Valley Wine Country. The Pechanga Tribe is known throughout California for giving back to the community. In addition to the getaway the resort/casino offers, Pechanga’s leadership holds the health and safety of its guests and team members as the number one priority. Its Pechanga Cares pledge continues, and more information can be found at Pechanga.com. Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.
him if he had adopted the British twang, he could still mimic in an amusement and entertaining way. At the CCP,, he directed the multi-awarded-production of the musical, “Oliver.” In the U.S. Mendoza became an associate director of the prestigious opera company, The Ambassadors of Opera with stars from the New York Metropolitan Opera. Although theatre and arts are his passion and just dabble in them on the side, Mr. Mendoza had to eke out a living in a more conventional way for his family’s sake. He got involved in multi-level marketing in Los Angeles and car salesman in Cerritos, California and Arizona. Like a proverbial “everything he touches turn into gold,” Mr. Mendoza was awarded “Salesman of the Year” for four years as well as 50 times “Salesman of the Month.” With all his accolades in the arts and theatre, Mendoza’s affection and involvement for his community did not wane. He is a recipient of numerous awards like Community Leadership Award from the Federation of Filipino American Association, the County of Los Angeles for Recognition for his Dedicated Service to the Affairs of the Community and Civic Pride, Certificate of Recognition for
(Advertising Supplement)
his leadership, distinguished achievements and extensive service to the community from the City of Long Beach, Certificate of Recognition by the United States House of Representatives from Congressman Alan Lowenthal for Community Leadership Award, won 4 First Places; 1 Second Place; and 2 Third Places at Glendale Art Association Art Shows. Now that Errol C. Mendoza has found a new adventure in the visual arts, will he realize another impossible dream come true? It may really come true, for indeed due to the demand for his art, he has become immersed full time in sharing his art to the public at large. He is currently on the drawing board with several organizations that benefit the disadvantaged children and adults in ameliorating their health, social and educational needs. A few quoted reviews reveal the magnetism of Mendoza’s arts works: As Gail Dubenbaum, former New York metropolitan opera singer and creative director of the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera has recently said: “Mendoza’s intensely striking vivid abstracts are full of evocative and sensual movement creating drama and passion. His eclectic style is Continued on Page 10
Seth on the power of the youth: We can’t just depend on adults By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
YOUNG actor Seth Fedelin has observed that his fellow youth have become more and more active on social media, speaking up and making their presence truly felt. Fedelin thus feels that the youth finally have a say on matters that concern them. “Ang napapansin ko sa Gen Z, talagang mas active sila sa social media. ‘Yung mga opinion nila, ‘yung sinasabi nila, ‘yung mga kabataan, ang dami nilang imik, ang dami nilang say kasi nakikita na nila ang nangyayari. May paki na sila, may paki na kami,” he said during the online press conference for the series “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” last Thursday, Oct. 25. (What I notice with Gen Z is they really are more active in social media. Their opinions, the youth, they got a lot to say because they can already see what’s happening. They care. We care.) The show, meanwhile, is now on its last two weeks and will continue to air its remaining finale episodes via Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC, Kapamilya Online Live, iWant TFC, WeTV and iFlix. “Kaya natin ito. Tulungan natin. Hindi lang matatanda ang dapat nating asahan. May mga
Seth Fedelin Photo from Instagram/@iamsethfedelin
kaya tayong mga bagay na ‘pag nagsama-sama tayo ay mababago natin,” Fedelin added. (We can do this. Let’s help. We cannot just depend on adults. There are things which, if we all work as one, we can change.) Playing Pio Estopacio in the inspirational series, Fedelin believes there are many lessons that can be learned from the show. “Ang masasabi ko lang, ang napulot kong aral sa ‘Huwag Kang Mangamba,’ siguro may mga bagay na matatanda ang puwedeng gumawa pero meron ding bagay na kaya ring gawin ng mga kabataan,” he said.
(All that I can say is, the lesson I learned from “Huwag Kang Mangamba” is that maybe there are things that only the elders can do, but there are things which the young can do.) He noted that in the series, the young made steps to put in order the town, the faith of the people in a God and about who “Bro” is. “Kumbaga, kaya naming kumilos sa paraan na kaya namin,” he added. “Hindi na kailangan ng magulang, hindi na kailangan ng matatanda.” (We can move in ways we’re capable of. We didn’t need parents, we didn’t need elders.)
What Enchong learned about priests in ‘Huwag Kang Mangamba’ By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
PLAYING the barrio priest Fr. Sebastian “Seb” Tantiangco in the TV series “Huwag Kang Mangamba” has made Enchong Dee realize the sacrifices that clergy people make in the name of faith. “I think ‘yung sacrifices na ibinibigay ng ganitong tao kasi isinantabi mo na ‘yung mga personal mong kagustuhan sa buhay, ‘yung mga personal mong interest para magbigay silbi doon sa paniniwala mo, sa faith mo,” came Dee’s answer when asked what he learned from his character
during the Oct. 25 online press conference for the show’s finale. (I think it’s the sacrifices that these people give, because you set aside your personal desires in life, your personal interests, so you can serve your faith.) For Dee, the priesthood is a “noble and very, very admirable calling.” “Ako, personally, parang magiging mahirap na journey iyon, pero sa ibang tao, for them to be in that place, in that service (ay) ibang klase,” he said. (For me, personally, it would be a very difficult journey, but for other people, for them to be in that place, in
that service, it’s remarkable.) Dee is happy to have played this character which is far from his own personality. The actor was also asked about his being vocal on social and political issues. On his social media accounts, Dee would often speak up on social issues with strongly-worded messages. “Para sa akin po kailangan nating maintindihan na mas maraming bagay ang nakasalalay kesa doon sa mga personal na kagustuhan natin sa buhay. Siguro nailagay ako sa ganitong posisyon para magbigay serbisyo kasi hindi Continued on Page 11
entertainment
9
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 3, 2021
Big Lou’s Donuts clinches multiple multimillion-dollar Australia-wide supply contracts, including with Metcash, FoodWorks and Foodland
THE Australian-founded Big Lou’s Donuts, which specializes in producing a wide range of commercial donuts for retail, wholesale, events and corporate markets since 2008, recently sealed several deals with national wholesale distribution heavyweights, including Metcash, FoodWorks and Foodland. The new supply contracts are poised to more than double the company’s current annual revenue of approximately US$2.5M. An estimated US$1.3M alone will come from the contract with wholesale distribution and marketing company, Metcash, while an estimated US$0.75M will be from the contracts with Australian supermarket chains, FoodWorks and Foodland. The remaining extra revenue is to be generated through the supply of commercial donuts to retail stores in petrol service stations, such as Caltex, BP and APCO, as well as food trucks across Australia, including 40 vans in New South Wales via Munch Express and a potential 140 trucks in five states via Tasty Trucks. The contracts were clinched following the new ownership of Big Lou’s Donuts by Smokefree Innotec (SFIO), an asset management company that now also owns the New Zealandbased Epiphany Café Franchise Group. Both donut brands look to increase their market share in Australia. Commercial donuts produced by Big Lou’s Donuts are ideal for groceries and supermarkets while Epiphany Café’s pillow-soft donuts are more suited for the upper market that entails cafés and restaurants. “We plan to expedite the expansion plan of Epiphany Café in Australia by utilizing Big Lou’s
Donuts as the central commissary to supply all Epiphany Café outlets in Australia. This is made possible by our Smart Freeze Technology, a frozen technology that prolongs the product shelf-life up to six months while maintaining the quality of pillow-soft donuts and premium cakes. Also, Big Lou’s Donuts’ factory is able to produce more than 9,000 donuts per hour. Such productivity is sure to make our products more competitive in the market,” says Jeths Lacson, CEO and Chairman of SFIO. Another feature that will set Big Lou’s Donuts apart is its own proprietary vegan donut formulation, which maintains a donut’s light and fluffy textures despite the lack of dairy and egg. The vegan donut will also include a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread custom made by Big Lou’s Donuts. The unique formulation took nearly 12 months to develop and the vegan donuts were recently launched on 27 September 2021 at Coles Supermarkets, an existing distributor of Big Lou’s Donuts. Visit the official SFIO website (http://www. starfleetinnotech.com) to find out more.
(Advertising Supplement)
10
community
Barrister’s Corner
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 3, 2021
The curious case of Stephen C. Davis: Ghost story Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA
Part 1 of 2
“…In memory of one American soldier …”
American soldier, an enlisted man, by the name of Stephen Davies (his name was spelled with an e in the surname) was JUST for kicks during murdered at the location right my halcyon days as a fullsmack dab where the building time working /full-time grad stood. Details of a murder story student at the University of flowed out of her like a gusher. the Philippines long ago, I had But then it came to an abrupt agreed to act as medium for a halt when the door to the séance or a hypnotic session room where the session was to conjure or call the spirit being held, for no apparent or spirits that were causing a reason, suddenly burst open. disturbance. The medium snapped out of I took over from another the hypnotic trance feeling medium in a previous session extremely limp and exhausted weeks earlier conducted by a as though she had traveled Jesuit priest from the Ateneo many miles across a desert. I University, Fr. Bulatao. There stood up and with a nonchalant were repeated paranormal disturbances at the old building shrug of my shoulders calmly where I worked, a stone’s throw closed the door. Dissatisfied with the from the Institute of Mass aborted session, the group Communication (now called decided to hold another. by another name) where I was Professor Turingan was a grad student at night while unavailable for the next working during the day as a session and I was drafted to full time research associate of act as medium, a role which I what was then the Institute of accepted on a lark and a dare. Environmental Planning, now There was a thunderstorm called the School of Urban raging outside but I don’t & Regional Planning. That remember much of what I said haunted building has been razed and there stands a newer when I went on a trance. I do remember feeling very light, multi-story building. as though weightless, while At night, the custodian claimed that when all the rooms someone gently whispered were locked up and no one was things to my ear. Later, I learned that under hypnotic inside, there were eerie noises suggestion, I was instructed to that would make the hair on go back to 1945, the year that the back of one’s neck stand the medium revealed when on end. The occurrences were the alleged murder of the so frequent and so disruptive, American soldier occurred. ignoring them and pretending I described the place life was normal was no longer as I saw it — an open field, an option. Someone finally did a moonless night, quonset something about it and called on Fr. Bulatao to help shed light huts and a heavy sense of on the mysterious goings-on at foreboding in the air. During the session, the same Stephen the institute. I simply avoided Davies revealed the name of the rest rooms and steered away from isolated areas of the his murderer. He said he was hit on the head by a piece building and never stayed in of wood while he was out the building past sundown. on patrol one night and was Professor Cynthia Turingan robbed of his money. The was the first medium. Under ghost revealed details about hypnosis, she revealed that an
EMPLOYMENT
his murderer: his assailant’s name, the exact address where he lived, describing him as an old man by that time, languishing in jail for other crimes he committed and that the house where the murderer used to live on J.P. Rizal Street in Makati was eventually destroyed by fire. He was asked about the name of his wife and where she lived, questions upon questions which the ghost said were “not important” but pressed further, he said that his wife had remarried and pleaded not to bother his wife anymore. He said that he was not the only spirit hovering in the area and that there were many others. Asked about how he felt, he said that he was lonely and that he just wants to be remembered. Over and over again, he said he wanted to be remembered. He ignored questions about his past brushing them aside for the one thing he wanted — that he be remembered. His bones, he said, lay scattered and mixed with the soil in the same area which was leveled years earlier by a bulldozer. The ghost of the dead soldier requested that a mass be said on a sunny day in his remembrance — a request the group readily granted him. Shortly after, the eerie occurrences seemed to stop. (To be continued in next week’s issue …) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.
EMPLOYMENT
Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes TO most immigrants, obtaining their greencard has been a long and challenging journey. However, it should not be regarded as the final destination. The real American dream is to become a United States Citizen. After obtaining permanent residence status, many green card holders desire to take that next step—becoming a United States Citizen. As a United States Citizen, one is afforded many privileges that are not conferred on persons who only have permanent residence status. A United States Citizen is able to petition for the green cards of close relatives, pass on citizenship to existing children and children yet to be born, and vote in elections. Needless to say, naturalization is a very important step that requires familiarity of the requirements and procedures involved. The following is a brief overview of naturalization. You need to determine whether you qualify to seek United States citizenship. To qualify, one must have held his/her green card and have been physically present in the United States for a sufficient amount of time. Generally speaking, one is required to have held his/her green card for a minimum of five (5) years. In addition, one must resided or even better be physically present in the United States for at least half of those five years. Exceptions to the general rule having to do with,
How to naturalize as a US citizen among other things, minor children and marriage do exist that cannot be fully explored in this article because of space limitations. In addition, local residency requirements mandate that the person seeking citizenship reside within the state or district in which the application is filed for at least three (3) months. In addition to determining eligibility to apply for naturalization, one should also consider the practical issues. To become naturalized, a determination is made as to whether the applicant is of good moral character. Generally, one is deemed to be of good moral character when it can be shown that one has not committed a crime of moral turpitude or has engaged in so-called “vice” crimes such as prostitution and illegal gambling. Other considerations, too many to go into detail here, exist in making the moral character determination. If one has done something that may adversely affect the determination of moral character, one must seriously consider whether to proceed with the application for naturalization. The application may bring such actions to the attention of the USCIS, which could result in possible denial of the application and deportation. Once one has hurdled over the residency requirements and considered the practical issues, the next issue to consider is the appropriate time to file the application. One
can apply for naturalization in the three (3) months before the aforementioned required period of residency has been completed. The application is a multi-step process. First, necessary paperwork is required to be filed with appropriate fees. Thereafter, an interview is scheduled where further inquiry is made upon the applicant. Usually, inquiry is made into the applicant’s eligibility and knowledge of U.S. government and history. Finally, if the application is approved, the applicant must take the oath of allegiance to the United States. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com. Web: kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Errol C. Mendoza: The man... From Page 8 imaginative, intense, vivid evocative and sensual and his juxtaposing color and shapes playfully capture fluidity and motion.” John Massaro, American conductor and composer has said, “I love Errol’s work — his eclectic style , his use of color and motion, his ability to see beyond the surface of an object and reveal its true nature. Every connoisseur of real art should want one of these pieces.” And Michael Gordon, a British poet summarizes his review: “Errol C. Mendoza is a wonderful and varied artist with an innate color
sense and a basic abstract approach to his work. Abstract painting is an escape from reality that at best, can give us some sense of meaning from the feelings it generates within ourselves. Many artists, however, use abstract painting as a means of self indulgence and posturing Mr Mendoza is not. A visit to his website will open a wonderful experience.” For those interested, you can call him at (818) 583-7717 or e-mail him at ec7mendoza@ gmail.com. His website is: ecmendoza.com. **The author can be reached at denino1951@ gmail.com.
EMPLOYMENT
SERVICES
Bankruptcy can be the first step to financial recovery
I remember the story of a poor, old beggar who died one day- and to everyone’s surprise, a money belt found wrapped around his waist contained thousands of dollars in cash. Apparently, he had found the money belt while digging through trash, decided to keep it but never really opened it. Thus, he lived the rest of his days without even knowing what he had. Had he known about what was available to him to alleviate some of his suffering, life could have been a little better. The story of this poor, old beggar comes to my mind when I see how many people continue to suffer needlessly in debt when the law provides a remedy for them to change their financial situation for the better. by saying this, I realize that some people may accuse me of being biased in favor of bankruptcy because I make my living as a bankruptcy attorney. I urge you, however, to keep an open mind at least for a moment as you read this article. What I hope to accomplish here is to make you understand that the purpose of our laws is to help and not hurt people. So, stay with me here for a few minutes. The legislative intent of Congress in passing our bankruptcy laws is to allow a fresh start to those honest individuals who have found it impossible to cope with debt problems. because life is not perfect, Congress realized that a person who needs to recover
financial recovery attainable as soon as possible to those who need it. Of course, this does not mean that filing bankruptcy is always the solution to every financial problem. Your bankruptcy lawyer must carefully Atty. RAymond review your situation, weigh BulAon the pros and cons, and make appropriate recommendations. When filing, there must be a financially after experiencing clear objective and the chances serious debt problems should of success for the type of at least be given a chance bankruptcy being filed must be to do so. This concept of a assessed. Is it your objective “fresh start” is the foundation to eliminate debts you can no of our bankruptcy laws and longer afford to pay, or do you has become an integral part of simply need to consolidate our economic system and our your debts to make them more society. manageable? Are important because money affects legal rights or your assets at almost all areas of our lives, stake? What can be done money problems can have an to protect them and at what extremely devastating effect on the family, our most fundamental expense? These are some of the questions that must be social structure. It is probably answered. fair to say that it is the families If you would like to explore of this country that ultimately bankruptcy as possible option in benefit from the protection afforded by our bankruptcy laws. getting out of debt, please call TOLL Free 1-866-477-7772 to Can you imagine how many schedule an appointment. families suffering in debt could *** possibly be out in the streets NOTE: Due to virus safety concerns, I am ofright now if it weren’t for the “fresh start” that our bankruptcy fering free consultations BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their laws provide? For parents debt problems. with dependent children, *** the challenges presented by None of the information herein is intended to insurmountable debt problems give legal advice for any specific situation. are even bigger because ultimately, the children’s welfare Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For may be at risk. a free attorney evaluation of your situation, So, bear in mind if you are please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE considering bankruptcy as a 1-866-477-7772. possible solution to your debt (Advertising Supplement) problems that the purpose of our bankruptcy laws is to make
Minding Your Finances
What Enchong learned about...
Enchong Dee
Photo from Instagram/@mr_enchongdee
From Page 9 naman puwedeng kabig ka lang nang kabig, kailangang nagbibigay ka rin sa community, sa society natin,” he explained. (For me, we need to understand that there are more things at stake, rather than just thinking about our personal desires in life. Maybe I was placed in this position to give service, because you can’t just keep taking, you also need to give to the community, to our society.) For Dee, speaking up about his stand on issues is his responsibility. “To [those] much is given, much is needed. Ako, naniniwala ako doon (Me, I believe in that). If you learn, teach. If you have, give,” he said.
community
11
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 3, 2021
Ciara, Danica share how cousins are best sisters By Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
CeLebrITY cousins Ciara and Danica Sotto shared how cousins are best sisters. During the last SIS Session with Physiogel on Facebook, Ciara described Danica as soft and gentle. “It takes strength to be soft, gentle and kind —that’s Danica for me,” Ciara said. “even when things are chaotic, she remains kind and always gives the other party the benefit of the doubt,” she added. Danica, meanwhile, said how her “ate” inspired her. “Ciara is literally strong. You can see her perform difficult pole poses with so much ease. but beneath that strong body is a woman full of grace,” Danica said. Just like real sisters, sharing keeps their relationship strong – whether stories, secrets, or even their passions. This time, Ciara shared her love for working out by teaching Danica her favorite fitness routine. These two are different in many ways, but they share the same power: strength in softness. Self-care is also one of the passions these sisters share. Ciara reveals that they recommend skincare stuff to each other because of their sensitive skin. “When we both discovered
Celebrity cousins Danica and Ciara Sotto Photo from Instagram/@pinaypole
Physiogel’s Daily moisture Therapy range, our self-care routine just got better. We both want healthy skin, so it’s the perfect addition to our routine” Ciara said.
“Physiogel’s Daily moisture Therapy range also helps address some of my skin issues. It strengthens and also softens my skin,” Danica added.