December 23-25, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 101 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages
DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PH Consulate in LA closed until Jan. 2021 due to at least 1 COVID case among staff THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will temporarily shut down operations for the rest of the year following at least one confirmed COVID-19 case among its personnel. The Consulate General will shut down operations until January 3, 2021, it said in a public notice on Saturday, December 21. This update comes after the Consulate previously announced it would shut down until
LA County surpasses 600K virus cases heading into holiday week Places of worship permitted to hold modified indoor services by AJPRESS DAYS before Christmas, Los Angeles County reached another grim milestone of hitting over 600,000 positive cases since the pandemic began.
Based on the new total, more than 100,000 new cases alone were reported since December 11, when the county had reached the 500,000 mark. The County Department of Public Health has identified 623,670 positive cases of COVID-19 across all ar-
Fil-Am groups host blood, bone marrow donor registration drive in Historic Filipinotown
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4 more Filipinos abroad infected with COVID-19, total now at 12,627 — DFA
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IN the spirit of giving and bayanihan, Filipino American organizations on Thursday, December 17 held a blood donation and bone marrow registration drive in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown for a Fil-Am who was diagnosed with leukemia. Kalayaan Incorporated, in cooperation with the Long Beach Bacolod Association, held the drive with the City of Hope at the Los Angeles Downtown Medical Center
eas of LA County and a total of 8,875 deaths as of this writing, after it confirmed 58 new deaths and 13,315 additional cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, December 20.
by DARRYL JOHN
ESGUERRA
Inquirer.net
VIRTUAL SIMBANG GABI. A cellphone streams a mass from a chapel in Quezon City. Catholic faithful restrained by poor health from physically attending Simbang Gabi may join the dawn mass on-line in the comfort of their homes, Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said. Pabillo said virtual Simbang Gabi would enable the elderly, the sick, as well as minors to join the traditional dawn mass, as restrictions on public gatherings remain due to the continuously rising cases of COVID-19. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday, December 20 said four more Filipinos abroad, specifically from the Americas, were infected with COVID-19. The new cases bring the total coronavirus case count among overseas Filipinos to 12,627, according to DFA’s daily case bulletin. Over 64% or 8,127 of the total cases are recoveries while active cases account for over 28% or 3,634. The remaining 866 cases resulted in deaths. A total of 2,405 of the active cases or those currently recovering are from the Middle East and Africa, 798 from Asia and the Pacific region, 370 from Europe, and 61 from the Americas.
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Pandemic-related paid sick days and leave to expire Dec. 31 — with no extension in sight by STEVEN
FINDLAY Kaiser Health News
Fil-Am groups joined City of Hope at the Los Angeles Downtown Medical Center (LADMC) in Historic Filipinotown for a blood donation and bone marrow registration drive to find a donor for Freddie Verzosa, a Fil-Am LA County employee who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Contributed photo
LIKE tens of millions of other parents nationwide, Jonathan and Sara Sadowski struggle to assist their four children, ages 5 to 11, with their online schooling at home. In addition, their eldest child, who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, needs special care. So to help the kids and keep them safe — especially their oldest child — Jonathan opted to take 12 weeks of paid leave from his teaching job under a program authorized by an emergency federal law enacted in March. “Qualifying for paid leave was a huge relief and has worked out really well,” said
Jonathan, who lives in Concord, New Hampshire. But the family has learned about a new wrinkle: The 11-year old needs surgery in January. The operation is expected to require a month or two of recovery. Unfortunately, Jonathan’s leave will be used up by then; what’s more, the emergency federal paid leave program it is based on lapses Dec. 31. Unions and workers’ rights and consumer advocacy groups are this week waging a lastditch effort to get Congress to extend the program into 2021. They argue that the program is a critical component helping to prevent the spread of the virus and providing financial assistance to struggling families. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. with U.S. Secretary of State Michael
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Tagle assures faithful: Christmas coming to town by ROBERTZON
RAMIREZ
Philstar.com
MANILA — From Rome, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the Catholic faithful to believe that “Christmas is coming to town” and it “will save us” amid all the suffering and hardships that have been weighing people down. In a short video message posted on Facebook, the former Manila archbishop said some people have started to question why it does not feel like Christmas amid the scourge of natural disasters and the COVID19 pandemic. “My dear friends, Christmas is here. But I think some people won’t agree with me. Some are even asking this question: Tuloy ba ang pasko (Is Christmas coming)? It
doesn’t feel like Christmas. Christmas is not coming to town, and so they tried everything within their means and power to save Christmas,” he said. Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, said people should remember the true reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ and not the Christmas that they are used to celebrate with lavish parties, exchange gifts and visiting malls. “Tuloy ba ang Pasko? My answer is a resounding yes. Let us welcome the true Christmas,” he said. Tagle said the Christmas celebrations people are accustomed to have many good elements, but referred to them as “the ChristIn a short video message posted on Facebook, the former mas of our own making” which many are try- Manila archbishop said some people have started to question ing to save. why it does not feel like Christmas amid the scourge of natural
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disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philstar.com photo
Pompeo
U.S. Department of State file photo
Locsin seeks Pompeo help to secure vaccines by JANVIC
MATEO Philstar.com
MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has asked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to help the Philippines secure some of the vaccines that were part of the supposed missed deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. “Great phone conversation with Mike Pompeo last night. Lotsa laughs at others,” Locsin tweeted on Saturday, December 19. “But on the most serious note I
asked him to help Babe and I get back even a fraction of the 10 million doses of Pfizer after someone dropped the ball. He’ll give it his best try,” he added. Babe is Philippine ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, with whom Locsin earlier said he worked to secure the delivery of 10 million doses of Pfizer vaccines as early as next month. But last week, the secretary said “someone dropped the ball,” leading to the cancellation of the delivery.
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From the Front Page
Tagle assures faithful: Christmas coming...
PAGE A1 He said that the true meaning of Christmas is in everyone’s hearts. “My dear brothers and sisters, let us not pretend, let us not try to save Christmas,” Tagle said. “The truth of the matter is, Christmas will save us. The true spirit of Christmas will save us.” Papal nuncio to the Philippines
Archbishop Charles John Brown also urged the Filipino faithful to be open to the plans of God as he emphasized that today’s mission means facing new challenges with openness to God. Brown, in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website, said that every Catholic faithful has an important role
to play in God’s plan, especially amid the challenging times brought about by the pandemic. “It doesn’t matter what kind of vocation you have. God’s plan is working through you if you allow it to happen,” he said. Brown led his first Simbang Gabi at the St. Anthony of Padua church in Manila last Wednesday. n
Fil-Am groups host blood, bone marrow donor...
PAGE A1 (LADMC) to help Freddie Verzosa, a Fil-Am LA County employee, who is in search of a donor. According to the City of Hope, Adrianne Grieco, “There is a lack of blood and bone marrow donors within the Filipino and other Asian communities in general. While we are looking to find donors that are compatible to Freddie Verzosa, this drive could also help other cancer victims of Asian heritage.” A bone marrow transplant is a top way to treat leukemia, espe-
cially for older patients. Matching is based on one’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue type and matches are closely based on a patient’s ethnicity. Rosalie Caratao, a board member of the Kalayaan Inc. stated, “We are so grateful that the LADMC allowed us to use the parking lot of their hospital. The LADMC, which is in the center of Historic Filipinotown, has been the venue site for numerous Filipino American activities such as the meeting place for the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown.”
The City of Hope donated their blood mobile, and the event was managed by Cheryl Gonzales and Joel Holley, City of Hope employees. This blood and bone marrow drive was further organized through the efforts of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Community Advisory Committee (Lt. Sheriff Ben Sahile), Deputy Sheriff Charlie Ongsingco and David Chung with LA County co-worker, Stephanie Kawai and friends and family of Freddie Verzosa. (AJPress)
BUCKET OF GOODS. Some 250 buckets filled with food packs are placed at the covered court in Sitio Karugo, Wawa Dam, Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal on Saturday, December 19. The goodies were given to the residents affected by the recent typhoons during the gift-giving event dubbed “Pamanang Kawayan: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon, Pamaskong Handog” as part of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council’s initiative to promote bamboo as a source of livelihood. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
LA County surpasses 600K...
PAGE A1 There are 5,549 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 21% of these people are in the ICU, the department said. “We are bearing witness every day to the terrible suffering caused by a virus that is spreading out of control throughout the county. Places where people from different households gather and do not follow safety directives contributes to unnecessary COVID-19 spread that results in hospitalizations and deaths that could have been avoided,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. The county began its vaccination campaign with the PfizerBioNTech vaccines, prioritizing frontline health care workers at highest exposure to COVID-19. Further, an initial shipment of the Moderna vaccine, which received an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, is slated to arrive in the county this week. Despite the progress, officials continue to remind the public to stay home, only leaving for work or essential services, and to not mingle with others outside of their households. Down in Orange County, 119,822 cumulative cases have been reported and 1,760 deaths. “[Recently] the HCA announced the deployment of mobile field hospitals to support our local health care system, which is ex-
periencing a surge in COVID-19 positive patients,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, Orange County Health Officer and director of the OC Health Care Agency. “This sounds alarming because it is alarming. I implore our residents not to gather with other households and limit upcoming holiday celebrations to those you live with.” The ICU capacities in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley remain at 0%, according to the California Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, the Bay Area is at 12.2% and the Greater Sacramento region at 15%. The only area not under the state’s regional stay-at-home order is Northern California, which is at 22.4%. Regions must remain under the order for at least three weeks and will be eligible to exit the order and return to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy only if ICU capacity projections for the following month are above or equal to 15%. To date, California has recorded 1,854,456 cases and 22,593 fatalities. The 7-day positivity rate is 13.3% and the 14-day positivity rate is 12.0%. Indoor religious services LA County health officials has reversed a ban on indoor religious services after the Supreme Court sided with a Southern California church that challenged the state’s coronavirus restrictions. Over the summer, Harvest Rock
Church in Pasadena argued that the state’s ban on in-person worship services went against the freedom of expressing religion. Under the state’s reopening plan, counties in the purple tier had been restricted from holding indoor religious services. Faith-based services will be allowed to operate indoors and outdoors while following public health measures. “Places of worship are permitted to offer faith-based services both indoors and outdoors with mandatory physical distancing and face coverings over both the nose and mouth that must be worn at all times while on site,” reads a statement released by LA County health officials Saturday, December 19. Under the new guidelines, places of worship will have to maintain at least six feet distance between individuals of different households. The attendance must not exceed the number of individuals who can be accommodated. With this new approval, county officials are still encouraging outdoor services to help slow the spread of the virus. “Because Los Angeles County is experiencing an unprecedented surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to congregants and to the entire community is critical,” a county statement read. n
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Pandemic-related paid sick days and leave to...
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They also assert that a number of unwise exemptions — plus a lack of enforcement and public awareness — have limited the program’s effectiveness. “The emergency paid-leave provisions have been one important step in helping American families deal with this crisis,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (DN.Y.). “Congress must extend the provision until this crisis is over. Paid leave is critical as the economy recovers.” The program is among two dozen pandemic-related relief measures set to expire at the end of the year. Those include unemployment benefits, protections against evictions, student loan relief and payments for COVID testing. The Democratic-controlled House twice approved bills extending most of those, including paid leave. But Republican leaders in the Senate have until this month refused to consider new relief and stimulus legislation. This week, negotiations have intensified on a compromise bill that extends some of the expiring measures. But an extension of paid sick days and paid leave is not included in that bill. Capitol Hill staffers and workers’ rights advocates say a paidleave extension could still be added to the relief bill or a government spending bill that Congress must pass this month. “It’s outrageous that paid leave is not in this legislation,” said Vicki Shabo, a senior fellow for paid-leave policy and strategy at New America, a Washington think tank. “The evidence is very clear paid sick days and leave help prevent spread of the virus, and it’s a benefit families overwhelmingly want and need.” Neither the Trump administration nor President-elect Joe Biden responded to requests for comment, and neither has announced a position on the issue. Paid sick leave ‘is in the public interest’ The current law requires businesses with fewer than 500 workers to allow their employees to take up to 10 days of sick leave at full pay and up to 50 more at two-thirds pay to care for a child when schools or day care centers are closed because of COVID-19. The federal government covers the cost via tax credits to employers. The benefit covers mandatory 14-day quarantine periods for those exposed to the virus,
whether they get sick or not. Larger firms were exempted on the theory that most already provide paid sick days and some forms of extended paid leave — and don’t need federal subsidies. But an analysis after the law was enacted found that the exemption leaves about 70 million workers in large businesses — roughly half the nation’s workforce — without the full protections offered under the COVID law. The law and subsequent Department of Labor rules also permit firms with 50 or fewer employees to opt out of providing paid sick days or leave if they think their business will be adversely affected. About 34 million people work for those small businesses — and the majority offer fewer than 10 paid sick days, if any. Few have extended paid leave. In addition, the law has no guarantee of paid sick days or leave for the nation’s 13 million health care and emergency response workers. The justification for that when the measure was enacted: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and emergency response companies needed to ensure that these essential workers would show up in a time of crisis. “This was extremely shortsighted and bad policy,” said Pronita Gupta, director of job quality at the Center for Law and Social Policy in Washington, D.C. “We have seen the harmful outcome — the high number of coronavirus cases in health care facilities, especially among lowwage nursing home workers.” Nor does the law offer extended paid leave for people who have COVID-19 or need to care for a family member with the disease beyond 10 days. Republicans opposed a broad-based benefit beyond at-home child care, advocates for the benefit noted. “The problem is we now know that thousands of people who have COVID are sick for more than two weeks, some for months,” said Shabo. “These people need to be able to stay home and recover; that’s in the public interest as well.” In a letter this month, a coalition of nine national public health groups urged Congress to extend the paid-leave benefits. “Paid sick leave can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in work-
places and communities by removing the barrier to employees staying home if they might have the virus,” the groups wrote. “Even one infection can set off an outbreak.” Business groups are sympathetic, but some still oppose extending paid leave. Chief among them is the National Federation of Independent Business, a lobbying powerhouse that represents small businesses. Beth Milito, the group’s senior executive counsel, said that while small-business owners have been “highly sensitive” to their workers’ needs during the pandemic, mandating paid sick days and extended leave puts an undue burden on them. “Figuring out who qualifies, monitoring who takes leave and then applying for the tax credit is all too much red tape,” Milito said. “It’s the hassle factor at a time when many businesses are barely making ends meet.” Estimates of the program’s costs vary widely Surveys show a majority of the estimated 70 million private- and public-sector workers covered under the law — after all the exemptions and carve-outs — don’t know about their right to paid sick days or leave. “The lack of awareness has limited the potential of this benefit,” said Dawn Huckelbridge, director of the Paid Leave for All campaign, which is supported by a coalition of unions and employees and other groups. The Department of Labor, which administers the benefit, “simply fell down on the job,” she said. Estimates last spring of the use and cost of the benefit varied widely — from around $20 billion to $105 billion. But more recent estimates suggest it may be less. According to a Government Accountability Office report citing IRS data, as of the end of October about 150,000 employers had filed for paid family and sick leave tax credits, totaling $1.3 billion. The report noted, however, that many employers will likely wait until filing their taxes in the spring to claim the credit and recoup their costs. The congressional Joint Committee on Taxation last month released fresh projections on the cost of an extension of paid leave — $1.4 billion if extended for two months and $1.8 billion for three months.
PH Consulate in LA closed until Jan. 2021... PAGE A1 Dec. 21 after a “highly probable exposure to COVID-19” from a client last week. “All clients who have availed of our services for the month of Dec. are strongly encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as practicable,” it added. For clients with appointments until December 29, 2020 will “still be accommodated on any
day they wish to come beginning January 4, 2021 until the last working day of February 2021.” Only emergency services will be rendered during the temporary shutdown: • One-way travel document or passport validity extension stamp by emailing phppt.lapcg@ gmail.com • Consular mortuary certification or report of death (for ship-
ment of remains to PH) by emailing registry.pcgenla@gmail.com • Visa by emailing visa_pcgla@earthlink.net • Assistance to Filipino nationals in distress by emailing lapcg. atn@gmail.com or calling the hotline at (213) 587-0758. Updates can further be found at the Consulate’s website at https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/. (AJPress)
4 more Filipinos abroad infected with...
PAGE A1 The respiratory disease, which over 75 million people worldwas first reported in Hubei, China wide. In the Philippines, the COVIDlate last year, has so far infected
19 caseload currently stands at 458,044, including 421,086 recoveries and 8,911 deaths. n
Locsin seeks Pompeo help to...
PAGE A1 Later reports alleged that it was Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who supposedly dropped the ball after he failed to sign early enough a confidential disclosure agreement sought by Pfizer supposedly as a prerequisite for a supply deal. In his latest tweet, Locsin said Romualdez is also negotiating with Moderna, whose COVID-19 vaccine recently received endorsement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “My sweet suggestion is for them to move on; catch up; make up for mistakes; and do your job. No one’s asking you to admit fault because no gives a flying f**k about you. Don’t mess with the best,” Locsin added in a separate tweet, still on the missed deal with Pfizer. The discussion regarding the Pfizer vaccine was not in the official readout of the U.S. State Department regarding the phone call between Locsin and Pompeo. “Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Locsin discussed opporu PAGE A7 tunities to further reinforce the
US-Philippine alliance and the binding nature of the 2016 arbitral tribunal award on all parties in the South China Sea,” read a statement from U.S. State Department principal deputy spokesman Cale Brown. “The two secretaries also discussed the economic, security, democratic and people-to-people ties that make up the strong bond between our two countries,” he added. On Twitter, Pompeo said it was always good to speak with Locsin “about our shared interests in the South China Sea.” “The U.S.-Philippine Alliance is vital to a free and open IndoPacific,” he added. Deal by end-Dec? As Locsin moved to revive a stalled supply deal with Pfizer, National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government is trying to finalize a deal with various firms by the end of the month or early January. Galvez said a deal with Pfizer is possible this month or by the first
week of January. “We are still waiting for the validation and confirmation from the Pfizer headquarters. Once there is an allocation then the signing will follow. Hopefully the earliest is within this month or just in case the allocation is delayed, it will be first week of January. We are glad that Pfizer did not abandon us,” an optimistic Galvez said. Galvez emphasized the government did not miss an opportunity to secure doses of COVID-19 vaccines. “Negotiations on many occasions will reach stalemate and gridlock when legal challenges, public interest and safety are at stake,” he explained. Galvez reiterated that the Philippines is now in the advanced stages of negotiations with various vaccine manufacturers. “While our vaccine expert panel and the Food and Drug Administration continuously assess the safety and efficacy of each of the candidate vaccines, we are also trying to get the best price possi-
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Taal survivors call to God, gov’t Government to decide on January for delivery from tragic 2020 quarantine status before yearend by EfigEnio
TolEdo Philstar.com
iV
BATANGAS — She walks through what used to be a pavement surrounded by lush vegetation as she points at rubble that used to be a home and says: “This was my mother-in-law’s house. It was beautiful here. We were happy and content.” Maria Elenita La Luz, 32, recalls what she went through on the fateful Sunday when Taal erupted—worrying for her family while attending to tourists who had hired her as a tour guide— not knowing that their entire lives were about to change. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the entire country into a lockdown, residents of Taal Volcano Island, fondly called by residents as “Pulo,” were already fighting for survival after one of the country’s most active volcanoes woke up from decades of sleep. Then, just as they are starting to rebuild their lives and community, three major typhoons pummelled the country, affecting the residents of Pulo whose main livelihood after tourism was suspended is fishing. Residents of Pulo say their local government promised them relocation and housing, but that was before the pandemic hit. They have no idea how much longer they will have to wait.
Clinging to hope “I still thank God that my children and I are safe here,” Victoria Pornea says in Filipino as she sweeps aside a blanket that serves as a door to her makeshift tent. Before losing her husband to an ulcer and one of her daughters to drowning, Pornea worked as a vendor on Pulo when it was still bustling with tourists. Pornea, 45, lives with her four remaining children in an evacuation center in Talisay, Batangas that they share with 50 more families. They stay in a large room with blankets serving as walls. A covered court and unfinished two-story building at Tumaway Senior High School are the hopefully temporary home to 126 displaced families. Despite the tight quarters, not a single case of COVID-19 has been reported there, evacuees say. Geraldine Mendoz and her family have been living at the evacuation center since January. Asked where she gets the strength to endure, she gives a quick answer: her children. “Three typhoons came, the volcano erupted, COVID came, we are still calling to God. He saved us from the volcano eruption, we pray to Him to do it again.” Pornea, Mendoza and La Luz
share the same sentiment of waiting for the local government to fulfill a promise to find them a place they can call their new home. An hour-and-a-half drive and a 15-minute hike through the mountainous town of San Luis brings you to a clearing where houses, garden plots, a school, and a basketball court will greet you. This is where members of an indigenous Aeta community are rebuilding their lives after they were forced to live upland after years of living by the sea. Their clan had planned for their relocation but the eruption of Taal volcano left them no choice but to move immediately, even without shelter ready or access to water and electricity. Fortunately, donations and support from private individuals and organizations, and the local government came. “These houses were not here before, we built them on our own. We are really thankful for all the donations,” Kagawad Ronald, a member of the community’s traditional council, says as he walks among the newly-built houses and gardens of their new community. “We are thankful to the local government and some of the residents who listened to us. We now have land we can proudly call our own.” n
by AlExis
RomERo Philstar.com
MANILA — The government’s pandemic task force is expected to meet after Christmas to discuss the quarantine classifications for January, Malacañang said, as it denied that stricter measures would be imposed in Metro Manila during the holidays. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) would be submitted to President Duterte, who is then expected to make a decision by yearend. “After Christmas, we will meet so we can decide on our recommendation to the president,” Nograles, also the co-chair of IATF, told radio station dzBB. “Before January... the president will have a decision. We do it month by month,” he added. Metro Manila, Batangas, Isabela (except Santiago City), Iloilo City, Tacloban City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan, Davao City and Davao del Norte will be under general community quarantine until December 31. The rest of the country will be under the most lenient
modified general community quarantine, where most businesses can operate and more people are allowed to join gatherings. Nograles also described as “fake news” a memorandum stating that Metro Manila would revert to a stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). The memorandum, which contained the logo of the National Capital Region Police Office and was circulated on messaging applications, said the capital region would be upgraded to MECQ starting December 19. “That is far from the truth. You know our procedure in the IATF. We make our decisions every month,” Nograles said. “The localized lockdowns are enforced only on street level, zone level or barangay level. They are not enforced on the regional level,” he added. Nograles, nevertheless, noted that local governments can impose localized lockdowns in areas with rising numbers of COVID-19 infections. The Philippines has logged more than 459,000 COVID-19 infections, about 21,000 of them active cases.
Marcos: Probe deaths, disappearances of judges by JAViER JoE ismAEl ManilaTimes.net
SEN. Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos called for an investigation into the deaths and disappearances of members of the legal community. Marcos said, “In recent months, the entire legal community has been shocked by the successive assaults committed against members of the bar, leading to serious harm, disappearances and, for some, their untimely death.” In filing Senate Resolution 593, she cited five deaths and two disappearances this year, which she said caused grave concern that must be taken up by the proper Photo taken last December 5 shows Maria Elenita La Luz looking inside her damaged childhood home in Taal Volcano Island. Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toldeo IV Senate committee.
Last January, former Batangas representative Edgar Mendoza, with his driver and bodyguard, was found dead in Tiaong, Quezon. A money dispute was allegedly the motive behind the crime. The deaths of Camarines Sur Regional Trial Court Judge Jeaneth Gaminde, Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla, and lawyers Eric Jay Magcamit and Joey Luis Wee also shocked not only the legal community but also the whole country. Former Court of Appeals judge Normandie Pizarro and more recently lawyer Ryan Oliva have been reported missing as of u PAGE A7
Last week, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said a stricter quarantine classification may be enforced in January if the country’s health system capacity indicators reach critical levels. n
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive proposals for PS73862 - Nortel MAC software support at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will not be held. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Set-Aside contract. To participate in this RFP, proposers must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside Program, visit: https://business.metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/home1/certifications. All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Victor Zepeda. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Victor Zepeda at zepedav@ metro.net. 12/23/20 CNS-3425233# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
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OPiniOn
Sans vaccine, boost testing
FeatURes
FROM what could have been delivery of 10 million doses this January, Filipinos hoping to get the COVID vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech will now have to wait until July at the earliest for the shots. Even the vaccines apparently preferred by the government, from Chinese companies, can arrive in the Philippines no earlier than March, according to the officials involved in vaccine procurement. Every day that passes sees more people getting sick and dying of COVID, more businesses closing, more jobs lost. The Department of Health has said the confidentiality disclosure agreement with Pfizer went through the usual government process. But these are unusual times, and that statement says a lot about why the deal fell through. With the government dropping the ball – as described by two officials involved in the negotiations – on the Pfizer vaccine, it should at least improve COVID testing capability. Even with price caps set on the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab test, the gold standard for COVID testing remains expensive for millions of Filipinos. There are now cheaper and still accurate tests available in other countries. But the Philippine
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE WORST crisis that parents (and grandparents) perhaps have to face is to see our helpless babies and children fight for their lives. If only we can take their place so that they will not have to suffer, we will do it in a heartbeat. This Christmas, and during the coronavirus pandemic, the main focus of these parents is to be with their child in the hospital where they have to stay for weeks, and months for treatment, or to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature babies. Many of these families live more than 50 miles away from the hospital, and so the toll of commuting every day to be with their child, or the expense of staying in a hotel near the hospital adds to the load of the cross they have to carry for the love of their children. This is where the Ronald McDonald House becomes a blessing to these families. I first heard about this charity from my daughter Christine, when she gave birth to our first grandchild Azshara prematurely at 24 weeks and five days, instead of around 40 weeks in the womb. She and her husband Dave live in Missouri with no other family with them as a support system. Azshara stayed in the NICU of the hospital for 120
Red Cross and certain business groups have been waiting forever for regulatory approval for the cheaper, faster, less invasive but still accurate saliva test for the
coronavirus. While waiting for this green light, another product has received the seal of approval from the US Food and Drug Administration: the first-ever rapid COVID test that can be administered at home and bought over-the-counter, without prescription, for the equivalent of about P1,000. Produced by Australian digital diagnostics firm Ellume, the test kit produces results in about 15 minutes, with no need for laboratory processing and the consequent wait of at least a day for results. Accuracy of the test is reported to be from 94 to 96 percent. The saliva test developed in Israel produces results in seconds, but there seems to be little official interest in the Philippines for new products that can revive the travel industry and other pandemicbattered sectors. Perhaps Philippine officials will be interested in procuring the Ellume test kits, or
Philstar.com photo
at least facilitating procurements by the private sector and speeding up the products’ approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Around the planet, the urgency of saving lives and reviving foundering economies has led to a
scramble for access to COVID vaccines and improved testing kits vetted by reliable regulators. The Philippines can’t afford to sit on the sidelines, twiddling its thumbs and carrying on at a pre-pandemic business-as-usual pace. (Philstar.com)
Ronald McDonald House: Home away from home during the holidays for families with chronically sick kids and premature babies days. Thankfully, there is a Ronald McDonald House within walking distance to the hospital where parents like them can stay so that they can always be there for their children during these most critical moments of their lives. I got to talk to a family who is staying at Ronald McDonald’s House (RMDH) - Stanford in Palo Alto, California. Dad Trevor and Mom Auburn Vanrooyen recalled how RMDH has been blessing their life through all these challenges. They found out about the Ronald McDonald House 15 years ago when their son Thayde was also born prematurely in Alaska. Their son Thayde had a heart problem when he was born prematurely and so they were sent to Portland, Oregon at Emmanuel Hospital. There they had a Ronald McDonald House and that was the first time that they had the experience of staying in what has become their home away from home. Mom Auburn remembers their experience when they arrived in Portland. “It was an emergency situation. It was completely unexpected and I was actually out of state when he was brought here. I got here the very next day, and we were in the hospital for just a couple of days and we were just trying to make the best of it, but they were able to get us a room within three days
of us getting here.” “And it just makes you feel like I have, we have a place to go, we can both be here we can take to being with him so he’s never alone but then we have a place to go where we can just take a breath unwind let out our emotions, whatever we needed to do. And it was close and it was safe. It’s huge, really.” “We knew if there was going to be an issue, either one of us or both of us would only be a moment or two away,” Dad Trevor said, reliving those difficult times. “We don’t have to worry about a one four hours away five hours away at home. If something happens, that’s way too long that’s way too far, the peace of mind that being here is really, really indescribable.” The Vanrooyen family now lives in Gridley, Northern California — a five-hour drive to Stanford where Thayde will be having open-heart surgery. Mom said Thayde is homeschooled, and their 14-year old daughter attends online classes. “And now that Thayde is on the mend, he can start doing a little bit more school as needed, but his teachers have assured me not to stress about it so having a room and quiet with no interruptions for, like, at the hospital. It’s been really good for them.” I asked Trevor how a day is like for the family to stay at the RMDH. “With COVID it’s
been different, working very hard to keep everyone safe. So they open specific times for us to come down and have meals majority of the time we’re in the room where it’s safe and then we’re comfortable.” “But the pre-COVID, we had, we had open kitchens we had playrooms the kids were able to interact with each other family members could have gatherings, they’re really fabulous. I can’t stress that enough we, as as the head in the family, taking care of everybody worrying about logistics, not having to stress about that.” The RMDH also helps the Vanrooyen family get the moral support they need from families who come and visit. “We don’t have to worry about where to do that, how to do that, when to do that we just tell them to come and, or they just come and we’re able to host them have them have, feel the support and the love and it’s really, really a blessing. “ Thyde himself agrees. He says staying at the Ronald McDonald House is more comfortable than staying in the hospital because it feels like home. He just walks to the hospital for treatment. The Ronald McDonald House Charity facts and figures: • Currently, the Stanford House serves 48 families (133 individuals) • From Jan 1-Dec 8, we have housed 827 families at Stanford
(1,400 individuals), providing 18,200 nights of accommodations, which totals nearly $8.5M worth of housing, meal, and family services • Thousands of families are being fed meals each day at Stanford, San Francisco and Oakland, prepared without the help of volunteers due to COVID visitor restrictions • All non-critical procedures have been delayed due to the pandemic, so the families that we are serving now are the sickest of the sick in the Bay Area Roger Cordoba oversees the operation at the Stanford House. “We’ve done everything within our power to maintain that extra support because even during this Covid time, you know, crazy times, we’re still having sick kids right, they still need to receive treatments. So being able to support that ongoing with the challenges we have is our biggest mission right now,” he said. Ronald McDonald House is a charity that depends on the help of people in the community. McDonald’s is one of the core sponsors of the RMDH, and it also serves free meals to the families every Friday. They also have jars in the restaurants where people can give donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. How can we help? Cordoba said: “Donations go a long way with everything we’re trying to
do in the operations. We have three different major services accommodations, the meal service which seems to be one of the biggest ones right now.” “Obviously, we normally don’t have the funds to be feeding families three meals a day. So anything that comes our way helps us in every aspect of it, including the holiday, giving comfort and joy that we are currently running to make sure the families can have as much as normal Christmas as possible.” If we have healthy children, we are far more blessed than these families. I hope we can join McDonalds and other donors in helping these families to be there for their sick children and premature babies as our act of gratitude for the cross we did not have to carry. MERRY CHRISTMAS! *** 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.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
Fil-Am elected officials to Gov. Newsom: Appoint Assemblymember Rob Bonta to California Attorney General [Editor’s note: On December 18, 2020, several current and former Filipino American elected officials sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom endorsing Assemblymember Rob Bonta as the state’s attorney general.] Dear Governor Newsom, As current and former Filipino American elected officials, we are proud to support one of our most outstanding colleagues, the Honorable Assemblymember Rob Bonta, and respectfully request that you appoint him to serve our diverse state as the next Attorney General. Collectively, we represent more than two centuries of elected public service experience in California local government. As our Governor, who also served in local government as a Supervisor and Mayor, we know you understand the important contributions local
leaders make to our great state. We believe Mr. Bonta is the best choice to fill the position of Attorney General because he is the most qualified and we strongly believe his experience in local and state government make him the most well-rounded choice for the job. Mr. Bonta has an Ivy League education and has obtained a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School after attending Yale College and Oxford University in England. Although he has an elite education, he has never forgotten his humble beginning and his connection to communities up and down California. His personal story, having been raised as a child in La Paz, the United Farm Workers’ headquarters, where his parents organized Filipino American and Mexican American farm workers, to become the first Filipino American elected to the California State Assembly is truly re-
markable. Mr. Bonta has nearly 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney with litigation experience in the public and private sectors. Mr. Bonta has legal experience in key areas, including civil rights, criminal law, governmental affairs, consumer protection, contract, and fraud. He also has significant experience as a practicing governmental attorney, serving as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco for nearly a decade. Mr. Bonta has demonstrated himself to be one of the most effective and capable leaders in the legislature during his tenure. He has an excellent track record of authoring bold, ground-breaking legislation and building strong coalitions. Rob has effectively tackled a wide range of our state’s most urgent and difficult issues like:
Criminal Justice Reform, Environmental Policy, Tenant Rights (Just Cause Evictions), Pension Reform (CalSTRS), Protecting Consumers from Surprise Medical Bills, Banning Private Prisons, and Cannabis Policy. His accomplishments as a state and local legislator also give him a deep understanding of the state’s laws and the functioning of government, which is critical to effectively enforcing state law and leading the Department of Justice. He is extremely competent and is also someone who will bring people together, listen, and lead. He is exactly who we need as our next Attorney General. For these reasons, we are excited to give our strong support to Mr. Bonta for the appointment of California Attorney General. Sincerely, Mark E. Pulido Mayor, City of Cerritos (Ret.)
Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, Esq. Councilmember, City of Cerritos Eric Arias Councilmember, City of Bakersfielda Rachelle Arizmendi Mayor, City of Sierra Madre Raymond A. Buenaventura, Esq. Councilmember, City of Daly City Pamela Bulahan Vice Mayor, City of Isleton Christopher L. Cabaldon Mayor, City of West Sacramento (Ret.) Antonio “Tony” Cartagena Mayor, City of Walnut (Ret.) Dr. Rod Daus-Magbual Vice Mayor, City of Daly City Pat D. Gacoscos Vice Mayor, City of Union City Michael P. Guingona, Esq. Mayor, City of Daly City (Ret.)
Jed Leano, Esq. Mayor Pro Tem, City of Claremont Dr. Victor Manalo Mayor, City of Artesia (Ret.) Henry C. Manayan, Esq. Mayor, City of Milpitas (Ret.) Tzeitel Paras-Caracci Councilmember, City of Duarte Armin Reyes Board President, ABC Unified School District (Ret.) Sonny Santa Ines Councilmember, City of Bellflower Elito M. Santarina Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson (Ret.) Thomas Aujero Small Mayor, City of Culver City (Ret.) *** 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.
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Popcom chief eyes lower fertility rate for PH in 2021 by Red
Mendoza ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippine Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) hopes to control the country’s population by, among others, reducing the fertility rate starting in 2021. In his “State of the Population and Development” message, Popcom Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez 3rd said by the start of the next decade, the country aims to attain its demo-
SIOMAI VENDOR. A vendor sells siomai on her tricycle along Gov. D. Mangubat Avenue service road, Barangay Burol Main, Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Saturday, December 19. Several vendors go around communities to sell various food and items to residents. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
Pandemic-related paid sick days and leave to...
PAGE A4 Although it’s too early for any full assessment of the paid-leave program’s impact, advocates point to a key study, published online in October in the journal Health Affairs. Researchers at Cornell University and the KOF
Swiss Economic Institute found that in states where workers gained the right to paid sick leave under the emergency law, 400 fewer confirmed COVID cases were reported per day. The researchers conclude: “Our findings suggest that the
U.S. emergency sick leave provision was a highly effective policy tool to flatten the curve in the short run.” n This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.
Locsin seeks Pompeo help to...
PAGE A4 ble to ensure cost-efficiency and equitable access for the poor,” Galvez said. “Payments will only be done once all the regulatory requirements for Emergency Use Authorization from FDA and the originating country are secured,” Galvez added. He expressed optimism that initial deliveries would be made by March. “I will say it again that all vaccines will pass FDA approval to ensure safety and efficacy,” Galvez said. He also stressed that the delivery of vaccines regardless of country of origin and manufacturer would be made in tranches
or on a staggered basis, which is the same mode of delivery even for developed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. He also clarified that the prices released to the media were commercial prices. “These are not the negotiated prices given to us by the companies. The negotiated price of a dose of vaccine is mostly at cost since most of the companies believe that during this pandemic our moral obligation and global interest is to save lives and humanity,” Galvez said. He also explained that negotiations on prices are based on the allocated P73 billion to P75 billion for the inoculation of 60 to
80 million Filipinos, or enough to allow the country to achieve the standards for herd immunity set by the World Health Organization. “Likewise, we hope to seal deals similar to the tripartite agreement we signed with Astrazeneca, wherein 2.6 million doses of the vaccine were sold to the private sector at no profit, which were in turn donated to the government at no cost,” Galvez said. “No deal will be finalized without the corresponding regulatory approval from their country of origin and Emergency Use Authorization from our FDA,” Galvez emphasized. (With reports from Jose Rodel Clapano, Sheila Crisostomo/Philstar.com)
Marcos: Probe deaths, disappearances...
PAGE A5 press time. “The entire legal community, in various fora, have expressed their dismay, condemnation, and fear for these rampant and vicious attacks against members of the bar and other court officers who seem to escape with impunity,” Marcos said.
“Let us not wait for another crime committed against the respected members of the legal community before we take action on these unfortunate events,” she added. Meanwhile, Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman blamed President Rodrigo Duterte for encouraging a “culture of vio-
lence” in “rampant killings” in the country. “No less than President Rodrigo Duterte himself in many recorded utterances has encouraged and condoned extrajudicial killings. Violence by example and tolerance have mocked due process and the rule of law,” he said. n
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive proposals for PS73862 - Nortel MAC software support at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will not be held. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Set-Aside contract. To participate in this RFP, proposers must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside Program, visit: https://business.metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/home1/certifications. All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Victor Zepeda. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Victor Zepeda at zepedav@ metro.net. 12/23/20 CNS-3425434# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
graphic dividend by “attaining a total fertility rate of 2.1 to 2.2 by 2024,” which is “much lower than the country’s five-year total fertility rate of 2.5 from 2015 to 2020.” Perez said all Filipinos have a role to play in order to “continuously and collectively reach our overall objectives to help achieve strong, comfortable and protected Filipino families,” which is the mission of the commission. He said despite the pandemic and natural disasters that hap-
pened in 2020, Popcom participated in discussions of legislation, advocacies, and even provided family planning communications through personal interactions or through media. Despite a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court in 2017, which was later lifted, Perez said the commission’s Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning program was able to double the number of family planning users, while
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HANDS-ON. One of the students tries to use one hand to push the wood into a cutting machine in their practical application session at the Wood Academy, Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City. The Academy’s mission is to fosters their attendees’ interest in woodworking, build their confidence and respect in handling power tools, and give them a solid foundation to build on toward their woodworking journey. Photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Duterte to sign P4.5-T budget bill on Christmas Day – Sotto SENATE President Vicente Sotto III expects President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the 2021 national budget on Christmas Day, December 25, after the printed “book form” of the General Appropriations Act, which he and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco signed, was transmitted to Malacañang on Friday, December 18. The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the 2021 general appropriations bill on December 9 after agreeing to allocate a hefty P72 billion for vaccine purchase, to be funded mostly by loans and excess revenue collections. Under the ratified bill, the Department of Education will get the lion’s share at P708.18 billion, which would be allotted to the Commission on Higher Education, state universities and colleges, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will get P694.82 billion, with ar-
eas badly devastated by recent typhoons to get additional projects to rehabilitate roads and public infrastructure. The health sector was allocated P287.47 billion to be shared by the Department of Health (DoH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. This includes P2.5 billion under the DoH budget for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines and another P70 billion under unprogrammed allocations for purchase, storage and distribution. In October, President Rodrigo Duterte called on Congress to a special session to avoid further delays in approving the proposed 2021 national budget. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who had opposed the ratification of the proposed P4.5-trillion budget, said President Duterte should review and veto provisions in the 2021 measure approved by the two-chamber Congress early this week as he referred to some dubious allocations that were inserted in the provisions. Lacson pointed to the bigger
allocation given to the DPWH despite the agency’s poor track record in disbursing funds and widespread corruption in the implementation of infrastructure projects. “These realignments being capricious and arbitrary on the part of the bicameral conference committee members, they did not involve proper planning by the DPWH,” Lacson said. The senator said he was willing to help the executive identify specific items in the spending bill “to help those involved in the review at least take a closer look at projects that should be scrutinized and even vetoed.” “In turn, this will make sure not a single centavo in the 2021 budget will go to wasteful projects,” Lacson said. Lacson took to social media his frustration over the changes made in the latest version of the General Appropriations Bill, describing the realignment made by his colleagues as driven by “greed.” (Javier Joe Ismael/ManilaTimes.net)
Popcom chief eyes lower fertility rate for...
PAGE A7 the adolescent birth rate has decreased from 57 per thousand in 2013 to 47 per thousand in 2017. Perez also cited Popcom’s milestones from 2011 to 2020, including the enforcement of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law in 2012,
the creation of the National Program on Population and Family Planning, and the first year of the global health crisis due to Covid-19. Perez is hopeful that 2021 would see the end of the current health crisis and that everyone, including Popcom personnel, will be able to adapt to the new
normal. “I believe we can bounce back from the travails we face in life. Because only through our common cadence toward a single direction can we channel each other’s strengths, with the conviction that we will all be united, no matter what happens,” Perez said. n
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USAid invests P3 billion for TB program by Jerry
Hernandez ManilaTimes.net
THE United States Agency for International Development (USAid) is investing more than P3 billion to support the National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program and help the Department of Health (DoH) reduce the number of TB cases until 2022. The investment is under the USAid TB Platforms Project (USAid TB Platforms) aimed at assisting local government units (LGUs) implement Republic Act 11223 or the “Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.” As a showcase, it launched the “Usapang Dibdiban,” a comprehensive discussion with local chief executives, health officers and National Tuberculosis Control Program coordinators, highlighting essential details of the UHC Act as presented by DoH. “To date, 43 Usapang Dibdiban sessions were held this year, engaging 24 LGUs in Central Luzon and 19 LGUs in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon). All of them expressed support in the full implementation of UHC and the
immediate passage of local TB ordinances, which provide annual budget appropriation for the procurement of drugs and hiring of additional human resource for diagnosis, care and treatment,” USAid TB Platforms Social and Behavior Change Communications Specialist Diwata de Castro-Paredes said. With support from the regional offices of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and provincial offices of Department of the Interior and Local Government, USAid TB Platforms also provides technical assistance to LGUs in establishing primary care provider networks. USAid TB Platforms, in partnership with DoH National TB Control Program and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, also organized a webinar for elected officials to consolidate agreements related to the UHC implementation and strengthening of local TB response. Representatives from DoH and UHC champions shared initiatives and efforts from UHC Advance Implementation Sites to guide gradual implementation in
other areas and ensure prioritization of TB health services. USAid TB Platforms Project’s Chief of Party Marianne Calnan said the agency is “happy to work with dynamic local chief executives, who are championing TB response amid Covid-19; celebrities turned #EndTB Ambassadors; civil leaders, leading their organizations’ support to #End TB campaign; and most of all, to the members of the media, who have been with us since we started raising public awareness on TB as a killer disease amid Covid-19.” “With all of them rallying with us along with our frontliners, the community healthcare workers, we believe we will succeed,” Calnan said. USAid has provided P30 billion for the Philippine health sector to realize its development goals for 20 the past years. HANDWASH FACILITY. San Juan City washes his hands in the new handwashing facility donated under the WASH In Pandemic, Safe Philippines USAid TB Platforms has part- campaign at the Agora Market. The campaign seeks to deliver immediate water access, sanitation, and hygiene under the new normal. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon nered with state media Philippine Information Agency for the dissemination of information about the implementation of UHC Law as well as in raising public awareness about TB as a killer disease. n
Yulo tops world rankings by Joey
Villar
Philstar.com
MANILA — Caloy Yulo, touted as the Philippines’ best bet to nail the elusive Olympic gold medal in Tokyo next year, is now the world’s highest ranked gymnast in floor exercise. Based on the recently-released International Gymnastics Federation rankings, the 20-year-old Filipino has earned a total of 70 points to enable the 2019 world champion to zoom to the top. Yulo actually shared the No. 1 spot with Spain’s Rayderley Zapata, and ahead of fierce rivals Kirill Prokopev of Russia and Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, who were in third and fourth with 64 and 60 ranking points, respectively. This bodes well for the pocketsized wonder from Leveriza, Manila, who is hoping to deliver the country’s first gold medal in the quadrennial Summer Games. Yulo is coming off a twobronze haul in the 74th All-Japan Championships in the floor exercise and vault events.
Carlos Yulo
Yulo also copped a bronze in the 2020 All-Japan Seniors several months back as well as two gold and five silver medals
Robredo, Go, Ramon Ang among names Filipinos eyeing to run as president for 2022 — research firm by Katrina
Hallare Inquirer.net
MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and businessman Ramon Ang are some of the big names Filipinos are eyeing to run as President Rodrigo Duterte’s successor in the 2022 national polls, according to a study released by a research firm. According to the study released by political campaign consultancy firm BluePrint.PH released Wednesday, among the other names being considered for the presidency are Senators Manny Pacquiao, Grace Poe, Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano and Tito Sotto; Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sarah DuterteCarpio; human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno; Cavite governor Jonvic Remulla; former senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Manny Villar, Manila mayor Isko Moreno; Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez and former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano. BluePrint.PH CEO Eero BrilPhilstar.com photo lantes said that the names were in last year’s Southeast Asian based on sentiment analysis on Games in Manila. Facebook. Yulo is currently training in Such sentiment analysis, BrilJapan. n lantes added, was based on the
social media data extracted from June 1 to Nov. 30 of this year, scanning a total of 344,761,479 data points or Facebook engagement such as likes, shares, reactions and comments. “If we go by our big data metrics, about 16 names are frequently being mentioned on social media, particularly Facebook, as potential presidential candidates,” Brillantes said. “All have paths to the presidency. Social media networking activities alone through Facebook can generate 22% to 35% of the votes in 2022,” he added. According to Brillantes, there are four components to a serious campaign, namely: ground game, the air war through mainstream media, network engineering (social media), and big data for decision support. All 16 names have one of the components, but not all of them possess the four components, the CEO added. “Social media will be a major battleground at 22 to 35% potential votes,” he said, adding that the ground game and mainstream media through advertising and public relations will account for the 65% to 78% of vote generational potential. The component “big data for
decision support” will be crucial in determining the right messaging and priority spending across many segments of the electorate, he said. And who has the most coverage on Facebook? BluePrint.PH’s study showed that personalities with the highest media coverage on traditional media and posted on Facebook are Robredo, followed by Pacquiao and Moreno. “Moreno also ranked highest in the ability to engage social media influencers to promote ideas that could generate interest and potential votes, followed by Robredo, and senators Bong Go and Manny Pacquiao, Sara Duterte, Bongbong Marcos, Jonvic Remula, Risa Hontiveros, Tito Sotto, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, Chel Diokno, Lucy TorresGomez, Alan Peter Cayetano, Ramon Ang and Manny Villar,” the research firm said. “Meanwhile, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Ramon Ang, Jonvic Remulla, Risa Hontiveros have ranked highest in the list of candidates with most growth potential on social media. These personalities have a small number of followers and influencers but indicate good potential,” BluePrint.PH added. n
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mdwk The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 23, 2020
Wednesday DECEMBER 23, 2020
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Dissecting the classic Noche Buena spread I
by Ritchel
Mendiola / AJPress
F the long list of Christmas trends and traditions was any indication, Filipinos love celebrating the yuletide season. Be it decorating the house with lanterns and ornaments as early as the Ber months begin, going Christmas caroling, or completing the Simbang Gabi, Filipinos are known to never run out of ways to signify the festivities. However, nothing marks the season more than preparing the Noche Buena spread. Noche Buena, which is Spanish for “night of goodness,� is an important Filipino custom that brings together two of Filipinos’ most beloved things: food and family. After attending the last Mass of Simbang Gabi on Christmas Eve, Filipinos go back home to a large feast adorning the dining table. The spread of various
dishes is then shared with their extended families and invited friends as they welcome Christmas Day. And while every Noche Buena spread is different, there are still a couple of staple dishes that you’re likely to find in every Filipino household. Here are some of them: • Christmas ham or hamon – this mainstay dish is not only found on dinner tables, but in Christmas care packages gifted to friends and/or employees, as well. The hamon is usually marinated in pineapple juice, sugar, salt and spices, for that sweet and savory flavor all Filipinos crave.
• Keso de bola – this ball of Edam cheese, which usually has a red paraffin wax covering, is the perfect companion for the beloved hamon. • Lechon – no Filipino festivity is ever complete without lechong baboy (roasted pig). This popular delicacy is usually stuffed with spices such as lemongrass, garlic, onions, laurel, ground black peppercorn, and salt, and then roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire. Filipino lechons are also popular for their perfectly crispy skin, and flavorful tender meat. • Kakanin – sweet, sticky, and rice-based cakes like bibingka and puto bumbong are the crowd favorites espe-
cially after attending Simbang Gabi, but these also never leave the dining table during Noche Buena. • Lumpiang shanghai – this finger food is the Filipino version of spring rolls. Deep-fried and stuffed with ground pork, green onions, carrots, and water chestnuts, this crunchy bite-sized dish is everyone’s favorite appetizer to eat before the main dish. • Fruit salad – this one is the Filipinos’ choice dessert for the holiday season. it’s very easy to make: just mix a drained canned fruit cocktail with cream and sweetened condensed milk in a large container, refrigerate it for a few hours, and you’re good to go. The Noche Buena is the most-anticipated dinner gathering of the year, and with all these dishes served on the table, it’s easy to see why. But more than that, the highlight of Noche Buena is being able to share the feast with your family, bonding over good food, stories, and love. AJPress Illustration by Jillian Peùalosa
Max and Lucy’s ensaymadas make their way into the oven.
Contributed photo
How Max and Lucy’s revived a family ensaymada recipe Part I of a series on love-leavened Fil-Am small businesses
Rhizomes
Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. MiNyoNg ordoĂąez, a Filipino anthropologist, wrote that the Filipino culture defines Filipino identity as [something] that “manifests goodness and virtues, creativity, and accomplishments in symmetry with the people’s material and spiritual faculties,â€? as quoted by Fr. Aris Martin in his Santo NiĂąo Christology dissertation chapter, which i got to read at his request, shortly after i interviewed two Fil-Am business owners. it described the converg-
ing growth of Don Sagarbarria and Mike ZuĂąiga’s business, as owners of Max and Lucy’s (M & L) as well as Lord Maynard Llera, owner of Kuya Lord’s pop-up series and former sous chef of Bestia, a top restaurant in Los Angeles. M & L offers ensaymadas, while Kuya Lord offers kamayan (meal sharing using hands) packages. A customer posted on Facebook about the ensaymadas: “These were delicious. They were lighter, fluffier, and more perfectly petite than i grew up with, and the taste elicits a full body-sense memory! They really are a memory! Enough to make you miss your lola (grandmother) or hug her tight if she is still around! Really yummy. Sarap. Sarap (delicious).“ Mike ZuĂąiga and Don SaContinued on Page 2
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How Max and Lucy’s revived a family...
From Page 1 garbarria are full-time professionals — Mike is in real estate management while Don is in information technology. Both are gainfully employed and still are. During the holidays, they are active members of church choirs and their singing group, Los Angeles Vocal Artists, and formerly Harana Men’s Chorus. Mike was looking for a way to give home baked gifts to friends and fellow musicians, as Don was. They decided to test an ensaymada recipe from Mary Ann Demandante Sagarbarria and use the proofer and molds she left behind, when she ran the House of Silvanas in Los Angeles. Mike piloted the ensaymada recipes and gave boxes to friends, who raved about Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts on Jerry Moss Plaza performing at this year’s 61st annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration the lightness of the texture, critiqued the sweetness level, while the topping was delicately balanced in butter and cheese flavors. It was unlike other ensaymadas that they have tasted that were heavy in texture, and did not deliver the flavors that their palates were looking for, a memory perhaps of what they had back home in KAYAMANAN Ng Lahi Philthe Philippines. ippine Folk Arts is putting Customers likened M & L’s Filipino cultural traditions on ensaymadas to Mary Grace’s display during Los Angeles — a famous bakeshop/cafe in County’s 61st annual holiday the Philippines — made with celebration on Christmas Eve. 100% real butter, eggs and The beloved holiday traditopped with grated Edam tion, presented in conjunction cheese, under $20 for half a with The Music Center, will be dozen. a three-hour virtual showcase Comparatively, the ensayof choirs, music ensembles and madas are sold for $24/dozen dance companies representing in LA, Orange County, San the diverse fabric of the city. Bernardino, Koreatown, SFV Starting at 3 p.m. on and have reached trunk sales in Christmas Eve, December San Diego and Las Vegas. 24, the performances will Margarita Reyes, a distribube aired on PBS SoCal as A scene from Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts’ performance at the 61st LA County Holiday tor, quickly increased her sales well as online at pbssocal. Celebration, which will be broadcasted on Christmas Eve. to a peak of 70 dozens a week, org/holidaycelebration, kcet. Photo courtesy of The Music Center Los Angeles in Orange County, using social org and Holidaycelebration. media and word of mouth company of dancers with and tion offers Angelenos of all org. referrals. without disabilities that uses ages the opportunity to expeKNL’s performance will Ana Burog opened up new dance as a catalyst to inspire rience and honor the dynamic, highlight the celebratory traareas of distribution in San inclusivity and innovation. ditional dance of the Southern rich cultures of the county. Diego, Las Vegas, and San Some of this year’s perReturning favorites inPhilippines typically performed Bernardino. She pushes to formers making their Holiday clude Latin folk band Cuñao, at Thanksgiving, which pays bring the products to as many Celebration debut include an a Hawaiian celebration homage to the spirits for a customers who pre-order, ensemble from the American featuring Daniel Ho Trio and good harvest, healing and Youth Symphony, a dance and eager to serve them. She is Hālau Keali’i o Nālani with peace. The 30-year-old group rewarded with favorable texts music collaboration from Balspecial guest Tia Carrere, brings together Angelenos like: “finishing three before let Folklorico de Los Angethe Gay Men’s Chorus of Los who work in education, health even getting home. This is so les with Mariachi Garibaldi de care, hospitality and other vital Angeles, Jung Im Lee Korean Jaime Cuéllar, French-Chinese so good.” Burog posted on Dance Academy, folklorico LA industries. Facebook, the highest she sold Hosted by acclaimed Amer- troupe Pacifico Dance Compa- chanteuse Jessica Fichot, barbershop quartet Noteable and that week: 100 dozens. ny, Gospel choir Praizum led ican mezzo-soprano Suzanna ‘100 dozens made it real country-music trio Sean Oliu by Lorenzo Johnson and InfiGuzmán and actor/producer for us’ and The Coastline Cowboys. nite Flow – An Inclusive Dance Brian White, the 61st Annual First, the context, 2020’s Company, a professional L.A. County Holiday CelebraContinued on Page 3 grim circumstances given coronavirus, topped at 64,304,732 confirmed cases, global deaths of 1,488,513 and in the U.S., at 13,869361 cases and 272,552 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins dashboard on Dec. 2. Staggering U.S. deaths exceeded the casualties incurred in World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War or 677 jumbo jets whose capacities are at 400+. In mid-March 2020, commercial businesses had shut down, except essential services banks, clinics, supermarkets, newspapers, pharmacies, and hospitals. Though restaurants had phased in openings, food was picked up on the curbside or delivered. By Nov. 21, 2020, businesses were ordered to close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for a month to stop the third wave of surges. UCLA’s Center for Neighborhood Knowledge (CNK) reported on Oct. 30, 2020, “Covid-19 Impacts on Minority Businesses and Systemic Inequality, ” that steep declines occurred in ethnic neighborhoods’ businesses located in Chinatown, Boyle Heights, Leimert Park, as well as comparison neighborhoods of Larchmont Blvd., Venice, and Sherman Oaks that they researched. CNK surmised that lack of capital access, assistance, the decline in foot traffic, and loss of tourists led to these grim conditions, as the shutdown orders. Yet, new businesses Max and Lucy’s (M & L) Ensaymadas and Kuya Lord’s Pop-Up Series defied these trends. They grew during this challenging period. These businesses had sustained support from the Fil-Am community and grew largely in part from the high quality of their products, responsive customer The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 23, 2020
Max and Lucy’s team
Kayamanan Ng Lahi shares Filipino dance traditions during 61st annual LA County holiday celebration
Mike Zuñiga proofing the brioche
Label of Max and Lucy’s ensaymadas as they’re prepared for delivery. Photos courtesy of Max and Lucy’s
service, and perhaps, stress and indulgent eating during this pandemic. For those familiar with baking, leavening agents such as baking soda, baking powder and yeast are used to make the bread rise, a foaming action that traps air bubbles, giving the final ensaymada (butter cheese brioche) its nice, airy, fluffy, light texture. It is a process called “proofing.” Much like proofing, M & L’s sales grew from 30 dozens every two weeks to 50 dozens a week for one distributor, and from 600 dozens a month to 600 dozens a week, Sagarbarria shared. “Everybody is helping,” Sagarbarria, M & L’s CFO said in an interview: “During Mother’s Day and Nurses’ Week, we had an explosive growth of 100 dozens in a day.” It went from a passion project of “simply wanting to preserve and promote the product that speaks so much of our Filipino culture and tradition, a moral obligation of sorts,” Zuñiga, COO wrote, to become a serious viable business. The growth compelled them to rent a commercial kitchen, and even with the new equipment, which already increased production capacity by tenfold, the production was still a week behind in satisfying demand. The raves are heartfelt, as families would send boxes to their relatives in Northern California, Illinois, North Carolina, Boston, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, New Mexico and Maryland, opting to pay for next-day air shipment, just so they can share their enjoyment. As with any good business, much like cream rising from its milk base, it is marked by elements of three P’s: people’s caring practices, product quality, and a process that is managed well through its details. This personal observation, gained from regulating thousands of food manufacturers as a former public health regulatory professional of nearly 3 decades, matches the stated principles of Marcus Lemonis who is the star of “The Profit” on CNBC, CEO of Camping World, Good Sam, and two more businesses, and has a net worth of $2 billion. Of the three “P”s, Lemonis said that the “people are the most important.” Without good people, good processes and good products only do so much,” he emphasized. The product and process: 64 dozens trashed as below
quality standards How did it start in the first place? Sagarbarria’s mother, Mary Ann Demandante Sagarbarria, and Kay Sagarbarria had left the molds and proofer from when they operated House of Silvanas in Los Angeles. Zuñiga started to experiment with the recipe, just “wanting to share a family recipe that has been preserved by both tradition and love.” He experimented with different types of flour, given their varying protein content and finding the right sources for the cheese and butter for the topping. Then, the production molds became an issue; they barely had enough to meet the customers’ orders. They had to find a local source that would make the molds of them in the thousands. The ensaymadas are baked fresh daily, six days a week by a dedicated crew of musicians, headed by Zuñiga, whose shift starts at 3:30 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. His only day off is Monday yet, he still works at another job, an eight-hour shift. The production crew consists of musicians/friends, who had lost their full-time jobs during this pandemic. His mom, Carmencita Zuniga, though retired, has become active in helping with the production, and providing home-cooked meals to the crew. In transitioning to the new commercial kitchen, 64 dozens were trashed, as the brioche was too dry and the convection oven temperature and times had to be adjusted. They simply did not meet the high-quality standards set by the owners. “Everyone is helping,” with love and respect, Zuñiga noted of the production, which includes Xave Avendaño, a junior at St. Genevieve High School. I asked him how long he works, and he responded: “I work as long as Tito Mike needs me.” Xave clocks in at the last two hours of the production day, works with a smile, and looks forward to what to give his family for the holidays. Like family, the production crew is treated well, including their distributors who are paid their commissions. Though others have offered to open up new markets to sell to grocery stores, the co-owners have paused, as they put a premium on the quality of their products, which are freshly baked and best consumed right away. #TrustOverGains #PeopleOverProfits are the guiding principles of this small business. They also value the trust they have built with existing distributors, benefiting them first, before developing relationships with new ones. Sagarbarria delivers to customers in the San Fernando Valley area, after working an eight-hour day in information technology. He is in charge of finding suppliers and applies for the necessary business and health permits. Repeat customers include nurses, who are frontliners in caring for patients. Though registered nurses make up 4% nationally in the USA, 3 out Continued on Page 3
Andi and Philmar are engaged! by Neil
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ArwiN MercAdo
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 23, 2020
Inquirer.net
The unsinkable Martin-Pops tandem
ACTRESS Andi Eigenmann and surfer Philmar Alipayo are now engaged! In an Instagram post Sunday, December 19 Eigenmann shared a photo of her and Alipayo with her engagement ring. “I never thought about how my engagement would go because quite honestly, I didn’t think I’d have one. It would’ve been ok regardless, but it did happen,” Eigenmann said. “And it happened the way I wanted it and so much more,” she added. According to Eigenmann, the engagement was “nothing grand,” “unprompted,” “simple,” and “sincere.” “That’s us. That’s him. That is how I want the rest of my life to be. I am over the moon, so stoked to be spending it with you my mahal,” Eigenmann said. In a vlog posted Sunday, the couple also shared about their
by ricky lo Philstar.com
THROUGH the years, we have been the insatiable witnesses to what has become the most exciting spectator show this side of showbiz — yes, The Martin & Pops Show whose ups and downs, and ins and outs Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo Photo from Instagram_@andieigengirl are being laid bare for, ehem, out the ring from his pocket engagement. gossipmongers to gobble and kneeled before a crying “After a few moments of up with gusto (burp, burp!!!), Eigenmann. silence, Papa (Alipayo) started dished out in roller-coaster, FerThe couple earlier anwhispering nice things to me ris Wheel fashion. Everything is nounced that they are fiabout our life together and our for real, no scripts, no cuts, no nally going to have their “little growing family… He doesn’t nothing. happy islandBOY” next month. normally talk about his feelings So what else is there about The boy will be Eigena lot so I was surprised,” the un-couple Martin Nievera and mann’s second child with the text in their vlog reads. Pops Fernandez that you and I pro surfer, just a little over a Later in the video, Alipayo don’t know? asked Eigenmann to marry him. year after Lilo was born. The “That we can exist together two first revealed that they “From my whole heart, I even if we are not together,” were expecting another baby am asking you if you will marry said Martin who has found a back in August. me,” Alipayo said, as he pulled new love (not the mom of his son Santino). “The point is exes should get along. For several years now, Pops and I have been co-parenting our sons Robin and Ram. Viewers can “Anyway, I do support her Instagram post yesterday, by Alex BrosAs learn nice lessons, magic lesnurseries like [Arid & Aroids] Inquirer.net Dec. 19. sons, after every episode.” “I know you’ve been seeing because they’re one of the Pops could only say pioneers,” she said, adding that ACTRESS and certified plan- me supporting a lot of new “Amen!” to that. It’s Pops and she’s known them since she online sellers, especially now tita Aubrey Miles is showing good friend Joji Dingcong started her plant collection. “I that shipments are starting to tremendous support for online think most of you understand it. who are the producers, open again,” she said. “Signs plant sellers. together with another Most reputable and trusted of that somehow prices of plants Miles is giving these fellow show, Louie O Live with collectors and sellers too.” will slowly normalize. Maybe plant lovers the love because Robin Nievera, which Miles also appreciates it’ll take years but for sure it will she is inspired by online plant premieres on the same online sellers because they sellers’ stories, she explained in happen one day.” channel tomorrow night had different jobs and stories at 9 o’clock, with Robin before the pandemic. directing both shows. “This wasn’t their main “Actually,” revealed source of income. I admire what Joji, “we pitched four they’re doing now. Can you shows and all of them imagine most of them started were approved, thanks to their plant business during the station’s supportive lockdown?” she said. Miles is happy that most on- big bosses Robert line sellers are doing brisk sales Galang and MVP. The two other shows are now, all because of their hard scheduled next year work and perseverance. yet.” “No wonder they’re so According to many online plant sellers now. Louie O(campo), Because they inspire each his show with other. You know that saying ‘If you can do it, I can do it, too,’” Robin will be “raw, different she added. “Building a good and organic,” with business in a matter of months guest musicians is pretty impressive. Tama ba? (Jose Mari Chan in Galing ‘di ba? Mahal man or mura ang halaman lahat tayo working hard.” (Isn’t that right? Isn’t that great? Whether a plant is expensive or not, we are all working hard.) “I have to admit it’s motivatAubrey Miles Photo from Instagram_@milesaubrey ing,” Miles said.
Why Aubrey is supporting online plant sellers
Kayamanan Ng Lahi shares Filipino... From Page 2 The show’s traditional finale of “Silent Night” will be a virtual collaborative performance, featuring Southern California Brass Consortium with a community choir comprised of many singers from this year’s roster of performers. For those who miss the broadcast on Christmas Eve afternoon, PBS SoCal will air an encore presentation that evening at 7:00 p.m. PST. KCET will rebroadcast the show on Christmas Day at noon PST. In addition to the holiday celebration, KNL is one of seven community organizations involved in Grand Park’s Ground Our Present, Dot
Your Future, a new public art installation designed to build community with enrichment, engagement and dialogue through art. The quotes will appear on 24” multicolored circular decals guiding the familiar pathways of Grand Park between Grand Avenue and Broadway. Here are some of the quotes in the installation as shared by KNL members: • “Wearing a face mask is the new language of love for self, love for you, love for community…we are now kapwa tao.” – Ave Jacinto (Culver City) • “Distance brings us together; adversity drives ingenuity: Angelenos, we get
the job done.” – Frank Lozier (Paramount) • “We are strongest together, and nothing can stop us, no matter how far apart we are.” – Lucca Salazar (Sylmar) • “As owners of Genever, responsible for our service employees’ livelihood, we’re pushing boundaries and pivoting to thrive and not just survive.” – Tinette Sumiller (owner of Genever, a craft cocktail bar in Historic Filipinotown). The installation will be presented in conjunction with Grand Park’s NYELA celebration, which will be shown on television and via streaming channels on December 31, 2020.
How Max and Lucy’s revived a family... From Page 2 of 10 who have died from the coronavirus reportedly are Filipinos. This is a grim statistic for our Fil-Am community and their survivors. Yet their zest for life, the enjoyment of simple pleasures goes on, much like a brioche that makes them recall a memory of a loved one that cannot be thumped down, as they continue to order by the dozens. M & L was founded initially to introduce a product familiar to the Filipino palate. “This is the closest to the ones I’ve tasted in Mallorca, Spain. Thanks, Don of Max and Lucy’s, I now taste memories from my childhood. My mother in Heaven would be shaking her head and laughing at my little luxury,” wrote Lu Sobredo, who is finishing her novel during this pandemic. One might ask: How does this new business contribute to the larger entrepreneurial community? This new business is collaborating with Filipinoowned entrepreneurs, who are quite willing to share the lessons that they have learned,
including where to find key suppliers for raw materials for their ensaymadas. This passion project has now become a livelihood source for distributors while also increasing the business from the suppliers of the raw materials they are using. Vicariously too, some of the distributors share their commissions with their employees in the Philippines who were affected by the stoppage of commercial activity since March. “How does a memory taste? Welcome back to the sweet taste of home. Our classic ensaymada is a lavish mix of butter, sugar, and cheese — a contrasting yet blended surprise of salty-sweet flavors. Soft and light brioche buns — a home-baked cloud of goodness with every bite,” M & L’s teaser page on Facebook accurately described its quality product and why it is “proofing” its business and loveleavened by the owners, the crew, the distributors, and the customers. You know it is so good when one’s priest/friends take the time to say thank you,
make a polite request to taste them again, and describe them as heavenly bites of goodness. It is simply a complete ecosystem of goodness, virtues, and creativity — all features of the Filipino culture, synergistically derived from the founders, owners, production crew members, distributors, and customers. This feature is the first of a two-part series, with the next about Kuya Lord’s Pop-Up. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 12 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the U.S., in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.
the maiden episode) not only singing their songs but also talking about the back stories. The show comes full circle with three generations of Nieveras (patriarch Bert who could have appeared as guest if he were alive, Martin and Robin). Besides the “nice and magic lessons,” what’s interesting about eXes & whYs is the line-up of guests. “I would love to have Brad Pitt on the show,” wished Martin. “Our guests could be anybody sikat or not sikat who has interesting stories to tell. The show will be something like Penthouse Live (of yesteryear where Martin and Pops first met. —RFL).” “Ako, I would love to have Sharon (Cuneta) as guest,” said Pops. To make it more exciting, why don’t they invite their own exes? “Hey,” Martin exclaimed, “that’s a great concept!” Pops, addressing Martin, “Mas marami kang exes!” Martin replied, “We need more furniture for that. Great
idea!” Pops said, “Maybe we can invite Derek (Ramsay) so he can explain everything.” (Pops was wrongly mentioned as the cause of Derek’s break-up with Andrea Torres.) “The truth,” Martin joked, “is that I was the cause of the break-up. I have better abs than Derek.” Seriously now, what tips could they give “un-couples” who should be “coupling” again? Martin: “Pops and I are okay because we have remained friends. Our foundation is friendship and that’s the most important thing.” Pops: “Everything takes time to heal. You cannot escape that process. Go through the sadness, the hurt and the pain but don’t linger on them, don’t enjoy them. After that, move on ka na. Forget everything that happened because if you keep recalling them, they will pull you down.” Martin: “Let it go!”
community The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 23, 2020
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
Should I create a will and a living trust during this pandemic?
THE COVID-19 Pandemic is a the global economy. Individuals scary reality which affects every- over 60 years old and individual one globally and has shut down that are immune compromised
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are more at risk of having serious complications with this virus. Individuals are dying all over the world in exponential numbers. Although we cannot completely control how our bodies and immune system would respond to this virus, we can prepare our finances and estate in case the worst happens to make sure our loved ones are properly provided for. Legally, there are several ways you can do this. 1. Create a Living Trust If you pass away with at least $166,250 in gross assets and you do not have a living trust (even if you have a will), your beneficiaries would have to open up a probate case before title to the assets can pass to them. When I say gross asset, I mean regardless of how much debt you owe on them. For example if you own a house valued at $350,000 at the time of your death, it does not matter that your mortgage balance is $300,000, a probate case has to be opened in order to pass title to that property. The same is true with other types of assets such as owning a business, a professional practice, bonds, equities, etc. This is a very low threshold to exceed specially in California where real estate prices, even after the economic crisis, remains in the upper end of the curve among the 50 states. Commencing a probate case is expensive and a very slow process. Someone qualified will have to file a Petition with the probate court to have someone appointed as executor or administrator. The Petitioner’s attorney gets paid a statutory rate for attorney’s fees commencing with 4% of the gross estate. The probate referee will have to be paid for appraising the assets of the estate. If it is necessary to post bond, the premium on the bond would have to be paid as well. There is also the cost of administering the estate such as selling some of the assets to satisfy the estate’s obligations Continued on Page 5
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA JOSHUA was excited with his new job at the inn. It sure beats having to herd sheep this time of the year when the cold nights chilled his bones on the hillside pasture where he tended his family’s small herd of sheep and cattle. The job fell to his younger brother this time. Jacob, the owner of the inn was his father’s friend who had asked if Joshua could help him mind the inn for a little while as he and his wife will be going on a long journey. Jacob liked and trusted Joshua like the son he never had. The young man was a good worker and a natural who quickly picked up the ropes of the business. Not long after, Jacob and his wife left for their journey to the town north of the country where they were born many miles away to comply with the Roman emperor Augustus’ decree that everyone be counted for the census. Few, if any, in Israel dared disobey the mighty Roman Empire. The inn was busy. People for miles around were on the move going back to their own hometowns. The brisk business brought by overnight travellers in their otherwise sleepy town tired him out. Yet, he felt pretty proud of himself of the work he was doing. Today, just before sundown, he had filled the 12 modestly furnished rooms with tired and hungry travellers. He thought of meeting up with his shepherd friends in the pasture once he had turned over the inn’s affairs to the night attendant. He had heard his shepherd friends on night watch talk about an unusually bright star that has been moving in the heavens for many nights now. They said it was a spectacle to behold and he wanted to see it for himself. The rumor buzzing around town was that the soothsayers in King Herod’s palace studying the unusual heavenly display were cowering in fear, loathe to tell the king the meaning of the unusual star. Eventually, they had to tell the king for nothing escapes him. Herod did not suffer fools gladly.
A ChristmAs story The Innkeeper’s untold tale “As he told the story of that wondrous night to Luke, Joshua carefully removed himself from the narrative. It was to be between him and God alone.” The prophecy will come to pass. The king to rule all kings was to be born very soon within the kingdom. It was no wonder King Herod was in a vicious mood. Joshua thought the ruthless king would remove all threats to his kingship by all means fair or foul. It was bad enough he had to bow to the superior might of the Roman conquerors who had allowed him to be king within his territory. Just as Joshua was about to lock up for the night, a couple came in. The man, visibly tired and leaning on his staff with one hand, was supporting the woman who was heavy with child with his other hand. The woman looked to be in some pain. Still, Joshua noted the stately calm, grace and beauty about her. There was this mysterious glow. The man asked Joshua for a room and told him his wife was about to give birth. Alas, the last room has been let and Joshua told him so. Joshua glanced at the woman and his heart was filled with pity. He thought quickly of his own home for them to stay for the night but it was some distance away. He had to think and act quickly. It looks like the woman was about to give birth at any moment. Joshua had seen to his own mother at childbirth. He had helped his own father deliver some of his brothers himself. “Maybe, I have something for you. It’s not much but it would get you through this cold night at least,” he told the couple. “Come with me.” Joshua gathered some blankets and sheets quickly. He gave instructions to his attendant to heat water. He then gathered food and other provisions. He moved in haste leading the couple to an empty
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stable a few yards at the back of the inn. Earlier in the day before the sun was up, he took to clearing the stable himself. He didn’t know why he did it. But now he was glad he did so. He thought the squalid stable with its walls and roof can shield this poor couple from the cold night as the woman delivers her child. Joshua gave the man the blankets and clean sheets, the warm water and some extra oil for the lamp to burn through the night. He set a makeshift table for the bread, fish and wine and lit the lamp in one corner. He moved quickly as he helped the man make his wife comfortable. He could see the woman’s face etched in pain for the birth pangs seem to be stronger now. Beads of sweat lined the woman’s brow. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to meet up with his friends tonight. Somehow he knew his place was right here where he was needed for the long night ahead. Just before he went back to the inn to fetch a few more things, he said to them, “I’m Joshua. Let me know if you need anything else.” The man replied, “I’m Joseph and this is Mary. Thank you. You have done more than you can possibly know. The Lord’s light burns bright in you.” Mary looked up at Joshua and smiled through her pain. For as long as he lived, Joshua will never forget that smile. Mary’s child was born that night. Joshua could not remember a night more filled with wonder, mystery and myriad points of light. It was a night like no other. Joshua’s entire being was engulfed with the mystery Continued on Page 5
community Tips for creating special holiday memories together, Bea on what’ s the score with John: even during a pandemic ‘I’m always in love with him’ The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 23, 2020
IN the hustle and bustle of the holidays, one gift young children always love is the gift of time with you. And this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this holiday season may be smaller, (with young children I hesitate to say quieter) than past years. Restrictions on travel and large gatherings, as well as the need to protect our friends and family probably mean your celebrations will be different. But your holidays can still be warm, merry and bright. Here at First 5 California, we offer these suggestions for fun activities that will help your family make the most of this special time together. Read together—Now is the perfect time to enjoy special holiday-themed books and stories. Carve out time every day to read to your children and share your childhood memories of holiday traditions.
Sing-along with holiday songs— Play your favorite holiday songs throughout the holiday season. Create a new tradition of singing and dancing together with your children. Go for a drive to view holiday lights—Members of your household can enjoy decorated homes and neighborhoods from the safety of your vehicle. Talk about the colors and shapes with babies and toddlers. Bring along favorite car snacks for the ride. Make holiday art—Make and share homemade cards, wrapping paper and decorations. Think about what you can make with items you already have in your home. Remember that handmade gifts are always treasured. Cook and bake together—Holiday meals are special when prepared together. Involve children in identifying, describing and measuring
ingredients, and other kitchen tasks. Talk about special family recipes and your memories of holiday foods and gatherings. Watch a holiday movie together (even across the miles)—Some streaming platforms offer online tools to watch a movie together in real time. Enjoy your favorite holiday films with friends and family wherever they are. Talk about the movie and the characters with your children. Ask them what they thought of the film. Stay safe—This holiday season, take steps to protect you and your loved ones from getting or spreading COVID19. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and practice social distancing. More information, tips, support, and resources for parenting during a pandemic are available at https://www.first5california. com/covid.
Should I create a will and a living... From Page 4 and to divide the estate according to the will or the intestate line of succession if there is no will. The entire process could take up years specially if certain beneficiaries and creditors file certain claims. The probate court file would be public record. On the other hand if you have a living trust, your estate can avoid the entire court system and court supervision. In certain situations, the process may also save you estate taxes which may be substantial if your assets exceed a certain threshold. Basically, you and/or your spouse can be named as the initial trustee of the trust while you are alive. The trustee is the person who manages the trust. This means you retain control of all your assets the same way as if you never had a trust. For revocable trusts, you can later on, at any time during your lifetime, revoke the entire trust if you change your mind. The assets held in your living trust will be managed by the trustee and distributed according to your directions without court supervision and involvement when you pass away. This can save your heirs time and money. Since the trust would not be under the direct management of the probate court, your assets and their value and your beneficiaries’ identities would not become a public record. Your heirs and beneficiaries would still have to be notified about the living trust and advised, among other things, of their right to obtain a copy of the trust. Having a trust is also beneficial in case you become incapacitated. The person you name as successor trustee can step up and manage the assets in your trust on your behalf. 2. Power of Attorney A power of attorney designates another individual the power to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. You can limit this power and define what the scope of the power you are giving your attorney in fact. A power of attorney is also revocable if you decide to cancel the
power you have given this individual. By giving another person the power of attorney, you do not lose the power to manage your financial affairs. You can continue to make financial decisions on your own affairs. 3. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare allows your to designate specific individual to have the power to make healthcare decisions on your behalf incase you no longer have the capacity to make decisions for yourself due to health conditions. You can define the scope of your agent’s authority. This is also revocable if you change your mind in the future. Your agent will have the authority to access and review your medical records and sign any authorization on your behalf. This is helpful incase you are unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself. 4. Last Will and Testament A Last Will and Testament allows your to designate how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. This allows you to customize how your estate will be divided and distributed. In the absence of a Will, you would pass away intestate and the probate court would simply follow the California intestate succession laws which are in the probate code. *** 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 is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He 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.
The Innkeeper’s... From Page 4 happening before his very eyes. He remembered Mary wrapping her child gently in swaddling clothes and placing the child in a manger. The child was bathed in light. The whole stable was filled with warmth. Soft, sweet music seem to emanate from a choir of angels above the stable and a sweet heavenly fragrance wafted through the air. Joshua’s shepherd friends came to visit the child. How could they have known? His friends told him that an angel told them about the good news. They were led to the stable where they found the child. Filled with awe, they knelt before the child who was to be king. Later on that night, three men garbed in royal splendor and bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh travelling from afar, came to pay the child homage. They had been following the bright star hovering about the heavens for many nights leading them to that dusty town called Bethlehem. Many years later in his old age, the memory of that night still stayed with Joshua. He had remained the innkeeper. He had struck a friendship with a
man called Luke, a physician who was a regular guest at the inn. He observed that the thoughtful, quiet Luke was always writing in rolls of papyrus in his room. Not wanting to keep the wonders of that night to be forgotten when he passed, Joshua told the story to Luke. As he told the story of that wondrous night, Joshua carefully removed himself from the narrative. It was to be between him and God alone. Joshua’s life was never the same again. The light of that bright night burned in his soul forever. He could not have known at the time he was witness to the unfolding of the greatest mystery on earth. May the true Spirit of Christmas live in our hearts all year round! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL! *** 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.com
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 Visit our website at kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
by Niña
GuNo Inquirer.net
BEA Alonzo opened up on her love life in a vlog, answering questions about past relationships — and if she has one at present. The actress got candid with celebrity dermatologist Aivee Aguilar-Teo in a video shot in October, Alonzo’s birth month, but was only released last Wednesday, Dec. 16. One of the questions that probed into Alonzo’s love life was if she was ever in love with screen partner John Lloyd Cruz. “I’m always in love with him. I feel like our partnership will never work if I was not in love with him. So nandoon lagi iyon (it’s always there),” she said. She explained that their relationship had gone through all the levels it could have. “We were friends, we were enemies, we were almost lovers,” she related. “Iyong relationship namin, nata-transcend niya na iyong level of just romance (Our relationship transcends the level of just romance).” “Now, he’s more than just
that to me. That’s the beauty of it,” she added. “Maybe I’m also in love with the idea of what we are.” When Aguilar-Teo asked if she meant the idea of them as a couple, Alonzo clarified, “Parang hindi mo alam kung ano siya (It’s like you don’t know what it is), and I’m in love with that idea.” The doctor to the stars asked if there was a possibility of falling in love with Cruz again. Alonzo reiterated that she is always in love with him, but noted, “Sometimes, love is not enough. There’s more to a relationship than just love.” Alonzo also revealed which ex she would get back with and said that it would be Zanjoe Marudo. “My relationship with Zanjoe lasted for six years. Until now we’re good friends. I’m friends with the family,” Alonzo said. “Kung pag-uusapan ay (If we are talking about) good memories, it has to be with him.” She admitted that she has only ever gotten back with one ex. Alonzo briefly dated costar Gerald Anderson in 2010.
Bea Alonzo Photo from Instagram_@beaalonzo
There were speculations that they were an item in 2017, and by July 2019, Alonzo confirmed their breakup. When asked if she is currently dating, Alonzo quipped, “I’m dating. And guys, if you’re interested, you can just comment below. Leave your number, char.” The “One More Chance” star has been linked to actor Dominic Roque, though both have been tight-lipped about their relationship status.
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 23, 2020