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FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 Volume 14 - No. 15 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Indian Fil-Am millennial joins VP Harris’ team as policy advisor AS the Biden-Harris administration pledges diverse staffing to reflect the country, several individuals of Filipino descent have been named to key roles to help shape policies across the federal government.

The latest Filipino American to join the new leadership is Michael George, who has dedicated his career examining how

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Philippines, US set to meet about Visiting Forces Agreement

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines and the United States will meet this month to iron out differences over

the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) amid renewed regional concerns over China’s assertive maritime agenda, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said.

“I am narrowing down the issues and soon

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RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US

NYC launches ‘Curtains Up NYC’ program, connecting arts & cultural institutions to federal relief

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Michael George

IATF expands list of foreign nationals allowed to enter PH Fil-Am man slashed in the

DRY RUN. A nurse briefs a ‘patient’ on the next step during the Covid-19 vaccination simulation exercises held at the Philippine Lung Center on Tuesday, February 9. The vaccination flow will start in the registration area, then at the pre-screening, screening, the vaccination itself, and finally, monitoring. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler PNA photo by Gil Calinga

by Ritchel

we will meet...and iron out whatever differences we have,” the secretary told ANC news channel on Monday, February 8.

Locsin added that a meeting is likely to

MAYOR Bill de Blasio, NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Commissioner Anne del Castillo, and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced this week the launch of Curtains Up NYC, a program to provide application assistance to live-performance venues, organizations and workers applying for federal relief.

“New York City’s live performance venues, theaters, and night clubs are the best in

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Suspect arrested in recent Bay Area face while riding NYC subway attacks on elderly AAPI residents

Mendiola

AJPress

STARTING February 16, foreigners with certain visas can enter the Philippines, according to new guidelines released by the country’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

Foreign nationals who have visas issued as of March 20, 2020, as well as those who have valid and existing visas at the time of entry, are permitted to enter the country.

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A FILIPINO American man received almost 100 stitches after he was slashed across the face by another passenger on the New York City subway last week.

Noel Quintana, 61, was riding the L train to get to work in Harlem on Wednesday, February 3, when a man walked by and kicked the tote bag that Quintana had set on the train floor, according to

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White House responds to the attacks as AAPI communities share outrage over ‘hate crimes’

Noel Quintana received nearly 100 stitches on his face after an attack on the New York subway.

ABC7 New York/Screenshot

FOLLOWING a disturbing slew of violent assaults on elderly Asian residents in the Bay Area, Oakland police announced on Monday, Feb. 8 that it had arrested and charged a suspect for a savage assault on a 91-year-old Asian man in Chinatown.

Police said they believe that Yahya Muslim (unclear whether the suspect is of Muslim faith) is also behind the attacks of a 60-year-old Asian man and a 55-year-old Asian woman on the same day — Sunday, Jan. 31 — and neighborhood in which the 91-year-old was attacked.

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From the Front Page

‘Safety should be the priority’: Fil-Am teachers respond to calls to reopen schools without vaccinations

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

CLEANUP. Personnel from Barangay Project 6 clean a sidewalk of grass and debris along Road 3 in Quezon City on Tuesday, February 9. The Department of the Interior and Local Government has given local government units until Feb. 15 to clear roads and sidewalks of various obstructions.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Fil-Am LAPD security officer remembered after battle with COVID-19

by AJPress A THIRD Filipino American working at the Los Angeles Police Department has succumbed to COVID-19, becoming the department’s eighth employee taken by the virus.

Dexter De Los Santos, a full-time security guard with the Security Services Division, died on January 29, the department announced.

He was 41 years old.

De Los Santos graduated from Daniel Murphy High School in Los Angeles and worked various jobs before fulfilling his dream of joining the LAPD in 2012.

“He was well known for his wittiness, generosity, big heart and the person this colleagues could depend on for covering holiday and late shifts. This was mostly because Dexter’s main goal was to make the world a safer place for all,” his family wrote in an email to the Asian Journal.

He embodied the role of a “kuya” (older brother) as the eldest of three siblings, and extended that to his cousins and later when he became an uncle and grand uncle.

“When times were tough, he was the person to bring spirits up, mostly through his witty jokes and infectious smile,” his family said.

AS COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be distributed across the country, the debate over whether schools should reopen came to a head this week when the head of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it would be possible to reopen schools without requiring vaccines.

“There is increasing data to suggest that schools can safely reopen and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

She added, “Vaccinations of teachers is not a prerequisite for safely reopening schools.”

Walensky’s comments caused a stir nationwide as the pressure to reopen schools and the ongoing threat of coronavirus remain crucial issues among teachers, students and parents.

Later on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki appeared to walk back on Walensky’s comments, clarifying that they weren’t the “official guidance” from the CDC, adding that it as “not released their

official guidance” regarding “vaccination of teachers and what would be needed to ensure the safe reopening of schools.”

The Biden administration has maintained that it is committed to working with states and local jurisdictions to safely reopen schools, with the goal of reopening a majority of K-8 schools in 100 days. Last month, Biden proposed an allocation of $170 billion to K-12 and higher education institutions, largely to increase COVID-19 testing.

In California, where the coronavirus continues to ravage counties and offer no end in sight, Governor Gavin Newsom said that the reopening of schools can run congruent to the vaccinations of educators, saying that “We can safely reopen schools as we process a prioritization to our teachers of vaccinations.”

During a briefing on Wednesday where he announced the future site of a new vaccination center at Oakland Coliseum, Newsom said, “I’d love to have everybody in the state vaccinated that chooses to be vaccinated. Not only would I like to prioritize teachers, we are prioritizing teachers.”

As of press time, teachers are not eligible for the CO-

VID-19 vaccine in California, which is still working to vaccinate front-line workers and residents 65 years of age and older. Certain counties and school districts are working on their own plans to vaccinate educators, but many teachers and parents would rather the state play it safe and not rush to reopen schools without a vigorous vaccination plan in place.

“It shouldn’t even really be a conversation: we need vaccines before we can resume teaching indoors and in-person,” Hillary Valdez, a Filipina American third grade teacher in San Diego, told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. “Nobody prefers distance learning, but it’s just the safest option right now. Safety should be the priority.”

Valdez, who asked not to disclose the school where she works, said that she has noticed the adverse effects of distance learning in her students, particularly in the last couple of months. She wants a swift return back into the classroom, but she affirmed that the state should come up with a more robust plan to make the prospect of returning “100% safe,” and that includes rigid rules to mitigate viral transmission and have “all teachers and

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Philippines, US set to meet about...

Dexter De Los Santos (August 28, 1979 - January 29, 2021)

The department has lost eight officers and civilian employees since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Fred, Terry, Raymond, Valentin, Erica, Philip, Dexter, Patricia—you will never be forgotten,” the department tweeted. “We thank you for your dedicated service. May you all Rest In Peace.”

Two other Fil-Ams who died from the virus include: Officer Philip Sudario, a 25-year veteran officer assigned to the Southeast Community Police Station in South Los Angeles, who died on Jan. 25; and Police Service Representative Raymond Guerrero, a 24-year veteran of the department, who passed on Jan. 7. n

PAGE 1 happen in the last week of February.

However, he declined to elaborate on the terms of a potential agreement.

The VFA, which came into force in 1999, covers the conduct of U.S. soldiers in the Philippines.

Among the provisions of the deal include lax visa and passport policies for U.S. troops, and the rights of the U.S. government to retain its jurisdiction over its military personnel when they commit crimes in the Philippines.

In February 2020, the Philippines sent the U.S. a notice terminating the VFA reportedly after the U.S. cancelled Senator Ronald

“Bato” Dela Rosa’s visa.

The termination was later suspended in June “in light of political and other developments in the region,” and the suspension was extended in November for another six months to enable the Philippines and the U.S. to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable, and more effective and lasting arrangement on how to move forward in their mutual defense.

Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the importance of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) “for the security of both nations” amid a new Chinese law allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels entering dis-

puted territories.

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.

Locsin, for his part, issued a diplomatic protest against China’s Coast Guard Law, which permits its coast guard to use “all necessary means, including the use of weapons” to stop or prevent threats from foreign vessels.

He also said that he would continue to press for a maritime code of conduct that “will never exclude” the U.S., to ensure the regional balance of power. n

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Indian Fil-Am millennial joins...

PAGE 1 policy can improve social mobility and reduce inequalities.

George, whose parents are originally from the Philippines and India, announced that he will be joining Vice President Kamala Harris’ team as a policy advisor.

“As the son of Indian and Filipino immigrants, I’m honored and humbled to share some personal news: I’ve started a new job as a Policy Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris, our first Asian American VP,” George, who served on the Biden-Harris transition for

economic policy, wrote on Twitter.

Before joining the administration, George was a program officer on economic mobility and opportunity for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“Our economy has been broken for too many people for too long — long before COVID-19 and even before the Great Recession. I would know: my own family lost our nest egg in the Enron scandal in 2001,” he added in another tweet.

He continued, “That experience taught me that big problems need policy solu-

tions that meet the moment.

I’ve devoted my career to combating inequality and to ensuring that all of us, not just the powerful, can succeed in our economy. Time to get to work!”

George previously worked at the White House National Economic Council during the Obama administration.

He studied government and economics at Harvard University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He received his master’s degrees from the London School of Economics and University of Oxford as a Marshall Scholar. n

CODE TEAM VISITS LAS PIÑAS. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III presents the overview of the Nationwide Vaccination program during the visit of the COVID-19 vaccine Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team held at the Las Piñas City Hall on Tuesday, February 9. The CODE Team has been visiting local government units to see their preparedness for the nationwide vaccination program in the coming days.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Suspect arrested in recent Bay Area attacks on...

PAGE 1 The names of the victims have not been released.

Surveillance video footage of the 91-year-old victim’s assault, which went viral on social media last week, showed the victim walking along the sidewalk in broad daylight when the suspect — who police allege is 28year-old Muslim — follows him and shoves him to the ground.

“We have charged him with three counts of assault that involve three separate victims,” Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley said at a press briefing alongside Oakland’s new police chief LeRonne Armstrong.

The suspect has also been charged with multiple counts of elder abuse that police say are related to the Chinatown attacks. He is currently in police custody at Santa Rida Jail in Dublin, California on $85,000 bail.

“We recognize some in our community come to Chinatown to target people.

We know they target our elderly. They come because they believe our community won’t report it to the police,” Armstrong said.

He added, “We’re sending a message to those that commit crime in this city, that we will pursue you and we will arrest you and it’s not acceptable for things like this to happen in our community.”

It’s still unclear whether the suspect’s crimes were race-related, but the attacks strike a familiar chord: the disturbing trend of targeting the AAPI community — especially the elderly.

“It’s not unique to Chinatown or to the Asian

community, the increase in crime we’ve seen across the city and across the country, but we have seen in the last several weeks and month a very specific increase in crimes committed against Asians,” O’Malley said on Monday.

The Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, which first released the footage of the 91-year-old’s assault, told a local station that it has accumulated more than 20 reports and videos of Chinatown businesses getting robbed and owners and customers assaulted.

In San Francisco, Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-yearold from Thailand, died after being attacked on a morning walk on Jan. 28, the San Francisco District Attorney’s office said.

As the Asian Journal has covered throughout the coronavirus pandemic, harassment against the AAPI community has dramatically increased over the last year.

The dangerous conflation between the vast Asian and Pacific Islander community and COVID-19, which was first made known in China, has resulted in increased reports of verbal and physical assault, cyberbullying and other forms of discrimination.

In the wake of the Jan. 31 attacks, dozens of AAPI advocacy groups are calling for cross-cultural alliances to end violence against all targeted communities, especially in the Bay Area and other ethnically diverse regions of the country.

The Stop AAPI Hate initiative — started by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), Chinese

for Affirmative Action and the Asian American Studies Department of SF State University — logged 2,808 reported hate incidents against the AAPI community in 2020, and more than 700 of those reports came from the Bay Area.

Although it is unclear whether or not some of these attacks were racially motivated, “they have profound impacts on our Asian communities across the country and internationally,” a coalition of more than 40 AAPI groups said in a joint statement on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

“Our elderly community members, along with their families, are fearful of being in public alone, simply going for a walk, and living their daily lives. And survivors of interpersonal violence and their families have historically not received enough culturally-competent and language-accessible support across government systems,” the statement read.

With Lunar New Year beginning later this week, the coalition advised the public to be vigilant and protect the safety of the AAPI community’s most “vulnerable” members.

It also called upon local and state leadership to invest in “culturally-relevant and trauma-informed” initiatives and programs to mitigate the violence against AAPI elders.

At a press conference on Tuesday, coalition members outlined a number of broad goals like expanding counseling and legal services for AAPIs of all language abilities, creating more intervention-based programs to end violence and “cross-com-

munity education and healing” in AAPI and Black communities, two communities that have historically been pitted against each other.

Before Oakland police announced that it had arrested and charged the suspect in the Jan. 31 Chinatown assaults, actors Daniel Wu and Daniel Dae Kim teamed up to offer a $25,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of the assailant.

“We’re being smashed in as a one-two punch. There’s low-level petty crime that’s happening to our community. We’re being targeted as easy targets,” Wu said on CNN last week. “But at a bigger scale, racist rhetoric from the pandemic has targeted us as being ‘the reason for coronavirus,’ and so Asians across the board have been targeted by racial slurs, being attacked, being pushed around, being spat on.”

President Joe Biden, who signed an executive order taking action on anti-Asian racism and discrimination amid the pandemic, has yet to comment on the recent attacks, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

“I’m not aware that he’s seen the videos, but he is concerned about the discrimination against the Asian American community, which is why he signed the executive order and why he’s been outspoken in making clear that attacks, verbal attacks, any attacks of any form are unacceptable and we need to work together to address them,” Psaki said on Monday. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

NYC launches ‘Curtains...

PAGE 1 the world, and they’ve been hit hard by this pandemic.

Their city will help them fight for every federal dollar they deserve to get back on their feet and better than ever,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I urge every venue to take advantage of these resources, and I can’t wait to take in a performance as soon as we defeat COVID-19 once and for all.”

The resources that the mayor mentioned will come from the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVO), also known as Save Our Stages, which includes $15 billion for grants of up to $10 million to qualified live venue operators and promoters, performing arts organizations, theatrical producers, talent representatives, movie theater operators, and non-profit museums with auditoriums.

Curtains Up NYC will provide webinars three times a week that will review the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant program and the application process. Trained counselors will also be available for virtual, one-on-one sessions. Services are free and will begin this Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

“The creative industries are what make New York City a global capital. The arts and entertainment sector, which has been hardest hit hard by the pandemic, is critical to the city’s recovery,” said Anne del Castillo, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

“We are pleased to partner with NYC Department of Small Business Services to launch Curtains Up NYC to help our theaters and venues secure this much need-

ed federal financial assistance in order for them to survive until they are able to safely reopen.”

SBS, according to Commissioner Jonnel Doris, will bring the technical support needed for the application process to ensure New Yorkers get their fair share of this critical federal relief.

SVO Grants are available equal to 45% of the applicant’s gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million.

“The pandemic has caused our cultural venues and creative spaces to face financial loss, economic hardship, and difficult business decisions in an attempt to stay afloat. The SVO Grants will provide targeted financial relief for these businesses,” Doris added.

In his remarks, Mayor de Blasio reiterated that arts and entertainment are the heart of New York City, which helps make the city a global capital.

“Whether you’re talking about the biggest cultural institutions, down to the smallest community-based cultural nonprofit, it’s been really tough. And we particularly need to bring back that most vibrant element of our culture, which is live performance, live theater, nightlife, music, concerts, all those things need to start coming back,” de Blasio said.

Commissioner del Castillo said that on average in 2019, 65 percent of theater audiences were visitors to New York City.

“And when people go to see shows, they typically also go to dinner, grab a

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OpiniOn

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Features

Second conviction

DISPELLING criticisms that it is a clearing station for crooks, the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has convicted Janet Lim Napoles for the second time in connection with the diversion of the Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF, the formal name for the congressional pork barrel.

Napoles, the accused mastermind, was convicted of three counts of graft and malversation of public funds, together with her co-accused, former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula, former Technology Resource Center employees Ma. Rosalinda Masongsong Lacsamana and Belina Concepcion, and Cared president Mylene Encarnacion. Cared was the NGO through which Jaraula’s PDAF funds were funneled.

For the graft case, they were sentenced to six to 10 years in prison for each count. For malversation, they received 12 to 18 years per count. They were ordered to pay P28 million for graft and another P28 million for malversation. Jaraula also received a prison term of nine years for each of the three counts of direct bribery for receiving P2 million in grease

money from Napoles.

It was the second conviction for Napoles over the PDAF scandal. She is serving a life term over her conviction for plunder in 2018. In a bizarre ruling, her co-accused Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was acquitted but ordered to return P124.5 million – nearly half of the P224.5 million that he allegedly received in PDAF kickbacks from Napoles through his aide Richard Cambe, who was convicted and faces up to 40 years in prison.

The Sandiganbayan has yet to clarify once and for all if Revilla must return the P124.5 million. With the clarity must come an order to return the money stolen from the people.

Senators are not above the law; anyone who defies a court order must face appropriate punishment.

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS HAPPY season of love!

Wherever we may be, we Filipinos are hopeless romantics, and therefore, Valentine’s Day is a month-long celebration for us talking about love and romance.

“Humans of Pinas” (HoP), a Facebook page inspired by Humans of New York, has been showcasing Filipinos’ stories deemed to be empowering and/or inspiring.

Philstar.com photo

Meanwhile, people expect Napoles and her cohorts in Congress to face more charges in connection with the scam. The Commission on Audit had presented documents that reportedly implicated about 200 members of both chambers of Congress, many of them

My Valentine story This Valentine’s month, HoP asked me to share my own story, and I am honored to join other well-known and respected couples of ‘Pinas in sharing their own stories seldom told in public. Here is my story.

May 2, 1979 was the fateful day I met the man who would turn out to be the person I would be sharing the rest of my life with. I joined the summer theater workshop of “Dulaang Abot-Kaya,” the community theater group of Sacred Heart Parish in Kamuning.

I just graduated from high school and was excited to pursue my dreams to be working in the field of mass communications — radio, television, and yes, even in films having the “artists” genes of my aunts Tessie Quintana of LVN Films in the 50s-60s and Rebecca of Premiere Productions in the 60s to the 70s, and my handsome cousin Gabby Concepcion.

I joined the summer theater workshop, which was run by graduates of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), hoping

to fulfill my longtime dream to meet and get my big break from no less than the late famed director Lino Brocka, one of the most influential and significant filmmakers in the history of the Philippines, who was once an executive director of PETA. But, God had a different plan in my life.

Rene Relos became my boyfriend a year after we top-billed several theatrical presentations for “Dulaang About-Kaya.” He just turned 18 and I was 17 when we became a couple. We went to the

still in office; about 100 have been indicted or are under investigation for the PDAF scam.

The Office of the Ombudsman, also saddled with perceptions that it is a clearing station for the corrupt, should pursue these cases without letup. (Philstar.com)

University of the Philippines together, where I graduated cum laude from the College of Mass Communications while he finished magna cum laude in his pre-med course.

Yes, we were both driven and have been planning to get married and share our lives together, but all of these were fulfilled expeditiously with the coming of our firstborn son.

And so, we got married at age 21 and became parents at age 22. I was then an instructor in Broadcast Communication at the UP and later joined the broadcasting industry as a news anchor and TV host for ABS-CBN. Rene went on to

pursue his medical education and residency at the UP College of Medicine, where he graduated valedictorian and placed fourth in the Medical Board Exam with a rating of 90%, despite us having two children.

We had no money when we started our life together as husband and wife, grateful for the support of our parents as we worked hard to fulfill our dreams, build our family. We had two more children during his surgical residency years.

Eventually, we became financially independent and began living a comfortable life.

However, somewhere along PAGE 10

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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Dateline PhiliPPines

Duterte won’t allow ABS-CBN to operate with a new franchise

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte declared that he would not allow ABS-CBN to operate again even if Congress grants the network giant a new franchise.

“Congress is planning to restore the franchise of the Lopezes. Wala akong problema doon kung i-restore ninyo (I don’t have a problem if Congress restores it),” he said Monday, February 8.

“But if you say that if they can operate, kung may ano na sila (if they already have a franchise), no. I will not allow them,” he added.

Duterte said that he will not allow the National Telecommunications Commission to grant ABS-CBN the permit to operate.

In July last year, a Philippine House of Representatives panel rejected the bills seeking to grant ABS-CBN a new 25-year franchise.

Voting 70 to 11, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises adopted the recommendation of its technical working group to deny the network a new franchise.

Two congressmen inhibited while one abstained.

Duterte said that he would only recognize ABS-CBN’s franchise once the broadcasting company settled their taxes.

“Unless and until mabayaran ng mga Lopez ang taxes nila (the Lopezes pay their taxes), I will ignore your franchise and I will not give them the license to operate,” said the president.

“Kalokohan ‘yan. Parang binigyan mo sila ng (That’s nonsense. It’s like giving

them a) prize for their being– for committing criminal acts,” he added.

However, the country’s Bureau of Internal Revenue debunked the network’s alleged tax liability during the House hearings on the ABSCBN franchise last year.

According to BIR Assistant Commissioner Manuel Mapoy, ABS-CBN has been “regularly paying its corporate taxes for the past years.” The network was also confirmed to have no outstanding delinquent accounts.

Duterte, in his weekly taped briefing, also cited the allegation that the Lopezes benefited when the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) condoned or wrote off loans worth P1.6 billion in 2006.

PAGE 8

Amid China’s warning, Biden calls US warship in South China Sea

DAYS after China warned off a U.S. warship in the South China Sea, U.S. President Joe Biden called the crew aboard another aircraft carrier in the area.

Biden spoke to the leadership of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group on February 8 during the Super Bowl.

According to a report from the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the new U.S. commanderin-chief thanked the crew for their work during their deployment in the South China Sea. “It was an honor to have the opportunity to talk with President Biden during the Super Bowl. The Sailors and Marines of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group continue to answer the nation’s call as we conduct maritime security operations in the South China Sea,” Rear Adm. Jim

Rear Adm. Jim Kirk, commander, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Chad McCraken, a native of Newark, Del., speak with President Joe Biden during a conference call aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka

Kirk, commander of the strike group, said.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68), flagship of the strike group, entered the South China Sea last week. The supercarrier

and its escorts have been deployed in the area since June last year.

Following this development, Beijing’s military PAGE 10

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021

Comelec urges Filipinos abroad to join internet voting test run

by AJPress AHEAD of the 2022 Philippine general election, overseas Filipino voters are urged to participate in a test run of four internet voting solutions by different election systems providers.

The country’s Commission on Elections (Comelec) Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) is calling on overseas voters who have active and complete voter registration records to take part in the trial.

“Their registration status must be active, which means that it must not have been deactivated for failure to vote in the two previous elections in 2016 and 2019,” the poll body said on Monday, February 8.

The test participants must also have complete biometrics data, including photo-

graph, fingerprints and signature.

A smartphone capable of running Android or iOS apps, a laptop or personal computer, or any mobile device with internet/data access is required in order to participate in the test run.

“In compliance with our data privacy policy, interested participants will be required to email us their signed consent form, together with a copy of their passport or seafarer’s book.

We advise that they only send these documents to our official email address at overseasvoting@comelec. gov.ph.” said OFOV Director Sonia Bea L. Wee-Lozada.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez told Rappler that the test run is not specifically for the 2022 elections.

“The dry run is being undertaken under the Come-

lec’s mandate to study new forms of voting, to facilitate the exercise of the right of suffrage by overseas voters.

The results of the dry run will be eventually presented to Congress, for Congress to decide if it should be adopted for overseas voting,” he said.

“As you can imagine, that is a long process and so, 2022 is an unrealistic target,” he added.

The four internet voting solutions are from Dominion Voting Systems, Indra, Smartmatic, and Voatz.

Overseas Filipinos who are interested in joining may get the sign-up form posted on the OFOV’s official Facebook Page (www. facebook.com/overseasvotingph).

Test voters have until 8 a.m. (Manila time) on Friday, February 12, to sign up. n

IATF expands list of foreign nationals...

PAGE 1 “The Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday, February 4, 2021, allowed the entry to the Philippines of foreign nationals with visas issued as of March 20, 2020, and still valid and existing at the time of entry, and who were not permitted to enter the country under previous IATF resolutions,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement on Friday, February 5.

Likewise, foreign travelers with “valid and existing” Special Resident and Retirees Visa (SRRV) and Section 9 (a) or temporary visa can also enter the country, provided that they present an entry exemption

document to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) upon arrival.

“This shall take effect on February 16, 2021 and shall be subject to [certain] conditions,” said Roque.

Foreigners who want to enter the Philippines must have pre-booked accommodations for at least six nights in an accredited quarantine hotel or facility. They must also undergo a reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test six days after their arrival.

Foreigners are also subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

Meanwhile, tourists are

still prohibited to enter the country “unless with exemption.”

According to Roque, the exemptions should have “endorsement from individual departments” of the government.

“Case-to-case but [with] endorsement from individual departments i.e. DOE (Department of Energy) for energy-related concerns, etc.,” he told reporters through Viber.

Roque stressed that the Commissioner of Immigration still has the “exclusive” prerogative to decide on waiver or recall of exclusion orders for all foreign nationals allowed to enter the country under relevant IATF resolutions. n

NYC launches ‘Curtains Up NYC’...

PAGE 4 cocktail, grab a coffee, stop by shops in the neighborhood,” she said. “Our film office is located in Midtown Manhattan, where, on a typical day, I would see throngs of people in restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops.

So, when live performance goes, the neighborhood shuts down.”

Through Curtains Up NYC, they are hoping to help ensure that every single federal dollar possible goes to the venues in New York City – live venues, theater club, theaters clubs, performing arts spaces, theatrical producers, talent representatives, movie theaters.

“We want to give them the assistance they need to put

forward the strongest application, and, importantly, be first in line. People can sign up today so that they are ready to apply as soon as the applications go up,” del Castillo said.

For more information on SVO eligibility and the Curtains Up NYC program, visitnyc.gov/CurtainsUpNYC or nyc.gov/sbs. n

7

Filipinos most disapproved of gov’t pandemic response in Southeast Asia — survey

by Christian

Deiparine Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipinos had the lowest approval rating for their government’s response to the pandemic among Southeast Asian countries, a new survey made public on Wednesday, February 10 has found.

Findings by the Singapore-based ASEAN Studies Centre showed that a majority or 53.7% of its Filipino respondents had thumbed down on the Duterte administration’s handling of the health crisis at home, which has led to more than 541,000 infections and 11,401 deaths to date.

Of the said figure, 17.9% said they were “strongly disapprove” of, 20.9% were neutral, while only 25.4% were okay with government’s response. Broken down, that’s 19.4% approved and 6.0% strongly approved.

The Philippines has remained as the region’s

second-worst hit by the pandemic. Its neighbor Indonesia which has the highest number of cases at 1.17 million and nearly 32,000 deaths, yielded a 50.4% disapproval against 24.1% approved and 25.6% neutral.

In contrast, Vietnam had the highest approval rating among its citizens at 96.6%, followed by Brunei at 93.9% and Singapore at 92.4%.

Hanoi and the city-state of Singapore had both earned praise for their coronavirus response, with only 2,070 cases and 35 deaths for the former and with 59,747 infections and 29 fatalities, according to the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine.

Bandar Seri Begawan, meanwhile, had so far reported a slim 182 cases and three deaths.

In the early stages of the pandemic in Southeast Asia, Singapore was actually at close with Jakarta

in the highest cases, with Manila then at third. But with authorities managing to keep it at nearly 60,000 at present, it seems that its handling has worked better than that of the two other countries.

The study had 1,032 respondents from ten ASEAN member states with 6.5% coming from the Philippines, and was held from Nov. 18, 2020 to Jan. 10, 2021. Its margin of error was not stated.

Most of those who took part in it were from the academe, think tanks or research institutions at 45.4%, those from government at 30.7%, civil society, non-government organizations or media at 9.3%, business or finance at 9.2% and regional or international organizations at 5.3%.

Those between 21 to 35 years old made up most of the participants at 34.9%, individuals between 36 to 45 at 30.6%, those 46 to 60 PAGE 10

8

FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Fil-Am man’s face slashed...

PAGE 1 a New York Daily News report.

When Quintana confronted the man after he noticed his bag being kicked again, the man took out a box cutter, slashed Quintana across the face from cheek to cheek and took off.

None of the passengers came to Quintana’s aid, according to him. When he realized that the train was continuing the trip despite what happened, he stepped out and had to walk all the way to the end of the station to ask for help from the booth attendant who called 911.

“I thought he was just going to punch me, I didn’t realize what happened until I saw the reaction of the passengers. They were shocked, but no one helped.

When I put my hand on my face, I felt blood oozing out,” Quintana said in a Zoom prayer rally on Wednesday, Feb. 10, recalling the incident in detail.

Quintana was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he stayed overnight for treatment.

Fr. Julian Jagudilla of the Migrant Center of New York led the Zoom prayer rally in support of Quintana who does volunteer work for the organization.

“I’m upset because he is a good person, not violent, meant no harm for others.

I’m upset because it’s being portrayed not as an anti Asian attack but just like any other attacks,” Fr. Jagudilla told theAsian Journal.

Quintana’s attack is the fifth known subway slashing attack in the past week, according to police reports.

The latest assault happened last Sunday, Feb. 7 at Sutphin Blvd. and Archer Ave. in Queens. Later that evening, there was another incident at the West 4th/

Filipino American community leaders led by Fr. Julian Jagudilla of the Migrant Center of New York held a Zoom prayer rally on Wednesday, Feb. 10, calling for justice for Noel Quintana and for an end to anti Asian violence. Quintana was a victim of a violent subway attack last week on his way to work.

Washington Square Park station in Manhattan.

On Saturday, Feb. 6, a 30year-old man as stabbed in the face on a J train at the Kosciuszko Street station in Brooklyn.

Quintana was one of two victims on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The other one was a 22year-old man who was also slashed in the face at Grand Central Terminal.

“I feel surprisingly OK. I can tolerate it,” Quintana told the NY Daily News about his injury.

He added, “Once in a while I take some pain relievers just to ease my pain.

What bothers me is my face is still swollen, (and) that’s why I feel strange.”

The assailant was able to flee when the train stopped at First Avenue and 14th Street.

The New York Police have released images of the man and are asking the public’s help to find him. The assailant was described as between 20 and 30 years old, wearing a brown mask with a Louis Vuitton logo, a black North Face jacket, red bandana, and light-colored sneakers.

Quintana said this isn’t the first time he experienced a violent encounter on the subway.

Two years ago, he was mugged and socked in the face when he alighted from the subway’s Manhattan station.

“I fell on the ground, but it was nothing like this,” he told the news outlet.

Quintana’s experience is among the latest reported subway attacks in the city, and in a series of troubling violence against older Asian American individuals across the country.

A day after the attack, Quintana saw Mayor Bill de Blasio on television saying that subway crime is lower this year.

“I realized I should come forward and do something.

I don’t want to just be a statistic,” he said.

In Oakland’s Chinatown, a viral video shows a suspect forcefully pushing a 91-year-old man to the ground. Actors Daniel Dae Kim and Daniel Wu are offering a $25,000 rewardfor any information leading to an arrest in the attack.

In late January, 84-yearold Vicha Ratanapakdee, who was originally from Thailand, died from injuries after Antoine Watson, 19, knocked him to the ground while on his morning walk in the Anza Vista neighborhood of San Francisco.

A fundraiser for Ratanapakdee’s family has raised over $52,000.

From March to December 2020, Stop AAPI Hate, an online reporting tracking anti-Asian hate incidents, received 2,808 reported incidents of racism and discrimination targeting community members, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. (Ritchel Mendiola and Momar G. Visaya / AJPress) n

Duterte won’t allow ABS-CBN...

PAGE 6 The issue had been discussed in last year’s House hearings as well, where the DBP denied the allegation.

“There is no loan condonation or write-off involved in the non-performing loans (NPLs) and non-performing assets (NPAs) covered by the banking transactions with DBP of the companies controlled or affiliated with the Lopez family,” said DBP president Emmanuel Her-

bosa.

Duterte, for his part, admitted that he does not know all the details about the issue, adding that he is planning on forwarding the document he received regarding ABS-CBN and DBP to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Mayroon akong kulang dito (I am lacking information here) because I am not quite familiar. Ito lang ang akin eh. Dumating sa akin

ito in official capacity (This is all I know. I received a document in official capacity). Ang magawa ko lang nito (The only thing I can do) is I think I’ll pass it on to the Ombudsman,” he said.

“Para sa akin ang Ombudsman ang pinaka- independent body na mag-solve nito (For me, the Ombudsman is the only independent body that can solve this),” he added. n

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Lawyers in anti-terrorism law petitions reminded against public statements

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta warned lawyers involved in the high stakes petitions against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 to refrain from speaking in public on the merits of the case.

As Peralta closed the second day of oral arguments on the petitions on Tuesday, the chief justice reminded lawyers who they said were giving interviews through television and even social media on the merits of the case and their position on issues.

“We would like to ask the lawyers to please refrain from being interviewed while these cases are pending resolution. You know the effect when one goes to the media and discusses his position. It might affect the outcome of these cases so please refrain,” Peralta said.

“We do not like that we will use our coercive power in disciplining lawyers,” the chief justice added.

The sub judice rule restricts comments on judicial proceedings to avoid prejudging the issue, influencing the court or obstruction the administration of justice.

Violation of the rule may result in being cited for indirect contempt as stated

in Section 3(d) Rule 71 of the Rules of Court. It states that a person guilty of “any improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly, to impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of justice” may be punished for indirect contempt.

Peralta refused to identify the lawyers he was referring to, but reiterated his reminder not to discuss the merits of the case in public. “Reminder lang please para we will not be affected, okay,” he added.

The oral arguments on the 37 consolidated petitions will resume, for the third day, on February 16 afternoon.

So far, only five justices have posed their questions to the petitioners. Other magistrates also wish to interpellate them and debates will continue in the next session, Peralta said.

Following the interpellation of the petitioners, the amicus curiae or the “friend of court” will state his position. Retired SC Justice Francis Jardeleza has earlier been appointed as the amicus curiae.

Under the Rules of Court, the court may invite “experienced and impartial attorneys” to appear as amici curiae to help in disposition of issues submitted to it.

The presentation and interpellation of the respondents, to be represented by Solicitor General Jose Calida will follow. n

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021

9

‘Safety should be the priority’...

PAGE 2 staff vaccinated first.”

Valdez is a part of the California Teachers Association, which in January, sent a letter to Newsom saying that it wants schools in counties with high COVID-19 transmission rates to remain in distance learning for the next 100 days to give the state more time to develop such a plan.

Erin Murray, a Filipina middle school teacher in LA County, told the Asian Journal that she thinks it’s “absurd” to “even consider opening schools before getting everybody — students, teachers, staff — vaccinated first.”

“It’s the only way we will feel comfortable returning to the classroom, and for good. We don’t want to have re-close campuses again if the infection rates increase again,” Murray said.

The situation in Los Angeles County — which has a cumulative total of 1.2 million positive coronavirus cases and more than 17,500 deaths — continues to be among the worst in the country, remaining in the state’s

most restrictive “purple” tier of the economic reopening roadmap.

But on Thursday, Feb. 4, LA City Councilmember Joe Buscaino announced that he’s introducing a motion next week asking the city attorney to explore “legal options” to force the LA Unified School District to reopen for in-person learning.

In a statement, Buscaino said, “I stand with the 1,500 pediatricians in Southern California as well as the CDC who are calling for the safe reopening of our schools,” without elaborating on what he considers a “safe reopening” would entail. “[The statement] is absolutely ridiculous, and I know the union won’t stand for it,” Murray said, adding that she is a member of the UTLA, which has strongly advocated for remaining in distance learning until all school staff and students are vaccinated.

“It makes no sense, especially here in LA County. The numbers are still so bad, so why would we risk our children and our teachers by returning to campuses too early?”

Shortly after the statement was released, both the United Teachers of LA and the LAUSD denounced Buscaino’s statement, with the latter affirming that it will continue to follow the state’s roadmap, which states that counties in the purple tier cannot reopen its schools.

“Grandstanding political stunts like this are precisely why schools in Los Angeles remain closed,” LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner said in a statement. “Elected leaders from Sacramento to Los Angeles City Hall need to put deeds behind their words and take the steps necessary to actually put schools and the children they serve first.”

Beutner referenced the longstanding urgent state of the county, saying, “San Francisco authorities worked together and brought the rate of infection under control and the area has for some time met the state standard for reopening, but Los Angeles is a national example of how governmental dysfunction has allowed the virus to rampage out of control.” n

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FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Filipinos most...

Amid China’s...

PAGE 6 warned off USS John S. McCain (DDG56) for sailing near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which China claims as their territorial waters.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army said it “organized naval and air forces to track monitor and warn off” the U.S. navy warship.

The Chinese military also accused Washington of “seriously violating China’s sovereignty” and “harming regional peace.”

Prior to this, USS John S. McCain also passed through the Paracel Island chain to “assert navigational rights and freedoms” in the island group, which is being claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.

“Under international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all States–including their warships–enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. The unilateral imposition of any authorization or advance-notification requirement for innocent passage is not permitted by international law,” the U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement released February 5.

(Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com) n

DRESSED CHICKEN. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., and Agriculture Secretary William Dar (2nd from right) show the price tag of the whole dressed chicken during the visit at SM Hypermarket on Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City. The group visited markets and supermarkets in Metro Manila to monitor the price and supplies of pork and chicken on Tuesday, February 9.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

My Valentine story...

PAGE 5 the way, we drifted apart. The emotional immaturity of early adulthood, the demands and stresses of his medical education and training, my building a career in the limelight of broadcasting, raising four children, our weaknesses as human beings — the interplay of these factors eroded our once happy relationship and our marriage.

The song of Neil Sedaka comes to mind: “I miss the hungry years The once upon a time The lovely long ago We didn’t have a dime Those days of me and you We lost along the way…”

We had a complicated relationship for more than three years, asking ourselves if we should stay or go on our separate ways. But amid the inner turmoil, we knew deep inside how our vow and commitment to give our children the best life in spite of ourselves had been our guiding light and reason to remain friends.

And perhaps, more than how we wanted to admit during these times of uncertainties, the shadows of the simple joys of our hungry years nurtured by our love for each other had somehow kept on pulling us back and made it impossible to really let go.

And so, by the grace of God in the most miraculous circumstances, only He could have made possible, Rene

and I found each other again.

We went to court together just before the decision to annul our marriage was handed out to tell the judge we were dismissing the annulment case and are keeping our marriage.

“Beautiful!” gushed Judge Rosalina Pison of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

Indeed, it was the greatest blessing of our lives — God’s promise of giving us “beauty for ashes” that healed our hearts and gave us the grace to start again.

As all of these events happened during Rene’s short month-long visit in between his interviews and the start of medical fellowship training in the United States in the summer of 2000, we made the most of this time to renew our marriage vows in the same church where we met, fell in love, got married, and had our four children baptized.

Rene went back to the U.S. and I went to visit with him during fall, winter and spring.

It was during this time when we decided to immigrate to the United States to start a new chapter in our life.

Everything just fell into place, after we said YES to God’s still small voice inside our hearts.

In May of 2001, I gave up my career at ABS-CBN. My children and I joined my husband in the United States.

Rene was offered a rare chance to have a surgical res-

idency after he finished his fellowship, and this opened the path for him to practice surgery.

We started anew with hungry years again as he was just getting a humble stipend as he completed his re-training in the U.S. to get his medical license. I did real estate on the side. But our hearts were full of love and of renewed dreams in our adoptive country for us and our children.

And just after Rene started his medical practice here in the U.S. in 2005, ABS-CBN asked me to work for the company again as talk show host and news anchor for The Filipino Channel, which has started producing programs in California. I was given the chance to continue the career I gave up for my family.

We are now celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary this July. The kids have grown up and are building their own lives. We have also been blessed with two grandchildren!

Rene and I are now (almost) empty nesters and are living our lives as honeymooners — something we missed when we were navigating the struggles and crises of our younger years all at the same time. We are now able to live our passion, pursue our own dreams, travel around the world, celebrating each moment we are together.

We did not get here on our own. We grew up together

from our teen years through adulthood, through middle age through the golden years.Every season of our life presented new challenges, which have been our opportunities to grow together. But what had sustained us is our renewed faith in God who has been giving us the grace to carry on and nurture our love and our life together. All the pains of the past He used so we may find this new life in Him as one.

God has blessed us with each other to help us become better human beings, growing in love and faith together, making our crooked paths straight, smoothening our rough edges.

And this all began when we said “YES,” and started the new chapters of our new life rooted in our faith, and He helped us do things we can never do on our own.

And we continue to say “YES.” Every day. *** 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.

PAGE 7 at 23%, those above 60 at 9.3% and those under 21 at a measly 2.2%.

Where to improve?

An overwhelming majority of 72.2% from the country said there is a need to encourage more science and health experts “to contribute to public policy discussions” and for government to heed their advice.

Such an observation bears more weight especially since the Duterte administration has long been criticized for its militaristic approach to a health crisis, with the president putting retired military officials to lead the coronavirus task force, as well as deploying cops and soldiers to carry out pandemic-related curbs.

Some 58.3% said the government should invest in early warning systems for future pandemic outbreaks, as well as for research and development for testing and vaccine development.

Officials have sought to claim that the administration had prioritized improving the country’s testing capacity since the start of the pandemic, but the previous months have showed that screening efforts are still largely carried out by private-run laboratories.

But a lesson it has learned to carry out was establishing a virology research institute under the science and technology department, with a P284 million ($5.9 million) funding for this year.

Further in the report, 33.3% said better financial relief and subsidies should be offered to the millions economically affected by the pandemic. Some 30.6%, meanwhile, said officials should lead in following health protocols instead of flouting them, as is shown in a series of documented incidents by no less than the president’s men and some lawmakers, and 5.6% said the measures should be better implemented in public.

“These findings confirm that while ASEAN member governments have done relatively well in their public health response, they will need to do more to be better prepared in the longterm for future outbreaks,” the report said.

Leadership, challenges in the pandemic In total of respondents, 32.7% said Singapore had

provided the best leadership in the region during the course of the health crisis, followed by Vietnam at 31.1%.

Only 0.5 of all participants picked the Philippines for the said criteria, the lowest, with 6% being Filipinos and 0.6% from Myanmar.

The pandemic has also emerged as the top challenge respondents believe Southeast Asia is facing, followed by unemployment and economic recession and socio-economic gaps and rising income disparity.

For Filipinos, 80.6% agreed that the COVID-19 is the Number 1 challenge, followed by “more intense and frequent weather events” as a result of climate change at 59.7%, unemployment and the recession at 65.7%, along with increased military tensions such as in the South China Sea at 37.3% and 28.4% on widening socio-econimic gaps.

Only 3% of them answered terrorism, 11.9% on domestic political instability and 13.4% on the deterioration of human rights conditions.

“While it is not meant to present the definitive Southeast Asian view of current affairs, the survey acts as a barometer of the general attitudes and perceptions of interested stakeholders on important regional developments,” the report added.

In January, an assessment by another independent think tank placed the Philippines at the 79th place globally out of almost 100 nations in handling the coronavirus pandemic, making it one of the “underperformers” in Asia Pacific.

While health officials have said that they welcome such researchers on the health crisis, they said that the study had failed to grasp “the complex nature of pandemic response,” and adding that “we can’t be comparing apples to oranges.”

The Philippines is nearing a year into its community quarantine first set in March 2020 to become the world’s longest. And while President Rodrigo Duterte had put his faith on the vaccines for an end to the health crisis, his administration’s bid to secure the jabs had met various roadblocks along the way. n

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

NVC sending notices, but I’m in the US Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Attorney Gurfinkel: I entered the U.S. in 2000 on a visitor’s visa and overstayed. My sister filed a petition for me (F-4) in early 2001 under Clinton’s LIFE ACT. I am now receiving notices from the National Visa Center (NVC), advising me that I need to log onto their website, pay various fees, and submit various forms.

They further state that if I do not do so within one year, my case will be canceled.

I don’t want to go back to the Philippines for my visa, as I’m afraid of getting stuck there for 10 years under the 3/10 year bar. Why am I getting notices from the NVC when I’m here in the U.S.?

What should I do?

Very truly yours, GL Dear GL: You may be receiving notices from the NVC notifying you to start applying for your visa in Manila because the NVC may believe that you are either still in the Philippines or not eligible to adjust status (file for your green card) in the U.S. (On the I-130 petition, it asks for the beneficiary’s address and/or whether

they will apply for their visa outside the U.S. Sometimes, relatives are scared to disclose the alien is already in the U.S. and list an address outside the U.S., or the USCIS, in approving the petition, makes the decision the person is not eligible to adjust in the U.S., when they might actually be eligible.)

If you have been petitioned, are in the U.S., and now receiving notices from the NVC, I would strongly suggest that you consult with an attorney who can evaluate your situation and advise you of your immigration options.

Perhaps you may be eligible/qualified to apply for adjustment of status in the U.S. If you are required to apply outside the U.S., an attorney can evaluate your eligibility for a provisional waiver before departing. Otherwise, you could be stuck outside the U.S. for up to 10 years.

In addition, the NVC cannot be ignored. If you do not respond to them, either by advising you will apply for your green card in the U.S. or submitting fees and forms within one year, they could actually terminate your registration (shred your petition), in which case you lose your priority date and the opportunity to pursue your visa, even if you should later decide to apply in the U.S. I’ve had countless cases where a person did not know what to do and did not respond to the

NVC, only to have the NVC shred the case. When they finally came for assistance, in some cases it was too late.

You waited so long for your petition, and given the complexities and ever-changing policies and requirements for immigration benefits, I strongly recommend that you seek the advice and assistance of an attorney. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different, and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) are of a general nature, are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

CITIZEN PINOY CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAY THIS SUNDAY BY ANSWERING QUESTIONS DEALING WITH SPOUSES AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS BEING TOGETHER OR REUNITED. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) discusses the latest immigrations news and information from the highlights of his YouTube channel, US Immigration TV. Atty. Gurfinkel also answers questions from Luz of Los Angeles, California (center), who wants to know what will happen to her conditional green card now that her husband of two years recently passed away due to COVID. Butch from Anaheim, California (right) wants to know how he can get his fiancée and nine-year-old daughter to the U.S. in light of Biden’s new immigration policies. Be sure to watch this special Valentine’s Day episode of “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot” this Sunday, February 14 at 5:30 pm PST/EST (8:30 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

‘Fight for You’ by H.E.R. makes it to Oscars 2021 shortlist

By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

“FIGHT For You” by R&B artist H.E.R. has made it in this year’s Oscar Original Song shortlist.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday, February 9, released its shortlists for the 2021 Oscars in nine categories — documentary feature, documentary short PAGE 15

NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY

EVERYDAY

9:00am - 11:00am

H.E.R.

Photo from Instagram/@hermusicofficial

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FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Citizen Pinoy celebrates Valentine’s Day this Sunday with another brand-new episode

LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel presents the latest in immigration news and analysis, and provides the latest information and highlights from his YouTube immigration channel, US Immigration TV. Since it is Valentine’s Day, Citizen Pinoy celebrates “love” as Atty. Gurfinkel answers questions related to spouses and significant others on this week’s episode.

Butch from Anaheim, California wants to bring his cur-

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS DISCIPLINE and patience With COVID-19 (and variants) cases reaching almost 108 million and close to 2.4 million deaths in 219 countries (nearly half a million deaths in the U.S. and almost 12,000 fatalities in the Philippines), it behooves all of us to continue to be very careful and wear mask(s) in public, avoid crowds, and do social distancing almost to the point of paranoia, even AFTER we get the vaccines.

Full protection from the shots may take more than a couple of months to achieve. Antibodies take time to develop to its maximal level. Let us not put our guard down till herd immunity is reached.

Wisdom means life.

A dozen reasons to have sex The revelation of infidelity among several popular public personalities in the past “have given sex a bad rap,” says a psychologist and sex therapist. The following have been cited as the health benefits from sex: (1) It relieves stress; (2) Sex improves the skin complexion; (3) Sex burns calories; (4) It heightens immunity; (5) It boosts self-esteem; (6) It maximizes cardiovascular health; (7) It improves intimacy and love; (8) Sex is an analgesic that reduces aches and pains; (9) Sex reduces the risk of prostate cancer; (10) Sex improves sleep and provides good rest; (11) Sex

rent fiancée and their nineyear-old daughter to the U.S. Butch asks how President Biden’s proposed policies can help bring his family together.

Luz from Los Angeles, California just lost her husband of two years to COVID. She wants to know what will happen to her conditional green card now that her husband is no longer alive.

These questions and more will be answered on the show.

And a couple shares their

story on how Atty. Gurfinkel played “Cupid” and united the woman from New York, and the gentleman from Qatar in the Middle East after the couple almost gave up because their previous lawyer said, “It is impossible.”

Get the latest immigration updates on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot” this Sunday, February 14 at 5:30 pm PST/EST (8:30 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

strengthens the pelvic floor muscles; and (12) Sex adds “fire, fuel, and mileage” to a marriage and relationship.

Not to mention the gratifying joy and pleasure it provides.

Electromagnetic risks At what dose of repeated radiation exposure from medical imaging diagnostic devices, natural or artificial sunbathing, microwave oven, cell phone signals, radiofrequency (radio-TV) signals, extremely low frequency power lines (said to be associated with childhood leukemia) can cause various forms of illnesses, including cancer, is still controversial.

But we cannot simply ignore the warnings. In this current situation, the wise and prudent strategy is to minimize exposure to any of these electromagnetic forces as much as we can as we take advantage of the benefits provided by these advances in science and technology.

Let’s just be more conscious and careful.

Cellphone warnings Electrical Hypersensitivity Syndrome is truly a medical condition, characterized by fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, facial rash, digestive symptoms, following “exposure to visual display units, mobile phones, Wi-Fi equipment, and commonplace appliances, affecting about 3% of all people and about 33% of us to a lesser extent.” Cordless phones and mobile phones emit the same amount of radiation…landline phones don’t. Use of speaker phone for cordless and mobile phones, or a hollow (preferred) wired (hands-free)

earpiece is safer. Never use Bluetooth wireless headset which is a worse emitter.

Texting is safer than calling with the handset against your ear. If possible, the cellphone should not be carried close to the body; if not, then the battery should be facing away from the body since this acts as the antenna, the dial pad facing the body. If not using a hands-free device, switching from one ear to the other every 15 seconds or so is a good practice. As much as possible do not use cellphone in elevators or close spaces, since the weak signal will make the phone maximize its signal strength (and radiation!).

Children should NOT use cellphones except for emergencies, since they are more vulnerable to the effects of radiation.

Exercise wonders The amazing wonders of physical exercise are scientifically proven to keep the body and mind healthy, strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular fitness and reduces heart attacks by 33%, lessen the risk of the development of type 2 diabetes by 91%, prevent, if not minimize high blood pressure by more than a third, lowers the risk for depression and cancer – all these for doing 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week. Tai Chi, Tai Bo, dancing at any speed, walking (moderate to brisk), swimming, bicycling, or any aerobic exercise. There is no age limit to doing exercises. My mother, who died at the age of 101, did daily exercise till

Bretman Rock prepares Filipino-style spaghetti and Ilocano dish igado for family dinner.

Screenshot/MTV

Fil-Am influencer Bretman Rock cooks igado, Pinoy spaghetti in Essential health tips premiere episode of MTV reality show (Advertising Supplement)

By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

FILIPINO American internet star Bretman Rock is giving fans a closer look at his life with a new MTV reality show.

The first episode of “Following Bretman Rock,” which premiered on Monday, February 8, shows Bretman — along with his cousin-assistant Miss Kay, childhood friend Larry, and sister Princess — temporarily moving into a beach house while his dream mansion undergoes renovations.

On how Miss Kay became Bretman’s assistant, she shared: “[It was] me traveling around the world for him and I noticed my bank account was going negative and I’m just like: Bret, next time you want me to come, you gotta pay me.”

Meanwhile, Larry shared that he has been friends with Bretman since their grade school years.

“Don’t tell him I said this, but I’m so proud of him as a best friend,” he said.

“I’m not friends with Bret because of his money. I was friends with him when he was still broke, but moving into this beach house got me so excited,” he added.

The episode also feashe was 93 (at a moderated pace) following the Leslie Sansone’s DVD aerobic exercise program. Besides a proper diet, abstinence from smoking and moderation in alcohol intake (red wine preferred), exercise is a major

With over 8 million YouTube subscribers, Bretman Rock is entering the TV world with a reality show on MTV. Photo from Instagram/@bretmanrock

tured all of them going on a horse-riding excursion as well as Bretman preparing Filipino-style spaghetti and the Ilocano dish igado, which is a type of pork and liver stew.

“My mom is the best cook in the world. I cannot eat other Filipino food that is not my mom’s,” he said, adding, “If I have to cook my mom’s food, I have to do it my mom’s way.”

He was able to impress his Mama Mercy with his version of Pinoy spaghetti, but she noted that the igado was “not good.”

Later, his mother opened

up about her struggles as a single mother of three.

“I progressed. That’s why God gave me a good life.

Because I suffered and endured for my kids,” Mama Mercy said in Ilocano.

Bretman, 22, was born in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan in the Philippines. His family moved to Hawaii when he was 8 years old.

He cultivated his online persona by doing makeup tutorials and vlogs on YouTube. Currently, his channel has amassed over 8 million subscribers, while his Instagram has around 15 million followers.

key to health and longevity.

Shaving calories A good strategy is reducing calories is by substitution or swapping: drinking an 8oz bottle of water instead of a can or bottle of unhealthy soft drinks (which are actu-

ally toxic to our body) saves you 100 calories; chicken sandwich instead of hamburger, 290 calories; one teaspoon mustard instead of mayo, 100 calories; apples slices instead of French fries, PAGE 15

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021

Catriona dishes on Sam’s best traits: ‘He has a great relationship with my parents’

By Niña

V. GuNo

Inquirer.net

MONTHS after going public with their relationship, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has become more open about boyfriend Sam Milby.

Gray described her love life as “masaya (happy)” in an interview on Teleradyo’s “Sakto” with Amy Perez last Friday, Feb. 5, as reported in Inquirer Bandera on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Although she has been low-key about her and Milby on social media, the singer confirmed that she spent Christmas in the United States with the actor and his family.

“It was my first time to spend Christmas away from my family, so it was nice to feel that I was with my family pa rin (still),” she said.

Gray also talked about how Milby is as a boyfriend: “He’s a very good listener, I really appreciate that. And he really

EMPLOYMENT

Catriona Gray and Sam Milby with Gray’s dog Theo Photo from Instagram/ @jaysonsarmiento

goes out of his way to make time for me because we are both busy.”

“So I really appreciate the small things, that he really shows that he’s thinking of me and he makes time for me,” she added.

Gray’s parents are based in Australia and even with the distance, she said that Milby gets along with them.

“He has a great relationship with my parents which is a really fulfilling thing for me rin (too),” she said.

“When I usually call them when we we’re together sa (in the) States, we will all talk together. So it’s really nice to see them have that friendship already with my parents because that means a lot to me and I know that Sam knows that. So it’s just nice to see him make the effort.”

She mentioned too that she hopes to bring Milby in a visit to her parents.

The couple confirmed that they were an item last May, during Milby’s birthday. For her 27th birthday last January, the “Ang Sa Iyo ay Akin” star gave a touching surprise message to Gray on the variety show “Sunday Noontime Live,” telling her, “I love you, Koala.”

SERVICES

Juancho Trivino and Joyce Pring

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Photo from Instagram/@joycepring

Juancho, Joyce expecting first baby

By KatriNa

Hallare Inquirer.net

IT appears that Joyce Pring and Juancho Triviño’s brood will be expanding this 2021 as the couple announced Tuesday they are expecting their first baby.

“THREEvinos coming soon!! Yes, we are pregnant! Im going to be a dad,”

the actor and TV host said in an Instagram post as he cradled his wife’s growing belly.

Pring likewise shared photos in her own Instagram account, showing the couple in a photo booth set up as well as the baby’s sonogram.

“Fam, we’re excited to share with you all the news… we’re gonna have our

SERVICES

own #BundleofJoyth and he/she is ready to say hello this 2021!!!!!!!!” she said.

Pring and Triviño married in a garden wedding held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City in February 2020.

The couple first confirmed they were together in May 2019, and announced their engagement in November the same year.

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FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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people events arts culture entertainment

Laya DeLeon Hayes takes on her biggest project to date I

by MoMar

G. Visaya / AJPress

f you stayed on CBS last Sunday night after the Super Bowl to watch the premiere of The Equalizer, then you saw a possible breakout star named Laya De Leon Hayes.

DeLeon plays the role of Delilah, the teenage daughter of Robyn McCall played by the Academy Award nominee and multi-hyphenate Queen Latifah.

It has been almost a year to the date when the 16-yearold rising performer got the big news that she bagged the role of the enigmatic former CIA operative’s smart and observant daughter.

“I was crying tears of joy,” Hayes told the Asian Journal, sharing that she had just gotten out of acting class when her agents called and shared the exciting news.

The audition process moved very quickly, according to the young star.

She went in four times for the role, all in the span of a week. About two days after the call, she was on a plane to New York to film the pilot episode.

The teen actress is perhaps best known for voicing the titular role in the BAFTA, Emmy and Peabody Award-nominated animated series, “Doc McStuffins,” which earned her a NAACP Image Award nomination.

She was just 9 years old when she booked the landmark role as the first Black/ FilAm animation character on Disney Jr. Laya considers this as her biggest project to date, and that she has been fortunate in her career so far to have worked with some amazing actors on big projects but nothing compared like this.

“Considering how popular of a franchise The Equalizer is and how Queen Latifah is creating history by being the first female Equalizer really made me excited and honored to be a part of this amazing cast,” Laya said,

The Equalizer also stars Liza Lapira (center), Adam Goldberg (left), Chris Noth, Lorraine Toussaint, and Tory Kittles. It is aired on CBS every Sunday, 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT. Photo by Barbara Nitke/CBS

“They’re all so talented and very kind. It’s a dream really. Many of these actors I’ve watched and admired since I was younger,” Laya told the Asian Journal as she described her The Equalizer costars, led by Queen Latifah.

Photo by Michael Greenberg/CBS

describing the eagerness she felt about the project.

It is no wonder then that the role of Delilah means so much to her. She recalls reading the script last year and really relating to the character: a girl who is in this weird time of growing up where she’s not a grown woman yet but also not a baby.

“Realistic roles for teenage biracial girls don’t come up often so, I was so ecstatic to see a role like Delilah come up. Not to mention, this is also my first lead in a live action TV drama series,” she said. “[It is] something I’ve been wanting for a while. I’m constantly learning every single day on set, whether that’s from the crew or our amazing cast. I am soaking everything up.”

Tracing her roots “I grew up very close with my Filipino side and I still am. Up until I was nine years old, I spent every summer with my grandparents,” Laya shared. “I visit my Filipino side at least once or twice a year and I’m constantly learning more about that side of my family every day.”

Her grandparents immigrated from the Philippines. Her grandfather, who passed away recently, was a retired US Navy veteran.

Both lolo and lola come from Pangasinan, he from Mangaldan and she from Umingan. They immigrated to America in the 70s.

They would cook lumpia, adobo, and pancit and Laya’s mom, Gina still cooks some of those dishes for her.

Laya DeLeon Hayes was born in Charlotte, NC and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas.

As a young girl, she participated in school plays and talent shows, which powered her passion to perform.

Photo by Alex Kruk

Laya, seen here in a scene with Queen Latifah has established a successful voiceover career, garnering roles in “Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny,” “Hey Arnold: The Jungle Movie,” and most recently, she voiced the Iron Maiden in the popular video game series “League of Legends.” Photo by Barbara Nitke/CBS

“I have never been to the Philippines, but I would love to visit one day,” she said.

Growing up biracial Born in Charlotte, NC and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas, Laya participated in school plays and talent shows, which powered her passion to perform. She trained at Hart and Soul studio in Dallas prior to moving

to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.

“Growing up in a biracial family is something I’m extremely proud of. Growing up I didn’t realize what that meant or how interracial couples were looked at back in the day, because it just felt normal to me and it still does,” she said. “When PAGE 15

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021

Liza Soberano calls out ‘Tililing’ movie poster over mental illness stereotypes; director responds

By Niña

tor,” he said, referring to the cast and later to his own self.

(I am sure they would not accept a project that goes against their principles and their own selves; my actors are smart and their director is brave.)

He added that watching the movie would give answers to the choice of movie title and poster.

Baron Geisler, who stars in the upcoming movie, said on Facebook that people might not have known that

he worked with the Philippine Mental Health Association Cebu chapter as part of his mental health advocacy.

In response, Soberano said in another statement on Twitter, “Thank you kuya Baron for the kind words and sorry if I have offended anyone.”

“I’m afraid my intentions were misinterpreted,” she said. “I always want the best for films that tap into mental health, so I wish this film all the best.”

Fans, however, pointed out that she did not need to be sorry, and encouraged her to keep being vocal about social issues, including those that concern mental health.

Yap has previously raised alarm for the messages of some of his works. His 2018 short film, “Virgin Marie,” depicted a child lying about being raped by her father.

Advocacy groups for the protection of women and children called on him to be more responsible in depicting such sensitive matters, stressing that “tremendous courage” is required of victims to report rape accusations to authorities.

movies and creating films and videos. In the future, she hopes to develop, write, direct and produce her own projects.

Pandemic work The episodes of The Equalizer were shot during the pandemic. In fact, they’re still filming right now, something that Laya is so grateful for.

“It’s definitely taken some getting used to, especially because of how collaborative the process of making a show can be. There were challenges in the beginning, but production and CBS really make sure everyone is safe and taken care of on set,” she said.

The cast and crew are tested regularly, they practice social distancing, and the production does a deep clean of the set every day.

They also wear their masks everywhere and only take them off before they say action.

“We’re all working hard to not only make sure this a good show, but also a safe environment for everyone,” Laya quipped.

Laya describes working with Queen Latifah and ev-

eryone on this cast as amazing, specially since she has been watching them since she was a young girl.

“Queen is the coolest.

She plays music on set and really knows how to have the intensity needed for a scene while also creating a light environment on set.

She’s got cool stories too,” she shared. “It’s been really nice to have bonded with them during the time we have been filming. They’re masters at their craft and I’m learning so much simply by watching them.”

Laya’s additional television credits include “Just Add Magic,” “Liv & Maddie” and “Raven’s Home.” Also, she guest-starred in “Cougar Town,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Quantico” and “Code Black,” on the Network.

Also, she appeared in the television film “Santa Hunters” and several national commercial campaigns.

The goal now is to continue building her already impressive body of work as she looks forward to grow every day and expand her career with each role and project that she gets to be a part of.

V. GuNo

Inquirer.net

After Liza Soberano expressed concern about the movie poster of “Tililing,” director Darryl Yap told her that he was one with her advocacy on mental health.

The actress called into question the poster which featured actors with their tongues out, via Twitter today, Feb 8. The movie title is Filipino slang for having a screw loose or being mentally ill.

“Really hoping that this movie will spread awareness and enlighten us on the struggles of dealing with mental health,” she said. “But the poster? It’s a no for me. Mental health is NOT a joke. Stop the stigma.”

Yap addressed her concerns in a statement on the Facebook page of his movie studio VinCentiments.

“Ang iyong pag-asa na sana’y makapagbigay liwanag ang aming pelikula sa pagpapalawak ng kaalaman sa pangkalusugang pangkaisipan ay hindi masasayang, HINDI KA NAMIN BIBIGUIN,” he said.

Liza Soberano

(Your wish that our movie would bring light to and broaden knowledge on mental health will not be in vain, we will not let you down.)

He noted that the actors in the movie have gone through mental health struggles themselves. “[Sigurado] kaming hindi nila tatanggapin ang isang proyektong ikapapahamak ng kanilang prinsipyo at pagkatao; [matatalino] ang aking mga artista, at matapang ang kanilang direk-

Laya DeLeon...

PAGE 14 you’re mixed, I think it can be challenging at times just figuring out who you are or where you fit.”

Being mixed has allowed her to become closer to her ancestry and embrace the two cultures that make up who she is; two cultures that she is constantly learning more about and extremely proud of.

And now, with this new show, she has this opportunity to represent.

Asked about how she feels that this role will be seen by young girls, particularly Asian/Filipino American and Black girls, she said, “It means the world to me. I really believe representation matters.”

Like regular viewers, Laya used to constantly find characters who look like her or are going through the same things like her. She believes that having characters that relate to the audience member makes them feel less alone and when the character looks like them, it’s even more of a connection.

“Art should depict real life and real stories. Knowing that young Asian/Filipino or biracial girls will look on their screen and see someone who looks like them is something I don’t take lightly,” she quipped.

“I know when I was younger, I wanted to see a character like Delilah, one who’s not perfect and has a lot of growing to do but helps audiences know that that’s okay. You don’t get many roles for biracial girls that depict a realistic teenage girl just trying to come of age. That’s why this role means so much to me.”

An equal rights and social justice advocate, Laya utilizes her social media platforms to spread awareness and to help propel conversation forward. Also, she is passionate about women’s rights, body positivity and equality for all.

In her free time, Hayes enjoys rollerblading, baking with her friends and family, fashion, singing, traveling and sketch drawing.

She loves theater, watching

Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano

‘Fight for You’ by...

PAGE 11 subject, international feature, makeup and hairstyling, original score, original song, animated short film, live-action short film, and visual effects.

H.E.R.’s “Fight For You,” from the film “Judas and the Black Messiah,” was one of the 15 songs to advance in the original song category out of 105 eligible songs.

The shortlisted songs were selected by the Academy’s 376-member music branch. Voting for the final five in each category will take place between March 5 and 10, with nominees to be announced on March 15.

The winners will then be announced during the Oscar ceremony scheduled on April 25.

Last week, “Fight For You” received a Golden Globes nomination for Best Original Song – Motion Picture.

H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Wilson, was born in Vallejo, California to a Filipina mother and an African American father.

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She rose to fame in 2009 after participating in Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing.”

At the age of 14, she signed to RCA Records and released the single “Something to Prove” under her real name in 2014.

In 2016, she debuted under the H.E.R. persona with her debut EP “H.E.R. Volume 1.”

She then released other EPs “H.E.R. Volume 2” and “The B Sides” in 2017 before releasing her first compilation album “H.E.R.” which consisted of tracks from the singer’s first two EPs plus six additional songs.

In 2018, she released “I Used to Know Her: The Prelude” and “I Used to Know Her: Part 2.”

H.E.R. received five nominations at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019, winning Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Album.

The year after, she received three nominations: Song of the Year (“I Can’t Breathe”), and two for Best R&B Song (“Better Than I Imagine” and “Slow Down”).

Essential health tips...

PAGE 14 270 calories; swap chocolate ice cream with strawberry slices, 115 calories; mixed salad with low-fat dressing instead of 2 slices of pizza saves you about 300 calories; and one bagel replaced by 2 slices light whole grain bread, 269 calories; high fiber cereal instead of granola, 110 calories. And brown rice is certainly healthier than white rice.

Pistachio lowers cholesterol Studies at the Pennsylvania State University shows that pistachio nuts with its monounsaturated fatty acids and high antioxidant content have beneficial effects on cholesterol, body mass index (for weight reduction) and for hypertension control. As little as 1.5 ounces of pistachios a day for one month reduced the cholesterol by 8.4% and the low density (bad) lipoprotein by 11.6%.

Monounsaturated fats, as in pistachio nuts and green leafy vegetables, are cardio-protective and lessen the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.

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. *** 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.

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FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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