030321 - Southern California Midweek Edition

March 3-5, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 15 • 2 Sections - 14 Pages

Duterte to end VFA if US nukes found in PH

VICTOR MASOY

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AMERICANS may be closer to receiving the long-awaited first COVID-19 stimulus checks of the new administration as the U.S. Senate moves forward on making a decision on President Joe Biden’s sweeping COVID-19 bill, which includes $1,400 direct payments to most American taxpayers.

The House of Representatives passed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package — dubbed the American Rescue Plan — in the small hours of Saturday, Feb. 27, passing the bill onto the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) Ryan Garcia and Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao Photo from Instagram/@mannypacquiao said that Senate Democrats are hoping to pass the

California’s $6.6 billion school re-opening plan prioritizes low-income, won’t run for presidency in 2022 special needs children Duterte: Sara AJP

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

EF

• FRESH V

EG

• F I L I P I NO

D

W W W. I S L A N D PAC I F I C M A R K E T.C O M

ES

SARAP STARTS HERE

GI

LEN EN DEALS

BE •

BIG EYE SCAD “MATANGBAKA”

FRESH

FRESH

3

$ 99

$ 49

WAS $7.99

SALE

/LB

UN CO T

F OF 17% S AV I N

2

0

VE SA S AV I N

FARM / ECUADOR

JUMBO WHITE SHRIMP HEAD-ON

NOW

$

UN CO T

S

FRESH TILAPIA

S AV I N

5

WILD CAUGHT / VIETNAM

OCEAN FARM / ECUADOR

G

F OF 25%

/LB

UN CO T

F OF 17% S

FRESH HALIBUT STEAK

UN CO T

G

WILD CAUGHT / MEXICO

DIS

PROMO SALE PERIOD | MARCH 4 - 10, 2021

DIS

u PAGE A2

OD • P ORK

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will not be running for the presidency in the 2022 national elections, according to her father, President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press conference in Pasay City on Sunday, February 28, the chief executive revealed that Sara wants to focus on raising her three children.

“Si Sara ayaw because may anak kasi yan tatlo. Maliliit pa. Gusto niya na magfocus muna siya sa family ano ng — mga affairs. Sabi niya sa akin, marami pa namang panahon (Sara doesn’t want to run because she has three kids. They are still young. She wants to focus on her family affairs. She told me that there’s still much time),” explained Duterte.

He added that Sara told him she will be

the president if it’s meant to be.

“She used my favorite statement. Sabi niya, kung gusto rin ng Diyos maging presidente ako kagaya ng sa iyo, magiging presidente ako. Hindi kailangan ngayon (She said, if God wants me to be president like you, I’ll be president. It doesn’t need to happen now),” Duterte recounted.

Duterte also said that Sara would have limited options after her term ends if she runs for president and wins in 2022.

“Ayaw niya ngayon. Sabi niya, kung magpresidente siya, just assuming, assuming after six years, bata pa siya, anong gawin niya? (She doesn’t want it now. She said, if she becomes president, just assuming, assuming after six years, she’d still be young, what would she do?)” he said.

“As an ex-president, hindi siya makatra-

FO

RESS

u PAGE A4

EA

by

$1.9 trillion package before March 14 when the pandemic-driven expanded unemployment benefits expire.

Schumer told fellow senators on the floor this week that the chamber should prepare for “a hardy debate and some late nights. But the American people sent us here with a job to do, to help the country through this moment of extraordinary challenge.”

Previously, the bill included a measure that would increase the federal minimum wage up to $15 an hour, but Democrats scrapped the proposal to solicit more Republican support. (The current federal minimum wage is at $7.25 an hour.)

S

u PAGE A4

u PAGE A3

G

MEMBERS of the California state Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a $6.6 billion school re-opening plan, which aims to get children in grades kindergarten through 6th back to classrooms by March 15, and older children by mid next month.

The plan prioritizes students who would benefit the most from in-person instruction kids from low-income families who may lack computing devices and high-speed internet, English language learners, and those with learning disabilities, among other disadvantaged students.

The additional dollars will include money for extended academic and mental health support, help schools adjust for smaller classrooms, and provide Personal Protective Equipment for three months. The state is also

Following his inoculation, Domingo urged the public to get vaccinated.

“Huwag lang sana natin maging choice yung hindi magpapabakuna. Kasi ‘yung pagpapabakuna para sa COVID-19 para ‘yan sa sarili natin, para sa pamilya natin, tsaka para sa bansa natin (Let’s not choose not to get vaccinated. Because getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is for ourselves, for our family, and our country),” he said in a press briefing before the ceremonial vaccination.

After House approval, US Senate prepares to take up $1.9 trillion bill later this week

S

u PAGE A3

AFTER being delayed for weeks, the Philippines has finally kicked-off its vaccination drive ManilaTimes.net against COVID-19 this week.

The first dose of Sinovac BioRYAN Garcia said his “dream fight” against Filipino boxing Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao will not be tech’s “CoronaVac” vaccine from China was administered to Unirealized anymore or, at least, in the near future.

“To all my fans and supporters, my fight with Man- versity of the Philippines-Philipny Pacquiao is not happening right now,” captioned pine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legaspi on Monday, Garcia on an Instagram post on Tuesday, March 2.

“I tried my best after getting the call to fight him, March 1, making him the first but it didn’t happen due to some issues,” added the person in the country to officially receive the COVID-19 jab.

American.

“Hindi ko ma-describe ang (I u PAGE A2

by NIEL

can’t describe the) feeling. It’s probably release from all the fears... The honor is there,” said Legaspi.

Dr. Edsel Salvaña, director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at UPNational Institutes of Health, was the second person to get the vaccine.

A total of 756 individuals were vaccinated, including Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo, testing czar Vince Dizon, and Metro Manila Development Authority chair Benjamin Abalos Jr.

G

A FILIPINA mother of two sons from Whittier, California has died from COVID-19 after working on the frontlines as a licensed vocational nurse.

Rowena “Wendy” Miguel, 53, died on January 10, three weeks after testing positive for COVID-19.

She was employed at Kindred Hospital in La Mirada, California for nearly five years, and worked a second job, also as an LVN, at nearby Imperial Convalescent Hospital.

“She was dedicated to her work and really took care of her patients. During a ceremony for her, her co-workers remembered how she was a hard worker and how she was precise about everything,” her 22-year-old son, Ken Miguel, told the Asian Journal.

Miguel, who was from Candelaria, Philippines, began her nursing career in her

MENDIOLA AJPress

DIS

‘Dedicated to her work’: Pinay nurse dies of COVID-19 in SoCal

by RITCHEL

DIS

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PH starts COVID-19 vaccine rollout Garcia: ‘Dream fight’ vs Pacquiao not happening u PAGE A2

S

DATELINE

between the U.S. and its enemy.

“Kung magka-giyera (if a war breaks out) and it will surely start maybe in the theater of war would be the Spratly and China Sea. Katabi lang tayo. Pangasinan, it’s just — nakaharap.

Maraming probinsiya nandiyan.

Alam mo kung may armaments sila dito ang unang tatamaan ‘yon. Saan? Sa Pilipinas (We’re just beside it. Pangasinan, it’s just — in front. There are so many provinces there. You know if they have armaments here we’ll be first to get hit. Where?

VACCINE FOR HEALTH WORKERS. Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano (3rd from left) looks on as the city’s health workers receive vaccine shots The Philippines),” he said. against Covid-19 at the Lakeshore vaccination hub in Taguig City on Tuesday, March 2. The country’s vaccination campaign kicked off on He also claimed that the U.S. Monday, March 1, a day after 600,000 doses of Sinovac-developed CoronaVac vaccine arrived from China.

PNA Photo By Avito C. Dalan

S

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte is threatening to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) anew if he finds “hard information” that the United States has stored nuclear weapons in the country.

“I am warning you that if I get hold of a hard information that nuclear armaments are here brought by you, I will immediately ask you to go out and I will terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement ora mismo (right now),” the president said during a press conference at Villamor

Air Base in Pasay City on Sunday, February 28.

According to Duterte, the Philippine Constitution prohibits the presence of nuclear armaments in the country.

“We are making a big gamble there because if there are no armaments in the Philippines, if we only have what we need for counterinsurgency, we’re OK. We do not need weapons that would fight other countries because we do not have it, the arms, and we do not want it,” he added.

Duterte noted that the Philippines will be the first country to get hit should a war break out

HE

MENDIOLA AJPress

IS

by RITCHEL

S AV I N

NOW

5

$ 49

$ 99

WAS $2.99

WAS $6.99

/LB

ZERO DOLLAR NO SERVICE FEE ALL ONLINE ORDERS

SHOP SMART. STAY SAFE. SHOP ONLINE.

/LB

Shop Island Pacific | Download the App

A2 March 3-5, 2021 • Socal aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

From the Front Page

Duterte to end VFA if US...

PAGE A1 has “depots” for their weapons in the Philippines.

“The arms are stored everywhere in the Philippines, baka hindi niyo alam (in case you don’t know). May mga depots (They have depots) all around the Philippines,” said Duterte.

“Sinabi ko sa kanila (I told them) I cannot stop you because we have yet to renegotiate the Visiting Forces Agreement but I am warning you that if I get hold of hard information that the nuclear armaments are here brought by you, I will immediately ask you to go out and I will terminate the VFA immediately,” he added.

Last week, Duterte admitted that he doesn’t know whether to renew or abrogate the agreement with the United States, adding that he wants to hear Filipino public’s sentiment.

“I must be frank, I do not keep secrets to the people. I have not

yet decided on what to do. Meaning to say, to abrogate or renew because I want to hear the people,” he said in a public address aired on February 24.

“I want the narratives to come up, not necessarily from the [lawmakers]. Well, of course, they count very much pero hindi limitado dito sa (but it is not limited to) Congress,” he added.

Previously, he said the U.S. would have to “pay” to keep the VFA from being terminated.

“I would like to put on notice if there’s an American agent here that from now on, you want the Visiting Forces Agreement done? Well, you have to pay,” Duterte said in his speech on February 12 at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

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 relaxed 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. canceled 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.

In December, the president threatened to continue with the VFA’s termination if the U.S. did not extend at least 20 million vaccines to the Philippines. n

Duterte: Sara won’t run for presidency...

PAGE A1 baho, hindi siya makaappear ng korte. Eh presidente ka na eh (As an ex-president, she won’t get to have another job, she can’t appear before court. She already became president),” he added.

According to him, the salary of the president isn’t even big.

“At sabi ko mabuti sana kung maganda yung suweldo, makapag-ipon siya. Pero wala ka namang ambisyon. Diyan ka lang, trabaho (And I said, it’s good if it pays well, she’d

be able to save. But since you don’t have any ambitions. Just stay there, just work),” said Duterte.

In January, Duterte said he advised his daughter against running for the presidency in 2022, claiming that women are not fit for the top government post.

“My daughter, inuudyok man nila. Sabi ko, ‘My daughter is not running.’ I have told Inday not to run kasi naaawa ako sa dadaanan niya na dinaanan ko.

Hindi ito pambabae (My daugh-

ter, they are urging her [to run for president in 2022]. I said my daughter is not running. I have told Inday not to run because I take pity if she goes through what I went through. It’s not for women),” he said.

“Alam mo, the emotional setup of a woman and a man is totally different. Maging gago ka dito. That is the sad story (You know, the emotional set-up of a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. That is the sad story),” the chief executive added. n

Garcia: ‘Dream fight’ vs Pacquiao not...

PAGE A1 Garcia, the current World Boxing Council interim lightweight champion, said he’s already preparing for his next fight.

“I didn’t expect [it] to come up, but I’m already working on the next fight. Thank you for all the support,” he continued.

In January, the 22-year-old teased fans by posting on Instagram a mock-up poster of him and eight-division world cham-

pion Pacquiao, dubbing it as a “dream fight.”

Garcia continued posting about the “dream fight,” saying that it would be a real fight with all the records on the line and that he eyed knocking Pacquiao out.

Last February, however, Golden Boy Promotions President Eric Gomez announced that the Garcia-Pacquiao fight wouldn’t happen anymore, saying that he didn’t see any pos-

sibilities of the fight pushing through.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old fighting senator announced three weeks ago that he had already begun training for his next fight.

“Training camp has begun.

I’m ready to get back in the ring and to further add to my legacy in the sport of boxing.

Big news [is] coming soon.

Paradigm Sports. Audie Attar,” posted Pacquiao on Twitter. n

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

Dateline USa

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCh 3-5, 2021

‘Dedicated to her work’: Pinay nurse dies...

A3

PAGE A1 home country.

“This was my mom’s way to pay my grandma back for the hard work she’s done. That’s why she became a nurse because it was a gateway to a good life,” Ken said.

She and her family moved to Southern California in 2006 and she landed her first job as an LVN two years later at La Habra Convalescent Hospital, where she worked before joining Kindred Hospital.

Two weeks before Christmas, Miguel experienced symptoms, such as chills and a high fever, before she was taken to Rowena “Wendy” Miguel is remembered for her dedication to the nursing field.

Kaiser Permanente in Downey, still opened presents and kept in of hurting her even more or let where she was hooked up to an touch with her through FaceTime her pass away,” Ken recounted, oxygen machine to help with each day she was in the hospital. pushing for his mom to be re“It was kind of weird, but it vived. “But [the doctor] told us CLEARING POWER LINES. A lineman prunes tree branches that caused a short circuit along Congressional Avenue in Barangay Salitran 3, breathing. She later tested was the best thing that we could that even if my mom were to reDasmariñas City, Cavite on Tuesday, March 2. Energy officials remind local authorities to help promote public safety and protect the reliability positive for COVID-19. of transmission and distribution facilities.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga Miguel was discharged from do. She was there in spirit even cover from this, and the chances the hospital and recuperated from though she was at the hospital,” would be super low, she would home for the next week, while Ken said. be in a vegetative state.”

After the holiday, Ken and his her family kept their distance, Two days later, in the early until the evening of December 23 father, Dodjie, started experi- morning of January 10, the famPAGE A1 when she had an accident in the encing symptoms like the loss of ily received a call that Miguel bathroom and couldn’t stand up. taste and smell and fatigue. They had died.

On Sunday, February 28, Her husband Dodjie and son tested positive for COVID-19 and Forty days after her passing, 600,000 doses of CoronaVac Ken carried her into the car and recovered in about 10 days. her family had a private viewdonated by China arrived in the On the morning of January 8, ing ceremony before she was brought her back to the hospital, country; 100,000 of the donated where she was admitted to the in- they were notified that Miguel cremated. Ken set up a GoFunddoses will go to the country’s tensive care unit and was hooked had gone into cardiac arrest. Her MePage to help the family with military while the remaining up to a ventilator. She was later family rushed to the hospital, expenses.

500,000 doses will be for health transferred to Kaiser Permanente which is over an hour drive from “It would really help me supcare workers. in Woodland Hills and showed their house in Whittier, to be by port my family and it would really “With this very important shipher side. signs of improvement. help to pay off my mom’s debts,” ment, I am confident that more “We basically had two choices. he said.

Despite their mother not being batches of vaccines will be availhome for Christmas, the family It was try to revive her at risk Miguel worked two jobs and able with great dispatch until rarely had days off, but whenevevery Filipino will be given the er she had free time, she would chance to be vaccinated at the study to be a registered nurse. earliest possible opportunity,” READY FOR VAX. Health care workers of Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and She is also remembered for her said Philippine President Rodri- the Marikina City Health Office await their turn to receive the first dose of China-donated love of shopping and sewing go Duterte, who was present at CoronaVac vaccine at the Marikina Sports Complex in Marikina City on Tuesday, March 2. The clothes. the ceremony. vaccination program is simultaneously done in other local government units in Metro Manila “During our last conversation “I convey my sincere grati- and selected government hospitals. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez before she passed away, she tude to the Chinese people and said, ‘Study hard and become a the government of China for this kung saan lahat po ay nagdi“What we are seeing is maybe nurse.’ I’ve latched onto how cargesture of friendship and solidar- wang (Day one of the national by second quarter for Pfizer from ing she is and I’m going to hold ity — the hallmark of Philippines- COVID-19 vaccination program COVAX,” said Galvez. onto that forever,” Ken said.

China partnership,” he added.

“But not on the procurement as was very successful. Everyone In addition to her husband and The Sinovac-made vaccine was celebrated),” he said. they are saying initially by third eldest son, Miguel leaves behind the third vaccine brand to secure The Sinovac-made vaccine or fourth quarter as they no lona 14-year-old son named Kyle. an emergency use authorization was the third vaccine brand to ger have supplies,” he added.

Though vaccinations against (EUA) from the FDA, following secure an emergency use authoOn January 20, the PhilipCOVID-19 are a step toward Pfizer and AstraZeneca. rization (EUA) from the Philip- pines received confirmation of curbing the pandemic, the grim However, the agency advised pines’ FDA, following Pfizer and the country’s participation in the toll of over 500,000 deaths in the against using Sinovac on health- AstraZeneca.

COVAX distribution of vaccines United States serves as a remindcare workers after data from Meanwhile, Philippine vaccine for an early rollout. er that it is not over.

Phase 3 trials in Brazil showed czar Carlito Galvez Jr. announced The World Health Organiza“When the pandemic first lower efficacy results (50.4%). that the delivery of the AstraZen- tion-led COVAX facility is a global started, I didn’t think it was goIn a Palace briefing on Tuesday, eca vaccines has been delayed. platform that aims to ensure fair ing to personally affect me the March 2, Presidential Spokesper“The AstraZeneca was delayed and equitable access to COVIDway that it did,” Ken said. “The son Harry Roque said health care because of global acute shortag- 19 vaccines for all countries. biggest lesson I’ve learned is workers “celebrated” during the es and logistical challenges,” he The Philippines is aiming to always cherish your loved ones ceremonial vaccination. vaccinate 50 to 70 million Filipisaid Monday. because you don’t what’s going “Naging napakatagumpay po Meanwhile, COVID-19 jabs nos in 2021, with up to 200,000 to happen.” (Christina M. Oriel / ng day one ng ating national from Pfizer would arrive by the individuals receiving jabs every Miguel (center) is survived by her husband Dodjie and sons Ken and Kyle.

COVID-19 vaccination program second quarter of the year.

Photos courtesy of Ken Miguel AJPress) day. n

PH starts COVID-19 vaccine...

EXPRESS YOURSELF. PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY.

MASK UP. Wear a mask to help keep your community healthy.

Take a risk with fashion, not your health. covid19.ca.gov

A4 March 3-5, 2021 • Socal aSIaN JOUrNaL

Dateline USa

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

Grocery workers in LA County to receive ‘hero pay’ What Biden’s US Citizenship Act of

per store, and which are part of a company that is either publicly traded or employs 300 or more THE Los Angeles County people nationwide.

Board of Supervisors passed The Los Angeles County Dean urgency and temporary or- partment of Consumer and dinance on Tuesday, February Business Affairs (DCBA) will ac23 that requires larger grocery cept and investigate claims from retail and drug retail stores lo- workers of alleged violations of cated in the unincorporated ar- the ordinance, which will be in eas of the county to pay their effect for 120 days beginning employees no less than $5-per- Friday, February 26. hour hazard pay in addition to “We understand that both the employee’s base wage. workers and businesses are The new temporary “Hero faced with significant chalPay” Ordinance applies only to lenges during this ongoing pangrocery stores, drug stores, or demic and we are here to help,” large retailers that sell grocer- said Rafael Carbajal, director of ies or drug products in the unin- the LA County Department of corporated areas of the county, Consumer and Business Affairs. with more than 10 employees “Our role is to enforce the ‘Hero

by aJPress

Pay’ ordinance and to ensure that workers know their rights and that businesses understand their responsibilities and remain in compliance.”

Workers must work at least two hours in a one-week period physically within a grocery retail or drug retail store in any unincorporated area of the County to be entitled to the new LA County “Hero Pay.” Workers or business owners seeking more information about LA County’s new temporary “Hero Pay” Ordinance can contact DCBA by phone at (800) 593-8222, by email at heropay@ dcba.lacounty.gov or by visiting the website at dcba.lacounty. gov/heropay. n

After House approval, US Senate prepares...

PAGE A1

As such, the Senate is expected to make major changes to the bill and undergo a marathon voting session where any senator who wishes to force an amendment vote will be allowed to do so.

Because the Senate is likely going to impose major changes to the bill, it will need another pass for approval in the House

before it is sent to Biden’s desk for final approval.

The president’s sweeping coronavirus relief plan includes the $1,400 stimulus checks that will be sent to taxpayers who make up to $75,000 a year and married couples who make up to $150,000 in their combined yearly income.

It also extends COVID-19

unemployment benefits and imposes bigger tax breaks for households with kids. It also creates a federal task force to oversee and streamline vaccine distribution, provides additional funding for schools to prepare for a return back to the classroom and expands aid to small businesses that have been financially affected. n

California’s $6.6 billion school re-opening plan...

PAGE A1 set to receive $8 billion in federal funding to re-open schools, and may receive additional funding in the proposed $1.9 trillion COVID relief package.

Schools are set to re-open even in the state’s most-restrictive purple tier. Schools will likely operate over summer to catch students up with coursework missed during the year of remote learning.

“We cannot re-open the state’s economy until you safely re-open schools,” said Newsom, noting that positive testing rates have dropped to 2.4%, from a high of over 9% at the start of the year.

Hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions have also dropped by 41%. More than 9 million people in California have received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine — which requires two doses for full efficacy — and more people are expected to be vaccinated as the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which only requires one shot and was approved Feb. 27, rolls out.

For school personnel, 75,000 doses of the vaccine have been set aside. Additionally, the state will run a mega-vaccination event only for school personnel on March 4 and 5, using FEMA super-sites.

The plan was unveiled after weeks of negotiations with the state’s teacher’s unions, the governor’s office, and members of the state Legislature. Late last year, Newsom had released his ‘Safe Schools For All’ plan, which was thrashed by the state’s teachers’ unions and state legislators.

Sen. Richard Pan, a Democrat who chairs the state Senate’s health committee, said the plan represented a deep compromise between the Legislature and the Governor’s office. “As a pediatrician, I know that kids are suffering anxiety, depression, and isolation.”

“We need to make up for delays and keep our students on track, but we also know that our teachers are concerned about family members who may be at greater risk of exposure (to COVID),” he said, during a press

briefing at Franklin Elementary School in the Elk Grove Unified School District. Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon also attended the briefing along with members of the state Legislature.

AB 86 and SB 86, which formalize the plan, are set for a vote March 4. At press time, the California School Employees Association had not released a statement on the plan.

The California Teachers Association released a statement Feb. 23, noting that the state Legislature had heeded its recommendations. “Vaccinating teachers and education support professionals, coupled with the multi-layered safety protocols, including testing, Personal Protective Equipment, six-feet social distancing, sanitization, proper ventilation, testing and contact tracing are all key to protecting students and their families as well as educators and school staff,” said CTA President E. Toby Boyd. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services contributing editor)

2021 will do for family immigration

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

WHEN Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Rep. Linda Sanchez of California first introduced the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 in Congress on Feb. 18, the general consensus among immigration activists was mixed.

Some criticized the bill — which largely calls for reviews and not immediate repeals of the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump — for not being proactive enough.

But many saw the bill as a win, the first step into what Democrats are calling a more “humane” immigration plan.

“What the immigrant community was just put through these last four years was beyond cruel,” Menendez said in a virtual press conference unveiling the bill. “Trump assailed DREAMERS and [Temporary Protected Status] holders to strip their legal status. He slashed legal channels of immigration into our country.

He stole from our military to pour billions into an ineffective border wall. And instead of addressing the root causes of migration, he cut off aid to Central America.”

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the sweeping immigration bill seeks to address the many facets of immigration policy from improving border security technology and expanding the asylum program to protecting employee-based immigration and creating an eight-year fast-track to citizenship for about 11 million undocumented people.

The bill also includes the Reuniting Families Act, which addresses the exorbitant backlog in granting visas through family-based and employment-based programs.

Chinese American U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-C.A.) first introduced the measure in 2019 and seeks to strengthen and modernize family-based petitioning, the most common way that Asian immigrants reunite with their families in the U.S.

According to John Yang, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, about 70% of Asians who migrate to the United States opt for family-based immigration and have done so since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which established family-based immigration.

However, since family-based visa caps have not risen since 1990, leading to an extreme backlog in processing these visas for the exponentially growing Asian community in the U.S. Currently, there are 1.7 undocumented Asian immigrants living in the U.S., many of whom are frontline workers in the health, food and emergency industries, Yang pointed out.

“The importance of immigration policy for Asian Americans — and for Americans as a whole — cannot be understated,” Yang said at a press briefing on Feb. 24, referencing census data that projects that Asian Americans will make up the largest community of immigrants in the U.S. by 2055.

Currently, there are about 4 million immigrants stuck in these backlogs; additionally, more than 1 million with H1-B visas are “stuck in temporary status,” Yang said.

Based on current patterns of immigration, about 40% of immigrants hail from Asia and about two-thirds of Asians and Asian Americans are immigrants.

About 90% are either immigrants or children of immigrants.

Yet, immigrants from the Philippines are among the groups that have the longest wait times for processing, along with those from Mexico, China, India and Vietnam, Yang said.

The Trump administration — among its many restrictive immigration policies and practices — included gutting family-based petitioning in favor of more merit-based employment visas, the beneficiaries of which the administration saw as more of a priority.

A majority of immigrants from

Asia who are able to come to the U.S. on employment-based visas come from the tech and telecommunications space, but according to Chu, prioritizing one immigration program over another puts families at risk because it narrowly favors individuals who possess certain education and employment credentials over others.

“Prioritizing merit-based or employment-based visas at the expense of family-based visas is counterproductive,” Chu said at the press conference. “In reality, family and employment visas are linked; people with high skills also have families and they are motivated to come to the U.S. if they can also bring their families. Immigrants on familybased visas contribute greatly to the economy, they go on to start businesses and create jobs and only allowing certain people with higher education would put other industries at a disadvantage.”

Though in the past certain immigration reform bills have garnered bipartisan support, the likelihood of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 passing nervously hangs in the balance as Democrats hold thin majorities in both chambers of Congress.

The bill would require at least 10 Republican votes to bypass a Senate filibuster and advance the bill to a final vote.

But Republicans have criticized the bill for being too lax on border security and argue that the broad pathway to citizenship will encourage illegal immigration.

Upon the first introduction of the bill, both Sanchez and Menendez said that there will be a possibility of alternative approaches to ensure the bill has bipartisan support.

“We are pursuing an ‘all of the above strategy,” Sanchez told reporters in February. “All options are on the table, and we hope to pass robust immigration reform, but there are other great immigration bills that we also will be taking up and hopefully passing as well.” n

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH detects first cases of COVID-19 variant first seen in South Africa

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — The more contagious COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa has reached the Philippines, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

The Philippine Genome Center detected six cases of B.1.351, or the variant that was first seen in South Africa in December last year, when it conducted genome sequencing of samples from 350 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19.

The agency said three are considered local cases, two are returning overseas Filipinos (ROF).

It is verifying if the sixth case is a local case or an ROF. Here are the details about the cases: • 61-year-old female from Pasay City, active case being managed by the city • 39-year-old male from Pasay City, active case being managed by the City • 40-year-old male, already recovered • ROF who arrived from United Arab Emirates • ROF who arrived from Qatar Higher transmissibility, impact on vaccine efficacy Viruses, like the SARS-CoV-2, mutate all the time. As a consequence, the emergence of new variants is expected. Variant refers to the changed virus of the original virus.

Since its emergence late last

year, the variant first seen in South Africa has spread to at least 48 countries.

The detection of the new variant comes as the Philippines begins its vaccination campaign against COVID-19 with Sinovac shots donated by the Chinese government.

The B.1.351 variant carries a mutation called N501Y, which also appears in the B.1.1.7. variant, or the more infectious variant found in the United Kingdom.

It also carries another mutation called E484K, which may help the virus dodge some kinds of antibodies.

“While there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe disease, the pattern of mutations within this variant suggests higher transmissibility and may have an impact on vaccine efficacy,” the DOH said.

Last month, South Africa halted the use of the vaccine developed

by British Swedish firm AstraZeneca after preliminary showed the vaccine offered less protection against B.1.351.

CNN reported that a study suggests that Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine can protect people against the variant first seen in South Africa. It also reported that Moderna found there was a reduction in the antibody response to viruses genetically engineered to look like B.1.351 but it was not enough of a reduction to make the jab any less effective.

According to a Reuters report, the Butantan Biomedical Center in Brazil found the vaccine of China’s Sinovac Biotech effective against the variants that first emerged in the UK and South Africa.

More cases of UK variant Thirty additional cases of the variant first detected in the United Kingdom were also recorded, bringing to 87 the total number of B.1.1.7 cases in the Philippines.

Of the 30 additional cases, 20 are ROFs who came from the Middle East, Singapore and the United States between January 20 and February 16. Thirteen of them are asymptomatic active cases, while seven have now recovered.

Three more cases were found in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

“One case is currently active and is admitted to a hospital, one has recovered, and one is a reported fatality. The linkage of the 3 local cases to previously reported B.1.1.7 variant cases in the region is currently being investigated,” the department said.

The DOH also reported two additional samples from Central Visayas were found to have both N501Y and E484K mutations.

The country has been logging over 2,000 COVID-19 additional cases for five consecutive days.

To date, 578,381 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, including 12,322 deaths. n

‘TAHO’ BREAK. A boy and his father sip “taho”, a local drink made of fresh soft or silken tofu, “arnibal” (sugar syrup), and “sago” (tapioca pearls) while relaxing at the Marikina River Park in Marikina City). A cup of “taho” costs between P5 and P20, depending on its serving size.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCh 3-5, 2021

A5

Four of 10 Filipino students lack distance learning tech

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

FROM JUNK TO CASH. A group of men brings recyclable items to a junkshop along Congressional Road in Dasmarinas City, Cavite. Aside from contributing to environmental protection, people can earn by selling recyclable materials to junk shops.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Anti-terrorism law debates weigh state interest vs freedom of expression

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Petitioners have come to the Supreme Court to assail the anti-terrorism law that they said infringe on the people’s freedom of expression, among other rights, but a magistrate asked: How about the State’s interest?

In the resumption of the oral arguments on the Anti-Terrorism Act petitions on Tuesday, Associate Justice Mario Lopez asked University of the Philippines Constitutional law professor John Molo this.

Lopez, a known expert on criminal law, pointed out that there are 14 titles under the Revised Penal Code, which explains the nature of the crime.

He asked Molo: Now, in facial challenge petitions what are the nature of the crimes involved?

Facial challenges, or a petition contending the the law is unconstitutional on its face, were mounted in the 2014 case of Imbong vs Ochoa on the Reproductive Health law and in the landmark 2014 case of Disini vs Secretary of Justice on the Cybercrime Prevention Act. In the Imbong case, Lopez said that since falsification is involved, it would fall under crimes

against public interest and if it involves abortion, than it would be crime against a person.

In Disini, it may fall as a crime against public order but more specifically, it involves a crime against public interest, the justice said, since social media is involved, it would cover the interest of the public.

“So you are saying that [Imbong] and Disini, these cases are applicable to the Anti-Terrorism Act? The void for vagueness rule, because if involves freedom of expression?” Lopez asked.

Molo added: The ATA covers the fundamental rights of the people too.

In the separate interpellation of Justice Samuel Gaerlan of UP Criminal law professor Theodore Te, the former asked whether he would place freedom of expression above the freedom to peace, safety and security.

Te said that the SC itself had said that freedom of expression occupies a preferential right.

He added that when a law transgresses on the face of freedom of expression, the state bears the burden to prove that the law is constitutional.

Strict scrutiny test As the tense interpellation of Lopez continued, the jus-

tice pressed Molo: What is the nature of the crime involved in anti-terrorism law?

That would be crimes against national security, the justice said, and in the SC jurisprudence, “never did we use that void for vagueness use in crimes involving national security.”

“Since this involves a crime against national security, it is more than the fundamental rights why because what is affected in crimes against national security is not only the people’s right… what is involved is the right of the people the state’s rights to its sovereignty, to its government and that of its territory,” Lopez said.

“In other words, here, speaking of crimes against national security, the main issue is not the presence of that right of freedom of expression but rather the compelling state interest to justify that freedom of expression that you are now invoking before this court,” he added.

But Molo raised that when compelling state interest is involved, narrow tailoring should be considered. This is part of the strict scrutiny test, which applies when the challenged law results in “suspect classification.” u PAGE A7

MANILA — About four in 10 Filipino students do not have any devices needed for distance learning, according to a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The poll, taken from Nov. 21 to 25 last year, found only 58% of enrolled school-age – fiveto 20-year-old – Filipinos who are using devices for distance learning.

These devices were already owned (27%), bought (12%), borrowed (10%), given (nine%) or rented (0.3%), the SWS said.

The remaining 42% said they do not use devices for distance learning.

Among the 13% who bought or rented devices for distance learning, 79% got a smartphone, 13% got a desktop or laptop, five% got a TV and three% got a tablet.

The use of devices for distance learning was highest in Metro Manila at 96%.

It was followed by balance Luzon at 64%, the Visayas at 43% and Mindanao at 41%.

The%age of those who use already owned devices was higher in Metro Manila and balance Luzon (36% and 30%) than in the Visayas and Mindanao (20% and 23%).

Only four% of students in Metro Manila said they do not use devices for distance learning, much lower compared to more than half in the Visayas (56%) and Mindanao (58%) and more than a third in balance Luzon (36%).

SWS noted that the use of devices is more common among students in urban areas (67%) than among students in rural areas (49%).

SWS said the question on the means of acquiring devices for distance learning was directed to the household head.

The use of devices for distance learning is positively correlated with the household head’s educational attainment, it added.

The %age of those who use devices is highest among students whose household head is a college graduate at 74%.

It was 67% among students whose household head has only some college education, 52% among students whose household head only has some junior high school and 35% among

The poll, taken from Nov. 21 to 25 last year, found only 58 percent of enrolled school-age – five- to 20-year-old – Filipinos who are using devices for distance learning.

Philstar.com photo

household whose household has some elementary education.

The survey also showed that families that bought devices spent an average of P8,687 per student.

The median amount is P6,800.

The survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults, 18 years old and above, nationwide.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented blended learning for the school year 2020-2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, senators are seeking the immediate launch of pilot tests of localized and limited face-to-face classes in low-risk areas to avert further learning losses and other adverse social, developmental and health costs linked to prolonged school closures.

Sens. Sherwin Gatchalian, Nancy Binay, Francis Pangilinan, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara filed Senate Resolution No. 668, recommending that the pilot tests start in 1,065 public schools nationwide identified

by DepEd in its risk assessment.

The senators said the pilot tests, which should follow the most stringent mitigation measures and health protocols, will help the DepEd gather on-theground evidence and design its framework for the safe reopening of schools.

While studies abroad show

that schools are not the source of COVID-19 outbreaks, Gatchalian cited the need to gather local evidence that will give reassurance to learners, parents and other stakeholders in the education sector.

A global study of 191 countries, for instance, showed that there is no association between school status and COVID-19 infection rates in the community.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also emphasized that the return to in-person classes is possible as long as mitigation measures such as the wearing of face masks, physical distancing and increased room ventilation, among others, are observed.

Despite DepEd’s efforts to foster learning continuity while face-to-face classes are still not allowed, the quality of distance learning is still hounded by challenges such as limited preparations for educators, parents and learners.

Unreliable and expensive information and communications technology services are other gaps exposed in the rollout of blended learning.

To prevent adult-to-adult transmission in schools, the senators also recommended the prioritization of teachers in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Philippines is the only country in the East and Asia Pacific Region where schools have remained closed since March 2020. n

problem DEALING WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS? We’ll take it.*

A6 MARCH 3-5, 2021 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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

FeatUres

OPiniOn

Body cameras

LONG before the COVID pandemic, agencies involved in the campaign against illegal drugs had been talking about the procurement of body cameras for use by their operatives. The devices are meant to promote transparency amid criticism of the brutal way the war on drugs has been carried out.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency procured 100 body cameras together with 20 aerial surveillance drones back in 2018. PDEA agents underwent training in May of that year on the use of the equipment.

Media workers accompanying PDEA teams during operations were also required to use body cameras.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police procured 2,696 body cameras, to be used for all its operations and not just against illegal drugs. Training on the use of the cameras began only last Friday, involving members of the National Capital Region Police Office. The waterproof camera can record video for up to eight hours. Its configuration cannot be altered and it cannot be switched off by the police officer until his or her duty ends.

It’s unfortunate that neither the PDEA nor the PNP considered using the body cameras for the

anti-drug operation that resulted in a shootout between members of the two agencies in a fast-food outlet last week in Quezon City. Two policemen, a PDEA operative and a civilian allegedly serving as an informant were killed in the shootout that is now the subject of a probe by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Instead of body camera footage, what investigators have are video or photos of the shootout and its aftermath, taken by bystanders, by civilians caught in the crossfire, and by the Quezon City police officers who staged the drug sting. The use of body cameras would have made the search for the truth over what happened easier. Thousands of the cameras are now available for use. Both the police and PDEA should be reminded that the cameras are supposed to be used for law enforcement rather than for taking selfies. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Spring forward: Vaccine supply for every adult in the US by end of May The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SPRING comes early with great news that brings us closer to our collective aspiration to defeat COVID-19, so we can go back toward “normalcy” and rebuild our lives and our nation.

President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday, March 2 that the United States will have the vaccine supply we need to cover ALL adults in the country by the end of May, which brings us two months ahead of his previously announced target to vaccinate almost all Americans by the end of July.

In a televised message, Biden broke the news that two competing companies in the fields of health care and pharmaceuticals — Johnson and Johnson and Merck — have joined together to help produce more of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine that was authorized for emergency use over the week-

end.

As CBS News reported, “Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine has been shown to provide 85% protection against severe COVID-19 by 28 days after vaccination. Among people who got the vaccine in clinical trials, there were no COVID-related deaths.”

This vaccine will augment the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that were approved earlier.

This has been made possible by having a true leader who uses the power of the Office of the President of the United States and the National Defense Production Act to truly help the lives of people to defeat COVID19. Biden announced in his televised message that he will use the act to accelerate the production of equipment, machinery and supplies.

This will also help fulfill the aspiration “to get the country’s public school system back up and running for in-person learning nearly 10 months after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered classrooms for 50 million children,” one of Biden’s initiatives on Day One of his presidency, U.S. News reported.

On Biden’s first full day in of-

fice, the administration rolled out a plan which stated: ”The United States is committed to ensuring that students and educators are able to resume safe, in-person learning as quickly as possible, with the goal of getting a majority of K-8 schools safely open in 100 days.

Biden’s executive order gave the Education Department and Department of Health and Humans Services with the mandate “to provide guidance on how to reopen safely for inperson learning and operate in a way that allows schools to stay open”. This collaboration would “produce a Safer Schools and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse to share lessons learned from across the country,” U.S. News further reported.

Tuesday’s announcement by the president is a step toward this direction. Biden is asking states to prioritize vaccinating not only essential workers, but also “teachers, childcare workers and school staff through the administration’s partnership with pharmacies, although the president cannot make states prioritize educators. Mr. Biden

said he wants all such educators and support staff to have at least one vaccine shot by the end of March,” CBS News reported.

The president has warned in January that in this war against the pandemic, the situation” could go worse before it gets better.” However, the “war time effort” of the Biden administration gives us much to be hopeful about. We have been seeing positive developments that indicate we can go back to “normalcy” if we ALL work together and do our share of responsibility, especially in light of the new variants we have yet to know more about.

Given the generally downward trend in new cases, hospitalization and deaths, many states, including California, have downgraded their restrictions based on science and data. However, Biden urges Americans in his speech to continue abiding by safety measures of wearing masks, physical distancing, avoiding crowds and practicing hygiene like washing our hands, using sanitizers to mitigate the spread of the virus.

While getting vaccinated protects us at best or at least pre-

A shot in the arm against COVID-19 On the Record GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM AFTER one of the most challenging years of our lives, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel— the COVID-19 vaccines are here, and my administration is working to ensure that no community is left behind.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They are our best hope to end the pandemic.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is free, even if you’re undocumented or don’t have health insurance.

After the federal government authorized the use of the vaccines back in December, our own Western States Scientific Safety Review Group confirmed that the vaccines are safe. The Panel includes nationally acclaimed scientists, many from California, with expertise in public health.

Although supplies of the vaccine are limited right now, we’re working in close partnership with the federal government to get more vaccines into the state.

And we’re working hard to build a system for swiftly and safely vaccinating Californians with equity at the forefront.

While supply of vaccine is constrained, we’re prioritizing vaccines for the Californians most at risk--including healthcare work-

ers, individuals 65 and older, and workers in education and childcare, emergency services and food and agriculture. That means grocery store workers, restaurant workers, farmworkers, those who work in food processing facilities and many others may now be prioritized. And we’re working to ensure that the communities most impacted by COVID-19--so often the communities of color and essential workers who have been sustaining us through this crisis--can access the vaccine.

We’re investing in communitybased organizations and partnering with trusted messengers who have been providing critical services and information to California’s diverse communities during the pandemic so that they can help educate, motivate and activate people to get vaccinated when it’s their turn. We’re also building messaging through a public education campaign, creating in-language content with cultural humility and meeting Californians where they are—literally, through the mobile vaccination sites that have deployed throughout the state to community centers, places of worship and health clinics.

Vaccination sites are being set up throughout the state, and we’re working closely with community partners to make sure that vaccines are distributed to those who have been hit the hardest by this virus.

You may see people in uniform or police protecting vaccine sites. They are here to help Cali-

fornians get vaccinated and are not immigration officials.

The federal government, under President Biden, has confirmed that they will not conduct immigration enforcement operations at or near vaccine sites or clinics.

You should not be asked about your immigration status when you get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Also, your medical information is private and cannot be shared with immigration officials. And, vaccinations do not count under the public charge rule.

All Californians can sign up on myturn.ca.gov to be notified when they are eligible for a vaccine. Eligible individuals in several counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno and San Francisco, can also use My Turn to schedule an appointment, with more counties expected to begin using My Turn for scheduling in the coming weeks. My Turn is also accessible via a toll-free hotline at 1833-422-4255. Operators speak English and Spanish, and thirdparty interpretation is also available in 250+ languages. You can also ask your physician or your pharmacy about scheduling an appointment.

After you’ve been vaccinated, it’s still important to wear a mask, wash your hands often and continue to stay six feet apart to protect others in your community who have not yet been vaccinated.

I encourage every Californian to get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn. Together, we can end the pandemic.

vents us from having deadly symptoms, we still need to practice these safety measures, especially wearing masks.

Gregory Poland, M.D., a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group, explains three important reasons to wear masks and practice all safety measures: “Number one, while the vaccine reduces your risk, it does not eliminate the risk of being exposed to having the disease and asymptomatically transmitting the virus to others,” says Dr. Poland. “Remember that even the best of these vaccines is about 90%–95% effective, meaning, you might still have a 1 in 10 or 1 in 20 chance of being exposed and getting the disease. So the mask is protecting you.”

The third reason is related to these new mutant variants and other variants still to come.

“The vaccine might protect you against death, but maybe your protection against disease ends up being about 50%– 60%,” says Dr. Poland. “If that’s true, then we still want to wear masks to prevent disease and

prevent the spread of those variants which could then mutate further causing even more infections.”

If you have family and friends in Texas and Mississippi, or have family members who, because of financial priorities and because of defiance of science and facts, hastily go back to pre-COVID days, urge them to continue wearing masks, practice physical distancing, avoid crowds, wash their hands and get vaccinated. This is all for their own safety and for the greater good so we can all go back to “normalcy” faster.

Finally, call your senators to vote for the passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that the House of Representatives just passed. Biden said in his message: “Now’s not the time to let our guard down, people’s lives are at stake. We have already, and I carry this in my pocket, lost more… As of today, we’ve lost more than 511,839 Americans, as of today. It’s got to stop. We need the United States Senate to follow the House and pass the American Rescue Plan, because

u PAGE A7

To vax or not to vax Commentary

ENRIQUE

DE LA CRUZ

THE vaccines are finally here!

And they are excellent at preventing symptoms from COVID-19, including those severe and lifethreatening cases that require hospitalization. I am grateful for having received my two doses since the vaccine is still in short supply. Friends in our circle who have received it are happy. But others have expressed hesitancy, a worrying trend.

From conversations, some have raised moral and faith considerations for their reluctance.

The moral issue appears to derive from a belief that the vaccine involves the use of material from aborted fetuses, like stem cells and fetal cells. This is disinformation. From the manufacturers’ and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites, no COVID-19 vaccines contain whole or partial human cells, or bits of human tissue. The vaccines of Pfizer and Moderna were developed using mRNA technology. It does not contain stem cells.

Neither does the technology depend on prior research involving stem cells. Some vaccines that do not involve the use of mRNA technology may have been developed in part from prior research involving stem cells.

For those that do, religious leaders in major faith groups have determined that the current vaccines are sufficiently morally removed from the initial act of acquiring these cells, thus the vaccines themselves do not impose a moral burden on those who receive them. In Rome, many ancient roads were built by slaves; they are still in use today by the faithful. But their use now is morally distant from the practices of roman slavery and does not carry moral burdens as long as it does not result in slavery.

There is also this allegation that vaccination will “mark” people with “the mark of the beast” or the devil as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The only basis I can think of for this absurd theory is the fact that a substance called luciferace may have been used in COVID-19 research. Luciferace is not a component in COVID-19 vaccines. And this term is not derived from “Lucifer” a name that designates the Devil in Christian theology. Luciferace,is derived from a latin term that means light-bearing. It denotes a substance that enables fireflies to emit light on summer nights.

Only the most malevolent can think of linking the biblical beast to a substance whose Latin name denotes the bearer of light, and to a vaccine that saves lives.

When we told friends that we obtained appointments to be vaccinated some were anxious about side effects, especially health-threatening side effects.

We received our second dose a

week ago. For me, getting the first dose gave me just a very slight soreness at the jab point that lasted for less than a day.

The second dose had more noticeable side effects, but none serious enough to take me out of my normal day’s activities. I felt more soreness at the jab pint.

Plus a sense of lethargy a couple of days afterward, a feeling that I would normally associate with having had only a few hours of sleep. A couple of friends had relatively more bothersome side effects. One experienced flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever and muscle aches), while another had to sleep off these symptoms for a couple of days.

While not everyone in our circle has been vaccinated — only “seniors” like us, and those in health care — we have yet to hear of side effects worth talking about. No one has had to be hospitalized from the vaccine.

On the other hand, many in our circle have experienced the disease. Four had to be hospitalized, and we know of folks dying from it.

As for other possible side effects, there is a rather high confidence level among health professionals that the vaccine is safe and that serious side effects are extremely rare. They can be managed through monitoring procedures by having you wait half an hour at the vaccination site before allowing you to leave. Getting vaccinated is therefore safe in that one will be monitored, for possible health-threatening side

u PAGE A7

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

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

US HEADQUARTERS: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCh 3-5, 2021

A7

Senator seeks tougher law vs sexual abuse

by Bernadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

SENATOR Ana Theresia Hontiveros has sought a law that will further protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.

The senator recently filed Senate Bill (SB) 2068, or the proposed “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (Anti-Osaec) Law,” to strengthen the protection of children against online sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Due to [apparent] negligence [of concerned authorities], the Philippines has become a global hotspot for Osaec,” Hontiveros la-

mented.

“Our women and youth have long become victims [of online sexual exploitation]. The social media and internet worsened it,” she said.

According to the International Justice Mission, 86 percent of victims of online sexual exploitation of children were female while 14 percent were male.

“Even before the rise of technological advances, our country has been a destination for sexual offenders, who would target or manipulate women and children, especially those from impoverished areas,” the senator said.

SB 2068 amends the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 and the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009, as these laws “do not capture the extraordinary features of Osaec and these are not responsive to the protection needed by using the internet,” she explained.

The bill seeks to penalize those who willfully subscribe to, join or support an internet address that hosts Osaec content; those who hire, employ or pay a facilitator to stream sexual abuse of children; and those who knowingly benefit from the commission of Osaec, among many others. n

20 million register for national ID system

by Louise

maureen Philstar.com

simeon

MANILA — More than 20 million Filipinos have pre-registered for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and the government is eyeing to reach 70 million citizens.

Project implementer Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) yesterday said a total of 20.133 million Filipinos completed the first step of registration for the national ID system.

This involves the house-to-

house collection of demographic information of low-income households and appointment setting for the second step.

The PSA started the pre-registration in October in 32 provinces considered low-risk areas for COVID-19.

Statistician Dennis Mapa said the PSA is targeting to register 70 million Filipinos by yearend.

Target registrants include vulnerable groups identified by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infec-

tious Diseases such as health workers, senior citizens, indigents and uniformed personnel.

Mapa said operations for the second step continue to roll out HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE. Fresh vegetables being sold by ambulant vendors along the Marikina River Park on Tuesday, March 2 make it easy on a gradual, small-scale basis in for customers as they don’t have to go to the city’s public market. More buyers are drawn to buying vegetables due to the rising prices of pork and chicken products.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja all 32 provinces.

This involves validation of supporting documents and capture of biometric information such as fingerprints and iris scans in registration centers.

The third and final step in- PAGE A6 stay ahead of emerging variants, board and staff. volves the issuance of the Phil- despite the optimism, without find the protective gear, trans*** Sys number and ID. n new resources, our entire effort portation, staffing, and other Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public will be set back. We need the costs required for school and service and educational broadcasting since resources, the American Rescue businesses to open safely. We 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the need to fund it. The bottom line Filipino audience using different platforms, Plan, and we need it urgently.

We need them expanding test- is, we need the American Rescue including digital broadcasting, and print, and petitioners. Lopez took nearly an ing, ramp up vaccine distribu- Plan now, now.” is working on a new public service program for hour of Tuesday’s session. the community. You may contact her through *** tion, fund FEMA and other fedOral debates will continue on eral vaccine efforts, and continue email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints March 9, with Solicitor General reimbursing states for their ef- expressed by the author do not necessarily message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Jose Calida set to present the forts. We need the resources to reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Santos.Relos. government’s defense. n expand genomic sequencing, to the Asian Journal, its management, editorial

Anti-terrorism law debates weigh...

PAGE A5 “To pass strict scrutiny, the government must actively show that the classification established in the law is justified by a compelling governmental interest and the means chosen by the State to effectuate its purpose must be narrowly tailored to the achievement of that goal,” former Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro’s Separate Opinion in Garcia vs Drilon read.

But Lopez pushed that there is national state security involved in the ATA, and there may be a “higher level of scrutiny more than strict scrutiny test.”

Molo stressed that under strict scrutiny, the state is put under test especially when it chose unconstitutional means. He tried to elaborate but Lopez cut him and just told him that he would be given a chance to rebut.

Not, as it turned out, in the oral arguments, but in a written memorandum they will file after the debates.

“Professor, dakdak ka naman nang dakdak (you keep on chattering), mamaya in-anticipate mo na naman lahat ng sinasabi

ko eh (you’re trying to anticipate what I’ll say). If you disgharee, I will give you a chance and this is your chance after I have said everything). File your memorandum to that effect after the solicitor general said his piece.

Hindi tayo matatapos (We will not finish) if I let you talk and talk. Tama? Thank you, professor,” the justice said.

Lopez went on: “’Yun lang ang gusto kong sabihin, yung point ng husgado iniintindi namin kayo, eh yung pagkaintindi naming, ibigay nyo rin sa amin, so kung ano ang pagkaintindi nyo sa batas and we cannot take those things here in the oral arguments because we have a limited time.”

(That’s the only thing that I want to say, the point of justices.

We are trying to understand you, then you must also give us our understanding. So, however, you understand the law, we cannot take those things here in the oral arguments because we have a limited time.)

The oral arguments wrapped up past 6 p.m., after more than four hours of interpellation of the

To vax or not to vax

PAGE A6 effects right at the vaccination sites where emergency medical personnel are on standby just in case.

In the many conversations we have had on the Covid vaccine, a major concern revolves around the unknowns “Even if there is only a 1% chance of harmful side effects, what if I am in that 1%?”

To really objectively evaluate risks, I suggest we think much more broadly about the risks that we navigate through in our daily lives. For example, if we drive a car there is always a risk that we may get into a serious accident but we go on driving anyway. We all know of folks who have been in accidents. I had an officemate who was killed in one. We try to minimize the risks of serious injury by wearing a seatbelt; it is not a guarantee against serious injury, should we get into a crash, but it does minimize the risks of serious injury.

Think of what happens during the annual flu season. If we interact with people at work, at social gatherings, and at public places, there is a good chance that at some point during the season, we might get the flu. To minimize these, health professionals urge us, especially those who are most likely to suffer adversely from it, to get the flu shot. Again, that seasonal flu shot is not a guarantee that we will not get the flu. We know that in some years, the flu shot has not been very effective against the flu strain making the rounds.

The vaccine against COVID-19 is like the flu shot. It protects us against the debilitating and lifethreatening symptoms of the virus. The vaccines available to Americans from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech, are said to be 95% effective. This is as close to a guarantee as one could possibly get.

Let us now look at the other side of the coin, the possible harmful side effects of the vaccine. There are plenty of publications from reputable sources — the CDC, John Hopkins, Michigan University Health, to mention a few — that attest to the minimal risks of getting vaccinated. I urge our readers to explore them.

As a reality check, the risks of harmful vaccine side effects must be compared against the risks of contracting COVID and suffering

horribly from it, including death.

Even a cursory glance at the numbers comparing the vaccine’s harmful side effects against the risks of contracting COVID and dying, the figures unequivocally show that the risks of contracting COVID and dying are vastly higher than the risks of serious vaccine side effects. To provide a context, the 500,000 plus deaths from COVID in the U.S. today is like having people dying from the 9/11 attack daily for six months.

The vaccine’s side effects, especially those serious medical conditions that could result in death, are considered rare. Nonetheless, as mentioned above, people are required to wait half an hour after receiving the vaccine since serious side effects are most likely to show up shortly after getting vaccinated. While unlikely, vaccination sites have medical personnel on standby to address any medical emergency. Having flu-like symptoms is much more likely than life-threatening side effects.

These flu-like symptoms, by the way, are temporary, while death from COVID is permanent.

In Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, “To be, or Not to be,” he thinks about living or death, and observes that we would rather “suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” than challenge the unknown, death and beyond; the fear of death, he says, makes cowards of all of us.

Does the matter of getting vaccinated against COVID rise to this level? Life or death, and our fear of the unknown making cowards of us?

Is death by COVID preferable to the pain, suffering, and the joys of living? Unfortunately, with COVID, one may have both pain and suffering before death.

The way to struggle against it is to get vaccinated. In doing so, we reduce risks for our community, our families, and ourselves. The vaccine offers a pathway from the darkness of the pandemic to the dawn where we might once again get on with our lives. Let’s get it! *** 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.

••• Enrique de la Cruz is Professor Emeritus of Asian American Studies at Cal State University, Northridge.

Spring forward: Vaccine supply for...

A8 March 3-5, 2021 • Socal aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

seafood city fpfc

1 The

Asian Journal

mdwk The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 3, 2021

Wednesday MARCH 3, 2021

mAGAZINE

asianjournalpublications

@asianjournalcom

@asianjournal

www.asianjournal.com Los Angeles | Las Vegas | Orange County/Inland Empire | Northern California | New York/New Jersey

Mission to Mars: Fil-Am NASA engineers play key roles in Perseverance rover landing

by Christina

A

M. Oriel and ritChel MendiOla / AJPress

FTER a seven-month-long journey, NASA’s Perseverance rover made its historic landing on Mars in mid-February, ushering in a new era of exploration and study on the red planet.

Perseverance is touted as the “most advanced astrobiology laboratory ever sent to another world.” The mission was launched on July 30, 2020 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and touched down in Jezero Crater on Mars on February 18, 2021 at 12:55 p.m. PST. The 2,263-pound robotic geologist and astrobiologist, which is roughly the size of a car, will undergo several weeks of testing before it begins its two-year science investigation of the Jezero Crater. Its primary aim is to study the rock and sediment of Jezero’s ancient lakebed and river delta to characterize the region’s geology and past climate.

“This landing is one of those pivotal moments for NASA, the United States, and space exploration globally — when we know we are on the cusp of discovery and sharpening our pencils, so to speak, to rewrite the textbooks,” acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk said.

Several Filipino Americans were among the thousands of brilliant minds who played integral roles in the momentous landing. They include Gregorio Villar III, an entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems engi-

Marianne Gonzalez, a chemical engineer at NASA, was part of the team that built MOXIE, an oxygen measuring device inside the Perseverance Rover.

Contributed photo

Photo shows the first 360-degree panorama taken by Mastcam-Z, a zoomable pair of cameras aboard NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover.

The panorama was stitched together on Earth from 142 individual images taken on Sol 3, the third Martian day of the mission on Feb. 21, 2021.

Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS

neer, and Marianne Gonzalez, a chemical engineer. Both work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Gregorio Villar III The 33-year-old engineer has been with the space agency for over 12 years, working as an EDL systems engineer at JPL. His career highlights include directing a Mars parachute test campaign at the world’s largest wind tunnel, as well as leading a council of atmospheric scientists from institutions around the world to characterize the Martian atmosphere.

He also spent seven-and-ahalf years building and testing Continued on Page 2

Members of NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover team watch in Mission Control at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California as the first images arrive moments after the spacecraft successfully touched down on Mars on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Photo by NASA/Bill Ingalls

Gregorio Villar, an EDL engineer, was involved in assisting the safe landing of the rover.

Photo courtesy of NASA

2

entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 3, 2021

Mission to Mars: Fil-Am NASA engineers...

From Page 1 a system that would land a carsized rover on Mars.

To add more to his list of achievements, Villar is also the head verification and validation engineer for the EDL phase of Perseverance.

Villar credited his education in the Philippines for his NASA journey.

“I thank part of my education in the Philippines for that. I studied so much in the Philippines, my foundation in math and physics because of my teachers there in high school,” he said in an exclusive interview with Teleradyo.

Villar was born in the United States to Filipino parents, but he went to the Philippines when he was 13 years old to spend time with his father.

He studied high school at Saint Louis University-Laboratory High School in Baguio City, Philippines before moving back to the U.S. where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and a master’s degree in astronautical engineering from the University of Southern California.

A career-related to space has been a life-long dream for Villar, who grew up fascinated by science fiction films like “Apollo 13” and “Independence Day.” He wanted to be an astronaut, and the thought of going to Mars himself one day is what excites him about the Red Planet and space exploration.

“The dream is to go to space someday, maybe even Mars... It’s just cool right? Like another planet, like outer space.

Things that we grow up watching in movies like ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Star Wars.’ Just the idea of going to another planet is really really awesome,” Villar said.

As the EDL engineer of the Mars 2020 mission, the Fil-Am engineer was involved in assisting the safe landing of the rover.

It was a complicated process to land since it can be affected by a lot of factors, he said.

“It’s known as the ‘seven minutes of terror.’ That’s what entry, descent, and landing is.

We enter the atmosphere of Mars, we descend the atmosphere and we land,” he told Teleradyo.

The landing on the atmosphere of Mars causes friction to slow the rover down, prompting the team to release a large parachute called the supersonic parachute which is ejected faster than the speed of sound.

“After that, we separate the heat shield that covers the spacecraft. The Rover comes

Gonzalez hopes to inspire more women to enter STEM-related fields.

Contributed photo

Villar previously led the space agency’s Mars parachute tests in the world’s largest wind tunnel.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@gregoryvillar

down on rockets; it has its own jet pack. The jet pack lowers the Rover, it separates the Rover on its cables. It safely touches the ground, then the jet pack flies away,” explained Villar.

“All of that is extremely complicated with thousands of things happening left and right.

There’s so many things that can go wrong in those seven minutes. It’s extremely frightening, extremely nerve-racking,” he added.

Villar also revealed that he was not the only Filipino American who worked on the Mars 2020 mission.

“There are other Filipinos who worked on Perseverance as well. Not just me,” the engineer said.

Marianne Gonzalez Gonzalez, a 28-year-old second-generation Filipina American, has spent nearly six years at JPL as a chemical engineer.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from California State University, Long Beach and went on to pursue a master’s degree in the same field at the University of Southern California. After undergrad, she interned at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida before moving back to Southern California to join JPL.

She has made her mark on several agency projects, including: Mini Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (miniTOCA), a miniature water quality monitoring instrument that will be used to replace the current water analyzer on the International Space Station; the Hypervelocity Ice Gun (HIGS) project, which is developing a mass spectrometer based instrument that can look for signs of life from icy plumes of Europa or Enceladus; and the Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally (VITAL), a ventilator for COVID19 patients, which received approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

For Perseverance, Gonzalez was part of the team that built Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE), a device about the size of a car battery housed inside the rover.

She specifically helped deliver sensors to measure the gases in the device and created a model simulator of MOXIE to “understand how it would operate on Mars and to help decide what commands we should send it,” Gonzalez said in an email to the Asian Journal.

“It is going to demonstrate the autonomous production of oxygen on Mars from the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

We can potentially use the technology for future crewed

PECHANGA CELEBRATES LNY WITH LION DANCE. This last year has been different in so many ways. But if you celebrated Lunar New Year, Pechanga understands the importance and cultural significance of the occasion for so many in the Southern California community. The resort held a brief lion dance in an outdoor courtyard to bless the resort for the Year of the Ox. The blessing was not open to the public or spectators. The performers danced beautifully and safely. Pechanga remains committed to its stringent, comprehensive health and safety measures instituted since June 1. They hope to be able to fully celebrate Lunar New Year traditions like they have for many years in the past at Pechanga next year. Photos above show images from the Lion Dance ceremony and décor inside the resort/casino for the Year of the Ox. (Advertising Supplement)

missions to Mars to make rocket fuel,” she added.

Witnessing the successful landing on Feb. 18 was surreal and dreamlike, the Pinay engineer recounted.

“It is amazing to see something that I worked on for so long finally arrive at its destination. I felt so appreciative of the thousands of people who worked on this rover. We all did our part and are excited to see the rover finally start its mission on the surface of Mars; this is only the beginning. It felt

great to see the world celebrate with us and to see the public excited about science and space exploration,” she said.

After MOXIE, Gonzalez has several tasks on her plate, a spacecraft called Europa Clipper, which will visit a moon orbiting Jupiter to search for signs of life, and projects for the International Space Station to monitor life support systems for the astronauts.

She hopes that her career as a Filipina American and

woman of color at NASA will inspire others to pursue a maledominated field like STEM. She currently “As a Filipina and a minority in this field, it is easy to feel like you might not belong. I would encourage any aspiring Filipina engineers to work on building their confidence. Being a woman of color in a dominantly male field can be scary at times.

As long as you remind yourself about why you’re passionate about engineering, it makes it all worth it,” she said.

KZ Tandingan sings Disney’s first Filipino-language song for ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

FILIPINA singer KZ Tandingan will sing Disney’s first Filipino song for its upcoming animated film “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

Tandingan — dubbed “Asia’s Soul Supreme” — will be “lending her voice” for “Gabay,” which was described as a song about trust, strength, and unity, Disney Philippines revealed on Tuesday, March 2.

“Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan will be lending her remarkable voice to an allnew song titled ‘Gabay’ from Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. This first-ever Filipinolanguage track from Disney will be coming your way very soon.

Abangan!” it said in a tweet.

Disney Philippines on Monday announced that “Raya and the Last Dragon” will feature its first Filipino-language song, attaching a teaser photo of the mysterious Filipina singer.

“The first Filipino-language song from Disney, sung by one of the Philippines’ most powerful voices. Find out who she is tomorrow,” Disney Philippines said Monday across social media platforms.

Tandingan, for her part, said she was “very grateful” to sing the first-ever Disney track in Filipino for an international animated film.

“I am very grateful and I feel very proud to be singing in my language, and show off its beauty to the rest of the world. I am proud to be part of history,” she said in a statement sent to Philstar.com.

“I grew up watching Disney

“Asia’s Soul Supreme” KZ Tandingan sings “Gabay,” Disney’s first song in Filipino.

Photo from Instagram/@kztandingan

movies. Finally, there is a Disney Princess who I can feel a very strong connection to, and that is Raya as the first one inspired by Southeast Asia,” she added.

Set in the fantasy world of Kumandra, where long ago humans and dragons lived together in harmony, “Raya and the Last Dragon” — directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada — tells the story of Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), who embarks on an adventure to track down the legendary last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina), to restore the fractured land and unite its divided people.

Other cast members include Daniel Dae Kim as Raya’s father Benja; Gemma Chan who plays Raya’s nemesis Namaari; and Sandra Oh as

Virana, Namaari’s mother. “‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ is inspired by various Southeast Asian cultures and, as such, we found it fitting to launch ‘Gabay’ as a way for us to celebrate the film and connect with our Filipino fans,” said Allie Benedicto, studio marketing head of Disney Philippines. “‘Gabay,’ the first-ever Disney track sung in Filipino, demonstrates our commitment to work with local creative talents to tell our stories in a locally relevant manner,” she added.

“Gabay” is set to drop on Spotify on Friday, March 5.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” will be released in theaters and on Disney+ with Premiere Access for an additional $29.99 fee on March 5 as well.

When an unpaid credit card debt becomes a lawsuit control, perhaps you are getting nervous about what your creditors will do next. Can you be sued? Yes, you can be sued once your creditors are convinced that they have exhausted all other options to Atty. rAyMond force you to pay. Of course, BUlAon the benefit to be gained by suing you must outweigh the costs so the creditor will HAVE your credit card take that into consideration debts become so large that as well. But most delinquent you can’t even afford the accounts are turned over to minimum payments? Or perhaps you’re already behind collection agencies in high volumes which significantly and your accounts have been reduce the creditors’ litigation turned over to collections? costs. Smaller companies like What do you do to get out of credit unions will also somethis financial mess? times sue you in small claims If you are in this situation, maybe you’ve wondered court and they don’t even about what the legal repercus- need an attorney to file the lawsuit. sions might be once you get I often see people who to the point where you can ignore their debts for a long no longer continue paying your creditors. Can credit card time until one day they receive a summons at home or companies sue you for what at work and only then do they you owe? And when they do, what happens when they get a realize the seriousness and judgment against you? These urgency of their situation. If you are sued by a creditor, it are the questions I’m often is very important that you do asked by people who seek not ignore the lawsuit or you legal advice regarding their will definitely regret the condebts. sequences once the creditor Of course, credit card companies don’t make it easy takes the next step of garnishing your wages, seizing funds for you to catch up once you out of your bank account, fall behind. They are quick to filing a lien against your real add on additional fees and property or a combination of demand that you bring your the above. account up to date immediIf your debts are small and ately by paying the current amount due, all past due pay- you’re able to pay a reduced ments as well as late fees. And amount in a lump sum or in installments, it may be possible if allowed by the agreement that you signed when you first to negotiate with the creditor to prevent or stop an ongoapplied for the credit card, ing lawsuit. From my experiyour interest rate can also go sky-high upon default. Before ence, depending on how far the debt is along the collecyou know it, your debt probtion process, most creditors lems have become a financial will settle for 30-60% of the nightmare and your phone starts ringing off the hook with original debt amount. It may bill collectors harassing you at be tougher once a lawsuit has been filed and the creditor home and at work. What do knows that the collection you do at this point? potential is high based on If your credit card debts your income and assets. It is have escalated beyond your

Minding Your Finances

important to know the best time to make an offer in order to get the lowest possible amounts.

If filing bankruptcy is your best and only option, it is best to seek legal help right away before your debt problems get worse. Spare yourself the suffering and the agony caused by debt if at all possible. In choosing a bankruptcy lawyer, remember that not all bankruptcy lawyers are created equal and may have different ideas on how to help you. It is important to choose a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has your best interests at heart. Most debt problems are solvable but often they get worse if ignored. Don’t make this fatal mistake. If bankruptcy is not your best option, sometimes debt settlement can also be a way to avoid bankruptcy as long as you can come up with a realistic payment plan that your creditors will accept.

If you are in debt and have not figured out a way to get out, constant worrying will not get you anywhere unless you act to change your situation for the better. For a free consultation, call my office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 and we will help you step by step in finding a solution that’s right for you. *** NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused

by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

California court’s power to make divorce orders when one spouse does not live in state

rate properties between the spouses and awarding support payments. In order for the California Courts to have the power to make orders, the California Courts must have personal jurisdiction over the Atty. Kenneth respondent. Personal jurisUrsUA reyes diction means the respondent has minimum contacts THIS is a common question with California even if not among people contemplating physically here. Some of the divorce in California when the factors looked at is respondents presence in the state, other spouse does not live domicile, residence, citizenin the state. The California Courts has the power to grant ship, consent, appearance in a divorce, annulment, or legal the action, doing business in the state, doing an act that separation if either party is domiciled in the state. Domi- causes an effect in the state, ownership in the state, other cile is where a person lives relationship to the state. If and intends to remain. Howthe respondent does not have ever, there is an additional requirement if you are seeking minimum contact with California, respondent may challenge a divorce rather than annulany orders relating to distribument or legal separation. To tion of property and support obtain a divorce in California, based on the court’s lack of one of the parties must have jurisdiction. been a resident of California With regards to initial for six months immediately before the filing of the divorce child custody issues, these petition. Responding spouses issues are resolved under the Uniform Child Custody Juriscan use this requirement as diction and Enforcement Act. a defense if the Petitioning spouse does not meet such re- California Courts have the quirement when the petitioner power to make initial custody orders if it is the child’s home filed for divorce. In addition, divorce petitions may be filed state at the time the action was filed. California may in the county where at least also assume power to make one spouse resided for 3 custody orders if California months immediately prior to has been the child’s home filing the petition. state within six months before Now apart from getting the action was filed, the child a divorce, legal separation, is absent form California, and or annulled status, there may a parent continues to live in be issues relating to distribCalifornia. California may also uting community and sepa-

Barrister’s Corner

exercise jurisdiction when no other state is the child’s home state or when all court’s having jurisdiction over the child has declined to act and deferred to California as the more appropriate place to make custody orders.

California may also exercise jurisdiction if no other state would have jurisdiction over the child. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice.

LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com. Visit our website at Kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

How Glaiza found out that Irish boyfriend is ‘the one’

By Kathleen

a. llemit

Philstar.com

GLAIZA de Castro knows her Irish boyfriend is the one for her.

How did she know?

She heeded the advice of her good friend and OC Records co-founder Chynna Ortaleza.

“Lagi kong natatandaan ‘yung sinabi ni Chynna sa akin na kapag nandiyan na siya, mararamdaman mo lang siya. Hindi mo siya mae-explain. Mararamdaman mo lang. So ayun.

Naramdaman ko siya,” she recalled during a recent virtual presscon.

Continued on Page 4 Glaiza De Castro and fiance David

Photo from Instagram/@glaizaredux

community Acres of diamonds

3

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 3, 2021

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA A FARMER in Africa heard glowing stories of other farmers who have become rich by discovering diamond mines in the continent. Filled with excitement and visions of sparkling diamonds, he sold his farm quickly and set out to become a diamond prospector himself. He wandered far and wide for many years crisscrossing the huge continent hoping to strike it rich. Hope and change however proved to be a lame strategy. Alas and alack, the years took their toll and finally, having grown old, tired and despondent over his failures, he ended his life.

Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm settled in and one bright day, while fording a stream on the land he now owned, was attracted to a gleam of colored rock at the bottom of the shallow water. He picked it up out of curiosity and displayed it on his mantel as décor. One day a visitor noticed the rock and almost fainted. He asked the farmer what he thought it was and the farmer innocently said, it was a pretty crystal.

The visitor told him that it was probably one of the biggest diamonds he had ever seen. It turns out that the stream had many more such diamonds at its bottom.

The first farmer never knew he was standing on his own acres of diamonds. He already owned the land free and clear which he had sold practically for a song and a dance. If he only took stock of what he had, surveyed his surroundings and explored and worked on his own acres, his story might have had a happy ending.

This story is a staple used by noted motivational speakers and writers to bring home a point. And for

“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.”

- Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds good reason… The “Acres of Diamond” Story is a powerful metaphor to inspire people to explore and harness their own potential as human beings striving to reach their goal of achieving the riches they seek, whether tangible, intangible or a hybrid of both.

In the most obvious terms, riches could mean physical wealth like money in the bank, a comfortable retirement, celebrity status and the perks that come with it. However, there are also those parameters that are harder to achieve and can’t be bought outright by money, like inner peace, contentment, serenity, a healthy mind in a healthy body filled with good spirit and well being or a long, happy, meaningful life. The wisest ones go for a mix of both the tangible and the intangible. You get to choose your very own definition of wealth.

Oftentimes, staying the course and having the wisdom and the patience to use the resources found directly right under our noses and the neurons firing in the brain between our ears offer better odds than seeking out those greener pastures.

As one smart aleck pointed out, the other pasture is always greener simply because it has a gardener that waters, fertilizes and fusses over it all the time. (And used often as a multilevel marketing ploy to recruit people for get-rich quick-schemes. But I digress.)

Staying the course and mining your own acres of diamonds could also apply to married couples going through tough times. There are always critical moments that would require partners to fight for their marriage and stay committed no matter the struggle. There is the struggle

of the infidelity of one partner attracted to another, maybe a young spring chicken or a hunk with washboard abs waiting in the wings, the struggle to rise above health issues or the struggle to keep their heads above financial waters or the struggle to stay as a family despite the discord brought about by various debilitating addictions.

Many seem to think they can hit the reset button by trading up to another partner.

They think that if they can only find the right one, find Ms. or Mr. Perfect, life would be better. Oftentimes, that route simply leads to more troubles ahead, more complications, more heartaches and crushing disappointments.

If one treasures the intangible acres of diamonds built by years of being together in the form of happy memories and achievements, scrapping the negativity, overlooking irritations or editing out the heartaches through genuine forgiveness brought about by unceasing prayers, perhaps staying the course and loving the one you’re with, might not be too difficult. With faith and determination, you can mine your own acres of diamonds right in your own marriage, right in your own backyard.

The question is, are we mining our own acres of diamonds in every area of our lives right now? And if not, why not? *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

entertainment How Glaiza found out that...

4

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 3, 2021

From Page 3 She and David got engaged last December after he proposed to her three days after she landed in Ireland for the holidays.

Though engaged, she revealed that they are taking things slowly.

EMPLOYMENT

“Hindi kami nagmamadaling magpakasal this year, or even next year. Gusto ko munang tapusin lahat ng kailangan namin tapusin sa work, sa business niya doon. Nasa planning stage pa lang kami.

Nothing is definite as of the moment,” she shared.

The actress also renewed her contract with her home network, GMA-7, last February 8. She is also set to star in the drama “Nagbabagang Luha,” co-starring with Rayver Cruz.

“Mahilig kaming magbuo ng puzzles so nasa pagbuo kami ng puzzles ngayon.

Pinagpla-planuhan namin kung ano ‘yung magiging strategy namin. Actually, nagsta-start na rin kami mag-invest dito, sa Baler, actually. May pinapagawa din kami na cafe doon.

Isa ‘yun sa mga plans namin in the future na kapag nandito siya, ‘yun ‘yung aasikasuhin niya. Tapos I’m still trying to find my way there, kung ano ‘yung pwede pero since nasimulan na namin through the MV (music video), ‘yung mga pwede kong gawin doon, ‘yun ‘yung isa sa mga plano ko, kapag nandoon ako for a few months, hindi ako magtatagal doon ng taon,” she shared.

She recently released her latest and first single under OC Records, “Bank Holiday,” which has an MV (music video) shot entirely in Ireland while she was there.

She added that when she does go there, she would not stay for long because she could not stand the cold and short days come winter season.

Glaiza also revealed that she and David already talked about their future, including her next step after tying the knot. She candidly answered the question if she would let anything go after being married.

“I don’t think meron akong ile-let go. I think naging klaro ako kay David about it kahit noong hindi pa siya nagpropropose. Hindi ko kayang i-let go ang buhay ko. Kaya ko na i-welcome ‘yung mundo niya.

So, para sa min, hindi dapat i-compromise ng relationship namin kung ano ‘yung gusto naming gawin sa buhay.

Medyo mahirap lang kasi dalawang mundo, opposite countries, magkabilang side ng mundo, pero ‘yun ‘yung exciting about it,” she shared.

EMPLOYMENT

Pixar’s ‘Soul’ garnered two Golden Globes for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

Photo courtesy of Pixar

Filipino artists Trevor Jimenez, Paul Abadilla among crew for Golden Globe winner ‘Soul’

By AJPress

PIXAR’s “Soul” brought home Golden Globe awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score at the 78th annual ceremony on Sunday, February 28.

Directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Kemp Powers, “Soul” is the first film from the animation studio to feature a Black protagonist (Jamie Foxx), as well as highlight a predominantly Black voice cast (Daveed Diggs, Angela Bassett, QuestLove, among others).

“Soul” tells the story of Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher from New York City who dreams of becoming a jazz musician. He gets a gig at one of the hottest jazz clubs, but unexpectedly dies after falling into a maintenance hole.

After finding himself in “The Great Beyond,” Joe sets to reunite his soul and his body, unwilling to die before his big break.

“Being able to tell a universal tale that explored the meaning of life through the prism of a Black man’s experiences was a special honor,” Powers said in an acceptance speech.

“And though the details are specific, I really do believe our story is universal. So many friends and strangers from all walks of life wrote to tell us

Paul Abadilla

Trevor Jimenez

how this film resonated with them and how grateful they were to be reminded the seemingly simple everyday moments of life are often the most important,” he added.

In a tweet posted on Monday, March 1, Disney+ congratulated the cast and crew of “Soul.”

“Congratulations to the cast and crew of #PixarSoul for their #GoldenGlobes win for Best Animated Feature!” it said.

Among the crew that worked on “Soul” are Fili-

pino American Paul Abadilla and Filipino Canadian Trevor Jimenez.

Abadilla is the animated film’s sets art director. His previous works include “Monsters University,” “Brave,” “Incredibles 2,” “Cars 3,” and “Finding Dory.”

Meanwhile, Jimenez worked as the story supervisor.

He has been nominated for an Academy Award for directing the short film “Weekends” in 2017. He was also the story artist for “Coco,” and “Finding Dory.”

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 3, 2021

5

T h e As ian Jour nal M D W K M A G A Z I NE - M a rc h 3, 2 0 2 1

THE FIRST FILIPINO SUPERMARKET CHAIN TO PROVIDE ONLINE SHOPPING WITH SAME DAY DELIVERY/ PICK-UP IN THE UNITED STATES.

HERE FOR YOU IN THE SPIRIT OF

BAYANIHAN

ISLAND PACIFIC SEAFOOD MARKET SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEST COVINA, CANOGA PARK, OXNARD, CERRITOS, LONG BEACH, SANTA CLARITA, TEMECULA & NATIONAL CITY.

UNT CO

N I L I P I O DI S H

F OF 17%

NOW

2

$ 49

S

•F

S AV I N

/LB

WAS $2.99

E

O

BIG EYE SCAD "MATANGBAKA"

S

OD

WILD CAUGHT / VIETNAM

E

P SARATS STAR E HER

F

• PO RK • B EE

R E S H VE G G I

G

•F

WWW.ISLANDPACIFICMARKET.COM

DIS

6

S SE

AF

FARM RAISED / ECUADOR

JUMBO WHITE SHRIMP HEAD-ON

NOW

5

$ 99

WILD CAUGHT / MEXICO

ISLAND PACIFIC FPFC

FRESH HALIBUT STEAK

G

S AV I N

/LB

UNT CO

F OF % 5 2

WAS $7.99

S

F OF % 7 1 S

WAS $6.99

UNT CO

G

/LB

DIS

$ 99

DIS

5

FRESH

S AV I N

LEN ENDEALS WITH

BACK

TO

BACK

S AV I N G S

PROMO SALE PERIOD | MARCH 4 - 10, 2021 AMBERJACK BABY HAMACHI

WILD CAUGHT / VIETNAM

SWAI FILLET

S

S

S AV I N

G

S AV I N

UNT CO

F OF 40%

G

S

F OF 17%

G

VE SA

UNT CO

DIS

WILD CAUGHT / JAPAN

DIS

UNT CO

F OF 25%

FRESH YELLOWTAIL STEAK

S AV I N

G

S

DIS

FRESH TILAPIA

WILD CAUGHT / MEXICO

UNT CO

DIS

OCEAN FARM / ECUADOR

FRESH

2

WAS $2.99

WAS $4.99

F OF 25%

BEEF SHORT RIBS

S AV I N

NOW

1

SALE

5

$ 49

$ 99

WAS $1.99

WAS $8.99

5

2pcs $ FOR

BEFORE

5

BEFORE

79¢

1

2pcs $ FOR

BEFORE

$7.99

6

2pcs $

BEFORE

FOR

BEFORE

$2.89

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE SALES PROMO WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. WE ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REPLACE ITEMS WITH PRODUCTS OF APPROXIMATE VALUE. NO RAIN CHECKS. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON OR PROMO. PRICES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. GIVEAWAYS NOT VALID FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISCOUNT.

4

2pcs $ FOR

BEFORE

99¢

WE ACCEPT FOR IN-STORE ONLY

3pcs FOR

$2.29

S

DIS

S

DIS

G

BEFORE

$1.99

99¢

/LB

UN

RED GLOBE CO T F F OF OF GRAPES 47% 44% S AV I N

BEFORE

/LB

S AV I N

UNT CO

99¢ 89¢ 69¢ BEFORE

F OF 50%

S

F OF 61%

RED YAM

/LB

UNT CO

DIS

UNT CO

BROCCOLI

S

$1.99

S AV I N

S AV I N

EACH $3.99

BEFORE

1

G

67%

REGULAR F OF TOMATO

F OF 60%

1 79¢

2lbs $ FOR

UNT CO

UNT CO

$ 29 /LB

S

89¢

$5.99

G

BEFORE

G

CILANTRO

/LB

S

69¢

DIS

$1.29

S

BEFORE

BARRIO FIESTA COUNT FROZEN F OF GRATED 31% S AV I N PURPLE YAM 16OZ

G

4

2pcs $ FOR

DIS

$2.99

S

S

DIS

WHITE KING UNT CO SPAGHETTI F OF SAUCE 5% 2 FILIPINO S AV I N STYLE 1KG

BEFORE

G

2

BEFORE

S AV I N

S AV I N

F OF 78% S AV I N

G

S

S AV I N

3pcs $ FOR

F OF 44%

SPINACH

G

G

S

DAIKON

UNT CO

DIS

99¢ DIS

F OF 47%

1

2lbs $ FOR

BEFORE

UNT CO

G

S

G

S

G

S

BABY BOKCHOY

S AV I N

UNT CO

FILIPINO SWEET CHILI

S AV I N

/LB

DIS

F OF 33%

DIS

DIS

DIS

S

$1.99

UNT CO

F OF 49%

89¢

BEFORE

G

S

G

S AV I N

UPO

UNT CO

F OF 55%

UNT CO

DIS

99¢

UNT CO

J&J VCUT F OF BBQ PARTY 33% PACK 162G

G

5 $499

4pcs $

MIX & MATCH FOR

UNT GOLDEN DUCK CO F SALTED EGG OF POTATO RIDGES/ 49% CRAB SEAWEED S A V I N TEMPURA 110-125G

BEFORE

3

BEFORE

/EA

G

S AV I N

4

2pcs $ FOR

$2.69

S

S

DIS

VE SA

BEFORE

DIS

UNT CO

3

S

DIS

S

DIS

5

2pcs $ FOR

/LB

WAS $1.19

S AV I N

$ $ 99 $2.29 2pcs FOR DIS

$4.99

CHINESE EGGPLANT

G

S

G

G

BEFORE

OUNT

C SAN MIGUEL FF DEL MAR %O 5 3 CHUNK TUNA S AV I N (IN WATER/IN OIL) 185G

DIS

DIS

S

S

2

3pcs $ FOR

G

G

S

DIS

S

DIS

FOR

89¢

WHITE KING COUNT BOY F PUTO MIX F OF OF BAWANG % % 400G 6 CORNICK 4 2 2 S AV I N S AV I N GARLIC 100G

/EA $3.29

INDAYS BEST PAYLESS XTRA COUNT F BIG PANCIT F SOY SAUCE/ OF OF VINEGAR 1L CANTON 37% 30% S AV I N (CALAMANSI/ S A V I N ORIGINAL/ CHILIMANSI) 130G

2pcs $

$3.59

BEFORE

BEFORE

UNT CO

G

BEFORE

/EA

G

S AV I N

/EA $1.29

UNT CO

G

S

G

S

DIS

WHITE KING F BIBINGKA OF % MIX 500G 3 2 UNT CO

G

G

S

DIS

S AV I N

3

BEFORE

G

S AV I N

UNT CO

DIS

DIS

DIS

S

6

SELECTA F CHOCO MOO OF % 240ML 7 3

$1.29

JANS SOURSOP IN CARTON 33.8FLOZ

LOW PRICE

UNT CO

$ 99 $ 99 /EA $6.99

$9.99

S

S

G

BEFORE

UNT CO

BEFORE

UNT INDAYS BEST CO VALUE PACK F OF 2/1L 34%

$3.79

/EA

3 89¢ 99¢

$3.69

BEFORE

2

$ 99

UNT CO

2pcs $ FOR

BEFORE

$3.49

C2 GREEN F TEA (APPLE/ OF % ORIGINAL/ 9 5 S AV I N LEMON) 500ML

DIS

XPP MILK TEA TARO/ STRAWBERRY 3CUP

BEFORE

G

2

$ 99 /EA

G

ISLAND PACIFIC UBE POWDER 100G

LOW PRICE

UNT CO

79¢

/LB

PRODUCE PICKS

BARRIO FIESTA COUNT F BAGOONG OF MAGIC FLAKES TIGER SUGAR SARANGANI (REGULAR/ 20% F SPICY/SWEET) S A V I N FF BOBA MILK ICE FF BAY PREMIUM F PREMIUM F O O F O O 14% 43% CRACKERS CREAM BAR 26% SARDINES 250G 30% S AV I N S AV I N S AV I N S AV I N IN TUB 4PC (REGULAR & SPICY) 155G UNT CO

DIS

ISLAND PACIFIC SELECT SEAGRAPES LATO 320G

SPECIAL

DIS

NEW

NOW

DIS

PANTRY SAVINGS NEW

S AV I N

NOW

/LB

UNT CO

F OF 34%

G

S AV I N

/LB

CHICKEN DRUMSTICK

F OF 33%

G

$ 49

UNT CO

/LB

S

UNT CO

S

3

WAS $3.99

DIS

FRESH

$ 99

/LB

G

PORK PICNIC BONELESS

2

$ 49

/LB

S

SPECIALS

2

NOW

$ 99

DIS

MEAT

NOW

DIS

S AV I N

$1.29

/LB

S AV I N

BEFORE

$2.29

1

$ 29 /LB