040820 - Southern California Midweek Edition

April 8-10, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 27 • 2 Sections - 14 Pages

Over 300 Asians test positive California to add 50,000 for COVID-19 in LA County new hospital beds DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

AS California continues to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak, Governor Gavin Newsom said the state is slated to add 50,000 new hospital beds.

The state this week has secured 4,613 additional beds at alternate care sites and shuttered hospitals to anticipate the surge in COVID-19 patients, Newsom said during a press briefing on Monday, April 6 in Sacramento.

At least 60% of the additional beds will come from within existing hospitals, while the state will secure the remaining number. The state’s current bed capacity is 75,000.

“California has been working closely with hospitals to aggressively expand our state’s ability to treat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients,” Newsom said. “As a result, California is adding tens of thousands more hospital beds, sourcing and distributing lifesaving medical supplies and ventilators, and significantly expanding our health care workforce.

This is an all hands on deck effort, and I am extremely grateful to all of our partners in the medical community, the private sector and across government for helping us get this

by AJPRESS

MORE than 300 individuals of Asian descent have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Los Angeles County, according to new data released by the Department of Public

Health on Tuesday, April 7.

The latest numbers from the department included a breakdown of cases by race and ethnicity for the first time since the outbreak began in early March.

The county reported 550 new cases,

bringing the county to 6,910 cases overall. Based on that total, 316 cases or about 4% are of Asian descent.

The department also shared 22 deaths for a total of 169 deaths. Of the fatalities, 18 individuals were of Asian descent.

A Filipina woman named Loretta Dionisio visiting her family in Walnut became the first death related to COVID-19 in the county on March 10, the Asian Journal previously reported.

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LA County expands free testing to anyone with symptoms

by AJPRESS

ANY Los Angeles County resident exhibiting symptoms of the novel coronavirus can now be tested for free, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Monday, April 7.

The previous guidelines limited testing to residents over 65 years old, individuals who are immunocompromised, or those who were subjected to a 14-day quaru PAGE A2 antine because of exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case.

The latest announcement comes as it “is a make-orbreak week for us all to keep the momentum going and to ensure that we have the ability to continue to flatten the curve that will ensure we save the lives of loved ones,” Garcetti said during his daily coronavirus briefing on Monday.

Residents with symptoms or those who have been THE Walker family never thought having prevented from working because of contact with an inan age range of 3 to 96 under the same roof dividual with COVID-19 can go online to schedule an would be risky. u PAGE A2 That was before the coronavirus pandemic.

Wilma Walker’s now nonagenarian mom moved into her daughter and son-in-law’s home about 15 years ago. Their party of three turned into a household of six when the Walkers’ now 30-year-old daughter, Andre’a Walker-Nimrod, moved back in with her young son and a daughter on the way.

Their living arrangement — four generations together under one roof — has its advantages: financial support, shared meals and built-in child care for Andre’a’s kids, now 5 and 3. But this “tier” generational setup also heightens their concerns as the coronavirus continues to march across the world, with young people positioned as potentially inadvertent carriers of the virus to vulnerable elders for whom COVID-19 could be a death sentence.

“With all of us in the same home, I feel like I’m the one that’s kind of guarding everyPresident Rodrigo Duterte updates the nation on the government’s efforts body,” said 63-year-old Wilma Walker.

‘Staying away from grandma’ isn’t an option in multigenerational homes

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, led by Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, along with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office - Los Angeles and the Police Attaché Liaison Office in the West Coast, sent off over 400 Filipino crew members of two Norwegian Cruise Line vessels: the Norwegian Joy and the Regent Seven Seas Splendor on Tuesday, April 7. The Filipino crew departed on Tuesday afternoon for Manila via a chartered flight out of the Los Angeles International Airport arranged by the cruise line company. This massive repatriation effort was made possible through the hard work and dedication of the PH Foreign Service led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

PH gov’t extends Luzon-wide community quarantine to April 30

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by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE enhanced community quarantine in Luzon will be extended until April 30 to further contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, a cabinet official said on Tuesday, April 7.

Previously, the quarantine was set to end on April 14.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging in addressing COVID-19 at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Monday, Infectious Diseases to extend April 6.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante the quarantine, Cabinet Secre-

tary Karlo Nograles said.

During his televised address Monday night, Duterte said he was inclined to extend the quarantine until the end of April.

“This was the recommendation of the IATF which President Duterte announced last night (Monday). After his announcement, we verified it and the answer was the ECQ is hereby extended until 11:59 p.m. of April 30,” said Nograles.

He added that all exemptions granted by the IATF and the Office of the President will continue to be in effect for the duration

of the extension.

“Provided further that such extension of the ECQ shall be without prejudice to the discretion of the President to relax the implementation of the ECQ in some local jurisdictions, or the granting of exemptions in favor of certain sectors, as public health considerations and food security may warrant,” the secretary said.

Extension necessary Nograles pointed out that the quarantine extension is necessary to give the government

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COVID-19 cases in PH climb to 3,764 PH stops deployment of

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Department of Health on Tuesday, April 7, reported 104 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, bringing the official count to 3,764.

“More than half or more or less 80% [of the cases] were recorded in Metro Manila,” noted Health chief Francisco Duque III. The Davao region and Central Visayas are the two areas outside of Luzon that registered the highest number of COVID-19 cases, with 79 cases and 39 cases respectively.

“Dito [Luzon] rin po kasi unang nakapasok sa Pilipinas ang virus buhat ng volume ng flights na dumarating sa Metro Manila (It’s because the virus first entered in Luzon due to the volume of flights that landed in Metro Manila),” Duque explained.

HELP FROM CHINA. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (9th from right), Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. (8th from “Mas kaunti po ang kasong naitala sa Vi- right) and PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar (7th from left) welcome the arrival of a medical expert team from the People’s Republic sayas at Mindanao dahil dulot na lang po ito of China at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City on Sunday, April 5. The medical team will assist the

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Department of Health in the coronavirus emergency response.

Filipino health workers

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippines has temporarily suspended the deployment of health care professionals abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic to guarantee that the country itself has a sufficient number of medical front-liners.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration last week approved the resolution to suspend sending Filipino health care workers abroad until the current crisis is over.

Signed by POEA Governing Board chairman and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) PNA photo by Joey O. Razon Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the

resolution calls for prioritizing the “human resource allocation for the national health care system at the time of the national state emergency.”

Among the professions that are temporarily barred from leaving the country are medical doctors/ physicians, nurses, microbiologists, medical biologists, medical technologists, clinical analysts, and respiratory therapists.

Pharmacists, laboratory technicians, X-ray/radiologic technicians, nursing assistants/aides, operators of medical equipment, supervisors of health services and personal care and repairmen of

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A april 8-10, 2020 • SoCal aSiaN JOUrNal

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From the Front Page

PH gov’t extends Luzon-wide community...

PAGE A1 more time to ensure the Philippines can flatten the curve and not reach the peak number of confirmed cases.

The extra time will help determine the impact of the quarantine and further increase health capacity in Luzon and other ar-

eas with reported cases.

“When we say increasing health capacity, it included testing. Experts say that to manage COVID-10 effectively, we need to increase the country’s testing capacity that we may reach 8,000 to 10,000 tests per day,” he said.

Around 2,000 tests can be done daily because there are only 10 certified laboratories nationwide. However, Nograles expressed confidence that 13,000 to 20,000 COVID-19 tests can be done daily by April 27 through gradually certifying more subnational laboratories.

He added that the government is also targeting to have a 24hour turnaround time for the release of COVID-19 test results.

“This is our game plan while we haven’t seen the peak yet. If we can make these changes, experts said we can push the peak of COVID-19 in the country to 2021. Hopefully, by then, there is already a vaccine,” Nograles said in Filipino.

P200B not enough Duterte on Monday admitted that the P200-billion-worth of aid for low-income households, farmers, and fisherfolk is not enough amid the pandemic, asking Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III to look for more sources for the government’s fund.

“The P100 billion for one month or the P270 billion for two months that was programmed as earlier estimated is not enough.

I’m calling on the Secretary of Finance to generate, you steal, you borrow, I don’t care, just produce the money,” he said in Filipino.

While he said the government is exploring other options to adjust the budget, he stressed that resources are finite, and that there’s “not enough money to go around.”

The president signed the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act on March 24, granting him special powers to address the COVID19 threat in the country.

Under the law, P200 billion will be allocated to low-income households affected by the enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.

Duterte reiterated his call for the public’s cooperation.

“Once again, I am asking the utmost cooperation of the public in these trying times. Let us heed the needs of our poor brothers and sisters who are hit the most by the pandemic,” he said.

He added, “Be patient and understand the government. We will appreciate it.” n

Over 300 Asians test positive...

PAGE A1 She and her husband had traveled to Thailand and had a layover in South Korea before coming to LA. Dioniso, who had a history of breast cancer, tested positive for the virus two days before her death.

Based on the new fatalities reported on Tuesday, 21 had underlying health conditions and 16 were over the age of 65. Six people who died were between the ages of 41 and 65 years old and one of these individuals did not have underlying health conditions.

Over the last 48 hours alone, the county tracked 970 new cases.

Health officials urged county residents to continue practicing social distancing and staying at home as the coming weeks will reportedly be the peak of COVID-19.

“If you have enough supplies in your home, this would be the week to skip shopping altogether,” said Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer on Monday. “We cannot underestimate COVID-19,

a virus that knows no boundaries, infects people of all ages, and can cause significant illness and death, particularly among people who are elderly or who have underlying serious health conditions.”

From Tuesday’s figures, 1,510 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (22% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness.

LA Mayor Eric Garcetti on Monday also announced the expansion of free testing to anyone in the county with symptoms, as previous testing requirements preferred those who had underlying health conditions or were over the age of 65.

Testing capacity will continue to increase in the county, with over 35,000 individuals tested and 14% of people testing positive.

Orange County figures Meanwhile, Orange County now has 916 positive cases and 15 deaths. Fifty new cases and one death were reported on Tuesday.

Of the number of cases, 129 have been hospitalized, 75 of whom are intensive care unit patients, according to the OC Health Care Agency. Following the breakdown by age, 1% involve children; 9% are between 18-24; 16% between 25-34; 15% between 35-44; 40% between 45-64; and 19% over the age of 65. Men make up most of the confirmed cases at 53%.

Based on the deaths, 53% (8) have been over the age of 65.

To date, 11,307 individuals have been tested across OC. The county, however, has not provided a breakdown based on race and ethnicity.

Health officials in both LA and Orange counties last week advised the general public to wear non-medical cloth face coverings, such as a bandana or scarf, when doing essential activities like going to the grocery store or going to work. They also reminded the public to continue washing hands, avoid touching their faces, and limit exposure to those who are sick. n

LA County expands free testing to...

PAGE A1 appointment (coronavirus.lacity. org/testing) and be tested at any of the 13 sites in the county.

However, the mayor said vulnerable groups, such as those 65 and older and with underlying health conditions e.g. diabetes or heart disease, will receive priority for same or next day appointments.

Health care professionals and first responders will also be given preference and are advised to check with their hospital or medical center on how to get tested.

Most of the locations, in addition to the ones conducted at hospitals and private labs, are drive-up mobile testing sites as to limit exposure and the tests will be done will individuals stay in their cars.

Centers include the Pomona Fairplex, South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach, Glendale Memorial Hospital, Hotchkin Memorial Training Center near Dodgers Stadium in LA and Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

Garcetti said 36,000 tests are targeted this week, with the city having the capacity for 18,000, and the other half through the county and other private partners.

“That doesn’t mean we’ll have a test for everybody tomorrow,” the mayor added. “It means our

capacity is now greater than the number (of people) that we were getting through the requirements that we had.”

The LA City Attorney’s Office on Monday announced it has filed a civil action suit against Yikon Genomics Inc., a Chinese company that has been advertising and “illegally selling” a $39 at-home test for COVID-19. The company has agreed to marketing or selling the test kits until there is Food and Drug Administration approval.

The FDA previously said it has not authorized any test kits for home use.

There are two types of tests

currently available, a nasal swab and an oral swab, the LA County Department of Public Health said. The nasal swab is administered by hospital or fire department staff. The oral swabs are self-administered, meaning clients must swab their own mouths/throats using instructions provided to them at the site. The testing process takes between 5 and 10 minutes but waiting times may vary.

Public Health and elected officials reminded individuals to call their doctor or 911 if they have any severe symptoms.

Around 52,000 individuals have been tested since the out-

California to add 50,000 new...

PAGE A1 far. All of these efforts will only pay off if we continue to slow the spread of the virus. Staying home will save lives.”

The former Sleep Train Arena, now known as Natomas Arena, in Sacramento is one of several alternate care sites that will provide care for less sick patients, thus allowing hospitals to focus their resources on those with the most acute needs. The state’s alternate care sites to date include: • Eight federal medical stations operating or being set up across the state, each with a maximum of 250 beds; • The former Sleep Train Arena, which has a maximum capacity of 400 beds; • Fairview Developmental Center, with a maximum capacity of 520 beds; • Porterville Developmental

Center, with a maximum capacity of 246 beds; • San Carlos Hotel, with a maximum capacity of 120 beds; and • CPMC – Pacific Campus, with a maximum capacity of 291 beds.

Alternate care sites will be staffed using a number of resources, including the newly established California Health Corps. The Health Corps is made up of health care providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators who sign up to work at alternate care sites. They will add to the existing state health care workforce with underutilized and underemployed professionals, and with qualified student, retiree, and out-of-state health care providers.

In addition, the state has leased two hospitals and received a na-

val medical ship from the federal government as surge facilities: • Seton Medical Center in Daly City, which has a maximum capacity of 220 beds; • St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, which has a maximum capacity of 266 beds; and • USNS Mercy, which has an easily-accessible maximum capacity of up to 550 beds. (Note: USNS Mercy has a capacity of 1,000 bunk beds).

The California Department of Public Health reported 14,336 total cases on Monday, with 343 fatalities. The majority of the cases (7,099) are between the ages of 18 to 49, followed by 50 to 64. Of the confirmed cases, 2,509 have required hospitalization, with 1,085 in the intensive care unit.

As of Sunday, around 143,800 tests have been conducted across the state. (AJPress)

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Dateline USa

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 8-10, 2020

A

PH stops deployment of Filipino health workers After COVID-19: Doctors ponder best advice as patients recover from coronavirus

by Carmen

Heredia rodriguez Kaiser Health News

WHEN David Vega fell ill with the novel coronavirus in midMarch, fever, chills and nausea left the 27-year-old Indiana medical student curled up in bed for days.

After a test confirmed he had COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, his doctor advised Vega to isolate himself at home for an additional week.

The week passed, and Vega improved. His doctor cleared him to get back to his regular routines without additional testing after he had gone three days without symptoms.

But getting an all-clear from his medical provider has not completely assuaged Vega’s fears. How can he be sure he no longer carries the virus? Is it safe for him to be with others? One of his roommates decided to move out, he said, and still acts cautiously around him.

“Even after the quarantine was over and I felt recovered,” he said in a message, “I felt paranoid and very [conscious] of the fact that I had COVID-19.”

As with so many other aspects of this novel coronavirus, determining when a patient has recovered is still fraught with uncertainties.

Although federal officials have issued general guidelines, information about the disease is limited.

Physicians said they can’t offer seemingly recovered patients who aren’t retested any guarantees about whether they will be able to transmit the virus.

“I feel that the public is kind of like my 91-year-old mom,” said Dr. Gary LeRoy, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The public is “asking these questions, and we as clinicians don’t have the answers like we’re used to.”

This predicament highlights how scientists still lack a complete picture of how COVID-19 is transmitted, doctors said. Generating more data on such mysteries as how much of the virus a person emits at different stages of infection could give doctors a clearer sense of a patient’s risk of sickening others.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says doctors can verify whether a patient is healthy enough to leave home isolation in two ways. One method requires patients to test negative from samples taken at least 24

hours apart.

But the nationwide shortage of tests has made it difficult for doctors to vet patients in recovery with an exam, a fact the guidelines acknowledged. Several states including Minnesota have restricted testing to certain populations, such as hospitalized patients and health care workers.

“It’s still kind of an Easter egg hunt for the availability of testing materials and test kits to do COVID-19 tests,” said LeRoy. The second method allows patients to come out of isolation at least seven days after symptoms begin or after being diagnosed and three days after they are symptomfree.

This option “will prevent most, but may not prevent all instances of secondary spread,” according to the CDC’s website. “The risk of transmission after recovery is likely very substantially less than that during illness.”

The agency declined a request for an interview.

Its recommendation gives state authorities and doctors the flexibility to amend their approach based on their circumstances.

“The guidelines are guidelines,” said Dr. Kathryn Edwards, a professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt University who specializes in infectious diseases. “But they’re not the Ten Commandments.”

One vital piece of the recovery puzzle several doctors mentioned is figuring out when and how long people with COVID-19 are able to transmit the virus — particularly those who don’t develop symptoms at all.

The number of asymptomatic patients could be sizable. CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield said in an interview with NPR that as many as 25% of those who test positive for the virus do not develop symptoms. And patients who eventually develop symptoms may be spreading the virus up to 48 hours before they start feeling ill, he added.

Early research has suggested that patients who have recovered from COVID-19 may also continue to spread the virus.

Even Vega, now symptom-free, said he hesitates to get close to others when he goes on a run or picks up groceries.

“I think it’s still something in the back of my mind,” he said. “I think that it’ll get better with time.”

The need to prevent transmis-

PAGE A1 medical-hospital equipment are also included.

This comes as the country’s health care system is becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases and reports that hospitals do not have sufficient medical personnel.

POEA chief Bernard Olalia said that those affected by the suspension in deployment will be mobilized if necessary to replace, substitute or reinforce the existing health care workforce in different medical facilities nationwide.

He also said that negotiations

COVID-19 cases...

David Vega, a medical student in Indianapolis who has recuperated from a COVID-19 infection, worries about how safe it is to be around others now, such as when he goes running or grocery shopping. “I think it’s still something in the back of my mind,” he says.

Photo courtesy of David Vega

sion must be balanced against the benefit of the person returning to their daily life, said Edwards, especially if they are working in an essential industry like health care.

“We’re always between a rock and a hard place,” she said.

Other factors help determine when a patient is ready to leave isolation. A provider may choose to leave a person in home isolation longer if they work with a high-risk population, like the elderly, or if they have a spouse with preexisting conditions, said LeRoy. Ultimately, medical providers will likely tailor their advice to the patient’s lifestyle, said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

“These are difficult questions that would likely be dealt with on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

People worried about getting the virus from someone who has recovered or doesn’t have symptoms can reduce their risk by practicing social distancing and good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, said Plescia.

Despite the uncertainty, Plescia said, it is important not to ostracize those who have recovered. He is concerned they could become stigmatized.

“In the back of everyone’s mind, whether they want to acknowledge it or not, people are going to be fearful about something they don’t know,” said LeRoy. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

PAGE A1 ng local transmission mula sa Kamaynilaan (There are lesser cases recorded in Visayas and Mindanao because they are due to local transmission from the metropolis),” he added.

The DOH also reported 14 additional fatalities, bringing the official death toll to 177.

Of the national tally, 21 are Filipino doctors, according to the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines.

Earlier, the Philippine Medical Association Commission on Legislation chairman Dr. Oscar Tinio said the frontliners’ deaths could have been prevented if there is enough supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

“The death rate among the doctors versus the total death is about five percent. It’s going to go up,” he said.

“Why do you have to let us die?

When there are still ways that we can prevent it? Parang gera yan.

Laban kami, pero huwag niyo kami pabayaan. (It’s like a war.

We will fight, but don’t leave us without anything),” Tinio added.

The doctor also noted that one of the reasons why health care workers contract the virus was because patients are lying about their travel history or whether they were exposed to the virus.

Doctors who have succumbed to COVID-19 include Philippine Pediatric Society president Sally Gatchalian, cardiologist and internist Raul Jara, anesthesiologist Gregorio Macasaet III, oncologist Rose Pulido, and Dr. Mary Grace Lim from Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

The tally of recuperation in the country, meanwhile, has risen to 84 as 11 more patients have reported recoveries from the virus. n

of bilateral labor agreements for government-to-government deployment of health care workers are also temporarily suspended for the duration of the national state emergency.

The department is set to come up with guidelines that will “amend, clarify, and/or provide program support to this resolution pursuant to lawful orders.”

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, April 5 signed an order giving a special allowance to front line health workers during the enhanced community quarantine in

Luzon.

The provision includes a onetime allowance — an extra 25% of monthly basic pay — to regular, part-time or casual health workers.

“There is a need to recognize the heroic and invaluable contributions of our public health workers throughout the country, who bravely and unselfishly risk their lives and health by being at the forefront of the national effort to address the public health emergency,” the president said in his order. n

A april 8-10, 2020 • SoCal aSiaN JOUrNal

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Dateline PhiliPPines

15 PH tycoons among the world’s richest PAL, Air Asia flights still canceled until Villar tops Forbes 2020 PH list for 2nd straight year April 30 as Luzon quarantine extended

by Doris

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

FIFTEEN business tycoons from the Philippines — led by the “brown taipan” Manuel Villar for the second straight year — are among the wealthiest people on the planet, based on Forbes Magazine’s 2020 list of billionaires.

All of the six children of the late tycoon Henry Sy Sr., who dominated the list for over a decade when he was alive, are included in the list. However, their wealth is now estimated on an individual basis instead of the collective estimate of $12.4 billion.

Villar, a self-made businessman and former politician, has an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion. The founder of Vista Land group ranked 298th out of 2,095 billionaires counted by Forbes.

The second richest in the Philippine list is port terminal opera-

worth estimated at $2.3 billion, $2.2 billion, $2.1 billion, $2.1 billion and $2 billion. Their sister Elizabeth Sy is also on the list at 10th place locally, with an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion.

Tobacco magnate Lucio Tan ranked eighth richest with an estimated fortune of $1.9 billion, while property tycoon Andrew Tan is ninth place in the local list with an estimated fortune of $1.8 billion.

Robert Ongpin, with an estimated fortune of $1.8 billion, ranked 11th locally, while JolFormer Senator Manny Villar libee founder Tony Tan Caktiong Inquirer.net photo is valued at $1.5 billion.

San Miguel Corp. president tor and integrated gaming tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., with an esti- and Eagle Cement chair Ramated fortune of $3.2 billion. Ra- mon S. Ang has an estimated zon recently gained majority vot- fortune of $1.5 billion, giving ing rights in beleaguered water him the 13th slot, followed by concessionaire Manila Water Co. Robert Coyiuto Jr. and Eduardo Hans, Herbert, Henry Jr., Har- Cojuangco, with estimated net ley and Teresita Sy all landed on worth of $1.4 billion and $1.1 the list with their respective net billion, respectively. n

Tupas, EDiTh rEgalaDo

Visayas, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula and Caraga. The Philstar.com Southern Mindanao regional poMANILA — Police have ar- lice office made a separate arrest rested and charged with criminal on Sunday. offense 32 people for allegedly One of the suspects, public peddling fake news about the school teacher Juliet Espinoza, coronavirus disease 2019 (CO- was arrested on March 27 over VID-19) either on social media a Facebook post that said people platforms or through word of in General Santos City were gomouth in their communities. ing hungry. In her post, EspiThe Philippine National Police noza supposedly urged villagers Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP- to raid a gym where food packs ACG) said on Monday, April 6 were stored.

24 of the suspects were rounded Agustin said the complaints up spreading false information against the 32 were submitted about COVID-19 on social media for inquest or preliminary inveswhile the rest were accosted for tigation from March 9 to April 5. allegedly spreading misinforma- The charges were for the unlawtion in their neighborhood. ful use of means of publication ACG director Brig. Gen. Den- and unlawful utterance under nis Agustin said the suspects Article 154 of the Revised Penal were from Quezon City, Eastern Code and violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Anti Cybercrime Prevention Act. He urged the public to refrain

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL SOUTHERN RAIL AUTHORITY CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RFP NO. SP524R-20 RAIL AUTHORITY MARKETING & IFB NO. C3145-20 COMMUNICATIONS LAUS TRACK SUPPORT SERVICES REHABILITATION AND The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (AuthorMODERNIZATION ity) is seeking to retain a bench of qualified firms to provide Marketing and Communication Support Services. The period of performance for this project shall be the base period of three years with one two-year option.

Electronic proposals must be submitted online at http://www. planetbids.com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=13821# at or before 2:00 p.m. on April 20, 2020. Electronic proposals will not be received after this date and time.

A Pre-Proposal Conference Call will be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 7, 2020: Call-in Number: (213) 4520499 Bridge ID: 0294 PIN: 2802 The prospective Proposers are encouraged to participate in the conference call and to carefully review all RFP materials before the conference.

The Contract to be awarded will be subject to a financial assistance agreement between Authority and U.S. Department of Transportation under grants issued by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

As a condition of financial assistance agreements between the Authority and U.S. DOT, the Authority has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and overall DBE goal in accordance with Title 49 CFR, Part 26. Authority’s overall DBE goal for the current Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) is twelve percent (12%).

In conformance with the Authority’s DBE Policy and Program the Authority has established a 11% DBE contractspecific goal on this project.

Prime Proposers will be required to either meet the 11% goal or submit an adequate Good Faith Effort (GFE) demonstrating intent to meet the goal, for their proposal to be deemed responsive to DBE Program requirements.

For further information contact Armine Menemshyan, Senior Contract and Compliance Administrator at 213.452.0294 or email MenemshyanA@scrra. net.

4/8/20 CNS-3358223# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking Bids for LAUS Track Rehabilitation and Modernization. The estimated value of this project is $22,000,000. Bid documents may be obtained via download by visiting SCRRA’s website at http://www.metrolinktrains.com/agency/page/ title/doing_business. (Vendors must register on the website in order to download the document).

A Virtual Pre-Bid Conference will be held on April 16, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Training will be held on April 23 and April 24 at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. located at 2700 Melbourne Ave., Pomona, CA 91767.

Job walks will be held on April 25, 2020 starting at 8:00 PM PST at Los Angeles Union Station. The job walks will be scheduled in two-hour blocks with a maximum of 10 people.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, both RWP and Job Walk will be restricted to 10 attendees (one attendee per firm). Attendees must register for RWP and Job Walk on or before April 21, 2020. Registration form will be provided after the Pre-Bid meeting.

Electronic Bid Submittals due at 2:00 p.m. (PST) on May 19, 2020 at http://www.metrolinktrains.com/agency/page/title/ doing_business.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and is subject to an DBE Participation Goal of 12%. Bidders must possess a valid California Contractor’s License. Payment of prevailing wages and compliance with all required employment and training programs established by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations is required. If federally funded, compliance with Davis-Bacon regulations will be required.

For further information contact: Melissa Cousart, Contract Administrator at 213.452.0207 or email cousartm@scrra.net.

4/8/20 CNS-3358119# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

hallarE Inquirer.net

MANILA — International and domestic flights of local flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), as well as Air Asia, will remain suspended until April 30, as the government extended the enhanced community quarantine, across Luzon.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said Tuesday that their regular commercial operations will remain on hold “until at least April 30” as “(t)he plan is for PAL operations to partially resume after quarantine is lifted.”

“We will announce details on the start date and which flights will resume in due course,” she added.

Also in a statement released Tuesday, AirAsia said that all of their affected guests will be notified either through email or SMS that their flights have been canceled.

“AirAsia is making provifrom sharing and posting false sions for guests affected by reports that may sow panic and the flight cancellations and confusion. travel restrictions following “The ACG will be relentless in taking countermeasures on misinformation and spread of fake reports by conducting cyber patrol operations on social meMANILA — Senator Juan dia and other online platforms,” Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said Agustin said in a statement.

In Davao City on Sunday, po- Monday he has recovered from lice arrested Vicente Cañonera the coronavirus disease.

Angara was the third senafor posting a list on Facebook of people supposedly found posi- tor to have contracted the viral illness after Senate Majority tive for COVID-19.

Cañonera posted the list on Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” ZuFacebook pages of Deca Home- biri and Senator Aquilino “Koko” owners and Neighborhood Asso- Pimentel III. “After several days in the ciation Inc. and Barangay Cabantian of Davao Concerned Citizen. [emergency room] and the COHe posted the list supposedly to VID wing, my doctors finally sent me home today—negative for help in contact tracing.

The Department of Health Re- the virus and pneumonia free,” gion XI denied giving such in- Angara wrote on a social media formation or any other official post.

The senator expressed gratireport to Cañonera.

The Regional Anti-Cyber Crime tude to the healthcare workUnit 11 in coordination with ers leading the country’s fight Davao City Police Office (DCPO) against the virus. “[I] am truly grateful for the gift Cyber Response Team arrested Cañonera in Barangay Cabantian, of life and even more so now for those at the frontlines who safeBuhangin district, Davao City.

“This operation should serve as a warning to everyone. Keep in mind that the PNP can track down those who make posts of unverified information that PAGE A1 While nursing homes are banmight endanger the privacy of individual and caused panic to ning visitors and many people the public,” Southern Mindanao are preaching the message to regional police office chief Brig. stay away from older adults, not everyone has that option.

Gen. Filmore Escobal said.

“It is during these times that all More than 64 million Americans should be responsible in using live in multigenerational housetheir social media accounts. As holds like the Walkers’ — often responsible citizen of this region, a combination of adult children, help us in this fight. Together, we their parents and grandchildren.

That’s 1 in 5 U.S. residents. can heal as one,” he said.

With the omnipresent coronaCañonera is now under the custody of DCPO for violation of virus threat looming, those who the Law on Reporting of Com- live in such households around municable Diseases, Data Priva- the country are voicing concerns cy Act , and of provisions of RA and sharing their experiences 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal online. Some families have decided to practice social distancas One Act. ing within the home, while others Sara cries fake news Meanwhile, presidential worry about being asymptomatic daughter and Davao City Mayor carriers.

“Until further notice, all of us Sara Duterte-Carpio said a certain James Opre was reportedly are quarantined,” Tori Dixon said behind the fake viral video/audio of her two-generation household file that featured her in a bad in Fort Worth, Texas. “We’re trying to stay put and stay in place light.

“This incident only reinforced until we have a better idea of my previous call against this sick what’s going on.”

Dixon, 42, shares a home with habit of people to create content with the intention of making her 69-year-old mother, her 48themselves famous online — and year-old sister and 13-year-old to also misinform, amuse, and brother. For now, they are social distancing from others to keep confuse the public,” she said.

“The latest fake video/audio her mom safe, and her mom has file was originally produced and not been out of the house in four uploaded by a certain James B. weeks. Dixon’s mother was diagOpre on Facebook,” the mayor nosed with severe bronchitis in 2018, which left her with a comsaid.

The post was captioned: “A promised immune system.

“She’s nervous,” Dixon said. great Philosopher once said… #PasagpaMu?” and I can be “I’m nervous for her.”

In some cultures, within the heard saying, ‘Ana ko stay-athome unya makita tamo mag United States and elsewhere, households order og pizza sa Alberto’s, unya multigenerational mag take-out og milk tea tas mag are the norm. In recent years, yawyaw mo asa ang rasyon? Pas- even more American families have adopted the lifestyle, some agpa mo?’”

The mayor called on the PNP to building homes with “granny further investigate Opre, who re- flats” as baby boomers move in portedly defied appeals from the with their kids and vice versa. To public to avoid further spreading be sure, the idea of combining households has always helped fake news.

“Let me once again ask the families get through tough ecopublic to refrain from creating, nomic times and life transitions uploading, and sharing content such as death, divorce or job on social media that could cause loss.

Multigenerational households more confusion, misunderstanding, and fear among the public,” face a unique set of challenges during the novel coronavirus the mayor said.

Duterte-Carpio also lambasted pandemic because they can’t those behind a photo of the Pres- easily separate children from oldident with healthcare workers in er family members in the home, a Davao City hospital where she said Donna Butts, executive digave birth to her youngest child rector of Generations United, a Stonefish last March 2017. It was national nonprofit that advocates reportedly made to appear that for children, older people and the photo was recently taken, or families.

In addition to her group’s onat the height of the COVID-19 line tips, which include cleanscourge.

“This photo has been going ing kids’ toys and seeking home the rounds on social media now delivery of medications, she and presented to appear like suggested leaving younger chilu PAGE A7 dren at home, if possible, when

Cyber cops arrest 32 for ‘fake news’

by EmmanuEl

by KaTrina

the Philippine government’s latest directive,” AirAsia said.

“While guests may request for a full refund, those with existing flight bookings made on or before 22 March 2020 with a departure date until 31 May 2020 will now be able to select from a range of extended flexibility options for future travel.”

The Inter-Agency Task Force

for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier said President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine period until 11:59 p.m. of April 30.

This comes as cases of COVID-19 in the country soared to 3,764 as of April 7. Of this count, 177 have already died while 84 managed to recover. n

Angara recovers from COVID-19 guard our lives and protect our society. I met nurses and doctors who don’t go home anymore, some even doing double duty in other hospitals. They truly, truly are real heroes,” he said.

Some senators went on a self-quarantine last month after learning that a resource person at a committee hearing in the chamber was diagnosed with COVID-19.

One of them, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, went on selfquarantine but also went to the Makati Medical Center and to S&R Membership Shopping in Taguig while waiting for the result of his COVID-19 test. He tested positive and is facing separate inquiries by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.

The new coronavirus has so

Senator Sonny Angara

Philstar.com photo

far infected 3,246 people in the Philippines, 152 of whom have died. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)

‘Staying away from grandma’ isn’t an option... someone has to go out for groceries. Kids are more likely to touch things in stores, risking the spread of germs. Excellent hygiene is strongly encouraged, she said.

In Belleville, Illinois, Maxine Edwards, 74, has been living with her daughter and granddaughter since her husband died. Now, ever since the pandemic shuttered preschools, she is taking care of her 4-year-old granddaughter, Kinsley, during the day while the girl’s mother, Kristi Edwards, continues to work as a patient care coordinator at Southwestern Hearing Centers in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

“She keeps me busy,” Maxine Edwards said. “It’s a lot busier than it was, but I’m glad to have them around.”

Every night, Maxine Edwards sleeps in a plush, brown recliner in the living room. The common space doubles as her bedroom because Edwards, who suffers from arthritis, said it’s too painful to sleep in her bed.

“I always say that I don’t have to make my bed in the morning,” Edwards said, with a chuckle.

“My granddaughter gets a kick out of waking Grandma up.”

If they needed to separate, someone else would have to drag her recliner into a bedroom.

Edwards isn’t able to physically move around as much as she would like. But she pushes past her pain to keep her granddaughter entertained.

“They love playing Play-Doh, painting and Barbies,” Kristi Edwards, 46, said. “’Frozen’ is a favorite, along with ‘Trolls.’”

To give her mom a break amid the pandemic, she recently found a friend willing to watch her daughter a few days a week.

But while the coronavirus presents new challenges for these families, communal living with multiple generations gives each person a foundation to withstand the crisis, said Butts, the advocate for elders.

“In our society, we tell people that they have to be independent, they have to be alone, and that’s the way to be. And yet, we are people, we need each other, we’re interdependent,” Butts said. “Multigenerational families are incredibly strong.”

The Walker family has a preparedness plan for illness, just as they do for a fire or natural disaster. As a family of ministers, Walker said, the family is praying for the pandemic to end.

But they’re also practicing social distancing and washing their hands more. They canceled an 80th birthday party for Walker’s husband, Howard.

The matriarch of their family, Evelyn Whitfield, the oldest member of their family at 96, is spending more time inside. She loves to give warm hugs. But, for now, she’s avoiding direct contact with anyone who appears sick.

Long before “social distancing” became a buzzword, her family always put space between Whitfield and anyone who felt sick in their home. Taking it one step further, Walker said, members of their family go into isolation in the home if one of them falls ill.

Both ideas can be hard for younger children to grasp.

That’s one reason Whitfield has her own space in their house. It’s a place where she can go if she needs to escape from germs.

“I love being around my family,” Whitfield said during breakfast on a recent Saturday morning. “I wouldn’t want to live alone.”

Walker loves having her mother there, too. She was still learning how to take care of herself when she decided that, later in life, as her parents aged, she would take care of them. Her father, Wiley Whitfield, died in 1992.

“I can remember being a girl, probably about 10, when I started to realize that I wanted to take care of my mother,” Walker said. “I always knew we were all going to live together. I always looked forward to it.”

Complicating matters in these coronavirus times, though, is her effort to keep the family’s business afloat. Six years ago, they opened WTMM Adult Day Health Care Center, a nonprofit adult day care for seniors who have Alzheimer’s, autism and dementia.

The center closed late last month, because the pandemic was reducing visits from the seniors and dried up the insurance payments needed to pay staff.

But even when it does reopen, Whitfield, the 96-year-old who serves as a chaplain at the day care center, said she may spend less time there because she’s now more aware of the risks she faces around her. (Cara Anthony/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 8-10, 2020

A

US Embassy cancels scheduled visa interviews due to ECQ

by Christia

marie Inquirer.net

ramos

THE U.S. Embassy in Manila has canceled all immigrant and non-immigrant visa interviews scheduled between April 7 until May 4 as the entire Luzon remains under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

In an advisory on Tuesday, the embassy said it would resume visa services “as soon as possible

but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.”

After the quarantine is lifted in Metro Manila, the embassy advised all affected applicants to reschedule their visa interviews through the Embassy call center by phone at (+632) 77928988 and (+632) 8548-8223, or through the online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph.

“There is no fee to change an appointment and visa applica-

tion fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid,” the embassy noted.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier placed the entire Luzon under ECQ as the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continued to increase. The quarantine became effective on March 17 and was initially set to be lifted on April 13.

The quarantine period, however, was extended until April 30. n

‘Better safe than sorry!’ Senators support extended quarantine period

by Christia

marie Inquirer.net

ramos

MANILA — Saying it is better to be safe than sorry, Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday, April 7 backed the extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine enforced nearly a month ago to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“April 30 extension seems to be reasonable considering the fact that DOH has no clear projection yet of how things are evolving. Better safe than sorry!” Sotto said in a message to reporters.

“The extension is to solve the health concerns on the spread of the virus. (Regarding) budget, there is no problem at all as far as I know. (Government) can solve the needs for funds,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the extension of the enhanced community quarantine until April 30, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, the spokesperson of the country’s COVID-19 interagency task force.

The chief executive earlier placed the entire Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine as the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continued to increase. The quarantine became effective on March 17 and was initially set to be lifted on April 13.

Extension ‘justified’ “Lockdown extension to April 30 is justified. Testing can catch up, we can gauge real public health situation,” Sena-

tor Sonny Angara said over Twitter.

At the same time, Angara said that government must ensure that basic needs are delivered.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros also supported the extended quarantine considering that mass testing would only begin on April 14.

“Dapat tuluy-tuloy ang ECQ kung gusto nating maging epektibo ito (mass testing),” she said in tweet.

(The ECQ should continue if we want this to be effective.)

“Pero siguraduhing may sapat na suporta para sa mga kababayan nating lalo pang maaapektuhan (But we need to ensure that enough support is given to the public, especialy to those most affected),” she added.

Senator Joel Villanueva also agreed with the extension of the enhanced community quarantine.

“Data clearly shows that our sacrifice the past month will all be for naught if the quarantine is lifted next week as the trend indicates more cases will be recorded in the coming days,” he said in a statement.

“Our government’s rising capacity to conduct tests is also a welcome development. The sooner we detect and isolate COVID-19 patients, the faster we will be able to manage the spread of the disease,” he further said.

The senator, likewise, underscored the need to speed up the distribution of relief to the poorest of the poor and the vul-

nerable sector of the society.

“We hope that our government considers providing wage support to workers in the MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) who are under the minimum wage and no work, no pay sector,” Villanueva, chair of the Senate labor committee, said.

“We expect that despite the initial hitch in the distribution, the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will make the necessary adjustments to expedite the relief distribution,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino said that with the extension of the Luzon-wide quarantine, the government should prepare an “immediate economic recovery program as a pillar of societal resuscitation.”

“We have to support the extension of the ECQ for the general welfare of society, but hand in hand with the health measures we should now prepare for an immediate economic recovery program as a pillar of societal resuscitation,” he said in a separate message to reporters.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, for his part, said Congress “will not shirk from our responsibility to do our own research and recommend to the executive on how to move forward.”

To date, Philippine health authorities have confirmed 3,660 cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Of the number, 163 have died while 73 patients have recovered. n

QC QUARANTINE FACILITY. The Quezon City government has put up an additional quarantine facility on Monday, April 6. It has a 15-bed capacity and is located inside the Quezon City General Hospital compound.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Pimentel charged for quarantine breach

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

CRIMINAL charges were filed on Monday, April 6 before the Department of Justice (DoJ) against Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III for violating COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

Former University of Makati College of Law dean Rico Quicho filed the complaint against Pimentel via email before the Office of Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

DoJ Prosecutor General Ben Malcontento told The Manila Times the prosecutor to handle the preliminary investigation would be named on Tuesday, April 7.

Sought for comment on Quicho’s complaint, Pimentel replied through a text message: “[I] Haven’t read it. Sana (I just hope), to be fair to me, he furnishes me with a copy; so, I can answer/respond [to it].”

He said he was not familiar with the procedure for filing a complaint through email.

On March 26, the senator apologized to the Makati Medical Center (MMC) if he breached its safety protocols for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) when he went to the hospital despite being infected with the virus.

He said that a day earlier he tested positive for Covid-19, and he was not aware of it when he brought his wife Kathryna to the hospital on March 24.

“I never intended to breach any protocol, but I realize now that

Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III

my presence in MMC unnecessarily caused additional anguish and concern to the courageous frontline health workers we all depend on. I was simply there to be with my wife during the birth of our daughter,” Pimentel said in a statement.

Quicho said his complaint “references the online change. org petition that gathered around 200,000 signatures. We are one with the Filipino people in condemning negligent and reckless acts which expose the public, especially our health workers, to unnecessary risks.”

“As a lawyer and advocate of the rule of law, I cannot in good conscience allow the reckless actions of Senator Koko Pimentel to be brushed aside so easily,” he said.

Quicho said Pimentel “blatantly violated laws, which put

ManilaTimes.net photo

the lives and health of frontliners and even ordinary citizens at grave risk.”

“He has categorically admitted his breach without remorse. And yet because of his position, he is still not being made accountable,” Quicho said.

He said he hoped the Health department “will swiftly act and pursue legal actions against Senator Koko Pimentel. We trust that DoJ will be true to its commitment to the Filipino people to uphold the rule of law without fear or favor.”

A high-end supermarket had also reported that Pimentel had shopped at its branch at the Bonifacio Global City several days before he visited Makati Medical.

The National Bureau of Investigation is preparing its own case against Pimentel. n

A6 APRIL 8-10, 2020 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Harassing the heroes

FEATURES Philstar.com photo

AROUND the world, songs have been performed for them. In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism has put together a video cheering them on.

Pope Francis, in his homily to mark the saddest Palm Sunday of his ministry, hailed the “real heroes” in this dark hour of humanity – “they are not famous, rich and successful people; rather, they are those who are giving themselves in order to serve others.”

The pontiff need not spell out who he was referring to; in Rome and the rest of Italy, and nearly the entire planet now affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health workers are on the frontline of a battle against an unseen, deadly enemy. Many are ill equipped for the war, but soldier on nevertheless, carrying out their sworn duty to save lives even at the risk of losing their own to COVID-19 and endangering their loved ones.

So why are health workers suffering not just discrimination but even violent attacks in the Philippines? One health worker was splashed with bleach. Others have complained of being kicked out of their rented dwellings by landlords worried about COVID-19 contagion.

Most people understand the great risks being

taken by health professionals in this battle, and are aware that physicians account for nearly a tenth of all the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.

That same awareness, unfortunately, makes people consider health professionals as top risks for spreading the coronavirus. Such concerns are behind people’s efforts to avoid health professionals in public places.

The avoidance is in fact encouraged in this season of physical distancing. Discrimination and violent attacks, however, are unconscionable. This also goes for similar maltreatment of confirmed COVID-19 cases, who forgo their privacy rights and publicly identify themselves to facilitate contact tracing and prevent more infections. ments are moving to stop the harassment and Both the national and certain local govern- discrimination. Appealing to people’s best nature

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

may not be enough; those who commit such acts must be identified and penalized. (Philstar.com)

Magdasal po tayo ng sama-sama: Lenten reflections and prayers as we all carry the cross of the coronavirus

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SEMANA SANTA. For the first time in my lifetime, my family will not be able to go to church for the mass of the palaspas, stations of the cross, washing of the feet, seven last words, retreats and recollections, salubong, confession, Visita Iglesia, Easter Sunday mass — traditions that we all share as Filipinos and as Catholics during Holy Week.

This is because of the “social distancing,” “shelter in place”, “stay at home” orders implemented in almost all states in America to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 that is transmitted faster when people gather together in especially in an enclosed space, just like how it is in churches in observance of Lent.

The churches may be closed for now, but thank God we have online services to attend mass, and participate virtually in most of these traditions.

But wherever we may be, Lent is a good time to reflect on our faith and the meaning of the

promise of Easter as we all feel like we are on the Good Friday — the Biyernes Santo of our lives.

Many of us may be wondering or asking God why He would allow the pandemic to happen, kill so many lives and disrupt our own life as we know it. We have no answers, except that we believe as Christians that everything — including crises such as the coronavirus or a recession — work together for our good.

This Lenten Season, allow me to share poignant messages from Pope Francis and other prayer warriors as we all navigate our life during these challenging and heartbreaking times, and also a prayer from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines that I wish we can all say together and offer up to the Lord in faith.

“It is not the time of your judgment, but of our judgment: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with

regard to you, Lord, and to others.” —Pope Francis “This virus is teaching us that from now on, living wages, guaranteed health care for all, unemployment and labor rights are not far left issues, but issues of right vs wrong and life vs death.” — Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Oratio Imperata against the spread of coronavirus God our Father We come to you in our need To ask your protection against the 2019 N-Corona Virus, That has claimed lives And has affected many.

We pray for your grace For the people tasked with studying the nature and cause Of this virus and its disease And of stemming the tide of its transmission.

Guide the hands and minds of medical experts That they may minister to the sick With competence and compassion, And of those governments and private agencies

That must find cure and solution to this epidemic.

We pray for those afflicted May they be restored to health soon.

Grant us the grace to work for the good of all And to help those in need.

Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us.

St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us.

St. Rock, pray for us.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.

Sr. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us. *** 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.

AJPress illustration by Kendrick Tan

Filipino health care workers on the coronavirus front lines Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA SEVERAL years ago, I produced a special TV report on the topic, “What would happen if Filipino health care professionals in the U.S. do not report for work?”

The point I wanted to make was the vital role that Filipino doctors and nurses, and other health-care professionals, play in America’s health-care system.

In the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, it would be heartless to even contemplate that possibility. Filipino doctors and nurses are now in the thick of the deadly struggle against the pandemic, like soldiers sent to the front lines. And, like soldiers, some of them may not come back alive.

We should all hope and pray that no harm will befall them and that they will continue the good fight, despite the lack of rest and sleep and, worse, despite the lack of adequate protection against the unseen foe. So many lives depend on them.

I feel personally concerned because some members of my family could be involved in the struggle. My elder sister, Dr.

Evangeline Garcia, is a medical practitioner in Maryland. Because she is 84 years old, she has been advised to stay home.

I should thank the Lord for that, although, knowing her, she will probably want to go to the front lines.

I recall that during the first Iraq War, as a reserve Lt. Colonel in the US Air Force, she volunteered for active duty. Mercifully, Saddam Hussein’s forces surrendered before she could be dispatched to the battlefront.

But she was actively involved in caring for trauma victims following the 9/11 attack in New York.

One of my daughters-in-law, Anne Marie, is a nurse. Born and raised in New York, she is now doing her share, attending to patients in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, her younger sister, Allison, and her mother, Sonia, who are also both nurses, reside and work in New York.

New York City, from the latest reports, has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. As of the latest count, there were 29,158 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city and over 52,000 in New York state. But these are only the figures that have been officially reported to health authorities. Who knows how many there are who have not yet been accounted for but are — or could be — infected?

Of the confirmed cases, as of this writing, 517 have died in New York City and 728 in the

state. Dreadfully, the numbers could grow exponentially tomorrow and before this column goes to press.

A January 2008 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that, of the 215,000 Filipinos residing or working in New York, 3 out of 10 are nurses or health care professionals. Many of the rest are their spouses and children. Like many Filipinos, I have relatives and friends in New York and I’m worried about their safety.

At Seton Hospital in Daly City, one of the largest medical facilities in Northern California, 60% of the employees are Filipino. Many of them are nurses.

According to Philippine government records, the Philippines is the largest exporter of nurses in the world. As of 2019, one-third of foreign-born nurses in the U.S. are Filipino (that figure does not include my daughter-in-law and her sister because both are native-born New Yorkers).

Since the mid-60s, when U.S. immigration law favored the entry of professionals, some 160,000 Filipino nurses have joined the U.S. health-care system. The latest figures indicate that Filipino nurses account for 17.6 percent of registered nurses (RNs) in California. The Golden State is one of the hardest-hit by the pandemic.

According to official records, as of 2016, the Philippines provided the third-largest number

of actively licensed foreign doctors in the U.S. at 13,507, next to India and the Caribbean. I also know of several Filipino doctors who had a medical practice in the Philippines but not in the U.S. due to licensing issues. And I understand that some of these doctors have become RNs. Also, according to records, the University of Santo Tomas College of Medicine accounts for the largest number of Filipino doctors in the U.S. (4,545), followed by the University of the Philippines (2,044) and the University of the East (2,070). I believe my elder sister, a UST alumnus, and a first cousin, Dr. Eriberto Tanpiengco (Far Eastern University College of Medicine), were among the earliest doctors from the Philippines to join the American medical corps.

The fact is that Filipino nurses and doctors are among the largest number of health care professionals in the world. This also means that many of them are on the coronavirus global battlefronts.

Wherever the diaspora has dispatched workers from the Philippines, a significant number likely comprises of health care professionals. The two European countries that have reported the largest number of coronavirus cases, Spain and Italy, also have large Filipino populations, with an estimated 150,000 in Spain and 108,000

in Italy (plus undocumented Pinoys whose estimated numbers vary from 20,000 to 80,0000).

In the United Kingdom, where even Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have been found positive for the coronavirus, Filipino nurses make up the largest number of foreign RNs at 10,719, according to a parliamentary report dated April 8, 2019. A 2004 report of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicates that the UK is the third most preferred destination for Filipino nurses, with Saudi Arabia and the U.S. ranking first and second, respectively.

Also, according to the POEA, of the 2.3 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) officially accounted for in 2018 (excluding the undocumented), 25% are health-care professionals.

That’s a whopping 575,000 conceivably out there on the world’s pandemic front lines.

Needless to say, this massive drainage of health-care professionals has resulted in a decline in the availability and quality of health services in the Philippines where the coronavirus has also become a major threat.

We would, understandably, wish that these health-care professionals were in the Philippines, attending to our countrymen.

Years ago, I asked a younger brother of mine, Dr. Vic Makabenta, if he wanted to join my

sister and me in the U.S. to continue his medical practice.

His response embarrassed me.

He said there were more than enough doctors in America and he was needed more urgently in the Philippines. He worked as an assistant provincial health officer in Biliran sub-province until he died in his mid-40s.

But we cannot begrudge those who chose to work overseas. They have their own valid reasons, mainly economic. We should only pray for their safety as they minister to the sick and dying in the midst of the contagion.

Newsweek reported that, as of March 27, more than 50 doctors had died from coronavirus in Italy. A BuzzFeed News report dated March 26 stated: “Health care workers fighting the coronavirus outbreak across the country are getting sick and dying, nurses and doctors say.

And despite the fact that they’re essential to fighting the epidemic, no one in the US seems to be keeping track.

“At least 35 California health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak have already tested positive for COVID-19, state officials reported on Wednesday.”

Who knows how many of these heroes and heroines are Filipinos…or relatives and dear friends? We can only pray that the numbers are few. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. 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

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 8-10, 2020

A

Gov’t to restart infrastructure work amid lengthened Luzon quarantine

by FRAnco lunA Philstar.com

These images are among the virtual backgrounds that can be downloaded in the https://www.philippines.travel/fromhome website of the Department of Tourism.

Photos courtesy of DOT

‘Travel from Home’: DOT provides Philippine tourist destination backgrounds for your video calls

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—The Department of Tourism has released virtual backgrounds that can be used while using video conferencing platforms in a bid to encourage the public to “travel from home.”

The photos that feature several Philippine tourist destinations can be downloaded from www. philippines.travel/fromhome for free. It can be used on video conferencing platforms such as

Zoom and Webex.

This page is the website launched by DOT dedicated to announcements and advisories on COVID-19.

The virual backgrounds are classified by morning, afternoon and evening and show tourist spots at different times of the day.

Many Filipinos are working remotely after President Rodrigo Duterte placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine in a bid to curb COVID-19 outbreak spread.

This will last until midnight of

April13.

Companies that can do work remotely have been using video conferencing technology to continue business operations and hold meetings during the quarantine.

The DOT reminded Filipinos to stay at home amid the ECQ. “While our destinations miss you, it’s vital that you stay at home as much as possible during the community quarantine so you can return to your favorite places in the Philippines soon,” the DOT said. n

pledged P40 million.

“I think nasa mahigit na P40 million na po tayo ngayon. So ‘pag umabot ng P50 million, mananawagan din kami sa mga personal din naming kaibigan (If the donation reaches P50 million, “we will call on our personal friends),” Cayetano said.

“We hope to reach P100 million,” the lawmaker said.

Cayetano said how the amount would be spent would be discussed during a hearing of the

The installation of new rails from the Buendia to Taft stations on the MRT’s southbound side and from Buendia to Magallanes stations on its northbound side have been completed, the DOTr said.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

tion of MRT-3 running along EDSA, as well as the MRT-7, financed by San Miguel Corp., along Commonwealth Avenue, was also green-lighted.

Outside Metro Manila, groundwork can also proceed for the P82.9-billion Mindanao Railway project that would cross Davao, where a lockdown just started on Saturday. The Subic-Clark Railway, and components of the 148-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway traversing Clark to Calamba in Laguna, will also continue.

IATF’s quarantine exemption on infrastructure work came just

as the government extended the Luzon-wide lockdown to April 30 from its original expiration on April 12. Economic managers wanted the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program to continue, as they bank on a capital outlay boost to save the economy from an expected downturn due to the epidemic.

While infrastructure building will resume, Nograles said it would do so under conditions of “limited mobilization” and skeletal workforce, a mechanism that allows social distancing to be practiced to avoid the virus contagion. n

CBCP opens ‘Visita Iglesia’ online

by WilliAm

depAsupil ManilaTimes.net

CATHOLICS around the country may still do the traditional “Visita Iglesia” without violating the government-imposed enhanced community quarantine and physical distancing.

Visita Iglesia is the faithful’s practice of visiting various Churches and praying the staad hoc Defeat Covid-19 Commit- tion of the cross on the evening tee on Wednesday with the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We don’t want, for example, PAGE A4 to buy PPE (personal protective it was recently taken. That it is equipment) when there’s already malicious and presented to conP5 billion or P2 billion worth of fuse the public and stir outrage PPE, or buy food when there are against the President and the already provisions for food. We healthcare workers is obvious. want to use the money where it It tastes poorly as the country is will be most effective,” he said. fighting against the spread of the (Divina Joy Dela Cruz/ManilaT- deadly Covid-19 infection,” she imes.net) said.

200 lawmakers to donate salaries ALMOST 200 members of the House of Representatives have pledged to donate their salaries for the month of May to the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano made the announcement after Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Cabinet officials would give 75 percent of their salaries to Covid-19 response programs.

In his virtual presser, he said almost 200 congressmen have

MANILA — Public rail infrastructures have secured approval to restart “limited works” during the Luzon-wide community quarantine next week, providing a necessary boost to lagging economic activity as the Duterte government vowed to proceed with its infrastructure agenda.

The approval, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said, was granted by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases overseeing the government’s response to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Sought for details, Transport Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said in a text message 13 rail projects “may begin at different times next week,” led by the aid-funded P227-billion Metro Manila Subway Project.

The rehabilitation and upgrade of existing Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 will also resume, including that which extends to Cavite. The construction of a common station for the LRT lines and Metro Rail Transit 3 in Quezon City was also covered by the approval.

Similarly, resumption of work on the Japan-funded rehabilita-

of Maundy Thursday to atone for their sins.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippine (CBCP), through media director, Msgr, Pedro Quitorio, said that it has opened to the public its Visita Iglesia Online, which for the last nine years was only intended for Filipinos living in non-Catholic countries and those who were sick or homebound.

Quitorio said the portal allowed one to pray the “pasyon”, Stations of the Cross, virtually visit churches, and attend streamed liturgical celebrations.

“Today, when everybody is in quarantine and all liturgy in physical churches are closed to people, Visita Iglesia continues to be a portal for online retreats, catechesis, and liturgical celebrations,” he said. n

Cyber cops arrest 32 for ‘fake...

The mayor said the use of the photo to attack the President shows the desperation of antiDuterte groups.

“It also shows their disrespect of the sacrifices of the healthcare workers who are on the frontlines. This kind of political attack in this time of health crisis deserves nothing but our outright

rejection and condemnation,” she added.

“Our common enemy is toxic and deadly enough. We should not allow our common resolve to overcome this health crisis be poisoned by the political toxicity of those who are against the government,” Duterte-Carpio said. n

A april 8-10, 2020 • SoCal aSiaN JOUrNal

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

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 8, 2020

Celebrating the life and legacy of Chef Rodelio Aglibot by

MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

FILIPINO American chef Rodelio Aglibot died on March 28 of an apparent heart attack and tributes and testimonials continue to pour.

He was a man who wore many hats: as a chef, restaurateur, TV host and personality, entrepreneur and food consultant.

“Our hearts are broken.

We learned yesterday that my big brother, favorite chef, best uncle and lolo ever, the always-smiling, never-met-astranger, family-to-everyone passed away on Friday, due to an apparent cardiac arrest,” Aglibot’s sister Ruby Byers posted on Sunday, March 29. “In his 52 years on earth, he touched so many lives all around the world. He had the best time no matter where he went, what he was doing, or whom he was with. If you knew him, you loved him. If you knew him, I know your heart is broken too.”

The last time Byers saw Aglibot was about a month ago when she visited him in Cincinnati, right after his latest restaurant opened.

“It was really good to see him back in his element and he was really excited about some upcoming projects,” Byers told the Asian Journal. “He cooked my daughter and me a breakfast of spam, eggs, and rice before we left for the airport.

It was the perfect last meal to share with him as it was reminiscent of our childhood and just felt like home.”

Aglibot introduced Filipino food to mainstream America

in San Francisco back in 1996.

He was then working as a sous chef at E&O Trading Company, a pan-Asian restaurant, which served wood-fired adobo pork chops and Filipino egg rolls.

He moved back to Los Angeles as the chef of Zazen, another pan-Asian restaurant where he infused more Filipino dishes and flavors into the restaurant’s menu.

He became more famous in the Los Angeles area when he became the opening executive chef at Koi, a celebrity hotspot.

Then he opened Yi Cuisine, where he wrote a menu that mirrored his biography as a young chef and served a number of Filipino dishes. He then moved to Chicago and became the founding chef at the hotspot Sunda. Years later, he opened Me Geisha Salerno in Rome and Salerno.

The Fil-Am chef goes by a number of monikers: Den or Denden to his close friends and relatives, Tiny to his UCLA pals, and Chef Rod and Food Buddha to those he fed and mentored and to the culinary world. He also starred in the TLC show eponymously called “Food Buddha,” which became famous because he would go to restaurants with some friends and order OOE, or “one of each.” He is the man behind various restaurant concepts like E+O and FireFin Poke.

“My brother’s impact in the restaurant community extends beyond the four walls of any restaurant,” said Byers. “It’s the relationships he built, the

Chef Rod prepared Avocado Mousse with Raspberry Sauce and Lychee Granita, a dessert he created at Yi Cuisine in Los Angeles almost two decades ago.

personal touch he gave, and how he made his colleagues, team and customers feel. As I read through Facebook post after post, it was obvious to me that he made every person feel like they were indeed his very best friend. It’s that kind of legacy that we all hope to leave and he achieved it with humility, love, and the biggest smile that will not be forgotten.”

Byers also requested Aglibot’s friends for more prayers for their parents, who are in the Philippines.

“I rest in the fact that he’s reunited with our younger brother and know I will see them both again. I have two guardian angels now, even though, honestly, I would rather have them here,” she wrote.

“Please keep our family in your prayers, especially our mom and dad. They will be traveling home to CA in the next few days from the Philippines. No parent should have to bury their child, let alone two. They will especially need to feel your love, prayers and God’s presence in the coming days, weeks, months.”

Among those who expressed grief and sent their prayers and condolences on social media are people he had worked with, from fellow chefs and customers to colleagues in the culinary industry.

Billy Dec, the TV personality and restauranteur who owns Sunda, shared photos of a trip he and Aglibot took around Southeast Asia in 2007.

“We bonded immediately both being of Filipino descent, in love with the culture and culinary of the Islands of the Philippines, and the rest of Southeast Asia,” he wrote on Instagram.

Dec also shared that Aglibot helped him with his bouts of panic attacks during the trip.

“That’s Rod — for everyone, that’s the level of happiness and comfort he brought with his smile, empathy, talent, and love for food, family, friends Chef Rogelio Aglibot with his sister Ruby Byers and her daughter Caroline who he fondly calls Callie and fun,” Dec added.

Sue, according to Byers. Photo was taken when Byers visited him in Cincinnati about a month ago.

Jacqueline Chio Lauri, Contributed photo by Ruby Byers

editor of the book “The New Filipino Kitchen,” recalled the day when he invited Chef Rod for an interview, along with a recipe and a story for the book.

“I didn’t expect to hear back from him at all, let alone hear back from him quickly. You see, he was a celebrity chef, running an empire of restaurants. Why would he bother giving me or my little project the time of day?” Lauri said.

“He had nothing to gain and a lot of precious time to lose by participating in the project.

Apparently, I didn’t know him at all. Chef Rod was not in it to gain, he was in it to give.”

And he, indeed, gave wholeheartedly. He organized and joined events last year to launch the book, bringing people together and advancing the goal of having the group’s diverse voices heard through Filipino cuisine.

In the book, Aglibot shared the recipe for Avocado Mousse with Raspberry Sauce and Lychee Granita, a dessert he created at Yi Cuisine, which was the first upscale Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles when it opened.

The inspiration behind this signature dish was the avocado dessert that Aglibot’s parents used to serve them back in Hawaii, something which he called “a piece of his childhood.”

He also grieved the time when they had to close the restaurant for good.

“But there’s one thing I’m certain of to this day: of all the restaurants I’ve opened, Yi Cuisine is the one I’m proudest of,” he said. “I am proud of it not for the accolades it earned, but for what the menu stood for and the story it told. Filipino cuisine, after all, is like the pear-shaped avocado. The fact that it is lesser-known as a fruit in culinary preparations doesn’t make it any less of a fruit.”

It was at Yi where Aglibot said he completely embraced and promoted

his heritage.

On the menu then were dishes that highlighted his Filipino background such as chicken adobo, oxtail kare kare, crispy pata using Kurobuta pork served with a complementary vinegar dip enriched with foie gras and his own take on sinigang, using seafood soured with tamarind.

Fellow contributors to “The New Filipino Kitchen” book also honored Aglibot’s memory.

“When I learned he was part of the ‘New Filipino Kitchen’ Cookbook, I thought how dope it was to be part of a project with someone who did so much for the Filipino food community,” wrote Joanne Boston Kwanhull, who remembers seeing him on TV. “He opened doors for the Filipino food community long before

it was the ‘cool’ or ‘IG-worthy’ thing to do.”

“My memories of you will remain strong, and as nourishing as the lugaw you made for our book launch in Chicago, as delicious as the crab fat aioli you whipped up at my birthday party (to accompany the prawn paste chicken) and sweet like your signature avocado dessert,” said writer Vanessa Hangad, who contributed the recipe of kare kare, which was one of Aglibot’s favorite dishes.

“My deepest condolences to your family & everyone who loves you (there’s so many of us) “You made the world a better place as an internationally renowned (yet down to earth) chef, entrepreneur, trailblazer & friend.”

Byers told the Asian Journal that there are no funeral plans yet.

Actress Iza Calzado shares her battle with COVID-19 By ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Iza Calzado Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado

AFTER battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), ABSCBN actress Iza Calzado candidly shared her experience.

During an interview on “Magandang Buhay” on Monday, April 6, she said the symptoms she had were fever, cough and loss of appetite.

After she was confined in the hospital, the doctors found that she had also contracted a bacteria called “Acinetobacter Baumannii” aside from COVID-19.

“Ito po ay hindi COVID (This is not COVID). Ito po ay isang bacteria na hindi namin

alam kung ‘yun ba ay daladala ko na nung pumasok ako sa ospital (This is a bacteria which we didn’t know if I was already carrying when I went to the hospital) or it could have been something I got nung pumasok ako sa ospital (when I went to the hospital),” Calzado said.

She added, “Sa totoo lang, kung COVID lang ang binattle ko, mahirap siya pero mas lumala dahil dito sa bacteria. Dalawa na ‘yung nilalabanan kasi nasa lungs ko din ‘yung bacteria (Honestly, if COVID was the only one I was battling, it was difficult but it worsened because of this bacteria. I was fighting two since the bacteria was in

my lungs as well).”

The actress also said she had a bad reaction to one of the antibiotics given to her, sharing that she couldn’t feel her “mouth, lips, tongue.”

While she didn’t have to be intubated or be moved to the intensive care unit as her condition improved, she realized a lot of things about her life. For one, her experience humbled her.

“If you’re faced with a life and death situation, ‘yung mga material na bagay walang maitutulong (the material things will not help).

Hindi natin puwedeng i-deny na (We can’t deny that), of course, I was being taken care of in a nice hospital. If

you think about it, sasabihin ng tao, ‘Mayaman ka and may pera ka pang ospital’ (People would say, ‘You’re rich and you have money to afford a hospital’),” she said.

She called for universal access to hospitals and that Filipinos shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for medical treatment.

Apologies The actress also took to Instagram to apologize for her comment about COVID19 being “the universe’s way of making the world a better place moving forward.”

“When I started getting sick, I made a comment on an IG post that was totally misconstrued. I understand

how and why that happened and I am sorry if anyone was offended and felt bad about it. Please know that I would never intentionally say anything to hurt others nor celebrate anyone else’s suffering. I am a hopeful person and always try see the silver lining in every dark cloud. I am sad that you missed my heart but I also understand your sentiments,” she wrote.

“After 2 weeks of battling Covid 19, pneumonia and a nasty bacteria called Acinetobacter Baumannii, I am alive and for that I am truly grateful. I know that so many of you sent your love and support, and I want to exContinued on Page 3

Sarah shares positivity and happiness in challenging times POPSTAR Royalty Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli is grateful to be telco brand TNT’s newest brand ambassador, for even as the timing of her endorsement comes in the midst of a global crisis, she is able to give more meaning to this endeavor.

Geronimo has actively joined TNT to help in its goal to provide relief and optimism in these particularly trying times — not only to her millions of Popsters, but also to every Filipino doing his or her best to make it through these challenges.

“Ako po ay masaya at bahagi na ako ng TNT Family.

Maraming salamat po sa pagkakataon na maging bahagi ng isang misyon to keep Filipinos connected and entertained all the time,” she said in an emailed statement.

“We welcome Sarah Geronimo to the TNT fam-

kept her fans connected because of her songs and movies,” announced Jane Basas, SVP and Head for Consumer Individual Wireless Business of Smart.

Geronimo also understands that Filipinos need more encouragement at this time, which is why she plans to use her new status as a TNT endorser to be an inspiring figure, doing what she can to help Filipinos cope with the current situation.

“Sa panahon ngayon, importante po na meron pa rin tayong kaunting tawanan, kantahan, sayawan para po mas mapagaan ang pagdala ng atSarah Geronimo Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph ing buhay sa araw-araw,” the celebrity said in a teaser video ily, and with her, we hope to addressed to TNT subscribcontinue uplifting Filipinos ers. “Ako po at ang TNT ay through our services. Sarah is may solusyon para diyan para also the personification of TNT bigyan po kayo ng saya kahit in the sense that she grew up kailan kahit saan abangan po entertaining the public and ninyo.” (ManilaTimes.net)

Pinoy celebs bare their postlockdown plans

By Dolly

aNNe CaRvajal Inquirer.net

AS Easter beckons, we all wish that the world would live up to its meaning by having a fresh start and a new beginning. But that can only happen if the pandemic will be over.

Just like an Easter egg hunt, let’s hope medical experts finally find the cure for COVID19.

Just to keep our spirits up during the lockdown, let’s Jim Paredes think of the first thing we would do when this nightmare ends (aside from hearing Mass and reuniting with our loved ones). I asked some celebs to share their thoughts about it.

May the promise of Easter remind us that a brighter tomorrow isn’t too far away.

Perhaps the anguish brought about by the pandemic is just carving our hearts deeper so that it may contain more joy someday soon.

JIM PAREDES: By that time, I would already be so physically fit since I exercise Continued on Page 4 Suzi Abrera

Jasmine Curtis-Smith

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 8, 2020

Menggie Cobarrubias — one of PH entertainment’s finest

of his death greatly saddened many directors and fellow ManilaTimes.net artists who were unanimous in saying the country has lost AN outpouring of grief one of its finest actors. flooded social media on Cobarrubias’ first screen March 26 when news that vetexposure was in the 1976 eran character actor Domingo drama movie “Sakada,” using “Menggie” Cobarrubias had his first screen name, Dom passed away from complicaCobarrubias. Since then, the tions of pneumonia. Five days prolific actor was cast in over later, his test results came out 170 roles on TV and the movpositive for the dreaded coroies, with his final appearance navirus disease (COVID-19). in an episode of the GMA Cobarrubias was 68 years old.

Network prime time series As friends and family “Beautiful Justice” as Presimourned his demise, coldent Ricardo San Jose. leagues in film, television and He received critical theater paid tribute to the acclaim when he won the highly respected actor who Gawad Urian for Best Suphad always been noted for his porting Actor in the 1979 immense versatility.

Lino Brocka film “Jaguar,” Director Kip Oebanda (“Liwhere he was also nominated way,” 2018) took off his hat for a Famas award in the to the prolific actor, tweetsame category. The crime ing, “Goodbye, Sir Menggie drama starred Phillip SalvaCobarrubias. RIP. The film dor and Amy Austria and was industry is mourning the loss screened at the 1980 Cannes of one of our finest veteran Film Festival. Cobarrubias actors.” played Salvador’s rich and Another filmmaker, Dan callous boss, Sonny Gaston, Villegas (“Exes Baggage,” in a piece that illustrated the 2018) also posted, “RIP Domingo “Menggie” Cobarrubias power of rich over the poor in Tito Menggie Cobarrubias.

Inquirer.net photo the Philippines.

You were a generous man.

On TV, Cobarrubias was Salamat sa lahat;” while poet Thank you for being a father, best known as Don Manuel and actor Juan Miguel Severo a lawyer, a general and a Aguilar in the 2010 Precious wrote, “RIP Meggie Cobarwhole lot more roles to Philrubias who was all about the ippine cinema. You will surely Hearts Romances series “Impostor,” which was top craft.” be missed. Please pray for billed by Maja Salvador, Melai From family, his wife Gina our loved one’s soul and his Cantiveros, and Sam Milby.

Jorge Cobarrubias achingly family.”

Other recent and notable sent him off with the words, The night before he died, screen credits include “The “Goodbye my love. Thank Cobarrubias was still able to you for the 30 wonderful post a message on Facebook, Killer Bride,” “Wagas,” “Signal Rock” and the Cinemalaya years. I love you. Dear God which simply said, “Good 2018 Best Film awardee, please give me the strength bye.”

“Kung Paano Hinihintay ang to be able to face this very Decades-long career Dapithapon” where he played difficult moment of my life.”

The long-active characone of the leads alongside His niece Patricia Prudo ter actor was noted for his Dante Rivero and Perla also posted, “Rest in peace, versatility whether on stage Bautista.

Tito Menggie! We love you! or the movies and TV. News

By Nika

Roque

Actress Iza Calzado shares her...

Christian Bables

From Page 2 press my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Please know that even if I didn’t get to read all the messages, I felt the love and good energy and that you helped me pull through Inquirer.net photos one of the darkest moments

of my life,” she added.

The actress also expressed her gratitude to the front-liners at Asian Hospital as well as her family and friends.

“My deepest gratitude to my friends and family who

prayed hard and made me feel their love and care for me, especially my number 1 nurse, my husband, Ben. I could never have done this without you, my Love. We did it, by God’s grace, we made it!” she added.

entertainment Pinoy celebs bare their...

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 8, 2020

From Page 3 almost daily these days. I will go on trips to beaches, mountains, waterfalls and be outdoors as much as possible. And maybe go abroad.

I would like to make a conscious effort to live a simpler, less materialistic life with less time spent on social media.

JASMINE CURTIS-SMITH: The first thing I’ll do is probably head back to work! Our show is still on hold on its fifth week, and we have a lot more to go for airing. Plus, if I get back to work sooner, I also get to help and give back sooner.

CHRISTINE BABAO: I’ll

have long, slow, uninterrupted dinners with close friends, where we can just talk about our experiences during the COVID-19 situation. With my business partners, I’ll go back and check on my Styled Pop Up store at Shangri-La Mall.

I’ll go to a salon to have a mani-pedi.

SUZI ABRERA: When the pandemic is over, and after seeing my relatives and friends, I’m planning a beach trip with my family. There, we can commune with nature, breathe it all in, and maybe invite the rest of our families and friends over and just be grateful to be together again.

We’ll be sharing the same space under the glorious sky.

We’ll say a prayer of deep thanks together with our hands held together, without fear or anxiety. Beach would be the first order of business.

CHRISTIAN BABLES: The first thing I’ll do is to go to work and to eat Jolly Hotdog (laughs)! How I miss acting and eating that fave food of mine.

DINGDONG AVANZADO: When the lockdown is lifted and we’re slowly allowed to leave our houses, the first thing I would probably do is get a haircut, that is if the salon is open. Also, have a get-together with my family and friends while still practicing social distancing.

I think it will be like this for a while until a vaccine is created, which is probably a year away from now. This pandemic will really change the way we live our lives from now on.

Dingdong Avanzado

Inquirer.net photo

Love as the center of gravity Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA THIS Holy Week when the churches are empty because of mandatory shelter-in-place isolation and forced social distancing caused by the Wuhan China coronavirus pandemic that has affected more than 150 countries, it is a good idea to tune out cold turkey from the media-driven hysteria and go deep into the silence. Turn off your TV. Shut down all electronic devices. In a word —UNPLUG. Instead, dig into the roots of our Christian faith. There, we shall find the courage, the peace and the quiet assurance that THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Consider the life of Saint Paul.

Paul, aka Saul of Tarsus, lived more than two thousand years ago. He had something to say about what does matter in life.

He spoke about a special kind of love that in Greek is called Agape (ah-gah-pay).

Agape is unconditional love, a kind of love that has no agenda or motivations, a kind of love that is exemplified in God sending His only Son, a kind of love that if emulated by humans,

â€œâ€Ś And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE.â€? sets us apart from all of God’s creatures, makes us a little closer to the angels and truly created in God’s own image and likeness.

But Paul didn’t start out as a defender of the Christian faith.

He was, in fact, an avid persecutor feared by early Christians.

As a Jew and a Pharisee who was also an educated man and a class above because he was a Roman citizen, he used everything in his power and position to quash the growth of the church persecuting the members of the then budding Christian church.

Saul was his Jewish name.

Paul was his Roman name. Paul stood by watching the cloaks of the stone throwers, tacitly approving the stoning to death of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Paul was a young, rising brilliant star of his time eager to make his mark in the Judaic tradition. At first, Paul was hot and bothered by the intensity of the love and fervency of the Apostles and early believers.

This start-up movement was a threat to his career track and his Judaic core belief system.

Paul thought he was going to make it his life’s work to eliminate Christ’s early followers and

eradicate what Christ himself has started. If murder and mayhem were the tools to get it done, he was going to use them.

But God had other plans for Paul. On his way to Damascus on a mission to arrest and persecute Christians, a blinding light shone on him. He fell off his horse while Jesus’ voice is heard asking him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?� This dramatic, miraculous conversion when he temporarily became blind was a critical juncture for the Christian church.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit who suffused his entire being when the scales of his blindness fell off his eyes, Paul’s teachings and writings have an eternal shelf life - true today, as it was then, and will be for much of human history.

In the quiet of your soul during this holy season amid these troubled times, read the gospels.

Also, you just might discover the exquisite beauty, range and depth of human emotions made known to God, contained in the Psalms, all 150 of them. And then read Paul. You’ll be surprised at the clarity and current relevance of many of his writings to today’s unfolding story. He Continued on Page 5

John Lloyd gets out of hiatus to boost front-liners’ morale

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ON-leave Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz has a brief message of support for the frontliners in the battle against novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a fan page account, John Lloyd said in a video how thankful he is for all the frontliners in this fight against COVID-19. “Maraming salamat sa inyo.

Sa lahat ng frontliners, mabuhay kayo. Mabuhay kayo,�

John Lloyd said. “Kulang. Kulang itong efforts‌ para pasalamatan

ang mga frontliners natin sa kanilang serbisyo. Maraming salamat sa inyo,� he added.

The award-winning actor is also set to make an appearance in “Mamatay Kang Hayup na COVID Ka!,� an online event that aims to raise funds for COVID-19 relief.

Viewers of the event are encouraged to pledge donations. This online telethon will run 24 hours a day for 10 days.

Apart from John Lloyd, performers include Aia de Leon, Caliph 8, Gloc 9, Johnoy Danao, Leanne & Naara, Curtismith, Juan Miguel Severo, Reese Lansangan, Rhian Ramos and Donita Rose.

John Lloyd Cruz

ABS-CBN photo

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Barrister’s Corner

Family law issues during the COVID-19 pandemic

‘stay at home’ custody orders The stay at home order issued by both the City of Los Angeles and later the State THE COVID-19 Pandemic of California has stirred a lot has changed our lives almost of confusion among divorced overnight. Not only has it parents who share custody changed our lives in terms of of their children. Stay at our daily routine, jobs, lifestyle, home orders have required but also our relationship with California residents to reour family members under the main at home, except if they Stay at Home orders in place need to go out for essential in major cities such as Los needs such as for groceries, Angeles, medication or health care Divorce caused by finanappointments. People can’t cial and emotional stress go into work unless they are China is a few months in certain essential jobs. The ahead of the US in terms of stay-home orders restrict the impact of this pandemic on travel for unapproved purfamilies. Statistics show that poses. As a result, divorced the number of couples filing parents didn’t know if they for divorce in China is reportwere allowed to travel to bring edly way up after long periods their children back and forth of COVID 19-related confineto the other parent during ment. This gives us a glimpse visitation schedules. There is of the months to come after confusion about whether the the stay at home order has stay-at-home order trumped been lifted. the custody order or whether The rapid spread of the the court order trumped the corona virus has destabilized stay-at-home order. every household particularly Custody and visitation those of parents. The closure orders are not affected by of schools and child-care facili- stay at home orders or other ties has created challenges for order restricting movement scores of parents who must issued by a governmental figure out how to keep their entity that arises from the children safe while continuCOVID-19 pandemic. The ing to work from home. The stay at home order does not current situation has posed change the existing parentsignificant challenge to parents child custody orders that may with existing custody orders. be in place. Just the fear of Many parents are attempting pandemic is not enough to to renegotiate the terms of warrant keeping a child from the existing custody orders at seeing the other parent. If a moment when emotions run there is an actual threat of high and the Courts are closed harm to the child, the Los Anfor most hearings. geles Superior Court is availMost families have roles to able for ex parte emergency play for each member of the RFO to address these issues. household such as the parents However, parents should atgetting up and going to work tempt to work together first or the child being in school. to come up with some kind When these roles are radically of temporary agreement that changed in a time that we’re works for both the parents all feeling incredibly stretched and for the kids that accomemotionally creates major modates the problems caused stress on families. As a result by the pandemic and modify of this stress, marriages may temporarily the existing cusfracture and may result to ditody orders as a solution to vorce because the coronavirus the current environment. For crisis is causing many families example, if exercising the to experience job loss from father’s alternate weekend the massive layoffs caused by visitation exposes the child to the shutdown of the economy. other members of the father’s Financial stress is always one new household, perhaps the of the big stressors that lead parents can temporarily agree to divorce. Parents are trying to a virtual visitations such as to figure out how they can sup- zoom video conferencing, face port an entire family. time, and other apps available Effect of COVID-19 on that allows the father to see

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

the child and interact the child without exposing the child to the risk of contagion. The Los Angeles Superior Court has been continuing most hearings except for emergency hearings. It would serve the parties best to co-parent and work out a temporary custody agreement which can be turned into a temporary court order.

Domestic violence during ‘stay at home’ order Many domestic violence victims live with their abusers and are now being forced to isolate with their abusers. Victims may have also lost their source of income and are having a harder time connecting with their support systems such as the victim’s family. Leaving their situation is much more difficult during the pandemic. COVID-19 stay at home order in Los Angeles means victims might be stuck with their abusers. Victims might also be losing their job and income. For the most vulnerable people in the community, stay at home order is the same as putting them in a cage with a dangerous creature. Even though there may be an increase in domestic violence during this period, neither law enforcement nor the family courts may hear about the domestic violence and abuse because it is usually the community that reports these incidents when children go to school, when people see their friends, when people are in a situation where other people see what’s going on.

Now, teachers, childcare providers and, friends are physically cut off from the people and children they normally are in contact with daily.

In addition, seeing businesses shuttered and paychecks halted has put intense pressure and hardship on a growing number of people and families who are becoming increasingly depressed.

Many are self-medicating at home with drugs and alcohol. Add to that scenario the school closures and children and spouses sheltering together at home can create an extremely hostile, even dangerous, environment for many families. It is therefore important for victims to call

community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 8, 2020

Love as the center of...

From Page 4 has a wealth of wisdom to share with anyone seeking meaning in a confusing world seemingly hell bent on self-immolation.

In a swirling fast-paced technological world full of self–love, vanity, illusions and artifice that only tend to distort and act as centrifugal forces pushing God away as the center of our lives, Paul’s directives make absolute sense. His words have the power to keep us all centered, as they were intended to be, not on ourselves, but on God. Ironically, it’s like being in the eye of the storm where there is peace while swirling forces rage about in the periphery.

This one below, if etched in many hearts and minds and lived out in our daily rounds through thoughts and more specifically in even the tiniest of actions, particularly in couples, already married or planning marriage in the foreseeable future, could remarkably bring down the alarming rate of break-ups and a whole universe of heartaches among couples.

This has the power to preserve FAMILIES, the last best hope of humanity on steroids.

These days, the very structure and integrity of the family unit are heavily assaulted from many fronts with popular culture, insane power hungry globalists, Hollyweird, media and the internet leading the charge at a time when the church has been rendered weak by internal abuses and scandals in the not so distant past.

Thankfully, the persecutions of Christians around the world which was at a terrifying, alarming rate and intensity is coming down with the ascent of conservative leaders among Christian

countries. With unceasing prayer and fasting among millions on bended knees, good people will bring forth a strong and fervent resurgence of a stronger Christian faith in most parts of the world.

FEAR NOT. Let not our hearts be troubled. As history will bear and as written in the song, “Canticle of the Turning,” which is based on the Blessed Mother Mary’s “Magnificat,” it is when the church is at its most vulnerable, when the forces of heaven align to defend itself and go on the offensive in subtle yet dramatic ways. The blood of early Christians spawned the rise of the early Church. Now as then, the pattern remains the same. History does repeat itself.

Marriage as a bedrock institution between man and a woman is in serious danger, as man-made laws masquerading as civil liberties, are enacted to challenge it, all in the name of political correctness.

There is a growing pushback against political correctness and the often times wanton moral depravity the lies of political correctness seek to promote. With courageous, right leaning Christian leaders who will defend the Christian faith, more and more people are emboldened to call a spade, a spade and think and act accordingly. The courage to confront the evil in our time is getting stronger as people quietly humble themselves before God and ask for His grace and mercy not only this Lenten season but through all seasons.

Strong family units built on LOVE are so essential in creating strong societies from the ground up. Each generation builds upon and learns from the ones that

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

the police or avail of the Family Courts by filing an application for a restraining order and a kick out order against the perpetrator. The Los Angeles Superior Court is available during this pandemic to issue such emergency orders to protect the victims of domestic violence.

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, P.C. 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, P.C. 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 (Advertising Supplement)

*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only

came before it.

The passage below is a favorite among couples and wedding planners and for good reason.

These words are more than the pretty, superficial veneer of rituals in weddings.

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 13, are words to live by telling us what really matters as he did then to members of the early church who were probably just as lost, confused and disconcerted as most of us probably are.

Set your hearts on the greater gifts. I will show you the way which surpasses all the others.

If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind.

Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish.

Love is never rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.

Love never fails. … And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE. ***

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 8, 2020

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