041720 - New York & New Jersey

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APRIL 17-23, 2020 Volume 13 - No. 24 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

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

US senators slam China for South DATELINE USA China Sea actions during pandemic FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

virus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The most recent actions by the Asian counSEVERAL United States senators recently try include the sinking of a Vietnamese fishslammed China’s actions in the South China ing boat by a Chinese coast guard vessel near Sea as the world focuses on the novel corona- Paracel Islands earlier this month and the de-

ployment of military aircraft.

“The reports of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel sinking a Vietnamese fishing vessel and China’s other activities on illegally reclaimed

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Jorel Alfonso (left) with his wife Ashling and their three children ages 12, 10 and 5.

Photo courtesy of Alfonso family

Fil-Am father, 38, who died From ube drinks to of COVID-19 laid to rest

Daily Dose Life prepares meals for health care workers

A FILIPINO American father of three from the Inland Empire was laid to rest on Wednesday, April 15, a week after succumbing to complications related to the novel coronavirus.

Jorel Alfonso, 38, died of COVID-19 on April 7, according to his family. A resident of Eastvale in Riverside County, he is survived by his wife Ashling and their three young children ages 12, 10 and 5.

With social distancing measures still in place, families around the country have been

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lumpia: East Coast Fil-Ams feed health care front-liners

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

WITH health care workers fighting on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, several Filipino American restaurants and groups are expressing their appreciation by delivering meals and other essential supplies.

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PUV SUSPENSION. A tricycle is stopped by San Juan City Traffic Parking and Management Office (TPMO) personnel as the suspension of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) is enforced along N. Domingo in San Juan City on Tuesday, April 14. The suspension of PUV and tricycle operations is in line with the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Pinay grandma sews face masks for NJ Gov. Phil Murphy DFA repatriates 354 seafarers from US

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

AJPress

A 60-year-old grandmother from Linden, New Jersey began sewing face masks for her family and friends from the comfort of her home a couple of weeks ago when she realized that even hospital supplies for such masks were beginning to dwindle.

Shirley Asunto — more famously known in the community as Tita Shirley, the mother of singer Kirby Asunto — posted the masks on her social media account. It turns out that a friend of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy saw her post and reached out to her.

The friend asked if she could make some for the governor and his family. Asunto said ‘yes’

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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wears the face mask sewn

by Shirley Asunto of Linden, NJ.

OVER 300 Filipino workers from Miami, Florida returned to the Philippines on Wednesday, April 15 as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ repatriation program.

The latest batch of 354 seafarers came from cruise ships operated by Carnival Cruises and composed of 76 crew members of MV Ecstasy, 104 of MV Dream, 49 of MV Glory and 125 of MV Sunshine. They arrived on a chartered Qatar

Airways flight (QR 7485) earlier on Wednesday.

According to the agency, all the seafarers underwent thorough mandatory health inspection by the Department of Health - Bureau of Quarantine upon disembarkation. They will also be subjected to a 14-day facility quarantine in predetermined hotels approved by the DOH. The repatriation program was a coordinated effort of the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA), the Philip-

pine Embassy in Washington DC, DOH, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), with the assistance of the United Philippine Lines (UPL).

Nearly 15,000 overseas Filipinos have been brought back to the Philippines since the novel coronavirus pandemic began.

DFA brings home body of envoy who died of COVID-19 The DFA also brought home the remains of the late Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon

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April 17-23, 2020 • NEW YOrK AND NEW JErSEY ASiAN JOUrNAl

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From the Front Page

US senators slam China for...

PAGE 1 features in the South China Sea are deeply concerning,” said Republican Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“These are just the latest examples of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) blatant intimidation of its neighbors to assert its excessive maritime claims. The CCP is undermining regional stability at a time when the international community should be coming together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a committee member, noted the discrepancy between the Chinese coast guard’s duty and actions.

“At a time when the international community should be working together to face a common foe, China’s continued divisive and aggressive behavior in the South China Sea is deplorable. The first duty of any coast guard is to guarantee safety at sea – not to contribute to lawlessness and danger,” he said.

“The Chinese coast guard’s culpability in the collision and sinking of a Vietnamese fishing vessel is unambiguous, and constitutes unsafe and unacceptable maritime behavior, deserving of condemnation,” he added.

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) echoed their sentiments, condemning China’s actions, as well.

“I condemn in the strongest terms China’s sinking of a Vietnamese vessel in the South China Sea,” he said.

He added, “This is a flagrant violation of international law and comes at a time when nations around the world are focused on combating the COVID-19 scourge that spread in part due to the Chinese Communist Party’s cover-up and negligence.”

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), meanwhile, assured that the U.S. government will not turn a blind eye to China’s military activities.

“As authoritarians exploit the pandemic to erode rule of law, we must continue to call out Beijing’s efforts to assert unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea,” he

said.

“The United States will not turn a blind eye to military coercion of Southeast Asian countries. Like the rest of the world, the Indo-Pacific is focused on fighting the coronavirus, but the United States must continue to assist our regional partners and allies in defending their freedom of navigation, the free flow of commerce, and adherence to international agreements in the face of Chinese aggression during this pandemic,” he added.

The Vietnam foreign ministry on April 3 said it filed a diplomatic protest before the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi over the incident that saw a Chinese coast guard vessel ramming and sinking a fishing boat QNg 90617 carrying eight fishermen.

“The above-mentioned Chinese vessel’s act violates Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, causes property losses and endangers the lives, safety and legitimate interests of the Vietnamese fishermen,” said the Vietnamese foreign ministry in a statement. n

Pinay grandma sews face masks for...

PAGE 1 without hesitation even if she was not a professional tailor and she only sews as a hobby.

A few days later, Asunto was watching TV when she saw Murphy’s televised press conference and was pleasantly surprised to see the governor wear the mask she sewed herself.

“I am honored and proud to offer my services to those who work to protect us, the residents of New Jersey,” she said.

“Proud Pinoy ako, nakatulong kahit papaano, kahit hindi naman talaga ako mananahi (I’m a proud Filipino, who was able to help een though I’m really not a seamstress).”

Early this week, she received another surprise, a Thank You card from the governor’s wife, Tammy Snyder Murphy.

“I cannot thank you enough for your incredible work and gifting of six New Jerseythemed masks,” Mrs. Murphy wrote. “What started with a small idea quickly blossomed into action and the production of items that surely represent New Jersey pride.”

She added that Mrs. Murphy invited her and her family to visit them once the situation returns to normal.

Shirley Asunto with her daughter, singer Kirby Asunto.

Asunto used blue nylon elastic material for the mask and to complete the look using the colors of the state flag, she looked around the house for something yellow and found a pair of pants, which she decided to cut into strips and upcycle it.

The face masks Asunto has created are washable and reusable. There is a lining where a filter or tissue paper can be placed.

She hasn’t stopped sewing

Contributed photo

and so far, she has made more than 100 masks. Some of these masks have been given to friends and relatives. She has also made masks for River View Hospital in Red Bank because she has a friend who works there as a nurse.

A number of the masks have also been allotted to the senior citizens served by the Philippine American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL), a Jersey City-based organization. n

Jordan Andino of Flip Sigi hands off bags of meals to a New York hospital representative.

Augee Francisco of Kabisera prepares the drinks for their “Coffee Run”.

Max’s Restaurant in Jersey City donated packed dishes to Jersey City Kabisera’s drinks: from matcha and mocha to chai, coffee and tea.

Medical Center.

From ube drinks to lumpia: East Coast Fil-Ams...

PAGE 1 Kabisera, a cafe in Manhattan’s East Village, has being doing “coffee runs” — serving caffeinated beverages and merienda (snacks) — for the past 10 days to city hospitals, such as Mount Sinai Beth Israel and NYU Langone.

Owner Augee Francisco, who has a nursing background, said it started when a local church collected funds and partnered with her to deliver 70 cups of coffee.

“It’s a risky job for anyone working in the health care system right now,” Francisco told theAsian Journal. “This is our way of showing appreciation and giving something that can help them take a break in the middle of the day.”

Kabisera has since continued the efforts through individuals’ donations to the cafe’s Venmo account: $20 for a tray (4 cups) of flavored lattes or $20 for two trays of regular coffee or iced teas. The cafe includes pan de sals and embutido or salmon burgers depending on the size of a hospital department.

Donors, who have included generous individuals from California and Florida as well, are also encouraged to write a short message to the frontliners, which are stuck onto the cups before delivery. As of Wednesday, April 15, Kabisera has delivered to 10 hospitals.

Filipino taqueria Flip Sigi in Greenwich Village started a “Feed Our Warriors” campaign and has sent 580 meals so far

as of April 14. The restaurant is encouraging individuals to nominate a hospital in the local New York area that can benefit from the meals.

“We have spoken to several healthcare professionals who are regular guests of Flip Sigi and each of them have expressed how helpful this effort would be,” the owners wrote.

Raymond Ganados of Daily Dose Life, a meal delivery service based out of Bayonne, New Jersey, said in a Facebook post that $150,000 has been raised to prepare nutritious meals, such as salmon with vegetables and fruit plates.

“Dropping off 180 meals to my local front-liners, Bayonne Med, Christ Hospital and Jersey City Med,” Ganados wrote on April 10. “820 meals went to various hospitals in Manhattan last night. My team is targeting 5,000 meals with the help of our neighboring kitchen next week making them front-liners happy and healthy!”

In Jersey City, New Jersey, Max’s Restaurant prepared togo containers of pancit, lumpia and fried chicken for workers at Jersey City Medical Center.

Deirdre Levy, a special education teacher at a public school in Brooklyn, began collecting personal protective equipment and homemade masks through the city chapter of Mask our Heroes.

It has spun off to ‘Project Barkada’ along with other community members and organizations, such as NAFCON

Project Barkada delivers PPE

and Little Manila Queens to feed health care workers and homeless individuals, as well as collating donations of toiletries and clothing for women’s shelters.

Over Easter weekend, Little Manila Queens and NAFCON partnered with Amazing Grace Restaurant in Queens to deliver meals to staff at Elmhurst Hospital, considered one of the hardest hit medical centers in the city. The effort aims to raise $1,400 for four sets of meal deliveries. A $10-15 donation goes toward an individual meal, while $350 would found a meal for an entire unit of 20 staffers.

“The more we raise, the more we can contribute. 100% of the proceeds will go towards feeding front line health care workers,” NAFCON said in a statement. “No contribution is too large or too small.” n

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April 17-23, 2020 • NEW YOrK AND NEW JErSEY ASiAN JOUrNAl

Dateline USa

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Fil-Am father, 38, who died of COVID-19 laid to... More East Coast Pinoy front-liners

PAGE 1

prevented from organizing proper ceremonies for their departed loved ones.

Only one individual could attend Alfonso’s burial so the family selected his younger brother, Justin.

“This is the hardest time in my life, despite experiencing some of the darkest days in the past,” Justin Alfonso told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. “Nobody should ever have to see their sibling get buried.”

Despite their five-year age difference, Justin said they bonded over cars, fantasy basketball, and collecting sneakers. He regarded his older brother as his confidant and the “closest person” in his life aside from his wife. Before stay-at-home orders hit Southern California, Alfonso was the best man at Justin’s wedding in February.

“I always looked up to my brother and would emulate his personality growing up,” Justin said. “But as I got older, I started seeing that he wanted to hang out, be my friend and even learn from me and we started becoming each other.”

Alfonso’s immediate family and select friends held an in-person private viewing on Tuesday, and then live streamed a ceremony with prayers and eulogies. Later in the evening, dozens joined a virtual memorial service on Zoom.

The Fil-Am father first reported that he had a fever on March 18 and self-isolated at home. It then became a cough and mild shortness of breath, but he still told family members that he felt fine and maintained a positive mindset that he could beat the virus.

Six days later following his doctor’s order, Alfonso drove himself to Kaiser Riverside and thought he would still be able to go home that same

day. He ended up being kept overnight for further examination and the next morning, he texted his family the result of the test by saying, “positive” for COVID-19. He was shortly sedated and intubated.

That led Justin to begin thinking of a contingency plan to take in his nephews and niece if his sister-in-law also got sick. They all tested negative.

“I was worried one of the kids would get it and then that would be another issue,” he said. “You think the worst is your brother getting it? No, the worst is a whole family getting it.”

For the next two weeks, the older Alfonso stayed in the hospital and couldn’t be visited by his family. He showed some progress as hospital staff said he was on the road to recovery.

However, Alfonso, who was borderline pre-diabetic, had a drop in blood pressure and his organs began to fail. About four hours later on April 7, the family was notified of his death, Justin said.

“We didn’t really get to say goodbye because my brother was confident that he would see us again,” the younger Alfonso said, adding that when he picked up his brother’s car from the hospital a few days ago, “He still had food in there. He didn’t think he was going to have to be there for a long time.”

Alfonso, who grew up in Long Beach, settled in Eastvale in his adult years and established his young family there. He was a logistics and operations manager for a pharmaceutical company in Orange County for almost two decades.

He was an active member of his local community, from a food group that would try new local restaurants to the neighborhood crime watch. Over

the years, he would volunteer to take photos for families during Christmastime.

Thousands of condolences and memories have been shared on social media by friends and those who had a chance to cross paths with Alfonso. Many recalled his warmth and ability to connect with others.

“What has helped me and my parents the most has been people sharing their stories,” Justin said. “It can be hard listening sometimes because I think about him, but the positive stories have made me laugh and smile. I love hearing how he was helpful and impactful in other people’s lives.”

A GoFundMe page for his children’s education and other necessities has raised over $83,000 to date. A Meal Train has also been set up to deliver meals to their home through April.

In addition to his wife, three children and younger brother, Alfonso is survived by his parents, Jessie and Lydia, and sister Jessica.

The family wishes to focus on the lighthearted stories and memories of Alfonso, but they also want his case to be a wake-up call that COVID-19 does not discriminate based on age or ethnicity and that the 1.5% mortality rate should not be taken lightly.

“All it takes is that 1.5% chance and it could be you or your family who are affected,” Justin said. “So if I could go back and say, ‘Are we taking the smallest chance?’ The answer’s no. It’s not worth risking your life by going to a friend’s house or the grocery store. The conversation going on in every community and household is that if we get it, we’d be okay.

That’s not true because my brother died. Don’t wait until you’re that 1.5%.” (Chritina M. Oriel/AJPress)

DFA repatriates 354 seafarers...

PAGE 1 Bernardita Catalla, who succumbed to COVID-19, this afternoon.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., together with the next-of-kin of Ambassador Catalla, paid their last respects to the late envoy.

“The DFA may have lost a dedicated servant but her legacy continues,” the agency said.

The remains were immediately brought to a crematorium in Pasay City after the

ceremony.

Catalla passed away on April 2. She was the first Philippine ambassador in active service to die of COVID-19.

The DFA recorded 32 new cases of COVID-19 among overseas Filipinos, bringing the total number to 736.

“Today, a total of 32 new confirmed Covid-19 cases, six new recoveries, and no new deaths have been recorded among overseas Filipinos across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Middle East/Africa,” said DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo

Meñez.

The agency also said that 426 are currently undergoing treatment while 88 have died and 222 have recovered.

Meñez assured that DFA will continue to assist overseas Filipinos who may require help during the pandemic “Today also marks the 16th consecutive day of DFA’s repatriation efforts since the COVID-19 outbreak. The DFA will tirelessly carry on with its commitment to assist our nationals abroad who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. n

succumb to COVID-19

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

LATEST data from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that at least 9,000 frontline health workers in the United States have contracted COVID-19 and 27 of them have died. This preliminary data from CDC reveals that nearly three quarters of these infections are women and the median age is 42.

This week, more Filipino American doctors, nurses and health care workers died due to the virus.

Audie de Leon, Bellevue Hospital (New York City) Ernesto “Audie” de Leon was a registered nurse originally from Baguio City and last worked at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. He passed away from COVID-19 on Monday, April 13.

Ali Dennis Guillermo, Long Island Community Hospital (East Patchogue, New York) Ali Guillermo came to the United States in 2004 to seek a better life for his family. He has been working at Long Island Community Hospital since then.

The 44-year-old nurse leaves behind his wife Romielyn and children, Denice, Ali and Aljon.

Guillermo, an intensive care unit nurse who also helped in the emergency room, fell sick with COVID-19 in mid-March.

On April 8, he died in the ICU of the same hospital where he cared for many patients and helped save many lives.

Dr. Alejandro Albano, Clove Lakes Healthcare and Rehabilitation (Staten Island, New York) Dr. Alejandro “Alex” Albano passed away on April 4 at Staten Island University Hospital. He is survived by his wife Ophelia, five children and grandchildren.

Dr. Ariel Ferreras (Woodbridge, New Jersey) Dr. Ariel Ferreras, 62, was a physician from New Jersey.

He was honored on Easter Sunday by around 50 of his friends, colleagues and relatives who drove by his family’s Woodbridge residence with large photos and placards, along with flowers and prayer cards which were placed underneath a tree on their front lawn. His grieving widow Madonna and their sons Nico and Ryan stood by their front door and witnessed this moving tribute and outpouring of love and sympathy.

Louis Torres and his mother Lolita Torres (Briarwood, Queens) Louis Torres, 47, was the director of food services at a nursing home in Woodside,

Dr. Ariel Ferreras Dr. Alejandro Albano bw

Audie de Leon Ali Dennis Guillermo

Lemuel Sison

Susan Sisgundo

Louis & Lolita Torres

Queens and his 73-year-old mother Lolita, worked as a ward clerk at a Queens hospital. Both mother and son shared a home in Briarwood and began feeling sick on April 1. They were both diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for COVID-19. Lolita died on April 6 and in less than 24 hours, Louis died due to the coronavirus as well.

Susan Sisgundo, Bellevue Hospital (New York City) Susan Sisgundo has been working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Bellevue

Hospital in Manhattan since 2014. She passed away after an eight-day battle with COVID 19 on April 8, a month before her 51st birthday. She had planned to celebrate with her family in Bicol.

Lemuel Sison (Fresh Meadows, New York) Lemuel Sison was a medical laboratory scientist who lived in Fresh Meadows, New York.

He was the 1st Vice President of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET USA) New York Chapter. n

April 17-23, 2020 • NEW YOrK AND NEW JErSEY ASiAN JOUrNAl

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Duterte appeals to health workers to stay in PH by ritChel

mendiola

AJPress

MEDICAL workers are urged to stay in the Philippines as the country continues to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday, April 13.

The president appealed to health care professionals to remain in the country because of the shortage of personnel, but admitted that he cannot blame them if they want to seek better pay abroad.

“Kung gusto ninyong kayong mga nurse na Pilipino, gusto ninyong magsilbi sa ibang bayan, sa ibang tao, okay lang sa akin (If Filipino nurses want to serve another country, other people, that’s okay with me),” he said.

He continued, “Ito lang tandaan mo, pagdating ng panahon kung maghirap kami, hindi natin alam ngayon eh pa-increase nang increase, first wave pa ito (But you must remember that there will be a time that we may suffer. The cases are increasing.

It’s just the first wave).”

Duterte also expressed his disagreement with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s view that health workers with contracts cannot be prevented from leaving.

“I’d like to take the opposite view that itong ganito sa ordinaryong — ordinary times, talagang hindi kayo mapigilan at walang makasabi sa inyo umalis kayo o huwag kayong umalis, tanggap kayo, magpirma ka ng kontrata (I’d like to take the opposite view. In ordinary times, you cannot be stopped. No one can tell you to leave or not to leave, stay and sign a contract),” he said.

“Pero alam mo during an emergency ‘yung sa ibang

bansa — gaya ng China, ‘pag sinabi ng China para, para.

‘Pag sinabi ng China bukas, bukas (But you know during an emergency, other countries like China, when China says stop, they stop. When China says open, then they open),” he added.

Duterte clarified that the Philippines is under a democracy so he can’t command Filipinos to follow strict rules unlike China, which is a communist regime.

“It is a communist regime, it demands total obedience.

Hindi ka pwede magsabi ‘Ay, hindi-hindi.’ Huli ka. Dito, ‘di ko pwede magawa niyan kasi demokrasya, papasok ang human rights (It is a communist regime it demands total obedience. You can’t disagree. You’ll get arrested. Here, I can’t do that because it’s a democracy and there are human rights),” he said.

In March, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration approved the resolution to suspend sending Filipino health care workers abroad until the current crisis is over.

Signed by POEA Governing Board chairman and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the resolution calls for prioritizing the “human resource allocation for the national health care system at the time of the national state emergency.”

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

Pharmacists, laboratory

technicians, X-ray/radiologic technicians, nursing assistants/aides, operators of medical equipment, supervisors of health services and personal care and repairmen of medical-hospital equipment are also included.

However, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases recommended to partially lift the deployment ban as well as exempt health care workers with signed overseas employment contracts as of March 8.

“Those without contracts or those without perfected contracts, they are covered by the temporary deployment ban,” said Cabinet Secretary and IATF spokesman Karlo Nograles on Tuesday, April 14.

Duterte also blamed the United States for recruiting medical workers to address its COVID-19 emergency.

“America is part of the problem of the Filipinos now. Many of them have been infected.

Many have died. They are calling on just about anyone...

They ask nurses to go to the embassy, they will process the visa for one day and tomorrow you can leave,” he said.

“The problem with Americans, you could have relied on your own human resource...

Now you are reducing the human resources of the Philippines. Soon, we will experience a shortage,” he added. “We are nervous here because we cannot match the offer... I understand that it’s about self-preservation.

So they need to work. There are jobs in America so they go there.”

As of writing, there are 5,453 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, with 349 deaths and 353 recoveries. n

DOJ summons Pimentel

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, April 15 has summoned Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III for violating quarantine protocols while he was being tested for the coronavirus disease.

In a text message, Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell Bendoval had issued a subpoena to Pimentel and ordered the conduct of a preliminary investigation against the former senate president.

Pimentel was also ordered by the Justice department to submit his counter-affidavit to refute the charges made against him.

The DoJ also ordered the complainant, former University of Makati College of Law dean Rico Quicho, to appear and present his evidence against Pimentel.

The preliminary investigation was set on May 20.

Pimentel said he would allow his lawyers to “do what is necessary.”

The senator provoked outrage on social media as well as from the leadership of the

Sen. Koko Pimentel

ManilaTimes.net file photo

Makati Medical Center (MMC) on March 24 for accompanying PAGE A7

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 17-23, 2020

Harry Roque returns as Palace spokesman

by Leanne

ToLenTino ManilaTimes.net

FREE RIDE. Tricycle drivers give free rides for health workers and other front-liners in Bubukal, Santa Cruz, Laguna on Monday, April 13. Mayor Edgar San Luis provided the free rides in compliance with the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon amid the coronavirus disease 2019 threat.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

‘No boxing plans at the moment’ – Pacquiao

by Josef

Ramos ManilaTimes.net

FIGHTING senator Manny Pacquiao’s boxing match this year was pushed to the sidelines because of the country’s continuing bout against the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Originally planning to enter the ring in July this year, the 41-year-old reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Super welterweight titleholder said he hung up his gloves for the meantime since there were many Filipinos who were starving right now.

“Walang boxing muna (No boxing matches for now),” Pacquiao told The Manila Times on Saturday in a phone interview.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa akong plano sa boxing kasi busy ako sa pagpaplano kung paano makakatulong sa mga kababayan nating nagugutom, paano makapag-ambag ng tulong (For now, I don’t have any plans of boxing because I’m busy planning on how to help our starving countrymen in my small own way),” the senator added.

Pacquiao, with 39 knockouts and a win-loss-draw record of 62-7-2, was planning to fight in July against either welterweight American war-

PAGE 6

riors Mikey Garcia or Danny Garcia or American reigning World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. Even Pacquiao’s ex-sparring partner, Amir Khan, expressed his desire to fight his farewell bout with the fighting senator.

But sporting events across the globe have been suspended or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, obligating Pacquiao to metaphorically take off his gloves and put on his barong or suit for now.

Most countries, including the United States, have been in total lockdown while the Philippines continues to be under “extended enhanced community quarantine” until April 30.

“Saka natin pagusapan ‘yan ‘pag na solved na ‘yang pandemic problem (Let’s postpone talk (about boxing) till the pandemic problem is solved),” added Pacquiao, who assured everyone that he will not lose his fighting form.

“Hindi naman; lagi nga ako nagla-live sa training ko.

Nagja-jogging ako palagi, shadow boxing, treadmill at iba pa (I don’t think (I’ll lose fighting form); as you can see on Facebook live, I’m always

training. I jog, shadow box and run the treadmill, among other things),” said Pacquiao.

When asked about the fulfilment of Khan’s retirement wish, Pacquiao replied that it would depend on how negotiations go.

“Depende siguro. Wala pang pag-uusap. Hindi ko pa iniisip yung fight, eh. Yung fight muna sa pandemic at Covid. Maraming nagugutom (It depends, I suppose. There haven’t been any negotiations. I’m not thinking about the fight yet. Let’s concern ourselves first with the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and mass starvation (due to the ‘extended extreme community quarantine’),” the senator stressed.

He said he doesn’t feel that anything would be amiss if ever he would fight Khan, his friend and former sparring partner.

“Marami naman akong nakalaban na naka-sparring ko.

Pag-fight, fight naman sa ring ‘yan (I’ve battled against a lot of fighters who were previously my sparmates. What happens in the ring, stays in the ring),” explained Pacquiao, citing the event involving his former foe, Jessie Vargas, in Las Vegas, Nevada last Nov. 5, 2016.

He defeated Vargas by unanimous decision. n

DOJ summons Pimentel

his wife, Kathryna, who was about to give birth despite being a carrier of the new coronavirus.

The senator said he only learned that he tested positive

for the coronavirus when he was already at the hospital.

S&R Supermarket also confirmed Pimentel went to its BGC branch.

Quicho claimed that Pimentel committed several

violations, which includes his failure to disclose his status of health.

The National Bureau of Investigation is also conducting a separate criminal probe against Pimentel. n

LAWYER Harry Roque will return as Palace spokesman, Malacañang confirmed on Monday, April 13 saying the health crisis needed a “new tack on messaging.”

Salvador Panelo, chief presidential legal counsel, confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte offered the position of Palace spokesman to Roque and he accepted it.

“The Office of the President welcomes Secretary Roque back to the Cabinet and wishes him all the best as he assumes the role of the Chief Executive’s spokesman, a post he has already held in the past,” Panelo, who also doubled as Palace spokesman, said in a statement.

In a statement on Monday, Assistant Secretary Rachel Queenie Rodulfo of the Presidential Communications Operations Office also confirmed that Roque accepted the President’s offer to rejoin the administration.

“The present crisis calls for a new tack on messaging,” Panelo said when asked

Reappointed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

why Roque was returning as Malacañang spokesman.

Panelo said he would continue to perform his duties as chief presidential legal counsel and will provide legal advice to the President “on matters requiring the latter’s actions, and issue statements relative thereto.”

“The Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel will be working together with the Office of the Presiden-

MamilaTimes.net photo

tial Spokesperson, as well as with all the departments, in pursuing the national policy of the government, specially on Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), and thereafter,” he added.

Duterte announced Roque’s appointment as spokesman in 2017.

He left the post in 2018 to file a certificate for candidacy for senator in the 2019 elections but he later withdrew his bid. n

April 17-23, 2020 • NEW YOrK AND NEW JErSEY ASiAN JOUrNAl

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10 April 17-23, 2020 • NEW YOrK AND NEW JErSEY ASiAN JOUrNAl

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Duterte volunteers Philippines for clinical trials of potential Japan-made COVID-19 vaccines

by Franco Luna Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Tuesday night’s Special ASEAN Summit that the Philippines was ready to participate in clinical trials of a Japan-made drug, Avigan, as a possible novel coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment.

This was confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who said that the ASEAN leaders agreed on a set of resolutions after the special summit.

According to Nograles, the chief executive highlighted boosting production and trade in the region, maintaining food security and vaccine research, and preparing for similar outbreaks in the future.

“Kung naalala nyo po nung Lunes nabanggit ni Pangulong Duterte ang Avigan, isang gamot na ginagamit para sa flu; isa ito sa mga pinag-usapan sa ASEAN Three Plus One Summit,” Nograles said.

“The president had an exchange with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding this drug, and during the meeting [Duterte] reiterated that the Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials of potential vaccines like Avigan.”

(If you remember, President Duterte on Monday mentioned Avigan, one medicine used to treat the flu; this is one of the things they talked about at the ASEAN Three Plus One Summit.)

A report by Clinical Trials

Arena said that the drug, developed by Japanese company Fujifilm, was being studied for its safety possible COVID-19 treatment in the United States.

The study would comprise 50 coronavirus patients, the report said.

In a recent statement, Fujifilm said it would “continue to work to establish a treatment method for COVID-19 patients through conducting clinical trials, and to contribute to ending the spread of this global HEALTHY DONATIONS. A private group helps farmers in Benguet with their livelihood by buying their vegetables and donating pandemic as soon as possible these to residents in Metro Manila who were affected by the extended enhanced community quarantine. Their first beneficiaries by increasing the production were barangays on Banaue St., Quezon City where members of the Friends of Bongbong Marcos distributed 500 packs of PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler of Avigan in collaboration with assorted vegetables. strategic partners.”

“According to Prime Minister Abe, there are 50 countries that are interested in studying PAGE 5 tancing measures, for alleg- and health systems to handle this drug further,” Nograles power. Separation of powers edly overstating their needs for surges; added.

• The ability to develop and federalism aren’t fusty ventilators and other medical concepts designed to please equipment — a proactive mea- therapeutics to meet the derebellious aristocrats; they are sure to prepare for the worst in mand; • The ability for businesses, the living embodiment of our order to save as many lives as call out the government for its founders’ desire to divide and possible. Social distancing has schools, and child care facilities flaws and shortcomings. But check power — not vest “total” been working to save lives and to support physical distancwhen we do this, it is impor- “authority” in one person, no prevent our health system from ing; and tant to avoid sensationalism matter how wise that person being overburdened which • The ability to determine and fear-mongering. could lead to more cases, more when to reinstitute certain may be.”

Unfortunately, there are measures, such as the stay-atWhat is paradoxical about hospitalization, more deaths. people who are not as prudent Trump’s claim is that he had not Trump also criticized scien- home orders, if necessary. in sharing information, par- been on board in implementing tific models for inflating the After denigrating journalists ticularly when they see it to a nationwide social distancing threat of the virus, going back who question his assertion be consistent with their pre- and other safety measures, and to his previous contention of of “total authority,” following ferred narratives. Thus, even said he would leave that to the downplaying the threat of the the backlash of his claims without verifying the veracity governors in compliance with virus, without tying it to the on Monday from governors, of the information, they share the Constitution. success of social distancing constitutional experts, and and make the material viral, This, after downplaying the efforts in mitigating the spread the American people, Trump not knowing that it can create threat of the pandemic, calling of the virus. retreated and changed the tune panic and hysteria. Wrong or it a hoax, and not doing any In an interview on CNN on on Tuesday’s news briefing. embellished information can concrete measures to mitigate Tuesday, New York Governor He said governors can seek create either a false sense of the spread in February and Andrew Cuomo said, “If he his help when they are ready to security or an unwarranted early March despite warnings ordered me to reopen in a open their economy, a power sense of fear. We all live in from experts since January. way that would endanger the he need not give to them beuncertain times. And while it California became the first public health of the people cause the governors already is important to check the gov- state to implement statewide of my state, I wouldn’t do it”. have this authority. ernment’s failures, nerves are “stay at home” and “shelter Cuomo “And we would have AND THEN, he attacked a already frayed enough. People in place” safety measures, fol- a constitutional challenge be- new bogeyman, blaming the are already stressed and afraid lowed by New York and other tween the state and the federal World Health Organization to and it doesn’t help if we either states, and not surprising to government, and that would go shift the focus of the discussion feed people with exaggerated note that those states who into the courts. and deflect from the reason the information or falsely give voted for Trump did not get And that would be the worst virus has spread in America. people hope based on some- on board. possible thing he could do at Let us leave this issue for anthing that is not scientific or It was only after this that this moment, would be to act other day. vetted.

FIGHT, Americans fight! Be Trump supported the social dis- dictatorial and to act in a parThere is a war out there. If tancing measures but has been tisan, divisive way.” relentless. Do not give in to we cannot be at the frontlines, pushing the business as usual Meanwhile, California Gov. helplessness under the bullet us all just be enablers. And in the U.S. in time for Easter, Gavin Newsom released a list lying tactic of this president. we cannot do this if we per- calling for people to flock to of six benchmarks the state Speak up and speak out! Our secute the frontliners and the churches for mass, despite the must meet before it can begin lives depend on our voice! sick. We cannot be enablers if upward trajectory of cases and relaxing strict social distancing *** we use our position, our fears deaths in the nation. mandates: Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, and the pandemic as a basis to • The ability to monitor public service and educational broadcasting As the social distancing and obtain undeserved privileges. other safety measures helped and protect our communities since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving We cannot win this war if we toward “flattening the curve” through testing, contact trac- the Filipino audience using different base our choices on lies and and mitigating the spread of the ing, isolating, and support- platforms, including digital broadcasting, distortions. virus, Trump then started pat- ing those who are positive or and print, and is working on a new public We cannot allow the virus to ting his back for his handling of exposed; service program for the community. You win over us. And it definitely this pandemic.

• The ability to prevent infec- may contact her through email at gelrelos@ will, if we will all be acting And yet, he again started tion in people who are at risk icloud.com, or send her a message via selfishly and irrationally. (Ma- criticizing governors for their for more severe COVID-19; Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos. nilaTimes.net) • The ability of the hospital Relos. overly restrictive social dis-

How to fight and win over...

PAGE 5 the better of them, and make them act inhumanely against the vulnerable, the afflicted and their families, and those at the frontlines. These are the people who now shun their neighbors who work at the frontlines, or are persons under monitoring or investigation, or even those who are recovering, to the point of setting up barricades and denying them entry to their homes. The house of one family affected by the disease was even stoned.

Medical frontliners suffer the brunt of the persecution. A nurse’s face was doused by a chemical disinfectant and an ambulance driver was shot by a prejudiced neighbor. An infected patient was bullied by her neighborhood association. But what was worse is when a rural health unit in a town in Camarines Sur became the agent for inflicting prejudice on their own kind when it publicized the names and addresses of health workers from their town who work at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City, thereby stigmatizing and offering them up for discrimination.

And then we have those who use their privileges to sequester limited resources and those who hoard more than they need. These include not only ordinary citizens driven by fear and anxiety, but also politicians and public officials who take advantage of their positions to corner relief goods or prioritize their own relatives and friends over those who

are truly in need and are more deserving. We all collectively expressed outrage when highranking public officials jumped the queue for testing, at a time when these resources were in limited supply.

We also have people who use the pandemic as a reason for them to claim privileges that they do not deserve. There are people who are not as stressed and don’t need special care and attention. For someone to feign or fake a suffering just to enjoy a benefit or a privilege is simply unforgivable. Indeed, there is reason to feel empathy for everyone, considering that we are all exposed and are potential targets. But for someone to demand special treatment that is undeserved by using the pandemic as an excuse deserves condemnation. Included in this, for example, are students and employees who are not as challenged and who are relatively more comfortable yet would demand from their schools and employers benefits and privileges, which could either stress the already strained resources of the latter, or would be unfair to those who are really in need of special treatment and consideration.

And, finally, there are those who are in the habit of peddling fakery and lies on social media to whip up undue hysteria. What we need in order to defeat this virus at the moment is to stick to facts and to have faith in science. We do not and cannot abdicate our duty to

Trump claims total authority and wants to...

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 17-23, 2020

COMMUNITY Journal

11

USCIS announces ‘flexibility’ for non-immigrants during COVID-19 Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON April 13, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it will exercise more flexibility for non-immigrants who must depart the U.S. by a certain date, but are now facing “immigration-related challenges as a direct result of the COVID-pandemic.”

DHS is aware that certain nonimmigrants must depart the U.S. before their authorized period of admission expires. This would include visitors or temporary workers

who were allowed to remain in the U.S. until a date certain. However, these nonimmigrants may unexpectedly be forced to remain in the U.S. beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID19, especially where there are travel bans, difficulty in obtaining an international flight, and quarantines, lockdowns, or “shelter in place” requirements in the U.S or abroad.

(For example, there is a quarantine for travel in and outside of Manila).

Where a non-immigrant was allowed to remain in the U.S. to a date certain (the date on their I-94), USCIS recommends the following: 1. Apply for an extension or change of status. USCIS continues to accept and process applications and petitions

during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many forms are available online for filing.

2. If the extension or change of status request is filed timely (before your period of authorized stay expires), then the person does not accrue “unlawful presence.” In some cases involving work authorization with the same employer, it’s possible to receive an automatic extension for up to 240 days after the I-94 expired when an extension of status is timely filed.

3. If the extension or change of status request is NOT timely filed, USCIS stated it would exercise flexibility or discretion. In other words, USCIS may be more lenient with late filings based on delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PAGE 12

AFTER 15 YEARS OF SEPARATION AND CHARGES OF FRAUD, A MAN’S NAME IS CLEARED AND A FAMILY IS REUNITED! Mike (left) was charged with fraud and alien/human smuggling while trying to return to the U.S., where his wife, Aye (center), and their daughter were living. It appeared he had lost his first passport containing a US visitor visa. He got a new passport and applied for a new B visa, which was granted. The consul later claimed the first passport was used by Mike’s brother to obtain a visa to Japan. Therefore, he was being charged with fraud for lying about having lost his first passport. The embassy was also considering charging him with human smuggling in connection with his brother. He claimed he was innocent, and after his two previous attorneys gave up: one who filed for his Asylum, and the other one filed for his waiver, Mike researched about leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) and his many successes with seemingly impossible cases. It was then that Mike decided to consult with and retain Atty. Gurfinkel’s services. See how a daughter’s dream of having her father in the U.S. comes true on an all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

12

april 17-23, 2020 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSiaN JOUrNal

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya AT a breakfast after mass at the Holy Family Church during a school fundraiser in Glendale California one beautiful fall morning years ago, a statuesque, well groomed lady holding her breakfast tray asked my husband, my sister Olga and myself, if she could join us. We said yes of course. There weren’t enough tables and chairs in the auditorium at the time.

After a few pleasantries and the frost among strangers had thawed, the woman indicated that she was from the East Coast and she was visiting her son who lived in the city. She was staying in a hotel for a few days and had checked online for the nearest church where she could attend mass. She remarked that the Glendale Holy Family Catholic Church with Spanish architecture built in the 1920’s was beautiful.

The conversation around the table was light at first, meandering around innocuous, safe topics. Out of nowhere, she asked us to pray for her son. Startled at first, I asked what her son’s name was and we all must have made a mental note of it. It seems that her 36-year old son who is an engineer, with so much going for him, had a major relapse in his bid to overcome his alcoholic addiction — yet again.

His poison of choice – vodka. She was in town to check him in to a rehab facility and taking a chance on a new drug that would have adverse, irreversible ramifications if there is recidivism or if he ever went back to the bottle. In short, it was a last ditch attempt to end his addiction.

Over breakfast we had a glimpse of the turmoil the woman was going through in seeing a loved one going through the repeated cycles of addiction and rehabilitation, only to go through it over and over again– a seemingly hopeless struggle that many battle with these days.

It is like Sisyphus of Greek mythology who was punished by the gods for chronic deceitfulness and wickedness.

He was cursed for eternity to roll a rock uphill only to have fate roll it back downhill just when success at lodging it safely on top of a steep hill seemed like a sure thing.

She let slip that another son

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The power of prayer A daughter reunites with her father “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin had died in the last year, the reason for which, she didn’t mention. And she would have to come again and visit in December because her alcoholic son has an ex-girlfriend who is pregnant and is due by then.

You can’t make this stuff up. Life is just so tough that her face was etched in pain.

Yet there was also a brief glimpse of hope for the baby about to be born. Grief, just like joy, has way of welling up within and spilling over.

We listened to her over breakfast aware that she just wanted to ease up some of the heavy burden that was troubling her.

A lot of us are like this woman. We each have problems that seem too much to bear until we reach out and ask others to pray for us, even strangers we will never ever see again. We ask others to knock and bang on the doors of heaven with a battering ram, if need be, to beg for help on our behalf.

In many ways, each one of us can be a prayer warrior.

Often, we come to church just to be with others who are a bit like us, searching for one another’s company in seeking God’s help in many ways, big and small. We know deep down, by ourselves, we can do nothing.

Just as gravity holds the physical universe together, prayer draws the spirit universe together among kindred souls. The power of prayer is boundless among those whose faith is built on solid rock.

If you can, please pray for this anonymous woman Mrs. B and her son G. Mother and son both need prayers so badly; for the son to break the bonds of addiction once and for all and for the mother or the strength and the fortitude to endure her trials and finally, for both mother and son to find the peace, serenity and just maybe, hope and joy even during a deeply personal season of darkness.

And while we’re at it, we might as well decide to make time for prayer ourselves. We need to grit our teeth and cut

off the extremely intrusive electronic leash that is so much a part of our lives these days. We know we are in deep trouble when we have to post the latest “selfies” on FB even while we are in the restroom.

Isn’t it time we weaned ourselves from having to spend too much time tethered to our gadgets? Our obsession with our tech toys may very well be another form of addiction.

Dwell in the silence for that is where God is. How can God speak to us if our ears are stuffed up, our hearts are not right and our minds are cluttered with non-essentials all the time? Modern life is much too full of inane, sometimes insane, distractions assailing all our senses during our waking hours to make time for God. Dwell in prayerful silence for that is where God is.

Perhaps we can even pray for complete strangers and those in our immediate orbit who we know are in dire straits but are either too timid or too proud to ask for help.

There are people who feel diminished if they ask for help. They label themselves as proudly independent. The truth is that they are poor, unfortunate fools severely afflicted with hubris. Hubris, that extreme form of pride, the same brand that brought down the fallen angels, always prevents humans from seeking help.

When we pray, we need to learn how to delete specifics.

God knows specifics — our blood type, our DNA, even the number of hair on our heads.

God knows what we are asking for. The how, what, why, when and where of answers to prayers will have to be his call and his alone.

God’s love for us is beyond all telling. It will be between God and each one of us alone in the silence of our hearts.

It will be that space and time where there is no FB, no Instagram, no Snapchat, no Twitter — none of the things that tend to make pompous asses of ourselves demandPAGE 15

after 15 years of living apart on a brand-new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

MIKE is originally from Myanmar (formerly Burma) and was working with the United Nations in New York.

He eventually went back to his country of origin to renew his visa.

However, the U.S. Embassy charged him with fraud, claiming he represented his old passport was “lost” when he actually allowed his brother to use it, and the consulate stated it would not recommend a fraud waiver.

Mike and his family were

devastated. He could not be with his wife and daughter, and throughout the years, he missed seeing his daughter grow up. They tried to see each other every two years in Myanmar or Singapore or some other country, but every trip lasted only for two weeks, and when they parted ways at the airport it was unbearable for all of them.

After all efforts through two previous attorneys: one who filed for his Asylum, and another who filed for his

waiver, and after much research, Mike found leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Mike saw that Atty. Gurfinkel had successfully handled similar cases, and so retained him.

Catch another success story of how Atty. Gurfinkel cleared Mike’s name, and a family was able to finally reunite after 15 years on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

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USCIS announces ‘flexibility’...

PAGE 11 In those cases, USCIS has the discretion to excuse delays or late filings based on “extraordinary circumstances” which are beyond the control of the alien, “such as those that may be caused by COVID-19.”

However, the length of delay in filing must be reasonable under the circumstances.

For example, if a person, five years from now, files an extension on a visitor visa, that may be unreasonable.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many rules, regulations, procedures, and filings with USCIS and immigration courts are constantly changing. I realize these changes

can be confusing and complex. My office continues to remain open (remotely) and continues to accept phone consultations and processing our existing clients’ cases. We will continue to keep you updated as developments arise. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Suc-

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

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US:

1-866-487-3465

(866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

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Fighting COVID-19 with C-O-V-I-D Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE curve is starting to flatten. A major factor that has reduced the viral spread, the infections, and hospitalizations is people’s final compliance with the behavioral modification recommended by the medical authorities, which is encapsulated in this acronym: Cover face to scratch, sneeze or cough Omit non-essential travels Voluntary quarantine Intensive hand washing Distancing is now social In dealing with infectious diseases, discipline is essential, or even existential. As COVID-19 has taught us, it

could be a matter of life and death. This is a DIY common sense strategy basically saying “get out of the war zone to avoid bullets and bombs.”

No brainer! Wisdom and discipline are still the most effective weapons in avoiding any infectious diseases, preventing spread, and reducing risk of death.

Studies have shown that a mask alone does not provide effective protection against any virus for the wearer.

Social distancing (at least 6 feet away), on top of using a mask properly (one that covers the nose and mouth as snugly as possible) affords much better protection both for the person and those around. Doubling the mask, or with coffee filter under the mask, is even better; even home-made ones, using tightly knit cloth material (the less sunlight going thru it, the better),

in double or triple layers.

Plastic face cover or large clear plastic goggles, even over prescription glasses, are very useful protective gear, combined with a cap, mask, and gloves. Mask and gloves may be washed with hydrogen peroxide or UVC sterilization lamp.

Civil rights during a war?

Remember those students on spring break in the Florida beaches who challenged the “stay home” advice, claiming they had civil rights to do what they wanted to do with their body and to enjoy as they wish? Some of them had tested positive for COVID-19. Also, if some people want to risk their life, they have the right to (even to kill themselves), but they have no right to cause harm or death to others, especially the most vulnerable PAGE 15

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 17-23, 2020

How a transformation mindset positions companies to succeed after the crisis MANY businesses are reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, and while some may return to business as usual once the crisis is over, others may need to alter the way they think and operate in order to survive.

Many global leaders think the pandemic will transform the world in significant ways, and companies with leaders who already have a transformation mindset will be better equipped to adapt and succeed at a high level, says Edwin Bosso, founder and CEO of Myrtle Consulting Group (www.myrtlegroup. com) and ForbesBooks author of 6,000 Dreams: The Leader’s Guide To A Successful Business Transformation Journey.

Bosso notes there are two types of companies who entered the crisis.

“The first type are those

FOR RENT

who went through a level of transformation prior to the crisis and had the plans and structure in place to keep moving. For them, it will be a lot easier to see where the gaps exist and also where the opportunities are for growth,” Bosso says. “They’ll have better tools to react and analyze what happened and make decisions on what to change.

“The second type of companies are those who, before the pandemic, were contemplating changes that were necessary, but they didn’t follow through.

Those companies will come out of this wounded and feeling the environment is more chaotic. Transformation management in this environment is vital. It’s about creating momentum to see results and growth, and the process must be geared at successfully

moving hearts and minds toward the end that we seek.”

Bosso suggests three phases – prepare, initiate and implement – for managing transformation in these challenging times: Prepare • Understand your soul as a company. “Understanding an organization’s soul becomes important because it is the only true representation of the impact that the organization has on the world,” Bosso says. “Knowing the company’s true north puts it in a position to build a higher purpose into the transformation program, and ensures the transformation is rooted in the essence that will make the company successful going forward.

It really comes down to answering one question: ‘When people think about our company, whether

SERVICES

we are still in business or whether we are gone, what will we want them to say?’

The answer to that legacy question should be a set of descriptors of your identity and capabilities.”

• Conduct a post-crisis assessment. “Companies should take this opportunity to examine what they were dealing with before the crisis, how they handled the crisis, and to create plans for how to emerge stronger than before,” Bosso says.

“This event gives leaders carte blanche, in many respects, to implement bigger plans and changes than before. At the end of this, there will be opportunity for those who seize it.”

Initiate • Program the team structure. Bosso organizes a transformation team into these departments: program managers, the leaders of the workstreams, the team members for the workstreams, and administrative support. “This team will be in charge of the implementation phase and be accountable to the company leadership team,” Bosso says. “Communica-

tion must constitute a key part of every transformation program and must be organized to reach various audiences at different stages of the program.”

Implement • Manage results: “The implement phase is the riskiest,” Bosso says, “because it includes the organization’s transition through the emotional cycle of change. Programs must deliver the intended results, and along the way failure will happen. Measuring short-term as well as long-term results allows the opportunity to deliver on a specific goal and to celebrate specific successes. However small they are, they add stamina and motivation to the effort.”

• Manage people: “A significant challenge that organizations often face when it comes to implementation is people’s resistance to change,” Bosso says.

“Implementation is much about building people and building performance. It involves teaching, convincing, coaching, rewarding, sometimes disciplining, but always expressing to

SERVICES

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people that they are at the center of the organization’s destiny.”

“All companies that come through this pandemic have a huge opportunity to learn from what they’ve done and from what they haven’t done,” Bosso says.

“For many, it will be a time for transformation.”

Edwin Bosso (www. myrtlegroup.com), ForbesBooks author of 6,000 Dreams: The Leader’s Guide To A Successful Business Transformation Journey,is the founder/ CEO of Myrtle Consulting Group. Bosso specializes in operations improvement and change management, and his project history includes work for major brands such as Heineken, Texas Petrochemicals, TMobile, Anheuser-Busch, Rohm and Haas, Campbells Soup, Kellogg’s and Morton Salt. A wide range of assignments has taken him to Asia, Europe, and North America. He completed his undergraduate education at The Hague Polytechnic in the Netherlands and earned an MBA from Rice University in Houston.

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people events arts culture entertainment

IN MEMORIAM

Leila Benitez-McCollum, radio and television royalty

L

by

MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

EILA Benitez-McCollum, Philippine television and radio legend, passed away on April 8 due to complications from the coronavirus disease. Her niece, Vivian Talambiras Cruz, an active leader in the Fil Am community, told the Asian Journal that she spoke with Benitez the night before she died.

“She was a bit lethargic and spoke about going to the airport to go home to Pagsanjan,” Cruz shared. “She has many beautiful memories of Pagsanjan as I do, especially the times we spent at their house by the river which still stands today, a bit dilapidated but nevertheless our memories of that house live in our hearts.”

The 89-year-old icon rose to fame in the Philippines back in the 1950s as one of the hosts of the variety show Student Canteen, which began as a radio show and eventually transformed into a television program to discover new singers.

In a career spanning almost two decades, she was called as the “First Lady of Philippine Television” and became a household name as her star continued to shine until the early 1970s.

Benitez was brought to Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan eight days prior to her passing because she was unable to eat for a few days and her doctor suggested bringing her so they could check the best options for her, like feeding tube, if it was necessary.

She was tested positive of the virus shortly after being moved to the hospital from a rehabilitation clinic.

Before they ended what would be their last phone conversation, Cruz asked her if she had a special craving for food and she told me her she was tired because she

Leila Benitez McCollum with her sons Gerry, Gil & Martin.

hasn’t eaten and they could talk again “tomorrow” and ended with their usual exchange of “I love you.”

“Sadly, that tomorrow never came,” Cruz lamented.

“Gerry (Benitez’s son) called me in the morning saying that the doctor called to say she was unresponsive and in the afternoon, he called to say she passed on. It was a blessing that she was unconscious so that she didn’t feel the pain and not be aware that she was alone at the end.”

Cruz considered her Tita Lei as her second mother.

Her grandfather Cirilo and Benitez’s mother Enday were siblings.

Benitez left behind her three sons Gerry and Gil from first husband Gerardo Roses, and Martin from second husband Mervyn Simpson, and four grandchildren. She and her third husband Donald McCollum were married for 38 years, until his death in 2015.

Contributed photo

Aside from Student Canteen, which in its heyday became the biggest daytime program of its era, Benitez also hosted a couple of television shows, including “Darigold Jamboree” and “The Leila Benitez Celebrity Hour”.

As a child growing up in Batangas, Cruz vividly remembers watching her Tita Lei in Student Canteen.

“Often times my classmates would excitedly tell me ‘Oh your Tita Leila mentioned your family in her program,’” she shared. “We spent many unforgettable moments at their Pagsanjan house by the river and their mansion in Cubao.”

Benitez, who graduated from Columbia University was in the United States when Martial Law was declared in 1972. She decided to stay and later landed a job as a news anchor of the Voice of America, a program under the U.S. Information Agency

broadcast across the Asia Pacific Region.

Among the most precious memories Cruz treasures fondly happened in her Tita Lei and Uncle Don’s place in Manhattan, among them special holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthdays.

“As an adult living in New York, Tita Lei took it upon herself to take care of some of my needs. When I gave birth, it was Tita Lei and Uncle Don who picked me up from the hospital with my newborn son, Francis,” Cruz shared.

“I had German measles on my first trimester and the doctor recommended abortion which I refused. I hid it from my parents but somehow when I was about to give birth they found out and my mom’s blood pressure was so high and when Tita Leila found out, she picked me up from hospital.”

It didn’t end there because when Francis was baptized, Benitez also became his ninang or godmother.

“She insisted on hosting the reception at their beautiful Beresford place by Central Park. She cooked dinuguan among other dishes.

She was a great cook!,” Cruz exclaimed.

There are no services scheduled at this time but the family is planning a memorial service and a celebration of her life with family and friends will be held at a later date.

Leila Benitez McCollum with her niece, Vivian Talambiras Cruz.

Leila with niece Vivian at a Fiesta in America Empowerment Awards a few years ago.

Leila with her sons Gerry, Gil & Martin

Leila with Vivianʼs son, Francis

Photos courtesy of Vivian Talambiras Cruz

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 17-23, 2020

Gerald helps PH Coast Guard in building quarantine facility

By Niña GuNo Inquirer.net

GERALD Anderson is lending a hand to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to put up an emergency quarantine facility in a hospital that handles COVID-19 patients.

The actor posted on Instagram on Monday, April 13, pictures of the facility being built at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan city, a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) referral hospital.

The facility is meant to temporarily house COVID-19 patients and persons under

investigation as hospitals face overcrowding during the pandemic.

In an update, Anderson showed on Instagram Stories the foundation of the facility coming into place.

He shared last Saturday, April 11, that the PCG brought the materials to the hospital prior to construction. Anderson thanked fellow actors Arci Muñoz, Sue Ramirez, Rayver Cruz and Jake Cuenca and director Ruel Bayani for helping in the project.

The actor became an auxiliary officer of the PCG in 2016 and is also an army reservist.

Gerald Anderson with some members of the Philippine Coast Guard Photo from Instagram/@andersongeraldjr

Sylvia, husband recover By iza iGlesias ManilaTimes.net

VETERAN actress Sylvia Sanchez and her husband, businessman Arturo Atayde, have recovered from their pneumonia and are getting better, according to their daughter, actress Ria Atayde.

According to ABS-CBNowned website StarStudio. ph, the younger Atayde said her parents were cleared of pneumonia on April 8.

“It has truly been overwhelming and reassuring knowing that there are so many people praying with and for us and our parents’ speedy recovery. As of today [April 8], we have been told that our parents’ lungs are

Syliva Sanchez

Photo from Instagram/@slviasanchez_a

finally cleared from pneumonia.” Atayde said.

She added that the family was waiting for the second confirmatory coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test, which they hoped would show the couple fully recovered from the virus.

The eldest daughter of the Atayde brood said she and her siblings, fellow actor Arjo, Gela and Xavi, were

now out of home quarantine.

“None us developed symptoms,” she noted.

Sanchez, who stars in the ABS-CBN soap ‘Pamilya Ko,’ announced on March 31 that she and her husband tested positive for COVID-19.

Aside from them, actors Christopher de Leon and Iza Calzado, and broadcast journalist Howie Severino also contracted the virus.

The power of prayer...

PAGE 12 ing attention and approval from others.

The answer to prayers is God’s call alone. We ask for help but end our prayers in humble supplication saying as Jesus said in agony as he prayed to the Father, “ … yet not my will, but yours be done.” We are simply conduits, pipelines of the flow of good that comes from God. But there is a residual effect when we suit up and become prayer warriors.

The prayers we pray build layer upon layer an intangible aura of light and goodness that soak us, permeate and envelop us. And just like in the physical universe, what goes around always comes around. The laws of

cause and effect also govern the spiritual universe.

It is uncanny but most of us who try our best to nurture a spiritual life even as we take care of our bodies, have that instinctive gift for detecting which among us emanate this invisible shield of energy and light. They are usually the ones with the quiet or sometimes effusive, contagious joy about them.

Strangely, we tend to gravitate towards such people.

After all, as humans, we are all in this together, from one generation to the next. As the Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once so astutely said of humanity: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a hu-

man experience.”

I have the strangest feeling that with faith and unceasing prayer, both mother and son and his new family will be just fine in the end. There is no doubt it will be a long tough slog but they won’t be alone. The woman has faith.

She reaches out and asks for prayers and the ripple of powerful heartfelt prayers builds up like a tsunami wave that will burst open heaven’s door for the graces they need.

Will we ever know for certain of the outcome? Perhaps not, but that is what faith does. We do not need to know. We simply trust in God’s ways. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc. com.

Fighting COVID-19...

PAGE 12 ones.

Last Saturday, a struggling man was hauled off, literally carried out of a bus by several police officers in Philadelphia for refusing to wear a mask which was mandated in that city. These are the people with twisted thinking who are responsible for the massive spread of the COVID-19 infection – now at more than 2 million and 125,000 deaths around the world, and counting.

Had everyone followed the do-it-yourself C-O-V-ID strategy and stayed home (for those who could) since the first week of March, the mitigation of the spread would have been curtailed to about half of what it is today. Indeed, common sense dictates that to save lives during a deadly pandemic like COVID-19, all of us have to do our share in society and sacrifice some of our liberties that get in the way of fighting and defeating a vicious killer/enemy. During a war, a lot of sacrifices must be made to achieve triumph.

Treatment controversy While it is ideal to have a randomized, double-blind clinical studies on drugs and an approval from the FDA, some treatments’ urgent use are recommended in the absence of any proven effective drug against COVID-19 and vaccines (which are a year-and-a-half or two away). This is a global emergency and time is of the essence. Patients die by the hundreds each day.

Since hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and zinc are all FDA-approved drugs for decades now, and the foreign trials revealed they could save lives, it makes sense to try this regimen on an emergency situation, which has infected more than 2 million around the globe.

Hydroxychloroquine was, in fact, used during the MERS and SARS pandemic, and the mother compound, quinine, was used in the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic that killed about 500,000 million, about one-third of the world population then.

Some antiviral drugs like remdesivir and favipiravir are also being tried in various nations today. In the absence of a definitive cure, it is logical to try reasonable drugs in our armamentarium to save lives. More than 70 vaccines are being stud-

ied right now.

Azithro… doxy… metformin wonders Together with the popular versatile 84-year-old antimalaria, anti-lupus drug hydroxychloroquine and zinc, azithromycin, an antibiotic approved in 1991, is used to treat the bacterial complication of pneumonia, which is the final killer of COVID-19 patients. The lungs become inflamed, then scar and stiffen, and stop allowing oxygen transfer, causing the shortness of breath that starts as mild, then progressing to very severe, necessitating the aid of a ventilator. When the damage affects most of the lungs, even the ventilator is unable to provide oxygen and the patient expires.

The less known good side-effect of azithromycin and another antibiotic, doxycycline, is their ability to inhibit protein synthesis, which then disables viral replication. This inability to replicate itself will deactivate and destroy the virus.

Washing hands with warm water and foamy soap destroys the protective fat around the virus, leading to its deactivation and destruction. This virus, SARS-CoV2, which causes COVID-19, is actually very easy to destroy, as virulent and deadly as it is. But our attack against it should be early, pro-active, and pre-emptive.

A side note: Azithromycin, doxycycline, even metformin (for diabetes), have properties that inhibit mitochondrial activities, thus acting as anti-cancer and also prevents cancer metastases (spread). With those same properties, these three drugs could also destroy senescent (senile) cells and act as anti-aging agents.

Anti-SARS-CoV2 agents We have received several questions as to which disinfectants are effective against the virus causing this pandemic. The SARSCoV2 virus, as we stated earlier, is easily destroyed by foamy soap and warm water. For countertops, desks, cellphones, tablets, etc., isopropyl alcohol of at least 70 percent (91% is better, even as on-the-go hand-sanitizer), 3% hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine preparation (spray, wipes) are all effective. If needed, a mixture of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach added to 1 quart water or 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach in one gallon water is useful

15

against SARS-CoV2 virus.

After applying any of these solutions for cleaning, make sure you wash your hands with water thoroughly.

None of these are for body application. There are many other formulated brands of disinfectants on the market.

Contrary to fake news, alcoholic beverages and most hand sanitizers are ineffective for viruses since the common ones have lower than 75% alcohol contents.

Kitchen vinegar, usually 5 %, is useful for regular cleaning at home as antibacterial, antiviral and anticalcium, but there is no evidence it is effective against SARS-CoV2 virus. WARNING: Beware of fraudulent claims and scammers peddling false cures.

Convalescent plasma The use of inactivated convalescent plasma (ICP) obtained from the blood donated by patients who have recovered from COVID-19 was found to be effective in patients in China, as reported by a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Two hundred milliliters of the ICP was infused to patients with severe COVID-19 and “all symptoms in all patients disappeared or largely improved within 1 to 3 days.

Viral load was undetectable within 7 days in seven patients who’d had viremia.

There were no serious adverse reactions.” A modern version of this regimen used in the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic is being utilized today with great success.

The statistical curve is starting to flatten, but we cannot let our guard down yet. We do not know who among the millions of untested individuals are positive and infectious. After another 4 weeks, they would either be well or be symptomatic. Then we will know and continue our vigilance, together with the authorities, till COVID-19 completely disappears, albeit reinfection/resurgence is possible.

Let’s pray and have more patience and endurance.

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

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april 17-23, 2020 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSiaN JOUrNal

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