041021 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

APRIL 10-13, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 28 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

Foreigners not traveling with Filipino kin can’t enter PH during travel ban

by RICHBON

QUEVEDO Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reiterated this week that foreign parents, spouses, and children of Filipino citizens cannot enter the country if they are not traveling with them.

“The Balikbayan privilege, which allows the visa-free entry of foreign spouses and children

DATELINE

of Filipinos, remains suspended,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement on Wednesday, April 7.

Morente noted that existing guidelines on international travel set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) do not allow the entry of foreign parents, spouses and children of Filipinos if they are traveling alone.

He reminded foreigners that they should possess valid visas secured in the country’s foreign posts abroad to be able to enter the country.

The immigration bureau issued the reminder following reports of aliens being denied entry at the airports for attempting to enter the country without their Filipino spouse, children, or parent.

During the implementation of u PAGE A2

ON GUARD. Barangay Immaculate Conception personnel guard the entrance of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church, Quezon City on Thursday, April 8 during the 2nd-day cash aid distribution. They strictly enforced the basic health protocols for those entering the venue such as wearing a face mask, face shield, temperature check, applying hand sanitizer, and social distancing.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Philippine Consulate General in LA welcomes new ConGen

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Pinay senior attacked in New York raises over $260K for recovery Doormen fired for not intervening

IN a show of support after a brutal attack, the fundraiser for Vilma Kari, the elderly Filipina immigrant who was assaulted on her way to church in New York, has surpassed its goal and garnered over $260,000 in a week.

Kari’s daughter Elizabeth started the GoFundMe page last week, days after she was attacked in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.

“Apart from using the fund towards recovery for Vilma, my mother would like to support other victims and organizations to further raise awareness to our fellow AAPI community (so that we can continue to a path that educate everyone around us and put an end to these attacks),”

by AJPRESS THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles welcomed a new head of post this week.

Seasoned diplomat Edgar Barrairo Badajos will assume the Consul General role, presiding over Southern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona, where 1.2 million Filipinos live.

“Los Angeles as a Foreign Service Post holds so much promise and potential for improving consular services, Consul General Edgar Barrairo Badajos (center) was greeted at LAX on Tuesday, April 6 by Consul Dyan Pastrana collaborating with one of the most dyand Consul Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, who was previously acting head of post of the Philippine Consulate namic and supportive overseas FilipiGeneral in Los Angeles.

Courtesy Curtesy photo no communities, boosting Philippine

New report: 51% of Filipino adults in US say they have experienced racism

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

OVER 50% Filipino adults living in the

u PAGE A3 United States have experienced racism first-

Fil-Am Mike Magpayo wins award for top first-year coach FILIPINO American coach Mike Magpayo is the recipient of the annual Joe B. Hall award given to the top first-year head coach in college basketball.

Magpayo on Thursday, April 1, received the award from CollegeInsider.com after leading the University of California (UC) Riverside Highlanders to a historic campaign in the Big West Conference.

“Dealing with the pandemic and the un- Mike Magpayo certainty surrounding the future of athletics at UC Riverside, Mike Magpayo led the program to an historic season,” said Angela Lento, Vice President of u PAGE A3

business, as well as promoting our culture and tourism,” Badajos said in a statement. “I am definitely eager to begin my work and meeting up with local movers and shakers, government officials and our kababayan community.

He was greeted at Los Angeles International Airport by consulate staff on Tuesday, April 6, coming from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he served at the Philippine Consulate General from February 2018 to April 2021.

The Bangued, Abra native joined the Philippine Foreign Service in January 1997 and has served in various capacities at the Departu PAGE A3

hand in their lives, according to a new report.

Market research company Morning Consult on Wednesday, April 7 released a study highlighting the experiences of Asian adults living in the U.S. in the wake of recent hate incidents and crimes.

The survey found that 58% of Asian adults living in the U.S. have experienced racism firsthand in their lives, while 28% said they’ve had someone say something racist or racially insensitive to or about them in the

past year.

This is compared to 44% of all U.S. adults who reported experiencing a racially insensitive incident ever and 25% saying the experience was in the past year.

The poll was conducted from March 24 to 30, among 1,000 Asian adults living in the U.S. as part of the research firm’s mini-series highlighting the experiences of the community. It also asked 2,200 U.S. adults of different groups between March 24 to 28.

The survey was conducted in English, which could have resulted in underestimates due to language barriers and other factors of

u PAGE A3

Ex-President Estrada’s condition improves

by AJPRESS FORMER Philippine President Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada has reportedly been removed from ventilator support.

In a Facebook post, his son, former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, expressed happiness over the improvement of the family patriarch’s condition.

“We are extremely happy to announce that my father has now been removed from ventilator support although he continues to

require high flow oxygenation,” he said Friday, April 9.

“While we thank his doctors for their excellent care, we give all the credit to Our Lord Almighty and enjoin everyone to continue praying for my father,” the younger Estrada added.

Earlier, he said that his father “seems to be responding well to treatment,” noting that his other organ functions “remain stable.”

“We still have a long way to go before he is complete-

ly out of danger and we hope that he continues to fight with his usual tenacity as only Erap can,” said Jinggoy.

“Thank you again for all your love, support and prayers,” he added.

Estrada was rushed to the hospital on March 28 and tested positive for COVID-19.

by AJPRESS He was said to be in “a SEVENTEEN Filipino tycoons stable condition,” but was sedated and moved to the have secured their spots on intensive care unit on April Forbes’ annual list of the wealthiest people in the world.

4.

Forbes on Tuesday, April 6, u PAGE A2

Infographic by Inquirer.net photo

17 PH tycoons land on Forbes 2021 World’s Billionaires List released its 2021 list of global billionaires, with this year’s roster having a record-breaking 2,755 billionaires, including 493 newcomers.

“The number of billionaires u PAGE A2

A2 April 10-13, 2021 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl

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

From the Front Page

17 PH tycoons land on Forbes 2021 World’s...

PAGE A1 on Forbes’ 35th annual list of the world’s wealthiest exploded to an unprecedented 2,755 — 660 more than a year ago.

Altogether they are worth $13.1 trillion, up from $8 trillion on the 2020 list,” the publication said.

“There are a record high 493 newcomers to the list — roughly one new billionaire every 17

hours,” it added.

Former lawmaker and property tycoon Manny Villar led the pack of Filipino billionaires on the list, retaining his title as the richest Filipino for the third year in a row.

He placed 352nd worldwide, with a net worth of $7.2 billion (around P349.7 billion) this year.

Villar is the founder and chair-

man of Vista Land and Lifescapes, the largest home builder in the Philippines. The firm has built about 300,000 homes in more than 140 cities.

He also owns stakes in Golden Bria Holdings, a property and death care company, as well as Vistamalls, a shopping mall operator.

Following Villar was Enrique Razon Jr., chairman of International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI). Razon ranked 561st in the list with a net worth of $5 billion (around P242.8 billion).

Lucio Tan, founder and chair of the LT Group, is the third richest Filipino, ranking 925th with a net worth of $3.3 billion (about P150.2 billion).

Tied at 1008th are Hans Sy, Herbert Sy, and Andrew Tan with a net worth of $3 billion (about P145.7 billion).

The other Sy siblings, namely Harley Sy, Henry Sy Jr., and Teresita Sy-Coson, placed 1,174th with a net worth of $2.7 billion (about P131.1 billion).

Elizabeth Sy, on the other hand, ranked 1,299th along with Tony Tan Caktiong and his family, recording a net worth of $2.7 billion (about P131.1 billion).

Below is the complete list of Filipino tycoons included in Forbes’ Billionaires List: 1. Manuel Villar, $7.2 billion 2. Enrique Razón Jr., $5 billion 3. Lucio Tan, $3.3 billion 4. Hans Sy, $3 billion 5. Herbert Sy, $3 billion 6. Andrew Tan, $3 billion 7. Harley Sy, $2.7 billion 8. Henry Sy Jr., $2.7 billion 9. Teresita Sy-Coson, $2.7 billion 10. Elizabeth Sy, $2.4 billion 11. Tony Tan Caktiong, $2.4 billion 12. Ramon Ang, $2.2 billion 13. Inigo Zobel, $1.4 billion 14. Lance Gokongwei, $1.2 billion 15. Roberto Ongpin, $1.2 billion 16. Ricardo Po Sr., $1.1 billion 17. Edgar Sia II, $1.1 billion Amazon’s Jeff Bezos topped this year’s global list, with a net worth of $177 billion. He was followed by Elon Musk ($151 billion), Bernard Arnault ($150 billion), Bill Gates ($124 billion), and Mark Zuckerberg ($97 billion). n

EDSA DAY. The famous 23.8-km. Edsa Avenue, shown in this photo taken at the corner of Timog Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, April 8 stretches from the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City to Pasay City. It is named after Epifanio de los Santos, a historian, journalist, and civil servant who marked the 150th anniversary of his birth on April 7.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Foreigners not traveling with Filipino...

PAGE A1 ers eligible to enter the country the travel restrictions, he said are allowed to board their Philipthat airlines and ships are obli- pine-bound flights.

On March 22, the Philippines gated to ensure that only foreign-

reimposed a travel ban on entry of foreigners amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country.

The ban will last until April 21. n

Philippine Consulate General in LA...

PAGE A1 ment of Foreign Affairs in Manila, including most recently as Director, Political-Security Division, Office of ASEAN Affairs (2015-2018). Earlier, he was assigned to the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of Consular Affairs and the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs. His previous foreign assignments

include the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto as Vice Consul (2000-2003), the Philippine Consulate General in New York as Vice Consul then Consul (2003-2007), and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, as Minister and Consul General and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic

and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific or UNESCAP (2009-2015).

A University of the Philippines-educated lawyer by profession (UP College of Law, LLB 1991), the Consul General wrote a “Philippine Passport Guidebook” in 1998 together with a fellow Filipino Foreign Service Officer. n

Ex-President Estrada’s condition...

PAGE A1 On April 6, Estrada was placed on mechanical ventilation following the doctors’ recommendation “to improve oxygen delivery” and “prevent the tiring” of his respiratory system.

Estrada, 83, served as the country’s president from 1998 to 2001 until he was ousted after a se-

ries of protests on EDSA held from January 16 to 20, 2001 amid his trial for plunder charges.

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

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

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

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 10-13, 2021

A3

Filipino Americans unpack the mental health toll of recent anti-Asian hate incidents, crimes

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Trigger warning: this story references real-life experiences with self-harm.

THE recent incidents involving violence and harassment targeting Asian Americans have left the entire community on high alert.

The Asian American community has experienced intensified discrimination, bullying, verbal harassment and physical harm over the past year. However, in the last few weeks, brutal violence and, in many cases, death, have made the threats to the community feel more real, as previously reported in the Asian Journal.

In recent days, in Southern California, there were two separate reported incidents of assailants throwing stones at Asian Americans — one on Wednesday, March 31 toward a Korean American family in Fullerton and one on Saturday, April 3 toward Filipino American customers at the popular Filipino restaurant Dollar Hits in the Historic Filipinotown neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Over the weekend on Saturday, April 3, a Chinese American woman named Ke Chieh Meng was stabbed and killed in Riverside while she was walking her dogs in what officials are calling a “random” attack. (Riverside Police, however, don’t suspect the killing was motivated by race.)

As these attacks continue to proliferate across the country at disturbing rates, political leaders, like President Joe Biden, have

denounced the attacks and committed to enacting legislative solutions to combat these attacks.

But the damage cannot be undone, and though lawmakers and community leaders scramble to mitigate anti-Asian hate and violence, the mental and emotional toll of these attacks is unquantifiable.

“Asians were not only fighting the pandemic but we were fighting racism,” Dr. Carolee Tran, clinical psychologist and instructor at UC Davis, told reporters during a recent press briefing.

“It’s tragic and unacceptable that it took the events of Atlanta to really get the attention of the general public,” Tran said. “When we have these incidents, we watch them on TV, we watch on the news, we feel all these things in our body.”

For decades, the Asian American community has simultaneously grappled with the model minority myth — which posits that intense assimilation with the white majority will make them more acceptable and lead to more upward mobility — and the notion of being the “perpetual foreigner.”

In the Asian American community, talking about things like race and mental health aren’t commonplace — in fact, it’s often discouraged. According to Mental Health America, Asian Americans are less likely to seek mental health services than any other racial group in America.

“Awareness of racism and living in a scary atmosphere causes

Pinay senior attacked in New...

PAGE A1 wrote Elizabeth on the fundraising page.

Kari, 65, was walking to church around 1 p.m. on March 29 when the suspect, later identified as Brandon Elliot, assaulted her and knocked her to the ground.

The unprovoked attack was captured by a CCTV camera, showing Elliot kicking Kari several times in the head before walking away. He reportedly told her, “You don’t belong here.”

Kari suffered serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis and forehead contusions, according to the police.

As of this writing, the GoFundMe page has raised a total of $261,878.

In an update posted on Monday, April, 5, Elizabeth expressed her gratitude for the outpour of support they’ve been getting.

“To everyone who has been a part of this journey, with my mom and I – we wanted to say THANK YOU,” she wrote.

“There are no words to describe how appreciative we are of your kindness and time. We are blessed and humbled by your uplifting messages and reminded that despite how unique and different we may be from one another, we can still come together just as strong, compassionate, and resilient,” she added.

Elizabeth also shared that her mother “has been resting these

past few days.”

“Again, we are thankful for your generosity and overjoyed for the heartfelt moments you’ve graced us with during this time,” she concluded.

Doormen fired Two doormen have been sacked after being caught on video failing to help Kari outside the luxury Hell’s Kitchen building.

In the six-minute surveillance video, the lobby staffers only watched the assault from inside the building, with one of them closed the building’s door while Kari was laid on the ground.

Rick Mason, the executive director of management at the Brodsky Organization, which owns the building along 43rd St., told residents in an email that the lobbystaffers did not follow “required emergency and safety protocols,” the New York Times reported.

“For this reason, their employment has been terminated, effective immediately,” read the email.

Previously, Brodsky said the employees who witnessed the assault were “suspended pending an investigation in conjunction with their union.”

Meanwhile, 32BJ SEIU, the doormen’s union, said it played no role in Brodsky’s decision to fire the two lobbystaffers.

“The Union did not play any role whatsoever in this decision.

Also, not accurately depicted, the

u PAGE A4

New report: 51% of Filipino...

PAGE A1 accessibility.

Of the Filipino respondents, 51% said “someone has said something racist or racially insensitive to or about them ever,” while 27% said “someone has said something racist or racially insensitive to or about them in the past year.”

Morning Consult noted that “Chinese respondents were more likely to say they’ve experienced racism than Filipino or Indian adults,” with 63% of them saying “someone has said something racist or racially insensitive to or about them ever,” while 30% said “someone has said something racist or racially insensitive to or about in the past year.”

“Although at least 2 in 5 in those latter groups said they’ve experienced racism in their lives,” it added.

Morning Consult survey found that 53% of its Asian respondents blamed former President Donald Trump for the uptick in discrimination against the community due to his rhetoric around the coronavirus.

“As president, Trump regularly called the novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, the ‘China virus’ or the ‘Chinese virus,’ also at times referring to it as the ‘kung flu,’” the report said.

“In labeling the novel coronavirus in this way, Trump was tapping into the same pool of racial resentment that feeds how his predominantly white base sees the country today,” it added.

According to Katie Nguyen Kalvoda, a board member on the AAPI Victory Fund, Asian Americans have “always dealt with being the other” in the U.S. However, anti-Asian hate and racism have been on an all-time

high in the country since 2020.

Trump’s rhetoric “made it permissible for others to use Asian Americans as a scapegoat,” Kalvoda said. “What people are seeing is the wide acceptance of this audacity to hate.”

Another release from Morning Consult found that 3 in 5 Asian adults say the reports of anti-Asian racism and violence have affected their mental health. Meanwhile, 35% reported their mental health getting worse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that anti-Asian racism has always been around,” said Dr. Anne Saw, an associate professor of clinical-community psychology at DePaul University and a board member for the Asian American Psychological Association. “But there is really something happening right now, in this pandemic time, that is impacting the majority of Asian Americans.”

Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that tracks anti-Asian American discrimination, logged 3,795 firsthand incidents of racism and discrimination in its reporting center between March 19, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021.

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

Morning Consult further found that 66% of Asian women said reports of anti-Asian violence and discrimination have affected their mental health, compared to 49% of Asian men.

“Gender and identity 100 percent come into play, especially in being able to talk about issues,” said Carrie Zhang, founder of the Asian Mental Health Project. n

one to be hypervigilant. It affects our prefrontal cortex, the amygdala,” Tran said. “These are the areas of the brain that impact affect and emotions. It can affect people’s concentration, attention, a sense of motivation even. You can feel more fatigue.”

Gilynn Chavez, a 24-year-old Filipina American student at Cal State Long Beach, shared that the recent attacks on Asians have dramatically affected her concentration.

“I can’t even look at the videos without shutting down for the rest of the day,” Chavez told the Asian Journal in a Zoom interview on Thursday, April 1, referencing the extremely graphic video of the Filipina who was attacked in New York City at the end of March.

“The attack itself was hard to look at, but it was made even worse when you see the security guard in the video close the door and not do anything. Who does that? It’s so inhumane,” she said.

Chavez, who was born in California, shared that seeing these videos and reading on these incidents has increased her anxiety.

She’s skipped classes and called in sick to work, and she admitted that seeking professional help has not been a priority for her.

“I think the worst are the explicit xenophobic remarks, like when these racists actually tell people to go back to their country,” Chavez said. “It shouldn’t matter, but so many of us [AAPIs] are from here or grew up here; we’re just as American as anyone else. And

WAITING AREA. An elderly woman (right) sits on a bench inside the Cathedral Church as barangay personnel monitor other beneficiaries during the distribution of cash aid assistance in Barangay Immaculate Conception, Quezon City on Thursday, April 8. This is the second day of the distribution of cash aid in Quezon City.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Fil-Am Mike Magpayo wins award for top...

PAGE A1 CollegeInsider.com.

“Coach Magpayo’s attention to detail and leadership are second to none. He’s a star in the profession,” she added.

Magpayo, the first Asian-American to coach in the NCAA Division 1, steered the Highlanders to a 14-7 record, finishing third in the standings of the Big West Conference.

He also brought the Highlanders to the semifinals of the Big West Tournament for the first time since 2011.

The 41-year-old mentor attributed the team’s success to his u PAGE A4 coaching staff and players.

“I’ve been very blessed this year on and off the court,” Magpayo told ESPN5.

“But, I’ve been carried by my tremendous coaching staff and amazing group of players, these young men that represent the University of California Riverside. They are the great story, to post the best season in school history and to still want much, much more, is a great place to coach. I’m proud of our team and hungry for more,” he added.

Magpayo bested seven other finalists for the award namely Wichita State’s Isaac Brown, Georgia Southern’s Brian Burg, Texas State’s Terrence Johnson,

Loyola Marymount’s Stan Johnson, Southeast Missouri State’s Brad Korn, ETSU’s Jason Shay, and UNCW’s Takayo Siddle.

The Fil-Am mentor was the defensive coordinator at UC Riverside before replacing David Patrick as head coach. He also had stints at University of San Francisco, Campbell University, and Columbia University before making his way to UC Riverside in 2018.

Magpayo is the founder and president of the Asian Coaches Association, a group that supports coaches of Asian descent beyond the basketball community. (AJPress)

A4 April 10-13, 2021 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl

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

Dateline PDuterte may hiliPPines back Pacquiao, Moreno, or Marcos in 2022

HAPPY BENEFICIARY. An elderly woman smiles while receiving her PHP1,000financial assistance from a Marikina City personnel at the distribution of cash aid to the qualified residents of Barangay Kalumpang on Friday, April 9 held at Kalumpang Elementary School. Each beneficiary will receive P1,000, with a maximum of P4,000 per family.

PNA photo

by Joey O. Razon

by Keith

Calayag Manilatimes.net

Pinay senior attacked in New...

PAGE A3 workers did assist the victim and flagged down the police, as was shown in a longer version of the building’s camera footage. Under their collective bargaining agreement, both employees have the right to file grievances,” said union president Kyle Bragg in a statement.

“There is a contractual process to challenge terminations. The

employees have initiated that process, but the process is just beginning and can take weeks or months,” he added.

According to him, the union is “comprised of majority immigrant, Black and brown workers.”

“We take anti-Asian hatred, and all forms of discrimination, seriously. 32BJ members are immigrants and people of color themselves, subject to much of

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte might support Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso or former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. if his long-time aide Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go would not run for president in 2022, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said.

“Kapag hindi tumakbo si Sara (the president’s daughter), hindi tumakbo si Bong Go because he will only run for pres-

CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION • Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents

IMMIGRATION

• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas

FAMILY LAW • Divorce/Separation/Nullity • Property Division • Spousal Support • Child Custody and Support • Restraining Orders

CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90010

323-639-0277

Email: info@dtanlaw.com • Website: www.dtanlaw.com

Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive

dustry Inc. on Tuesday, April 6.

“Kasi wala namang iba ‘di ba?

So, I think, ‘pag hindi tumakbo si Sara, hindi tumakbo si Bong Go, he will have to choose from the three (There is no one else to choose right? So, I think if Sara, Bong Go will not run, he will have to choose from the three),” he added.

Asked about the chances of Go running for president, Roque said he does not know because Duterte does not intend to run for vice president.

Duterte repeatedly called Go resident in March. n

Oral arguments on anti-terror to resume at earliest on April 27 via videocon session

the same racism and violence that our AAPI neighbors face,” said Bragg.

“We believe we must root out systemic racism in all its forms.

We believe that all union workers, especially workers of color

by Kristine Joy Patag Philstar.com who are often the subject of unfair treatment on the job, have a right MANILA — The succeedto a fair process as outlined in their contract,” he added. (Ritchel ing oral arguments on petitions against the Anti-Terrorism Act of Mendiola/AJPress) 2020 will be conducted through videoconference with live audio streaming for public access, notice from the Supreme Court said.

OVER 17 YEARS In a one-page advisory from the SC’s Office of the Clerk of Court, parties in the consolidated petitions against the anti-terrorism law are told that the next schedule for the oral arguments shall be two weeks after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine imposed on Metro Manila.

No specific date has been stated, but the resumption of debates may be on April 27, May 4 or May 11.

“The continuation of the oral Darrick V. Tan, Esq. arguments shall be through vid-

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR

ident if the president would run for vice president, the president will have to choose who has the numbers and he will have to choose from Isko, Manny Pacquiao and Bongbong Marcos (If Sara will not run, if Bong Go will not run because he said he will run only if the President runs for vice president, the president will have to choose who has the numbers and he will have to choose from Isko, Manny Pacquiao and Bongbong Marcos),” Roque said during a forum of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and In-

eoconferencing with live audio streaming made available to the public,” Clerk of Court Marife Lomibao-Cuevas said.

“The technical details and the rules for the videoconferenced oral arguments pro hac vice [for this occasion only] shall be promulgated as soon as the Court En Banc is able to convene,” she added.

Solicitor General Jose Calida is set to present the opening statement for the government's defense of the law in the next session.

The oral arguments on the petitions against the highly contentious anti-terrorism law have been suffering delays due to COVID-19 threat. Earlier sessions were suspended as justices needed to go on self-quarantine, while the enforcement of the ECQ as infections surge forced courts to be physically closed.

As the debates extend to

months, petitioners have pressed the SC to temporarily stop the law’s implementation, citing “supervening events” that show the dangers of the Anti-Terrorism Act. On February 23, more than 20 petitioners filed a fresh plea for a temporary restraining order, citing continued red-tagging and arrests of petitioners, scrapping of the Department of National Defense and University of the Philippines accord, and continued prosecution and detention of two Aeta farmers under the law.

But the SC had earlier said it will wait for Solicitor General Calida’s comment on the motions praying for a TRO before it resolves them.

Court documents, however, showed that Calida had asked the SC at least twice to extend the deadline for the govern-

u PAGE A5

Filipino Americans unpack the mental...

PAGE A3

that really triggers my anger and mood, and I think that [is true] for so many Asians.”

Jen (who asked that her last name be withheld) is a first-generation Filipina American living in Arcadia, California and who is now in the process of familiarizing herself with her own mental health — and the collective mental health of the Asian American community — in the wake of these attacks.

“For a long time I think many of us [in the Asian community] have felt that our issues don’t matter to the general public, so it’s been illuminating over the past few weeks that our stories are actually making it to [the mainstream],” Jen shared with the Asian Journal on Friday, April 2.

Jen, 36, was born in the Philippines but has lived in California since she was 6 years old. The single mother of two daughters, ages 10 and 6, shared that they have experienced microaggressions in their Orange County neighborhood since the beginning of the pandemic.

“As Filipinos, like most other Asian cultures, [we] aren’t really encouraged to talk about mental health, and I think that becomes more extreme when you’re living in America. There’s this intense pressure to save face,” Jen shared.

“And that’s valid, or at the very least, I understand that. But now we’ve got all these unpacked issues that we’re all trying to navigate.”

Jen shared that learning of these attacks and seeing incidents appear in the news every day has “diminished” her overall well-being. Like many other Asian Americans, she feels “unsafe” and fears for the safety of her family. But she also feels emboldened to engage

in more conversations to help destigmatize mental health within the Asian American community.

“I have a lot of non-Asian friends who have been graciously checking on me, and to be honest, I’m not doing all right. My daughters are starting to take notice, too. I’m afraid to talk to them about these things because they’re so young.

But I think it’s an important conversation to have, especially with young people,” Jen added, saying that she wishes that she grew up feeling open to talking about mental and emotional health.

A Filipino and Chinese American who lives in Orange County named David (not his real name) shared with the Asian Journal that the recent attacks have taken a severe toll on his mental health, so much so that “self-harm ideations” have sprung up for him.

“I haven’t done anything like that but I’ve thought about it, and that’s scary because I haven’t had a self-harm thought in years,” David shared in a Zoom interview on Monday, March 29.

David said that the incidents that took place in Orange County have leveled up his anxiety and his concern that his parents or someone else he knows could be the next victim. Like Chavez, David admitted to not feeling motivated to seek professional mental health.

“What people don’t talk about when it comes to therapy or seeing a psychologist or doing anything resembling seeking professional help is how difficult it is to do yourself when you’re currently suffering,” he said. “You can’t just Google ‘therapy’ and immediately make an appointment and have that appointment change your life. All of this takes so much time and energy — time and en-

ergy I’m already stretching to do daily tasks.”

Liane Velasco, a Filipino American licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), told the Asian Journal in a phone call that “what lots of people who don’t suffer from major depression don’t understand about things like self-harm or withholding daily tasks is that it is a coping skill. It’s not healthy, but it is a way to cope.”

“What helps in stopping the behavior is replacing it with something else. For example, if you are cutting yourself in order to cope, you can replace that with something more gentle, like having a hair tie or rubber band around your wrist and lightly stretching it and letting go,” she said. “When we self-harm, it’s usually to try to feel something, but if we can wean ourselves off slowly, it can help us in the long run and stop those behaviors entirely.”

Velasco recommends that people who may not know where to start when it comes to seeking therapy or psychiatric services to consult with their primary care physician or with their health care group. Virtual therapy options, like BetterHelp that offers sessions only online, have also been a popular therapy option during the pandemic.

Additionally, the Asian Mental Health Collective has a directory of Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American (APISAA) therapists and mental health professionals in all 50 states.

If you or someone you know someone is struggling with suicidal ideations, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 800-2738255 — is available 24 hours a day. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1. n

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 10-13, 2021

A5

Filipino guerrillas resting at their camp pose for a photo, one of those found in the Guerrilla Unit Recognition Files (GURF).

On Day of Valor, Robredo calls on Filipinos to find hope, be ready for sacrifices

by Christia

Marie Inquirer.net

raMos

sa pinakamadilim na sandali, at ang kanilang kahandaang magsakripisyo para sa mas nakararami (As we remember the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, we are called upon to emulate, in our own way, their love for fellow Filipinos, the hope that they had even during dark moments, and their readiness to make sacrifices for the greater good),” she added.

Robredo likened the dark times during the fall of Bataan in World War II to the situation being faced

by Filipinos amid the pandemic now.

“Tulad ng Bataan noon, nababalot tayo ng kadiliman ngayon dahil sa pandemya. Marami na sa atin ang nagsakripisyo, ang nagdusa, ang nawalan (Like in Bataan before, we are swallowed by darkness due to the pandemic. Many of us have already made sacrifices, many have lost their loved ones),” she said.

Robredo added that the Day of Valor also reminds Filipinos that no one should be left behind in

MANILA — In commemorating Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Friday, April 9, Vice President Leni called on Filipinos to find hope amid dark times and to be ready to make sacrifices for the greater good, as shown by the country’s soldiers who died in World War II. “Sa araw na ito, ginugunita natin ang kagitingan ng mga Pilipinong sundalong lumaban hanggang sa huli at inialay ang kanilang buhay sa ngalan ng ating bayan at kalayaan (On this day, we are commemorating the courage of the Filipino soldiers who fought until the end and sacrificed their lives for our country and freedom),” Robredo said.

“Sa pag-alala natin sa mga bayani ng Bataan at Corregidor, tinatawag tayong tularan, sa sarili nating paraan, ang kanilang pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino, ang kanilang pag-asa maging

confronting challenges.

The Vice President also expressed confidence that Filipinos will overcome the hurdles brought about by the current crisis.

“Walang Pilipinong kailangang maging magiting mag-isa.

Sama-sama tayo. Tulong-tulong tayo. At sa paggabay ng diwa ng mga bayani ng Bataan at Corregidor: tiwala ako: Madadaig natin ang mga hamon ng panahong ito.

Makapagtataguyod tayo, tulad ng pinangarap nila noon, ng bansang mas malaya, mas makatarungan, at mas makatao (No Filipino should get through this on their own. We should unite.

Help each other. And through the guidance of what the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor have taught us, I’m confident: We will overcome the challenges of these times. We can build, like what they have dreamed of before, a country that is freer, more just, and more humane),” Robredo said. n

Oral arguments on anti-terror to resume at...

PAGE A4 ment’s answer on the petitioners’ motions. His latest plea for extension seeks to push the deadline to April 23.

In the time between the petitioners' filing on February 23 to the end of March, counsel to

petitioners Angelo Karlo Guillen was attacked and petitioners have also raised alleged intelligence-gathering and profiling of lawyers for "communist terrorist groups" as well as members of Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of

Government Employees (COURAGE) and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT).

The petitioners, in their February 23 motion, appealed to the court: “[A] blow too soon struck for freedom is preferred than a blow too late.” n

Opinyon ng Auditor sa Presentasyon ng Pinansiyal na Iskedyul

PAUNAWA SA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Ang Independent Citizen's Advisory and Oversight Committee (ICAOC) ay magsasagawa ng isang pampublikong pagdinig sa Mayo 5, 2021 sa ika-10 ng umaga gamit ang birtwal na pamamaraan.. Ang mga kasapi ng publiko ay maaaring makinig sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa: +1 (877) 422-8614 at pagpasok sa meeting extension 3788155#.

Ang ICAOC ay hinirang sa ilalim ng Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Reform at Accountability Act ng 1998, naaprubahan ng mga botante noong Nobyembre 1998.

Isasagawa ang pagdinig alinsunod sa mga hinihiling sa pederal na pampublikong pagdinig na nakabalangkas sa Section 9 (e) (3) (H) ng Surface Transportation Assistance Act ng 1982, ayon sa pagkaka-amyenda, at mga patnubay sa mga pampublikong pagdinig na pinagtibay ng Lupon ng mga Direktor ng LACMTA noong 1993, ayon sa pagkaka-amyenda.

Ang layunin ng pagdinig na ito ay upang makatanggap ng mga komento mula sa publiko sa resulta ng independent na audit na isinagawa sa pananagutan ng mga kita at gastos sa sales tax sa ilalim ng mga ordinansang Proposition A at Proposition C mula Hulyo 1, 2019 - hanggang Hunyo 30, 2020.

Ang Report ng Independent Auditor ay nagbibigay opinyon na para sa piskal na taong magtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2020, ang mga iskedyul ng kita at gastos ng LCMTA para sa Proposition A at C ay ipinapakitang patas, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, ang mga kita at gastos ng sales tax revenue ng Proposition A at C. Ulat ng Auditor sa Internal na Kontrol sa Pinansyal na Pag-uulat Ang ulat sa internal na kontol sa pinansiyal na pag-uulat ay nagsasaad na bilang bahagi ng audit, kinonsidera ng BCA ang internal na kontrol ng LACMTA sa pinansiyal na pag-uulat upang matukoy ang mga pamamaraan sa pag-audit na akma sa mga sirkumstansiya para sa layuning maipahayag ang kanilang opinyon sa mga pinansyal na statement, ngunit hindi para sa layuning magpahayag ng opinyon sa bisa ng internal na kontrol ng LACMTA. Hindi nakakita ang BCA ng anumang pagkukulang sa internal na konrol sa pinansyal na pag-uulat, na itinuring na isang materyal na kahinaan ng BCA. Ulat ng Auditor sa Pagsunod sa Hinihiling ng Proposition A at C Ang Ulat ng Independent na Auditor ay nagbibigay ng opinyon na sumunod ang LACMTA, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, sa lahat ng mga hinihiling na nakasaad sa MTA Reform and Accountability Act of 1998 at sa mga Ordinansiya na maaaring nagkaroon ng direkta at materyal na epekto sa kita at gastos ng Propositon A at Proposition C para sa piskal na taong magtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2020.

MGA AUDIT NG PAGSUNOD NG MGA LUNGSOD AT NG COUNTY

BACKGROUND Ang Proposition A at Proposition C ay mga ordinansang aprubado ng mga botante at ang sumusuporta sa kalahating bahagdan ng sales tax sa County ng Los Angeles, na ang mga nalikom ay dapat gamitin para sa mga transportasyong tinukoy sa dalawang ordinansa.

Inaprubahan ng mga botante ng Los Angeles County ang Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Reform at Accountability Act ng 1998 (the Act) noong Nobyembre ng 1998. Ang layunin ng Act ay upang magbigay pananagutan sa paggastos ng kita sa sales tax ng Proposition A at Proposition C sa pamamagitan ng taunang independent na mga audit sa mga gastos sa transportasyon sa sales tax, ang pagbuo ng Independent Citizen's Advisory and Oversight Committee, at mga pampublikong pagdinig sa mga ulat sa independent na audit. Ang Act ay nangangailangan ng taunang independent na audit ng Proposition A at C Sales Tax Revenues and Expenditures.

Ang Independent Citizen's Advisory Oversight Committee, alinsunod sa Act, ay nagbibigay ng buod ng independent audit para sa piskal na taong magtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2020.

AUDIT SA SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS Ang Independent Auditor's Report ay nagbibigay ng mga iskedyul ng mga kita at paggastos para sa Proposition A at C para sa piskal na taong magtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2020, na nagpapakita ng mga halaga ng kita sa transportation sales tax na natanggap at nagastos ng LACMTA. Ang mga iskedyul ng Proposition A at C ay ginawa ng LACMTA at in-audit ng independent accounting firm na BCA Watson Rice, LLP (BCA). Isinagawa ng BCA ang audit ng mga pinansiyal na iskedyul ng Proposition A at C alinsunod sa generally accepted auditing standards sa United States of America.

Isinagawa ng Vasques and Company (Vazquez) at Simpson and Simpson (Simpson) ang audit ng pagsunod alinsunod sa auditing standards generally accepted sa United States of America at ang mga pamantayang naaangkop sa mga pinansyal na audit na nakapaloob sa Government Auditing Standards na inisyu ng Comptroller General ng United States. Ang mga pamantayang iyon ay

makakuha ng makatuwirang kasiguruhan tungkol sa kung ang hindi pagsunod sa mga requirement sa mga Ordinance at Proposition A at Proposition C Local Return Guidelines na maaaring magkaroon ng direkta at materyal na epekto sa Proposition A at Proposition C Local Return program ay nangyari.

Pinagtibay ng Vasquez at Simpson na ang mga Lungsod ay sumunod, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, sa mga requirement sa mga Ordinance at sa Proposition A at Proposition C Local Return Guidelines na naaangkop sa programang Proposition A at Proposition C Local Return para sa piskal na taong nagtapos noong Hunyo 30, 2020 Ang audit sa compliance sa Local Return Guidelines ng Country at sa 88 Lungsod ay nakakita ng 33 lokal na hurisdiksyon na mayroong isyu sa compliance. Ang lahat ng mga natuklasan ay naresolba o nasa proseso na ng pagreresolba.

Ang mga sulat na komento ukol sa paksang ito ay tatanggapin hanggang Mayo 4, 2021 ng 5PM. Ang mg komento ay maaaring i-email sa GoinsC@metro.net o ipadala sa: Board Administration, LACMTA, One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-3-1, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952. Ang mga kopya ng Ulat ng mga Independent ng Auditor sa Iskedyul ng Kita at Gastos para sa Proposition A Sales Tax Revenue at Proposition Sales revenue ay makikita sa Records Management Center sa LACMTA Plaza Leve sa (213) 922-2342.

CNSB#3457278

A6 APRIL 10-13, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OPiniOn

Heroes of pandemic

FeatURes

AS the nation marked the Day of Valor on Friday, April 9, heroes of the ongoing war were on the frontlines, battling a lethal but unseen enemy. Health frontliners were among the earliest fatalities in the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to risk their health and lives to save others.

Even before the pandemic, the country was already in need of more health care workers. Whether in densely populated urban centers or in rural communities, there has never been enough people providing public health care services. This time, with COVID cases surging by the thousands daily, the health care system is becoming overwhelmed, especially in the epicenter of the surge: NCR Plus, or the National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.

The surge prompted the government to send an SOS to low-risk areas outside the NCR Plus for health care workers. As of Thursday, 136 doctors and nurses from all over the country had responded to the call, taking up stations mostly in COVID referral hospitals.

Under the program, the redeployed health personnel would get tested for COVID before, during and after their deployment. Apart from their regular salaries from their original offices, they will receive a daily allowance, work transporta-

tion allotments, accommodation and meals.

No amount can fully compensate health care workers for the risks they are taking in this unprecedented pandemic. Their sacrifices, however, are far from over. And in the ongoing surge, the NCR Plus in particular is in need of more HCWs. Hospitals are being decongested and more isolation facilities are being set up for mild and asymptomatic COVID cases, or those recovering and without comorbidities. These off-hospital facilities, however, will also need health professionals to monitor all patients. Private hospital operators have also said they need additional HCWs to man expanded COVID facilities.

If the surge is not quickly contained within the NCR Plus bubble, there’s a strong likelihood that the problem could spread to lower-risk areas.

Containing the surge calls for more health workers in the COVID epicenter. The nation can only pray for countless blessings for the heroes who answer the call. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Get vaccinated: Our shield and weapon against the growing threat of COVID-19 variants The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS AS the world continues its fight against the deadly COVID-19 virus and its variants, we Filipinos in the United States must be grateful that as of April 7, 1 out of 4 adults in the country is now been fully vaccinated. Along with the accelerated vaccination effort and the rollback of safety measures and restrictions, the number of confirmed infections, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States have also gone down.

More lives are being saved!

The new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also reveals that 40% of adults and 75% of seniors have received at least one dose.

On a more personal note, I am grateful that I am among those who have already received the first dose, and by April 27, I will already be fully vaccinated.

For those of you who have been asking how I am feeling after the first dose, I just had soreness in my upper arm where the vaccine was injected. Now on my third day after I got the shot, I am feeling back to normal.

However, I am aware that I may expect more side effects after the second shot, as experienced by some people. This, however, only means the body is producing antibodies to protect us from the virus. Acetaminophen like Tylenol will help alleviate flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, chills, tiredness and after two to three days, the body goes back to normal.

This is a reason for you to also be to be optimistic and empowered even as we are still fighting this war against the invisible enemy.

We can remember that after winning the election, President Joe Biden pledged that he would be working toward the goal of giving 150 million shots in his first 100 days. The goal post has been moved up in March, targeting up to 200 million in his first 100 days.

Since then, the United States

has regularly administered 2 million to 3 million shots a day.

And because we as a nation have been working together toward the same goal, we are now on course to produce hundreds of millions of vaccine doses by summer. Because of this, we are moving ahead of the previously announced deadline to make all adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. President Biden announced the great news on Tuesday, April 6, that by April 19 states shall make all adults in the country eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

While we are grateful for this expedited access to vaccine by adults in the United States, we still worry about the younger ones, as they may still be infected by the virus, albeit a smaller probability, compared to the older individuals.

The FDA currently allows Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s use in people 16 and up, while the other two COVID-19 vaccines — made by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — are authorized for emergency use in people age 18 and older.

The good news is that Pfiz-

er has already asked the Food and Drug Administration on Friday, April 9, for an amendment to its emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine to expand its use in people ages 12-15 in the United States.

“These requests are based on data from the pivotal Phase 3 trial in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age with or without prior evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which demonstrated 100 percent efficacy and robust antibody response after vaccination with the COVID-19 Vaccine,” Pfizer said in a statement.

As CNN reported, the pharmaceutical company said in a statement it will seek similar rulings by other authorities around the world in the coming days.

While it is encouraging to see how more Americans are now heeding the call for vaccination, there are those who are paralyzed by the threat of the variants that are now causing the spike in the number of new cases of infection around the world. This fact should NOT stop us from getting the shots. In fact, this should

Of course we will survive

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA THE latest Bloomberg news on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines seemed to me like a doomsday report.

I was, frankly, rattled and found myself asking knowledgeable folks to give me the facts, “sans political spin.”

But the facts can be as reassuring or as worrisome as one’s perspective - one either sees the glass half empty or half full.

Allow me to provide a “survival perspective.”

I guess only those who were born before the outbreak of World War II and those who experienced the occupation of the Philippines by the Japanese imperial army (or those who are survivors) will fully appreciate this piece.

I was born in 1939 at the cusp of these historic events. Thus, I saw the Japanese occupation through the eyes of a little boy, admittedly not fully appreciating or understanding the horrors of the war years.

But I think my limited recollections will suffice in the context of today’s COVID-19 crisis.

Death from the virus? During the Japanese occupation, people were not only liable to lose their lives — they could also lose their heads.

Lockdown? During the occupation, our movements were limited. Whenever we encountered Japanese soldiers on the street, we had to bow and greet them — ohayo, konnichiwa, konbanwa — or risk being slapped.

We had none of the appliances and thingamajigs that today’s generations consider essential to their existence. No computers. No smartphones.

No refrigerators. No TV. No electricity. No supermarkets, grocery stores or department stores. No malls. No social media. And no money.

In Tacloban, Leyte where I was born, families had to learn to live off the land, as well as the rivers and the sea that surrounded our island.

The Japanese made it mandatory for every household to grow its own vegetables. Those that did not have land had to plant vegetables in flower pots mounted on window sills and the balconies. We were also expected to raise poultry and tie a pig or a goat under the house.

In other words, every house-

hold was expected to be self-sufficient.

We had to stick together, work together, look for food together - and, of course, enjoy what little we had together.

But, most of all, we had to keep hoping together. My parents never lost hope for a better tomorrow. My mother recounted an incident that illustrates this.

While my eldest brother, Wilfredo, was a guerilla captain, his fellow resistance fighters decided to interrogate my father because he was an interpreter in the capitolyo. They also decided to ask me — I must have been two or three years old — what tatay had said about the war, perhaps believing that a child would tell the truth.

According to nanay, I told the guerillas that tatay had assured us that the Americans would surely liberate us and everything would be fine again.

Tatay was never bothered after that.

I recall helping feed the chickens and the pigs under our house in Tacloban and on the farm in my mother’s hometown of San Miguel. I also recall helping catch fish in the river, as well as ulang (crawfish) in the stream in the back

of our farmhouse.

During the harvest season, I recall watching the young men and women pounding rice in pestles and making pinipig.

And fruits were always a-plenty. We kids would raid the orchards of our grandparents and aunts, stuffing our pockets with star apples, santol, guyabano, and bayabas (guavas).

And, of course, the silot or buko (young coconut) that was always available for the asking.

And on weekends, my kid brother, Vicente, and I would hike in the hills around Tacloban to shoot down birds with our slingshots. Or we would go to the pier to fish.

Were we ever on the verge of starvation or hunger? Perhaps I was too young to appreciate the difficulty of scrounging for our daily sustenance — but I don’t recall missing any meals.

I can also distinctly remember sipping tinolang isda, in lieu of hot coffee, early in the morning after the paraws brought in the fresh catch from the sea. We had no inkling of instant coffee then. But I cannot forget the tsokolate that nanay would prepare for us with the cacao beans from the farm.

I also cannot forget waiting impatiently for the lechon to

serve as an impetus to compel us to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

The United States’ top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said earlier this week, “It’s almost a race between getting people vaccinated and this surge that seems to want to increase,” noting Europe is experiencing a spike much like the one experts worry about for the U.S. As CNN reported: “The U.S. added 79,878 new cases Thursday, the highest since March 24. And the country is still averaging above 60,000 new cases a day — a level Fauci, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease, said puts the U.S. at risk for another surge. Experts are especially concerned about the spread of the B.1.1.7 variant, first identified in the UK and now the dominant strain in the U.S.” If we are vaccinated, we are more protected against any virus variant from the deadly symptoms that have killed many people by COVID-19.

The vaccine lowers the chances of having to be hospitalized, be brought to the ICU and be

intubated. This, in addition to our conformity with public safety measures like wearing masks, physical distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands often, will be our shield and our weapon in this war against the pandemic.

I know we are all feeling the fatigue and desperation in this prolonged war against the coronavirus pandemic.

But there should be no more ifs and buts, if we want to move closer and faster safely toward healing, normalcy and rebuilding our lives and our nation. ***

be fully roasted, during fiestas and special occasions. My playmates and I could not resist slicing off a piece of balat (roasted skin) when the elders were not looking. Unlike the folks in Luzon who eat lechon with sarsa, the Visayan version of lechon has the pig stuffed with herbs (tanglad), and consumed by dipping the succulent meat in suka (vinegar) and garlic.

And in the kitchen, nanay and her nieces and cousins would wrap the suman, cook the biko and prepare other delicacies, while we kids hovered around, filching whatever we could.

Of course, the past is always romanticized. But in the face of today’s harsh realities, perhaps we should try to recall the way our parents managed to feed us and enabled us to survive. If they did it, so can we.

In Leyte, the sea and the rivers are still waiting to be tapped.

The land is still there. And even in Metro Manila, there are still flower pots in which to plant vegetables and window sills on which to mount them.

Come to think of it, the yard in our home in Paranaque is wide enough for vegetable plots. We once had a house help, Pining, with a remarkable green thumb. She would never throw away seeds from the fruits we consumed. In fact, even before we hired her, we had planted papaya and avocado in the

yard, as well as a guava tree and nutritious malunggay.

My late father-in-law, Jose Nobleza, was a farmer, aside from being vice-mayor of Jovellar in Albay. He always berated people who threw away the seeds of the fruits they ate.

“You could have grown fruits,” papa would admonish.

My late mother-in-law, Asuncion, had a sari-sari store in Guinobatan and when we tried to persuade her to relocate to the US, she declined. “What will I do there aside from watching TV? Here, I earn my own keep.”

And speaking of Albay, my wife and I once visited a house in a barrio, around lunchtime.

The homeowner hurriedly caught, dressed and prepared a chicken dish for us.

Our host was very apologetic for serving us “only chicken.”

Said he, “If I knew you were coming, we could have bought sardinas for you.”

“Pasensiya na po kayo,” he added.

Indeed, no matter how severe the pandemic is, we can survive. ***

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** (gremacabenta@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.

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

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

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

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

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

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

HEADCOUNT. A member of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (IACT) counts the passengers aboard a public utility jeepney along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Wednesday, Arpil 7. Public vehicles are required to maintain a 50-percent seating capacity while passengers are obligated to wear face masks and face shields.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PH health capacity nears red line – WHO by reD

MeNDoZa ManilaTimes.net

THE World Health Organization (WHO) views the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines as “concerning” and urges the government to continue improving its health care capacity.

Speaking during a virtual press conference in celebration of World Health Day on Wednesday, WHO Western Pacific Regional Director Dr. Takeshi Kasai noted that the Covid surge was inching toward the “red line.”

“We know that once we cross the ‘red line’, we put the health care workers in a difficult situation, and once health care workers get [the] infection, the health care capacity goes down,” Kasai said.

There were many factors for the surge, chief of which is the emergence of the variants of concern, such as the B117, B1351 and the P1 variants as well as the P3 variant first discovered in Central Visayas, he said.

Kasai also noted the half-hearted compliance with minimum health standards, such as wearing of masks and face shields and physical distancing.

He also blamed vaccine optimism as well as the prevalence of mild, asymptomatic and presymptomatic cases among 20 to 40 year olds.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries in the Western Pacific region are experiencing a similar resurgence in Covid cases, according to Dr. Babatunde Olowokure, WHO’s regional emergency director.

“We have no room for complacency, and we have to remain vigilant,” Olowokure said.

Olowokure said the virus will remain for a “foreseeable future” and the variants have highlighted the importance of multisource genomic surveillance and early detection.

Kasai urged the government to build up its health care capacity, which includes setting up intermediate care or temporary quarantine facilities for mild and moderate cases.

He said strengthening contact tracing would be the key to determining where infections are occurring.

Kasai noted that the arrival alone of vaccines in several countries across the region, including the Philippines, does not prevent the spread of the virus.

“It is very important for every individual to practice basic prevention measures to protect yourself, your family, and communities, vulnerable communities and health care workers,” he said.

Dr. Huong Thi Giang Tran, director for Programs for Disease Control, agreed with Kasai, adding that being vaccinated is not an excuse to throw away caution.

“The arrival of the vaccine under the Covax Facility gives hope to everyone, but it will be many months for all the people to be vaccinated. We must continue to work equitable distribution to ensure countries with the highest priorities are protected as soon as possible,” Tran said.

u PAGE A8 Para mga Residenteng Siyudad LA

2021 Covid-19 Emerhensya

Programang Tulong sa Mga Umuupa

Nahuhuli sa Upa?

City of Los Angeles

Mag-apply ng Mga Kinakailangan M A G- A PP L Y : MA R S O 30 - AB R I L 30 , 20 21 H C I D L A .L AC I T Y. OR G

833-373-0587

Ang mga Aplikasyon ay maaring ipadala ng mga umuupa omga may-ari ng paupahan.

Upang tiyakinna nakatira sa Siyudad, pumunta sa: neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org

Ipadala ang mga tanongtungkol sa programa sapamamagitan ng: hcidla.lacity.org/ask-hcidla

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 10-13, 2021

A7

A8 April 10-13, 2021 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

Palace assures: Duterte fit, healthy MALACAñANG on Thursday, April 8 squelched rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte had suffered a mild heart attack and gave assurances that he remained “fit and healthy.”

In a statement, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said Duterte “remains fit and healthy for his age and we thank the Filipino people for voicing their concern and wishing the Chief Executive’s strength and good health during this time of COVID-19 pandemic as he continues to discharge his functions as head of the government.”

Rumors about Duterte’s health spread on social media after the Palace announced that he had canceled a scheduled public address on Wednesday because several Presidential Security Group (PSG) members became infected with COVID-19.

The government’s Maharlika TV had initially cited “reliable sources” who claimed that the address was called off because the 76-year-old President “suffered a mild stroke.”

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar branded the report as fake news.

“Huwag magpapaniwala sa FAKE NEWS (Do not believe the FAKE NEWS),” Andanar said in his Facebook on Wednesday, sharing a screenshot of the Maharlika TV report.

Andanar said Duterte “is safe and healthy, and continues to work to ensure that we address the

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila last March 29.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

recent surge of the virus.”

“As easy as it may be for some people to blame the government for any mishap, even the surge in Covid-19 cases, these attempts to wish and to ponder ill intent, and worst death to anyone, especially to the President of our country, are foul and tasteless, even if meant in jest,” Andanar said.

“As we are being guided by President Duterte’s tough and efficient leadership during this pandemic, such sentiments are spiteful and detestable,” he added.

As further proof that nothing was wrong with the President, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday night posted on Facebook several photos of him and the President seated with a copy of a newspaper

dated April 7 in one corner.

“Sa mga may masasamang Hangarin, Wag muna kayo mag celebrate!! Nandito lang si Ta- ESSENTIAL SECTOR. Delivery riders present their identification cards at a checkpoint along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City on Thursday, April 8.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon tay Digong. Tambak ang trabaho Authorities remind that delivery of all kinds of food items is allowed 24/7 and not covered by curfew hours.

(For those wishes the President ill, don’t celebrate yet. Tatay Digong is here. He’s swamped with work),” Go said.

Go, a former aide of Duterte, told the public to help the President in the fight against COVID-19 instead of spreading false information about his health.

Duterte was last seen in public on March 29 when he delivered rounds of squats as punishment cruel, inhuman and degrading

by Ritchel Mendiola his regular public address. Before AJPress for violating curfew. The enforc- treatment should be held acthat, he witnessed the arrival of 1 ers also reportedly made him re- countable,” Karapatan Secretary million COVID-19 vaccines proPHILIPPINE lawmakers are peat the exercises, leading him General Tinay Palabay said in a cured by the government from calling for an investigation into to do a total of 300 rounds.

Facebook post.

China’s Sinovac Biotech. (Cather- the death of an alleged quaranPeñaredondo returned home The country’s Commission on ine Valente/ManilaTimes.net) tine violator who was forced to on April 1, and died from a stroke Human Rights (CHR) said that the punishment was an overdo 300 rounds of squats as pun- the following day.

“Umuwi po siya ng Friday reach of quarantine rules. ishment.

“Excessive punishments and Bayan Muna Reps. Eufemia ng 8 a.m. ng umaga hindi na Cullamat, Carlos Zarate, and sya makalakad ng maayos.. Ta- fines which are punitive in nature recoveries, while 60 fatalities Ferdinand Gaite on Wednesday, pos sabado ng madaling araw and disproportionate with the viwere added, for a total of 14,119 April 7, filed House Resolution nag-comvulsion siya na-revive olation represent an overreach deaths.

No. 1697, urging members of pa namin siya sa bahay… Si- of the enforcement of quarantine The positivity rate was 20.8 Congress to defend the human numpong ulet siya na-revive rules and regulations,” said CHR percent, or more than 8,300 rights of Filipinos. ulet kaya lang comatose na siya. spokesperson Jacqueline De positive cases out of the 39.969 “It is imperative for members Hanggang ngayong 10 p.m. wala Guia in a statement. tested.

She also stressed that the of Congress, as representatives na (He went home on Friday at 8 Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Pan- of our people, to defend the a.m. and he couldn’t walk prop- quarantine measures are for gilinan appealed to WHO to put rights of our people and check erly. In the middle of the night public health, not for peace and the Philippines on top of the on excesses and violations com- on Saturday, he started convuls- order. list of beneficiaries of vaccines mitted against them, especially ing but we managed to review “We stress that quarantine under its Covax Facility to help in this time of crisis,” they said. him. It happened again and we measures are being implementavert the collapse of the coun“Laws and rules should serve revived him but he was already ed as a public health measure try’s healthcare system. the interest of our proper, and comatosed. As of 10 p.m., he’s and not as a peace and order “Covid-19 is spreading like should not be weaponized to gone),” wrote Peñaredondo’s solution – this is the rationale wildfire and overwhelming our suppress their rights and op- cousin Adrian Luceña in a Face- as previously espoused by the health care capacity,” Pangilinan press them,” the lawmakers add- book post.

Chief Executive himself when he said in a statement.

Rights group Karapatan like- stated that the quarantine is not ed.

“We trust that the internationOn April 1, 28-year-old Darren wise called for an investigation tantamount to martial law,” said al community will live up to its Manaog Peñaredondo nabbed by into the incident.

De Guia. commitment to treat vaccina- village guards (barangay tanod) “We call for the investigation Following the incident, Gentions as a global public good, and while he was on his way to buy on this incident on the possible eral Trias police chief, Police Lt. ensure affordable, equitable, and water during curfew hours in a violations of the Anti-Torture Col. Marlo Solero, and two othfair access to vaccines for all,” he village in General Trias, Cavite.

Law among others. Law en- er cops were relieved from their said. n He was ordered to do 100 forcement officials who impose post. n

PH health capacity nears red line...

PAGE A7 t Trust is key At a forum organized by the Department of Health (DoH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia said the public should trust their local government units in setting up a triage system as the “first line of defense” against possible hospital capacity hitches.

Garcia said LGUs should inform their citizens that there will be doctors and nurses that will take care of them in a triage system.

The triage, established after meetings with the DoH and the One Hospital Command center, will allow patients to call their LGUs first before being placed in either a hospital or a temporary treatment and monitoring facility.

“Mahirap i-qualify ‘yung tiwa-

la na ‘yan (It’s hard to qualify that trust). People need to know and feel that they are safe, secure sa mga triage na ‘yan, and the people will follow,” Garcia said.

He hopes that the triage will allow mild and moderate cases to be transferred quickly to isolation centers instead of going into hospitals, which were close to being overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.

OCTA Research Fellow Dr. Guido David said the reproduction number or R0 (R-naught) of Metro Manila is at 1.32, but there is a possibility it will increase within the next few days.

On Thursday, the number of new Covid-19 cases shot up again to 9,216, pushing the total cases to 828,366.

New recoveries were at 646,968, including 598 new

PH lawmakers call for probe after Filipino man dies doing squats as punishment for breaking curfew

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 10-13, 2021

A9

A10 April 10-13, 2021 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 10-13, 2021

Sat urday, APRIL 1 0 , 2 0 2 1

Asian Journal

WKND Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ WHEN a person has been placed in deportation/removal proceedings, they would ordinarily receive a decision from the immigration judge (IJ), or, if they appeal, a decision from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If the decision is unfavorable, they possibly could file either a motion to reconsider or a motion to reopen.

What is a motion to reconsider and a motion to reopen?

What are the requirements?

What are the filing deadlines?

When are they available?

Motion to reconsider: A motion to reconsider requests “that the original decision [by the IJ or BIA] be reexamined in light of additional legal arguments, a change of law, or an argument or aspect of the case that was overlooked.”

In other words, reconsideration of a decision based on legal aspects: overlooked law, new law, additional law, etc. The motion must specify the errors of law or fact in the previous decision, supported by relevant legal authority/caselaw.

A person is ordinarily allowed only one motion to reconsider, which must be filed within 30 days of a final administrative order of removal.

Motion to reopen: A motion to reopen is a request to have the proceedings reopened “so that new evidence can be presented and so that a new decision can be entered.” In other words, a motion to reopen

B1

LifestyLe Consumer Guide Community marketpLaCe

What are motions to reconsider and reopen? is based on new facts coming to light that could have a bearing on the outcome of the case. If those facts existed at the time of the original decision, they would not be considered “new.”

For example, an issue in the removal proceedings may have involved “extreme hardship” to certain “qualifying relatives” such as a spouse or parent. Later, that relative came down with a severe ailment that could affect their hardship. Perhaps the case could be reopened.

Ordinarily, a person may file only one motion to reopen proceedings within 90 days of the date of entry of a final administrative order of removal.

If you are subject to a final order of removal, and now have a new basis or way to legalize your status, or new facts have come to light that could have a bearing on your case, you should consult with an attorney who can evaluate your case and eligibility for a motion to reconsider or reopen. Remember, ordinarily you have only one chance. So, you don’t want to try to do it yourself and have it denied, because then you’ve already used up your one motion.

Also, if you are subject to a final order of removal, you cannot file a new adjustment with USCIS, as the Immigration Court, not USCIS, would have jurisdiction over the case. You would have to reopen the case.

In addition, even if you are past the 30 or 90-day filing deadlines, in some cases it could be possible to bring a motion to reconsider or reopen be-

yond those deadlines, such as if you never received notices, the trial attorney agrees to a joint motion, or the judge, on his or her own motion (sua sponte), decides to reopen proceedings.

Moreover, with Biden being elected president, and his efforts to “halt” deportations, have the government once again exercise prosecutorial discretion, and generally be more lenient when it comes to deporting/removing people, you should definitely consider consulting with an attorney to evaluate your options.

*** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different, and results may depend on the facts of the particular case.

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

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

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FROM KAPAMILYA IN THE U.S. AND IN THE PHILIPPINES ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) answers several questions from Kapamilya in California and Pangasinan in the Philippines about their immigration situations. Rio from San Ramon, California (right) asks about her mother’s petition for her two sisters.

The petitioner died just as their petition became current. What do they do now? Rachel from Pangasinan, Philippines (center) wants to know if her 10-year-old daughter, who got her U.S. citizenship through her U.S. citizen father, can help her get an immigrant visa? And a person who chose to remain anonymous asks if there is anything she can do to adjust her status. She came to the U.S in the ‘90s with a fake name and a fake U.S. passport. She is now married to a U.S. citizen. Find out the answers to these questions on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, April 11 at 5:30 pm PT (8:30 pm ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

Michael V reminds social media users not to reupload his videos

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO comedian Michael V asked social media users not to reupload someone’s video but instead share it.

A Facebook page RobidhooD1992 reuploaded Michael’s new parody video “Essential Lang” to the tune of Eraserheads’ hit song “Torpedo” in Comedian, rapper and actor Michael V. PAGE B2

GMA photo

EntErtainmEnt

B2 APRIL 10-13, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Chito proud of wife Neri for buying dream farm

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

PAROKYA ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda is one proud husband to Neri Naig after she was finally able to buy her desired lot because of her perseverance.

In his Instagram account, Chito posted a photo of Neri with the lot she bought.

“Binabakuran na ng babaeng binakuran ko yung bukid na binili nya,” Chito wrote.

“Naaalala ko pa nung una nyang sinabi sa akin na balak nyang bilin yung lupa sa likod ng resthouse namin,” he added.

Chito also said that he expressed doubt if Neri can buy the lot, but she trusted his wife.

“Initially, I was honestly unsure kung kaya nya bang bayaran ito, and I kept on reminding her to really think about it first, at aralin nya muna yung financial capacity at capability nya, at wag syang pabigla-bigla kasi ayokong mapasubo sya na tipong magda-down sya tapos di na nya mababayaran yung remaining amount,” he said.

“Ayokong mastress sya, at mas lalong ayaw ko na mabaon sya sa utang. Ang sabi nya lang is pangarap nya talaga ito bilin, and ibubuhos nya yung buong energy nya para matupad ito. And even though I was hesitant, we sat down and discussed her plan, tapos pinag-aralan namin yung kakayahan nya magbayad based sa kinikita mula sa iba’t-ibang mga negosyo’t online businesses nya,” he added.

The “Mr. Suave” singer said Neri completed the payment last October and she wanted to convert the land into farm for her online business.

“Last October, nakumpleto ni Neri yung huling bayad sa may-ari, and she got her farm. Bilib na bilib talaga ako. Naalala ko nga parang pinost

Leila opens up on overcoming eating disorder: ‘I was constantly told I wasn’t thin enough’ By ian

Biong Inquirer.net

Chito Miranda and Neri Naig Photo from Instagram/@chitomirandajr

ko pa yun eh,” he said.

“Anyway, balak nya daw ito gawing farm, tapos magtatanim daw sya ng sili at carrots para sa gourmet tuyo nya (para di na daw sya bumili), tapos lalagyan nya daw ng kubo para may bago kaming tambayan. Bibili din daw sya ng mga manok at hopefully daw ay mangitlog,” he added.

He vowed to support his wife all the way as he is excited for Neri’s future plans.

“Sobrang excited talaga ako sa mga binabalak, pinaplano, at mga pinapangarap nitong babaitang ‘to...basta ako steady lang, at todo support lang palagi hehe! Bahala ka na sa buhay ko,” he said.

Diego opens up on relationship with Barbie

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Diego Loyzaga and Barbie Imperial Photo from Instagram/@diegoloyzaga

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

KAPATID actor Diego Loyzaga claimed that there’s no secret in his good relationship with Barbie Imperial, saying being in a relationship is “a never-ending compromise.”

In a virtual media conference of his upcoming movie “Death of a Girlfriend” with AJ Raval, Diego said he sees himself having a family with the Kapamilya actress.

“I don’t think there’s a secret po. Para sa akin kasi, yung love or being in a relationship, it’s a never-ending compromise. You’re two individuals who want to be a team or an item or parang a unit — isa kayo,” Diego said.

“So siyempre meron kayong mga differences.

Meron kayong mga hindi pagkakasunduan. Pero marami rin kayong mga likes sa isa’t-isa so there’s PAGE B6

LEILA Alcasid has opened up to fans about her struggles against eating disorder and her problems with her body brought about by other peoples’ comments.

The 23-year-old singer disclosed that remarks on her body had affected her in the last few years, such that she was already depriving herself of food.

While she disclosed that she is still currently struggling, Alcasid is now slowly overcoming her body-image problems and is learning to be more comfortable in her own skin.

“I am very slowly learning how to be kind to myself and my body, and it’s the most wonderful feeling,” she shared on Instagram on April 7.

“Over the last few years I’ve received lots of messages asking about my weight loss and how I managed it, and I never really knew how to answer,” she said.

“I have a long and frustrating history with an eating disorder, and was never quite able to look at my body with kindness and love,” Alcasid added.

The young singer also admitted having tried “intense diets” and even depriving herself “rather than providing the nourishment” she needed.

“I could never give a proper answer as to how I lost weight, because I didn’t want anyone else to be so cruel to themselves,” Alcasid emphasized.

She noted that her struggles have caused her weight to fluctuate over the last five years and stressed that “it has ulti-

Leila Alcasid

mately ruled [her] life.”

Even during the time she was “eating so litte,” Alcasid shared that people—both on social media and in person— would always comment on her weight and tell her that she “wasn’t thin enough.”

“I allowed the opinions of others to have such a grip on me, and it was incredibly damaging,” she stressed.

Fortunately, Alcasid has been able to turn her life around and break free from being consumed by others’ opinions on her image.

“Now, I am at a place where I can say I love my body regardless of the bumps, curves, and

VIlma Santos with son Luis Manzano

Photo from Instagram/@leilaalcasid

stretch marks. I move to feel strong, and eat to feel nourished,” she stressed.

“I still struggle, like anyone else, but I’m working on it and I’m proud of myself,” Alcasid added.

She also advised people who look and compare themselves with others’ photos on social media to not feel down and “remember that you are strong and beautiful,” adding that “life is too short.”

Alcasid is the eldest child of OPM icon Ogie Alcasid, who last month advised her how to deal with bashers online.

She is currently dating rapper Curtismith.

Inquirer.net photo

What Ate Vi loves about daughter-in-law Jessy

By Dolly

anne CarvaJal

Inquirer.net

“I LOVE you, Lucky” was Ate Vi’s (Vilma Santos) standard extro line in her shows back in the day. That was how she showed affection for her son, Luis Manzano, on national television.

Now, it’s Lucky’s turn to say “I love you” to his bride, Jessy Mendiola.

I sent Ate Vi questions about Luis. In her answers, she still refers to him as Lucky. It only goes to show that even if he’s already a married man, Luis will always be her “baby.” Ate Vi is a “Luckynian” for life. With a mom like her, Lucky hit the jackpot since birth.

Here’s my chat with Ate Vi: What was running through your mind as Luis and Jessy were getting married?

I got misty-eyed. I was asking myself, “Is this really happening?” My mind went on flashback mode to the time when Lucky was still a baby. Nagpapatawa si Lucky most of the time, so everything went smoothly.

How did things go between you and [your ex-husband] Edu Manzano during the wed-

ding?

Sa mga oras na ‘yon, nagkatinginan kami ni Edu. We both were trying to make the moment sink in. Surreal pala ‘pag kinakasal na ang anak mo. Nag “fist-bump” kami. That’s our way of expressing support for our son and daughter-in-law.

As a Mom, there are things about Luis that only you know.

Any advice to Jessy on how to handle him?

They have been together for quite some time. So kilalangkilala na ni Jessy ang anak ko.

Bilang ina, ang masasabi ko lang, kung titingnan ninyo si Lucky externally, he’s a funny man. Pero kung kilala mo ang puso niya, Lucky is very compassionate and emotional. He cries easily. Malambot ang puso n’ya sa pagtulong sa tao.

My advice to Jessy: Just be yourself, always keep the love alive, and respect the relationship.

Since you and Edu parted ways, what did you learn from your breakup that you want to share with Luis and Jessy so their marriage will last?

The success of any marriage depends on the couple and the

situation. Wala namang married couple na gusto ang breakup, but it happens. ‘Yung naging journey namin ni Edu is completely different sa journey of Lucky and Jessy. So the lessons from our breakup are not applicable to them.

What happened to me and Edu is part of our learning experience. Lucky and Jessy will have their own share of learnings as husband and wife. What matters is that ang respect namin ni Edu for each other remains.

We are very proud of our son.

We know that Lucky is responsible, and he’s ready for this new chapter in his life.

What do you like most about Jessy?

Her amiable personality, being natural, God-fearing. And of course, how she loves Lucky.

What’s the best and most challenging part about being a mother-in-law?

I’ve always been a liberated and cool mom, so that’s how I will be also as a mother-in-law.

The best part is, I now have a “daughter.” The challenging part is figuring out if I’m doing enough.

Michael V reminds social media...

PAGE B1 their Facebook page.

In a now deleted post, the “Bubble Gang” actor commented reminding the page that it is not allowed to reupload the video.

“PAKIUSAP: Pakitanggal ‘tong video. P’wede i-share ‘yung link pero hindi allowed ‘tong direct posting ng material ko,” Michael commented.

The comedian added that he already reported the incident to the Facebook so they can receive a copyright strike in a few days.

“Ini-report ko na ‘to at ‘yung ibang nag-upload sa Facebook and in a few days, baka makatanggap ka na ng COPYRIGHT STRIKE ‘pag hindi ito dinelete so please lang, kabayan,” he said.

Recently, Michael has joined the “lugaw is essential” craze as he created the parody song uploading it in his YouTube account.

“Hello again BSS! Nagulat kayo ‘no? Wala lang. Bigla lang akong na-inspire du’n sa trending video ngayon ‘tsaka may hangover pa yata ako ng parody virus. Enjoy this ‘essential’ parody!” he captioned the video.

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 10-13, 2021

SEAFOOD CITY FPFC

B3

B4 APRIL 10-13, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

James not taking path of least resistance with his music

By AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

JAMES Reid has always let his music do the talking—and explaining—for him. The official music video of his latest single “Soda,” as smooth and stylish as it is catchy, was released last March 20, featuring a sci-fi story set on an alternate Earth in the Year 3038.

But in the Black Saturday edition of ANC’s chat show “LSS: The Martin Nievera Show” last weekend, which revisited portions of some of the Concert King’s favorite episodes (and featured guests like Iza Calzado, Jay R and Nadine Lustre), James explained why, instead of conveniently taking the path of least resistance, he is instead pursuing the sort of R&B-hybrid sound we’ve been hearing from him these days.

“With Careless (the record label he put up with his partners), I’m really just going back to the kind of music that I first

EMPLOYMENT

James Reid Photo from Instagram/@james

fell in love with growing up,” James said in the interview.

“And they’re not necessarily the sounds that are more popular

now. My music has been changing a lot—it started mainly with R&B, then it became more like R&B pop and soul. Now, I’m playing around with a bit of funk.”

It’s this evolving musicality that is served well by having a music label of his own, James said: “I wanted to take a different direction with my music than from my acting career.

Acting is very different from making music. I wanted more creative freedom [because] music is extremely personal.”

The singer-actor said this has given him and his creative process more elbow room.

“It’s made me just want to focus on the things that I know I love, instead of what I think other people will love,” James explained. “It’s definitely given me a deeper understanding of music production, and how it works. So, I’ve been focusing on that. And I don’t just get to do it for myself. Now, I can also do that for other artists.”

EMPLOYMENT

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

Rhian tested positive for COVID-19, now ‘out of the woods’

By JAn

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO actress Rhian Ramos revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 but is now “out of the woods.”

In her Instagram account, Rhian posted her COVID-19 journey with her road manager Rach Librado, who also tested positive for the virus.

“We’re out of the woods @ rachlibrado,” Rhian wrote.

“The past few weeks have been harrowing at times, but I’m not really here to scare anyone, just sharing how grateful I am for life, health, love, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who sent us encouragement and help through this experience. It meant the world to us and I’ll always remember how much you’ve blessed us.. (you know who you are),” she added.

Rhian also advised COVID19 patients to stay motivated and keep their morale up to

Rhian Ramos

win the battle against the virus.

“Can I just say though. The light at the end of the tunnel is wonderful. If you or someone you know is still going through the covid battle, stay motivated my friend. Keep your morale up. When you see your

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

Photo from Instagram/@whianwamos

first negative result, you’ll be overcome with relief and that feeling you’ve been dreaming of, where for 5 minutes there’s finally no fear. God bless our countrymen and God bless our healthworkers,” she said.

“Praying for you all out there. Stay safe.”

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

IRS offers identity protection PIN to defend you from scammers Tax Tips Victor Sy, MBA, cPA (retired) THE IRS expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to cover all taxpayers to include you.

This Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to you and the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns (and get your refunds) using your personal information.

Here are key factors to know

about the IP PIN Opt-In program: • You are now eligible for Identity Protection PINs. • Go to IRS.gov/IPPIN and use the “Get an IP PIN” tool.

• You will be required to pass a rigorous identity verification process.

• Use your IP PINs to file electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays.

• Electronic returns that do not contain the correct IP PIN will be rejected.

• Spouses and dependents are also eligible for IP PIN. • An IP PIN is valid for a calendar year. You must obtain a new IP PIN each filing season.

• Taxpayers who are unable to verify their identities online do have options.

• A new IP PIN will be mailed to you the following tax year and years after.

• Do not share your IP PIN with anyone but your trusted tax provider. . *** Victor Santos Sy, MBA. CPA (Retired) Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

Life after bankruptcy: Get out of debt now

SlEEPlESS nights… Stressed out… Worried about the future… Always broke no matter how hard they work…Feeling hopeless about their situation.

This is what most people are going through when they are considering bankruptcy in their desperate attempt to get out of debt. The word “bankruptcy” often produces negative feelings because some people equate it with failure. They think that filing bankruptcy means they have failed and that they are admitting defeat. But nothing can be further from the truth. listen to me! Bankruptcy is not about failing; it’s about starting again and putting the past behind you so that you can start over and rebuilding your finances and your life.

A lot of creditors will lie to you when you’re in debt and tell you that bankruptcy is the ‘worst mistake’ you can ever make because your credit will be ‘ruined forever’ and that you will never be able to buy a car or house again. Sometimes, you will hear the same comments from family or friends who have heard the same lie from others.

The truth is that bankruptcy is a fact of life. At one time or another, everyone experiences financial difficulties. When you’re in a situation where you have done everything that you can to pay your creditors but nothing has worked up to this point, bankruptcy may be the only realistic option left. And this is exactly what Congress intended when they passed bankruptcy laws. So, with bankruptcy, you get another chance. You wipe

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BuLAon the slate clean and move on with your life, free from the burden of debt. Thank God we have laws that allow people to do this. Can you just imagine what would happen if we had no bankruptcy laws that can help people get out of debt when they can no longer help themselves?

Filing for bankruptcy means that you are filing a petition for debt relief from the bankruptcy court. The court reviews your application and determines if you are entitled to the relief you are seeking. It is not for dishonest people who are trying to cheat the system. Contrary to what others think, most people who file for bankruptcy are honest, hard-working people who have gotten themselves in a big financial mess. In some cases, it is caused by factors beyond their control. In other cases, it is a result of making bad financial decisions. But who hasn’t made a bad decision in their life at least once? life is not perfect.

Neither are you.

Filing bankruptcy can help you regain your footing if you have lost control of your finances. If you are living your life without a financial plan for the future, you will never achieve financial security. So, you can say that bankruptcy is a tool

that allows you to reorganize your finances so you can plan a better future for yourself and your family. It is neither good nor bad in and of itself. You can use a tool for the wrong or right reasons. Using it for the wrong reasons is NOT the intent of our bankruptcy laws. But used correctly, bankruptcy can be what you need to fix what you know is broken, if you’re going to be honest with yourself.

Is it for you? Maybe yes.

Maybe no. It certainly is not for everyone. But when appropriate for your situation, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you- and it could be a big turning point in your life if you are drowning in debt. This is what you need, isn’t it?

If you need some straight talk about bankruptcy and get all your questions answered, I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. *** NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me.

Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjblawoffices.com. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

reVerend rodeL g. BALAgtAS DO you believe in God, the Creator of all? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His Son, our lord, and Savior? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit that permeates our lives, the Church, and the world?

Do you believe in the power of prayer, not only personal prayer but also communal prayer? That where two or three gather in Jesus’ name, God is in our midst?

Do you believe in the Word of God, the teachings of Jesus that promise joy and eternal life? Indeed, do you believe in life after death?

Do you believe that God uses us to bring life and hope, to make a difference in the life of others and the world?

Perhaps, sometimes yes, sometimes no. It’s because we’re looking for miracles, for evidence of God’s works and power in our lives. In prayer, we ask God to show us some signs

that He’s real.

And then, perhaps, God is quiet. There are no visions, no miracles, and no signs. Still, we hang on to our faith in Him. It’s because deep inside us is a longing for truth, for what makes sense. We want to make sense of suffering, pain, and death. We want to be sure that all our good works are not worthless.

But then, is our belief in God just a “programming “of the mind or a “cultural thing” with which we grew up?

What about that spiritual experience that others claim--that encounter with the Sacred?

What we can we make out of our profound love for others or the restlessness in our hearts? What about those things that compel us to promote peace and fight for justice? What about that deep sense that some mundane or pleasurable actions aren’t right? Where do they come from? Don’t they emanate from a spiritual force that envelops the world and our lives?

We continually face the challenges of a seemingly unbelieving world and its striking

Bea clarifies status of her relationship with Dominic

By Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

BEA Alonzo finally opened up about the real score between her and Dominic Roque, after months of speculation that they are dating.

Alonzo confirmed that she is indeed dating her fellow actor in an interview with Mega, April 8. She clarified though that they are not in an exclusive relationship yet.

“Wala pa kami. Ang hirap kasing sabihin,” she stated.

“Nahihiya ako sa mga tao na ‘I’m 33, I am dating.’” (Not yet.

It’s hard to tell. I get embarrassed telling people, “I’m 33, I am dating.”)

Alonzo also admitted that she is still feeling uncertain about how her relationship with Roque will progress. She noted that she does not want to face another failed attempt in dating, but Roque is “a good guy.”

“Hindi ko alam kung it will materialize into something else or like it would lead to something else but then, what if I fail again? I don’t want to keep failing in front of you guys, it’s embarrassing.”

(I am not sure if it will ma-

B5

What is intent to repay in BK debt?

IN one case, the debtor borrowed $100,000 in credit cards, which he used to gamble. He then filed for Chapter 7 to wipe out the $100,000 of credit cards.

The creditors objected on the grounds that he had no intent of repaying his debts because he used the money that he had borrowed to gamble. Debtor showed that he had gambling winnings in the past and testified that he had intended to repay his debts because he would have repaid them if he had won, but he lost. The court agreed that the debtor had intent to repay because in gambling, you have a 50% chance of winning, and the debtor’s intent was to repay his debts if he had won.

In another case, the debtor used her credit cards to buy gift cards totaling $300,000.

She then sold these gift cards to her “clients” for a profit but gave those clients an extended payment plan. Business was good until her clients started to default on their payments, then the whole house of cards came

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng crashing down. The debtor could no longer pay back the $300,000. Fortunately, the client had documents to prove what she was doing. The only weak point in the evidence was that her clients were found through the internet. However, there was enough evidence to prove that what she was saying was true and the court agreed that the debtor had the intent to repay the $300,000.

Intent to repay is crucial in determining if a debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy. Creditors used to object to discharge using the “totality of circumstances” argument. They argued that based on the debtor’s income and expenses and the size of the debt, the debtor knew that he could not repay the debt, there-

fore, he had no intent to repay.

Some courts would agree with the creditor on this argument.

However, every case is different from other cases. In other words, just because the court found that there was no intent to repay in one case, it automatically follows that it would also find that there is no intent to repay in a similar case. Each case is different. An experienced BK attorney can advise you accordingly.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. *** DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THE FOREGOING IS CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. EACH CASE IS DIFFERENT. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

California court’s power to make divorce orders when one spouse does not live in state Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth urSuA reyeS

THIS is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a divorce, annulment, or legal separation if either party is domiciled in the state. Domicile is where a person lives and intends to remain. However, there is an additional requirement if you are seeking a divorce rather than annulment or legal separation.

To obtain a divorce in California, one of the parties must have been a resident of California for six months immediately before the filing of the divorce petition.

Responding spouses can use this requirement as a defense if the Petitioning spouse does not meet such requirement when the petitioner filed for divorce.

In addition, divorce petitions may be filed in the county where at least one spouse resided for 3 months immediately prior to fil(Advertising Supplement) ing the petition.

Now apart from getting a divorce, legal separation, or annulled status, there may be issues relating to distributing community and separate propinfluence on people’s minds, especially the young ones. There are those who no longer find relevance in the Church’s Sacraments and practices. We hurt because we raise them well (at least that’s what we believe) to become faithful to their Christian faith.

By Marinel Cruz May God have mercy on us!

Inquirer.net On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we pray for a believing world.

CHOOSE when to speak up We pray that many would turn and learn how to speak propto God, to believe in His power erly in order to convey your and reign in our lives. May they message.” have the humility to realize that Thus said actress Jasmine all things come from Him and Curtis-Smith when Inquirer because of Him. Entertainment asked her for In Jesus, God has shown his pointers on how a celebrity face, heart, and will. Have a should react when she finds Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday herself embroiled in a scandal filled with the mercy and love of or controversy. the Risen Christ!

This was in relation to her Jesus, I trust in you! latest project, the black com*** edy film “General Admission,” The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints wherein she plays Katja, a sexy expressed by the author do not neces- dancer who had a wardrobe sarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and malfunction while performing viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its on live TV. management, editorial board and staff.

“Explaining yourself can be *** exhausting,” she said during Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pas- an exclusive Zoom interview. tor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, “Calculate first whether or not California. it’s worth it for you to speak up. You can’t be too complacent also. You have to be prepared for two reactions, either people will accept your explanation or get questioned some more. “Know that it will never go away, especially now that we have social media. If you terialize into something else or choose to keep quiet, at least like [if] it would lead to some- it’s just one article. If you dething else, but then, what if I cide to react to it, it’s best to fail again? I don’t want to keep do it just once, and just on one failing in front of you guys, it’s platform. Don’t invite everyone embarrassing.) because it will be like agreeing Alonzo also stated that she to livestream your whole life. is happy, but also a little ter- With social media now, people rified of the decisions that she have a platform to air their thought she will not be mak- opinions.” ing at 33 years old. She stated “General Admission,” which that she did not imagine be- streams worldwide on iWaning single at her age now but tTFC starting April 9, shows promised that she will talk how excessive media coverage more about her love life if she ruins a sexy dancer’s suddenly becomes sure about the person public life. It also stars JC de she is seeing.

Vera as Jasmine’s boyfriend, Carlito.

PAGE B7

Do you believe?

Pastor’s Notes

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 10-13, 2021

erties between the spouses and awarding support payments. In order for the California Courts to have the power to make orders, the California Courts must have personal jurisdiction over the respondent. Personal jurisdiction means the respondent has minimum contacts with California even if not physically here.

Some of the factors looked at is respondents presence in the state, domicile, residence, citizenship, consent, appearance in the action, doing business in the state, doing an act that causes an effect in the state, ownership in the state, other relationship to the state. If the respondent does not have minimum contact with California, respondent may challenge any orders relating to distribution of property and support based on the court’s lack of jurisdiction.

With regards to initial child custody issues, these issues are resolved under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. California Courts have the power to make initial custody orders if it is the child’s home state at the time the action was filed. California may also assume power to make custody orders if California has been the child’s home state within six months before the action was filed, the child is absent form California, and a parent continues to live in California. California may also exercise jurisdiction when no other state is the child’s home

state or when all court’s having jurisdiction over the child has declined to act and deferred to California as the more appropriate place to make custody orders. California may also exercise jurisdiction if no other state would have jurisdiction over the child. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist.

He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Jasmine’s tips on how celebs should react to a scandal

Jasmine Curtis Smith

Jasmine said she agreed to do the project as soon as she read the script. “I always look for a material that I will enjoy doing. Its topic should also be something that I believe in, something that I can defend well when I get asked about it,” she explained.

Thought process Another reason is that Jasmine would be working with the film’s director, Jeffrey Hidalgo, for the first time. “It was nice to see the thought process that someone has as a director knowing that he also has a background in acting. He understands me in terms of what I have to do or how much time

Photo from Instagram/@jascurtissmith

I need to prepare myself as a lead actor,” she explained.

When “General Admission” was screened to a select group two weeks ago, Jasmine said she loved what she saw. “I really felt I’m Katja. There’s a sense of mirroring what’s happening in the lives of show biz celebrities. I also liked how Direk Jeff presented it with his unique camera angling. He shot the beginning of the film, which ran for a few minutes, in one whole take. It’s like doing theater at the same time. It was fun to experience that journey with the entire team,” Jasmine recalled.

PAGE B7

B6 APRIL 10-13, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative DEAR Attorney Tan, My U.S. Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I-130 petition after I came to the U.S. in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the U.S. and have been out of status. Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away. Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -H.P. Dear H.P., When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1.

However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L).

Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives.

Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died. Section 204(L) relief is also available to deriva-

Legal Advice Atty. DArrick tAn tive beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has died.

Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the U.S. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one beneficiary must have resided in the U.S. when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the U.S. when seeking Section 204(L) relief. It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the U.S. when the relative died.

In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card.

You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your U.S. Citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in the U.S. since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the U.S. when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the U.S.

A check of the USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I-130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L).

As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved. Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130.

Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association.

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

Diego opens up on...

PAGE B2 no secret to it. It’s like any relationship naman, even friendships ganoon din. But iba yung relationship kasi yung pupuntahan niyo eventually is marriage, have a family, have kids. So ganoon ko siya tinitingnan with Barbie, and ganoon din naman niya tinitingnan with me,” he added.

Just like any relationship, Diego admitted that he and Barbie have also had bad days.

“We understand each other.

And not every day is a good day — just like any other relationship — and we understand each other even more on bad days. So it’s not a secret but it’s easier said than done,” he said.

Diego said she admires Barbie for her maternal instinct. He added that she can be like a baby sometimes.

“Si Barbie can be the most maternal person in the sense na

para siyang nanay kung magalaga. But at the same time, para naman siyang baby. Yun naman yung gustung-gusto ko kasi baby ko siya,” he said.

“Gusto ko rin naman na ako yung nag-aalaga. I like how she can bring out the best in me and take care of me at the same time.

Kapag siya naman, kapag kailangan niya ng alaga, hinihingi naman niya sa akin. And for me, big deal ‘yon,” he added.

Miguel reunites with Kyline after 3 years in GMA drama anthology

By Nika

Roque ManilaTimes.net

THREE years after “Kambal, Karibal,” Miguel Tanfelix gets reunited with Kyline Alcantara in “Future,” the latest installment of the GMA 7 drama anthology “I Can See You.” And the actor was pleasantly surprised to find out that there are many fans who remain invested in their pairing.

“I’m happy that our supporters are still there. It means that the relationship we had built behind the cameras translates to what we do onscreen. What the people see from us on television is natural. We don’t need to pretend,” Miguel said in a recent virtual conference for the said show.

Despite past rumors linking them together, Miguel has never felt uncomfortable working with Kyline. “There’s no awkwardness with Ky, because we have known each other and worked together for so long. I know her personally: As an actress, she’s very talented and professional; and as a person, she’s always fun to be with… I feel at ease working with her,” said Miguel, who noted that he and Kyline have grown a lot since their previous project.

“She’s more mature now. We learn a lot of things from each other… we listen to each other,” he added.

In “#Future,” which currently airs weeknights on the Kapuso network, Miguel plays Vinchie, a segment producer and social media addict fueled by his obsession with likes and going viral.

One day, he stumbles upon and records a robbery incident.

After getting footage, he quickly flees without helping the victim.

Little did he know that his father, Elvin (Gabby Eigenmann), would come to the rescue shortly after, only to meet an untimely demise.

Mystery Months later, Vinchie unwittingly gains the ability to see the future on CCTV recordings. And one day, while going through footage, he witnesses an incident from the future and attempts to save the mysterious woman in it, Lara (Kyline).

Miguel Tanfelix and Kyline Alcantara

More than a mystery plot, the series, Miguel said, also shows how social media affects people’s sense of worth.

“Sometimes, the standards we set for ourselves can become impossibly high because we see so many people posting about their seemingly perfect lives on social media. But we shouldn’t feel that way or get pressured because we don’t know what’s going in their lives behind the scenes,” he said.

While he loves using social media to interact with his fans, going viral is something he doesn’t see the need for.

“I don’t post for the sake of going viral. I just post about the things I like, the things I’m feeling. If you force it, you will lose authenticity—a quality people look for. And it’s something you don’t get when you fake things,” he said.

Tight-lipped While the 22-year-old Kapuso actor remains tight-lipped about his love life, he did talk about what he looks for in a relationship.

“When I get into one, I think about what I can give, not what I can take from my partner. You have to be whole. You shouldn’t go looking for your missing pieces in your partner. Both of you should be whole—that’s how real growth starts,” he explained.

Besides, career remains his top priority, especially now that high-profile projects are coming his way. After “#Future,” Miguel is also set to star in the upcoming live action adaptation of “Voltes V.” “I do feel pressure. But people around me always remind

GMA photo

me that I wouldn’t get these offers for no reason. That’s what I use to fire me up and fuel my passion for my craft. I wake up feeling pumped up,” he said.

Working in a taping bubble is more challenging, Miguel observed, because the production no longer has the luxury of time.

“Back then, if we don’t finish something within the day, we will just resume tomorrow. But we don’t now, so you have to be more disciplined when it comes to work,” he said. “You have to compute schedule because we’re only given a set amount of time to tape.”

Thus, energy management becomes just as important as time management.

“You have to shoot your scenes in succession. Paspasan.

And that’s challenging as an actor,” he pointed out. “You don’t have much time to prepare, so you have to stay on your toes all the time.”

More responsibilities The limited number of crew members on set also means that actors are compelled to help the team with tasks that are usually outside their scope.

“You have more responsibilities. You have to take care of your own wardrobe and things.

Tulungan,” he said. “There are now a lot of streaming sites available, so we have to work harder and put in more effort.”

But as challenging working amid the pandemic is, Miguel said he wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s not just us who benefit from the shows; it’s the staff and crew, too. The shows provide jobs for us and allow us to put food on the table. It’s a blessing to be working now.”

B7 APRIL 10-13, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Jasmine’s tips on...

PAGE B5 Jasmine shared that as an actress, she needed to be conscious of the differences in mannerisms and nuances between her and Katja. “That was the hardest part, I guess, because Katja and I have a lot of similarities. I’m actually like her behind the scenes.

I go, ‘Attack! Talk! Listen to me, this is what I know!’ In order to get to the place where I can do the projects I want, I had to be like that. You fight for something you want.”

Be critical While the story is presented in a manner that’s light and funny, its topic is quite serious, Jasmine pointed out. “It does happen.

The first biggest message that the audience will notice when they watch this film is that in any form of media, it’s easy for us to form opinions; it’s easy for us to accept information the way we want to accept it. But we also have to remember that it is also our job to be critical when we accept information from the media,” she stressed. “At the end of the day, you have to understand a particular issue through your own research. You can’t just say, ‘I read this one article,’ and that becomes your basis for everything.”

She further said: “In the movie, we talk about it through show biz; but it also goes for politics or for what’s happening in the environment. We assume these things and this is where we make our own forms of judgment, whether it’s discriminating against a certain race or minority.”

Human beings The second lesson, Jasmine said, is that everyone behind the lens, whether they’re the ones acting or manipulating it, are human beings. “Everyone is struggling to make a buck. Lahat tayo nahihirapang kumita. Katja is a sexy dancer. She will do anything just to be famous, to earn money that she would send to her siblings for school. It also shows what people are willing to do just to earn,” she added. Jasmine said the film was shot prepandemic, in 2018. Hence, the crowd scenes.

She also said they have interesting stories on how they coped with the pandemic lockdown, which caught everyone off guard.

“For the most part, in terms of work, it was very limiting. When we finally experienced going to the set, complying with all the protocols like having the 12-hour work limit, it all felt so refreshing,” she recalled. “I feel like we’re learning how to adjust to the way that some international productions have already been practicing many years ago. It may have taken us this long, it may have taken us this pandemic, for us to make this a standard practice. That’s actually what I’m thankful for. We’re now able to set guidelines, follow them and still deliver the same quality of output.”

Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil a Dominique Roque and Bea Alonzo Photo from Instagram/@ dominiqueroque Photo from Twitter/@lizasoberano

Bea clarifies status...

PAGE B5 She also said she did not want to be a “prisoner of her past” which is why she is open to falling in love again. At the same time, she is being careful about trusting anybody just yet.

Fans started asking about the real score between Alonzo and Roque when the actor

professed his admiration for Alonzo last year. The actress’ most recent relationship was with Gerald Anderson, which ended in controversy in 2019 after allegations of a third party, speculated to be Julia Barretto. Anderson admitted his relationship with Barretto last March.

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

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. MICHAEL Raziano worked in California as a truck driver for Albertsons, the second largest grocery chain in North America.

He, together with other drivers, sued their employer in a class action alleging that the grocery chain did not pay workers for reporting time as required

by California law. According to their complaint, Albertsons had a call-in scheduling policy, which required part-time drivers to “report” to work each evening by calling in to work in order to find out if they were scheduled to work the following day. The drivers were not paid for calling in to report.

The drivers also alleged that Albertsons failed to pay them for preliminary work before their official shift started, failed to pay them for the time spent submitting to bag searches after the shift, and failed to compensate them for all business expenses. Albertsons’ policy limited the reimbursement of work-related expenses at $80 a day regardless of the driver’s actual expense.

Under California law, if an employee is required to report to work, but is not put to work, or does not work half of the employee’s scheduled day’s work, the employee is paid a half-shift reporting wage of at least two

Reporting time may entitle employees to additional pay hours but not to exceed four is best understood as presenthours. Generally, if an employee ing oneself as ordered. It is the is required to show up a second employer who directs the mantime in any one workday and is ner in which the employee is to furnished less than two hours present himself or herself for of work on the second report- work – whether at the worksite ing, he or she must be paid for or by phone. Either way, reporttwo hours at his or her regular ing time must be paid.

Reporting time pay was conrate of pay. These must be paid templated as in addition a “penalty” to the hours the employ“It is the employer who for employers who reee actually directs the manner in quire workworked. This ers to be is called “rewhich the employee available for porting time” contingenor “show up” is to present himself cies without pay. or herself for work – paying them.

Requiring llowing employees to whether at the worksite Aemployees be on On-Call to report to shifts is simior by phone. Either work when lar to requirway, reporting time there is little ing employor no work ees to come to must be paid.” is “serious work without abuse.” The a guarantee of work. On-Call employees cre- reporting time pay is meant ate a pool of contingent work- to combat this abuse and eners available to the employer courage employers to properly without necessarily having to schedule employees.

Unpredictable schedules pay any of them. Even though there was no transportation cost have negative effects on workor significant lost time incurred ers’ health brought on by the by the employees in the On-Call stress created by the uncertainshift situation, there are “tre- ties over earnings, budgeting for household needs, paying for mendous costs on employees.”

An employee, therefore, need childcare, attending to medinot necessarily appear at the cal appointments, or engaging workplace to `report for work.’ in pursuits that may better a Instead, `reporting for work’ worker’s life such as continuing

education. Studies have shown that shift workers or those whose schedules are irregular and could either be day or night, are more susceptible to adverse health conditions such as sleep disorders and metabolic syndrome, which elevate the risk for stroke, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

In order to lessen potential lawsuits about irregular schedules, some large employers in the retail sector have designed a scheduling system that provides predictable basic hours for employees, while also allowing workers to switch shifts with one another or work extra shifts when asked.

Rather than proceed to trial, Albertsons agreed to pay $2.5 million dollars to the drivers to resolve the lawsuit. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers.

He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)

B8 APRIL 10-13, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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