012721 - Southern California Midweek Edition

January 27-29, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 7 • 2 Sections - 14 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California lifts regional stay-at-home order, counties return to tier system LA County to allow certain activities, outdoor dining again

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

CALIFORNIA lifted the regional stay-at-home order across the state amid “positive signs” of a slower spread of COVID-19, officials announced

this week, paving the way for activities like outdoor dining and personal care services to reopen once again with modifications.

On Monday, January 25, all counties returned to the color-coded tiers that indicate which activities

and businesses are open based on local case rates and test positivity.

Prior to the announcement, San Joaquin Valley (1.3% ICU capacity), Bay Area and Southern

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US imposes travel restrictions on several countries with virus variant

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Jason Tengco (center) with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in a photo taken during the Obama administration when Biden was VP. Contributed photo

UNITED STATES President Joe Biden has reinstated travel restrictions on most non-U.S. citizens who have been in Britain, Brazil, Ireland and much of Europe to slow the transmission of the new COVID-19 variant.

Biden on Monday, January 25, also expanded the restrictions to include travelers who have recently been to South Africa, where a new strain of the virus has been detected.

“The entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of noncitizens who were physically present within the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom (excluding overseas territories outside of Europe), the Republic of Ireland, and the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States, is hereby suspended,” read the proclamation.

The European countries impacted by the reinstatement of the travel ban include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,

Fil-Am appointed White House liaison for Office of Personnel Management FILIPINO American millennial Jason Tengco has been tapped to be the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s White House liaison, the Biden-Harris administration announced on Monday, January 25.

The OPM serves as the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager for the federal government.

Tengco previously served as the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) outreach lead on the Biden-Harris transition team, and was the chief of staff for the campaign’s coalition department, which worked with minority groups and different sectors across the country to get out of the vote.

The appointees reflect “the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to diversity, with more than 85% of OPM First Week appointees identifying as people of color, women, or LGBTQ,” the announcement said.

Kathleen McGettigan, OPM’s chief management officer, will serve as acting direc-

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Fil-Am father, daughter electrocuted by downed power lines in Panorama City, CA A FILIPINO American father and adult daughter were found electrocuted to death early Monday, January 25 in Panorama City, California.

Firefighters were called to the 14700 block of Tupper Street, near Cedros Avenue, just before 3 a.m. where a man and a woman were found dead in a shed outside their home, according to CBS Los Angeles.

The victims were identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office as 53year-old Ferdinand Tejada and his daughter, 20-year-old Janine Reyn Tejada.

Both of them were from Dasmariñas, Cavite in the Philippines before moving to Southern California, according to the younger Tejada’s Facebook page.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said Ferdinand Tejada was electrocuted when he tried to move a downed electrical wire that he was investigating outside. His

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REMEMBERING SAF-44. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar (3rd from left), and Special Action Force (SAF) Director Police Major General Bernabe Balba (left), salute SAF troopers during the arrival honors for the “Day of National Remembrance for the Gallant SAF 44” held in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan in Taguig City on Monday, January 25. The event commemorates the heroism of the 44 members of the PNP’s elite force who were killed on Jan. 25, 2015 in an operation aimed at hunting down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, alias “Marwan”, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

PNA photo by Joey Razon

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Biden admin appoints Fil-Ams to key roles

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

SHORTLY after taking his oath of office on January 20, President Joe Biden appointed acting heads of federal and development agencies, and among them is Gloria Steele who will serve as acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

At the Department of Interior, Camille Calimlim Touton was named Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, and over at the Department of Defense, Veronica Valdez is the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.

They all join a growing list of Fil-Ams serving across the administration that in-

cludes Jason Tengco, the Office of Personnel Management’s White House liaison; John Santos, a special assistant at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs; and Angela de la Cruz Perez, a new graduate of Georgetown University who is now a part of the White House Communications and Press Staff as a press assistant.

Last month, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki described that her first impression of Perez “was that she is all business with a smile.”

Perez served as a press assistant on the transition, and was a communications assistant on the Biden-Harris campaign.

Gloria Steele (USAID) Steele was a distinguished career mem-

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Gloria Steele, acting administrator of USAID

Veronica Valdez, special assistant at Defense Department

Biden signs executive order denouncing Palace urges nations not to worsen tensions anti-Asian racism, hate amid COVID in South China Sea

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

PRESIDENT Joe Biden signed four executive orders on Tuesday, January 26 aimed at pushing racial equity, including one to combat xenophobia and racism against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), which has heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I firmly believe the nation is ready to change but government has to change as well. We need to make equity and justice part of what we do every day, today, tomorrow and every day,”

Biden said in his remarks, following a campaign promise to address racial inequities.

The directive acknowledges the role that rhetoric from political leaders, “including references to the COVID-19 pandemic by the geographic location of its origin,” has played in the rise in xenophobia and hate incidents targeting AAPIs. “This is unacceptable and it’s un-American,” the president said, referencing the attacks against the community.

In an April 2020 interview, Vice President Kamala Harris, a California senator at the

time, said the previous administration’s usage of anti-Asian connotations associated with the virus was “absolutely irresponsible” and “born out of ignorance.”

“What we have to do as leaders is remind people, they are not alone and encourage them to report these crimes because they are crimes and that we have to advocate to say there needs to be investigation and prosecution,” Harris previously told the Asian Journal.

The xenophobic references included “China virus” or “kung

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG has called on countries involved in the South China Sea issue to refrain from worsening tensions after China adopted a law allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels entering disputed territories and demolish foreign structures.

“Sana po walang gagawin ang kahit na anong bansa dito sa usaping West Philippine Sea na magpapalala pa po ng sitwasyon (I hope countries would not do anything in relation to the West Philippine Sea issue that will worsen the situation),” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a press briefing on Monday, January 25.

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A january 27-29, 2021 • SoCal aSIan jOurnaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

From the Front Page Fil-Am father, daughter electrocuted by downed...

PAGE A1 daughter was also electrocuted while trying to save him.

“She came in contact with the water and the water served as a conductor. Our firefighters wait-

Ferdinand Tejada and Janine Reyn Tejada

It had been raining at the time of the incident, but it was not clear what caused the wires to come down.

“LADWP is saddened to report that two individuals were electrocuted while coming in contact with downed power lines,” said the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

“These two tragic deaths are a sobering reminder that live electrical wires can and will often result in death. Don’t get near or touch a downed power line,” it said, urging residents to stay away and call 911 if they see a downed line.

The department also said that anyone coming across a victim lying near, or in contact with, downed wires or electrical equipment should keep a safe distance and not attempt to RAILWAY CLEARING. A backhoe operator clears the Philippine National Railways (PNR) route of obstruction at its Espana Station in Manila touch the victim. on Monday, January 25. PNR has resumed operation between the Tutuban station in Manila to Alabang in Muntinlupa City.

“LADWP is working with law PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr. enforcement in their investigation of this incident,” it said in a Facebook photo statement. (AJPress)

ed for the Department of Fire and water to come cut power because he was beyond medical assistance as was his daughter,” LAFD Firefighter David Ortiz told CBS Los Angeles.

California lifts regional...

PAGE A1

California (0% ICU capacity) were still under the regional stay-at-home order, but fourweek ICU capacity projections for those areas are reportedly above 15%.

“We are in a position, projecting four weeks forward, with a significant decline in the case rates, positivity rates, we are anticipating decline still more decline in hospitalizations and more declines in ICUs and that’s why we are lifting that stay-at-home order effective immediately today,” Governor Gavin Newsom said during his daily briefing on Monday.

By Feb. 21, the projected capacity will be 22.3% in San Joaquin Valley, 33.3% in Southern California, and 25% in the Bay Area, according to numbers provided by the governor.

The projected capacity depends on current estimated ICU capacity available, current community transmission, current regional case rates and the proportion of cases admitted to the ICU. Newsom introduced the regional order in December and extended it into the new year.

The Sacramento region exited the order on January 12 and the Northern California region never entered the order.

Purple tier rules Currently, the majority of the counties are in the strictest, or the purple tier. Under the tier, retail can continue to operate with 25% maximum capacity, restaurants and wineries can reopen outdoor dining, gyms and fitness centers can hold outdoor classes, personal care services like hair and nail salons can open indoors with modifications, and family entertainment centers, cardrooms and movie theaters stay outdoors. Bars, where no food is provided; live audience sports; and amusement parks remain closed.

Meanwhile, the counties of Trinity, Alpine, and Mariposa are

in the red (substantial) and Sierra County is the only one in the orange tier (moderate).

Tier updates are provided weekly on Tuesdays. Individual counties could choose to impose stricter rules, officials said.

“California is slowly starting to emerge from the most dangerous surge of this pandemic yet, which is the light at the end of the tunnel we’ve been hoping for,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “Seven weeks ago, our hospitals and front-line medical workers were stretched to their limits, but Californians heard the urgent message to stay home when possible and our surge after the December holidays did not overwhelm the health care system to the degree we had feared.”

With the end of the regional restrictions, the statewide limited stay-at-home order, which limits non-essential activities between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., also expired.

Officials remind the public to continue to help slow the spread by wearing masks when outside, maintaining physical distancing, and avoiding large gatherings and mixing with other households.

As of this writing, California has reported 3,153,186 cases and 37,527 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

LA County In Los Angeles County, which is considered the epicenter of the virus, officials announced that the county will align with the state health order.

Activities like personal care services were allowed to reopen

by Tuesday, but the county said the following restrictions remain in effect until Friday, January 29: restaurants, wineries and breweries remain open for pick-up, delivery, and take-out only; and non-essential businesses must be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The county Department of Public Health confirmed 291 new deaths and 5,927 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, the one year anniversary of the first reported virus case in the county. To date, Public Health identified 1,075,044 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County and a total of 15,592 deaths.

Los Angeles County’s COVID-19 Vaccine website, VaccinateLACounty.com has incorporated the State’s new appointment registration platform, MyTurn. The registration system features a streamlined process for residents eligible to receive the vaccine and will inform them when they can book an appointment.

The site also alerts people who registered to when appointments open up, or when vaccinations are opening up to additional priority groups. Currently, MyTurn will make appointments for the county’s five large capacity sites as well as two other county-operated vaccination sites. Appointments for all other locations, such as pharmacies and clinics, are also available on the website.

With limited vaccine supply, there are not enough appointments available to meet demand, officials cautioned.

“While our metrics are headed in the right direction, if we aren’t careful this can all quickly change. In order to prevent another increase in cases that leads us back to more restrictions, as sectors re-open, we strongly encourage everyone to follow the protocols that are in place and to keep doing what we know will help reduce transmissions — wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, avoid large gatherings and crowds. If you are at high risk for serious disease from COVID-19, we strongly recommend you continue to stay home as much as possible,” County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. n

Biden signs executive order denouncing ...

PAGE A1

flu,” despite World Health Organization guidance on naming diseases to minimize negative effects on nations, economies and people.

The order now calls on agencies to remove language in actions or documents that “exhibit or contribute to racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.”

The Department of Justice is further directed to expand the collection of data and public reporting regarding hate incidents against community members.

Last year, in the absence of federal data collection, advocacy groups like STOP AAPI Hate — founded by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) and San Francisco State University’s Asian American Studies Department — created a reporting site where individuals could document an incident in English or another language.

From March 19 to December 31, 2020, the group told the Asian Journal that it received 2,808 reported incidents of racism and discrimination targeting community members. During that period up until October 28 of last year, 245 incidents were in Los Angeles County alone.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the Asian American community has struggled not only with the COVID-19 pandemic, but with a climate of increasing fear and discrimination. Thousands of us have been the victims of racist at-

tacks, with the knowledge that much of the racist hate we face has been fueled by leaders in our government, including the former president,” the group said in a statement.

It added that it was “relieved” that this is one of the early actions but said the Biden-Harris administration should “take bold action” by reversing other executive orders from the Trump era.

Among the group’s recommendations is to expand civil rights protections for individuals experiencing discrimination, for the U.S. Attorney General to investigate and initiate civil actions on anti-AAPI hate, and to ensure passage of the Jabara-Heyers NO HATE Act. The Filipino American community has experienced its share of hateful incidents, as reported by the Asian Journal.

For example, in one viral video, a Fil-Am woman was verbally harassed while exercising at a Torrance, California park. Another recorded incident over the Fourth of July weekend showed a family being told by a white man that “You f***ing Asians” and “Trump’s gonna f*** you” while they were having dinner at a Carmel Valley restaurant.

The order also guides the Department of Health and Human Services and the COVID19 Health Equity Task Force to consider issuing guidance describing best practices to advance cultural competency, language access and sensitivity towards the communities in the government’s pandemic response.

While several AAPI organizations recognized the order as a step in the right direction, they are calling on the administration to do more in addressing the health disparities within the communities.

Brendan Flores, national chair and president of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) said in a statement that AAPIs and Native Hawaiians are not a monolith and each community has different needs amid the pandemic.

“The Filipino American community, in many areas across the country, has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this past year has amplified pre-existing health disparities in our community,” Flores said, citing the pandemic’s burden Filipino American health care workers.

“NaFFAA echoes the concerns of NCAPA for our AANHPI brothers and sisters, and calls upon the Biden Administration to provide much-needed relief to the Filipino American community, especially to our healthcare workers serving tireless hours on the frontlines during this pandemic.”

The president also signed orders on Tuesday to redress the country’s history of discriminatory housing practices and policies, to not renew the Department of Justice’s contracts with private prisons, and to re-establish a commitment to tribal sovereignty and consultation.

With the four new directives, Biden has so far signed 37 orders since taking office on January 20. n

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USa

Camille Touton

John Santos

Angela Perez

PAGE A1 ber of the U.S. Government’s Senior Executive Service for over 18 years and has been called a visionary and dreamer by people who have benefited from her work at the USAID. “These public servants, like so many across the federal government, are dedicated to serving the American people, not a political party or agenda,” Biden said. “I am thankful for their willingness to step-up to lead during these difficult times and help us make sure the government continues to operate and serve the American people. Together, we are restoring trust in the federal government and building our nation back better.”

Before retiring from Federal service, Steele served as the Acting Assistant Administrator and Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Asia from 2015 to 2020.

She is supposed to join the NGO CARE this month as its chief operating officer but for now, she will return as USAID acting head until the administration’s nominee, Samantha Power, is confirmed by the Senate.

“I don’t want to be known as the person who became who she is because she’s a woman, or because she’s a woman of color. We should never feel entitled. We have to set our eyes on what we want, and we have to work for it. Each of us has to follow our North Star,” Steele said in a USAID article on Medium, honoring her four decades of public service.

Prior to those assignments, she served as USAID’s Mission Director for the Philippines, the Pacific Islands, and Mongolia, from 2010-2015, where she

oversaw a program budget of over $500 million.

USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance.

Ms. Steele received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Maryknoll College in the Philippines and her master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Steele first dipped her toes into the public sector as a management consultant to the country’s Secretary of Agriculture, and taught Business Economics at Letran Graduate School for Business in Manila.

Her awards include a Presidential Meritorious Executive Award in 2007, Presidential Distinguished Executive Awards in 2008 and 2018, and the Order of Sikatuna award from the President of the Philippines in 2015.

Camille Calimlim Touton (Bureau of Reclamation) Long-time water policy advisor, Camille Calimlim Touton is returning to the Department of Interior since she was named Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation.

“Ms. Touton has been one of my most trusted advisors on water policy for over a decade. She is an engineer, who has counseled U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, and was a leader in the Obama Administration’s Department of Interior’s Office of Water and Science,” Rep. Grace Napolitano said in a congratulatory message. “Although I am losing Ms. Touton for a

second time to the Administration, I couldn’t be happier for her, and I am glad the Department is again, getting her great leadership, competency, and expertise.”

“Her appointment is also historic, as Ms. Touton becomes the first Filipino American to serve in this important agency leadership role,” Napolitano added.

In a previous interview, Touton was asked about who provided the greatest influence in her career.

“My mother. As an engineer, registered nurse, and a mother to three children, she showed me that you don’t have to choose between personal and professional goals,” she replied.

The Bureau of Reclamation is a water management agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees dams, canals, and hydroelectric plants across the Western United States. It is the nation’s largest wholesaler of water and the second-largest producer of hydroelectric power in the West.

“Ms. Touton is a master of the complicated issues of Western water policy, who fully understands the grave threats posed by climate change and unpredictable drought cycles. She is well respected by the wide spectrum of water leaders, including Democrats and Republicans, federal, state, and local water officials, and non-governmental groups,” Napolitano added.

Touton served as Professional Staff for the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. She was the staff lead on the resiliency provisions enacted as part of the Water Resources Development

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 27-29, 2021

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Biden admin appoints Fil-Ams in...

EGG OFFERING. Sidewalk vendors sell sampaguita flowers and egg offerings in colorful plastic wrappers on the sidewalk along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, January 26. It’s been a tradition for people who visit Monasterio de Santa Clara to offer a dozen eggs.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

‘They’re more unified by what they’re against than what they’re actually for’: Breaking down the growing influence of QAnon, far-right conspiracies

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

FOLLOWING the violent insurrection at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, concern over the impact of far-right and radical groups on American democracy became an urgent issue.

Hundreds of rioters donning support for former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an attempt to stop the Electoral College vote count in Congress. Widely spread across social media and news outlets, rioters were seen stealing paraphernalia, vandalizing offices and threatening specific members of Congress.

The infamous digitally-native group QAnon once again made headlines following the attack when it became clear that many of those who perpetrated the illegal break-in of the Capitol proudly proclaimed allegiance to the movement.

In a press briefing on Friday, Jan. 22, experts spoke about the diversity of the far-right movement and the ubiquity of these groups in a post-“fake news” PAGE A4 America that brought massive

distrust in traditional media and organized bureaucracy.

But QAnon wasn’t the only group present at the siege on Capitol Hill and they are far from the only far-right group that has grown in size and influence.

“When we talk about the farright, this is really a very broad umbrella and underneath there you’ve got both formal organizations — like the Proud Boys, the Oathkeepers and the Three Percenters,” Colin P. Clarke, assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon’s Institute for Politics and Strategy, said at the briefing.

“But you’ve also got a loose collection of decentralized networks, and that’s a hodgepodge of everything from QAnon to, what I would call, religious extremists like evangelicals who see Trump as the second coming of Christ and, as we saw in images of the Capitol [siege], you have white supremacists and neo-Nazis,” Clarke said, referencing rioters who bore insensitive clothing and signage relating to the Holocaust.

Clarke emphasized the nature of these far-right groups and the anti-Semitism, misogyny and racism that acts as “a connective tissue” among all these groups from the Proud Boys to QAnon to neo-Nazis.

“They’re more unified by what they’re against than what they’re actually for,” he said.

Although the hordes of rioters that stormed Capitol Hill consisted of an ideologically diverse group of people, by far the most talked about is QAnon, a group that until recently had been nothing but a winding, far-reaching internet conspiracy credo.

What is QAnon?

In short, QAnon comprises a broad set of radical philosophies and unfounded theories that posit that Trump is leading a secret war against a Satanic coalition of pedophiles in government, media and entertainment, and business.

It was largely propagated at the start of Trump’s presidency when swaths of Americans (primarily Trump supporters and PAGE A4

Dateline USa

A january 27-29, 2021 • SoCal aSIan jOurnaL

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Palace urges nations not to worsen tensions...

PAGE A1

Last week, China passed the Coast Guard Law, permitting its coast guard to use “all necessary means” to stop or prevent threats from foreign vessels.

The Palace, for its part, stressed that China and other sovereign countries should comply with its obligations in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Habang meron pong kapangyarihan ang bansa dahil sa siya’y soberenya na magpasa ng batas na iiral sa kanyang teritoryo, ‘yang mga batas po ‘yan ay kinakailangan sumunod pa rin sa mga obligasyon sangayon sa United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea kung saan kasapi po ang Tsina RALLY AT UP. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and the Duterte Youth Party-List hold a picket (While countries have the powrally on a road leading to the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City on Tuesday, January 26. They later symbolically served the er as a sovereign state to pass letter of Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to the UP community, abrogating the UP-DND accord.

laws asserting territory, these laws have to follow obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, where China is a signatory),” said Roque.

“Under general international law po, yung paggamit po ng dahas ay generally prohibited except for two well-defined exceptions by way of self-defense at kinakailangan po merong sending of armed troops into the territory of China at kinakailangan ang paggamit po ng dahas ay necessary at proportional at when authorized by the UN Security Council (Under general international law, the use of force is generally prohibited except for two well-defined exceptions. By way of self-defense, there should be sending of armed troops into the territory of China and the use of

force should be necessary and proportional; and when authorized by the UN Security Council),” he added.

Roque also reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the completion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea “Ang deklarasyon po ng ating Presidente tapusin na po natin ang ating code of conduct at lahat po sana ng mga claimants sa West Philippine Sea ay sumunod sa code of conduct (The declaration of the President is to finish a code of conduct and that all claimants of the West Philippine Sea follow this code of conduct),” he said.

On several occasions, China has refused to acknowledge the Philippines’ arbitral award that invalidated China’s claim over the entire South China Sea. n

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Fil-Am appointed White House liaison for... ‘They’re more unified by what they’re against...

PAGE A3

PAGE A1 tor of OPM until a permanent director is nominated and confirmed.

“Biden wants to continue to build off of that significant progress and make sure that we have diverse, talented individuals in his administration,” Tengco told the Asian Journal in a 2020 interview, citing the Obama-Biden administration’s record appointments of AAPIs, particularly FilAms, to key government positions.

Tengco — who was the executive director and then a senior advisor for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations

(NaFFAA) — briefly left politics to pursue a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of California, Berkeley.

He graduated last spring and had another job lined up, but the nationwide protests for racial justice and seeing former President Donald Trump’s photo-op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. compelled him to work to get Biden elected, he previously told the Asian Journal.

“I already knew that we couldn’t afford another four years under [Trump], but that was the day that I told myself that I wanted to jump back in and get involved

in the campaign myself,” Tengco said in the interview.

His past experiences include serving as national AAPI outreach director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, and deputy director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs during the Obama administration.

Tengco’s interest in political activism sparked while studying at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he obtained his B.A. in political science.

“I’ll always remember this quote that I learned in college: No history, No self. Know history, know self,” he said. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

US imposes travel restrictions on several...

PAGE A1

Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Before his term ended, thenPresident Donald Trump rescinded the restrictions that have been in place for most of 2020.

In response to the move, thenincoming White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on January 19 said in a tweet: “With the pandemic worsening and more contagious variants spreading,

this isn’t the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel.”

“On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” she added.

Starting this week, all passengers arriving in the U.S. must have a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours of their departure.

The Centers for Disease Con-

trol and Prevention, for its part, said it will no longer consider exceptions to its requirement that international travelers present negative results.

“As variants of the SARSCoV-2 virus continue to emerge in countries around the world, there is growing evidence of increased transmissibility of some of these variants, as well as unknown health and vaccine implications,” it said Sunday.

“Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and emerging variants,” the CDC added. n

members of the far-right) falsely believed that former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other Democrats were perpetuating the non-existent underground pedophile ring.

Much of the core beliefs of QAnon are rooted in anti-Semitism and the age-old and fictitious theory that the world is controlled by a group of largely Jewish elites.

The movement began at the heels of what is known as “Pizzagate” that falsely posited that Clinton was part of “a cabal of elites who were abusing children’’ and that these elites were fronting establishments across the country. One of these fronts included Comet Ping Pong, a pizza restaurant in Washington, D.C., where a believer of Pizzagate carried out an attack on the restaurant in an uninformed attempt to “free the children.”

Specifically, the term QAnon caught on in Oct. 2017 when an anonymous user on the infamous message board 4chan signed off a series of posts as “Q” and claimed to possess a top-secret U.S. security clearance called “Q clearance.”

These posts — called “Q drops” — provided alleged intel from the supposed cabal and acted as an insider providing information to the outside.

And what started off as a fringe conspiracy theory group has inflated to a widespread and loosely organized mindset that has found its way into the mainstream through social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Reddit and prominent conservative commenta-

tors like Sean Hannity and comedienne Roseanne Barr.

The QAnon culture has branched out into other rogue theories and baseless claims that follow a loose set of beliefs of which the core is the theory that an elite Satanic group is controlling the world and that that they will be executed in their “day of reckoning,” also known as “The Storm.”

According to Meili Criezis, program associate at Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University, many followers of QAnon have surmised that Trump was on their side when he said the phrase “calm before the storm” in a 2017 speech.

“A significant number of Donald Trump supporters have been attached to this QAnon conspiracy theory, and it’s interesting to think about what that could mean for the GOP itself,” Criezis said. “If a large group of GOP supporters has segmented into this QAnon conspiracy theory, it must mean that the GOP must contend with this conspiratorial group within its own party.”

The adjacency between Trump and QAnon became less of a suggestion and more of a blatant connection on Jan. 6 when many of the insurgents at the Capitol riot proudly bore support for QAnon — Ashli Babbit, one of the fatalities of the riot, was found to be a supporter of QAnon and other fringe far-right movements, according to Criezis.

It was widely believed that the insurrection was part of the larger master plan of the

enigmatic Q who sought to disrupt the counting of Electoral College votes and prevent the eventual inauguration of President Joe Biden.

But following the official swearing-in of Biden, many farright supporters “seemed to express disenchantment” and shock that the insurrection did little to stop the inauguration of Biden, according to Criezis. She added that the disillusionment made many supporters feel like the time and energy invested into believing in QAnon’s master plan was all for naught.

But just as many QAnon supporters also feel emboldened to continue the plan, Criezis noted, noting that supporters have expressed stronger support in the QAnon movement on social media.

Despite the massive digital cleansing of QAnon propagators and posts by major tech firms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube (as well as the suspension of GOP/far-right apps like Parler), groups like this will always find a platform, even through seedier sides of the internet like 4chan and 8chan.

Criezis also noted that the messaging app Telegram, specifically, has become the new hub for QAnon and white supremacists groups and has yet to target QAnon posts in the way that mainstream platforms have over the last month.

“There will be individuals who will always move the goalpost,” she said. “But we should also think about how these conspiracies evolve and what conspiracies can spin-off from QAnon.” n

Biden admin appoints Fil-Ams to...

PAGE A3 Act of 2020.

Her congressional experience also includes serving as Professional Staff for Interior’s authorization committees: the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. Camille also served as Interior’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science under the Obama administration.

Touton holds a BS in Engineering (Civil), BA in Communication Studies, and a Master of Public Policy.

Veronica Valdez (Department of Defense) Like Steele and Touton, Valdez is also returning to her old job, in this case at the Department of Defense, where she served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Air Force and as policy advisor during official visits to Asia-Pacific, South America, and Europe.

Valdez was among the individuals who were sworn-in virtually or in-person at the Pentagon on Jan. 20, according to documents obtained by the Asian Journal.

Prior to this new post as Spe-

cial Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for IndoPacific Security Affairs, she was a policy advisor to the Commission President at the Port of Seattle.

She also served the Secretary of the Navy as an AsiaPacific policy advisor. Valdez received the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Navy Superior Public Service Award, and Presidential recognition.

Valdez received a B.S. in International Business from Ohio State University, a Master’s in International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy and studied Mandarin at Peking University. She is a Truman National Security Project Fellow.

Last year, the Diversity in National Security Network and New America named Valdez as one of the “2020 Asian American Pacific Islander National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leaders”.

Ms. Valdez was born in Manila and grew up in Sydney, Australia.

John Santos (Department of

Veterans Affairs) John Santos is joining the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the country’s second-largest federal agency, as a special assistant in the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Santos previously served as Asian American and Pacific Islander outreach director at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) where he led the DNC’s efforts to mobilize AAPI voters through a close partnership with the Biden-Harris campaign and community leaders across the country.

In addition to his organizing work, Santos has extensive experience in public affairs and communications having served as Western Region press secretary at the DNC. Previously, he served in the U.S. Army as the Deputy Press Secretary for the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve during a yearlong deployment in Kuwait and Iraq. Additionally, he previously served as the health policy assistant director for the American Legion and chair for communications at KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress. n

VACCINATION ROADMAP. National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. presents the national Covid-19 vaccination roadmap during the visit of officials of the Covid-19 Vaccines Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) team to the city held at the Tanghalang Pasigueno in Pasig on Tuesday, Janaury 26. Galvez lauds the city government for its “wellprepared” vaccination plan and scaled up efforts on testing and isolation.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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Dateline PPHhiliPPines 4th most affected by extreme weather–report

17 new COVID-19 variant cases recorded in PH by aJPress SIXTEEN additional cases of the new, more infectious COVID-19 variant have been reported by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH).

This brings the total number of B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 (UK variant) cases in the country to 17, following the first confirmed case detected on January 13. “Following strengthened biosurveillance activities amid the detection of the first B.1.1.7 variant in the country last January 13, the Department of Health (DOH), UP-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) and the UPNational Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) today confirmed the detection of the B.1.1.7 variant in 16 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 17,� the DOH said in a statement. “Of the additional 16 cases with B.1.1.7 variant detected, three have already recovered, 13 are active cases—three of which are asymptomatic and 10 are exhibiting mild symptoms,� the agency added.

Of the 16 additional cases, 12 came from Bontoc, Mountain

Province. “Of these 12 cases, seven are male and five are female. Three are aged below 18 years old and another three are above 60.

Contact tracing was immediately initiated to contain the spread of the infection,� the DOH said.

Two other cases of the new COVID-19 variant are overseas Filipino workers who returned to the country from Lebanon on December 29. “The cases were aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 8661.

The first case is a 64-year old female whose indicated local address is Jaro, Iloilo City. The patient was isolated in San Juan, Metro Manila and discharged on January 9,� reported the DOH. “The other is a 47-year old Filipina whose reported local address is Binangonan, Rizal and was quarantined in New Clark City and discharged from isolation on January 13,� it added.

The remaining cases were detected from La Trinidad, Benguet and Calamba City, Laguna. “Both have no known contact to any confirmed case or travel history from outside the country. One is currently admitted in a Benguet Temporary Treat-

ment and Monitoring Facility, while the 23-year-old male in Laguna has been discharged after receiving a negative result on January 16,� the DOH said.

The Philippines’ first confirmed case of the new variant was a 29-year-old male resident of Quezon City who left for Dubai on Dec. 27, 2020 for business purposes and returned to the Philippines last Jan. 7 via Emirates Flight No. EK 332.

Contacts Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday, January 25, announced that 144 close contacts of the 12 cases in Bontoc have been identified.

According to her, 34 of the 144 contacts have tested positive for COVID-19. “We had six where the UK variant was not detected. [They were] part of the batch that was [initially] processed. We are left with 28 more that we need to send for sequencing,� Vergeire told reporters.

Genomic sequencing is the process of analyzing the virus sample taken from a diagnosed patient and comparing it with other cases to see whether those u PAGE A7

Duterte revokes IATF decision easing age restrictions

by Ritchel

Mendiola

AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte this week revoked the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) decision to allow minors who are at least 10 years old to go outside.

The chief executive on Monday, January 25, reversed the new rule amid the threat of the new, more contagious COVID-19 variant in the country. “In our desire to protect our people, I am compelled to reimpose the restriction,� Duterte said in a mix of Filipino and English. “Not at this time. It’s a sacrifice for the parents and for the children,� he added.

In its latest resolution approved on January 21, the IATF allowed people aged 10 to 65 living in areas under modified general community quarantine to go

outside starting February 1. But now, only those 15 and older can leave their homes.

Duterte also urged the public to strictly follow the governmentmandated health protocols. “I’d like to end by saying that the only salvation, actually, for those who have not been sickened with COVID-19 and pending the rollout of the vaccine is really that you follow the protocol of — imposed by government,� he said in his weekly public address. “If you follow them, then you have great chances of not getting it or at least when you get it, there’s already the vaccine, then it will somehow mitigate, give you the relief,� he added.

Children’s safety Following Duterte’s decision, MalacaĂąang said that children’s safety is the president’s primary concern. “Ang kaniyang pangunahing concern eh pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng ating mga kabata-

an. So ‘yun lang po yun. Habang hindi pa tayo masyadong maraming alam sa bagong variant, stay home muna po ang mga bata (His primary concern is to protect the youth. So that’s it. Since we know less about the new variant, children need to stay home in the meantime),� Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday, January 26.

He also pointed out that Duterte’s decision prevails over the IATF’s. “The president ultimately decides on matters under the jurisdiction of IATF dahil extension lang po ng Presidente ang IATF. So, wala pong issue doon (because IATF is just an extension of the President. So there is no issue there). Whatever the president has decided prevails,� the spokesman said.

To date, there are 17 confirmed cases of the new COVID19 variant in the Philippines. Of the number, three cases are children aged 5, 6, and 10. n

by Jhesset

o. enano

Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines is among the countries most affected by extreme weather from 2000 to 2019, according to a study by a German environmental policy think tank.

Germanwatch on Monday released its Global Climate Risk Index report, showing that the Philippines ranked fourth out of 180 countries in the 20-year period, following Puerto Rico, Myanmar and Haiti.

Eight of the top 10 most affected countries are developing nations.

In that period, the group recorded 317 extreme weather events in the Philippines, the highest among the top 10 countries with high scores in the climate risk index. The scores indicate levels of exposure and vulnerabilities of countries to extreme weather events.

The index showed that Mozambique and Zimbabwe were the two countries hardest-hit by extreme weather. Both were struck by “Idai,� the deadliest and costliest cyclone recorded in the southwest Indian Ocean.

Third worst-hit was the Caribbean island nation of the Bahamas due to devastation from Hurricane “Dorian.�

The United States was not included in the 2019 index due to data problems.

Major causes of damage Storms and their effects— strong winds, heavy rainfall, floods and landslides—were the major cause of extreme weather damage in 2019, Germanwatch said. Of the 10 most-affected countries, six were pounded by tropical cyclones.

Since 2000, the research agency said, more than 11,000 extreme weather events killed nearly 480,000 people and brought staggering economic damage estimated at $2.56 trillion.

The yearly report showed that developing countries are particularly affected by the impacts of climate change, which is widely considered to make these extreme events more frequent and severe in the future.

Recent research suggests the severity and the number of strong tropical cyclones will increase with every tenth of a degree in

global average temperature rise, Germanwatch said.

In 2020—one of the three hottest years on record—the global average temperature was about 1.2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial times, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

More vulnerable nations “Poorer countries are hit hardest because they are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of a hazard and have lower coping capacity,� Vera Kuenzel, the group’s senior adviser on climate change adaptation and human rights, said in a statement.

Kuenzel said countries like Haiti, the Philippines and Pakistan “are repeatedly hit by extreme weather events and have no time to fully recover before the next event hits.�

“They urgently need financial and technical assistance,� said David Eckstein, a Germanwatch policy adviser, noting that they had yet to receive the full $100 billion a year in climate funding promised by wealthy countries.

Richer nations agreed to build up to providing that sum each year, starting in 2020, to help poorer countries adopt cleaner energy systems and adapt to the impacts of planetary warming.

Of the nearly $80 billion raised in 2018, the latest figures available, only about 20 percent was allocated for adaptation, despite repeated calls for that share to be raised to half.

Facing an average of 20 tropical cyclones every year, the Philippines has had to deal with back-to-back storms, from Tyu PAGE A7

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS70644-2 - Nextrip Bus and Rail Arrival Information System Upgrade at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

All Proposals must be submitted WR /$&07$ DQG EH ¿OHG DW WKH UHFHSWLRQ GHVN WK ÀRRU 9 &0 Department, on or before 3:00 S P 3DFL¿F 7LPH RQ Monday, February 22, 2021. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS70644-2.

For a copy of the Proposal/Bid VSHFLÂżFDWLRQ YLVLW RXU 6ROLFLWDWLRQ Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Ana Rodriguez at rodrigueza8@ metro.net.

1/27/21 CNS-3434744# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

LACMTA will receive proposals for PS74185 SCADA ASSESSMENT 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 EH 6%( FHUWLÂżHG ZLWK /$&07$ prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside Program, visit: https://business. metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/ KRPH FHUWLÂżFDWLRQV All proposals must be received RQ RU EHIRUH 3DFLÂżF 7LPH RQ 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 VSHFLÂżFDWLRQ YLVLW RXU 6ROLFLWDWLRQ Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Victor Zepeda at zepedav@metro.net.

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A6 JANUARY 27-29, 2021 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPiniOn

Not at this time

FeatUres

THE initiative is supposed to make the country more attractive to investors.

Yet 10 of the biggest business groups in the country issued a statement last week, opposing the latest effort at the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution at this time. Instead the business groups want Congress to focus on pending measures to deal with the public health crisis and revive the economy.

While stressing that they support initiatives to liberalize the restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Charter to enhance national competitiveness, the groups said “we are strongly opposed to any initiative at this time to amend the Constitution.”

The groups are the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Women’s Economic Network and Women’s Business Council Philippines.

Charter change at this time, the groups said, “will be highly divisive,” derailing efforts to be “totally united” in the national effort to confront

the COVID pandemic. Cha-cha, they pointed out, could be pursued in the first year of the term of those who will win in the 2022 general elections. Analysts have pointed out that because of the complexity of amending any part of the Constitution, the best time to initiate Cha-cha through any mode is at the start of a new administration.

The groups are urging Congress to instead focus on legislative measures, such as amendments to the Public Service Act, as well as bills to provide economic stimulus amid the continuing pandemic. With only a year and a half left in the 18th Congress, there’s still a lot of work ahead that can be done to promote economic recovery, without the distraction and divisiveness arising from Cha-cha. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS FINALLY! We have an administration that tells us the truth about our enemies — visible and invisible — implementing a comprehensive national strategy and leading us in defeating them using a full arsenal and all tools available to win this war and save lives.

One week since taking office, President Joe Biden has now accelerated the procurement of the supply of vaccines for the American people to ensure that 300 million Americans, which covers mostly the entire U.S. population, are vaccinated by the end of the summer or early fall of this year — yes, this year, 2021.

This was announced by Biden in a televised message to the American people on Tuesday, January 26, assuring the people this is the way to win this war, after losing more than 400,000 Americans since 2020.

Vaccines will be distributed to states based on their population. Thankfully, we see more and more people having the rational mind to want to be vaccinated, after seeing our own leaders, health officials and medical workers on the frontlines of the war against the pandemic, and some family and friends got vaccinated safely.

This is critical to our vic-

Philstar.com photo

Full speed ahead: America is finally winning the war against COVID, rebuilding our nation tory, especially in light of the new variants of the virus.

The top U.S. epidemiologist Dr. Anthony Fauci stressed how important to have most Americans get vaccinated so that the other variants will not have the chance to grow and spread further.

Despite this encouraging development, the Biden administration continues to echo our health experts’ advice and safety measures to abide by as our patriotic duty to serve the greater good: continuing to wear face coverings with a mask mandate in the first 100 days, social distancing, avoiding crowds and washing our hands even as we get the vaccinated.

CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, explains the reason why: It’s important to be clear about what we know and what we don’t know about what the vaccine does. What we know is that the Pfizer vaccine is very effective at preventing symptomatic illness and severe disease. That means the vaccine appears to prevent people from getting sick enough that they develop symptoms, and very importantly, it prevents people from becoming so severely ill that they end up in the hospital. This is really

great news.

Here’s what the studies don’t yet show. They haven’t looked at whether the vaccine prevents someone from carrying COVID-19 and spreading it to others. It’s possible that someone could get the vaccine but could still be an asymptomatic carrier. They may not show symptoms, but they have the virus in their nasal passageway so that if they’re speaking, breathing, sneezing and so on, they can still transmit it to others.

This is the main reason why we can’t stop wearing masks right after we get the vaccine.

The vaccine will protect you from getting ill and then ending up hospitalized. But it’s possible that you could still carry the virus and be contagious to others. So those who get the vaccine should still be wearing masks and practicing physical distancing.

Dr. Fauci, Dr. Wen and other health officials say we still need to practice these measures for a while, cognizant of the fact that our cooperation and commitment to abide by these will mean we go back to “normal” faster as we defeat the virus.

Dr. Wen further explains: It’s estimated that about 70% of Americans must be vaccinated before we get to herd immunity through vaccination.

That’s the point where enough people have the immune pro-

tection that the virus won’t spread any more.

This means about 230 million Americans must receive the vaccine. It will take time to produce this many vaccines - and remember the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are twodose vaccines, so you need double the number of doses as people. Then the vaccine must be distributed and actually given to people. If all goes well, the best estimates are that it will be late spring or early summer for most Americans to receive the vaccine.

At that point, we could probably see one another without masks - but not before.

It did not have to be this bad in the United States but the Biden Administration would just have to deal with what was left behind by the Trump administration.

On January 22, Biden released important information that delivers much-needed help to the American people, including and especially to us, the Filipino American community in the United States.

“Fact Sheet: President Biden’s New Executive Actions Deliver Economic Relief for American Families and Businesses Amid the COVID19 Crises” stated: The COVID19 pandemic has forced the United States economy into an economic crisis. Across the country, more than 10 million

Americans are unemployed, 14 million renters are behind on payments, and 29 million adults – and at least 8 million children – are struggling with food insecurity. Because of pervasive systemic racism and inequality in our economy, the burdens of this economic crisis are hitting communities of color and other underserved families hardest.

Biden signed an executive order that launched “an all-of-government effort to provide equitable emergency economic relief to working families, communities, and small businesses across the nation. The actions taken as part of this effort will provide relief to millions of American workers who have lost their jobs and had their hours or wages slashed through no fault of their own. They will help working families feed their children and keep a roof over their heads. They will help ensure that unemployed Americans no longer have to choose between paying their bills and keeping themselves and their families safe from COVID-19 by clarifying that workers who refuse unsafe working conditions can still receive unemployment insurance. And, they will help more unemployed workers pay for training and college so they can find better jobs and succeed in an increasingly competitive job market.

According to WhiteHouse. gov: “While the President continues working with Congress to take bold action that will help working families through the remainder of the crisis, he is taking these emergency measures and important steps to give millions of Americans real relief during the pandemic. The all-of-government executive order, combined with the President’s historic relief package and forthcoming jobs package will help Americans persevere through the pandemic and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.”

HELP IS ON THE WAY! Keep the faith! Let us do our share to win this war against the pandemic and to help ourselves and our government build our lives and our nation back better very soon. *** 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.

The myth of ‘happy Filipinos’

Horizons

RICHARD HEYDARIAN More than a century ago, when most of Asia lacked even a single modern university, the Philippines produced one of the finest minds of that era.

Years before Jose Rizal fired up a nation through his gripping novels, Gregorio Sancianco penned his pioneering work, “El Progreso De Filipinas” (1881), which was published in Madrid.

This was arguably the country’s first scholarly work on political economy, a detailed analysis of the administrative and economic structures in the heart of the Spanish East Indies.

One of the most interesting aspects of Sancianco’s analysis was debunking the self-serving colonial myth of supposed native indolence (“la indolencia”). This touchy theme was

later picked up by Rizal in “Sobre la indolencia de los filipinos” (1890) and, decades later, by Syed Hussein Alatas in “The Myth of the Lazy Native” (1977).

A pivotal aspect of colonial oppression was systematically-established mental slavery. Western empires were not only militarily superior to their colonial subjects; they were also nimble in propagating the myth that their imperialist project was nothing but a benevolent civilizational effort to lift supposedly “lazy” societies into the cauldron of modernity.

In short, this was a classic form of gaslighting, whereby oppressors tried to justify their brutality by portraying colonized societies as bastions of vice and indolence. What Sancianco, and later Rizal, was able to demonstrate is that many factors, including climactic conditions, affect economic productivity.

The key element, however, was lack of incentive in slavelike working conditions. Creole haciendas and opportunistic peninsulares gobbled up not only the lion’s share of total yield, but even gains in marginal productivity among Filipino farmers and laborers.

In short, why work hard, when your tyrannical landlords and colonizers would only see greater opportunity to reap more for themselves?

Why shed even more sweat and blood, when the fruits of your labor are snatched by the thieves? The upshot of this suboptimal mode of production was destitution and wretchedness among the masses.

Today’s Philippine oligarchy has added a new item to the list of self-serving myths that sustain systematic oppression and forestall genuine emancipation. That new myth is the figure of the supposedly “happy Filipino”—the undeclared narrative that “it’s okay

that we have corrupt and inept leaders, but at least we have ‘resilient’ folks who enjoy the freedom to sing, dance, and be happy.”

To be fair, purely subjective surveys do tend to portray the poorest nations from Latin America to Africa and Asia as the supposed “happiest” people on earth. Upon closer examination, however, it’s crystal clear that there is widespread suffering and sorrow, much of it needless and man-made, among our countrymen. And a primary culprit is the brazen incompetence of our political leaders and the insatiable greed of our oligarchs.

In his Pulitzer-winning biography, “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom,” Yale historian David W. Blight explains how the most beautiful and melodic African-American musical genres were forged in the pits of slavery—in the momentary respite from the hellish conditions of Southern

plantations. Nowadays, the panoply of variety shows, colorful fiestas, and aesthetic-obsessed competitions we have are often the desperate refuge of those who seek escape, even momentarily, from the wretched reality of everyday struggles.

In more rigorous studies such as the World Happiness Report, authored by Jan-Emmanuel De Neve of the University of Oxford and Christian Krekel of the London School of Economics, Metro Manila ranked a poor 89th in the world, below even Central Asian capitals such as Tashkent and Almaty.

In the recently published academic study, “Depressive symptoms among young adults in the Philippines,” scholars from the University of British Columbia and the University of the Philippines warn that the country “lacks epidemiological data,” but findings show that at least 10 percent of adult young Filipinos may be suffer-

ing from “moderate to severe depression.”

Amid travel restrictions and lockdowns, Filipinos also ranked unhappiest in a YouGov survey of Asia-Pacific nations.

With the Philippines suffering one of the worst pandemicdriven economic contractions and death rates in Asia last year, we may see a rise in depression and anxiety among Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable and the youth.

As Filipinos, we should be proud of our world-class musicality and spiritual resilience.

But as Khaled Hosseini’s great patriarch Baba put it in “The Kite Runner,” “better to get hurt by the truth than comforted with a lie.” (Inquirer.net) *** 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.

*** rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 27-29, 2021

A

Justice eludes fallen SAF-44

by Darwin

Pesco ManilaTimes.net

FAMILIES of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) who were killed in an ambush in Maguindanao in 2015 are still seeking justice for their loved ones.

According to Roselle Nacino, widow of Police Officer 2 Nicky Nacino Jr., one of the slain troopers, justice remains elusive six years after the tragedy.

“Sana po mabigyan sila ng hustisya. ‘Yun po ang main concern namin bilang pamilya ng SAF 44 (I hope that we would get justice. That’s our main concern as families of the so-called SAF 44),” she told reporters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City where memorial rites were held for the slain policemen.

Nacino hopes that people responsible for the botched police operation would be held liable.

“Siguro managot na lang po yung mga dapat managot (Those responsible should be held liable),” she said.

The families hope for the reopening of the case, she pointed out.

The Sandiganbayan last year acquitted former PNP Direc-

tor General Alan Purisima and Director Getulio Napeñas, then chief of the PNP SAF, of graft and usurpation charges due to lack of evidence.

It was on Jan. 25, 2015 when 44 members of the PNP-SAF were sent on a mission to serve an arrest warrant on international terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, alias Marwan. The police operation resulted in an armed encounter with combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as well as private militia.

The families found an ally in Sen. Maria Imelda Josefa Marcos who urged Ombudsman Samuel Martires to take up a pending petition to reinvestigate the incident.

“The bitterness continues for the families of the brave men of SAF 44 that are still waiting for justice and delayed financial aid for their livelihood and education of the orphaned children,” Marcos said. “The issue is very personal to me because many of the SAF 44 are from the North and belong to indigenous communities.”

Marcos also called on President Rodrigo Duterte to direct the PNP to expedite the grant of Medal of Valor benefits to the

Honoring gallantry A member of the Special Action Force stands in front of a poster showing photos of the 44 SAF commandoes who died in Maguindanao in 2015. The Philippine National Police marked the 6th death anniversary by honoring gallant SAF members.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

Immigration reports more than 3,000 foreigners deported in 2020 MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration has deported more than 3,000 foreign nationals for violating Philippine laws in 2020.

In a statement on Tuesday, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said that the bureau sent away 3,219 foreign nationals last year.

Chinese deportees comprised a majority of the number, with 3,009 deportees. This was followed by 60 Vietnamese, 40 Koreans, 25 Americans, 20 Japanese, 12 Indians and five Pakistanis.

The number of deported foreigners in 2020, however, is just half of those who were expelled from the country in 2019.

The BI chief explained that this was due to travel restrictions enforced by the government which also limited the number of foreign nationals who were allowed to enter the country.

Morente said that those deported were arrested for working without permit, involvement in unauthorized online gaming

operations, telecommunications fraud, economic crimes, investment scams and cybercrime activities.

The foreign nationals were sent away after the three members of the BI Board of Commissioners found them guilty of committing various immigration offenses such as overstaying, working without permit, illegal entry and being undocumented.

“Some of them are wanted fugitives whose arrest and deportation was sought by governments of the countries where they have been charged or convicted for various crimes,” Morente added.

Deported foreigners are automatically placed on the Philippines’ blacklist, barring them from re-entering the country.

The bureau added that as of December 22, 276 foreigners are still at the BI’s detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City waiting for deportation orders. (Kristine Joy Patag/ Philstar.com)

17 new COVID-19 variant cases...

PAGE A5 who tested positive for COVID19 have the new variant.

Vergeire also said that the authorities have identified the index case who arrived in the country from the UK on December 13.

The person arrived in Bontoc town on December 14, and attended a Christmas celebration as well as a local ritual on December 26.

Meanwhile, in La Trinidad, Benguet, 97 contacts of the UK variant case have been identified.

The DOH said that four household members of the patient also

contracted COVID-19. However, it was not clear if the samples went through genome sequencing to determine the presence of the new variant.

The Health agency urged local government units to ensure strict monitoring and compliance to quarantine protocols in their respective localities.

“The DOH also reiterates that non-adherence and incorrect adherence to minimum public health standards (MPHS) are the drivers of transmission and mutation and therefore strongly urges the public to strictly and properly follow the MPHS in all settings,” the DOH added. n

PH 4th most affected by...

PAGE A5 phoon “Pablo” (international name: Bopha) in 2012, Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (“Haiyan”) in 2013 and Typhoon “Ompong” (“Mangkhut”) in 2018.

The report also showed that the Philippines landed 13th overall in the number of recorded deaths due to extreme weather events in 2019, falling from fourth place in the previous year.

In November and December of that year, Typhoons “Tisoy” (“Kammuri”) and “Ursula” (“Phanfone”) battered central Philippines.

Strong resilience Amid the new coronavirus pandemic, Germanwatch said the current situation should emphasize that both risks and vul-

nerabilities were systemic and interconnected.

It cited the need to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable against various types of risks, whether climatic, geophysical, economic or health-related.

Last week, 3,000 scientists from more than 130 countries called on world leaders, decisionmakers, and investors to ramp up efforts on adaptation amid the worsening climate crisis.

“Adaptation must be at the forefront of decision-making,” the scientists wrote ahead of the Climate Adaptation Summit this week. “If we act now, we have the opportunity to plan ahead and prosper. If we delay, we will pay.” n

SAF-44 families.

The President bestowed the Medal of Valor — the highest military honor — on the SAF 44 in April 2018.

Medal of Valor beneficiaries stand to receive a monthly gratuity of P75,000, free education and medical services for dependents, priority in various government programs, and discounts from various establishments and on travel.

PNP chief Debold Sinas said that justice was already served to the fallen troopers “We let history decide kung ano po ang effect noon at, personally, ako maybe justice is served already sa kanila (We let the history decide on what will be the effect of it, as I personally think that maybe justice is served to them),” Sinas said.

He said the families of the SAF troopers continue to receive assistance such as scholarship and housing.

“Ngayon po ang ginagawa ng PNP headquarters ay minomonitor po na continuous nilang natanggap ang mga benepisyo at hindi napuputol(Now, the PNP headquarters have been monitoring and making sure that the benefits are being received by them),” he added.

Sinas said the PNP continues to mark the gallantry of the socalled SAF-44 to inspire new entrants in the police service.

“Ibig sabihin hindi po nawawala yung tapang at saka yung dedication ng SAF natin (It means that the bravery and dedication of our SAF didn’t fade away),” he added. n

WELLNESS. A group of teenagers dances to keep them physically fit during this pandemic at the Neopolitan Business Park Leisure Center in Fairview, Quezon City on Monday, January 25. The leisure park is popular among people who are into various sports and wellness activities.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

House OKs bill declaring National Hijab Day

any face, head, body veil worn

by Muslim women that conforms to a certain standard of THE House of Representatives modesty.

The bill seeks to encourage approved on Tuesday, January 26 a bill declaring February 1 the wearing of hijab; remove of every year as “National Hijab the misconceptions; stop disDay” to promote an understand- crimination against hijabi; protect the freedom and practice ing of this Muslim tradition.

House Bill 8249 was passed of religion; and promote apon third and final reading by 203 preciation and acceptance of diversity in the expression of lawmakers.

As defined in the bill, hijab is faith.

Under the bill, government ina veil worn by a Muslim female who is beyond the age of puber- stitutions, schools, and the prity. It covers her head and chest vate sector are encouraged to and is worn in the presence of observe the National Hijab Day adult males outside of their im- to promote understanding and mediate family. It also refers to awareness among employees

by Divina

nova Joy Dela ManilaTimes.net

cruz

and students.

The bill mandates the National Commision on Muslim Filipinos as the lead agency in promoting awareness and conducting educational and information campaigns.

The bill was authored by Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan, Lanao Del Norte Reps.

Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo and Abdullah Dimaporo, Lanao Del Sur Reps. Ansaruddin Abdul Malik Adiong and Yasser Alonto Balindong, Maguindanao Rep. Datu Roonie Sinsuat, Sr., RECOBODA Party-list Rep. Godofredo Guya and Ilocos Sur Rep. Deogracias Victor Savellano. n

A january 27-29, 2021 • SoCal aSIan jOurnaL

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Asian Journal

mdwk The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 27, 2021

Wednesday JANUARY 27, 202

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New businesses bring Filipino flavor through simmer sauces, starter packs

by MoMar

T

G. Visaya / AJPress

HE unprecedented global health crisis brought by the pandemic has somehow forced many people to go back to their kitchens and either cook or bake and this presented an opportunity for some business-minded folks to come up with something new to offer the market.

Founded by first-generation Vietnamese-American sisters, Vanessa and Kim Pham, Omsom reclaims the cultural integrity of Asian cuisines too often diluted on grocery shelves in the ‘ethnic’ aisles and increasingly inaccessible in everyday life.

“As daughters of refugees, we started Omsom as a celebration of the multitudes within Asian cultures,� explains co-founder Kim Pham. “Walking down most ‘ethnic’ aisles in mainstream grocery stores — which frankly shouldn’t even exist — feels like stepping back in time — old-school products that feel compromised in flavor, outdated in brand, and rooted in stereotypical design. We want to start making this category feel representative of the changing DNA of this country, and reflect the depth and nuance in Asian recipes, tastes, and traditions.�

Southeast Asian Product Imagery by Mischelle Moy & Jenny Huang

Meet the first-generation Asian American risk-takers who decided to move forward with their ideas, despite the many challenges and unknowns, and introduce new products in these uncertain times.

Home-style Filipino cuisine is delicious, heartwarming comfort food that our parents (or anyone in the family for that matter) would cook every day.

Jake De Leon, founder of Fila Manila and a Filipino American, had always hoped that one day, more people can experience that same joy and delight.

Now, he hopes to ignite and highlight the unique and delicious flavors of Filipino cuisine in the United States by way of simmer sauces.

First-generation Vietnamese-American sisters and daughters of refugees, Vanessa and Kim Pham on the other hand are the founders of Omsom, which offers ready-to-use starters that are packed with the specialty sauces, aromatics, seasonings, citruses, and oils - the foundation of a variety of Asian dishes.

The sisters tapped the talents of estimable chefs and restaurant owners to exclusively collaborate on each starters’ formulations and recipes; begin-

Jake Deleon, a first-generation Fil-Am, is the founder of Fila Manila, which offers authentic Filipino simmer sauces that are inspired by the rich flavors of the Philippines.

ning with a Southeast Asian line of three dishes from Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Filipino Simmer Sauces “I thought to myself, ‘How could this be?’ when Filipinos represent the second-largest Asian ethnic group and immigrant population in the US,�

Jake De Leon told the Asian Journal. “Even culinary icons like Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern constantly

Fila Manila is available in three simmer sauce varieties inspired by the Philippines’ most iconic & beloved dishes: Adobo, a soy-based umami flavor explosion and unofficial national dish, Kare-Kare, a savory and tangy peanut stew, and Caldereta, a zesty tomato-based stew that’s the culinary lovechild of Filipino and Spanish cuisine.

praised our food and have said it was on the ‘cusp’ of a breakthrough in the US.�

To start the first mainstream Filipino American food brand has always been a dream for him but he became busy with his first food startup so the idea went to the back burner.

The pandemic happened and it hurt and slowed his first business to almost a halt. Like many other entrepreneurs

and business owners, he saw a significant impact on sales so he had to make the necessary adjustments. “The pandemic gave me a fresh perspective on the impact of Filipino healthcare workers and the time to think during the lockdown as to why Filipinos, and our culture and cuisine, are not widely recognized in the US. I then decided it was time Continued on Page 3

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entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 27, 2021

Fil-Am author Erin Entrada Kelly’s ‘We Dream of Space’ receives another Newbery honor

prestigious award in 2018 for “Hello Universe,” which will AJPress be adapted into a live-action THREE years after being movie by Netflix. awarded the highest honor in “We Dream of Space” children’s literature, Filipina brings readers into the lives of American author Erin Entrada the Nelson-Thomas siblings, Kelly has received another 12-year-old twins Bird and Fitch accolade for her latest middleand their older brother Cash, grade novel, “We Dream of and the weeks leading up to Space.” the Challenger launch.

The author’s sixth novel, Along the way, Bird’s released last May, was named dreams of being NASA’s first one of five Newbery Honor female shuttle commander and books, the American Library the dynamics of this middleAssociation announced on class family in Delaware are Monday, January 25. detailed. Readers also get intro“I got the call last night that duced to their science teacher WE DREAM OF SPACE won a Ms. Salonga and see the recurNewbery Honor,” Kelly wrote in ring themes, such as loneliness, an Instagram post on Monday, found in Kelly’s work. sharing how she was notified of “This book explores a nonthe honor after initially thinking ideal family situation — it’s not it was a spam message. “I cried that the parents don’t love their and called my agent @saraachildren, but they’re caught gent and then I poured a glass up in their own toxic dynamic of whisky and drank it.” that’s permeating the rest of Tae Keller’s “When You the family. It was important so Trap A Tiger” garnered the that young people who are in 2020 John Newbery Medal. that kind of family can see their Kelly previously won the dynamic on the page. My hope

By Christina

M. Oriel

A sample meal with rice and achara (pickled green papaya, carrots and peppers) using Godinez316’s Cebu Style Chorizo.

Research for “We Dream of Space” included newspaper clippings of the Challenger tragedy.

is that families can use it as a jumping-off point to talk about family dynamics and other things mentioned,” Kelly told the Asian Journal in a May 2020 interview.

In addition to Kelly’s novel, “All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team” and “A Wish in the Dark” by Christina Soontornvat, “Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom” by Carole Boston Weatherford, and “Fighting Words” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley were named Newbery Honor books.

Kelly — who was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana to a Filipina mother from Cebu and a white father — previously had a journalism career, and is now a full-time author based in Delaware.

This May, she is expected to release “Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey,” a novel about summer, friendship and overcoming fears, which she also illustrated.

The title character, Marisol, mirrors Kelly’s background with a mother from the Philippines.

“I know the landscape for not just Filipino authors, but people from all kinds of marginalized groups, has opened up and will continue to do so because literature needs to reflect our entire society. That’s what our world and bookKelly holds a copy of “We Dream of Space, which was released on May 5, 2020 by Greenwillow Books, shelves should look like,” Kelly an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Photos courtesy of Erin Entrada Kelly/Instagram said.

Godinez316 Cebu Style Chorizo now available at Seafood City

FILIPINO cuisine is no stranger to sausages, more commonly known in the Philippines as “longganisa.” Derived from the Spanish term “longaniza,” the country offers several interpretations of the dish from different regions.

Most kinds of local longganisa fall under two categories: “recado,” which refers to a more savory, salty kind of sausage; and “hamonado,” which refers to a sweeter sausage.

Chorizo de Cebu, which is one of the most popular versions of Filipino longganisa, is of the hamonado type. It is circular in shape and red in color, due to the use of achuete seeds, and is often paired with fried rice and egg, making it perfect for any meal of the day.

Becca Godinez, famed Filipina singer and performer, shares how she developed her rendition of the chorizo.

For those living in the U.S., Godinez316 Cebu Style chorizo, which uses all-natural ingredients and contains no preservatives, is now available in several Seafood City Supermarkets as follows: Southern California: Carson, Cerritos, Chula Vista, Eagle Rock, Irvine, Los Angeles (Vermont), Mira Mesa, National City, North Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, and West Covina.

Northern California locations are: Concord, Hayward, Milpitas, Sacramento, South San Francisco, Union City and Vallejo.

Outside of California: Las Vegas, Seattle, Washington, and Waipahu, Hawaii.

It is also available at Manila Seafood in National City.

Asian Journal (AJ): Tell us about Godinez316 Cebu Style Chorizos — how long was the process of developing your recipe before they went out onto shelves?

Becca Godinez (BG): I have been cooking up the idea of developing Cebu Style Chorizos even as I was developing my Premium Chorizo de Bilbao, which went to market in November 2019 and is available in all Seafood City locations.

I learned about chorizos specific to Cebu about four years ago and was eager to try and make my own. There were, however, limitations in trying to create a flavor profile for the chorizo here in California because I had nothing to compare it with.

There are USDA/FDA limitations regarding the importation of meat products from overseas so I had to depend on what I was able to find locally. I even tried to get some friends coming back from Manila (pre-COVID) to bring me some — but that was not possible either. In truth, there were only four chorizo makers that I taste tested prior to beginning my own journey.

I pored over every possible recipe and video that I could find on the internet that identified as a Cebu chorizo.

After some time, I was able to whittle them down to three groups that used specific ingredients in their end products. One of them was a complete no-no…the ones that used anise in the meat mass. I do not much care for anise so that went out the window.

Developing my version began after a personal “health” incident in April.

With a new lease on life, I figured I’d better do this now or I never will. Although

Godinez316’s Cebu Style Chorizo can be found at Seafood City.

Becca with Doña Juana doing a batch test of the Cebu Style Chorizo.

many gave suggestions as to what ingredients would work best, I had to first consider availability. One or two of the ingredients that I wanted to use were Filipino ingredients and I was uncertain as to their bulk availability here in CA. I had to forego those.

Working with my manufacturer, we agreed on the grind size, and on the fat to lean meat ratio. The rest was up to me. In order to take on the unique Cebu chorizo shape, I taught myself how to stuff and string tie the links into the desired shapes. A true Cebu Style Chorizo is either round or a rounded oblong and must result in a reddish-brown end product with caramelization on the outer skin. After this personal athome process I worked with the manufacturer to measure the exact size and weight of each link to total the 16 oz that each commercial packet would eventually weigh.

The vision began much earlier but I would say that the actual physical creation journey began in May 2020 and I found my final and best flavor in August. I have to stress that this is MY version of the chorizo. This product went through several editions with test groups giving me their comments on recipes that I was testing out.

I approached the process with much respect to the Cebuanos and to the Cebuano tradition.

Further steps involved submitting the ingredients for the Nutritional Analysis with the FDA. Finally, I worked closely with an awesome graphics designer in coming up with my logo and label design. Start to finish – seven months. It went to market the week of Christmas 2020.

AJ: What makes Cebu Style Chorizos different from others on the market?

BG: It is definitely NOT longaniza. Anyone trying it for the first time will know that they are experiencing a new flavor. It is sweet and savory — it has good spices for what many have characterized as carrying a good “umami” with each

bite. My Cebu Style Chorizo uses 100% natural ingredients. I use NO preservatives and the manufacture is semi-artisanal. It is a greattasting chorizo that can be eaten every day and it can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

AJ: Where can customers find your chorizos?

What’s in store for your brand in 2021?

BG: Right now, the product should be in most of the Seafood City Supermarkets following a very successful test run in only four outlets.

I am so very happy to say that during the initial run, Las Vegas sold out in less than a week and they quickly submitted a re-order. Cerritos was not far behind. It is my hope, my dream to get this out to all markets and that dream will be fulfilled this week. Folks have also clamored for these to be made available in Florida, Arizona, New York, Washington to name a few. You can bet that my heart soared at the requests. I will work with my distributor, Food For All, to try to make this a reality soon. The desire is to make the Cebu Style Chorizo a pick-it-up from the shelf without thinking product.

A recognized, meal-time standard — that’s the dream anyway.

AJ: Some ways to prepare and serve the chorizos?

BG: I made sure to include preparation instructions on the label. Basically, you pour water into a pan and fill it to ¾ the height of the chorizo. Turn the heat to high and flip the links as they cook. Once the liquid is about gone, lower the heat then pierce the bottom of each link to release liquid.

Allow the liquid to thicken and caramelize – stirring the links until they are coated in a deep red brown color.

Snip each link and transfer to your serving tray.

My heart hopes that folks do try this Cebu Style Chorizo and that they make it part of their regular dayto-day food fare. Lami lagi ni kaayo!

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 27, 2021

What Epi Quizon learned from transgender role in ‘Wanted: Ang Serye’

By MarInel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

“REAL life is more exciting than fiction,” said actor Epi Quizon when asked what he learned from portraying the role of a transgender in an Pepe Herrera with Toni gonzaga Photo from Twitter/@tincanfilmsph episode in the new drama anthology “Wanted: Ang Serye” on TV5.

Epi played a transgender who beat up her live-in partner, Monday, January 25. starring in the local indie films a lesbian (portrayed by Ritz By ratzIel san Juan A critical and commercial “Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap” Azul), out of jealousy. “I write Philstar.com hit, “My Sassy Girl” is one of and “Sakaling Hindi Makaratscripts, but I don’t think writers ACTOR Pepe Herrera will the highest-grossing romantic ing.” would ever think of a plot like be Toni Gonzaga’s leading comedy films of all time in TinCan, the producer of this—it’s really hard to imagine. man in the Philippine remake South Korea.

“My Sassy Girl,” provided the Real life is indeed more excitof the Korean blockbuster film first look at Pepe’s character.

The Philippine adaptation ing,” he told reporters during “My Sassy Girl.” was announced last week with a virtual media meetup for the “Grateful for your warm While Toni will be the Toni named as the leading response for our Sassy Girl. show. “What you see in this counterpart of Korean actress Today, let us celebrate the guy lady. program are actually real-life Jun Ji-Hyun, Pepe will play the who will tell her story. We are Pepe and Toni previsituations. They are stories you role originally portrayed by ously worked together on the proud to share with you Pepe never thought could happen, Cha Tae-Hyun.

Herrera as our leading man for 2015 Star Cinema production but really did.”

The actor is best known for My Sassy Girl,” TinCan posted “You’re My Boss.”

“Wanted: Ang Serye” is more of a dramatization of the most controversial stories that were aired on Raffy Tulfo’s public service radio program, “Wanted Sa Radyo,” which were also streamed on his popular YouTube show “Raffy Idol in Action.” For the that her parents had alprogram, Raffy’s production

By Iza IglesIas ready instilled in her the team checked up on the case ManilaTimes.net importance of saving. subjects to ask them how they ANNE Curtis, still one of “So when they turned have been dealing with their the most popular and adored over my savings, I was current situation. actresses in the Philippines, prepared,” Curtis shared.

The pilot episode that aired not only started acting at an Making a quota is on Jan. 16, was the story of early age, she also learned Curtis’ simple moneyan overseas Filipino worker early on the value of her saving tip, “I didn’t have mother, Mary (Pokwang), who hard-earned money. a financial advisor at had to deal with the scandal“I started in the industry that time, but what I was ous affair between her son when I was only 12 years old. taught by my guardian Tony (played by Bugoy Cariño) I was fairly young, ang talent and the person who’s and daughter Marie (Louise fee ko is P1,200. I did not my road manager at that delos Reyes). handle my finances at that time, to make quota for Presented last Jan. 23, was time, my parents were the yourself when you’re the story of transgender Exur ones who were setting aside saving. So I would have a (Epi) and her lesbian partner all of my savings. They turned quota for a year on how Joana (Ritz). Other stellar it over to me at the age of much to save,” Curtis performances can be expected 18.” enthused.

Anne Curtis learns how to spend her savings more wisely in the coming episodes from But even before that mile“When you have a artists such as Adrian Alandy, with her new role as mother to Dahlia. stone, Curtis proudly noted Continued on Page 5 Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith Max Eigenmann, Alex Castro, Ruby Ruiz, Mickey Ferriols, Kim Molina, among others.

“What’s great about Sir Raffy and his program is that there’s someone who can actually keep our ethics in check,” Asian story.

From Page 1 grandma make lumpia, turon, Epi observed. “It’s similar to In addition to Vietnamese to start working on Fila Manila,” and longanisa in their kitchen dishes, they opted to include De Leon shared. for them to re-sell to friends Filipino and Thai flavors.

He put his thinking hat on and family for some extra cash.

“Both cuisines have interand thought about what unique He says both his parents esting places in the American items he could offer to the mar- are just as obsessed with food dining table. Thai flavors, while ket. He used his stimulus check as he is so they usually cook well-loved throughout the US, as seed money and began to homemade Filipino dishes are often bastardized in their work on this project. daily. Before the pandemic, he proliferation throughout the De Leon felt that Adobo, would sometimes go to North US. Filipino dishes are quickly Kare-Kare, and Caldereta best Jersey or parts of Philadelphia growing in popularity, but still represent Fil-Am cuisine and his to shop and eat at Filipinolargely on the rise for most own family’s cooking. Besides, owned shops.

Americans,” Kim said. “The these three were always on the “One of the reasons I made Philippines, as a country, is table at every Pinoy dinner, Fila Manila is so that anyone entirely unique to the contiparty, or gathering he went who may not have access to nent of Asia, given its history to while growing up in New Filipino restaurants (or parents) of colonization, imperialism, Jersey. can easily enjoy Filipino food and occupation. We wanted “I found those would be the themselves,” he shared. to showcase a cuisine + dish dishes that Filipinos would also For him, it is also about that doesn’t nearly get as much prepare and share with their helping more home cooks to love as it should on the mainnon-Pinoy friends. I have several simplify the way they cook just stream!” cousins who are RNs who would by simply adding the simmer The sisters have chosen make adobo for their work sauces together with protein chefs and restaurateurs for potluck and thus introduce our and veggies of their choice for their deep-rooted connections delicious foods to their cowork- a simple yet delicious hometo each cuisine: chef Jimmy Ly ers,” he said. “I also feel that if cooked Filipino feast. He takes of Madame Vo helped deyou were to go into any Filipino pride in the fact that their velop Vietnamese Lemongrass restaurant or food truck, their sauces use authentic Philippine signature dishes would be some ingredients like coconut vinegar BBQ, chefs Chat and Ohm Suansilphong of Fish Cheeks type of variation from Adobo, and they contain no added collaborated on Thai Larb, Caldereta, or Kare-Kare.” sugar or artificial ingredients and Jeepney’s owner Nicole He is hoping that the three and are naturally gluten-free, Ponseca was the expert source sauces become successful and and vegan-friendly. for Filipino Sisig. that Filipinos and non-Filipinos Venturing into this kind of “We partner with chefs both love them, so they could business is deeply personal to who are, while lauded and expand the offering. He is look- De Leon and much of what he well-loved in the industry, are ing beyond more simmer sauce brings to the table comes from redefining it in their own right. varieties, but other food prodhis memories of Filipino food They have connections to these ucts where folks can experience growing up. unique Fil-Am flavors such as “My interaction with Filipino dishes that run deep but are also on the cutting edge of condiments, Filipino spaghetti food has mostly come from my what it means to eat modern sauce, or even frozen meals or family and friends, so to me, it Pinoy ice cream. means comfort and a symbol of Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

De Leon had a career in love. Yes, I love cheeseburgers, They are all collectively pushing food marketing working with pizza, and sushi like everyone the future of these cuisines in some of the world’s largest else, but there’s a certain feelAmerican - modern Asian food food companies like Procter ing of ‘home’ when you smell & Gamble and Starbucks. He freshly cooked adobo,” he said. doesn’t have to look “one” way anymore and we’re honored to eventually made the jump to “Also, I feel that our food is a support folks at the frontier of entrepreneurship where he sense of identity and pride to that thinking,” Kim said. founded his first food and bevthe Filipino culture -- ours is Omsom starts the process erage company, Origin Almond. not Chinese, Thai, or Indian but Fila Manila is his second rather a familiar, yet distinct fla- for home cooks to finish with suggested recipes -- from startup and says it’s more pervor of many cuisines combined. aromatic noodle bowls with sonal to him because it is a nod As the Fila Manila tagline says, to his heritage and culture as a we are more than Asian, we are pork shoulder and fresh herbs (Lemongrass BBQ) and fiery Filipino.

Filipino!” plates of chicken, sticky rice, He considers himself lucky Southeast Asian Flavors and cabbage (Larb) to pork being born to parents who “We landed on the starter belly umami bombs served with come from regions known for format because we really want garlic rice and sliced chili (Sisig). their distinct culinary offerings. to provide the foundation of The Pham sisters also His dad is from Iloilo and a dish for home cooks with a encourage users to experiment his mom from Pampanga, both level of cultural integrity that with whatever ingredients they culinary powerhouses in the has been, disappointingly, hard have available/prefer or to Philippines. His dad moved to to achieve until now,” Kim accommodate dietary preferthe US in the late 70s to find a told the Asian Journal. “From ences/restrictions. job; De Leon, his mom, and an there, home cooks can take it These entrepreneurs are older brother followed in the home with our recipes or make hoping that the products early 80s. They are currently it their own. We want to not they created would someday based in Laurel Springs, New only celebrate these flavors but become Asian pantry staple Jersey. also empower folks to actively brands that make cooking Like many immigrant famiengage with them.” one’s favorite Asian dishes lies, his parents worked several Given their heritage, the (with uncompromised flavors jobs and side hustles to ensure Pham sisters are excited to and hard-to-find ingredients) a better life for their children. share their heritage and they easy and possible in any home Growing up, he vividly rememchose to cast a wider net and kitchen. bers helping his mom and include the larger Southeast

Pepe to star opposite Toni in ‘My Sassy Girl’

How Anne’s financial habits changed since Dahlia’s birth

New businesses bring...

Epi Quizon with Ritz Azul

Jerry Springer’s show, in the sense that there are two conflicting parties, but unlike that program where the parties are simply pitted against each other on stage, Sir Raffy acts as the referee. In the end, he tries to help resolve the issue between them.”

Epi said it would have been better if he and Ritz actually met the people they portrayed in the show. “Ideally, there should be immersions, but the YouTube clips that were shown to us have greatly helped in terms of knowing what they’re really like. The clips showed their true personalities; and then as actors, we just used our imagination and the lessons we’ve learned from past experiences to play our parts.”

Ritz agreed: “We still studied our characters. We also tried to match their look as much we could… Whenever I watch Sir Raffy’s program with my grandparents, I would always ask myself, ‘Did these stories really happen?’ Now, they will be shown on TV, with all its limitations.”

“I’m pleased that a program like this was made possible,” the actress added. “It will help teach people what to do, especially those who have gone astray, those who are depressed. This will help clear their minds; make them realize that not everything can be solved by force and anger.”

Raffy pointed out that not all “Wanted: Ang Serye” stories that went viral on social media would be seen on television. “We would only feature those that we can learn

Contributed photo

valuable lessons from,” he explained.

“Secondly, if the people involved in the stories would grant us permission to reenact them. Lastly, if the people in the stories, despite their mistakes and weaknesses, would be presented in a good way, and not in a bad light.

We have a lot of stories that we thought would be ideal for the TV program, but we stroke them out of our lineup because the people involved didn’t approve. We respect their decisions.”

Meanwhile, Adrian plays Charlie, a reformed drug dependent who tried to win back the love of his wife and five children. For him, the most memorable part of the story was Charlie’s supposed reunion with his wife, who had been hysterical during the meeting. “She kicked and punched Charlie, but he just kept quiet and hugged her tightly. That was a really emotional scene between them. We tried to reenact it as realistically as possible,” Adrian recalled.

“His wife went to work abroad, where she also had an affair. He wanted desperately to reconcile with her. He really did his best. What’s good is that his five kids still live with him,” Adrian shared with reporters. “More than entertaining, the stories of ‘Wanted’ are conversation points because they are never one-sided.

If you watch the show with someone, like your partner, for example, you will surely have many points to discuss.”

community The power of kindness

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 27, 2021

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA WHAT does it cost to be kind to others?

We often think that being kind costs us something — whether it is time, money, connections or any of what we consider to be our personal resources becoming depleted.

But have we ever thought at all about the physical and psychological benefits of acts of kindness that flow right back to us? It’s one of those mysteries of the amazing human body.

Recent medical studies indicate that both the giving and receiving of kindness have positive effects on a person’s well being. It helps produce oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that boosts our immune system and causes other good residual effects on blood pressure and the body’s general homeostatic balance. In women, it has positive effects on childbirth and lactation. Studies now seem to prove that it can help in autism and the ability to handle social anxieties.

This feel-good substance is produced in the human body by laughter and exercise and apparently, as medical studies are showing, also by acts of kindness, specially the pure ones, those that are done without any thought of payback or return.

Oxytocin running in our bloodstream is good for the heart and the mind as it counteracts the effects of free radicals wreaking havoc in our bodies as we go through the ravages of the aging process.

It does not mean however, that kindness and the oxytocin it produces insures us against aging. All humans will get old and die eventually. C’est la vie.

It just means that the residual effects of habitual kindness can substantially slow

EMPLOYMENT

“Kind people are the best kind of people.”

-Anonymous down the aging process along with a good diet, and regular age -appropriate exercise.

Of course, wisely steering clear of moving vehicles, toxic relationships and such known elective, addictive poisons such as cigarette smoking, drugs and alcohol all help to arrive at a high quality of life in one’s sunset years.

In the same way joy shows in our faces, so does grief.

Perhaps, the latter, even more so, can become deeply etched.

No amount of plastic surgery can erase it.

During the greed of the nineteen eighties and nineties that spawned such film characters as Gordon Gecko, the saying was, “He who has the most TOYS, WINS!” In contrast, during this current supposedly more informed yet not necessarily wiser age of information, the saying is likely to read. “He who has the most JOYS, WINS! Those of us who live in big cities and are subject to the stresses of the fast pace and killer demands of modern life to “perform and deliver” in our home and work environments are more than likely to suffer from diseases and infections.

It’s the curse of big city living and the rat race.

Because of such demands that can exceed individual human capacities, many feel exhausted and cannot think beyond their personal needs and wants.

Remember too that this is the “Selfies Generation.”

The trend these days in social media is to focus on the self.

Many are becoming stars in their deluded minds and in the web firmament thinking that the number of “likes” they get is proof positive of their popularity and social status.

The result is that many are becoming hardwired and focused on just their individual images to the exclusion of others. This self-obsession—to-

Did you apply for a mortgage forbearance during the pandemic?

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAyMond BulAon

day’s equivalent of the biblical golden calf of idolatry— IF you are a homeowner strangely leads to depression. struggling with mortgage payThose who have seen the light, however, and have decid- ments during this pandemic, ed that kindness is beneficial to you are not alone.

A mortgage forbearance others as well as themselves, can provide temporary relief practice it quite naturally, most by allowing you to make eitimes, without fanfare. After ther reduced payments or no all, genuine kindness is often quiet and does not need to go payments at all, for a specific period of time. Usually, it is viral. not automatic, and you will But when acts of kindness need to call your lender to captured on video do go viral request one- although I have because a disinterested third seen several lenders offer it party uploaded the clip on automatically, in which case, the internet and is viewed by millions around the world, this becomes a teachable moment Barrister’s when kindness can become a ripple in a pond.

Corner Kindness without an agenda can inspire others to be kind to the people in their immediate spheres of influence. It Atty. Kenneth can inspire some to be kind to uRsuA Reyes those that orbit around them daily at home and at work.

TO many people, the New You could say that kindness, Year signifies a chance to have like the flu, is truly contagious. a fresh beginning. This is also Unlike the flu virus though, the time of the year many kindness is good all around. people realize when a marA caveat though…… The riage is not working out and hormone oxytocin is not a it may be time to start a new panacea for all kinds of social life as a single person whether anxiety problems. Too much or not you have children. You of it when taken by prescripcan decide to take action and tion, like any other substance file a divorce. on earth taken to extremes, Before you take any action, can cause ordinary people to you need to think about your become oversensitive to the emotions of others resulting in situation carefully. First, you a skewed perception of reality. should decide whether you should move out of the family Perhaps, the best ways for residence or not? If you and this love hormone to flow in your spouse are communicatone’s bloodstream are still the ing and have some type of natural ways through LAUGHrespect left with one another, TER, EXERCISE and KINDit may be more economical to NESS. continue residing in the same *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints household until you resolve expressed by the author do not necessarily the issues in the divorce case. reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints However, if your relationship of the Asian Journal, its management, is heated and riddled with conflict, then someone should editorial board and staff. move out. If your spouse has *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP threatened you, hurt you, or of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send committed domestic violence, comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ you may file a domestic violence temporary restraining asianjournalinc.com order and request the court

EMPLOYMENT

you will receive a letter from your lender notifying you that it is available for you if you wish to accept it.

Please understand that a forbearance is NOT debt forgiveness; and this means that you will still need to catch up on the missed payments when the forbearance period is over and your financial hardship has ceased (at least that’s what the lender is hoping).

The type of mortgage you have will determine what options are available to you.

For example, homeowners who receive a forbearance under the CARES Act will not be required to pay back all the missed payments in a lump sum. This applies to all federally-backed mortgages including FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

mortgage loans. You can call your lender to find out if your loan is one of these. If it is, you have the right to a forbearance of up to 180 days and can request an extension for the same amount of time after that. In other words, the forbearance period can be a maximum of one year. If you inform your lender that you have a financial hardship, they need to give it to you by law and no proof of the hardship is even required.

Even if your mortgage loan is not one of the above, this doesn’t mean that you are out of options. Most lenders I’ve dealt with generally have their own relief options and it’s just a matter of contacting them to find out what is available. Due to the Continued on Page 5

Starting the new year fresh with a divorce to order your spouse to move out of the house. In the same application, you may also request for custody, support, and attorney’s fees. If on the other hand you decide to be the one to move out, you should move somewhere close to your spouse if you have children to make it easier for both of you to co-parent with the children.

Second, you should decide whether your spouse is the type who will disclose all the financial assets or not after you file for divorce. Although the family code (family code 2100 et seq.) imposes a duty to disclose all material facts and information, spouses’ are not always forthcoming in disclosing completely all assets, debts, income and expenses specially after a divorce case is commenced. What sometimes happens is once a divorce case is commenced, assets are either not disclosed, disappears, or documents/ bank statements are not produced even with formal discovery. You should gather and make copies of all financial documents before filing the divorce.

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SERVICES

Third, there is an automatic temporary restraining order (ATROS) in place once you file and serve your spouse with the divorce papers. The four standard mutual restraining orders are 1) removing their minor children from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or a court order. family code Section 2040(a)(1) 2) restraint from transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate without the other party’s written consent or court order; fam code 2040(a)(2) 3) restraint from cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability held for the benefit of the parties and their child for whom support may be orders.

Fam C 2040(a)(3). 4) restraint from creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner Continued on Page 5

Starting the new year fresh with...

From Page 4 that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer without the other party’s written consent or court order. fam c 2040(a)(4). There are exceptions to the above restrictions. One exception is for property transfers in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life. Examples would be property transfers as part of your usual business operations or to pay for usual household living expenses.

Another exception is payment of reasonable attorney’s fees. fam c. 2040(a)(2). If you need to do any transactions that may violate the ATROS, it is best to do it prior to filing and

serving the divorce petition provided you do not breach your fiduciary duty to your spouse. If you are thinking of filing a divorce, it is best to consult an experienced family law attorney before taking any action.

*** 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. 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 Kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com.

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Did you apply for a mortgage...

From Page 4 number of calls that lenders are receiving, it may sometimes be tough to get a hold of someone by phone but be patient as many lenders are doing their best to be more responsive to their customers.

If they do grant you a forbearance, make sure that you have something in writing and keep good records as you might need them in the future.

After the forbearance period, again, you will still need to make up the missed payments. You can reinstate by simply paying everything back in a lump sum if you are able.

If not, the lender may allow you a repayment plan over a period of time during which the lender adds a set amount to your regular monthly mortgage payment. If you are still struggling financially, of course, this may not be helpful to you. In other words, if you were already struggling with your regular monthly mortgage payment to begin with, how can you afford the additional amount if your income has remained the same?

If you are still in a financial hardship when your forbearance ends, another possible way to resolve the delinquency is by applying for a loan modification. A loan modification is NOT a refinance and so good credit is not required.

Rather, with a loan modification, you are simply asking the lender to modify your current loan by changing the terms

to make the payments more manageable. For example, the lender may lower the interest rate, extend the term, partially modify the principal, or a combination of the above.

One thing you may want to ask your lender is whether or not they will require you to impound your property taxes and insurance once they reinstate your loan after being delinquent. In case you don’t know what this means, it means whether or not the lender will require you to open an escrow account in which they set aside a certain amount each month for your property taxes and insurance.

If they do this, they will increase your monthly payment to account for such expenses so that you no longer have to pay the property taxes and insurance on your own.

While this is convenient for some people, it’s not for everyone. Some people prefer that they pay their property taxes and insurance on their own and keep their monthly mortgage payments the same. For example, I have clients who wait to get their tax refund every year to pay their property taxes. They would rather do this than having high mortgage payments throughout the year. You may feel the same way about this so keep this in mind when applying for a forbearance and make sure to ask your lender about it.

If you are unable to resolve the delinquency for whatever reason, at some point the bank will have no choice but to foreclose on your property, and so it is important to plan ahead of time. In some cases, it may be necessary to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy to save your home if no other options are available. Chapter 13 allows you to pay back all your missed payments over a 5-year period. And if you have other debts such as credit cards, personal loans, taxes and all other debts, all of these can be consolidated into one monthly payment that you can afford.

If you need help in figuring out your options, I’ll be glad to help. For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. *** NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me. Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices. com. ***

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

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community How Anne’s financial habits...

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 27, 2021

From Page 3 quota, hindi mo tinitipid yung sarili mo kasi once you’ve reached that, you can spoil yourself a little bit more with the extra money that you have,” she continued adding she has separate accounts for her tithes, donation, charity; for tax, for savings and for everyday expenses.

Aside from learning how to handle her money as an actress, Curtis has also tried her hand in starting different kinds of business. Right now, she has successfully built a name for her very own makeup brand, blk Cosmetics, as well as her new activewear line Recess.

“When you mature, of course you’ll realize you really have to have a backup plan.

You have to have a business because you know, being in this industry will not be forever,” Curtis reasoned.

Motherhood role During the webinar, Curtis also shared how having a family changed her financial habits. She and husband Erwan Heussaff are now trying their best to build a comfortable life for their daughter, Dahlia, who will turn one in just a couple of months.

“It definitely changed a lot because now I have an extra person to think of. I have to think of her future, of what it would be. ‘Do I really need this new pair of shoes?’

Pwede namang kay Dahlia na lang. So the way I handle my expenses and my savings changed a lot.

“When you plan to have a child, you have to be prepared financially because you want to be able to give your child the best life that you could possibly give. So it’s very important that you have saved up for that,” she added.

The 35-year-old star has also opened up Dahlia’s financial plans as soon as she received commercials or endorsement deals.

“We’ve already discussed this. Everything will be completely hers. Just like what happened to me, it will be

turned over to her when I think she is at a responsible age.”

Wrapping up the webinar, Curtis reminded all the importance of saving, especially after the global crisis due to the pandemic.

“There’s so many things

you want to buy, you’ll be tempted by social media, you have so much marketing thrown at you. But you’ll never know when a pandemic will happen again, or anything.

You need to be able to know that you are prepared for the rainy days,” she ended.

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DIS

S

G

VE SA

S

$ 99

S

DIS

G

S

DIS

UFC TAMARIND MIX 40G

UNT CO

7

$ 99

/LB

F OF 23%

G

S AV I N

BEFORE

EACH $5.99

NOW

$ 49

SELECTA

UNT CO

F CHOCO MOO OF 240ML 31%

500ML

S

F SOY SAUCE/ OF VINEGAR 1L 30%

3

$ 99

SODIUM) 12OZ

DIS

INDAYS BEST

UNT CO

DIS

DIS

S

$6.99

C2 GREEN

UNT CO

G

33.8FLOZ

BEFORE

S AV I N

G

S

G

S AV I N

CRACKERS IN TUB

S

JANS

3

4pcs $ FOR

HEREFORD

F OF 11%

PRODUCE

CORNED BEEF F TEA (APPLE/ OF ORIGINAL/ TRAPEZOID FF (REGULAR/LESS 25% O LEMON) S AV I N 43% UNT CO

G

UNT CO

89¢

F OF SOURSOP IN CARTON 34%

DIS

INDAYS BEST TARO LEAVES 3.5OZ

BEFORE

S AV I N

DIS

2

$ 99 /EA

F OF MAGIC FLAKES 16% PREMIUM G

S AV I N

LOWER PRICE

UNT CO

S

G

S

ISLAND PACIFIC SELECT SEAGRAPES LATO 320G

SARANGANI BAY PREMIUM SARDINES (REGULAR & SPICY) 155G

G

LE SA

DIS

DIS

SPECIAL

UNT CO

UNT CO

S AV I N

NOW

GROCERIES NEW

SHRIMP HEADLESS 41/50 1.5LBS BAG

S AV I N

NOW

WAS $4.99

FARM / INDIA

F OF 23% S

S AV I N

/LB

UNT CO

G

G

S

F OF 17%

MUSSELS HALF SHELL (LARGE)

/LB

G

UNT CO

/LB

DIS

/LB

DIS

DIS

3

5

$ 99

INDIAN MACKEREL (HASA-HASA)

$ 99

5

$ 99 WILD CAUGHT / INDIA

NOW

FRESH

FRESH

S AV I N

BEFORE

79¢

1

2pcs $ FOR