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JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2021

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M MU N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

Volume 32 - No. 4 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

US reaffirms Mutual Defense Treaty with PH China’s claims in South China Sea rejected

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines against any armed attacks in the Pacific amid a new Chinese law allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels entering disputed territories.

During a phone call with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly underscored the

Clark County schools to reopen for younger students in March

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

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.

a press release.

Blinken also rejected China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea “to the extent they exceed the maritime zones that China is permitted to claim under international law” as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Law of the Sea Convention.

“Secretary Blinken pledged to stand with Southeast Asian claimants in the face of PRC (People’s Republic of China) pressure,” the State Department said. u PAGE A2

importance of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) “for the security of both nations.”

The call was made a day after Blinken was sworn in as America’s top diplomat under the Biden administration.

“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. Secretary Blinken and Secretary Locsin reaffirmed that a strong US-Philippine alliance is vital to a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” the U.S. state department said Thursday, January 28 in

District reports pandemic’s toll on students’ mental health

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

VACCINE SIMULATION. A health worker administers a mock vaccine to an employee of the city government of Parañaque during the simulation exercise of its COVID-19 immunization program at the fifth floor of a mall along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City on Thursday, January 28. The government targets to inoculate one million medical front-liners and healthcare workers with COVID-19 vaccines that are expected to arrive in the country in February.

PNA photo By Avito C. Dalan

THE Clark County School District, the nation’s fifth largest district, will begin hybrid instruction for younger students starting in March.

Earlier this month, the CCSD Board of Trustees voted to bring students back for in-person learning, with prekindergarten to third grade students in the greater Las Vegas area among the first to partially return on March 1 on a voluntary basis.

The school district, which has over 326,000 students enrolled, moved to remote instruction last March as the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The current push to reopen comes as the CCSD has reported a rise in mental health issues among its students. Since March, 19 students died by suicide, with one reported earlier this January.

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‘She wouldn’t leave her Biden admin appoints Fil-Ams to key roles kids’: Search continues for Fil-Am mom of 3 missing in Chula Vista, CA

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

A Filipina American mother of three in Chula Vista, California has been missing for almost a month, but her family is not giving up hope that she will be found.

May “Maya” Millete, 39, was last seen by family at her home in the San Miguel Ranch area on January 7 and was reported missing two days later.

That Saturday, the family was planning a trip to Big Bear Mountain Resort for her daughter’s 11th birthday, but Millete was never heard from.

Millete, a civilian Navy employee, is described as 5-foot-2 and about 105 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes, freckles and a

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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 includes

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Gloria Steele, acting administrator of USAID

Veronica Valdez, special assistant at Defense Department

Biden signs executive order denouncing PH gov’t issues new testing anti-Asian racism, hate amid pandemic protocols for inbound travelers

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

May “Maya” Millete (2nd from left) with her husband Larry (2nd from right) and their three children ages 11, 9 and 4. | Photo courtesy of Millete family

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 member

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

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by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

TRAVELERS entering the Philippines are now required to undergo a COVID-19 test five days after their arrival in the country.

The new protocol adopted by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) says travelers will take a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on the fifth day, instead of immediately after arriving.

“Arriving passengers, regard-

less of their origin, shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine upon arrival. They shall undergo RT-PCR test on the fifth day from their date of arrival in the country, unless the passenger shows symptoms at an earlier date while on quarantine,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday, January 27.

Once the traveler tested negative, the person will be endorsed to the local government unit (LGU) of destination where he or she will continue the remainder

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From The FronT Page

PH gov’t issues new testing protocols for...

PAGE A1 of the 14-day quarantine under strict monitoring.

“Appropriate patient management shall be observed as outlined in the guidelines of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and The Department of Health Omnibus Guidelines on Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment and Reintegration Strategies for COVID-19,” said Roque.

Czech Republic included in PH travel ban The Philippines has temporarily banned the entry of foreign travelers coming from countries

where the new, more contagious variant of COVID-19 was detected.

On Tuesday, January 26, the government expanded the travel restrictions to bar travelers from the Czech Republic from entering the country starting Jan. 28 until Jan. 31. Those who have been there within 14 days immediately preceding arrival in the Philippines are likewise not to enter the Philippines.

Filipino nationals coming from, or who have been to the Czech Republic will be allowed to enter, provided that they undergo quarantine until the result of an

RT-PCR test.

Czech Republic joined the list of countries under the travel ban, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, Spain, the United States, Portugal, India, Finland, Norway, Jordan, Brazil, Austria, Pakistan, Jamaica, Luxembourg, and Oman.

To date, there are 17 confirmed cases of the new COVID-19 variant in the Philippines. n

Biden signs executive order denouncing...

PAGE A1 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 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 attacks, 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 antiAAPI 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 COVID-19 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

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VACCINATION DRY-RUN. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III administers a “vaccine” on a barangay health worker as photojournalists click away during the dry-run of the Taguig City’s vaccination drive at the Mega Vaccination Hub at the Lakeshore Complex on Wednesday, January 27. Also in the photo is vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (behind Duque) who also toured and witnessed the Covid-19 vaccination processes.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P Alfiler

US reaffirms Mutual Defense...

PAGE A1 The agency added that both Blinken and Locsin “committed to continue building upon a relationship founded on shared strategic interests and history, democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties.”

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

PH files diplomatic protest Locsin on Wednesday, January 27 issued a diplomatic protest against China’s new law, two days after initially saying it was “none of our business.”

“After reflection I fired a diplomatic protest,” he said in a

tweet.

“While enacting law is a sovereign prerogative, this one – given the area involved or for that matter the open South China Sea – is a verbal threat of war to any country that defies the law; which, if unchallenged, is submission to it,” he added.

Malacañang, for its part, welcomed Locsin’s decision to file a diplomatic protest.

“We welcome the diplomatic protest, of course, of the DFA and this will prove that the Philippines is fully committed to the rule of law and will assert all its rights available under existing principles of international law to defend its interests,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday.

He added, “This is consistent with our position that while states can enact laws as part of their sovereignty, they must do so in compliance with the UN Charter, prohibiting the use of force unless by way of self-defense or when authorized by the security council.”

Roque also maintained that the country’s priority is protecting its national interest.

“Our independent foreign policy is intended to be friends with everyone, enemies with no one.

But we will protect and secure the Philippine national interest.

Ang detalye po (The details), we leave it to the Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the Philippine Coast Guard,” he said. n

Clark County schools to reopen for younger...

PAGE A1 “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be very challenging for education,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara.

“We will continue to make the health and safety of students and staff a top priority. As we continue to look at the academic and health crisis that the pandemic has caused, I believe that the plan proposed provides the first steps in returning our students and educators to the classroom.”

A timeline for when other grades can return to the schools has yet to be announced. But during the Jan. 14 meeting, the district also approved a plan for the voluntary return of small groups of students across grade levels.

For Anthony Garciano, a Filipino American fifth grade teacher at a North Las Vegas school, he has used different online platforms to deliver lessons in-

teractively.

However, he acknowledged that it has been difficult to ensure his “students are receiving an equitable education” due to technological challenges or personal circumstances.

With the CCSD’s latest announcement, he hopes that teachers will be prioritized for vaccinations to allay health and safety concerns.

“The pandemic is a major health crisis and has only highlighted other important issues in our educational system. I support the district’s push to address the very real mental health concerns affecting our students currently. I hope the district is able to help expedite vaccinations for teachers, especially those most vulnerable, and set and enforce thoughtful social distancing guidelines in schools and classrooms. If health concerns of teachers are properly addressed, educators across the

district may feel less ambivalence to teaching in person,” Garciano told the Asian Journal.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) this week reintroduced the Virtual Peer Support Act that would provide $50 million in grants through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for uninterrupted virtual services to vulnerable populations.

“For everyone struggling with mental health concerns, from first responders carrying the trauma they see at a crime scene to the heavy burden our students face during the pandemic, peer support can be the key difference that saves someone’s life. The tragic string of student suicides in the Clark County School District adds even more urgency to the need to address this crisis and to prioritize improving mental health services for Nevadans,” Cortez Masto said in a statement. n

Biden admin appoints Fil-Ams to...

PAGE A1 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 agen-

Camille Touton

Angela Perez

cy 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, PAGE A3

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US imposes travel restrictions on ‘She wouldn’t leave her kids’: Search continues... several countries with virus variant

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

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 suspend-

ed,” read the proclamation.

The European countries impacted by the reinstatement of the travel ban include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 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 Control 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 SARS-CoV2 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

Fil-Am father, daughter electrocuted by downed power lines in Panorama City, CA

by AJPress 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 53-year-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 daughter was also electrocut-

Ferdinand Tejada and Janine Reyn Tejada Facebook photo

ed while trying to save him.

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

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 touch the victim.

“LADWP is working with law enforcement in their investigation of this incident,” it said in a statement. n

Fil-Am appointed White House liaison for...

PAGE A1 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 director 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 Fil-

Ams, 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)

Biden admin appoints Fil-Ams to...

PAGE A2

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 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 Special 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 Asia-Pacific 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

John Santos

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 year-long 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

PAGE A1 t wrist tattoo. In addition to her 11-year-old, she has children ages 9 and 4, and lives with her husband Larry.

Her husband reportedly thought Millete was asleep in a bedroom, but then he found the room empty, according to various reports.

Her sister Maricris Drouaillet told the Asian Journal that the last time she and her siblings heard from Millete was on Jan. 7 when they were all on a group chat talking about the birthday trip.

“It’s just a shock and it’s been a nightmare since we reported her missing,” Drouaillet told the Asian Journal.

Drouaillet said Millete loved the outdoors and hiking so it is possible she had gone out by foot that day.

Her car has remained at the home’s driveway and her phone has been turned off and has not been located, a GoFundMe page organized by her family said. She appeared to have taken her ID and credit card as well, but no transactions have been recorded.

Over the weekend, police served a search warrant at Millete’s home with the goal of locating any evidence into her

May “Maya” Millete

whereabouts.

“I can’t give any details as to the investigation but I will say we’ve been actively investigating this case and we’re at the point

now where we’re trying to get as much evidence and any clues that we have that it’s possible to find where May is,” said Lt. Miriam Foxx with the Criminal Investigations Division.

Millete’s family has held community searches and vigils, and has posted flyers in the neighborhood and in the greater San Diego area. However, the recent weather conditions have hindered some search activities.

The GoFundMe page, with a $30,000 goal, will be used for the investigation, search efforts and printing fliers.

A Facebook page called “Find find May/Maya Millete” has also been created to spread awareness.

The family encourages others to say a prayer at 5:01 p.m.

— her birthday is May 1 — until Millete is found.

Those who know her say she has a bold personality and is full of life, and that she was a doting mother.

“She’s an amazing. She has three wonderful kids and it’s her life…she wouldn’t leave her kids this way,” Drouaillet said.

Anyone with information on Millete’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Chula Vista Police Department at 619-691-5139 or San Diego Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.

(AJPress)

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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

Full speed ahead: America is finally winning the war against COVID, rebuilding our nation

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-

Commentary

ATTYS. ALEXANDER MANGLINONG AND PHILIP LIM NULUD ON January 7, 2021, a day after the reprehensible violence occurred at the U.S. Capitol, Facebook and Twitter locked former President Donald Trump’s accounts.

Many people were up in arms and questioned how Facebook and Twitter could do that. People claimed that it was a violation of his freedom of speech.

However, it was not.

Facebook and Twitter are private companies that are not required to provide anyone with their services or platform. Secondly, the First Amendment, which provides for the freedom of speech, does not apply.

When you create an account on Facebook, Twitter, or another social media platform, you agree to abide by their respective terms of service. Like it or not, you entered into a contract with Facebook. They will provide you with access to their platform, so long as you abide by their rules. For example, for

Philstar.com photo

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 COVID19 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 protection 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 two-dose 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-ofgovernment 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.

Does the First Amendment apply to what you post on social media?

Facebook, you agree to “not use [Facebook] to do or share anything: [t]hat violates the [Terms of Service], [Facebook] Community Standards, and other terms and policies…” In Facebook’s Community Standards, there is a specific section as it pertains to Violence and Incitement. It states the following: We aim to prevent potential offline harm that may be related to content on Facebook. While we understand that people commonly express disdain or disagreement by threatening or calling for violence in non-serious ways, we remove language that incites or facilitates serious violence. We remove content, disable accounts, and work with law enforcement when we believe there is a genuine risk of physical harm or direct threats to public safety. We also try to consider the language and context in order to distinguish casual statements from content that constitutes a credible threat to public or personal safety. In determining whether a threat is credible, we may also consider additional information like a person’s public visibility and the risks to their physical

safety. (Emphasis added.)

Thus, if Facebook determines what you posted incites violence, it can remove the content, and/or disable your account.

In this situation, President Trump’s speech was deemed to have incited the violence at the Capitol. Under Facebook’s terms of service, Facebook was entirely within their right to disable his account.

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media companies are not publicly funded. They are private for-profit corporations that can act as they deem appropriate. While Facebook and Twitter are platforms for speech, they are under no obligation to provide anyone with access to their platforms.

The Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech.” This language restricts governmental, as opposed to private, abridgment of speech. In other words, the First Amendment only applies to actions by federal, state, and local governments.

As an exception to this general rule, the First Amendment may

apply to private entities if they are considered “state actors.”

Under the so-called “state-action doctrine,” private entities can be subject to First Amendment constraints in only a few limited circumstances—such as when (1) the private entity performs a function traditionally and exclusively reserved to the government; (2) the government compels the private entity to take a particular action; or (3) the government acts jointly with the private entity. With regard to the first category, U.S. Supreme Court has explained that very few functions are both traditionally and exclusively reserved to the government. Such functions include, for example, running elections and operating a company town.

The First Amendment does not apply to Facebook and Twitter because they are private companies and not state actors under the state-action doctrine.

They operate separately and apart from government, and they were not compelled by the government to lock former President Trump’s accounts.

Further, their primary function — namely, the operation of an

online social media platform — has not been traditionally or exclusively reserved to the government.

The primary function of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms may be viewed more broadly as the operation of a forum for speech. On this point, the government has traditionally and exclusively operated public forums for speech.

But as the U.S. Supreme Court explained, a private entity cannot operate a public forum because it is not a state actor.

Public forums, by definition, are forums for speech provided by the government. A contrary rule would effectively strip private companies of their ability to regulate their properties whenever they opened them for speech.

In short, Facebook and Twitter were within their contractual and constitutional rights to lock former President Trump’s accounts. They, like other social media platforms, are private companies that may censor or suspend user accounts based on the user’s failure to abide by their terms of service and policies. As private entities, they

are not subject to the same free speech limitations under the First Amendment that generally apply to federal, state, and local governments. *** 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.

*** Alexander Manglinong is an attorney at Sanders Roberts LLP in Los Angeles, where he practices business, employment, and general liability litigation. He serves as the secretary on the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA).

*** P h i l i p L i m N u l u d i s a n a tto r n ey at Buchalter in Los Angeles, where he specializes in intellectual property law.

Many of his clients are well-known fashion brands, who he represents in IP protection, strategy, enforcement, and licensing matters worldwide. He is currently a director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the immediate past president of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA), and a past president of PABA. He has been named as one of the Most Influential Minority Attorneys in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

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

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D ateline PhiliPPines PH approves AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 jabs for EUA by ritchEl

MEndiola AJPress

THE Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted an emergency use authorization (EAU) for AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine.

“After a thorough review of the current available data by our medical and regulatory experts, the FDA is granting an emergency use authorization for the COVID19 vaccine of AstraZeneca,” FDA Director General Eric Domingo said Thursday, January 28.

“It is decided that all conditions for an EUA are present and that the benefit of using the vaccine outweighs the known potential risks,” he added.

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford has an efficacy rate of 70% after the first dose, and trials are ongoing to de-

termine the efficacy rate after the second dose.

AstraZeneca’s vaccine regimen consists of two equal standard doses of 0.5 ml each, administered four to 12 weeks apart on individuals aged 18 years and above.

Domingo reassured that the adverse effects of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine range from mild to moderate.

“Ang nakitang adverse effects are all very mild, similar to getting any flu injection. Karamihan ay pananakit sa lugar ng injection, konting sinat, konting sakit ng ulo that are all transient and easily managed (The adverse effects observed are all very mild, similar to getting any flu injection.

Mostly the effects are soreness on the injection site, slight fever, and slight headache),” he said.

The Philippines, through the private sector and local govern-

ment units, signed a tripartite agreement to procure 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine.

The first batch is expected to arrive in May. The EUA granted to the vaccine is not a substitute for Certificate for Product Registration, meaning the vaccine cannot be commercially distributed in pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals.

AstraZeneca’s vaccine is the second vaccine to be authorized for emergency use in the country, following Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, the applications of Russian drugmaker Gamaleya Research Institute, Indian firm Bharat Biotech and China’s SinoOPERATIONAL SOON. The Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2) Masinag Station in Antipolo City, Rizal is expected to become operational in April 2021. vac are still pending.

The railway transit’s east extension will connect Manila to the province of Rizal, with two new stations opening -- Emerald in Marikina City The Philippines is aiming to and Masinag.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon vaccinate 50 to 70 million Filipinos in 2021, with up to 200,000 individuals receiving jabs every day. n MANILA — An independent significantly between high per- ing what components should be think tank ranked the Philip- formers and persistent strugglers,” measured, which indicator best pines 79th out of almost 100 the think tank said. represents that component, trans“Significant underperform- forming and comparing data from nations assessed for their handling of the COVID-19 pandem- ers, such as India, Indonesia and different sources/definitions/interic, making the country one of the Philippines emerged too, pretations across countries, and the “underperformers” in the Asia struggling to contain COVID-19 the very unique environmental throughout much of 2020 with few or historical influences that affect Pacific region. rect.”

The COVID Performance Index signs of improvement,” it added. overall performance,” the DOH “She was spiked with drugs and The Philippines has recorded said in a statement. sexually molested in either 2207 or of the Lowy Institute evaluated the “We can’t be comparing apples 2209,” Reyes said in radio dzMM coronavirus response of 98 coun- nearly 520,000 COVID-19 infecinterview, “and that contributed to tries. The Philippines received a tions and over 10,000 deaths al- to oranges,” it added. dismal score of 30.6 out of 100, most a year since authorities first Worst performers her death.”

The United States, with over 25 The PNP said Dacera, who was trailing most of its Southeast Asian detected a case.

The failure to ban entry of trav- million cases, sat near the bottom found dead at the City Garden Ho- peers.

Vietnam and Thailand were elers from China as well as difficul- of the table at 94th place. Brazil tel in Makati City on New Year’s Day after a private year-end cele- among the countries that managed ties in testing and contact tracing was the worst performing country bration with friends, died of aortic the pandemic better than others, marred the early stages of the Phil- on the list. placing second and fourth, respec- ippine government’s response to China, where SARS-CoV-2 was aneurysm.

It also concluded that “rape and/ tively. Singapore (13th), Malaysia the pandemic. The Duterte admin- first identified, was excluded due or drug overdose will not result to (16th) and Myanmar (24th) also istration also faced intense scru- to the lack of publicly available tiny over its militarized approach data. performed strongly. the development of aneurysm.”

Indonesia, which has the worst to a public health crisis.

A total of 98 countries were asReyes also noted that the exAuthorities are scrambling to sessed in the 36 weeks that folamination conducted on January COVID-19 outbreak in the region, 11 was not a medico legal report placed below the Philippines at lock in vaccine supplies to inocu- lowed their hundredth confirmed because Dacera was buried on 85th place. Brunei, Cambodia, late at least 50 million Filipinos case of the virus. To point how January 10 so there was no way Laos and Timor Leste were not in- this year and help contain South- well or poorly countries have inieast Asia’s second worst COVID- tially handled the pandemic, Lowy the body could have been exam- cluded in the index.

19 crisis.

Strugglers in Asia-Pacific Institute used six indicators, which ined the day after.

DOH: Don’t compare apples to include the following: Lowy Institute said “smaller He said the Daceras would wait • Confirmed cases for another autopsy by the Nation- players” such as Taiwan and New oranges The Department of Health said • Confirmed deaths al Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Zealand responded to the health • Confirmed cases per million which was tasked to conduct a crisis more effectively than other that while it welcomes researches on COVID-19 and opportuni- people countries in the world. separate investigation.

New Zealand took the top spot in ties to learn from good practices, • Confirmed deaths per million Dacera’s companions, who were tagged as persons of inter- the index with an average score of it noted the study failed to capture people “the complex nature of pandemic • Confirmed cases as a proporest, said they tried to revive the 94.4, while Taiwan ranked third.

“Although Asia–Pacific coun- response.” tion of tests 23-year-old flight attendant and “Usual issues in any measure• Tests per thousand people brought her to Makati Medical tries fared well as a whole against Center, where she was declared the coronavirus, country perfor- ment across different contexts (Gaea Katreena Cabico /Philstar. mance across the region varied include the difficulties in choos- com) dead on arrival. n

Dacera camp disputes death by ‘natural causes’ findings of PNP

by John

Eric MEndoza ManilaTimes.net

THE camp of Christine Dacera believes her death was not due to “natural causes,” disputing find-

Christine Dacera

ings of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Lawyer Brick Reyes, spokesman, said when asked if they still believe that Dacera was sexually molested and killed: “That’s cor-

Photo from Instagram/@xtinedacera

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PH ranks 79th among 98 countries in COVID-19 suppression

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LifestyLe • Consumer Guide • Community • MARketpLAce

LIZA GINO’S ‘IMELDA’S SECRET’:

Giving life and light to one of the darkest secrets of World War II by

JosePh L. PerALtA / AJPress

by

AJPress

“LINGUA Franca” by Filipina American filmmaker Isabel Sandoval has bagged a nomination at a prestigious awards dedicated to independent filmmakers.

Sandoval’s third film on Tuesday, January 26 was nominated for the John Cassavetes Award in the 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

The award is given to films with a budget of less than $500,000.

“Lingua Franca” tells the story of an undocumented trans Filipina living in New York City who struggles to make enough money as a caretaker to send back to her mother in the Philippines, as well as to pay for an American man to marry her for a green card.

Sandoval wrote, directed, and starred in the film, which originally premiered at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival Venice Days program and made history as the first film directed by and starring an openly trans woman of color to be screened at the competition.

It was later acquired by ARRAY, which released the film on Wednesday, Aug. 26 on Netflix and in select theaters.

In a tweet posted on Tuesday, Sandoval expressed her excitement over the nomination.

“LINGUA FRANCA is nominated for an Independent Spirit Award! Gobsmacked to be in the running for the JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD!!!” she wrote.

Nominated alongside “Lingua “Imelda’s Secret” author Liza Gino has woven a story based on true accounts from family and friends about the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, focusing on the often untold and buried Franca” for the award are “The accounts of comfort women during World War II. Screengrab from book launch Killing of Two Lovers,” “La Ley-

THE scars and memories of World War II continue to haunt us in varying ways.

Whether it was the persecution of the Jewish people (referred to as the Holocaust) and Japanese internment, the loss of lives in the many battlegrounds (Normandy, Midway, Bataan, to name a few), the razing of many cities by invading forces, or the dropping of the atom bomb in Hiroshima in 1945, movies, specials, documentaries and television programs remind us of the horrors of war and the shattered pieces of their lives that people have had to form together in order to survive.

Yet, one of the darkest and haunting secrets of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines

The book’s front cover is an image of community activist and philanthropist Dr. Yolanda Ortega Stearn as done by artist Angeli Clarisse Lata.

Photo courtesy of Liza Gino

Fil-Am filmmaker Isabel Sandoval’s ‘Lingua Franca’ scores 2021 Spirit Awards nomination

has been given little air time compared to the many atrocities committed by the Nazi and Imperial Japanese Army — and that is the experience of the numerous comfort women in many nations where the Japanese occupied during World War II. This is tackled in Liza Gino’s “Imelda’s Secret,” a book that tells the story of two cousins, Gloria and Imelda, who were comfort women during the Japanese occupation. While one (Gloria) reveals her past which opens her up to ostracization from family members and society, the other (Imelda) keeps her experience bottled up to protect herself and her family from ridicule.

Gloria’s illness is a tipping point PAGE B3

enda Negra,” “Residue,” and “Saint Frances.”

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, originally known as the FINDIE (Friends of Independents) Awards, is an award-giving body dedicated to independent filmmakers.

“2020 was Hell on Earth. But one glorious lifeline these past months has been the ability to watch so many great films and shows,” said Josh Welsh, President Film Independent.

He added, “In an unbelievably challenging year, this year’s Spirit Award nominees inspired us, connected us and have been a source of urgently needed light in the darkness. And even though we’re still stuck at home, let’s come together to celebrate this great work!”

The 36th annual Spirit Awards will air live Thursday, April 22 at 10:00 pm ET/7:00 p.m. PT exclusively on IFC and AMC+.

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Fil-Am author Erin Entrada Kelly’s ‘We Dream Enchong’s ‘practical’ of Space’ receives another Newbery honor formula for success

By ChRiStina

M. ORiel

AJPress

THREE years after being awarded the highest honor in children’s literature, Filipina American author Erin Entrada Kelly has received another accolade for her latest middle-grade novel, “We Dream of Space.”

The author’s sixth novel, released last May, was named one of five Newbery Honor books, the American Library Association announced on Monday, January 25.

“I got the call last night that WE DREAM OF SPACE won a Newbery Honor,” Kelly wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, sharing how she was notified of the honor after initially thinking it was a spam message. “I cried and called my agent @saraagent and then I poured a glass of whisky and drank it.”

Tae Keller’s “When You Trap A Tiger” garnered the 2020 John Newbery Medal. Kelly previously

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

won the prestigious award in 2018 for “Hello Universe,” which will be adapted into a live-action movie by Netflix.

“We Dream of Space” brings readers into the lives of the Nelson-Thomas siblings, 12-yearold twins Bird and Fitch and their older brother Cash, and the weeks leading up to the Challenger launch.

Along the way, Bird’s dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander and the dynamics of this middle-class family in Delaware are detailed. Readers also get introduced to their science teacher Ms. Salonga and see the recurring themes, such as loneliness, found in Kelly’s work.

“This book explores a nonideal family situation — it’s not that the parents don’t love their children, but they’re caught up in their own toxic dynamic that’s permeating the rest of the family.

It was important so that young people who are in that kind of Kelly holds a copy of “We Dream of Space, which was released on May 5, 2020 by Greenwillow family can see their dynamic on Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Photos courtesy of Erin Entrada Kelly/Instagram the page. My hope is that families can use it as a jumping-off point Words” by Kimberly Brubaker which she also illustrated. The to talk about family dynamics and Bradley were named Newbery title character, Marisol, mirrors other things mentioned,” Kelly Honor books.

Kelly’s background with a mother told the Asian Journal in a May Kelly — who was born in Lake from the Philippines.

2020 interview.

“I know the landscape for not Charles, Louisiana to a Filipina In addition to Kelly’s novel, mother from Cebu and a white fa- just Filipino authors, but people “All Thirteen: The Incredible ther — previously had a journal- from all kinds of marginalized Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ ism career, and is now a full-time groups, has opened up and will Soccer Team” and “A Wish in the author based in Delaware. continue to do so because literaDark” by Christina Soontornvat, This May, she is expected to ture needs to reflect our entire “Box: Henry Brown Mails Him- release “Maybe Maybe Marisol society. That’s what our world self to Freedom” by Carole Bos- Rainey,” a novel about summer, and bookshelves should look ton Weatherford, and “Fighting friendship and overcoming fears, like,” Kelly said.

by MaRinel

CRuz

Inquirer.net

ACTOR-swimmer Enchong Dee has always been enterprising.

When he was still training with the national swimming team, Enchong would sell instant noodle cups and canned meat products to his “unprepared” teammates.

“I would bring these items during competitions and offer them to those who didn’t have any baon. I didn’t mind earning only P10 from each item. I was still young then,” recalled Enchong. “It just goes to show that the self-discipline I gained from training and my passion for business went hand in hand.”

Enchong took up a course in development studies at De LaSalle University. “The theories I learned in class were backed up by practical uses. My parents helped me understand how it works,” he pointed out. “That’s why when I joined show biz (at age 19) it was already clear to me that whatever I would be earning from acting, I would use to put up businesses.”

Slingshot to 13 years later, Enchong, now 32, is already a restaurateur (with 18 branches of Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar nationwide) and a realestate developer.

“You have to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

That way, all your actions will be directed toward achieving that goal,” Enchong advised. “It’s better to always have a backup plan.

Always have a Plan B, or even up to Plan Z. Add to that hard work and determination, and you will surely succeed.”

Enchong said his young colleagues in the biz would often

SB19

Enchong Dee Photo from Instagram/@mr_enchongdee

seek his advice on how to put up a business.

“My first question for them would always be, ‘What are you passionate about? What’s that special something that, even though you lack sleep and feel tired, would still push you to get out of bed at 7 in the morning?’”

Enchong said. “Jameson (Blake, fellow ABS-CBN contract artist) said, ‘I like computers!’ I then told him to start a computer-related business.”

However, Enchong said starting a business requires focus. “You also have to do research on what you’ll be getting into. You can’t be complacent. After all, you will be spending your hard-earned money on it,” he explained. “Even though I am simply ‘a silent partner’ in several businesses, I would still study that particular industry. I’d ask questions on how I could be of help to my partners. That’s another thing: Your role in the company has to be clear to you. You have to do your part, too.”

Photo from Instagram/@officialsb19

How SB19 plans to go up in 2021

by Ratziel

San Juan

Philstar.com

FILIPINO boy band SB19 is out to expand their brand as they greet 2021 setting new goals for themselves.

Sejun, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin told Philstar.com in an online interview that they hope to make fans proud by growing the international audience for Pinoy Pop. Asked what milestone they want to reach this year, the boys said they want a “successful and meaningful comeback.”

“And of course, our main goal is to bring P-Pop in the global market.”

SB19 ranked 6th in Billboard’s Top Social 50 Artists of 2020 as the only Filipino act on the list.

Most recently, the band’s “Go Up” became their 7th song to claim the top spot at Billboard’s LyricFind Global Chart.

On their way to the top, SB19 plans to collaborate with local artists like KZ Tandingan, Ben&Ben, The Juans and Gloc-9.

“Seriously, there’s a lot on our list,” the boys said.

“For international, libre lang mangarap. Let’s go with Justin Bieber, Joji, Big Bang!”

As for shopping list, the boys also revealed this must-haves from e-commerce platform Lazada Philippines for which they are among the Filipino ambassadors.

“Yung mga necessary stuff mostly, like skin care, computer parts, gamit sa condo, or things that you need for your hobbies.”

Willie cries for missing fans, including those asking money

by Jan

MilO SeveRO Philstar.com

KAPUSO TV host Willie Revillame turned emotional on his 60th birthday on Wednesaday, January 27 saying that he missed his studio audience.

In the episode of his game show “Wowowin,” Willie dedicated his song “Salamat Sa Inyo” to his fans who have been supporting him through the years.

“Nami-miss ko na kayo. Namimiss ko ‘yung sigaw niyo. Sana matapos na itong problema natin para maibalik na natin ‘yung dati,” Willie said.

“Pasensiya na kayo, nami-miss ko na ‘yung matatanda, mga nanay, lola, mga special na mga

Willie Revillame

bata, sa mga naka-wheelchair, bumubulong, pambili ng gamot, pambayad ng matrikula… namimiss ko kayo sobra,” he added.

Since the pandemic started last March 2020, the show has been filming without a live studio audience. Willie said his birthday wish is for the pandemic to be over so they can open their studio to the live audience again.

“Sana makabalik na kami sa studio, makasama na namin kayo ulit. Kayo ang nagdala sa akin dito, gusto kong ibalik sa inyo lahat,” Willie said.

“Sana, Lord, matapos na itong pandemic para makabalik na kami at makapagpasaya araw-araw.

Salamat sa nagtiwala, salamat sa inyong lahat.”

GMA photo

Features

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 28-fEbRUARy 3, 2021

B3

Help ‘Fill the Pantry’ for RMHC Families JOIN the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas on Saturday, February 6, for the 20th annual ‘Fill the Pantry’ food drive, benefiting families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

Volunteers will be at all Smith’s Food & Drug Stores throughout Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Pahrump, from 9am – 12pm. Volunteers will hand out RMHC’s wish list to shoppers, and collect food, gift cards, and cash donations as shoppers leave the store.

The annual food drive fills the RMHC pantry for the entire year, helping families when they need

it most. When families come to the Ronald McDonald House, they have access to food on our pantry shelves, and any toiletry, laundry and cleaning supplies they need. With these basic needs met, families are able to focus on what matters most – the recovery of their child.

RMHC has expanded the ways to participate in this year’s food drive for those not comfortable going to a grocery store. Supporters can buy a Smith’s Gift Card online and have it mailed to the House, or make an online donation allowing the House to buy fresh produce year-round for families.

Additionally, RMHC has posted its wish list online, allowing people to shop on their own and have the groceries delivered to the House, or drop them off.

More information and links can be found on their website: https://rmhlv.org/news-events/ rmhc-fundraisers/food-drive/.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Las Vegas is a non-profit, 501c3 organization that provides temporary housing for families who travel to Las Vegas to receive medical treatment for their children. Since opening in 1998, the House has served more than 5,000 families.

Giving life and light to one of the darkest...

PAGE B1

for Imelda as she becomes conflicted on whether to acknowledge publicly her experience as a comfort woman or to keep the status quo.

Comfort women were women and girls who were forced to work as sex slaves in brothels by the Imperial Japanese Army in areas they occupied during World War II. The brothels were said to be provided for Japanese soldiers to decrease the incidence of wartime rape, which caused antiJapanese sentiment in occupied territories. Many young women were abducted from their homes for this purpose, or were recruited through false advertising by unscrupulous middlemen and wartime propaganda advocated by the Japanese regime in place.

In many ways, experts say the comfort women experience parallels the human trafficking trade that exists today in many parts of the world.

An organized web event in late 2020 served as the book launch. Gino described her novel as a weaving of stories into a cohesive narrative based on true accounts from family and friends about the Japanese occupation in the Philippines.

“I could have written a novel just about World War II,” Gino said. “But I chose to bring it forward 40 years after the war. Even though it has been four decades after the liberation women are still struggling: women can’t tell their families, their loved ones because if they do, for some it’s very traumatic.”

Gino noted that she wrote “Imelda’s Secret” to give life to the silent warriors of World War II who have been discarded from history.

“The comfort woman story is only in the oral story, it is not written down. And all attempts to write it down has been hindered.

We need to acknowledge and honor these women, and we also all need to make sure that we know about it and that we stop this from ever happening again,” the University of the Philippines alumna said, while adding that women activists have been instrumental in making the comfort women issue become public.

The author said that the story is set in San Francisco because she feels that “this is the only place where you can actually have this kind of conversation where it’s face-to-face — what you feel and what you’ve gone through — and hope that someone will catch you and say, ‘It’s okay. We still love you. We still want you.’”

Gino added that having these kinds of conversations and opening up, as the book’s storyline shows, is how one can “unhook, unchain and anchor yourself because keeping a secret for 40 years-plus can be damaging to the psyche. And that’s why Imelda’s secret should no longer be a secret.”

For the author, the surviving comfort women of today are still doing their own version of the Bataan Death March every day and it is up to society to illuminate their plight and advocate for women’s issues in general.

“We should get them justice and make people aware that this happened… we need to find them justice,” Gino stated.

Collaborators for ‘Imelda’s Secret’ The online book launch introduced the many collaborators that helped Gino make the book a reality.

Longtime Filipino American community leader and philanthropist Dr. Yolanda Ortega Stearn allowed her image to be used as the canvas for the artwork that is featured as the book cover executed by artist Angeli Clarisse Lata.

“I think we all have a moral duty and obligation to write the story, to document the stories, to remind every generation that we are raising [about trafficked women],” Stearn said. “I am really happy to see this movement because what we started in Berkeley during the women’s liberation movement and all these movements in experimental schools brought out the story of

Spicy Chicken McNuggets, Mighty Hot Sauce returning to McDonald’s® but only because you asked so nicely Try these limited-time fan favorites for FREE on McDelivery with DoorDash next week

CHICAGO – Good things come to those who ask politely, which is why McDonald’s Spicy Chicken McNuggets® and Mighty Hot Sauce will be returning to participating restaurants nationwide Feb. 1 for a limited time! For those that need a refresher: • Spicy Chicken McNuggets: Breaded with a sizzling tempura coating made with both cayenne and chili peppers, Spicy Chicken McNuggets pack plenty of flavor and spice into each bite.

• Mighty Hot Sauce: Our new Mighty Hot Sauce dialed up the spice last Fall, boasting a powerful blend of crushed red pepper and cayenne peppers, all balanced with savory garlic and a hint of sweetness. This is both McDonald’s hottest available dipping sauce and our first new sauce since 2017.

As an added bonus, from Feb. 2 - 6, customers can get a FREE 6-piece Spicy Chicken McNuggets exclusively on their McDelivery with Door Dash* order of $20 or more, using code SPICY. When we introduced Spicy University of the Philippines Fine Arts graduate Maria Isobel Lopez used glass mixed media Chicken McNuggets last year, to create the piece featured in the book’s back cover, which features a woman whose back is it marked the first-ever McNugturned to the observer.

Photo courtesy of Liza Gino get flavor innovation since this the comfort women in the Japanese concentration camps, and all these unpleasant things that occurred that people simply did not want to talk about.”

“It was really difficult even then to get women to come out and tell their story because there was such a stigma. And there was the shame that they felt to be part of this. This book that Liza has written really, really clears a smooth passage for all the women who have been abused or who have been trafficked. And trafficking is continuing today. It clears a passage so that it gives them strength and the courage to speak up,” Stearn added, while wishing that today’s younger generation will up the book and take up the cudgels for victims of human trafficking.

Former Binibining Pilipinas Universe winner Maria Isobel Lopez, a University of the Philippines graduate herself, created a mixed mosaic glass artwork for the book’s back cover. Liza was one of the runners-up the year that Lopez took the crown.

According to Lopez, who has a Fine Arts degree, she was inspired to do the Illuminati Tree, subtitled Imelda’s Secret, when Gino informed her about the book about two years ago. While the word illuminati refers to a secret society since the 1700s, Lopez said her artwork title refers to the “enlightened ones, the comfort women in the book which hopes to bring clarity, truth and understanding to these women.”

The woman’s figure in the mosaic depicts how a person tries to deflect confrontation or wants to forget something, and this is by turning their back, Lopez explained.

“I used mixed glass media made up of man-made and natural stones. And you know very well that glass is a difficult medium to handle… it’s very hard to control, not to mention the danger that the glass can go into your eyes,” Maria Isobel said, while adding that in making the mosaic, some of the pieces cut her fingers so part of her DNA is embedded in the artwork.

“I look forward to the journey of ‘Imelda’s Secret’ and I would like to congratulate my good friend Liza Gino for coming up with this very worthwhile book,” Lopez said. “We cannot forget these things… even if World War II is over the lessons that we learned and the things that are happening in the world [have] not stopped.”

Film and television composer Roger Neill, for his part, presented a short sample of the

haunting score he developed for “Imelda’s Secret.” Neill’s credits include scores for films like “29th Century Women,” “Don’t Think Twice” and “The Beginners,” as well as for television shows “Mozart In The Jungle” and “King of the Hill.”

Neill described the music he created as beginning with an epic sweep, romantic, but also poignant and tragic, which then transitions into something quiet and contemplative, and then ends with kind of a question mark. He added that the score he ended up with was what he had initially imagined and conceptualized for “Imelda’s Secret.”

Women activists for comfort women Also joining the launch were women activists Judith Mirkinson, Miho Lee and Sharon Cabusao Silva, as well as “Lola Isang,” who shared a short video message.

Mirkinson and Lee, who are members of the San Francisco Comfort Women Justice Coalition, were contacted by the author to contribute to the book, with “the purpose of lending clarity on why this issue is relevant and making the connection with the reality we are living every day, wherever we may be.”

Lee shared that many women’s groups — around 20 — ultimately coalesced to create a memorial dedicated to comfort women in San Francisco (located near St. Mary’s Square, at the crossroads of Chinatown and the Financial District; the statue shows a Filipino, Korean and Chinese woman) after learning of a group of Japanese governmentbacked right-wing historical denialists who were organizing in the Bay Area and other places in the United States to “educate the public that comfort women stories are complete fabrication.”

Lee, who teaches at San Francisco State University, added that the power of bringing the narrative of comfort women stories, as told by the survivors themselves, brings two added components – that of healing and power/subversion.

“We, as next generation, and our next generation are really the vessels through which that healing can happen. This is a multi-generational effort that we are a part of. This is not a thing that happened in the past that we are disconnected [from]. We are living the reality of bringing the healing as an act of empowerment,” Lee explained in reference to how comfort women have yet to heal from their wounds seePAGE B4

iconic menu item was introduced in 1983. But over their 40-year history, we’ve upgraded our beloved Chicken McNuggets several times – from rolling out new dipping sauces like Tangy Barbeque and Honey Mustard to removing all artificial preservatives, colors and flavors back in 2016. All to serve our customers even more of the flavors and quality ingredients they love.

So let the countdown to Feb. 1 begin, and make sure to snag your Spicy Chicken McNuggets and Mighty Hot Sauce orders fast, since the hottest menu items in town won’t stick around forever. And chicken fans can rest assured that we’re not stopping here – be on the lookout for more delicious options hitting our menus soon.

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day.

Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDon-

alds and Facebook. www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

McDonald’s USA, LLC, is committed to serving our customers chicken offerings that meet our high quality standards.

Our Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, made with all white meat and real buttermilk, was introduced in August 2015. In July 2016, we reached our commitment to serving chicken not treated with antibiotics to human medicine** nearly a year ahead of schedule, and in August 2016 we announced our Chicken McNuggets are made with no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. (*McDelivery available at participating McDonald’s. Prices may be higher than at restaurants. Offer valid in US only through 2/6/21 on orders with min. subtotal greater than $20 while supplies last. Limit 1 per person. Use code SPICY. Delivery and service fees apply. Terms apply: drd.sh/qnAXuU) (**Farmers still use a class of antibiotics that are not prescribed to people, to help keep chickens healthy) (Advertising Supplement)

B4 January 28-february 3, 2021 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL

Features Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

Ara Mina, Rosanna Roces, Maui Taylor and Alma Moreno are back together in a Viva sexy comedy to tickle your funny bone.

Photo courtesy of Viva Films

Reunion of yesteryear’s sexy princesses

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

ONCE upon a time, there was Alma Moreno, followed on the hot trail by (in this order) Rosanna Roces, Ara Mina and Maui Taylor.

Remember how they set the silver screen on fire with a wiggle to the left, a jiggle to the right? Them were the days when the showbiz thrust was to sizzle and for the creators of what was fancily touted as “ST” (Sex Trip) to hustle their way to the bank with bagfuls of moola.

After going their separate ways, the sex princesses have regrouped in the Viva Films sex-comedy Paglaki Ko, Gusto Ko Maging Pornstar in which they are referred to as the “Four Relevant Women of Philippine Sex Cinema,” tasked to teach three beautiful young girls (Rose Van Ginkel, Ana Jalandoni and AJ Raval) the art of seduction.

Written and directed by Darryl Yap (Jowable, Sakristan), the movie will be shown exclusively on Vivamax on Friday, Jan. 29 (download, register and subscribe to Vivamax and for only P149, watch it along with hundreds of entertainment content from Viva. Check www. vivamax.net).

It’s a reunion movie. Ara and Maui were together in Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa (2003) and with Rosanna in Curacha Ang Babaing Walang Pahinga (1998), and it’s their first time to work with Alma (the Tangga Queen of her own Loveli-NESS TV show).

Listen to how they were then...

Have you ever experienced sexual harassment and how did you deal with it?

Alma: Sa awa ng Diyos, wala naman. In the many years I’ve been

in showbiz, never akong nabastos o na-tsansingan because I am different on screen and off screen. Pasexy sa movie or show but formal and decent in real life.

Rosanna: None. Everybody that I’ve worked with were professional.

Ara: So far, none. When I go out, I make it a point to wear jeans and polo to let people know that what they see on the screen is different from what they see in person. Off screen, balot na balot ako.

Maui: Yes. During a show in Tanay, Rizal, sometime in 2003, a man touched my private part. I was with my PA (production assistant) and my mom. I was frozen in fear.

My mom hit the man with a bottle of water.

Was there a time that your leading man got carried away during a shoot and how did you calm him down?

Alma: Wala rin. I’m thankful that all my leading men were respectful, sobra ang respeto nila sa akin.

Rosanna: Yes, there were such incidents. But let’s not name names because that happened a long time ago.

Ara: None. Mababait naman ang mga leading men ko.

Maui: None. Work is just work for me. Nothing personal.

What was the boldest (most daring) movie that you have done?

Alma: Bomba Star. ‘Yon yung movie na nakahubad ako pero nakadapa naman ako and the scene was shot from the top, long shot, so my body was not really exposed.

In Lumakad Kang Hubad sa Mundong Ibabaw, my (naked) body was covered with mud kaya wala rin naman nakita. In my other movies,

wet look and sexy lang.

Rosanna: Curacha Ang Babaing Walang Pahinga. There was a live-show scene with an audience.

I did all sorts of “positions” at nag“frontal” pa ako.

Ara: Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa for which I won three Best Actress awards.

Maui: The Taste of Money which was shot entirely in Korea for four months. It was Korea’s entry in the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

What will you advise a young girl who aspires to be a sexy star?

Alma: Tandaan niya ‘yung salitang RESPECT...respeto sa sarili, respeto sa mga katrabaho, sa costars, sa staff at sa crew. And always keep your feet on the ground.

Huwag lalaki ang ulo kapag successful na. That’s all, thank you!

Rosanna: Magbaon ng lakas ng loob at extra kapal ng mukha.

Don’t project a pa-sweet image once you enter the sex genre otherwise people will look down on you, those inside showbiz and outside of it. Kailangan tapatan mo rin ng katarayan ang mga ibabato sa’yo at maririnig mo. Or else, you will be discouraged and all your effort will amount to nothing.

Ara: Exude full confidence, be decisive, and be patient for the right time to happen. Your decision must be your own since ‘yon ang ginusto mo and not because you are pushed into it.

Maui: Learn how to accept criticisms and take them with a constructive attitude. Stay humble and keep your feet on the ground.

That piece of advice applies to all aspirants and not only to those who want to be sexy stars. Respect senior stars and your co-stars.

BACTERIA react and develop resistance to drugs against them in order to survive. The MultiDrug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) and the MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) are examples. Viruses, which are protein molecules, mutate more efficiently to various strains to be more virulent to propagate themselves. The SARS-CoV2 virus of COVID-19 has mutated to various strains – two popular ones are the UK and the South African variants.

Viral mutation is natural and expected and their occurrence was no surprise.

Currently, there are 101 million cases of COVID-19 in 219 countries, with about 2.2 million deaths, a daily average case of 800,000 and death toll of 18,000 per day globally and counting.

In the United States, there are more than 26 million cases with about 432,000 deaths, following the first case of COVID-19 on a Washington man who fell ill on January 19, 2020 after returning from Wuhan, China, four days earlier. The average daily death toll since that first case has been 1,073.6. Johns Hopkins reported 235,000 new cases and nearly 4500 deaths in one day, a new record high, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.

The vital questions today are whether the new strains are more deadly and whether our currently available vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatment are also effective against them.

Clinical observation So far, the clinical evidence shows that the new strains are multiple times more virulent (more contagious, seven to 10 times more rapidly transmissible). While some reports say the UK strains are not any more serious, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that in UK the new strains “are 30 percent more deadly” compared to the original SARS-Cov2 virus. The vaccines appear to be also effective against them. The South African variant is likewise more contagious and appears to be more severe. The vaccine efficacy against it is slightly less but still enough to provide immunity. For all these new strains, the pharmaceutical companies may have to tweak their vaccines to achieve at least 95 percent effectivity against all of them and future mutations.

Much behind schedule More than 68 million doses of the vaccines have been distributed to 56 countries around the world, a daily average of 3.44 million a day. Vaccinating 7.8 billion people globally is the greatest dilemma humankind has ever

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Post-vaccine risk

faced. Since the campaign started in the U.S. (population: 330.9 million) on December 14, 2020, about 43 million doses of the two vaccines have been distributed, nearly 24 million (about 56 percent) have been administered for an average of 1.25 million per day. The goal today is to administer 1.5 million doses a day.

This could be achieved in about 8 months, certainly before the end of 2021, provided supply and administration are both 99-100 percent adequate. The two most efficient on top of the list are South Dakota and Puerto Rico, each having administered 87.6 percent of their allocation, with California having given only 2.5 million doses for 16 percent of its almost 40 million people. The formidable dilemma is logistics, a variety of red tape in the administration of the vaccine – more than a supply issue – because many states still have some vaccines left but are quite slow in putting the shots in the arms of their constituents. This is not to minimize the magnitude of the need for more vaccines for the remaining 80-85 percent of unvaccinated people in the United States.

Dangerous option The ill-advised idea floating around about using the vaccines reserved for second dose in order to vaccinate more people is scientifically flawed and could lead to disaster for those who are waiting for their second shot because there is now a shortage of vaccines. The demand is greater than the supply, with the two overwhelmed drug firms unable to manufacture enough and faster to meet the present need.

Without the second dose, the vaccination (protective immunity) is incomplete, and as the delay goes further, the antibodies already formed could wane. These individuals could get COVID-19, likely the new strains, while waiting for their second shot, wasting the first shot they received.

Incomplete immunity The first dose confers only about 52 percent protection, with 48 percent residual risk. After the second dose, the immunity level gradually goes up to around 95 percent after a few months, and not immediately! Exactly how long, we still do not know for certain. Clinical observation in the next eight months or more could provide us the answer. Currently, about five percent of those who got their first shot became infected with COVID-19 when they allowed their guard down and ceased donning masks, stopped social distancing and doing crowd avoidance. If more of those who received the first dose become careless and reckless, the rate of new infection (most likely a variant strain) and its faster transmission to others and death rate among the “first-dosers” would be more devastating as a new, more deadly pandemic

in itself.

If we want to survive After receiving the second dose, we must continue to follow the CDC anti-COVID 19 guidelines: masking-up, doing social distancing and avoiding crowds until herd immunity is reached.

Otherwise, COVID-19 could still get us, even after our second dose, unless and until countrywide immunity has been achieved and COVID-19 eradicated.

Behavioral modification helps.

After receiving the first or second dose of the vaccine, let us behave as if we have not had the vaccines, and resume wearing masks, doing social distancing and avoiding crowds. It’s for our own safety and the protection of others around us. And the scary reality is that the new strains of the virus is becoming more dominant than the original SARS-CoV2 virus and some other mutations could still evolve. We have sacrificed and suffered from the isolation of self-quarantine and successfully evaded the invisible enemy for the past 12 months. Let us extend our patience and continue to follow the CDC guidelines religiously for at least another six months, since we are now able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We must not derail this hope.

Only we, the people This strategy is the security insurance we all need to end this vicious killer pandemic sooner.

The government cannot do this for us. It is up to us, we, the people, to discipline ourselves and behave properly, a prerequisite for us, our loved ones, and all our fellowmen to survive one of the greatest human tragedies in modern history.

Once again, I challenge everyone to join this crusade to save lives, or, if you don’t give a damn, to get out of the way! *** 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. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Giving life and light to one of the darkest...

PAGE B3 ing as how their stories have remained buried or were silenced by society.

Lee continued: “This is also an act of subversion… As we speak, currently the Japanese government is doing a lot of things within its power to rewrite this history… The fact that these stories are being preserved and told and personalized on the women’s own terms, from their perspective, is helping counter the intentional erasure.”

Mirkinson, for her part, said while they want the Japanese government to officially apologize for the atrocities committed against these women, people should also look beyond what they see as victimhood and see how comfort women coming out from the shadows gave power and voice to women around the world which helped change international law.

“For the first time in history, women are now actually considered under international law human beings, and violence and rape against women are considered as a form of torture.

And the history of the comfort women is a part of that, so that is why we consider this part of history as essential,” Mirkinson explained.

Liga Filipina’s Cabusao Silva, meanwhile, shared that the plight of comfort women is still a burning issue today. Of about a thousand women who came forward to talk about their experiences as comfort women, the Gabrielarun organization, she said, could only document about 175 cases due to lack of funding and manpower. Only about 12 to 13 of these 175 women are still alive, and just four of these remaining women are strong enough to attend events.

“Many of them still have the fire in their hearts,” Cabusao Silva revealed. “They would be willing to come out in the streets to tell their stories and to tell Japan, to demand the justice that they

Lola Isang (Narcisa Claveria), one of the handful of surviving comfort women in the Philippines, sent a message of thanks and vowed that she will never surrender in her fight for justice.

Image capture from book launch

have long been demanding from the Japanese government.”

Although they would like to have a more dynamic movement that continues the call for justice, compensation for the victims and for historical inclusion, the current political situation in the Philippines and the lack of awareness from the younger generation means they will have to educate young people about the issue of comfort women and, in a general way, about military sexual violence that continues to plague different parts around the world.

In a brief video message, Lola Isang (Narcisa Claveria) thanked Liza for writing her novel and said, “Itong laban na ito, hinding-hindi ako susuko… tuloy lang ang laban. Thanks sa suporta niya sa laban ng mga lola.

Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ‘yung pagpapasalamat sa kanila kasi sila rin ‘yung tumutulong, sumusuporta sa laban ng mga lola kasi ang gobyernong Hapon ay hindi naman kami pinapakinggan. Mula noon hanggang ngayon, wala pa kaming nakamit na tunay na [inaudible].”

This early, the novel has already garnered a couple of awards – a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for the women’s interest category, and first place for Historical Fiction at the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards. There are also plans to turn the book into a movie, with a script in the works.

“Imelda’s Secret” is available at www.imeldassecret.com in book form or as an e-book. Connect with author Liza Gino at info@imeldassecret.com.

Features

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 28-fEbRUARy 3, 2021

B5

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 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 at-home 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

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

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 great-tasting 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

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

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

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 day-to-day food fare. Lami lagi ni kaayo!

B6 January 28-february 3, 2021 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

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