033121 - Southern California Midweek Edition

March 31 - April 2, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 25 • 14 Pages

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

65-year-old Filipina brutally attacked in midtown Manhattan ATTACKS on Asian Americans continue to happen unabated in New York City.

This week alone, the New York City Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating a few of these hate incidents, one a brawl inside the J train going to Brooklyn, an Asian female was struck by a male who made anti-Asian statements, in the 51st St and Lexington Ave train station and a violent and senseless attack against an elderly woman that happened in broad daylight.

A 65-year-old Asian American woman was walking to church in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood on Monday morning, March 29 when the suspect assaulted her and said “f*** you, you don’t belong here,” according to the NYPD. The victim is reportedly of Filipino descent, according to a post by ABC7 New York reporter CeFaan Kim. The NYPD, however, could not confirm

White House reveals new actions to address hate against Asian Americans

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

THE White House on Tuesday, March 30 announced several actions in response to the latest string of antiAsian violence and racism in the United States.

The move comes two weeks since the Atlanta mass shooting that left eight individuals dead, six of

TWENTY SIX governors, as well as several former Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) government officials, have denounced the disturbing rise in assaults and harassment toward the AAPI community in the United States.

Governors from 26 states and territories on March 26 issued a joint statement calling for solidarity with AAPIs and condemning the recent string of brutal racism against the community, particularly elderly Asians.

“As governors, we take pride in protecting the people of our states and territories,” the governors’ letter read, acknowledging the long history of anti-Asian social norms and policy in the U.S. “From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the incarceration of Japanese Americans in World War II to the mistreatments of Muslims and Sikhs after 9/11, this year is part of a history of racism against the Asian American community,” the letter continued.

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Palace: Extending ECQ an ‘absolute last resort’ Metro Manila, surrounding areas under quarantine until April 4

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

EXTENDING the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) over Metro Manila and its nearby provinces is an “absolute last resort,” according to Malacañang.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, March 30, made the statement, noting that the InterAgency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet on Saturday, April 3 to decide whether the ECQ in the National Capital Region and other areas will be extended or lifted.

“Sa mga nagtatanong naman po kung maextend pa ang ECQ, pinagiisipan po itong mabuti ng inyong IATF at sa Sabado po, Black Saturday, ay meron kami muling pagpupulong para po isapinal kung ano ang mangyayari. Pero sinabi ko na po ito, another week or two weeks of [ECQ] yan po ay magiging absolute last resort (To those asking if the ECQ will be extended, the IATF is carefully thinking

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26 governors, former US officials condemn anti-Asian hate in bipartisan letter

Biden said on Twitter.

The actions include reinstating the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with initial focus on anti-Asian bias and violence; funding for AAPI survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; and forming a Department of Justice cross-agency initiative to review hate crimes and

whom were Asian women, and as nearly 3,800 hate incidents have been reported across the country in the past year.

“We can’t be silent in the face of rising violence against Asian Americans. That’s why today I’m taking additional steps to respond — including establishing an initiative at the Department of Justice to address anti-Asian hate crimes,” President Joe

Dozen of Angelenos flocked to Chinatown Central Plaza on Saturday night, March 27 for a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to victims of hate attacks, including the recent Atlanta shooting that killed eight individuals, six of whom were Asian women, and stand up against anti-Asian discrimination. A couple held up signs saying, “Stop Asian Hate” and “I am not a virus,” as elected officials and community leaders spoke.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

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Foreign parents of Filipino citizens can now enter PH with valid visas

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FOREIGN parents of Filipino citizens who have valid visas and are traveling with them may now enter the Philippines.

The country’s Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday, March 29, announced the new guideline pursuant to the latest resolution issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

However, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente stressed that foreign parents must be traveling with their Filipino chil-

dren to be able to enter the country.

“If they are traveling alone, they will not be allowed entry even if they hold valid visas as the rules provide that they must be traveling with their Philippine spouse or children,” he said in a statement.

Previously, only the foreign spouses and children of Filipinos who were traveling with them and those who hold valid visas were exempted from the travel ban, which the government imposed on all foreign nationals from March 22 to April 20.

Foremer President Joseph Estrada Morente also clarified that foreign seafarers arriving via the seaports are not prohib-

Philstar.com file photo

Ex-President Joseph Estrada Private nannies, housekeepers now eligible for hospitalized with COVID-19 u PAGE 3

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COVID-19 vaccine as restrictions lift in SoCal

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

California Dept. of Public Health ramps up community outreach to encourage more AAPIs to get vaccinated

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

MORE groups in Los Angeles County are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

As of Friday, March 26, gardeners and landscapers, housekeepers, and private child caretakers in LA County who work at least 20 hours a week can now start booking their appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Additionally, LA-based flight crews and airline employees who live in the city can now register for a vaccine appointment.

The announcement comes as California is set to drastically expand vaccine eligibility in April.

Starting on April 1, everyone 50 years or old will be able to get vaccinated and starting on April 15, individuals 16 years and older will be granted vaccine access.

LA County — where more than 1.2 million residents have been Covid-positive and more than 23,000 people have died from the virus — is set to receive another 380,000 doses this week. Additionally, tens of thousands of doses will be sent to pharmacies and local health care centers.

“Our calculations suggest if we’re able to get up to 750,000 doses delivered a week, we

should be able to work through the adult population certainly by the end of June,” said Dr. Paul Simon, L.A. County Department of Public Health chief science officer. “That’s a goal contingent upon us getting a larger supply of vaccine.”

Simon added that people who will soon become eligible for the vaccine should be patient when booking appointments as

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FORMER Philippine President Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada has tested positive for COVID19.

In a Facebook post, former Senator Jinggoy Estrada announced Monday, March 29, that his father was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with the virus.

“Nais ko pong ipaalam sa inyo na ang aking ama, na si dating pangulong Joseph Estrada, ay isinugod namin sa ospital kagabi sa kadahilanan ng panghihina ng kanyang katawan (I want to inform you that my father, former President Joseph Estrada,

EASTER SAVINGS

was rushed to hospital last night due to body weakness),” he said.

“Na-diagnose na po siya na positibo sa COVID-19 (He was diagnosed to be positive for COVID-19),” he added.

Jinggoy assured that his father was in a stable condition and asked everyone for prayers.

“Stable po ang kanyang kundisyon at ako po ay humihingi ng inyong mga panalangin sa kanyang agarang paggaling. (His condition is stable and I am asking for everyone’s prayers for his recovery),” he said.

Estrada’s other children also posted about their father’s condition on Twitter.

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From the Front Page

Foreign parents of Filipino citizens...

PAGE 1 ited from entering the country if they possess the required seaman’s visa or crew list visa.

“We welcome the exemption of foreign seafarers from the travel ban as the Philippines is one of the countries in Asia that has

opened a ‘green lane’ for these sailors,” he said.

According to BI bay service section chief Alnazib Decampong, the green lane project was launched by the government to promote the Philippines as a hub for crew change of in-

ternational maritime vessels and facilitate the free movement of sailors in the region during the pandemic.

The crew change hubs are located in the ports of Manila, Bataan, Batangas, Subic, Cebu, and Davao. n

65-year-old Filipina brutally attacked...

PAGE 1 with the victim’s ethnicity with the Asian Journal and said it does not collect disaggregated data beyond “Asian.”

The brazen and unprovoked attack, which was captured by a CCTV camera, happened around 11:40 a.m. in front of a luxury apartment building on West 43rd Street.

The woman was walking on the sidewalk when she was approached by the suspect who violently kicked her and knocked her to the ground. The assailant then kicked her and stomped on her face three times while hurling anti-Asian sentiments at her, police said, before he walked away.

Police Commissioner Dermot Shea called Monday’s attack “disgusting.”

“I don’t know who attacks a 65year-old woman and leaves her on the street like that,” Shea said in an interview with NY1.

The building’s CCTV also caught the building’s doorman shutting the door on the helpless victim who sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hos-

pital for treatment, police said.

The disturbing surveillance footage released by the NYPD has elicited some shocked and horrified reaction on social media about how the men inside the building just watched, did nothing and closed the door as the woman was on the ground.

The Brodsky Organization, developers and owners of the apartment building where the attack happened, issued a statement on Instagram condemning all forms of discrimination, racism, xenophobia and violence against the Asian American community.

The company also said that “the staff who witnessed the attack have been suspended pending an investigation in conjunction with their union” and that it was working to identify a “thirdparty vendor present during the incident so that appropriate action can be taken.”

Elected city and state officials have taken to social media to condemn the vicious attack.

“We’ve gone from being invisible to being seen as sub-human,” said Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY),

reacting to the video clip posted on Twitter. “We just want to be seen as American like everyone else.”

NY City Council Speaker Corey Johnson called the attack “absolutely vile.”

“These attacks against AsianAmerican New Yorkers must end. Hate has no place here and we must always call it out when we see it,” he said on Twitter.

Responding to the anti-Asian slurs hurled at the woman, particularly about her not belonging here, Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) posted, “Can you join me in telling this woman that she belongs here? All AAPIs, we all belong here. #StopAsianHate” The victim sustained serious physical injury and is currently hospitalized at NYU Langone Hospital with swelling to the face and pain in the left leg, according to the police. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

Candles at the Chinatown vigil on Saturday, March 27 were lit to remember the eight victims of the March 16 Atlanta shooting as well as Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old Thai man who was pushed to death in January in San Francisco.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

White House reveals new...

PAGE 1 incidents.

“These attacks are wrong, unAmerican, and must stop,” Biden added.

Biden will reinstate and expand the White House Initiative on AAPIs and appoint a permanent director “to lead the Initiative in the coordination of policies across the federal government impacting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities,” according to

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with Asian American leaders in Atlanta on Friday, March 19 to discuss the March 16 attacks and the ongoing violence against the community.

White House photo

the White House fact sheet.

The group was first formed during the Clinton administration and was reestablished by later presidents.

The Department of Health and Human Services will also allocate $49.5 million from the American Rescue Plan for community based and culturally specific services and programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This program will help AAPI survivors who may face additional barriers to services, such as language access.

Meanwhile, a committee within the COVID-19 Equity Task Force will address xenophobia against Asian Americans.

Tuesday’s announcement builds upon the executive order the president signed on Jan. 26, which included directives to remove language in federal actions or documents that would contribute to xenophobia and racism against the AAPI population and for the Justice Department to expand its collection of data and public reporting regarding hate incidents against community members.

The actions also come a week after Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) criticized the administration’s lack of AAPI representation on the Cabinet secretary level.

Duckworth later backtracked on her pledge to block the president’s non-diverse nominees in exchange for the White House adding an AAPI senior liaison.

The DOJ’s Hate Crimes Enforcement and Prevention Initiative will focus on the rise in hate crimes and reinitiate community outreach and engagement programs and addressing gaps in hate crimes reporting. Its hate crimes website has updated information on resources and has been made accessible in Tagalog, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

The department on Tuesday also released a separate memo outlining plans to do a 30-day expedited review into its hate crime tracking and investigations.

Other moves planned include a research investment of $33 million from the National Science Foundation “to understand, address, and end bias, discrimination and xenophobia, including against AAPI communities” and a virtual bookshelf by the National Endowment for the Humanities, featuring federally-funded projects that explore and celebrate Asian Americans’ contributions to the U.S. The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) applauded the administration’s commitment, calling it a “powerful step towards realizing racial equity” for to AAPI and Native Hawaiian communities.

“Much of the focus is understandably in response to the surge of anti-Asian racism; however, the reestablishment of WHIAAPI and data disaggregation are critical steps for the broader community. We encourage the Administration to center Southeast Asian, South Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Is-

landers in these efforts,” the organization said.

Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, met with Asian American leaders in Atlanta on Friday, March 19, three days after the deadly shootings at three spas in the area.

“Whatever the motivation is, we know this: Too many Asian Americans have been walking up and down the streets and worrying, waking up each morning for the past year feeling their safety and the safety of their loved ones are at stake,” Biden said.

Thirty-two U.S. senators and 101 representatives have cosponsored a resolution condemning anti-Asian hate following the Atlanta attacks, according to Axios.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) previously introduced the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which addresses the rise of hate crimes and violence targeted against the AAPI community by assigning a point person at the Department of Justice to expedite the review of COVID-19-related hate crimes.

The bill would also provide support for state and local law enforcement agencies to respond to these hate crimes, and coordinating with local and federal partners to mitigate racially discriminatory language used to describe the pandemic.

The Biden administration recently urged Congress to swiftly pass the legislation.

Data released by Stop AAPI Hate — a national coalition created during the beginning of the pandemic — revealed that from March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021, the reporting center received 3,795 firsthand incidents of racism and discrimination from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Of that number, 503 incidents took place in the first two months of 2021 alone. Women are 2.3 times more likely to report the versus men, the group also found.

Meanwhile, a new study by SurveyMonkey and AAPI Data released on Tuesday found that one in four Asian Americans (27%) and Pacific Islanders (24%) has experienced a hate incident, compared to the national average of 22%.

Other acts of racial discrimination and microaggressions were also elevated among AAPIs, including 64% of Asian Americans being asked where they are from and 27% being “encouraged to Americanize or Whiten one’s name.”

The data comes from the 2021 American Experiences with Discrimination Survey conducted online by SurveyMonkey between March 18-26 with 16,336 adult U.S. residents.

“These trends show that experiences of racial bias and hostility reported by Asian Americans emerge from a much broader environment of discrimination and racism affecting Black, Latinx, and other non-white groups in the U.S.,” said Janelle Wong, senior researcher at AAPI Data. n

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Dateline USa

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCh 31-ApRIL 2, 2021

3

IT’S NOT jUST QANON

Democrats and Independents also want to recall California’s governor

by AngelA HArt And SAmAntHA Young Kaiser Health News

JOCKEYING FOR A RIDE. Commuters try to get in first on public utility jeepney along Marikina-Laguna-Quezon (Marilaque) Highway in Antipolo City on Tuesday, March 30. Passengers have to be alert to get onboard public utility vehicles as there are only limited seats inside PUVs to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

26 governors, former US officials condemn...

PAGE 1 The 26 governors who signed the letter include Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Steve Sisolak of Nevada, Lourdes Leon Guerrero of Guam, David Ige of Hawaii, Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Andrew Cuomo of New York.

On the same day that the governors’ letter was released, a group of more than 70 AAPI former senior officials issued a “bipartisan call” to action to current state, local and federal government officials to address the “dramatic rise” of violence, rhetoric and discrimination toward the AAPI community.

“For all of us, it has been a great honor and privilege to serve the American public at the highest levels of the federal government, working for both Republicans and Democrats.

What is currently happening in our country is alarming, and it requires that we all stand in solidarity to protect and support the AAPI community,” the coalition of former officials wrote in the letter.

Among the officials who signed the letter included several Filipino Americans: Lelaine Bigelow, former deputy assistant secretary for congressional affairs in the

U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Irene Bueno, former special assistant to the president; Nani Coloretti, former deputy secretary of HUD; Eddy Badrina former executive director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs (WHIAAPI); Cesar Conda, former assistant to Florida senator Marco Rubio; Vic Mercado, former assistant secretary at the Dept. of Defense; Joyce Meyer, former deputy chief of staff to former House Speaker Paul Ryan; Rudy Pamintuan, former chair of the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs; and Francey Lim Youngberg, former deputy assistant at HUD. “We call on our political leaders to: denounce violence and hateful rhetoric against AAPIs; to work with local, state, and national leaders and law enforcement agencies to better protect AAPIs; and to pass and fund legislation that will better support the needs of the AAPI community,” the former officials’ letter read.

As extensively covered in the Asian Journal, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 brought forth an concerning uptick in harassment, bias and violence against members of the massive AAPI community.

According to the social orga-

nization Stop AAPI Hate, which has been tracking reported incidents of anti-Asian hate, 2020 brought forth a 150% increase in hate incidents and hate crimes against the AAPI community.

More than 3,800 self-reported incidents have been documented of which 66% of the victims were women.

Many of the early incidents included bullying, racial epithets, verbal abuse and online harassment with a few violent incidents.

But the last three months have seen a spike in incidents involving physical violence, including death.

The AAPI officials’ letter remarked on the duality of antiAsian hate and the fact that a large chunk of frontliners battling the COVID-19 pandemic in America are AAPIs. “Today, an estimated two million AAPIs serve on the front lines of our country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic as healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store workers, and other essential roles,” the letter read.

“They risk their lives every day to save fellow Americans, but even they are not immune to this kind of bias and hate.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Private nannies, housekeepers now eligible...

PAGE 1

officials predict that vaccination slots will fill up quickly. Simon recommends that people wait a week after they’re newly eligible to sign up for an appointment.

According to the California Dept. of Public Health (CDPH), more than 6.1 million people in the state have now been vaccinated.

Restrictions lift in LA and Orange counties As vaccinations continue to increase and positive COVID-19 cases continue to downtrend, LA and Orange counties will soon lift coronavirus restrictions.

This would move both counties from the red tier to the more flexible orange tier on the state’s color-coded tier system for county re-openings.

Both counties will be able to move into the orange tier as soon as Wednesday, March 31, meaning that movie theaters and restaurants will allow 50% capacity or 200 people (whichever is fewer); in the red tier, these businesses could only operate with 25% capacity.

Grocery stores, hair salons and other personal care services can increase capacity to 75%.

In the orange tier, bars would also be allowed to open with outdoor seating only, and wineries, breweries and distilleries can reopen indoor service with 25% capacity or 100 people.

Places of worship can expand indoor services to 50% capacity and gyms and fitness centers to 25% capacity.

The changes in capacity and economic reopenings are due to the daily average number of coronavirus-related deaths falling by 75% and hospitalizations related to COVID-19 decreasing 52% in LA County.

Despite the major signs of improvement, public health officials still urge the public to practice good judgement and safety protocols: wearing a mask when out of the house, standing 6 feet apart and practicing good hygiene and frequent hand-washing.

“This is due to residents and businesses doing their part and following the safety measures,” Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of LA County Public Health, said in a briefing this week. “If we wish to maintain these low numbers, it will be essential that each of us not get sloppy and that we continue to follow the protocols.”

A full list of business re-openings and capacity limits could be found on CDPH’s website: https://covid19.ca.gov/safereconomy/#county-status ‘Let’s Get to ImmUnity’ Ahead of the expanded vaccine eligibility, the CDPH announced

a multi-language new public education campaign as part of California’s Vaccinate All 58 initiative.

The “Let’s Get to ImmUnity” campaign specifically caters to the vast AAPI community across the state to encourage those who may be hesitant to receive the vaccine to make an effort to get immunized.

Additionally, the campaign — which was originally launched in early March and is part of a $40 million effort — seeks to provide “answers and reassurance that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and our greatest tool to end the pandemic,” the CDPH wrote in a press release.

The campaign will be offered in 10 Asian languages and dialects including Tagalog, Cantonese, Hindi, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin, Punjabi and Vietnamese.

“The API community in California and throughout the country has experienced both unique hardships and disproportionate impacts in some of our communities during this pandemic,” said California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan. “CDPH’s campaign to ensure every resident over age 16 is confident about being vaccinated against COVID-19 is not a one-size fits all approach. The diversity of our public education campaign mirrors the diversity of our state.” n

SACRAMENTO — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is framing the burgeoning effort to remove him from office as a fringe Republican movement backed by right-wing extremists, Trump supporters and QAnon conspiracy theorists.

But Newsom isn’t telling the whole story about who supports his recall.

Democrats and independent voters — who together dominate the state’s electorate — have also signed the recall petition, motivated by frustration with Newsom’s response to the covid-19 pandemic. Even Californians who helped elect Newsom to his first term in 2018 are angry over prolonged school closures, the whipsaw of business closings and openings and closings, vaccination chaos and turmoil at the state’s unemployment agency — which has been plagued with fraud, website failures and devastating backlogs that have left legions of residents without benefits.

“I’m not anti-mask, I’m not anti-science,” said Hastin Zylstra, 34, a Santa Ana Democrat who owns a laundromat and voted for Newsom in 2018. He signed the recall petition earlier this year, in part because he feels Newsom hasn’t done enough to help struggling small businesses.

“It sucks to be lumped into a group of white supremacists and anti-mask Republicans when a few months ago I was text-banking for Joe Biden and helping in the Georgia runoffs,” he added. “It feels a little bit like a knife in the back.”

Zylstra and other Newsom voters are chafing at the governor’s escalating attempts, in campaign advertising and on national television, to cast the recall drive as a partisan power grab. He told CNN on March 16 that his leadership during the covid-19 pandemic “saved thousands and thousands of lives,” and the same day on “The View,” Newsom dismissed recall supporters as extremists who don’t believe in science.

“It’s the anti-maskers and

anti-vaxxers, not just the mega Trump donors,” Newsom said on the ABC daytime talk show.

It’s also “the conspiracy theorists and militia members that are behind this recall.”

It’s true that the leaders of the recall petition are connected to Republican donors, right-wing extremists and QAnon, and that many conservatives have signed the recall petitions. But Democratic and independent voters say they’ve lost trust in the once-rising star of the Democratic Party.

A recent Emerson College poll found that 58% of Democrats and 55% of independent vot-

ers — those registered under no-party preference — would be open to dumping Newsom in favor of another Democratic candidate. And back-to-back polls this year by the University of California-Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Public Policy Institute of California showed Newsom’s poll numbers dropping, although they are higher than those of former Gov. Gray Davis before his recall in 2003.

“I would vote for another Democrat over Gavin, of course I would,” said Mara Kolesas, 51, a Berkeley mother of two

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Dateline PhiliPPines

PH, US to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations by aJPress THE Philippines and the United States have officially launched a bilateral campaign celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez and U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim led the program held on Friday, March 26, at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. They also unveiled the official logo of the 75th anniversary celebration, which highlights the common colors of the Philippine and American flags. The logo also depicts the sun, stars, and stripes, which represent hope for the future of the two countries’ deep relationship.

“Some say 75 years is indeed a long time to stay as friends, partners, and allies, but I believe this is an undeniable testament to the depth and quality of the bilateral relationship. Our ties have withstood the test of time and have served both our countries and peoples well,” said Romualdez.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the U.S.

were established on July 4, 1946 — the same day that the Philippines gained its status as an independent and sovereign republic.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty, which enables close security cooperation that enhances mutual peace and security.

“As you know, I served as Ambassador to the Philippines just recently and it’s a true privilege to see firsthand the strength of the bond between our two countries.

Starting with the unbreakable friendship between Americans and Filipinos, of course, the robust military partnership that we have, and an equally strong economic partnership,” Kim said.

“I think what really impressed me the most was the potential for us to develop the relationship even further, even deeper, and again, I think that starts with the warmth, affection, and mutual respect between our two countries,” he added.

The anniversary celebration focused on the unbreakable bonds between Filipinos and Americans, who continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

According to the U.S. Embassy

in the Philippines, there are over four million U.S. citizens of Philippine ancestry in the U.S. More than 350,000 U.S. citizens live and travel in the Philippines under normal circumstances, with an estimated 650,000 U.S. citizens visiting the Philippines each year.

“Certainly, what truly binds our two countries together are our peoples, and it is for them that we are celebrating this momentous occasion,” said Romualdez.

“It also provides an opportunity for the Philippines and the United States to not just take stock of what we have achieved together throughout the years, but also to reaffirm our commitment to more robust ties and to a relationship that remains relevant in a world that will continue to face new and continuing challenges,” he added.

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires John Law, for his part, joined the celebration by video link.

“Over these decades, our coun- SOLEMN. The normally busy Antipolo Cathedral, site of the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, is all quiet. Masses with only PNA photo by Joey O. Razon tries have accomplished so much 10-percent seating capacity are allowed on April 1 to 4 but activities outside churches are prohibited. together, and moving forward, we will accomplish even more thanks to the friendship, cooperation, and mutual support between Americans and Filipinos,” he said. n

PH ‘dismayed’by Myanmar violence but won’t intervene

THE Philippines on Tuesday, March 20 voiced “dismay” at reports of excessive force by the Myanmar military against unarmed protesters on Armed Forces Day, which killed over 100 people, but will not intervene in the ongoing unrest.

Manila issued the statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) amid reports that 107 people, including children, were killed by security forces across Myanmar on Saturday during a crackdown.

“The Philippines is profoundly dismayed at reports of excessive and needless force against unarmed protesters in Myanmar

on Armed Forces Day, which resulted in the worst violence since the military takeover,” the DFA said.

The Philippine government reiterated its call “for security forces in Myanmar to exercise restraint and desist from resorting to disproportionate force against unarmed citizens.

“We remain steadfast in supporting Myanmar on its path to a fuller democracy beginning with the immediate release of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and duly-elected civilian leaders,” the DFA added.

When a netizen on Twitter asked Foreign Affairs Secre-

tary Teodoro Locsin Jr. whether Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) should intervene, he said, “No intervention.”

He continued, “Just wise counsel and distancing if ignored because Asean principle of noninterference in others’ domestic affairs cannot be used to conceal crimes against humanity; that would be tantamount to Asean complicity and consent. Indonesia in the lead here”.

Myanmar is part of 10-member Asean which also includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. (ManilaTimes.net)

VP Robredo most qualified to be next PH president, says Drilon

by Christia

Marie Inquirer.net

raMos

MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday, March 30 said the Liberal Party (LP) considers Vice President Leni Robredo as the most qualified to be the Philippines’ next president.

“Right now, there is no question that Vice President Leni Robredo, to us, is the most qualified to be the next president,” Drilon, vice chairman of the LP, said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.

But whether or not Robredo decides to run is a matter of personal decision, according to the

minority leader.

“She is our [chairman], we will support her but the matter of running is a personal decision and up to this point, Vice President Leni has not decided to cast her hat in the national political ring,” he said.

Robredo has repeatedly parried questions on her plans for the 2022 elections, saying that addressing the pandemic should prioritized.

She said she and her office remain committed to assisting the country in combating the COVID-19 pandemic amid the surge in cases.

Robredo, along with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Nan-

cy Binay, Sen. Grace Poe and former Sen. Antonio Trillanes, are also being considered as a prospective candidate by a new electoral coalition led by retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio.

Carpio said the 1Sambayan coalition seeks to form a single national slate that would challenge the current administration in the national elections next year.

LP president Sen. Francis Pangilinan said that while the party welcomes “all efforts to unite” and are “open to informal talks,” he said politics should be set aside to focus on addressing the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country. n

Ex-President Joseph Estrada hospitalized... US ‘stands’ with PH amid China’s maritime militia

PAGE 1 “Please pray for my father who has tested positive for COVID-19 and was rushed to the hospital.

Please pray for all those who are likewise fighting this virus,” said former Senator JV Ejercito.

“Our dad, former president Joseph Estrada, tested positive for COVID-19. He’s now confined in a hospital and is in stable condition. Please pray for his recovery and the recovery of everyone affected by the virus,” actor Jake Ejercito said in another tweet.

Estrada, 83, served as the country’s president from 1998 to 2001 until he was ousted after a series of protests on EDSA held from January 16 to 20,

2001 amid his trial for plunder charges.

He was convicted of plunder in 2007, but his successor former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pardoned him.

Estrada also served as mayor of the city of Manila from 2013 to 2019.

Palace extends ‘get well’ wishes Malacañang on Tuesday, March 30, expressed hope that Estrada would recover soon from COVID-19.

“We wish former President Erap Estrada to please get well soon. Alamat po kayo dito sa Pilipinas (You are a legend in the Philippines),” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

PAGE 3 who also voted for Newsom but believes he has failed students.

“He had an opportunity to lead, but he’s putting politics and labor unions above kids.”

The Republican recall organizers have seized on unpopular decisions Newsom has made since last March, when he issued the nation’s first statewide stay-at-home order, shuttering businesses, churches and schools across California. His mask mandate further fired up recall backers, but Newsom’s attendance at a birthday dinner with lobbyists last November at the high-end French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley marked a turning point that gave recall supporters momentum.

More than 2.1 million Californians have signed the petition to recall Newsom, according to campaign organizers. They need 1.5 million to place the question before voters, and the secretary of state’s office has so far validated nearly 1.2 million.

Local election officials have until April 29 to certify the remaining signatures.

“The governor’s pandemic response is clearly driving voter attitudes, and concerns about his performance are not limited to Republicans,” said Darry Sragow, a Democratic strategist and publisher of the nonpartisan California Target Book, which predicts the recall will take place in November. “And people who never signed a recall petition are going to be asked to pass judgment on how the governor has been doing.”

Nathan Click, Newsom’s campaign spokesperson, argues that controversy surrounding the governor’s pandemic decisions will not result in his ouster, with powerful Democrats still backing Newsom. Newsom’s allies have characterized the movement as a waste of money

and a distraction from ending the pandemic.

“Gov. Newsom followed science and moved aggressively to keep Californians safe during the pandemic. His actions saved countless lives,” Click said. “What we are seeing up and down the state is Democrats uniting around the governor to stand up against this Republican recall.”

Now, as California’s massive economy begins to reopen quickly — the state is allowing restaurants, gyms and theaters to open for indoor patrons — some public health experts warn that the state is once again prematurely loosening restrictions. While cases and deaths have declined since the winter peak, they say, the drop is leveling off and case rates nationwide are beginning to rise, presenting worrisome signs for California. Most concerning is the spread of new, more infectious and deadly variants.

“I’m afraid we’re doing the same thing we did in May and June and October — opening too soon,” said Dr. John Swartzberg, a UC-Berkeley expert on infectious diseases. “Nobody can predict the future, but I think it’s likely we’re heading for a swell in new cases.”

The quick pace of reopening is angering some Democrats.

Butte County resident Debbie Blake strongly supported Newsom’s decision last March to order a statewide lockdown but said now she’s disappointed with his quick pace of reopening, vaccination chaos and inadequate testing early on. She said she wants to vote for another Democrat should a viable candidate emerge.

“He had us. Then he lost us,” said Blake, 64, a lifelong Democrat and retired school administrator who voted for Newsom in 2018.

“I felt like by opening up so fast, he succumbed to busi-

“We want to see you healthy and we want you to take part in the public life of the country for a very long period of time.

Pagaling po kayo (You get well), President Erap Estrada,” he added.

Arroyo likewise extended well wishes for her predecessor’s recovery.

“I wish to extend my warmest wishes for a speedy recovery to former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and all those battling COVID-19. You are in my thoughts and prayers,” she said in a statement.

To date, there are a total of 741,181 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 13,191 fatalities and 603,310 recoveries. n

by ritChel

Mendiola AJPress

THE United States maintained that it “stands” with the Philippines amid the presence of Chinese ships at Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef) in the West Philippine Sea. “The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of the PRC’s maritime militia amassing at WhitsunReef,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a tweet on Monday, March 29.

“We will always stand by our allies and stand up for the rulesbased international order,” he added.

Malacañang, in response, expressed gratitude for the U.S.’ stance.

“Nagpapasalamat po ang Pilipiness pressures. And once you nas sa ating matalik na kaibigan open up, it’s really hard to shut na Estados Unidos (The Philipback down,” she added. “He pines thanks the United States, its always has the right things to best friend),” Presidential Spokessay, but I feel he will do things person Harry Roque said Tuesday, that are expedient for him and March 30.

Around 220 vessels believed to not necessarily the public he’s be manned by Chinese maritime serving.”

And as schools in the rest militia personnel were sighted at of the country have begun to the Julian Felipe Reef on March reopen, the frustration among many California parents has boiled over.

Parents accuse Newsom of PAGE 1 caving to the powerful California Teachers Association union about this, and on Black Saturday, — one of his largest political we will have a meeting to finalize contributors — which rebuffed what will happen. I already said his calls for educators to re- this, another week or two weeks turn to campuses without strict of ECQ, that will be the absolute health and safety measures in last resort),” he said in a Palace place, rather than requiring briefing.

“Inaasahan po natin na ang them to come back sooner to isang linggong ECQ na nangyari teach in person.

Jen Tarbox, a Folsom mom of matapos po ang isang linggo ng two high schoolers, said New- NCR Plus bubble, kasama po ng som went too far and didn’t mask, hugas, iwas, at kasama po consider the social-emotional yung maigting na pagbabahay impact on kids left at home, bahay ng paghahanap ng merong sitting in front of screens, dis- sintomas at mas pinaigting na testconnected from their friends, ing and isolation, umaasa po tayo na sana po, hindi na kinakailanteachers and coaches.

“He messed with our chil- gan mag-ECQ (We expect that dren,” said Tarbox, 40, who led the one-week ECQ after a weeka protest at the state Capitol in long enforcement of the NCR Plus February. “Any parent — Re- bubble, along with the practice publican, Democrat, I don’t of wearing masks, handwashing, care what political belief — is looking for people with symptoms and boosting the testing and isolagoing to fight for their child.”

And when Newsom lamented tion, we are hoping that we won’t earlier this month in his State need another ECQ),” he added.

Roque also said that the governof the State speech about his four children’s experience with ment’s first option is to reopen the distance learning and “Zoom economy.

“The first option po is actually to school,” Tarbox said he was not being honest. His kids at- resort to reopening the economy if tend private school and started possible ‘no kasi alam naman nato return in person in October. tin itong ayudang binibigay natin “He called himself a Zoom is stop gap. Hindi naman po talaga parent,” said Tarbox, who ‘yan para sa total health ng ating signed the recall petition. “Ab- mga kababayan (The first option is actually to resort to reopening solutely laughable.”

This story was produced the economy if possible because

by KHN, which publishes Cali- we know that the cash assistance fornia Healthline, an editorially we’re giving is a stop gap. This is independent service of the Cal- not for the total health of our felifornia Health Care Founda- lowmen),” he said.

“It is just to let them survive tion.

Democrats and Independents also want to...

7, according to a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) report.

On March 22, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that around 183 Chinese vessels were spotted by a Philippine Air Force aircraft in the area.

The Philippines demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Chinese vessels, stressing that it was a blatant infringement of the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

“The Philippines demands that China promptly withdraw its fishing vessels and maritime assets in the vicinity and adjacent waters of relevant features in the Kalayaan Group of Islands in the West Philippine Sea, and to direct its fishing vessels to desist from environmentally destructive activities,” the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“We reiterate that the continued deployment, lingering presence and activities of Chinese vessels in Philippine maritime zones blatantly infringe upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” the agency added.

The country has also filed a diplomatic protest against China.

In response, the Chinese Embassy denied that the vessels spotted at Julian Felipe Reef were operated by China’s maritime militia. It said they were fishing vessels “seeking shelter” near the reef due to rough sea conditions.

For his part, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured the public that the government is addressing the situation in the West Philippine Sea. “I assure our people that we are addressing the situation. We stand by our position calling for the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef, which was communicated to the Chinese Ambassador,” he said Saturday, March 27.

“We are ready to defend our national sovereignty and protect the marine resources of the Philippines,” he added.

Lorenzana also said that there will be an increase to the presence of Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard ships in the area.

“There will be an increased presence of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard ships to conduct sovereignty patrols and protect our fishermen in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. n

Palace: Extending ECQ an ‘absolute last... from meal to meal. So, mas importante po mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapagtrabaho ang lahat (it is more important to give everyone a chance to work),” added Roque.

For his part, the country’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the IATF is open to the recommendation of health experts to extend the ECQ in NCR Plus.

“If we see a continuous steep rise, an exponential increase, if cases do not plateau or go down, that means we have to complete the intervention we are having.

We are open to the recommendation of our expert to extend it to 14 days because they said the inoculation period of the virus is 14 days,” he said.

Earlier, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) recommended a week-long extension of ECQ in NCR Plus.

“Extension for another week was recommended but nothing is final and IATF works in a whole of government approach. There will be an assessment of the progress before ECQ ends,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told the media in a Viber message.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte over the weekend placed Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 to April 4 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Under the ECQ, individuals aged below 18 and above 65,

pregnant women, and those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidity, or other health risks will not be allowed to go out.

An intensified curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be implemented imposed over the entire NCR Plus. Exempted from the curfew are Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR), those accessing essential goods and services, and workers in establishments allowed to operate.

Mass gatherings of more than 10 people and religious gatherings are prohibited. Dining in at restaurants will not be allowed.

On the other hand, public transportation will continue to operate at limited capacity.

Some essential and priority construction projects are also allowed to resume provided they follow the guidelines issued by the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways.

Essential industries such as hospitals, frontline services, agricultural activities, and delivery services transporting food, medicine, and essential goods can operate at full capacity under ECQ, while private establishments and the media can operate at 50% capacity.

Other establishments such as dental clinics, optometry clinics, pharmacies, veterinary clinics, banks, money transfer services, telecommunications companies, manufacturing firms, funeral and embalming services, and security personnel are tasked to adopt a skeleton workforce. n

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6 MARCH 31-APRIL 2, 2021 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPiniOn

Back to ECQ

FeatUres

AFTER rejecting proposals for a “circuit breaker lockdown” or a “one-time, bigtime” two-week lockdown coinciding with the Holy Week break to stop the COVID surge, the government has reverted the National Capital Region and four adjacent provinces to the strictest enhanced community quarantine.

ECQ in the so-called “NCR-Plus bubble” begins today, dampening for the second straight year the observance of the traditional Holy Week rituals as all religious gatherings are completely banned. The ECQ, although slightly more relaxed than the original last year, dashed hopes of the battered travel industry and related enterprises in the hospitality sector for the start of business revival coinciding with the Holy Week break.

In imposing ECQ, the government is reportedly aiming for a 25 percent reduction in daily COVID cases, which stood at 9,586 last Saturday, bringing the total infections to 712,000 – the highest in the Western Pacific. There is a possibility that if the surge continues, the ECQ may be extended, with further tightening of restrictions.

This return to ECQ must prompt a review of the initial response to the spread of more infectious COVID variants. Even as several NCR mayors were calling it a surge and pointing out at the start of the month that the speed of infection was unusually rapid, the government insisted that the culprit was mainly lax compliance with the minimum health protocols, fueled in part by the arrival of COVID vaccines.

With the agonizingly slow vaccine rollout, it could take a year before inoculation targets are achieved for herd immunity. Meanwhile, the virus keeps mutating, with the variants showing varying degrees of virulence. Protocols need to be refined to contain highly infectious variants. Or else the country will find itself reverting over and over to the strictest ECQ. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS FOR the second year in a row, we are still in calvary, carrying the load of our cross brought by the escalating threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

We thought it would be over by now. Some died still in denial that the pandemic even existed.

But no matter how much we cry, complain or despair about it, we all know it was real and is still upon us.

As if the news about the deaths in different parts of the world since 2020 was not enough, hearing and reading about the fear and loss in our own families and friends break our hearts even more, especially if we lose our loved ones ourselves.

The pandemic also disrupted the lives and livelihoods of many

Philstar.com photo

COVID-19 is the cross we continue to carry this Holy Week. How do we move toward resurrection? of us and shattered so many dreams. Many continue to feel powerless, angry, and desperate because, for many, there is no end in sight.

We are fortunate here in the United States because under the Biden administration, we are now more than achieving the goal of vaccinating most Americans. The medical frontlines and essential workers, senior citizens and those with high-risk medical conditions were given priority. Those who are 50 and above will be next in line by April 1 in California.

Younger ones, 16 and above, will be scheduled for vaccination beginning April 16. By May 1, there will be vaccine supply for all adults in America.

However, it is a different case for kababayans in the Philip-

pines, who include my own family. No one among them has been vaccinated. Not even the medical front liners have been protected because of issues in the supply of vaccines.

This Holy Week and every day of our lives, when we realize that we have no full control over this crisis, we can only hold on to our faith in God to continue choosing hope over despair.

Pope Francis reminded us on March 27: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”

(Mk 4:35-41). We have realized we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together”.

In his homily on Palm Sunday, Pope Francis said: “God is at our side in every affliction, in every

fear; no evil, no sin will ever have the final word. God triumphs, but the palm of victory passes through the wood of the cross.

For the palm and the cross are inseparable.”

During these most difficult trying times, let us remember that “This, too, shall pass.”

But for us to move from the palm to Good Friday to Resurrection on Easter Sunday, we are called to remember that God is in control. And even as God sent His only begotten Son to save us from our sins, our Savior Jesus Christ humbled Himself, carried His cross so He could rise again in three days on Easter for our salvation.

Our true salvation is in living in the Way, the Truth and the Life of Jesus.

As we carry the cross in our

own Calvary during the test of faith in this pandemic, let us remember that as Jesus had to die in the cross, we are called to die to ourselves, our sins of selfishness, and begin thinking not just of our own needs, caprices, liberties, conveniences, and yes, not just of our own lives but the lives of our brothers and sisters, of mankind.

Easter Sunday will come as we all do our share in willfully submitting ourselves to the safety measures — mask up, practice physical distancing, avoid crowds, wash our hands, and get vaccinated.

We all need to remember we are in one boat together, and we all need to row this both together in harmony, and in faith to protect our lives and the lives of others. The sooner we get our

act of faith together, the faster we go ashore to safety and the life of normalcy and abundance as God promised.

Have a meaningful Holy Week.

God bless us all. See you all on Easter! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

The world needs 3.5 billion vaccine doses today, not tomorrow Babe’s Eye View AMBASSADOR B. ROMUALDEZ MORE than nuclear proliferation, territorial disputes, trade imbalance between economic giants and all other issues that can be controlled by man, what all nations should be concentrating on with a greater sense of urgency is the “state of war” the world is in – battling an enemy that cannot be seen which continues to ravage the world, a virus that seems to continue mutating into variants every single day.

While the United States has made significant headway in its vaccination rollout, with 130 million shots having been administered and 14 percent of the population already fully vaccinated, the administration of President Joe Biden needs to start looking ahead and take the lead in putting into motion a worldwide summit on how to end this “war.” Major countries like China, Russia, India, Great Britain and Germany that have the capacity to manufacture effective vaccines should band together to produce 3.5 billion doses as quickly as possible.

Scientists have already declared that at least 70 percent of the global population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Which is why during our scheduled meeting tomorrow with White House advisers and my fellow ASEAN ambassadors in Washington, we plan to urge the United States in leading the world on how to put to-

gether the urgent need for 3.5 billion doses. Time is of the essence.

Reports about recurring high cases of infections with increasing number of deaths in many countries have been alarming, to say the least. A clear example is Brazil with over 12.3 million cases of infection and close to 300,000 deaths recorded. Last Thursday, Brazil saw a record number of new cases of infection in one day at over 100,000 and over 3,200 deaths in a single day, ushering in a second wave described as worse than the first. Even more worrisome for medical authorities is the increasing number of young people getting severely ill and dying from COVID-19.

Scientists have also noted new, more dangerous variants of the virus with multiple mutations. In a genome sequencing done to a patient who has been hospitalized for two months, it was discovered that he has been hosting at least six different coronavirus variants. The more variants, the less effective the vaccines will be.

India has also been badly hit, with close to 12 million cases of infection, making it the third highest after the U.S. and Brazil. India has been seeing a significant spike in infections, with over 60,000 new cases reported last Friday – making it the highest single-day rise since last October. What’s even more worrisome is the possible emergence of a “double mutant” variant – meaning two mutations coming together in the same variant – that could be more infectious or less susceptible to vaccines.

The record spike in infections has also resulted in the decision of India to temporarily stop major exportation of the Astra-

Zeneca vaccines made by the Serum Institute of India – the world’s biggest vaccine manufacturer – until the situation in India stabilizes. Obviously, the authorities want to ensure that domestic demand for the vaccines is met first before allowing the vaccines to be exported to other countries such as the UK, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Naturally, this development would also impact the supply of vaccines through the COVAX Facility that many countries are also relying on for their vaccination programs.

The shortage in the supply of vaccines is really a dilemma that countries are facing. Vietnam for example is also having supply issues, which is why it is looking at other sources for the vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac and Sputnik V. While Vietnam is set to produce its own vaccine, pharmaceutical companies are still in the research and trial stages.

With the US set to achieve its goal of making every American adult eligible for vaccination

by May 1, vaccine doses will hopefully be more available to the rest of the world. The U.S., after all, has the largest manufacturing capacity and capability. For our part, we are pushing for U.S. authorities to allow an earlier delivery for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines that we ordered.

As my ASEAN diplomatic colleagues said during our internal meetings, we need those vaccines today – not tomorrow – and the plan to have one billion vaccines available by 2022 may be too late. Obviously, nations that do not have the capacity to manufacture their own vaccines have no choice but to wait for

COVID JAB. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III inspects the syringe he would use to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to a senior citizen as San Juan City rolls out the vaccination for the elderly and adults with comorbidities on Tuesday, March 30 at the Filoil Flying V Centre (San Juan Arena). Looking on are San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (partly hidden) and Vice Mayor Warren Villa (2nd from left).

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

their turn at delivery, which is why we are calling on countries that have developed – or are still developing – vaccines to share their science and their technology perhaps through licensing agreements.

It should no longer be about money; it’s about saving mankind. No matter what the ideologies of these nations are – U.S., China, Russia, India, even the European Union – that have the capacity to ramp up vaccine production, they all must

collaborate and come up with the 3.5 billion vaccine doses needed urgently because the virus keeps on mutating. We all know it would likely take years to completely eradicate this deadly virus.

Time is not on our side – the whole world has to get its act together to deal with this deadly pandemic. They must pool their resources, set aside geopolitical issues for now and stop the blaming and finger pointing. As one Fil-American doctor put it

succinctly with characteristic Filipino wry humor: “We should focus on staying alive first and getting the vaccines. Otherwise, there will be no one left to play the blame game. We’ll all be dead.” *** 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.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

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

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Medicare Story #8

Ang Dos and Don’ts Kapag Nag-Sign Up Para sa Medicare at Medicare Advantage Ito ang ikawalo sa serye ng Medicare Tips hatid ng Clever Care Health Plan, isang nangungunang tagapagbigay ng East meets West Medicare services na sensitibo sa kultura ng kanilang mga miyembro. card sa koreo, tatlong buwan bago kayo magSa edad na 65, halos lahat ng seniors ay kailangang mag-sign up para sa Medicare at Medicare Advantage. Sa artikulong ito, paguusapan natin ang “dos and don’ts” ng pag-sign up para sa Medicare at Medicare Advantage.

ARECA PALMS. Ambulant vendors are selling palms for PHP800 each along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 30. The government has allowed selected businesses to operate in a limited capacity as long as they follow health protocols amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

4.2 million Pinoys jobless

by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

MANILA — More Filipinos were looking for additional hours of work in February, while those totally jobless also increased even at a time when the economy had already reopened.

Employment in the country has yet to fully improve, evident in the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which showed that the unemployment rate rose to 8.8 percent in February, accounting for 4.2 million unemployed Filipinos in the labor force. This means that 88 out of 1,000 individuals are jobless.

This is an increase from the 8.7 percent in January, which is equivalent to some four million Filipinos who have no jobs and reflects a relatively slower pace of economic recovery in the country.

More than the unemployment, however, is the underemployment rate or the proportion of workers who were looking for more hours of work.

Underemployment went up to 18.2 percent or 7.9 million Filipinos, from 16 percent or 6.6 million Filipinos in January.

In a joint statement, the country’s economic managers said this indicates that income is limited due to quarantine restrictions.

The latest labor force data came at a time when the economy has been opened and more sectors were allowed to operate.

It was also an indication that the reopening failed to fully translate to increased job creation.

Further, the February unemployment rate is the third highest recorded since 2005. The first two were recorded in April and July 2020 at 17.6 percent and 10 percent, respectively, both at the height of the pandemic.

PSA said the country’s labor force participation rate, or those Filipinos aged 15 years and above, improved to 63.5 percent of the total working age population from 60.5 percent.

This is equivalent to around 47.3 million economically active Filipinos, whether employed or looking for work.

National statistician Dennis Mapa said the labor force participation rate has increased since October last year, as more participated following the opening up of the economy.

However, this also means that while more people searched for employment as quarantine restrictions were eased, the number of jobs generated failed to match the supply. Overall, 1.9 million jobs were restored during the period.

This brings the total employment rate to 91.2 percent, translating to 43.2 million employed

Filipinos.

The sectors that showed the most improvement in job creation include services at 1.6 million – of which one million are from wholesale and retail trade, agriculture at 259,000 and industry at 46,000.

Declines, on the other hand, were recorded in accommodation and food services, administrative and support services, and construction.

But as Metro Manila and nearby provinces were placed under the strictest community quarantine again, Mapa said its impact will be captured in the April round of the LFS. “If we based on our previous ECQs, labor force participation is really low and unemployment rate will increase, that’s the effect of the lockdown,” Mapa said.

The economic managers maintained that the decision was arrived at after a careful analysis of the cost and benefit of the weeklong ECQ. “We will continue to monitor closely and assess the health and economic data as they come, in order for us to deliver timely interventions and provide better opportunities for the people, especially the poor, amid this prolonged health crisis,” they said.

Workers are grouped into three sectors – agriculture, industry and services. Those in the u PAGE 8

Don’t Wait to Sign Up May tinatawag na special times para makapagsign up sa Medicare at Medicare Advantage.

Karamihan ay eligible para sa Medicare sa edad na 65. Kung eligible kayo, puwedeng mag-sign up sa seven-month period na nagsisimula tatlong buwan bago ng iyong kaarawan, buwan ng iyong kaarawan, at tatlong buwan pagkatapos mong mag-65. Kung ma-miss ang initial enrollment period, puwedeng mag-sign up sa tinatawag na Medicare’s General Enrollment Period, mula Enero 1 hanggang Marso 31. Para mas madali, sikaping mag-sign up tatlong buwan bago ng iyong kaarawan para sigurado ang simula ng iyong coverage kapag nag-65. Maiiwasan mo rin ang late enrollment penalties.

Do Keep in MinD the enrollMent DeaDlineS Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Ito ang sevenmonth period na nagsisimula tatlong buwan bago at pagkatapos mong mag-65. Sa enrollment period na ito, eligible ka mag-sign up para sa Original Medicare, isang Medicare Advantage Plan, at isang Medicare Supplement Plan.

65. Kung hindi kayo tumatanggap ng Social Security, kailangang mag-enroll sa seven-month enrollment period na nangyayari tatlong buwan bago at pagkatapos ninyong mag-65, at sa buwan ng inyong kaarawan.

Do learn the MeDicare terMS Kapag nag-sign up, alamin ang common na salitang ginagamit. Kasama dito ang: -- Part A ng traditional Medicare covers inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing home care at hospice, at iba pa.

-- Part B ng traditional Medicare ay tumutulong sa pag-cover ng preventive care at physician at outpatient services, at iba pa.

-- Part D plans ay private insurance plans na covered ang mga reseta.

-- Ang Medicare Advantage ay alternatibo sa traditional Medicare. Sa programang ito, binabayaran ng federal government ang private insurance plans para mag-bigay ng coverage na katumbas ng original Medicare.

Do chooSe What iS right for YoU, not a frienD Nakakatulong na magtanong sa mga kaibigan, pero hindi ito dapat maging basehan ng inyong pagpili. Maaring mag-kaiba ang inyong health care needs, kasama ng coverage at benefits.

Puwede ring sa ibang lugar sila nakatira, kaya iba din ang kanilang benefits.

Do reach oUt anD call inSUrance Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Nangyayari proviDerS DirectlY ang enrollment period na ito bawat taon mula Huwag mag-atubili na tumawag sa iba’t-ibang Oktubre 15 – Disyembre 7. Puwedeng mag-enroll, posibleng providers para magtanong. Kung mag-bago, o tapusin ang Medicare sa panahong kailangan ninyo ng kausap sa Tagalog, isang ito. magandang option ang Clever Care Health Plan.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Mula Enero 1 – Marso 31, puwedeng gumawa ng isang pagbabago between Medicare Advantage Plans, o mag-palit sa isang Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare.

Mahirap ipaliwanag ang inyong treatment options at health care kung hindi offered ng inyong provider ang serbisyo sa wikang nakasanayan. Hangad ng Clever Care Health Care na manatiling malusog ang kanilang mga miyembro, habang naiinitindihan nila ang Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Ang kanilang plano. Kung may tanong tungkol sa enrollment periods na ito ay nangyayari sa mga billing o coverage, ang in-language Medicare espesyal na kondisyon tulad ng paglipat ng advisor representatives ng Clever Care Health tahanan, pagkawala ng health coverage, o kung Plan ay handang tumulong sa telepono. apektado kayo ng isang declared emergency tulad ng bagyo o lindol.

Sana nabigyan-liwanag ng artikulong ito ang do’s and don’ts sa pagpili ng Original Medicare Don’t aSSUMe YoU Will aUtoMati- at Medicare Advantage provider. Nakakalito callY Be SigneD Up man sa simula, maraming resources na handang Kung kayo’y tumatanggap na ng Social Security tumulong. Kung may iba pang tanong, tumawag benefits, automatic ang inyong enrollment sa lamang sa Tagalog-speaking representatives Original Medicare (Parts A & B) kapag kayo’y ng Clever Care Health Plan sa: (833) 365-1888 nag-65. Matatanggap ninyo ang Medicare (TTY:771). clevercarehealthplan.com H7607_21_CM0391D_TAG_M Accepted 03262021

A10058-D-TAG (0221)

8 March 31-april 2, 2021 • Socal aSiaN JOUrNal

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

DND: Philippines ready to defend West Philippine Sea sovereignty

by Romina

CabReRa Philstar.com

KEEPING THE FAITH A man prays inside the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, Parañaque City on Palm Sunday, March 28, the start of Holy Week. Churches will be closed beginning today, the start of the lockdown imposed in Metro Manila and four provinces.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

Filipinos to watch Holy Week rites online

by William

Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

JUST like last year, devout Filipinos will again observe Holy Week inside their homes as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Sunday announced that beginning on March 29, all religious activities to mark the passion and death of Jesus Christ will be done online.

“It’s a lockdown. People are not allowed to go out. Cases are in the upswing. Therefore, Holy Week celebrations in the bubble (NCR and four provinces) will be done online just like last year,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP Permanent Committee on Public Affairs executive secretary, said in a text message to The Manila

Times.

Secillano said the Church leadership will fully cooperate with the government.

Metro Manila and the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Rizal will be under the strictest lockdown from March 29 to April 4, Holy Monday until Easter Sunday, to stem the exponential spread of Covid-19 in the country.

“The Church will heed the call of the government. Of particular importance here is the safety of everyone. There is no reason for the Church not to cooperate especially since this Covid-19 situation has already gone to the extreme,” the Church official said.

The Church earlier said that it will do away with the washing of the feet, a tradition performed by

priests on Maundy Thursday.

Holy Week is a major religious event in the Philippines, the bastion of Christianity in Asia. In the past, it was common to see flagellants walking on streets, and the nailing of some devout Catholics to the cross, an event that drew foreign tourists.

CBCP president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles appealed for more fervent prayers from the faithful amid the alarming surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, particularly in Metro Manila.

“Let us pray in particular for the people in the archdiocese and dioceses in the NCR and neighboring provinces. Let us ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the fatherly protection of St. Joseph,” Valles said. n

4.2 million Pinoys jobless

PAGE 7

services sector comprised most of the employed persons, accounting for 58.4 percent share during the period.

The services sector was followed by agriculture with a 23.9 percent share, while the industry sector accounted for the smallest share of 17.7 percent.

‘Better employment’ Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees a better employment situation in the coming months fol-

EMPLOYMENT

lowing the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

“We still expect a better and more improved employment performance in the coming months with the rollout of the vaccination program,” DOLE said in reaction to the latest LFS. “We call upon all workers and businesses to continue the strict implementation of the minimum public health standards and occupational safety and health policies.”

DOLE attributed the increase

in the number of underemployed nationwide to the continuing quarantine restrictions.

But DOLE said the same survey also showed “encouraging” growth of 2.140 million in the country’s labor force, and 1.905 million workers who had regained employment from the gradual and safe reopening of the economy.

DOLE noted that majority of the sectors have shown significant improvement in terms of employment generation. n

EMPLOYMENT

MANILA — The Philippines is ready to defend its sovereignty, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as he again called on China to immediately withdraw its vessels still in formation in Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea. Lorenzana assured the public that the government is actively addressing the situation as almost 200 Chinese vessels, said to be manned by militias, have been docked in the reef since earlier this month.

“We stand by our position calling for the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef, which was communicated to the Chinese ambassador. We are ready to defend our national sovereignty and protect the marine resources of the Philippines,” Lorenzana said in a statement over the weekend.

More sovereignty patrols The defense chief said he has ordered an increased presence of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard to conduct sovereignty patrols and protect local fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Air Force has also been deploying an AS211 jet aircraft daily to monitor the actual situation in the reef, which is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A news report posted on the website of South China Morning Post last Saturday night said China would conduct a military drill in the South China Sea today and tomorrow, based on a notice issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration last Friday afternoon. The notice stated that an area between Hainan, China’s southernmost province, and Paracel islands would be closed to marine traffic due to “military training.”

The Department of National Defense is coordinating with other government agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on activities in the West Philippine Sea and the Kalayaan group of islands.

“By securing the West Philippine Sea and its islands in the Kalayaan area, the Philippines reinforces its commitment to

keeping the freedom of navigation and maintaining regional peace and stability,” Lorenzana said.

China has claimed that the vessels were only seeking shelter in the reef due to bad weather.

4 PH Navy ships At least four of the Philippine Navy’s gray ships, including its two new missile frigates, will patrol the West Philippine Sea following the recent swarm of Chinese fishing vessels in Julian Felipe.

AFP chief Lt. Gen Cirilito Sobejana has ordered increased presence in the disputed waters within the country’s EEZ. Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a corvette, and the BRP Conrado Yap, an offshore patrol vessel, have been deployed to the Naval Forces West and Naval Forces Northern Luzon, respectively, to conduct sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea. Bacordo added that the Philippine Navy’s brand new missile frigates, the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna, “will also be deployed for sovereignty patrols as soon as they complete their manufacturer’s mandatory trainings and system tests.”

“It is now up to the operational commanders on the operational employment of these vessels,” he replied, when asked for specifics on how the patrols would be carried out.

Sobejana directed the deployment of more naval assets in the West Philippine Sea last week after the continued presence of at least 183 Chinese fishing vessels in Julian Felipe Reef was validated by the AFP in its aerial patrol.

China says it’s doing great job Claiming it is doing a “great job” in abiding by international rules, China refused the label of militarization in South China Sea to be pinned on Beijing as it denied that it was the first to carry out construction activities and deploy facilities in the disputed waters.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying slammed the speech of United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the North Atlantic Treaty Orga-

EMPLOYMENT

nization headquarters that China threatens freedom of navigation and militarize the South China Sea. Blinken said China is “working to undercut the rules of the international system and the values we and our allies share, and threatens our collective security and prosperity.”

Hua stressed that the U.S. is not in the position to ask China to play by international rules since the only system in the world is the international system centered on the United Nations, and the only set of rules is the basic norms governing international relations with the UN Charter as the core.

“Speaking of abiding by international rules, China is doing a great job while the U.S. has a poor record. This is a fact recognized by the international community,” she said in a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

“The label of undermining the rules of the international system cannot be pinned on China,” she said.

The Chinese official warned that the US could by no means deprive China of the right to self-preservation and self-defense over its own territory by putting a label of militarization on China.

“The label of militarization in South China Sea cannot be pinned on China. China is not the first to carry out construction activities and deploy necessary facilities on islands and reefs in the South China Sea. Nor is it the one that has conducted the most of such activities,” she said.

Hua claimed the U.S. built military bases around South China Sea, where offensive weapons and equipment are deployed.

The U.S., she said, has also repeatedly sent aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to South China Sea and deployed military aircraft and warships there on a regular basis and conducted activities in the disputed waters for more than a hundred times by impersonating civil aircraft of other countries.

“No one is more suitable than the U.S. for the label of militarization and jeopardizing freedom of navigation,” she added. n

9 The

Asian Journal

mdwk The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 31, 2021

Wednesday MARCH 31, 2021

mAGAZINE

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@asianjournalcom

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

‘Godmother of the Philippine revolution’: The life of Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio as told by her great-great-granddaughter I

Released in March 2021, “Fierce Filipina” tells the story of Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio, who was named the “Godmother of the Revolutionary Forces” by General Emilio Aguinaldo following the declaration of Philippine Indepdence on June 12, 1898. It is written by Gliceria’s great-great-granddaughter Maxie Villavicencio Pulliam and illustrated by Manila-based artist Jill Arteche.

by Christina

M. Oriel / AJPress

N February 2020, Los Angeles-based social worker Maxie Villavicencio Pulliam took a trip to the Philippines to help with relief operations following the Taal Volcano eruption.

While in Taal, Batangas, where her mother’s side of the family hails from, Villavicencio Pulliam noticed a main road and a monument dedicated to her great-great-grandmother: Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio, an unsung heroine regarded as the “godmother of the Philippine revolutionary forces.”

That moniker was bestowed upon her by General Emilio Aguinaldo on the same day that the Philippine Republic was proclaimed on June 12, 1898.

Growing up, Villavicencio Pulliam never fully grasped why the family’s ancestral home was opened as a museum for the public to visit.

She later uncovered her great-great-grandmother’s storied past and revolutionary ties.

Casa Villavicencio was once the secret meeting spot of Filipino revolutionary leaders, such as Andres Bonifacio, General Miguel Malvar and General Eleuterio Marasigan.

“If I don’t know this as her descendant, how much more

painful is it to be part of the Taal community and see this name all over the place, but you don’t actually know what she did or who she was?”

Villavicencio Pulliam told the Asian Journal.

For the next year, partly due to more free time on her hands during the pandemic, Villavicencio Pulliam set out to write a book about her greatgreat-grandmother who financially supported the Filipinos’ fight for freedom from colonial rule.

Because two books on her ancestor were out of print, she used translated letters, interviews from extended family members, and online articles to start drafting a story, and attempted to pitch it to literary agents in the U.S. and two publishing houses in the Philippines.

After experiencing rounds of rejection and writer’s block, Villavicencio Pulliam shelved the project. But it wasn’t until last September when she came across an illustrator’s Instagram page that shared the stories of

“Fierce Filipina” author Maxie Villavicencio Pulliam poses with a portrait of her greatgreat-grandmother Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio that was painted by Juan Luna during the Philippine revolution.

Contributed photo

Filipina figures — and one of the portraits happened to be of Gliceria.

The result is “Fierce Filipina,” an illustrated biography independently published ahead of International Women’s Day 2021 that not only captures Gliceria’s life but also depicts a timeless tale of a heroine’s pursuit for equality and social justice. Accompanying the

words by Villavicencio Pulliam are vibrant and bold scenes

by Manila-based illustrator Jill Arteche.

“My job was getting all the bits and pieces and making it into a book that would make sense for readers,” Villavicencio Pulliam said. “The reason why I decided for it to be an illustrated biography was to make Continued on Page 10

entertainment East West Bank Foundation stands with the AAPI community in time of need ‘Inside Out’ co-director Ronnie Del Carmen working on animated feature on PH mythology

10

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 31, 2021

By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

FILIPINO American filmmaker Ronnie Del Carmen is writing and developing an original animated feature based on Filipino lore and mythology for Netflix.

In an exclusive interview with Cartoon Brew, the Oscar winner and Pixar veteran shared that he has signed a deal with Netflix that covers animated series as well as films. He will also consult on other animated projects at the streaming giant.

“I grew up somewhere else. My story starts in a group of islands, in a region that I’ve now traveled back to many times over. Each time I wish I could stay and relearn what I missed. Now I feel the pull of figuring out the beginning.

The parts that I use to make movies began there. So on this new journey I go where these stories will thrive,” Del Carmen told Cartoon Brew.

“So this is where I’m growing and nurturing these stories that have never been told, in an arena they deserve to belong to,” the animator added.

According to Del Carmen, the creators and storytellers

Ronnie Del Carmen is bringing Filipino folklore to life at Netflix.

at Netflix have inspired him to bring the stories from the Philippines to the international streaming platform.

“At Netflix I’m inspired by all the creators and storytellers who come from all over the globe, telling tales that are windows into their own worlds which I’m so thrilled to discover,” he told Cartoon Brew.

“I’m hopeful about seeing how all these stories will help fuel change and bring us all a little closer to understanding each other. That’s my next threshold. I’m where I need to be,” he added.

File photo

Del Carmen, a University of Santo Tomas (UST) graduate, started in the film industry as a painter on the set of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now,” which was shot in the Philippines.

Since moving to the United States in 1989, he has worked on several beloved films such as “The Prince of Egypt,” “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” “Finding Nemo,” “Up,” “Coco,” and “Toy Story 4.”

Del Carmen later co-directed “Inside Out,” which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film in 2016.

Beauty reveals TV show helped her make peace with mom

By Ricky

caldeRon ManilaTimes.net

BEAUTY Gonzales, lead actress of the much-talked about teleserye of TV5 “Paano ang Pangako” said she will look back at the show with fondness as it ends in two weeks. The TV5 series had an increase in viewership in the Visayas and Mindanao, warming the heart of Gonzales who hails from the region.

The former Kapamilya actress expressed her thanks to Direk Perci Intalan of The IdeaFirst Company, for taking her on board, during this time when everything came to a halt because the pandemic.

“We are living in uncertain times. Di ba parang abnormal

ang takbo ng utak natin because of the pandemic? Kasi wala tayong trabaho at hindi natin alam kung kailan tayo magkakatrabaho, pero it was a good thing tumawag ang production team ng ‘Paano ang Pangako’ kaya may work na uli,” Beauty said at the serye’s zoom conference.

She revealed that because of ‘Paano ang Pangako,’ she was able to make peace and patch up her differences with her mom. Gonzeles, however, would not want to go into details that cause her falling out with her mom. She is happy though to share that while taping the series, she and her mom became close again. They even watch the show together.

“Huwag na ninyo tanungin Beauty Gonzalez Photo from Instagram/@beauty_gonzalez Continued on Page 11

‘Godmother of the Philippine revolution’...

From Page 9 it more exciting, especially for kids, though it’s a pretty high-level book. But anyone can enjoy it, even if they don’t have children or families of their own yet.”

Unapologetically fierce Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio, known as Aling Eriang, was born on May 13, 1852 to a wealthy family in Taal. Despite her privilege, the book recounts her being friends with house staff and treating them as equals.

At the age of 12, Gliceria enrolled at Santa Catalina College in Intramuros, where she learned the plight of the Filipino people under Spanish colonial rule and began to “think of ways to create change.” However, she received news of her eldest sister’s death and was called back to Taal to manage her family’s estate.

She went on to marry Eulalio Villavicencio, who also came from an affluent background.

Together, they lent money to support the revolutionary efforts and offered their home — which Eulalio had given to Gliceria as a wedding gift — as a secret meeting place for leaders.

Gliceria is said to have lent Jose Rizal P18,000 to publish his novels and La Solidaridad, a newspaper that promoted the Propaganda Movement.

“I think the biggest running theme that I don’t overtly say in the book is that no one questioned her authority. She did not let her being a woman stop her from being as active as she could have been in the revolution,” Villavicencio Pulliam said.

In exchange for her generosity, Filipino painter and political activist Juan Luna painted portraits of the Villavicencio couple, a tidbit that didn’t make it into the book. A copy of one of Gliceria’s portraits continues to hang in the ancestral home today, and Villavicencio Pulliam is photographed next to it in the author’s note of the book.

Based on the letters, Villavicencio Pulliam recognized

A monument dedicated to Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio stands in Taal, Batangas, where she lived until her death on September 25, 1929.

Photo by Eric Jam via Wikimedia Commons

Gliceria’s commanding presence and how she did not apologize for staking a claim in the movement.

“It’s not with any hint of arrogance. She approaches everything as a partner and she’s an equal to the other revolutionary leaders. She comes in and doesn’t say, ‘Please let me know if you need help.’ She comes in and says, ‘I will help.’ It seems to be really effective because people also respect her, listen to her, and go to her for guidance,” the author said.

Eulalio was imprisoned in Old Bilibid Prison in Manila by Spanish colonial authorities for his role in the revolution, but Gliceria refused to reveal secrets in exchange for his release. Her husband was eventually set free a year after, but he died three months later due to his injuries.

She did not let her husband’s death be in vain and notably donated her family’s merchant ship, the SS Bulusan, to carry food, clothing and weapons for Filipino soldiers.

Throughout “Fierce Filipina,” Gliceria is presented with challenges in her pursuit of freedom and defending the country. With artistic license,

Villavicencio Pulliam embodies her great-great-grandmother’s inner strength and captures it in a mantra.

“Her inner voice said: Fierce are those who are brave.

Fierce are those who are strong.

Fierce are those who stand up for what’s right, even when things go wrong.

She knew what she needed to do. She needed to be a Fierce Filipina.”

“That was something I came up with based on some real-life experiences I’ve had as an observer of oppression and injustice. It’s an inner prompting that I feel as a human being but also as her descendant, thinking about what would happen in my body when I know I need to take action regardless of what could be negative consequences afterward,” Villavicencio Pulliam said.

Channeling her great-greatgrandmother’s unwavering spirit, Villavicencio Pulliam is living her legacy through her career as a social worker. She has also been vocal about the ongoing anti-Asian hate and hopes this story can be a lesson in boldly calling for systemic change.

“I am trying to live Gliceria’s legacy through this book by teaching people that we have to follow our hearts and if there’s a cause you’re passionate about and want to be a part of, go for it. If you already feel in your body that something’s not right, how do we approach it in a safe, but effective manner?” she said.

“Fierce Filipina” is available for purchase in North America through Amazon, and is set to be printed and sold in the Philippines in the coming months.

“This story is super relevant in any way that readers can take from it. But let’s not stop at Gliceria’s story with Fierce Filipina. Let’s see what else we can explore and find out there that we could use to amplify us as Filipinos and Filipinas in America,” Villavicencio Pulliam said.

THE East West Bank Foundation is committed to supporting diversity and anti-discrimination efforts. To help stem the rash of violence against AAPIs, the East West Bank Foundation is contributing to nonprofit organizations which are on the frontlines responding to the hate.

The East West Bank Foundation is supported through East West Bank, one of the top 25 largest banks in the U.S, and the largest minority depository institution in the nation. Founded in Los Angeles Chinatown in 1973, East West Bank was created with a mission to serve the banking and financial needs of Asian Americans and other underserved communities.

The recent rash of violence and hate crimes is tragic and particularly alarming as the victims are from the communities that East West Bank serves. “When our customers, co-workers, family, friends, and innocent members of our community are being attacked and are the victims of hate, we must stand together and support each other,” stated Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank.

“East West Bank has a long-standing history and commitment to the AAPI community, and they are a great corporate citizen. Their willingness to provide assistance and stand with us is a testament to their leadership and that of their CEO Dominic Ng,” said California Assemblymember Evan Low, Vice Chair of the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.

Violent incidents are occurring throughout the country, and the AAPI community needs resources to stem the rising tide of hate. According to an analysis released by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, anti- Asian hate crimes increased by nearly 150 percent last year.

The unprecedented scale of these incidents is so dramatic, President Biden recently condemned the violence against AAPIs in his first national primetime address, stating that “at this very moment, so many of them, our fellow Americans, are on the front lines of this pandemic trying to save lives and still — still are forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down streets in America. It’s wrong, it’s un-American, and it must stop.”

The East West Bank Foundation will provide financial contributions to organizations

leading the fight to stop the hate and advance the civil and human rights of AAPIs throughout America, including: Stop AAPI Hate; Asian Americans Advancing Justice; Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation; Asian Pacific Community Fund; OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates chapters in California, New York, Texas, and Georgia; and Center for Asian Americans United for SelfEmpowerment, among others.

Promoting diversity and fighting discrimination have been a focus of giving by the East West Bank Foundation since its founding, and these contributions are a continuation of that focus.

Stop AAPI Hate was founded in March of 2020 to track and respond to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, and child bullying against AAPIs in the United States. “Violence against AAPIs is an ugly stain on America and unfortunately is part of our country’s history.

We are outraged by the sheer number of incidents across our country, and East West Bank’s generous support goes a long way to support our grassroots efforts,” said Vincent Pan, Co-Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, a founding organization of Stop AAPI Hate.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) has created the Stand Against Hatred platform to empower AAPIs to share their stories and “document hate” to educate, inform and motivate action. “East West Bank’s contribution is consistent with the bank’s history and involvement in the community. Their support will

enable us to expand our reach throughout America to help address the hatred and institutional racism that plague every community,” said Connie Chung Joe, CEO, and Stewart Kwoh, President Emeritus, of AAAJ-Los Angeles.

Leadership is important in setting the proper tone for the nation. When leaders embrace diversity and inclusion, it makes for a better America.

The Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation was founded in 2004 to foster leadership and civic engagement among AAPIs. “Until we have leaders that look like us across America, we will always be second-class citizens in our own home. Our elected leaders have the power to enact policies, create new antidiscrimination laws and help enforce our laws. We applaud East West Bank for their corporate leadership – they are a model for other companies to follow,” said James Lau, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation.

To combat hate and make America more just, corporate and community leaders must work with government on solutions. California Assemblymember Rob Bonta recently introduced Assembly Bill 886, which seeks to fund community-based organizations that provide culturally competent mental health services for victims of hate violence.

Assemblymember Bonta said “all leaders have a role in creating a safer and more just world. This announcement

by East West Bank and CEO Dominic Ng is great news, and I hope more can follow in their example.”

PH bet crowned Miss Grand International 2020 1st Runner-Up

well that every citizen here will choose and never afford to lose their parents so I will choose senior citizens,” Sam said.

Meanwhile, Miss USA said, “I would choose to THE Philippines’ Samantha Bernardo fell short give it to the 16 year old, only because I believe in bringing home the 2020 Miss Grand Internathat children are the future. They are going to tional crown, which went to Miss USA Evelyn make the world a better place. They are the ones Abena Appiah.

During the coronation night held in Bangkok, that are going to set examples for the future generation. And I believe that I will give it to the Thailand tonight, Samantha was crowned First 16-year-old, because I want the 16-year-old to Runner-Up despite an outstanding performance have a better future and I believe that they are and a unique answer at the final Question & going to change the world, we need change for Answer portion.

Sam was followed by the representative from our world.”

In the main question and answer portion, the Guatemala as 2nd runner-up, followed by Indonecandidates were asked to choose whether or not sia and Brazil, respectively. to close the country’s economy for the safety of After the 4th and 3rd runner-up were anthe people. nounced, it took another question for Miss “I will always choose the people, because Philippines, Miss Guatemala and Miss USA to without these people, our country will never be a determine who will win the crown. country, we will never be a Philippines without Fili“If there is only one dose of COVID-19 vacpinos, you will never be Thailand without Thai, so cine left and you have to choose who to give it is a must that we should take care of our people it to, either between a 15-year-old or a senior first, I said here for love and peace and beauty, citizen of 70 years old, who would you choose to because there will always be the solution no matgive it to and why?” the host asked.

Sam was the only candidate who will give the ter what our problems in this life. And I think if we come together as people, as one united grow, final vaccine to a senior citizen, contrary to Miss then we can have a better place to live and I hope USA and Miss Guatemala, who both chose the after this pandemic COVID-19 happen, we can be 15-year-old. a better citizens,” Samantha said.

“My heart goes to senior citizen because my In the middle of the pageant wherein the mom is turning senior citizen and I experienced candidates talked about the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of my dad four years ago and I cannot Samantha said she will be a channel of hope, comafford to lose my mom. My heart goes to them passion and unity if fortunate enough to win the because they are the most vulnerable during this crown. time. A 15-year old has the stamina to fight the “The year 2020 will be remembered as the COVID 19 pandemic and with proper exercise most challenging period in our history. COVID-19 and healthy living, they can live with it. I know as pandemic has brought despair, destruction and death. Today, our world war has changed. From all important things to war on hunger, for better health care system, racism and education. It’s an every day battle that confronts all of us, regardless of who we are and where we are from,” Samantha said.

“As malaria-free Philippine spokesperson, I have always lived up to my faith in humanity, cultural understanding and respect for others. These are what I will continue to stand for if I become your next Miss Grand International. I will be a channel of hope, compassion, and unity to stand and horn and stop any horrible war and violence in this world. As we face the COVID-free world, join me as we work together in mending our conflicts and focusing on what truly matters. We are living under one sky. So let us all these peacefully where love is our language, humanity in our race Miss Grand Philippines Samantha Bernardo Photo from Instagram/@samanthabernardo and peace is our lasting legacy to the world.”

By Jan

Milo SeveRo Philstar.com

How to get out of debt: Know your options

not hear anything about the debt at all. Well, don’t hold your Minding Your breath. When the collection Finances accounts get close to the 4-year mark for the creditor to file suit, that’s when you often get served a lawsuit before the statute runs Atty. rAymond out.

BUlAon If a creditor does sue you and obtains a judgment, the judgment is good for 10 years in ARE you seriously in debt California and can be renewed and don’t know what to do thereafter. That’s a pretty long about your situation? Are you time for a creditor to be chasing afraid that unless you do someyou and your assets, if you have thing about it, thing will just continue to get worse every day? any. If you own a home and a judgment lien is filed against it, When people are going the debt becomes a secured through financial difficulty and are unable to pay their bills, their debt and it must be paid in full plus accrued interest when you first reaction is often to ignore sell your property someday. their debts and avoid contact Filing a bankruptcy doesn’t with creditors. They think that automatically remove a judgby doing this, somehow the ment lien but under certain circreditors will simply give up cumstances, there is a procedure and go away. Then one day the by which it can be removed. This problem blows up in their face. will depend on the value of your They either get served a wage garnishment at work or they find home, outstanding loans on the property and your homestead out that their bank account has been frozen by a judgment credi- exemption amount. Your homestead exemption is the amount tor that they have ignored. I see of the equity in the property this happen all the time. deemed protected by law if the That’s when they rush to see house is your primary residence. a bankruptcy attorney to find out what can be done to protect An attorney can explain to you how this works. themselves. This is when they OK, so before any of the realize that they should have above happens, what are the done something about their ways to get out of debt before debt problems sooner in order things take a turn for the worse? to avoid the unpleasant conseThe key to your success is to quences of their inaction. Most be pro-active instead of being states have a statute of limitareactive. In other words, take actions- this is the period of time tion now instead of waiting until in which a creditor must file a something bad happens. lawsuit in order to collect on an There basically only 4 ways unpaid debt. to get out of debt if you’re In California, that is generon the verge of insolvency: (1) ally 4 years from the time you increase income so you can start stopped paying. A debt can go paying larger amounts on your unpaid for years and you may

debts to hopefully avoid filing bankruptcy, (2) reduce expenses so that you can increase your disposable income and have more money available for debt repayment, (3) Convert assets you don’t need into cash and use the money to negotiate with creditors, and (4) File bankruptcy to wipe out debts or consolidate your bills (This requires filing either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13).

If you’re feeling paralyzed by debt and can’t think clearly at the moment, you need a good attorney who can properly evaluate your situation and recommend possible solutions. The first thing you need to do when you don’t know what to do is to realize that sometimes, you cannot do it on your own. There is nothing wrong with getting legal help. The sooner you get help, the sooner you would be able to protect your home, your job, your car, your bank account and other assets.

For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. *** NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video.

Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me.

Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices.com. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.

Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-4777772.

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Beauty reveals TV show helped...

From Page 10 why kami nagtampuhan, kung bakit for some time ay hindi kami in good terms ng mom ko.

What is important now is magkasundo na kami. Malapit na ang birthday ko and I am happy na okay na kami ng mom ko.”

Gonzales added that the advices given her by Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, who plays her mom in the series, made her realize the importance of reaching out to her mom.

“She told me na dapat ako ang mag-reach out sa mom ko, which I did kaya I am very happy na magkasundo na kami,” added Gonzales.

She also said that her talks with Laxa-Pangilinan during the taping opened her eyes to many beautiful realizations about life.

“It has really helped me learn a lot of lessons. I am normal again. I realized I can make people happy with what

I do. Kaya kahit na I was away from my family while taping the series, okay lang kasi I am happy to be working. I am also thankful that I have a very supportive husband. I am happy and thankful for this show,” she said.

Gonzales enthused ‘Paano ang Pangako’ made her accept what is her purpose in life and that is to bring joy, to make people happy through her craft as an actress.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 31, 2021

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes THERE seems to be a misconception in the general public that you can only obtain a divorce in California if your spouse will sign the divorce papers. I get this question a lot from our family law clients.

The fact is that California is a no fault state and you do not need your spouse’s signature in order to get a divorce.

What is more important is being able to properly serve your spouse with the divorce petition and satisfy the jurisdictional requirement of the Court by showing that either you or your spouse resided in the State for at least 6 months prior to filing the petition and in the County for 3 months prior to filing the petition.

When you file a divorce petition, you have to serve your spouse with the summons and petition. Your spouse then has 30 days to file a response after being served with a divorce petition. If your spouse fails to file and serve you with a response, you can file a request for default against your spouse after 30 days. You can also file a proposed judgment for the court to approve. The default procedure can be done even if there are issues of property division, custody, visitation, and support. However, the Court will still review your proposed judgment and property division to make sure it conforms to the policy towards equal division of community property.

Meaning, you have to propose a division of community property that is pretty much equal between the spouses. If your proposed property division is one sided such as distributing all community property to you and giving all the community debts to your spouse, the Court would probably not grant your judgment. The Court would probably set a hearing for you to explain why this is an equal division of community property.

The only time you may

Can I obtain a divorce if my spouse refuses to sign? need your spouse’s signature is if your spouse files a response to your divorce petition. This is called “contesting” the divorce. If your divorce is contested by your spouse, you

can resolve the case either by “settlement” or by “trial.”

However, you do not have to settle all the issues in the case at once. Under the concept Continued on Page 12

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 31, 2021

Children just like you Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Continued from last week’s issue…)

Daedalus took off flapping his wings faster and faster to get vertical lift-off and escape gravity. Icarus followed suit and took off shortly after. As they flew, the people on the ground in Crete watched in amazement wondering whether the winged creatures are the gods themselves flying.

Icarus trailed his father closely at first, following his flight pattern and struggling to take heed of his father’s admonitions. But feeling an overwhelming sense of growing power in his ability to fly, reveling in his freedom and giving in to his impetuous, youthful nature, Icarus deviated a little at first, taking little swoops and side trips and catching up with his father who was intently flying on a steady speed and altitude.

As Icarus swooped, dived and indulged frivolously in his aerial acrobatics, Icarus soon forgot his father’s words and flew higher and higher towards the noonday sun. Then the wax in his wings melted, the wooden framework broke apart and the feathers blew away.

Wingless and panicking, Icarus plunged headlong like deadweight into the blue waters.

Daedalus swooped down in hot pursuit to save his son but it was much too late. All he saw were a few feathers floating on the surface.

Daedalus, with a heavy heart at the tragic loss of his beloved Icarus, managed to fly to Sicily.

In his grief, Daedalus retired his wings, lost his love for life and never flew again.

Over and over again through the generations, we see this tendency of some of the young ones to “forget” the things they have been taught and allow hubris and folly to

(2 of 2 parts)

“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.”

—Alfred North Whitehead rule. Some throw away everything they have learned and painstakingly worked for in one impetuous decision or action. It is as if their overwhelming sense of freedom, newly-attained independence and sense of power goads them to “fly close to the sun.”

Humility gets torpedoed and overweening pride rules.

They feel they no longer need guidance from anyone. Sometimes a good scare or a tiny thorn of bad experience can be humbling and worth more than a lifetime of warnings, advice and admonitions to nudge prideful youth back to reality and on the straight and narrow.

While we may think that this tendency of the youth today is unique to our times, we only have to look back several thousand years to know that the scenario may have changed, the cast of characters in every generation in every nation may be different, but the predilection for hubris particularly in the young, remains the same.

Notice the youth within your immediate daily orbit. With few exceptions, you might see that the egocentric self-absorption that consumes the severely distracted young these days is borne of hubris that a modern, tech-savvy culture seems to engender with short-cuts that only serve to short-circuit.

Self-confidence and a healthy self-esteem come only after the young have paid hefty dues in life’s lessons learned.

Humility, erroneously perceived as meekness these days, is scoffed at and swept under the rug. And yet without humility that instinctively knows and accepts that one needs to learn from others to grow in wisdom, no real learning is possible.

There are lives all around us who can serve as models that

we can emulate and cautionary tales we can learn from.

On the part of adults who have been there and done all that and have the scars to show for it, achieving perspective and an empathetic bone are needed to remember we were once just as young, just as foolish, or perhaps even more so. But that we praise the God of our being and with all humility admit that we were the lucky ones who got a pass because life was magnanimous enough to let us get past that harrowing stage of youthful folly, with barely a scratch and live long enough to see the cycle repeated in our children. Sigh.

Picture a flashback. You can almost see your mother or father, eyes rolling upward, throwing their hands in the air in sheer frustration after you’ve committed a stupid, arrogant stunt or acted like a mindless jackass for the nth time when you were young, quipping a line that sounds like a curse, “May you have children just like you!”

Of course, it works just as well on the flip side of the coin.

When you have children who have finally become wise after being foolish, you can say the same line as a blessing and heave a sigh of relief.

Take heed, young ones. One day, you will become adults who will have children of your own. Then you’ll know that what goes around, definitely comes around. *** 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

Tina Paner, Ramon Christopher Gutierrez and Janno Gibbs

Photos from Instagram/@tinapaner71, @monchinggutz, @jannolategibbs

‘That’s Entertainment’ stars to reunite in musical biopic ‘Yorme’

“That’s Entertainment” stars are still unknown, but they may be revealed soon as Gibbs stated that he was cast to play the late host and star builder German Moreno.

“THAT’S Entertainment” stars Tina Paner, He first teased about the role by posting Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, Janno Gibbs and a selfie on his Instagram page last March 18, many others from the iconic teen variety show saying he had to shave his face for a movie he are about to get a mini reunion through the was going to be in. He later on announced that musical biopic “Yorme.” he will be playing Moreno by reacting to a news Fans of the beloved show can also expect article on the movie on March 23. an appearance from other “That’s Entertain“This is why i shaved. Honored to be playing ment” actors namely Jennifer Mendoza, Karen Kuya Germs! Oh and i get to sing and dance Timbol, Lovely Rivero, Ricky Rivero, Bryle Mondejar, Jojo Abellana, Jovit Moya and Jesto- too,” Gibbs said.

There’s still much to know about the proni Alarcon. duction, but its director Joven Tan is constantly Meanwhile, Xian Lim and McCoy de Leon, who were then too young to have been part of giving updates about its progress with some behind-the-scenes photos of recording and “That’s Entertainment” which ran until 1996, editing for the movie. will be playing the role of Manila mayor Isko “Yorme” is a musical biopic film about Isko Moreno. He was an alumnus of the show.

Moreno, under VIVA Films and Saranggola The current list of actors is only the first Productions. It will depict the mayor’s early life batch of artists set to appear in the movie, stated Saranggola Media Productions on March in Tondo, to his stint in “That’s Entertainment” in the 1990s until his current term as mayor, ac23. cording to VIVA Entertainment.

The other roles to be played by all the

By Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

Can I obtain a divorce if my spouse...

From Page 11 of divisible divorce, you can settle some of the issues and set the other issues which you and your spouse cannot agree on for trial. Our office try to resolve cases through settlement because it is more cost effective and the parties are usually happier with the outcome. In that situation, the parties may avoid the cost and uncertainty of going to trial by executing what is called a stipulated judgment which is in essence an agreement as to all the issues in the divorce case.

For issues which you and your spouse cannot agree on, you will have to go through the litigation process which involves obtaining discovery,

exchanging declarations of disclosures, and preparing the case for trial. Ultimately, you will obtain your divorce at trial in addition to adjudication of the distribution of community assets and debts amongst other issues. It is in the best interest of the party to retain the representation of competent counsel who will assert his or her rights under the family code. *** 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 or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com .

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 31, 2021

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