031320- New York & New Jersey

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MARCH 13-19, 2020 Volume 13 - No. 19 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

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

Metro Manila placed under ‘community DATELINE USA Filipinos in US urged quarantine’ due to rising COVID-19 cases FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

to register to vote in next PH elections

AHEAD of the 2022 Philippine national and local elections, overseas Filipinos are being reminded to register to vote.

Though the deadline to register is over a year away on September 30, 2021, the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs-Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) are starting their outreach efforts, as registration began in December 2019.

Under Republic Act No. 9189, as amended

by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of the Philippines or dual Filipino American citizens, who are not disqualified by law, at least 18 years of age by May 9, 2022 may register as an overseas voter and vote for president, vice president, senators, and party list representatives in the upcoming 2022 elections.

Registration is conducted in person for biometrics capturing at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate to the voter. Registered voters who wish to change their mailing address, transfer their registration from other countries into a new country or city, or correct other details in their registration — such as a change in their name — must also do so in person.

There is no online registration option. Con-

by DARRYL JOHN

ESGUERRA

government scrambles to contain the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has in the country. approved the imposition of a “community The recommendation to put the National quarantine” in the entire Metro Manila as the Capital Region (NCR) under isolation was Inquirer.net

made by the Inter• Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and was approved by Duterte in a meeting in Malacañang on Thursday night,

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NYC declares state of emergency, restricts large gatherings

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

GOVERNOR Andrew Cuomo announced a slate of new measures on Thursday, March 12 ranging from shutting down Broadway shows and events of 500 people or more to imposing restrictions on restaurants, bars and other venues in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“We’re on a upward trajectory of this disease,” Cuomo said at a press conference.

“This is going to get much worse before it gets better.”

Later in the afternoon, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency in the city.

“The last 24 hours have been very, very

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OPLAN WISIK.Manila City Hall personnel clean the sidewalk as the city government launched ‘Oplan Wisik,’ which is part of the ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

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Duterte urges Fil-Ams PH Mission staffer in New York EU leaders rip Trump’s travel ban as to vote for Trump, stays tests positive for coronavirus COVID-19 advances across the world firm on VFA stance

by MOMAR

by RITCHEL

G. VISAYA

AJPress

MENDIOLA

AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte told Filipino Americans eligible to vote to support U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election efforts this November.

“I’m telling the Filipino now: You’re getting the best deal with Trump,” Duterte said during a press briefing on Monday night, March 9.

The Philippine president quipped about

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Kira Danganan-Azucena, charge d’affaires and deputy permanent representative of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations, confirmed in a message to UN colleagues that a “colleague at the Philippine Mission tested positive today (March 12, Thursday) for COVID-19.”

Rumors began swirling around the local community on Thursday after-

noon through various chat groups about said employee testing positive, and adding that that the Philippine Mission is in lockdown and employees were told to self-quarantine.

Azucena said that the colleague last visited the UN on Monday, March 9. She was reportedly asymptomatic then.

“She came down with flu-like symptoms and, in accordance with our office protocol, did not report for work that day and saw her doctor,” the message

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by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

STARTING midnight Friday, March 13, travel to the United States from European countries will be temporarily banned for 30 days in an effort “to keep new cases” of the novel coronavirus “from entering our shores,” President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, March 11.

From the Oval Office, Trump addressed the American pub-

lic in an error-laden speech, blaming Europeans and folks traveling from Europe for the recent increase of U.S. cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, saying that “a large number of new clusters in the United States were seeded by travelers from Europe.”

On Thursday, Trump assured reporters that the decision won’t hamper the already wanting transatlantic relation-

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From the Front Page

NYC declares state of emergency, restricts...

PAGE 1 sobering,” de Blasio said at a separate press conference.

“Yesterday morning seems like a long time ago. We got a lot of information in the course of a day yesterday and a lot changed then, then last night it just seemed the world turned upside down in the course of just a few hours.”

To date, there are 328 confirmed cases across the state, an increase of 112 overnight.

As of press time, New York City has 95 infections, 19 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 2,176 are under voluntary home isolation, numbers that the mayor calls “striking and troubling.”

Among this confirmed cases is a Broadway usher who worked at theaters housing the shows Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Six. Both productions are still in previews, with Six scheduled for an official opening on Thursday, which has now been canceled.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, there are 31 shows currently in production on Broadway and a number of

new shows are scheduled to open in the next few weeks.

The new regulations will result in a number of events having to shut down, — from Broadway productions to concerts and sporting events.

Broadway performances will be suspended until at least April 12, according to The Broadway League.

The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall have canceled all events through March 31. The Met has also suspended all rehearsals.

Beginning on Friday at 5:00 p.m., gatherings with more than 500 people will be prohibited. Exempt from that rule are schools, hospitals, mass transit and nursing homes.

Broadway shows will be suspended effective Thursday evening.

“As we continue to see community transmission between people who have no direct connection to travel to one of the affected countries, we are asking New Yorkers to adjust their routines to stem the spread of the virus where

they can,” de Blasio added. “I cannot reiterate enough that if you feel sick, stay home; we need every New Yorker to do their part to keep their neighbors safe.”

To reduce overcrowding, the city is advising private-sector employers and employees to consider telecommuting where possible and to consider staggered start times for workers. Those who take the subways at rush hour should consider commuting to work via alternative modes of transportation, like biking or walking, if possible.

Jersey City curfew Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop also announced restrictions on large gatherings, saying that the city is implementing a precautionary 10:00 p.m.curfew for all Jersey City establishments carrying a liquor license “to better limit uncontrolled large gatherings.”

In addition to the curfew, all non-essential city-involved events have been canceled for the next seven days, and city offices will be conducting

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Metro Manila placed under...

PAGE 1 March 12.

Land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be suspended starting March 15, 2020, until April 14.

“Ayaw naming gamitin ‘yan kasi takot kayo sabihin niyo ‘lockdown’ (We don’t want to use the term lockdown because it frightens you).

But it’s a lockdown. There’s no struggle of power here, walang giyera. It’s a matter of protecting and defending you from COVID-19,” Duterte said.

“It has nothing to do with the power of the police or the military or my power … it’s just an issue of protecting public interest and public health,” he added.

Meanwhile, local government units outside Metro Manila are advised to follow the following guidelines in imposing localized community quarantine in their respective jurisdictions: • A barangay• wide quarantine when there are at least two COVID-19 cases belonging to different households in the same barangay • A municpality/city• wide quarantine when there are

at least two COVID-19 cases belonging to different barangays in the same municipality/city • A province• wide quarantine when there are at least two COVID-19 cases belonging to different municipalities, component cities or independent component cities in the same province.

• LGUs which have imposed community quarantine will be allowed to access their Quick Response Fund upon declaration of a State of Calamity The President also banned mass gatherings or the “planned or spontaneous event where the number of people attending could strain the planning and response resources of the community hosting the event.”

To date, the Philippines has 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus that first emerged in China’s city of Wuhan in Hubei province in late 2019.

A vast majority of the confirmed cases were admitted to different hospitals across the capital region.

The World Health Organization now considers COVID-

19 a pandemic.

Leaders warn viral pandemic will worsen People around the world became increasingly closed off from one another Thursday as sweeping travel bans accelerated, walling regions apart as a viral pandemic unfolds and financial markets plunge.

It was an outbreak moving, at once, both glacially and explosively, with a virus first detected three months ago in China creeping across borders and producing eruptive outbreaks that have crippled areas.

Even for a crisis that has brought no shortage of headlines, dizzying developments were flashing across screens: An official designation of “pandemic” from the World Health Organization, a dramatic halt to much travel between the United States and 26 European countries, and infections among beloved Hollywood stars, sports luminaries and political leaders. All of it came against a backdrop of plunging world economies that left not only Wall Street investors but people from all walks of life hurting. n

EU leaders rip Trump’s travel ban as CIVD-19...

PAGE 1 ship, claiming that, “We get along very well with European leaders but we had to make a decision and I didn’t want to take time and, you know, it takes a long time [to] make the individual calls and we are calling and we had spoken to some of them prior to [the announcement].”

But communicating with the European Union — which has an embassy in the U.S. — doesn’t require calls to individual members.

In its response, the EU denounced Trump’s decision to impose the 30-day ban in a statement from the 27-member coalition’s central leaders.

“The coronavirus is a global crisis, not limited to any continent and it requires cooperation rather than unilateral action,” the president of the European Council Charles Michel and president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement.

Michel and Leyen also pointed out that the White House did not give the EU

or any European leaders advance notice of the decision, making clear that it “disapproves of the fact that the U.S. decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation.”

The virus that causes COVID-19 — which stands for coronavirus disease 2019 — has already claimed the lives of 4,717 patients across the world as of Thursday, according to a Johns Hopkins University data dashboard.

The total confirmed cases is now over 127,000 across the globe.

Fact-checking Trump’s speech Trump’s Wednesday night address attracted controversy from health officials for making misleading statements that created confusion. For example, the ban does not suspend “all travel from Europe” as Trump said; the temporary ban applies to the 26 countries within the Schengen Area, a zone in Europe in which people can travel across countries without having to go through border checks.

European countries outside of the Schengen Area that wouldn’t be affected by the ban include the UK (which Trump mentioned), Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Armenia, Montenegro, Belarus and Russia.

The phrase “all travel from Europe” also caused confusion since the ban also would not affect U.S. citizens, permanent residents and certain family members, who are allowed to come back to the U.S. Later on in the speech, he said that certain travelers would be exempted including “Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings.”

In fact, U.S. citizens are allowed to fly out of Europe even if they’ve not been tested because the screenings take place after they land in the U.S. To clarify Trump’s remarks, the official White House Twitter account wrote, “Those exempt from these restrictions, such as U.S. citizens, will be directed to limited airports where screening can take place.” n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 13-19, 2020

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NYC declares state of emergency, restricts...

PAGE 2 business with the public on an appointment basis only.

Further measures outlined in the Executive Order include a requirement for all establishments with allowable public capacity greater than 25 people - such as restaurants, places of worship, and special event venues - to maintain a record of all individuals entering the establishment through a sign-in sheet with information to be used solely for the purpose of preventing

the spread of COVID-19 by providing means of notification of potential exposure, if necessary.

There are currently no known confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no PUI (person under investigation) in the City of Jersey City and the risk of community transmission is low.

In a series of tweets, Fulop said that the city is taking on a proactive stance.

“Bottomline is we are going to be proactive as opposed to

reactive being that we are in uncharted territory. All guidance is to limit large groups/ contact so we will do what is needed on best practice to protect residents,” Fulop said.

While city services are still available, residents must call ahead and schedule appointments. The city also has established a hotline for anyone exhibiting symptoms or who has been exposed to the virus.

Residents are urged to selfquarantine and then call the hotline at (201) 547-5208. n

Dateline USa

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

Former Vice President Joe Biden addresses a crowd at the Baldwin Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 3, following his victory in 10 states holding Super Tuesday contests.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Duterte urges Fil-Ams to vote for Trump... ‘A candidate to unite America’: Why Filipino Americans are coming out in support of Biden’s presidential bid PAGE 1

“interfering” in the U.S. election process by endorsing his American counterpart, equating it to how several U.S. senators have reportedly meddled in domestic affairs and have criticized the administration’s human rights violations associated with the anti-drug campaign.

“To the Filipinos… bumoto kayo kay Trump (vote for Trump). And they say that I am interfering. Of course, I am interfering. Tell that to the Americans, that Duterte is insisting on interfering,” he added. “Do you know why I’m interfering?

Because they did it first. They (accuse us of) extrajudicial killing 70,000 (people).”

Earlier in the press briefing, Duterte reiterated his decision to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States after senators filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to compel him to seek Senate concurrence in the treaty’s abrogation.

“They cannot compel me.

I refuse to be compelled. I have terminated it, tapos ang

problema ko (my problem is solved),” he said.

Senators, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, filed the Petition for Declaratory Relief and Mandamaus before the SC on Monday, urging the high court to order the Office of the Executive Secretary to seek their concurrence in the termination process.

Declaratory relief is an action that seeks to determine a question of construction or validity arising from an instrument, executive order, regulation or statute, among others.

Meanwhile, Mandamus refers to compelling the other party to perform a particular act.

“It is respectfully prayed that this Honorable Court…issue an order directing respondents to forthwith refer the Notice of Withdrawal to the Senate of the Philippines for its concurrence, pursuant to Section 21 Article VII of the 1987 Constitution,” the petition read.

While there is no explicit provision in the 1987 Constitution stating whether or not the concurrence of the upper

chamber is necessary for the abrogation of a treaty, Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution states that no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred with by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.

Aside from Sotto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Panfilo Lacson, and Richard Gordon were present to file the petition that included Resolution 337, asking the high court to define the chamber’s authority in the abrogation of international treaties.

Following Duterte’s order on February 11, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. sent the U.S. a notice to terminate the two-decade-old VFA. The treaty is said to be terminated 180-days after the notice.

“As far as I am concerned, we are beginning to count the 180 days for them to pack up and go. I am not reneging on the VFA [abrogation] and I am not going to America to discuss this with anybody, though I respect highly Trump,” Duterte said. n

PH Mission staffer in New York tests positive...

PAGE 1 read.

The PH Mission staffer tested positive for flu and was prescribed Tamiflu.

“She got the call today that she tested positive for COVID19,” it added.

As of late afternoon Thurs-

day, the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue, which houses the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Mission, is on lockdown and all personnel have been instructed to self-quarantine and to seek medical attention should they develop the symptoms (of

coronavirus).

The Philippine Mission has advised the UN medical director’s office of the development, as well as New York City’s health department.

Calls and emails to the Philippine Center have not been returned as of press time. n

passport application, such as a PSA-issued birth certificate and other supporting docs (i.e. valid Green Card, valid U.S. visa, Notice of Action). Or if the voter is a dual Filipino American citizen: a copy of Dual Citizenship Identification Certificate or Order of Approval.

COMELEC and DFA-OVS also remind voters to check the list of previously registered voters on the website of Philippine foreign service post nearest them. If they are on the list, then they have to reactivate the registration in person, subject to the requirements stated above. (AJPress)

Filipinos in US urged to register to vote...

PAGE 1 sulate offices will also begin outreach missions to other nearby cities where there is no office within the registration period.

Overseas voters must have a photocopy of valid Philippine passport; documents required by the Consulate General for

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

WHEN 19-year-old Angelo Salva Cruz mailed in his ballot for the California primary this week, his decision to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden was in part because he remembered learning the term ‘political polarization’ in a recent college class.

“Instead of there being a spectrum, we’re seeing two extremes. Even though I agree with a lot of things Bernie [Sanders] says, he’s too much of a wild card to depend on him. Joe Biden is a lot more sound and has the experience,” Cruz, a first-time voter from Cupertino, California, told the Asian Journal.

Despite data that shows Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders largely capturing the hearts of young and Asian American voters across the nation with a progressive agenda, Cruz is among the younger end of Filipino American voters who are throwing their support behind the former vice president, citing his track record and relationships to unite the Democratic party.

For Nicole Carcel, who falls under the millennial age group, Biden won her over during a gun control forum in Las Vegas last year.

“His message really resonated with me because gun violence is such a big issue in America, particularly in the wake of so many mass shootings,” Carcel, an executive team member for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office, told the Asian Journal.

“I have a niece who’s now in kindergarten and it’s crazy to think that she’s growing up in a time when this is the new

reality.”

The Fil-Am voter also said that debunking the perception that Biden only appeals to older voters has been part of her mission on social media.

“The vice president has broad support, not only for older, white individuals. He has a platform that reflects that he has thought about things that are reasonable and achievable,” Carcel said. “We have other candidates who say some really great things, but when you think about it, how will those things actually be implemented?”

Recalling her grandfather who fought in World War II, Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso said that no other candidate has direct experience addressing the needs of the Fil-Am community, such as pushing for compensation and recognition for veterans.

“Filipinos should remember in 2009 when [Biden] was able to rally the last votes for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which allowed Filipino World War II veterans to receive compensation. Not many elected officials or other candidates can say that. He really understands our community — that means so much for me and my lolo,” said Ramoso, who is also state chair of the California Democratic Party’s Asian Pacific Islander Caucus.

Following the former Vice President’s 10-state win on Super Tuesday, Ramoso joins other community leaders in launching a national “Filipino Americans for Biden” coalition in a similar vein to groups formed during the

presidential campaigns for former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Mark Pulido, a councilmember for the city of Cerritos, set up a Facebook group to virtually connect those Fil-Ams in support of Biden and said that they are in the process of gathering a list of endorsements from community members and creating a platform that addresses their concerns.

“I didn’t back a candidate early on but I was following all of the options and each of the contests. I am now excited to be a part of Fil-Ams for Biden because he is the one who can unify the party and nation and take the country back from Trump,” Pulido said.

In the coming months, the group expects to begin grassroots, direct voter contact by making phone calls and walking precinct in neighborhoods heavily populated

by Fil-Ams. Polls from the past year showed that no one candidate had overwhelming support from the collective AAPI community, though a majority preferred an alternative to the current administration, according to an October 2019 survey from AAPI Data and PRRI. The same data had 45% of AAPI eligible voters in California favoring Biden, while 42% were for Sanders.

Ho wever, Sanders received the most support among Asian American voters at around 39%, according to an NBC News analysis of exit poll data from Super Tuesday statves. Meanwhile, 21% rallied behind Biden.

PAGE 7

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OPINION

FEATURES

Disappearing beaches

THE Philippines may be small in land area, but with over 7,100 islands, the country has one of the most extensive coastlines in the world. This makes the archipelago among the most vulnerable to the impact of global warming.

Last week, researchers warned that sea level rise and climate change are on track to wipe out half the world’s beaches by 2100. Even with a drastic reduction in fossil fuel pollution — the biggest driver of global warming — the researchers warned in the journal Nature Climate Change that over a third of the sandy shorelines around the planet would still disappear.

Several communities in Bulacan are already feeling the impact of rising sea levels. Across the country, coastal areas that depend on tourism would feel the impact on their main source of livelihood. The researchers warned that sandy beaches also serve as the first line of defense from coastal storms and flooding.

The destruction of beaches could make inland communities more vulnerable to extreme weather events.

5

In recent years, the Philippines has seen an increasing number of coastal cities and towns devastated by powerful storm surges and freak floods, including areas in secluded bays where tropical cyclones used to be rare.

Even with ongoing global efforts to cut down on fossil fuel consumption and pollution, too many beaches will still disappear, and vulnerable countries must prepare for the disaster, the researchers warned. The 10 countries that stand to lose the largest sandy shorelines, according to the study, are Australia, Canada, Chile, the United States, Mexico, China, Russia, Argentina, India and Brazil.

Advanced economies are drawing up massive — and expensive — engineering interventions to reduce the impact. Obviously, countries with limited means for disaster mitigation such as the Philippines would need help to prepare such defense systems. projects as well as strictly impose construction The research said the problem was aggravat- easement rules along shorelines. ed by reduced sediment from dammed rivers.

Coastal communities in the Philippines are Countries with limited resources can stop such familiar with the consequences of natural di-

Editorial

Open letter to the millennials who believe Sanders should be the Democratic nominee and not Biden to defeat Trump and transform America The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS I HEAR YOU. As a mother of four millennials who have campaigned and voted for Senator Bernie Sanders since the 2016 presidential election, I feel your pain and understand your worries for your future.

The facts have been so ex-

cruciatingly painful in the past decade as you transition to adulthood and have to take care of yourselves. It just hit you that the America that had raised your Boomer parents has now turned out to be so different from the America where you are working so hard to survive in right now.

Whatever happened to the American dream — the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved?

You worry about your

chance of finishing your bachelor’s degree, or the opportunity to go to graduate school.

Quality affordable higher education has given your Boomer parents the chance to go up the economic ladder even if they were born to a low-income or middle-class family.

Now, most of you would have to contract student loans to afford the astronomical rise in the cost of tuition and attendance fees.

You worry about your student loan debt in the tens of thousand, if not in the hunPAGE 7

Philstar.com photo

sasters. Long-term measures must be drawn up to prevent the loss of lives and destruction of property and livelihoods as a result of rising sea levels. (Philstar.com)

Balancing our relationship with the United States and China

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ WITH the recent developments following the decision of the president to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement, the challenge now is balancing our relationship with the United States and China. Being nuclear powers, there is no doubt both countries are competing for world dominance.

The U.S. intends to maintain its status as a super power (based on a book I read — Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower by Michael Beckley) —— especially with Presi-

dent Trump’s creation of a U.S. Space Force. Some $2.3 trillion is being spent to build up the U.S. military within this decade, with the U.S. Space Force receiving $15.4 billion in its first budget request for 2021.

As early as 2000, the U.S. Department of Defense had already developed a blueprint known as “Joint Vision 2020” whose goal is to achieve “full spectrum dominance.” A way to do this is to “invest in and develop new military capabilities,” the blueprint said, with emphasis on taking advantage of technology to “achieve warfighting effectiveness.”

In 2018, the Protected Tacti-

cal Satellite Communications (PTS) program was launched to develop jam-resistant satellite communications that the U.S. government, its military and allies can use. According to intelligence sources, the PTS program will enable U.S. allies to have facilities for satcom payload (equipment) to complement the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites that are used for classified-level communications.

Along with the ground-based Protected Anti-jam Tactical Satcom (PATS), the PTS will enhance the “eye in the sky” capability of the U.S. to moniPAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

DOLE: 103 OFWs worldwide test positive for COVID-19

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — A total of 103 Filipinos abroad have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday.

Seventy of them have recovered and none has died.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, citing data from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), said the COVIDpositive Filipinos are scattered across eight countries where the virus has spread.

The latest in this list are five Filipinos in Hong Kong, three in Singapore, one in Switzeland, two in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), four in Qatar and two in Lebanon.

Another six Filipinos in the United States have also caught the viral infection, he said.

Earlier, Japan recorded the biggest number of Filipinos who contracted the disease — a total of 80 Filipino crew of the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Yokohama.

Yesterday, 401 crewmembers of the cruise ship who had been repatriated received cash assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) after completing their 14-day quarantine.

Each of them received P10,000. The OWWA also provided bus service for 81 seafarers to either Clark International

Airport or the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as well as airline tickets for their return to their respective home provinces.

Bello said the DOLE has yet to receive any request for repatriation among these Filipinos abroad, except for those in Macau.

However, he lamented that 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong were terminated due to COVID-19.

In Macau, 55 OFWs were terminated and 304 were given forced leave without pay, he added.

The labor chief said there was no report of displacements among Filipinos in Italy and Saudi Arabia despite the lockdown in those areas.

So, far the DOLE does not see a massive impact of COVID-19 to overseas employment. “As of now it’s not (massive), but if it will linger, the impact will be bigger,” Bello said.

Repatriates in US Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Washington and the Philippine consulate general in San Francisco have yet to find a landing field for the plane that will bring 538 Filipino crew and passengers of the virus-hit cruise ship Grand Princess home.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said yesterday that San Francisco will not allow the repatriation of Filipinos from its airport.

“We just need the US or California state government to give us time to find a landing field that will take a big PAL plane,” Locsin said in a post on Twitter.

“San Francisco can’t allow us to repatriate from its airport. But we’re making the case for repatriating 529 crew with the nine cruise passengers,” he said.

Consul General Henry Bensurto Jr., who visited Oakland on Monday, said the consulate continues to establish and maintain contact with some of the Filipinos on board the Grand Princess to check on their welfare.

Pinoys in HK In Hong Kong, a fourth Filipino who tested positive for COVID-19 remains hospitalized, but appears to be “asymptomatic.”

Citing a report of the Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the first reported COVID-positive Filipino there has already recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

However, the second and third cases of infected Filipinos were still confined.

The consulate assured the public it is closely monitoring the condition of all Filipinos needing assistance.

Meantime, the DFA said the Liberian government has imposed temporary entry restrictions on all Liberia-bound passengers. n

Bishops defend Tagle MANILA — While former Manila archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has yet to respond to President Duterte’s tirade on his appointment to the Vatican, some Catholic bishops have defended the cardinal and called the President’s allegations “foolish.”

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David simply laughed off a news article he shared on Facebook where Duterte claimed that Tagle was removed from the Archdiocese of Manila after he angered Pope Francis supposedly for meddling in politics.

“Unbelievably ludicrous,” David said in his Facebook account.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos also defended Tagle against “all lies” of Duterte on the prelate’s recent appointment as Prefect of the Congre-

gation for the Evangelization of Peoples in the Vatican.

“All lies – distortion of truth.

They did not (know) what they are talking about, nor have a clearer picture of everything,” Santos said, adding that Tagle’s appointment “is a grace from God, a gift and blessing to the Philippines.”

The President had earlier claimed that the pope relieved Tagle as Manila archbishop because he had contributed funds to the opposition.

Duterte, who has been accused of making false claims and citing dubious data in some of his speeches, did not say where he got the information about Tagle.

Santos said Tagle’s work for the Catholic Church should not be tainted with Duterte’s lies as the former is “dedicated, devoted (and) his fidelity

to Jesus and to the Church is solid and untainted.”

Santos added that Pope Francis will soon appoint Tagle’s successor.

The pope has appointed Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo as the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, a few weeks after Tagle left the Philippines earlier this year for his new post at the Vatican.

Pabillo said he does not see any reason to dignify “unfounded accusations” of Duterte against Tagle.

Just like the bishops, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-Public Affairs Committee, said Duterte’s words against Tagle are “simply twisted and reeks of intrigue.”

(ManilaTimes.net)

Open letter to the millennials who believe...

PAGE 5 dreds of thousand dollavr range, that would take you decades to pay off, while banks have increasingly been more powerful and unbridled in their loan shark business practices, condoned by the government in the name of “free market economy.”

You worry about having to take on a job, or two jobs just to pay for your bills, cover the living expenses of going to

college. Even after graduation, you worry about having less purchasing power because the decent wages that your boomer parents enjoyed in the past are now gone.

While the government boasts of low unemployment rate, a $7/hour minimum wage that has not coped up with the higher costs of living is not a living wage, and has not been so for 10 years.

This reality is contrasted by

the millions of dollars in bonuses raked in by the CEOs of corporations even when their companies go bankrupt.

Again, this is protected by the government in the name of “free market economy.”

You worry about your health and are afraid that you are jus one accident or medical diagnosis away from bankruptcy.

Prices of premiums have skyrocketed and would have to PAGE 10

‘A candidate to unite America’: Why Filipino...

PAGE 4

Most Asian American respondents (46%) said health care was the most important issue, followed by income inequality (19%) and climate change (18%), the analysis found. ke a stand as a community because we are being lost in the numbers,” Ramoso said, adding that she finally declared her support for Biden to help rally other voters and bring the “Joementum” to the community.

Super PAC Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Victory Fund endorsed Biden in early February and has since organized grassroots events in Los Angeles, Las Filipina Americans Nicole Carcel and Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso attend Vegas, and parts of Virginia a rally for former Vice President and Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden on and Michigan along with AA- Tuesday, March 3 at the Baldwin Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Ramoso PIs for Biden.

Rep. Bobby Scott of Vir- Sanders, who was victorious other Fil-Ams will join us. ginia (who is of Filipino an- in four states, including Cali- Inspired by manong Larry cestry) and Filipina American fornia. The Fil-Ams for Biden Itliong, who was a delegate businesswoman and philan- hope voters, who are still in 1972, we hope to play a thropist Loida Nicolas Lewis undecided or may have sup- similar role in advancing the have also joined a growing ported another candidate, community’s political interlist of prominent AAPIs like take the time to consider the ests this year,” Pulido added.

Olympic medal-winning fig- former vice president.

But ultimately, the Fil-Ams ure skater Michelle Kwan and “For Filipino Americans interviewed agreed that no Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D- who can vote, it’s important matter who secures the DemIll.) as Biden supporters. to make their voices heard ocratic presidential nominaLeading up to the Nevada and take part in the process. tion, voting blue will still be caucuses last February 22, Vice President Biden is go- the way to go. the campaign distributed ing to be that leader that we “I will still participate in campaign materials in Ta- need to unite the country. the general election because galog and released Biden’s He’s genuine when he talks voting is my obligation as a “vision for the AAPI commu- about getting things done. citizen,” Cruz said. “To me, nity,” which includes increas- He has been in Washington, to not vote would mean that I ing more AAPI representa- D.C. and he knows how the don’t care about these issues tion in government (citing system works. I think it’s im- and if I lived with an attitude the Obama administration’s portant that on day one, he like that, it would be sure to strides of appointing the most can hit the ground running bite me in the butt at some AAPI judges and senior staff- and work to better the coun- point in the future.” ers than all presidents com- try,” Carcel said.

Pulido added, “I love our bined), eliminating language Both Ramoso and Pulido party, but I love our country barriers and disaggregating are also encouraging Fil- even more so I believe that data to tackle the specific Ams across the country ap- as an American, I have to needs of each community. ply to be Biden convention do everything in my power As the once crowded and delegates in their respective to bring people together to diverse field dwindled this congressional districts. heal from this past presidenweek, the Democratic pri“I’m energized to be part tial administration so we can mary is now between Biden of what will be a historic con- unite and be victorious this and Vermont Senator Bernie vention [in July] and hope November.” n

march 13-19, 2020 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

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

Papansin ako!

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 13-19, 2020

Tungkol ito sa representasyon sa gobyerno.

Gusto kong pag-usapan kung papaano maghahatid ng pagbabago para sa aking sarili at sa ating komunidad.

Ang census ay nangyayari kada sampung taon para mabilang ang lahat ng naninirahan sa United States.

Ang mga numerong ito ang nagde-determine ng representasyon para sa lahat ng antas ng pamahalaan.

Paraan ito upang tayo’y pakinggan! Ang pagsagot sa kaunting katanungan ay munting pagsisikap na malayo ang mararating.

Kumpletuhin ang census sa

2020CENSUS.GOV/tl o tumawag sa 844-478-2020 Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau

10 march 13-19, 2020 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

Open letter to the millennials who believe...

PAGE 7

take a much bigger share from your already lean income.

What happens when you turn 26 after the Affordable Care Act kicks you out of your parents’ health plan? How can you afford to give your own family health care coverage when you are struggling to have your self covered as employers fight hard to cover just the barest minimum for you to lower their cost and maximize their profits?

What happens to you when you are hit by a pandemic like the coronavirus and are asked to self-quarantine? How do you pay for the expensive tests? How do you pay for your family’s bills when you cannot work? How do you pay for your treatment when your insurance coverage doesn’t give you enough coverage?

You worry about the taxes you have to pay every year to Uncle Sam, even as the quality social services accorded to you by the government get leaner and leaner every year. You wonder why you, as part of the middle class, pay for so much taxes as millionaires and billionaires pay less commensurate to the wealth they are amassing from the economy you help build? You wonder why corporations are given corporate welfare and pay zero taxes as you struggle to pay for the basic needs of your family?

You worry about racial biases and discrimination being persons of color, a sad reality in America that has escalated even more during the present administration.

You worry about how carbon emissions have been threatening our planet earth and the life of your family and the future generation, and yet the government has not been doing enough to fight against climate change, and even deny the facts and science of it to protect the interests of the fossil fuel industry.

YES, you worry about these realities and you have lost faith in the ideals of the American dream because you feel betrayed. You have witnessed how politicians do not really represent the interest of ordinary hardworking Americans like you, and have election cycle after election cycle failed to deliver on their campaign promises.

This is until Senator Bernie Sanders ran for president in 2016. You got to know about his vision for America and how he has been fighting for this for decades since he was a young adult like you.

You found out how Sand-

ers marched with Dr. Martin Luther King to fight against racial discrimination, and for the protection of civil rights, justice and protection for all Americans.

Sanders has been fighting for an America where health care is a right for all Americans, and not just for the privileged powerful few by proposing to create a Medicare for All, just like how it is in all other major industrialized nations in the world. He has introduced a proposal to eliminate past-due medical debt. He also proposed measures to guarantee housing as a human right and to eliminate homelessness.

Sanders has been fighting for free public college education and wants to cancel all student loan debt, and place a cap on student loan interest rate going forward at 1.88%.

He has proposed to guarantee universal child care and preschool for families in need and to reinvest in public education.

Sanders has been fighting to empower workers by strengthening labor laws and regulations so that each worker will get the fair and equitable living wages and benefits.

Sanders has been fighting to expand social security and to protect the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Sanders has been fighting to protect the environment by transforming our energy system away from fossil fuel and toward energy efficiency and renewable energy.

He has been proposing to pay for all of these by making the millionaire and billionaire people and corporations pay their fair share in taxes, establishing an income inequality tax and wealth tax, and make the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution.

THESE ARE WHY the powerful corporate elites have been fighting against a Sanders presidency. This is why Sanders does not accept hefty campaign contributions from Wall Street, Super PAC, millionaires and billionaires so that he will not be beholden to anyone but only to the American people.

For many Boomers like your parents and grandparents, Sanders’ vision for America may be too radical, too extreme. This is just how corporate lobbyists have been framing Sanders’ vision to tap into that fear of change, just like how Social Security and Medicare that our Boomers are now enjoying had been fiercely fought against in the

Dateline PhiliPPines

past.

Millennials, you have been marginalized and mocked for being loud and fierce supporters of Sanders who did not show up in the polls to vote for your candidate last Super Tuesday that gave former Vice President Joe Biden the momentum moving forward. Again, do not give in to these labels and intimidation to dishearten you and make you stay home and out of the game.

The Boomers have all to lose, having already established their life and fortunes, that is why they are more cautious and are more leaning to protect and perpetuate the status quo, fighting against “radical” changes, clinging to the same old model they have grown accustomed to, no matter how imperfect.

This is why for many of them, Biden is the safe choice. Centrist is the safe choice. Moderate is the safe choice. This is exactly the position and the message of the Democratic Party, that is why the other centrist, moderate, safe candidates dropped out of the race to rally their support for Biden.

But changes in history have not been driven by those who want to play it safe. It is propelled by the youth, fueled by their dreams and idealism, lifted by their fearlessness and hunger.

The students spearheaded the French Revolution and ended the reign of abusive monarchs. The Filipino youth of the 70s to the 80s fought against the Marcos dictatorship through a peaceful and bloodless revolution.

Millennials, this is your time. You have the numbers to write the next chapter of our history. You have the power to transform America and make it live up to its ideals.

But history is written by those who show up and vote.

Millennials, this is your revolution. Fight it to win it by getting out of your comfort zone, by going to the polls, by voting for Bernie Sanders to be the Democratic nominee who will defeat Trump. Fight it by empowering others to vote.

Your future depends on it. ***

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

‘Negotiations with water concessionaires must be in public’

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte is open to a compromise with the two major water distributors serving Metro Manila but wants the negotiations for the new concession deals to be made public.

Duterte is pushing for new contacts with water firms Manila Water and Maynilad, saying the existing concession deals are “onerous” and disadvantageous to consumers.

The president, in particular, assailed contract provisions that supposedly bar the government from stopping water rate hikes and permit water concessionaires to collect damages for losses that stem from regulatory actions.

Duterte has also accused water firms of passing on their corporate income tax to consumers and failing to provide water treatments.

He has also vowed to run after government lawyers who

drafted the 25-year deals, which were signed in 1997.

“Sabi ko, mag-areglo tayo (I said, we can compromise).

Well, of course, I can. I can talk to you. But it must be in public,” Duterte said during a gathering of local executives in Pasay last Tuesday.

Criminal charges Duterte, however, clarified that the acceptance of new contracts won’t necessarily spare the two water distributors from criminal charges.

“But then I cannot assure you that you will not be prosecuted for graft and corruption or plunder. It involves millions,” the President said.

“I told them, ‘Hey son of a b****, your document and the Anti-Graft Law are almost the same book.’ All the violations that you can think of or all the violations that you would ever know is there,” he added.

Duterte said his plan to file charges against the owners of Manila Water and Maynilad should satisfy critics who demanded that he run after

the “big fish.” He singled out former socioeconomic planning secretary and newspaper columnist Solita Monsod, whom he said was fond of criticizing him.

“Look at these writers, commentators...They are arrogant...You want the big fish?

One day, I said, ‘OK I will give you the biggest crocodiles,’” Duterte said.

“The commentators who are sons of b******. They are now silent. This Monsod used to complain and complain, ‘Where’s the big fish? Where’s the big fish?’It’s there. That animal. She can’t say anything now. I suspect that she is also connected with the...Well, somehow,” he added.

Duterte said the public should not let go of the issue involving water distributors.

“These sons of b****** are now silent. Congress is silent.

Nobody asked for an investigation. So my appeal is if I do not reach the finish line for one reason or another, kindly do not forget this,” he said. n

Balancing our relationship with the United...

PAGE 5 tor the movement of enemies and mount effective defense, among others.

China on the other hand has also been expanding its space program, reportedly focusing research on cislunar space (the area between Earth and the moon), sending a Chinese lunar exploration rover on the far side of the moon last year.

Reports also assert that China wants to set up a cislunar “space economic zone” that could allegedly generate for it $10 trillion a year by 2050.

China has emerged as an economic powerhouse, acknowledged as one of the fastest growing economies in the last two decades, surpassing Japan to become the second largest economy in the world next to the U.S. A major driver of Chinese economic growth are the factories that produce everything from clothes to toys to gadgets for consumers worldwide.

China has also been ramping up military spending in the last few years. According to an International Institute for Gel Santos Relos has been in news, Strategic Studies report, China talk, public service and educational increased military spending by broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN 6.6 percent to $181.1 billion and is now serving the Filipino audience in 2019. Last year showed the using different platforms, including digital biggest rise in global defense broadcasting, and print, and is working spending, the report said, with on a new public service program for the the U.S. spending $684 billion. community. You may contact her through Analysts also note the military email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send modernization efforts of China, her a message via Facebook at Facebook. with President Xi Jinping saying he wants the Chinese navy com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

to be the biggest by 2035, and its armed forces to become world class by 2050.

“A military force is built to fight. Our military must regard combat readiness as the goal for all its work and focus on how to win when it is called upon,” said President Xi. Military experts however say the fighting capacity of the People’s Liberation Army is not yet at par with a super power like the United States.

There is no doubt that China has become a major player in the global arena, emerging as an economic powerhouse and offering a huge consumer market. But both the U.S. and China recognize that they have to live with each other, in spite of the fact that they are strong competitors. Obviously, we have to deal with both countries in a manner that would also redound to our benefit. After all, every nation has its own interest to protect.

I thank my friend, Professor Richard Heydarian, for his kind words in his column last week, acknowledging our efforts at diplomacy. Our challenge today is to balance our relationship with both nations while assuring our friends in Washington that we want a renewed relationship wherein we are not entirely dependent on them – which our president has always made clear.

Very early on in life, I learned to get along with all levels of society. I went to two so-called

rival schools — Ateneo and La Salle — which perhaps prepared me for this. I went to grade school and high school at the Ateneo, finishing my high school in the United States.

During those days, the rivalry between the two schools was very strong. It was important to get along with my new La Salle friends while maintaining my relationship with old Ateneo schoolmates. Today, I consider myself lucky to have friends from both sides of the fence.

My close personal friend and media mentor, the late Philippine Star publisher Max Soliven, told me that in writing a column, one must put out both sides of the argument and not make readers feel as if you are saying, “it’s my way or the highway.” That advice from my dear friend taught me a lot.

Before I left for the U.S. to take up my post as ambassador in November 2017, I was seated beside former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile during a dinner. JPE is no fan of the U.S., his visa having been cancelled many years ago allegedly for his involvement in a coup plot against Cory Aquino in 1986.

I will never forget what he said: “I have no love lost for the United States. But your job is very important; we cannot afford to ignore a country like the United States.” And I might add – neither can we ignore a country like China. (Philstar. com)

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 13-19, 2020

COMMUNITY Journal

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THE U.S. Department of State (DOS) has revised its regulations on eligibility for visitor visas, establishing that “travel to the United States with the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the United States is an impermissible basis for the issuance of a B non-immigrant visa.” Consequently, “a consular officer shall deny a B nonimmigrant visa to an alien who he or she has reason to believe intends to travel [to the United States] for this purpose.”

The practice of pregnant women coming to the U.S. on visitor visas in order to give birth to a child (so the child would be a U.S. citizen) has been commonly referred to

11

No more visitor visas for ‘birth tourism’

“I know that many people from around the world wish to come to the U.S. and give birth in order to give that child the future opportunities that the U.S. has to offer.” as “birth tourism.” DOS states that birth tourism is no longer considered a “legitimate activity” on a visitor visa, and birth tourism creates risks to U.S. national security and law enforcement.

There have been news reports of various agencies advertising (especially in China) on how they could assist women in obtaining visitor visas in order to give birth in the U.S., and emphasize the

advantages to their newborn baby, such as free education, free medical, job opportunities without the need to obtain a work authorization, and the ability to petition their parents once they are 21 years old.

In some cases, these women plead poverty to the hospital social workers, and give birth at U.S. taxpayer expense. In one reported case, a woman paid the hospital the PAGE 12

FAMILY PETITIONING FAMILY FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARD. Many people believe the only way to bring a family member to the US is through a family petition. Auntie Eva started as a caregiver when she first set foot on American soil. Through the years, she was able to put up her own six-bed facility, but desperately needed help. Eva’s niece, Russell, just finished her nursing courses back in the Philippines. While watching an episode of Citizen Pinoy, Eva learned a valuable lesson: family members in the US who have businesses that are financially stable can legally petition relatives for an employment-based green card (PERM/labor certification). Watch this informative episode on how Atty. Gurfinkel’s office was able to complete all the necessary requirements, and help Tita Eva get the much-needed help for her facility (and a green card for her family member) on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

(Advertising Supplement)

12

MARCH 13-19, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Sanctuary versus Corona See how one can petition relatives for A CLEAN and well-ventilated home is the safest sanctuary from the current COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spreading around the world, now involving 121 countries (and 2 international conveyances, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess Cruise ships), killing almost 4,400 worldwide and now affecting 39 States in the U.S. Current statistics are stated below.

Proper perspective The CDC reports that “during the 2019-2020 Flu season in the USA, more than 26 million have fallen ill with the regular flu, 250,000 have been hospitalized and 4,000 have died. The Influenza B strain virus was at its peak.”

The strain B virus is less likely to mutate to become virulent, according to the Mayo Clinic, and older people exposed to before it now carry immunity but children who were never exposed to this strain were more vulnerable. During this season, there were 105 children who died from it.

The CDC report says “the second wave of Flu this year was due to Influenza A, featuring the H1N1 infection that hit the USA, which is at its peak right now…This year the flu vaccine is a pretty good match with major strains around the country; the H1N1 part of the flu is essentially 100 percent match with vaccine for the circulating strains.”

Black Death, Ebola, MERS, SARS The Black Death (Bubonic plague) pandemic between 1347 and 1351, which originated in China, wiped out 25 million people in Europe. A resurgence in 1661 killed 15 percent of Londoners. Quarantine was “invented” then and it is still the best preventive measure even today.

Ebola virus was first identified in 1976, hitting a village bordering the Ebola River in the Congo, with mortality rate of 55 to 60 percent.

In 2013-2016, there was an outbreak in West Africa, 28,652 cases with 11,325 deaths. As of July 28, 2019, there were 2,671 cases, with 1,790 deaths from Ebola in the same region.

MERS - Middle East respiratory Syndrome – (started November 2012 Saudi Arabia) had 2,494 Cases with

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS 858 deaths, in 27 countries, 34.4 percent mortality.

SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - (started in Guangdong, China November 2002) – 8,437 cases, with 813 deaths, in 26 countries, 9.63 percent mortality.

COVID-19 – novel Corona virus infection – (started in Wuhan, Hubei, China, December 2019), As of March 11, 4:07 PM, GMT, the global stats: 122,005 cases, 4,390 deaths, 64,611 recovered;

ical insurance firms). A clean home is the safest sanctuary in the face of an epidemic or pandemic. Be sure to have adequate supply of water, food, medications, and other necessities. Avoiding nonessential travels, even in your neighborhood or city is a part of self-quarantine among the unexposed individuals. Those possibly exposed must have total quarantine (away from their healthy family members) and be under a TeleMedic’s supervision. Six US lawmakers who were exposed to one infected case during the CPAC meet have quarantined themselves. Quarantine works!

The CDC has issued an Advisory for people to postpone their cruises and non-essential travels.

During the plague in Europe, there were towns without cases which had imposed self-quarantine (no in or out) on their own for 40 days (number chosen for religious reason) and this saved millions.

Today, we know how long the incubation period is...for prevention and for quarantine purposes too.

For COVID-19, extending observation from 14 days to 30 should be conservative (more than) enough.

Last week, our column dealt with FAQs from the World Health organization circulated globally to stem any misinformation or fake news about COVID-19. The perspective above (re: Influenza) is aimed at the same goal: to emphasize medical facts and provide accurate information for public education and safety, and prevent panic.

Recommendations First and foremost: Do not Panic 1. Stock up on food, water, medications, and other necessities, for at least a couple of months, to minimize going to the grocery stores.

2. Watch the news and be updated on COVID-19 and other important matters …and, of course, entertain yourself while at home 3. Eat a healthy diet; get enough sleep and rest.

4. Avoid any behavior or activities that would lower your resistance.

5. Stop smoking and minimize alcohol intake. Do daily exercises.

6. Wash your hands at

“The strain B virus is less likely to mutate to become virulent, according to the Mayo Clinic, and older people exposed to before it now carry immunity but children who were never exposed to this strain were more vulnerable.”

China, 80,790 cases, new 22, 3, with 158 deaths; Italy (entire country in lock down, self-quarantine), 10,149 cases, 631 deaths; Iran, 9,000 cases, new - 63, with 958 deaths; South Korea, 7765 cases, new – 63, with 66 deaths; USA, 1016 cases, new – 22, in 38 States, 31 deaths; and, the Philippines, 49 cases, new – 16, with 1 death. COVID-19 mortality – 2 to 3 percent.

The cases are increasing as you read this column. Most of the deaths were elderly seniors with major illnesses like pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and those with lowered immune system. The number of cases and deaths from the seasonal flu is much higher compared to the COVID-19 infection. Be calm, but be on guard.

Self-quarantine, TeleMedicine The situation stated above is a good reason to practice self-quarantine, whether one has been exposed to an infected person or not. If the probability exists, contact your physician immediately by telephone (Tele-Medicine is now covered by most med-

a green card through employment on a brand-new Citizen Pinoy this Sund

THIS Sunday’s episode deals with family petitioning family members for a green card through an employment-based petition or labor certification.

Auntie Eva has a six-bed boarding care home in the U.S. that she was operating by herself. It was very challenging to be doing the cooking, the cleaning, medication, and bedside care or her residents, on top of the administrative work. She needed help, and she had

a niece, Russel, who just graduated from Nursing in the Philippines.

Eva found out from an earlier episode of Citizen Pinoy that relatives can petition family members for a green card if they fulfill certain criteria. In this case, Eva owns a business (care home) and she has a relative who is qualified to work in the facility. So, she can legally petition Russel for a green card.

Eva consulted with leading

U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who prepared all requirements and helped Eva’s niece, Russel, prepare for the Embassy interview, guiding her every step of the way.

Find out how leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to provide Auntie Eva the help she desperately needed on all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

PAGE 12 indigent (poor person) rate for hospital bills of $4,000, when the actual cost was $28,000.

But it turned out she had more than $225,000 in a U.S. bank account, and had made purchases of Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton purses and handbags during that same “visit” to the U.S. In fact, some business travelers have referred to the flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai as the “Baby Express,” because the business and first-class sections were filled with women with crying newborn (U.S. citizen) infants, as a result of birth tourism.

I know that many people from around the world wish to come to the U.S. and give birth in order to give that child the future opportuni-

ties that the U.S. has to offer.

But DOS is cracking down on birth tourism, and if a woman applies for a visitor visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the U.S., the visa will be denied.

Even if a woman already has a visitor visa, and enters the U.S. noticeably pregnant, it would be up to the CBP to decide whether to let her in or not. She might also be questioned in secondary inspection, to evaluate if her primary purpose in coming to the U.S. is to give birth to a U.S. citizen baby. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the

State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

least 8 times a day, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, whenever you use your hands, especially in public places. Dry your hands very well, since viruses love moisture, like bacteria, fungus, and molds. Hand sanitizers work.

7. Do not touch your face; use facial tissue or towel if you must.

8. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

9. Say “Hi” instead of a handshake; others would prefer this also.

10. Avoid all non-essential travel; a clean home is the safest sanctuary.

11. Regular home and workplace vacuuming and cleaning with vinegar/alcohol, which kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds.

12. While masks, even the N95, are not totally effective,

wearing one (properly, covering nose and mouth) does not hurt if you are outside, if you feel more secure with one.

13. Avoid being in a crowd, avoid persons who are coughing or sneezing or look sick; to panic is counter-productive and counterproductivity; a little reasonable paranoia (call it health vigilance) will be beneficial.

14. Do not touch public doorknobs, handrails, any surface with your bare hands; wash your, even after touching money, an item that passed through countless thousands of germ-loaded hands.

15. Carry disinfectant wipes or gel or liquid in with you. Wipe handle of grocery carts and other objects before touching them.

16. If not feeling well, especially with fever or cough,

do not go to the emergency room or to your doctor’s office. Instead, call your physician without delay and quarantine yourself. Protect others. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

Prevention, as with any other infectious diseases, is the vital key in our battle with COVID-19 and most diseases. With it goes discipline, equanimity, practical wisdom, awareness of the environment, and vigilance (a healthy dose of paranoia).

No more visitor visas...

*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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Fil-Am co-producer of ‘Yellow Rose’ follows passion to uplift more multicultural stories

By Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

A Filipino American producer with nearly two decades in the entertainment industry announced the launch of a new multicultural public relations and marketing agency to uplift voices often missing and underrepresented in mainstream spaces.

Jeremiah Abraham officially unveiled Tremendous Communications at the start of March with the mission of working with entertainment studios to promote new theatrical releases and create content and live experiences that are culturally authentic and targeted for Asian Americans consumers, especially fellow Fil-Ams. This comes at a time when we’ve seen Asian and Asian American projects be well-received by audiences, be it “Parasite,” “The Farewell,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” and “Yellow Rose,” of which Abraham served as a co-producer.

The moniker Tremendous was chosen as a “wonderful descriptor of people of color, especially Asian Americans, and the work that we’ve created in entertainment,” Abraham told the Asian Journal in an email.

While the projects Tremendous is set to roll out this year are still under wraps, Abraham said the company is securing conscious collaborations with key studios and brands to bring these stories and voices to life.

“One of our goals is to help bridge the gap between entertainment and [people of color]-owned companies for potential brand partnerships and I’m really looking forward to the opportunities we can bring to uplift Asian Americans, including Filipino Americans,” he said.

A Southern California native, Abraham’s résumé boasts an extensive career working on campaigns for studios, such as Disney, Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, Universal, Lionsgate and HBO. He made his way to New York — where he continues to live — to take up an associate director of marketing position at Condé Nast with the responsibility of pushing out multi-platform content for the media giant’s brands,

such as Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. He also had a stint at another Asian American agency that handled major corporate brands like McDonald’s.

Tremendous also plans to pitch more Asian American stories to mainstream media; already it has helped individuals and projects get features on Forbes, Variety, Deadline and Teen Vogue.

“I’ve always had a drive to be an entrepreneur,” he told the Asian Journal in a previous interview ahead of the launch. “When I was freelancing, I found it much more liberating and I was able to make more of an impact by following my own vision.”

Though the agency is focused on the diversity of Asian American groups, being a Fil-Am is an added perspective Abraham seeks to bring to these discussion tables.

While freelancing and figuring out his next steps, Abraham met a group of filmmakers in New York and saw the opportunity to bridge the public relations and marketing aspect with the production side. That’s how he led to co-producer credits of Fil-Am projects, such as Diane Paragas’ “Yellow Rose” and Isabel Sandoval’s “Lingua Franca,” alongside Jhett Tolentino and Carlo Velayo. “‘Yellow Rose’ is proof that genuine stories that

represent real people and their real experiences here in America work and people have a desire and demand for them. They shouldn’t compromise their vision just because they think that it might play to a wider audience,” Abraham said.

“Yellow Rose” — the musical film starring Eva Noblezada, Lea Salonga and Princess Punzalan that swept 14 awards at various film festivals in 2019 — was acquired for worldwide acquisition by Sony Pictures last fall. With the success and reception of the film, Abraham hopes it will usher in backing for more authentic Filipino and Fil-Am stories.

He added, “But from my experience, marketing and doing communications for studios across different audiences, I come at it from that standpoint where I am Filipino American, I know what these stories are, but I also come at it from a more commercial standpoint.”

“Lingua Franca” — written, directed and starring Sandoval about an undocumented trans Filipino caregiver who pursues a marriage to obtain a green card — premiered at the Venice International Film Festival last fall and made its rounds to other festivals. Sandoval made history as the first trans person of color to screen at the prestigious festival.

Jeremiah Abraham, founder of Tremendous Communications

Abraham (2nd from right) with Filipino American talent, such as Vincent Rodriguez, Diane Paragas, Dante Basco, Ella Jay Basco, and Joshua Dela Cruz at the Unforgettable Gala in Dec. 2019.

On top of launching the new company, Abraham, together with PJ Raval and Cecilia Mejia, is a Cinematografo Originals finalist for “Slaysians,” a docu-series about the underground LGBTQ “slaysian” movement,

including many Fil-Ams. “At the end of the day, I want to help diversity the narrative that’s out there already. Movie studios now are increasingly finding value in providing genuine experiences for their films to these

multicultural audiences and that’s what I hope to be the leader in,” Abraham said. “[Tremendous] is new but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot of experience doing this for various different clients.”

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people events arts culture entertainment

Meet Chef Louis Bayla, NYC’s Prince of Pork

I

by

MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

It was a celebration of all things pork at Cochon555 on Sunday, March 8 as five of New York’s top chefs went head to head in a friendly competition for the title of “Prince of Pork” and a chance to represent the city in the grand championship later this year.

Chef Louis Bayla, Chef de Cuisine at Little Park in Tribeca emerged victorious after the dual judge/guest vote was tallied.

“I’m surprised, honestly,” Bayla told the Asian Journal.

“I’m very competitive and I was cooking against my former mentor Bryan Hunt who is extremely talented as well as the other chefs.”

This one-of-a-kind culi-

Sommelier Anna Chrostina Cabrales of Morell Wine Bar also won the “Somm Smackdown” competition featuring some of the 50 city’s top sommeliers who were each challenged with pairing the best wines from around the globe to the dishes prepared by the competing chefs.

nary tour features five chefs cooking five heritage breed pigs with Chef Louis using a 220-pound Red Wattle from Heritage Foods USA to come up with his menu. The chefs honor the animal and its history by utilizing each pig in its entirety from snout to tail.

Bayla prepared five dishes: sinigang wrapped in cabbage (using loin and bones); pancit palabok (shoulder, butt and skin); sisig (head, belly and offals), adobo pork rib (ribs and liver) and halo halo (trotter, knuckle and skin).

The five chefs were judged and scored on utilization, technique, and overall flavor and guests voted for their “best bite of the day.” Bayla’s sommelier partner Anna Christina Cabrales of Morell won Somm Smackdown, a face-off of five top sommeliers pairing the best wine with heritage pig.

“I’ve cooked fine dining for a very long time. As Filipinos, we were born to do snout to tail cooking on pigs and

I wanted to showcase that pride we have,” he shared.

Bayla’s creativity and innovation was evident and well executed, particularly the infusion of pork into his dessert, the traditional halo halo.

“Jello is made with gelatin, an animal product so I wanted to try and make gelatin myself. I also love sago so we just kept on experimenting.

So lucky that it worked out,” he said.

For this victory, he is thankful to his team who supported him all the way, including the Filipino sous chefs he works with: Ramon Amaut and Criselda Chuan, Angela Pinto and Isak Buan and Kevin Woods, executive sous chef at Locanda Verde.

As the “Prince of Pork” of New York City, Bayla will advance to the national finale, Grand Cochon, a head-to-tail, winner-takes-all showdown for the crown and the title “King or Queen of Pork” later this year.

Chef Louis Bayla raises his trophy as Prince of Pork New York City at the Cochon555 dining event held last weekend. Bayla bested four other NYC chefs in a friendly competition where each chef created a menu using heritage breed pig to promote local family farming

New York is the third stop in the 9-city tour, connecting quality-driven diners with family farmers, chefs, winemakers, restaurateurs, brewers, and distillers while contributing to a local charity.

Cochon555 celebrates and promotes heritage breed pigs and transparency through safe, honest food ways. Most of these pigs are raised naturally on family farms without the use of antibiotics or steroids.

12 years and counting Bayla worked as executive sous chef at Locanda Verde for three years before moving to his current post at Little Park in 2017 as its Chef de Cuisine. Both restaurants are under the NoHo Hospitality Group of James Beard Awardwinning chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini.

Chef Louis also previously worked as sous chef under Tom Colicchio at Riverpark, as tournant at Joel Robuchon, saucier at Gramercy Tavern and lead cook at Le Cirque.

He was seven years old when he moved to the United States along with his family.

His parents, Romy and Vicky are both from Laguna.

He remembers he always loved to cook, even as a 9year-old. His favorite back then? Regular Italian-style spaghetti using fresh tomatoes.

“My fondest food memory is eating kamayan in the

Chef Louis with his team from Little Park and Locanda Verde.

AJPress Photos by Troi Santos

Chef Bayla served halo halo with jello made out of the heritage pigʼs trotters and knuckles with crispy chicharron bits.

Photos by Max Flatow Photography/COCHON 555 Philippines when I was a kid and my family cooked lechon.

We used banana leaves as plates,” he shared.

In college, he tried nursing and economics in his freshman year and hated it, so he signed up for culinary school the following semester and started in the food industry as a dishwasher.

“Sipag, yun ang importante. Basta dapat masipag,” he quipped.

I first heard of his name back in 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan ravaged some provinces in the eastern side of the Philippines. Chef Tom Colicchio’s group sent us a press release announcing that Riverpark, one of their restaurants was offering Filipino dishes in addition to their regular lunch and dinner menus to support victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

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Richard, Sarah cancel wedding ‘Dreams do come true’: Rachelle Ann reveals moment she moved into London home over Covid-19 spread

ACTORS Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati announced on Thursday, March 12 their decision to postpone their March 14 wedding amid the rising cases of Covid-19 infections in the country.

The couple released a statement on their respective Instagram accounts as follows: “As much as we want to celebrate our love with our family and friends, in light of the recent situation we have decided to postpone our wedding as we do not want to put anyone at

risk.

“Thank you so much to those who flew in and to everyone who worked so hard for our special day. We only wish good health for everyone and we hope to celebrate with you as soon as things get better.”

Gutierrez and Lahbati’s high profile bridal entourage had no less than President Rodrigo Duterte and former presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Estrada among the principal sponsors.

By NIÑA

V. GUNOI Inquirer.net

Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@richardgutz

Kim addresses fans, assailants a week after ambush

By JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

A WEEK after the unfortunate ambush happened to her, Kapamilya actress Kim Chiu updated her fans on social media.

In her Instagram account, Kim said the incident made her realize that life is short and precious.

“It has been a week since.... that day made me realize life is really short, life is very precious and most of all felt God’s presence he protected me, my PA and my driver,. None of us was hurt. He is really powerful amongst us all,” Kim started her lengthy post.

She added that what happened to her was a miracle.

“I must say it was a miracle. I could not explain the feeling but I know he was with us and so our guardian angels,” she said.

Kim also thanked the people who supported her through her trying times.

“I want to thank my AbsCbn family Direk Lauren Dyogi who picked me up at taping and secured my safety all through out and abscbn bosses Tita Cory, Sir Mark and Sir Carlo to my StarMagic family Tita Mariole and Mr M, my handler Ate Edith and my sister Ate Lakam, to my friend Ranvel Rufino for urgently went on set with lawyers with him thank you sobra sa inyo,” she said.

“So many people helped me get through this I am blessed to be surrounded with these kind of people they dont have to do this ang dami na nilang pinoroblema but still they insisted to help me. Now everything is slow-

RACHELLE Ann Go continues to prove that the right time will come in fulfilling one’s dreams.

The renowned theater actress gave a glimpse of the moment she first saw her London home last December via Instagram on Tuesday, March 10.

A video shows her giddy with a wide smile as she opened the front door to her new home with her husband, Martin Spies.

Go shared that she prayed for a house in Manila, New York and London years ago, and poked fun at herself: “[A]s if! I mean dream on.”

However, choosing where to live has weighed heavily on her mind. “This time last year, I was worrying so much not knowing if we should stay in London after Hamilton, explore opportunities in NYC or go back to the Philippines.”

“Months and months of confusion and anxiety. My husband reminded me ‘everything will be okay, God is in control…’”

The couple finally found a home after nearly a year of house-hunting. Her husband

Rachelle Ann Go and husband Martin Spies have a new abode in London.

Photo from Instagram/@gorachelleann

moved in ahead on Dec. 1 because she was still in Manila, and Go joined him on Dec. 15. “[A]s I opened the door, I felt like a kid opening a Christmas present,” she recalled.

“I never realized that I will be living in London with a husband. Dreams do come true,” she gushed. She married Spies, a South African businessman, in Boracay in 2018.

Go opened up about finding a home during her homecoming concert in January, as per the Philippines’ Ultimate

Showbiz Hub. She said they hoped to have a two-bedroom home, but instead were able to find one with four rooms and a garden.

The actress has spent time in London, thanks to stints in West End: She was part of the 2014 “Miss Saigon” revival, was cast as Fantine in the 2016 production of “Les Miserables” and currently plays Eliza in “Hamilton” since 2017.

Go will continue to be seen on West End as she reprises her role as Fantine, she announced on March 3.

Meet Chef Louis Bayla, NYC’s...

Kim Chiu

Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

ly unfolding and I am glad that I am alive despite........

I realized a lot of things., you discover people who are willing to help, people who care for you and people who just wants to bring you down,” she added.

Kim also addressed her assailants, saying: “I don’t want to get mad at them or ‘hate’ them.”

She said the love she receives is enough for her to not feel hatred and bitterness over what happened.

“Puno ng pasasalmat ang

puso ko, Im just happy that I am here posting another IG post and thanking HIM for this Precious life! Tuloy ang buhay,” she said.

“I want to thank tita cory and tita mariole for the continuous update. Thank you for always checking on me. Atty Aby and Atty Edwin thank you. Papa God maraming salamat po. Now no need to be scared. ????

Kung wala ka namang ginagawang masama, there is no need to be scared,” she ended her post.

PAGE 14 They did this because a handful of their employees then, including two of their sous chefs, have family in the Philippines. Chef Louis, along with his fellow sous chef Carlos Benedicto created Filipino dishes inspired by the food they grew up eating including a seafood sinigang, palabok and longanisa dog.

Then last year, Bayla shared his talent and supported another Filipino-led charity called Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK) for their annual fundraiser.

Learning from his mentors Bayla is now on his third year as the chef de cuisine of Little Park, a Tribeca staple and a seasonal restaurant highlighting the best ingredients from longtime partnerships with local farmers, anglers, vintners, ranchers and foragers.

Peak ingredients like organic vegetables, free-range poultry, grass-fed meats, line-caught fish and heirloom grains are sourced for their level of quality, sustainability and nutrition.

“I like to use heritage pork, they have a specific diet and graze in open pastures,” he shared at the sidelines of the culinary foodfest.

For Cochon555, he was given a Red Wattle, a breed originating from New Caledonia, which gets its name from its red color and the fleshy skin that hangs under its jowls. Most of these heritage breed pigs are raised on family farms without the use of steroids and antibiotics.

After culinary school, Bayla thought about his career path, starting as a dishwasher.

He tried to map his journey and chose his work and mentors wisely. So far, he has worked with New York’s best from Gramercy Tavern to Locanda Verde and from Colicchio to Carmellini and in the kitchens of Le Cirque and Joel Robuchon.

“Yung mga ginagamit ko ngayon na techniques, natutunan ko sa kanila.

Yung iba, from my own experiments. Tikim lang din ako ng tikim, kung ano yung natatandaan ko sa nanay

ko,” he shared.

His mom, Vicky confirmed Chef Louis’ inclination in cooking as a young boy and added that among his favorites are the basics: pancit and adobo. Back in the Philippines, some of his relatives from his mother’s side run a panciteria in Laguna while an uncle on his father’s side runs Asiong’s in Cavite.

Chef Louis tries to include some Filipino ingredients in the dishes he creates, like calamansi, which for him brings subtle nuances to certain dishes. For example, he used preserved calamansi for their razor clams ceviche, providing the dish a little kilawin flavor profile.

In the pipeline is a restaurant of his own, a dream that he wants to fulfill once he is ready.

“Marami akong mga kaibigan na nagluluto sa mga m a l a l a k i n g re s t a u ra n t s , lahat nasa background lang ngayon,” he said, hopeful and wistful that someday, they will all get to achieve their dreams.

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