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APRIL 17-23, 2020

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DATELINE Fil-Am father, 38, who died of COVID-19 laid to rest FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

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 Jorel Alfonso (left) with his wife Ashling and on April 7, actheir three children ages 12, 10 and 5. cording to his Photo courtesy of Alfonso family 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 prevented from organizing proper ceremonies for their deu PAGE 3

US senators slam China for South China Sea actions during pandemic SEVERAL United States senators recently slammed China’s actions in the South China Sea as the world focuses on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The most recent actions by the Asian country include the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat by a Chinese coast guard vessel near Paracel Islands earlier this month u PAGE 4

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Newsom details plan to lift statewide COVID-19 restrictions California to work in conjunction with other states to reopen the West Coast

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

CALIFORNIA Gov. Gavin Newsom this week unveiled a framework for reopening the state’s economy and society.

Though he provided no exact timeline (the statewide stay at home extends through May 3), Newsom said that he would base his decision to reopen on local governments and did not comment on President Donald Trump’s claim that the president has full authority to reopen the country. “There is no light switch here, it’s more like a dimmer,� the governor said on Tuesday, April 14.

“I know you want the timeline, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves and dream of regretting. Let’s not make the mistake of pulling the plug too early, as much as we want to.�

The state’s roadmap to reopening involves six steps: provide adequate testing and maintain physical distancing orders; prevent infection to high-risk individuals; adequately support and stock hospitals and health care systems; provide therapeutics to meet demand; ensure businesses, schools, and child care institutions are able to function with physical distancing measures; and ensure there is enough data to support the decision to reopen the state.

In his remarks, Newsom acknowledged the anxiety Californians feel about the continued shelter in place measures that have upended their lives. But he pointed out the potential damage of reopening the state prematurely despite the efforts that have already flattened the COVID-19 curve. “I don’t want to make a political decision that puts people’s lives at risk and puts the economy at even more risk by extending the period of time before we can ultimately transition and get people moving again,� Newsom said.

Even after the state eventually re-opens, Californians will have to adjust to a new normal. u PAGE 4

DFA repatriates 354 seafarers from US

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

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 u PAGE 4

CHECKPOINT. A police personnel checks on a woman’s quarantine pass at the Cloverleaf Market in Balintawak, Quezon City on Wednesday, April 15. Authorities are implementing stricter rules to minimize further spread of COVID-19.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. AlďŹ ler

ASEAN urged to collaborate amid COVID-19 crisis Legal experts deconstruct federal stimulus

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, April 14, called for the cooperation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has killed thousands of people and forced the lockdowns of major cities globally. “To effectively overcome the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN must collaborate and coordinate within our region and beyond,� he said in his speech during the special virtual summit on the COVID-19 outbreak.

This year’s ASEAN summit was chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

According to Duterte, the CO-

VID-19 is an “unprecedented, devastating, and unfolding catastrophe� that is “upending the totality of our way of life.� “This virus threatens to exact the highest tolls – on our peoples and our economies. We are forced to impose drastic measures to address this pandemic,� he said. “These immediate responses, while necessary, could drive our societies and the larger international community further apart.

And yet, an effective, strategic response requires that we come together and cooperate even more,� he added.

Duterte noted that health care systems are under stress as the number of COVID-19 cases rise, which is causing a shortage of vital medicine and medical equipment and supplies. “We need to boost production

Fil-Am supporters lament end of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign

Salazar was one of the thousands of Filipino Americans across the country who rallied behind ADRIEN Salazar knocked on Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, hundreds of doors ahead of the actively shared his platform on soNew Hampshire primary and or- cial media and volunteered for the ganized #FilipinosforBernie gath- campaign.

The senator’s progressive proerings in Oakland and Los Angeles leading up to Super Tuesday posals of Medicare For All, free u PAGE 3 this past March.

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

and facilitate intra-ASEAN trade of these life-saving necessities,� he said.

He also urged the ASEAN to take the necessary steps to ensure food security as governments impose lockdowns to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. “Our most urgent priority is ensuring sufficient supply of rice for our people. ASEAN must remain open for trade, crisis or no crisis, as no country can stand alone. Let us, therefore, ensure the supply chain connectivity and the smooth flow of goods within our region,� he said. “Food security is key in maintaining socio-economic and political stability, especially at a time of great difficulty for our people.

We can ignore this only at our own risk,� Duterte added. u PAGE 4

Through the CARES Act, ‘most American adults’ are promised financial aid, but this currently leaves out many undocumented individuals

ise of helping millions of workers who’ve lost their jobs as well as small businesses that are at risk of FOR most Americans, financial shuttering.

In a press briefing hosted by stability was the primary concern following the massive shelter-in- Ethnic Media Services on Wednesplace orders and the shutdown of day, April 8, immigration experts, multiple industries amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Following massive layoffs and workers receiving little to no paid leave, the threat of a ballooning unemployment rate and the financial overturn of families and individuals across the country continues to hang in the balance.

As a response to that, President Donald Trump on March 27 signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secu!.$2%7 " 3(). rity (CARES) Act with the promby KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

as well as medical professionals, weighed in on the scope of the pandemic and the government’s response for capital relief.

Sunita Lough, a deputy commissioner for the Internal Revu PAGE 3

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 17-23, 2020

Fil-Am supporters lament end of Bernie...

PAGE 1 public college, student debt cancellation, and raising the minimum wage seemed to resonate with them, as noted by Fil-Am supporters — including elected officials — the Asian Journal has interviewed through the primary cycle. The slogan “Not Me, Us,” as well as campaign signs and materials in Tagalog, made them feel seen and heard.

“He made it from the very beginning that a vision for transforming America is what he was about.

I was really excited about that. He was a candidate that could potentially do it and get to the root of these problems so that’s why I volunteered for the campaign,” said Jorel Alfonso (far right) is survived by his wife Ashling, three children, sister Jennifer (3rd from left) and her family, parents Jessie and Lydia, Salazar, a climate justice advocate and younger brother Justin and sister-in-law Cherrie. based in New York.

Jollene Levid, a union organizer for United Teacher Los Angeles, was a Sanders supporter in 2016 think the worst is your brother nifer.

PAGE 1 The family wishes to focus on and jumped on board from the getting it? No, the worst is a whole parted loved ones. the lighthearted stories and mem- get-go when he announced his Only one individual could at- family getting it.”

For the next two weeks, the ories of Alfonso, but they also want 2020 bid. She spent several days tend Alfonso’s burial so the family selected his younger brother, older Alfonso stayed in the hospi- his case to be a wake-up call that in Las Vegas precinct walking and tal and couldn’t be visited by his COVID-19 does not discriminate volunteering during the Nevada Justin.

“This is the hardest time in my family. He showed some progress based on age or ethnicity and that caucuses last February.

Like Salazar and Levid, #Fililife, despite experiencing some as hospital staff said he was on the the 1.5% mortality rate should pinosforBernie believed in the not be taken lightly. of the darkest days in the past,” road to recovery.

“All it takes is that 1.5% “political revolution” and did their However, Alfonso, who was borJustin Alfonso told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. “Nobody derline pre-diabetic, had a drop in chance and it could be you or part in hopes of propelling Sandshould ever have to see their sib- blood pressure and his organs be- your family who are affected,” ers to the White House this time gan to fail. About four hours later Justin said. “So if I could go back around come November. ling get buried.”

But that was until WednesDespite their five-year age dif- on April 7, the family was notified and say, ‘Are we taking the smallest chance?’ The answer’s no. day, April 8 when the senator ference, Justin said they bonded of his death, Justin said.

“We didn’t really get to say It’s not worth risking your life by announced that he would be over cars, fantasy basketball, and collecting sneakers. He regarded goodbye because my brother was going to a friend’s house or the suspending his presidential camhis older brother as his confidant confident that he would see us grocery store. The conversation paign, just shy of four months and the “closest person” in his life again,” the younger Alfonso said, going on in every community and before the Democratic National aside from his wife. Before stay- adding that when he picked up his household is that if we get it, we’d Convention in August.

“My reaction to Bernie suspendat-home orders hit Southern Cali- brother’s car from the hospital a be okay. That’s not true because fornia, Alfonso was the best man few days ago, “He still had food in my brother died. Don’t wait until ing his campaign was sadness. there. He didn’t think he was go- you’re that 1.5%.” (Christina M. Bernie was the last presidential at Justin’s wedding in February. candidate of any party that was “I always looked up to my ing to have to be there for a long oriel/AJPress) n brother and would emulate his time.”

Alfonso, who grew up in Long personality growing up,” Justin said. “But as I got older, I started Beach, settled in Eastvale in his seeing that he wanted to hang out, adult years and established his be my friend and even learn from young family there. He was a lome and we started becoming each gistics and operations manager for a pharmaceutical company in other.”

Alfonso’s immediate family Orange County for almost two deand select friends held an in-per- cades.

He was an active member of son private viewing on Tuesday, April 14 and then live streamed a his local community, from a food ceremony with prayers and eulo- group that would try new local gies. Later in the evening, dozens restaurants to the neighborhood joined a virtual memorial service crime watch. Over the years, he would volunteer to take photos for on Zoom.

The Fil-Am father first reported families during Christmastime.

Thousands of condolences and that he had a fever on March 18 and self-isolated at home. It then memories have been shared on became a cough and mild short- social media by friends and those ness of breath, but he still told who had a chance to cross paths family members that he felt fine with Alfonso. Many recalled his and maintained a positive mindset warmth and ability to connect with others. that he could beat the virus.

“What has helped me and my Six days later following his doctor’s order, Alfonso drove himself parents the most has been people to Kaiser Riverside and thought sharing their stories,” Justin said. he would still be able to go home “It can be hard listening somethat same day. He ended up being times because I think about him, kept overnight for further exami- but the positive stories have made nation and the next morning, he me laugh and smile. I love hearing texted his family the result of the how he was helpful and impactful test by saying, “positive” for CO- in other people’s lives.”

A GoFundMe page for his chilVID-19. He was shortly sedated dren’s education and other necesand intubated.

That led Justin to begin thinking sities has raised over $83,000 to of a contingency plan to take in his date. A Meal Train has also been nephews and niece if his sister-in- set up to deliver meals to their law also got sick. They all tested home through April.

In addition to his wife, three negative.

“I was worried one of the kids children and younger brother, Alwould get it and then that would fonso is survived by his parents, be another issue,” he said. “You Jessie and Lydia, and sister Jen-

Fil-Am father, 38, who died of COVID-19...

Legal experts deconstruct...

PAGE 1 enue Services (IRS), said that, per the bill, the one-time $1,200 relief checks will be directly deposited into individuals’ bank accounts on Friday, April 17. (This is only if the IRS already has this information via tax returns.)

Lough affirmed that every individual with a social security number who cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return is eligible, and she warned against potential scammers saying, “Do not give your private information to anyone who says [they] can get your check for you.”

Instead, for those who may not have provided bank account information to the IRS previously will receive a paper check in the mail instead. Lough noted that delivery of the checks would take longer, so anyone who wants to submit direct deposit information to the IRS may visit its website on Friday, April 17 when an application will be live.

As for contracted workers — who make up a third of the workforce in several states — they are eligible for unemployment benefits under the CARES Act. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, an additional weekly benefit of $600 would be provided to those who are eligible for unemployment benefits, but there may be some delay, said Sebastian Sanchez, staff attorney of the employment rights project at the law firm Bet Tzedek.

Sanchez said that there will likely be delays in the distribution of unemployment benefits under the CARES Act as states begin to reformat their programs to adhere to the new federal guidelines.

In California, those who are unemployed or are eligible for unemployment may claim up to 38 weeks of unemployment through the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

Impact on undocumented im-

migrants The Trump administration’s campaign to tighten legal immigration channels for a number of undocumented immigrants such as those receiving benefits from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and people with legal temporary statuses.

“The bills that have passed Congress so far have not provided enough economic support or health coverage for immigrants, including those who have protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status and others,” Kerri Talbot, director of federal advocacy at the Immigration Hub, said in the telebriefing. “We’re really concerned that during the crisis, people are not going to be able to access the health care that they need because they aren’t covered

by Medicaid.”

DACA recipients’ futures, in particular, have remained in limbo following the Trump administration’s failed effort to terminate the Obama-era program via executive order in 2017. After years of injunctions by federal judges throughout the country, the decision is now in the hands of the Supreme Court, which is set to decide on the constitutionality of the termination later this year.

Many mixed-status households, like families wherein the parents are undocumented but have kids who are U.S. citizens, are not eligible for the $1,200 one-time relief check. Talbot noted in the press briefing that Immigration Hub is encouraging Washington lawmakers to include relief for undocumented people in the proposed fourth stimulus package.

“At the very least, Congress needs to make sure that people who were born here should have access to cash payments, and we believe undocumented individuals should as well. So many are doing essential services and working essential jobs,” she shared. n

Adrien Salazar (center) was joined by fellow supporters during a #FilipinosforBernie grassroots event in Los Angeles ahead of Super Tuesday last March.

Contributed photo

pushing for real relief (money) for people today, health care for all, immigrant justice, [and] canceling student debt,” Levid said. “We are in crisis and the one candidate that reflected and fought for our needs ended his bid. It matters what arenas of power our needs are being echoed in.”

Sanders — whose early momentum appeared to put him on track to secure the party’s nomination — acknowledged in his remarks that he trails behind former Vice President Joe Biden by some 300 delegates and that the “path toward victory is virtually impossible.”

For Michael Milan, a regional director for the California Democratic Party based in the Coachella Valley, the progressive lawmaker seemed “the most aligned to the priorities of Filipino Americans in 2020.”

“This movement was not about Senator Sanders. It was about all of us moving the progressive needle left. I do personally believe that [he] was entirely a viable candidate, especially in light of how

well he performed in very large states with considerable Filipino American populations like Nevada and California, and that his campaign could be taken seriously.

With the political climate today, he could have made a run for the presidency and won,” Milan said.

Despite triumphing in major states like Nevada, California, Utah and Colorado and grabbing a significant share of the delegate pool, the senator’s news came as the coronavirus pandemic has pushed back upcoming primaries contests and continues to upend the daily lives of Americans.

“I could not in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot not win and which would interfere with the important work required by all of us in this difficult hour,” Sanders added.

Stephanie Quilao, a 2016 California delegate for Sanders who runs the Twitter account @Bern_ Identity with over 36,000 followers, wrote a thread about why the senator garnered support from voters like her across the country. u PAGE 4

APRIL 17-23, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Newsom details plan to lift statewide COVID-19...

PAGE 1 He also warned Californians that they should prepare for a future where, after businesses reopen and society slowly returns to normal, they will continue to wear facemasks. Restaurant employees would also continue to wear face masks and gloves and serve half as many customers to maintain safe distances.

Schools would also have to develop new protocols regarding the sanitization of schools and playgrounds and guidelines for physical education, recess and other activities where students may come in contact with each other.

“We are not out of the woods yet [and] we are not spiking the ball,” Newsom said. “But we also extend a recognition in that light that this can’t be a permanent state, and I want you to know it’s not; it will not be a permanent state.”

Regarding the reconvening of concerts, festivals, shopping malls and other instances of large gatherings of hundreds of people or more, Newsom said that there’s no timeline, saying that it is currently “not in the cards based upon our current

guidelines and current expectations.”

On March 19, Newsom made California the first state to announce a statewide stay-at-home order, and that has allowed California to successfully minimize the pandemic’s effect on the Golden State.

Although about 22,348 people have been infected and 687 people have died (according to statistics from California Health and Human Services), the state’s early response helped prevent a more drastic situation like that of New York state which has the most cases of COVID-19 than any country outside the United States.

Right before he released his guidelines, Newsom joined fellow Democrats Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on Monday, April 13 to announce a regional partnership to collaborate on the reopening of the West Coast. In a similar move, seven states in the northeast, including New York and New Jersey, have created their own regional plan to reopen their states.

This pact was unveiled after Trump’s declaration that he has

California Governor Gavin Newsom File photo from www.gov.ca.gov

the de facto power to reopen the country’s economy, saying on Monday, April 13 that his “authority is total” to reopen states’ economies. But on Tuesday, April 14 he walked back his statements, saying that he would authorize “each individual governor of each individual state to implement a reopening and a very powerful reopening plan of their state.”n

FINANCIAL AID. Motorcycle riders and tricycle drivers troop to Quezon City Hall to claim their financial assistance from the city government. The P2,000 cash aid is part of its “Kalinga QC”, which is given to sectors most affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

ASEAN urged to collaborate amid...

PAGE 1 The president also called for the support of research and development initiatives in developing a vaccine, noting that lockdowns have staggering socio-economic implications for various nations.

“Without a vaccine or a cure, we can only delay the spread of the disease. But containment, in whatever form and degree, will have staggering socio-economic implications for all of us.

It is therefore imperative that we support vaccine and research and development initiatives,” he

said.

“We should fast-track cooperation with our dialogue partners in this area. For its part, the Philippines is ready to join solidarity with clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment,” Duterte added.

Furthermore, he urged the ASEAN to “be ready for future outbreaks,” warning that COVID19 would not be the last pandemic.

“COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic the world will face.

We have to be ready for future outbreaks. We therefore have

to improve and expand existing ASEAN’s mechanisms to cover public health emergencies,” he said.

Duterte then welcomed Thailand’s proposal to establish a COVID-19 ASEAN response fund and expressed gratitude toward Brunei and Singapore for providing assistance to the Philippines.

“We can only be truly safe if we defeat this virus everywhere.

Let us therefore strengthen our networks of solidarity and cooperation. Let us surmount this crisis together,” he said. n

PAGE 1 and the deployment of military aircraft.

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

able. 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 unlaw-

ful 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 IndoPacific 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. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) n

US senators slam China for South China...

DFA repatriates 354 seafarers...

PAGE 1 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 Philippine 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 Bernar-

dita Catalla, who succumbed to COVID-19.

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 con-

firmed 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

Fil-Am supporters lament end of Bernie...

PAGE 3 “Berners, I know a lot of you look to me for comfort with pep talks but [to be honest] today I don’t have it,” she wrote on Wednesday, April 15.” But what I do have is acknowledgment — a recognition that you’re feeling a spectrum of emotion right now from sadness and heartbreak to rage and even apathy.”

Quilao continued, “For many, Bernie was the first politician in our life where we not just got politically involved, we got emotionally involved. It was the first time we put our heart + soul into a campaign that was beyond the candidate and about a cause for the higher good of ALL.” Sanders’ exit now leaves Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee, whom the senator regarded as “a very decent man who I will work with to move our progressive ideas forward.”

With Sanders remaining on the ballot in forthcoming primary contests, including New York, many supporters plan to still vote for him to get more delegates ahead of the party convention.

This will give the ability to “exert significant influence over the par-

ty platform and other functions,” the senator said.

Christine Reinheimer, a Pinay supporter from Missouri, said that the senator’s exit felt like a loss but her “admiration for him continues.” She said she will vote blue in November nevertheless for the bigger goal of defeating President Donald Trump.

“I am still planning on voting against Trump, but it feels like choosing the lesser evil. The future still seems bleak either way and I hope we can find more stability someday where we actually want the best for each other without animosity,” Reinheimer said.

Salazar said he will join fellow supporters in calling on Biden to appeal to more progressive voters and bring in the issues that drew them to Sanders’ campaign in the first place.

It’s a start from Biden as he announced proposals on Thursday to lower Medicare eligibility to age 60 and forgives student debt for low-income and middle-class families.

“There is a lot of momentum from organizations and individuals who supported Bernie to call on Joe Biden to take on the strong

progressive policies that Bernie was advocating for,” Salazar said.

“I think Joe Biden is going to need the progressive base to win in November…because if he doesn’t do that, he’s not going to win.”

In addition to the progressive values, Milan said the vice president’s campaign should recognize the strength of the Fil-Am electorate and include what is most pressing for them.

“It is important that Biden is open to including the Filipino American voice in the greater conversation. He’s got to make sure that our perspective is considered in the platform if he wants to capture our votes and support,” Milan said.

But for some supporters like Levid, they recognize that they can’t rely solely on the country’s top seat for these changes.

“Bernie suspended his campaign mere days ago and so much organizing for the issues he stands for continues…The organizing has not and will not stop,” Levid said. “Our needs won’t be fulfilled in the presidential arena.

It was never ours to begin with.

We will continue to carve out our own.” n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Health workers with contracts as of March 8 allowed to go abroad

Future applications for health care jobs abroad on hold for now

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Health workers with existing overseas employment contracts as of March 8, 2020 will be allowed to leave the country, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases said on Tuesday, April 14.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a virtual briefing that medical and allied healthcare workers are exempted from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration resolution banning the deployment of 14 categories of healthcare professionals.

“All medical and allied healthcare professionals with perfected and signed overseas employment contracts as of March 8, 2020 shall be allowed for deployment abroad,” Nograles, spokesperson of the Task Force, said.

Those who will leave the country will sign a declaration that they know the risks they are facing by going abroad, as advised by the government.

POEA chief Bernard Olalia said the resolution banning deployment of health workers overseas is effective “until the national state of emergency is lifted and travel restrictions are lifted at the destination countries.”

The deployment ban covers the following professionals: • Doctors • Nurses • Microbiologists • Molecular biologists • Medical technologists • Clinical analysts • Respiratory therapists • Pharmacists • Laboratory technicians • Radiologic technicians • Nursing assistants • Operator of medical equipment • Supervisor of health services and personal care • Repairmen of medical hospital equipment Olalia said the POEA resolution is meant to sustain the supply and meet any future contingencies amid the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Monday night that health workers with existing contracts of work overseas can depart the country.

“Future applications frozen until notice provided all our 450,000+ nurses—exceeeding by 250,000 ideal [World Health Organization] ratio of people-to-nurses—must be given employment,” Locsin wrote in a tweet.

Locsin previously objected to

the deployment ban calling it an “abomination.”

“We will fight the ban in Cabinet. We will fight shit for brains.

We will never surrender our constitutional right to travel and our contractual right to work where there is need for our work,” he said last Saturday, April 11.

Hiring of more health workers Nograles meanwhile said the task force is directing the Department of Health to hire additional healthcare workers to beef up manpower in our local healthcare system.

The hiring is subjected to the evaluation of the Department of Budget and Management, Nograles said.

President Rodrigo Duterte reported to Congress,a requirement of the ‘Bayanihan’ Act that gave him sweeping powers to address the novel coronavirus pandemic, that the Health department will hire 857 healthcare workers, under contract of service.

They will be deployed to the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Philippine General Hospital and the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Medical—hospitals designated as COVID-19 referral facilities. n

by alexis

romero edith regalado Philstar.com

MANILA — He’s back.

Lawyer Harry Roque is returning as President Duterte’s spokesman, as Malacañang seeks a “new tack on messaging” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He will replace Salvador Panelo, who took over before Roque decided to run for senator.

Roque, however, withdrew his senatorial bid days before the start of the campaign because of a heart condition.

Panelo recently received flak for suggesting that eating bananas and gargling with salt water might work to fend off the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID 19. Health experts belied this.

“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has offered the position of presidential spokesperson to Atty.

Harry Roque who, in turn, has accepted the same,” Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo, who will remain as chief legal counsel, said the present crisis “calls for a new tack on messaging.” He did not elaborate.

“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 said.

“The Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel will be

mendiola AJPress

CABINET Secretary Karlo Nograles on Tuesday, April 14, said that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the release of a P50.8-billion wage subsidy for middle-income workers affected by the enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to him, Duterte approved during the Inter-Agency Task Force meeting on Monday night the Small Business Relief Program to help 3.4 million workers of 1.6 million small businesses which have ceased to operate due to Luzon quarantine.

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, hindihindi.’ 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

Philstar.com file photo

working together with the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, as well as with all the departments, in pursuing the national policy of the government, specially on COVID-19, and thereafter,” Panelo added.

Roque, a former lawmaker and law professor at the University of the Philippines, was named the President’s spokesman in October 2017, replacing Ernesto Abella, who was transferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He had previously handled high-profile cases, serving as lawyer of the family of transgender Jeffrey Laude, who was killed

by American serviceman Joseph Scott Pemberton in Olongapo in 2014.

He also represented the families of the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, the single deadliest attack against journalists, the family of slain environmental activist Gerry Ortega, and comfort women who were sexually abused by Japanese soldiers during World War II. During his stint as Duterte’s spokesman, Roque was criticized for making an about face on various issues, including his support for the Rome Statute, a treaty that created the International Criminal Court, and for rebel soldier group Magdalo, which has been critical of Duterte’s policies.

Days before he stepped down as presidential spokesman, Roque drew flak for denying that Duterte went to a hospital. The

president later announced that he went to Cardinal Santos Medical Center for endoscopy.

‘I’m back!’

Roque did not think twice when Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea called in the evening of Easter Sunday to offer him his old post.

“I am now back with the president,” Roque quipped.

After his stint at Malacañang, he tended to his Miniong Farm to while away his time in agriculture.

He then found himself delivering at least five lechon (roasted pigs) and three thousand eggs or 100 trays to stranded students at the University of the PhilippinesLos Baños in Laguna before noon yesterday, April 16.

He had to first deliver the lechon and the eggs to the students as promised, he said.

Roque partook of the lechon which he shared with the students for lunch yesterday, April 16 before he ran off to Malago Clubhouse in Palace grounds.

“I promised them 10 lechon, and I still owe the students five more lechon,” Roque said.

The lechon and eggs he gives to various groups actually come from his farm where he has a piggery, a poultry and also a strawberry farm.

Roque said he has been giving away lechon, Jolibee Chickenjoy and baked goodies whenever he can, especially with the onset of the enhanced community quarantine. n

Duterte approves release of P51 billion aid for middle class workers by ritchel

by ritchel

seafood city fpfc

Roque returns, replaces Panelo as Duterte spokesperson

Lawyer Harry Roque

Duterte appeals to health workers to stay in PH

Nagbigay na siya ng go dito (He already gave it go signal), Nograles said.

Under the program, eligible workers will receive a onetime financial assistance worth P5,000 to P8,000, depending on the minimum daily wage rates in their respective regions.

To be eligible, however, an individual must be employed as of March 1 this year and have not received their pay for that month.

Workers who are not qualified for the cash aid, meanwhile, include those who resigned or are on leave and employees who have availed of unemployment benefits.

Nograles said that the cash assistance will be given in two tranches, the first one scheduled between May 1 to May 15. The

second one will be on May 16 to 30.

This is our response to the appeal for help for middle-income workers... Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez estimates the program will cover 1.6 million small businesses that have ceased to operate due to the enhanced community quarantine or those who are on skeleton workforce in order to stay afloat. We estimate that 3.4 million workers will benefit from this program, he said in Filipino.

The cash aid may be received through the SSS Unified MultiPurpose ID (UMID) card enrolled as ATM cards, electronic wallets, or cash pick up arrangement through remittance transfer companies. n

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april 8-10, 2020 • SoCalASIAN aSiaN JOUrNal 17-23, 2020 • NORCAL JOURNAL 8A APRIL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

FEATURES

OPINION

Deployment ban

EVEN before the coronavirus disease 2019 pestilence arrived in the Philippines, the country already suffered from a shortage of approximately 290,000 health workers. This is according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which has banned the deployment abroad of health workers while the country is battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The POEA reported that last year, about 13,000 health professionals left the country for jobs overseas.

Critics have decried the POEA ban as unconstitutional. Proponents, on the other hand, said such moves are allowed under a state of public health emergency and the special powers granted by Congress to President Duterte to contain the unprecedented pandemic. Other proponents have taken a different tack, appealing to the patriotism of health workers in fighting the highly contagious and deadly disease. Hundreds of health workers have answered the call.

Hailed as heroes of the pandemic, the plight of health workers should prompt a review of government policies toward this sector. Before the arrival of COVID-19, nurses in both government and private health facilities had been pushing for better compensation. Some private hospitals even charge nurses for the privilege of working

and getting the required residency for overseas deployment. Poor compensation – in some cases even lower than the minimum wage – has driven nurses to work instead in business process outsourcing or to find jobs overseas.

As of April 7, COVID-19 had reportedly killed 21 doctors in the Philippines, accounting for a significantly high percentage of the total deaths nationwide, now at over 300. Nurses and other health professionals are also among the COVID19 fatalities. The pandemic is showing the nation the importance of this sector not only for public health but also for the economic health of the country.

The government is reviewing the POEA’s suspension of overseas deployment of health workers. Even with the deployment ban, going to the frontlines of a battle against a deadly, unseen en-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

emy is best done voluntarily. If only a few answer the call, the government – and the nation – should

review the possible reasons, and find ways to ad dress them. (Philstar.com)

Trump claims total authority and wants to open America on May 1 contrary to advice from health officialsseafood in Americacity and governors’ safety assessment TOTAL authority is what President Donald Trump now claims in relaxing the social distancing and other safety measures in place and in pushing to reopen the United States for business on May 1, despite the statement of health officials that this is premature, and that the United States isn’t there yet.

Why? Trump wants and needs the U.S. economy to boom because he needs it for his re-election bid, never mind what the facts say. It is all about the numbers. His numbers. Not the number of coronavirus cases, not the death toll, not the wide-scale testing still needed to isolate those who are infected, not the scientific clinical trials needed for drugs to be approved by the FDA. It is all about his ratings.

As of press time Tuesday, April 14, the total number of coronavirus cases in the United States has recorded more than 594,207 with a death toll of more than 25,402.

Governors likewise rebuked Trump and said they would not follow him if he mandates that their states relax social distancing measures and open for business by May 1 because they are duty-bound to protect their constituents’ lives and safety.

Georgetown University Law Professor Neal K. Katyal rebuked Trump’s claim, writing in the New York Times, “Our Constitution was designed to reject such arrogation of power. Separation of powers and federalism aren’t fusty concepts designed to please rebellious aristocrats; they are the living embodiment of our founders’ desire to divide and check power — not vest “total” “authority” in one person, no matter how wise that person may be.”

What is paradoxical about Trump’s claim is that

EVERY one of us is affected by this global pandemic. But it is a fact that we suffer differently and that some people are suffering more or are more exposed to risks.

These are the people who have very little in life even before the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019. They include those whose livelihoods have been disrupted, and those who lost their sources of income and have nothing left except to rely on relief goods and government dole-outs.

Also affected because of being more at risk are those who are immuno-compromised and those who work on the frontlines, from the medical personnel who risk their lives as they stare face to face with the disease to those working in the essential sectors that remained open if only to give us a semblance of normalcy — the staff of drugstores, groceries and supermarkets; the janitors, drivers and delivery personnel; and those who work at the checkpoints, including village and other local government workers.

But, certainly, the ones who bear the brunt of the disease the most are those who are confirmed to have been infected by it; those who are suspected and are in constant monitoring, waiting for their test results; and their relatives and loved ones. It is simply unfathom-

working to save lives and prevent our health system from being overburdened which could lead to more cases, more hospitalization, more deaths.

Trump also criticized scientific models for inflating the threat of the virus, going back to his previous contention of downplaying the threat of the virus, without tying it to the success of social distancing efforts in mitigating the spread of the virus.

In an interview on CNN on Tuesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “If he ordered me to reopen in a way that would endanger the public health of the people of my state, I wouldn’t do it”.

Cuomo “And we would have a constitutional challenge between the state and the federal government, and that would go into the courts.

And that would be the worst possible thing he could do at this moment, would be to act dictatorial and to act in a partisan, divisive way.”

Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a list of six benchmarks the state must meet before it can begin relaxing strict social distancing mandates: • The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed; • The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19; • The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;

• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand; • The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and • The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

After denigrating journalists who question his assertion of “total authority,” following the backlash of his claims on Monday from governors, constitutional experts, and the American people, Trump retreated and changed the tune on Tuesday’s news briefing.

He said governors can seek his help when they are ready to open their economy, a power he need not give to them because the governors already have this authority.

AND THEN, he attacked a new bogeyman, blaming the World Health Organization to shift the focus of the discussion and deflect from the reason the virus has spread in America. Let us leave this issue for another day.

FIGHT, Americans fight! Be relentless. Do not give in to helplessness under the bullying tactic of this president. Speak up and speak out! Our lives depend on our voice! ***

Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educationa 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 he a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

How to fight and win over this pandemic

Commentary

ANTONIO P. CONTRERAS

fpfc

he had not been on board in implementing a nationwide social The Fil-Am distancing and other safety measures, and said he would leave Perspective that to the governors in compliance with the Constitution.

This, after downplaying the threat of the pandemic, calling it a hoax, and not doing any concrete GEL SANTOS-RELOS measures to mitigate the spread in February and early March despite warnings from experts since January.

California became the first state to implement statewide “stay at home” and “shelter in place” safety measures, followed by New York and other states, and not surprising to note that those states who voted for Trump did not get on board.

It was only after this that Trump supported the social distancing measures but has been pushing the business as usual in the U.S. in time for Easter, calling for people to flock to churches for mass, despite the upward trajectory of cases and deaths in the nation.

As the social distancing and other safety measures helped toward “flattening the curve” and mitigating the spread of the virus, Trump then started patting his back for his handling of this pandemic.

And yet, he again started criticizing governors for their overly restrictive social distancing measures, for allegedly overstating their needs for ventilators and other medical equipment — a proactive measure to prepare for the worst in order to save as many lives as possible. Social distancing has been

able to even imagine the pain felt by those who are left behind by patients who succumbed to the disease and who were denied the last chance to hug and kiss them goodbye.

It is, therefore, because of them that we need to call out several kinds of people for their callousness and insensitivity.

There are those who fail to exercise empathy. These are the people who allow their fears and biases to get hold of 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 high-ranking 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. A police officer checks the body temperature of motorists passing through the Novaliches proper entry point on Friday, April 10 on Quirino For someone to feign or fake a Highway, Quezon City. The measure is part of the extended enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler suffering just to enjoy a benefit latter, or would be unfair to those sharing information, particularly formation or falsely give people or a privilege is simply unforgiv- who are really in need of special when they see it to be consistent hope based on something that is able. Indeed, there is reason to treatment and consideration. with their preferred narratives. not scientific or vetted. feel empathy for everyone, conThere is a war out there. If we And, finally, there are those Thus, even without verifying the sidering that we are all exposed who are in the habit of peddling veracity of the information, they cannot be at the frontlines, le and are potential targets. But fakery and lies on social media to share and make the material vi- us all just be enablers. And we for someone to demand special whip up undue hysteria. What we ral, not knowing that it can create cannot do this if we persecute treatment that is undeserved by need in order to defeat this virus panic and hysteria. Wrong or em- the frontliners and the sick. We using the pandemic as an excuse at the moment is to stick to facts bellished information can create cannot be enablers if we use our deserves condemnation. Included and to have faith in science. We either a false sense of security or position, our fears and the panin this, for example, are students do not and cannot abdicate our an unwarranted sense of fear. We demic as a basis to obtain undeand employees who are not as duty to call out the government all live in uncertain times. And served privileges. We cannot win challenged and who are relatively for its flaws and shortcomings. while it is important to check the this war if we base our choices on more comfortable yet would de- But when we do this, it is impor- government’s failures, nerves are lies and distortions. mand from their schools and em- tant to avoid sensationalism and already frayed enough. People We cannot allow the virus to ployers benefits and privileges, fear-mongering. are already stressed and afraid win over us. And it definitely will which could either stress the alUnfortunately, there are peo- and it doesn’t help if we either if we will all be acting selfishly and ready strained resources of the ple who are not as prudent in feed people with exaggerated in- irrationally. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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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 d-remain in the U.S. beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID-19, 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). e Where a non-immigrant was allowed to remain in the U.S. to da date certain (the date on their I-94), USCIS recommends the if

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

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

A daughter reunites with her father after 15 years of living apart, on a brand-new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

y d MIKE is originally from Myy anmar (formerly Burma) and -was working with the United sNations in New York. He evenetually went back to his country eof origin to renew his visa.

However, the U.S. Embassy otcharged him with fraud, claimofing he represented his old passsport was “lost”, when he actually allowed his brother to use it, and the consulate stated it alwould not recommend a fraud owaiver.

Mike and his family were d

y. er

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. 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, regula-

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 an-

other 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. (Advertising Supplement)

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 US comes true on an all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

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

The power of prayer “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin 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 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 PAGE 8

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April 17-23, 2020 • NOrCAl ASiAN JOUrNAl

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Friday, April 17, 2020

OMETHING

ILIPINO

‘Superstore’ actor Nico Santos on queer Filipino roles: ‘I don’t feel like I’m being pigeonholed at all’

by ChriStina

I

M. oriel / AJPress

N a season five episode of NBC sitcom “Superstore,” Cloud 9 employees Mateo (Nico Santos) and Marcus (Jon Barinholtz) get into a heated argument in Tagalog, surprising many Filipino viewers to hear the language on American television.

Mateo: “Tarantado ka talaga!”

Marcus: “Narinig ko ‘yon, gago!”

Mateo: “Kapal ng mukha mo, alam kong ikaw kumuha ng gamit ko, tumigil ka na!”

This episode marked the second time Mateo had a scene speaking in his native tongue.

Marcus’ character moved in with Mateo’s family and has started to pick up on the culture, which led Santos to suggest to producers that the two characters should have a scene fighting in Tagalog.

“I never know if they’re actually listening to suggestions, but when we went to the table read, there was that scene,” Santos told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. “The [writers] worked with me on how to execute it. A lot of people who saw that scene made comparisons to a teleserye (soap opera).”

Since 2015, the 41-year-old actor has portrayed Mateo Liwanag, a gay, undocumented Filipino sales associate at the fictional big-box store Cloud 9 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Santos was born in Manila and lived in Dasmariñas Village until the age of 16 when he and his brother went to live with their father in Gresham, Oregon, a small city outside of Portland.

Back in the Philippines, Santos said he was a “huge dork” who loved comic books and Dungeons & Dragons. Migrating abroad was an opportunity to “re-invent” himself, which he did by joining his school’s drama club.

“I was like one of two other Filipinos in my high school. A lot of the people there didn’t know what to make of me. They would say, ‘Your last name is Mexican, but I don’t understand why you look Chinese’…They just didn’t know what a Filipino was. I got involved with theatre and choir and that gave me a community to be a part of,” he recalled.

As most Filipino children can attest to, having the conversation to pursue the arts is not an easy feat; though his parents

threw their support once he was adamant that he wouldn’t be pursuing a traditional career.

Santos went on to study acting at a state university, where a teacher told him he would never strike it big in the industry.

In his early adult years, he moved to San Francisco and worked at luxury retail stores.

He attended open mic nights and immediately “got hooked.”

“I would say that it wasn’t until I started stand-up comedy that it was the fire underneath me and made me really pursue a career in entertainment,” Santos said.

What drew him to comedy was that there aren’t ridiculous standards of physical appearance. It matters how funny you are and how the audience reacts.

“I could draw from my own experience and make it relatable. I could be myself on stage and talk about myself and my experience as an immigrant, Filipino and a queer person,” he said.

His first shot at television came in 2012 when he made regular appearances on latenight talk show “Chelsea Lately.” He ventured into comedy acting, with guest roles on “2 Broke Girls” and “Mulaney,” and a small part in the movie “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.”

Some three years later, Santos’ agents emailed him about a new NBC project created by Justin Spitzer and the potential role of Mateo, which was originally written as a straight Latino male, not a queer Filipino.

What drew him to the show was Mateo’s hyper-competitiveness and drive to get ahead.

“As an immigrant, we know that feeling all too well of wanting to be an overachiever and make something of yourself in this country, so that really spoke

Awkwafina, Nico Santos, and Constance Wu in Warner Bros’ “Crazy Rich Asians.”

cast, that’s what America looks like…,” Santos said. “We should be addressing issues and topics that affect those people who are everyday Americans. It’s been a joy and privilege to be able to do a show as silly as ‘Superstore’ gets sometimes but still be able to maintain truth and speak power to those topics.”

“Superstore” — which also stars America Ferrera, Ben Feldman and Lauren Ash — wraps up its fifth season this month.

“In this industry, you never know how long things last. The fact that we are going into season six is a miracle because shows don’t last as long anymore. I’m fortunate to be able to work with these people for that long,” Santos said.

The sitcom has been renewed for a sixth season, though production has been put on hold for now. In the meantime, Santos recommended that this is the time for people to watch the show if they haven’t already.

Santos said he hasn’t seen any materials for future episodes yet, but hopes that more Filipino characters can be introduced.

“I’m hoping in the future that we’ll be able to draw from a larger pool of Filipino actors because we do want to cast authentically,” Santos said. “If the show had existed 10 years ago in Hollywood, they would have just gotten any Asian person and made them Filipino. We want Filipino actors playing Filipino parts.”

The role garnered him a Critics’ Choice Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series two years in a row. It also comes at a time when more Filipino/a faces are on network TV and are part of a show’s main cast.

In addition to Santos onscreen, Manny Jacinto has been on NBC’s “The Good Place,” but the series ended in January, while Conrad Ricamora is wrapping up his role as Oliver Hampton in the sixth and final season of ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder.”

Apart from his television career, Santos is eyeing more roles to flex his acting chops, especially in movies. His high-profile shot at the big screen was Oliver T’sien in the 2018 blockbuster hit, “Crazy Rich Asians.”

It was a lot of pressure to bring Oliver — the “rainbow sheep of the family” — to life as he is a beloved character in Kevin Kwan’s book trilogy, as well as work alongside big names like Michelle Yeoh, he said.

“I worked on the voice for a really long time because… when Photo by Sanja Bucko I start developing characters,

to me,” Santos said, adding that Mateo also sounded like “a lot of the bitchy queens” he used to work with during his retail days.

He continued, “I knew this person. I could play this person, not as a straight Latino like it was written, but I could tailor it to somebody that I recognize as myself. I tweaked it and they liked my interpretation. ‘Superstore’ is my first big break.”

From the beginning, Mateo has delivered quick, sarcastic one-liners, and is a determined employee who cares about succeeding in his job. By the second season, it is revealed that Mateo’s character is undocumented, and during the season four finale, he is arrested and detained by ICE. Playing an undocumented Filipino on network TV has been personal for Santos, drawing from the stories of family members and friends who came to the United States without papers.

“A lot of Filipinos who are living in America know, either people from their own family or somebody through however degrees of separation, who’s undocumented,” Santos said.

“It is something that’s a very relatable experience for not only Filipinos, but for anybody in America. People in America underestimate the amount of undocumented immigrants that are present in the country [who] run and make this country work.”

Though it’s a comedy, “Superstore” tackles the serious issues of the moment, whether it’s Mateo’s immigration status, the rights of workers at the big-box store, equal pay or the environmental impact of shopping.

“Real comedy has to stem from truth. Our cast is one of the most diverse casts on television and if you look at our

Nico Santos as Mateo Liwanag and Nichole Bloom as Cheyenne Lee in NBC’s “Superstore.”

Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/NBC

Since 2015, Santos has played Mateo, a gay, undocumented Filipino store associate who is sassy and overly competitive.

Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/NBC

the voice is the first thing I develop,” Santos said.

“Making that movie was so much fun, getting to go back to Asia because I hadn’t been back to the Philippines in like 21 years. I hope that we get to do the sequels soon and would love to get back together with the rest of the cast.”

Whatever future projects come Santos’ way, he is not afraid of being typecast as a queer Asian man and getting those parts.

“It’s so hard to work in this industry period and it’s so hard to reach this level of work. For me, I don’t feel like I’m being pigeonholed at all. I’m actually only interested in playing parts that look like me, that speak like me, and that speak to my experience. I don’t feel like I’m being stifled as an actor by not exploring ‘other types of characters,’” Santos said.

Beyond the diversity and accuracy of Asian Americans on screen, Santos is also championing the nuances of the LGBT experience, especially for those who are people of color.

“If I just have a career playing those types of characters, I will be more than happy be-

cause it’s like there’s so few and far between so you have to relish them when you do,” Santos said.

Aside from the current pandemic postponing Santos’ work, it has affected him on a personal level as his stepfather Sonny — a “kind, caring man” who greeted others with smile and laughter — died of COVID-19 at the end of March. His mother also tested positive, but has since recovered.

Because of social distancing measures, the family hasn’t been able to hold a celebration of life for Sonny.

“It still doesn’t feel real…It comes in waves. I don’t have a lot of experience with grief.

There are days when I wake up and forget what happened.

It’s hard but right now, you take it day by day…or even it’s like hour by hour,” Santos explained.

What’s been comforting him is the art of comedy and humor.

“That’s how I deal with tragedy. That’s how I deal and cope, through laughter. If I didn’t have a chance to escape into some humor, I definitely would have spiraled into a much darker place,” he said.

How to manage stress, anxiety: Jodi shares her ABCs

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Jodi Sta. Maria shared tips on how to cope with stress and anxiety during this novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

In a Facebook live video last Saturday, April 11, Jodi said it is important during this time to be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy.

“I think what’s important is we not only keep ourselves physically healthy, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy. We are tripartite beings (spirit, soul and body), we cannot separate one from the other. So it’s important

that balanced ang tatlong iyon — physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy. Physically kasi, you eat right. I have a better understanding now that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should be taking care of it,” Jodi said.

“Emotionally, as much possible you look at things at a different perspective. Also, you try to stay away from anything that will undermine your peace.

On social media, for example, you have the power to block, mute or unfollow anyone that undermines your peace. Please protect your peace at all cost.

Spiritually, you just fill yourself with the Word of God because at the end of the day, yun ang mag-e-encourage, magbibigay

ng peace and that will really sustain us,” she added.

Jodi added she managed her stress and anxiety with three basic steps. She said her ABCs are A is to accept, B is to behave appropriately and C is to commit.

“A-B-C lang siya. A is you accept, acknowledge, adjust accordingly. To accept that it’s out of our control. To acknowledge this will give us somehow the power to deal with life-changing obstacles.

Don’t forget that we have the power to respond to any given circumstance and we have the choice to respond negatively or positively. And I hope and pray that we always choose to do what is right. We stop

spreading hate and realize that we are all affected by this.

No one is spared. This is a great equalizer. This pandemic discriminates no one. What we can do is lift up somebody today by sending a positive quote, or maybe checking on them, saying hi, giving encouragement,” she said.

“Some people feel that they’re not able to do anything. But can I share just a tweet I received, which said, ‘Wala naman akong mabibigay, prayer lang.’ But you see, prayers are powerful and praying for someone is actually a noble act — praying for our leaders, for our frontliners, even d’un sa mga tao nasa palJodi Sta. Maria igid natin,” she vouched.

Photo from Instagram/@jodistamaria

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 17-23, 2020

11

Island Pacific supermarket launches Energy Upgrade California shares ‘stay home, stay safe’ campaign tips for smarter energy use as Californians spend time at home

AMID the coronavirus pandemic, Island Pacific has made the health and safety of its customers, employees, and community its top priority.

Island Pacific Supermarket has launched its “Stay Home, Stay Safe” campaign by becoming the first Filipino supermarket chain to provide online shopping with sameday grocery delivery in the United States.

By shopping at Island Pacific Online, everything that you can find in an Island Pacific Supermarket will be available at your fingertips. You will be able to shop a wide array of groceries, fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods Island Pacific is known for. The fullservice meat and seafood department will also be available online where you can request your meat and seafood prepared just the way you want it!

Even free fish frying is available in Island Pacific Online Grocery. With this amazing service, you can order ahead and skip the long lines in the supermarket.

When you shop at Island Pacific online, you will have your own personal shopper who is an expert in picking the best meat, seafood, and produce for your household.

All throughout the shopping process, your shopper will be connected with you from the time you place the order, while your order is being picked, and when your order is being delivered.

The supermarket has created a contactless delivery option to promote social distancing and to curtail the spread of the virus. Groceries can be left at your door saving you from making a trip to the supermarket.

In the spirit of the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Campaign, shoppers no longer need to inside a location — Island Pacific will directly be available in your home.

Some members of our community get deterred from shopping online due to the high costs of service fees, which can run up to 5% of total receipt, and the high cost of delivery fees.

EMPLOYMENT

Residents who do the right thing by staying at home may use more electricity and natural gas; statewide campaign educates on ways to save and available California Public Utilities Commission programs

Island Pacific founder, Nino Jeff Lim, has always emphasized the importance of serving the community before any profit objectives. In this spirit, during the duration of the company’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” campaign Island Pacific will be waiving all service fees when customers enter promo code “BAYANIHAN” before checking out.

The word “bayanihan” refers to the Filipino spirit of emphasizing the importance of communal unity to achieve a common goal. Island Pacific is also constantly exploring ways to lower the delivery cost charged by 3rd party providers. The supermarket has recently engaged Postmates since they have the largest

network and have the most competitive delivery rates to support our deliveries.

Please tag @islandpacificmarket so that Island Pacific can share all your experiences and how communities are staying home and staying safe! We are all in this together, in the spirit of #bayanihan, let us show the indomitable resiliency of our people especially in times of crisis.

Island Pacific is a supermarket chain dedicated to promoting Filipino Food and Seafood to the rest of the world.

It is headquartered in Walnut, California and currently has 16 supermarket branches serving communities in California and Las Vegas.

(Advertising Supplement)

FOR RENT

AS millions of California residents do their part by turning their residences into virtual places of business and hubs for online learning, it is important they think about energy use. Whether using energy to power additional appliances and technology or to light, cool or heat their home, this increase in residential energy use could result in higher costs.

Since California’s shelter in place rule went into place last month, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has seen residential electric usage already increase by 15 to 20 percent compared to the same time last year. Two programs currently exist which may help residents who are feeling the energy burden, including: • The California Climate Credit: California residents will see the California Climate Credit applied to their April bills to help offset higher bills due to increased usage and will vary from $20 to $60 depending on the utility.

• Assistance Programs: The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers a monthly discount of 20% or more on natural gas bills and 30% or more on electric bills. Qualifications are based on the number of people living in your household and your total annual household income or by your household participation in certain public assistance programs. Learn more about assistance programs from your energy provider.

Energy Upgrade California, the statewide initiative encouraging residents to use energy better, has tips to help Californians think differently about how they use energy at home: • Lower the Heat: On cooler days, set thermostats to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower during the daytime.

• Unplug Devices: You probably have a lot of devices plugged in while you’re at home. Make sure to unplug unused devices

or turn off power strips while they’re not in use. This includes everything from toasters and coffee makers in the kitchen to computer monitors and printers in workspaces.

• Dim Your Display: Whether using a computer monitor for work or entertainment, turn down screen brightness and use eco-mode and other energy-saving features. Lowering the brightness on TVs and other computer monitors may help you use up to 20% less energy.

• Open the Blinds: Open blinds and windows on sunny days to light up your space and warm your home naturally.

HOUSING

SERVICES

Then, use spotlighting where the sunlight doesn’t reach instead of flipping on ceiling lights to save more energy.

• Fill Up the Dishwasher: If you have a dishwasher in your home or apartment, make sure to fill it all the way before running it – you’ll use less water and energy per dish.

For more information and tips on different ways to use energy better, visit www.energyupgradeca.org. For information on how the CPUC is supporting communities during these challenging times visit www.cpuc. ca.gov/covid.

(Advertising Supplement)

12

April 17-23, 2020 • NOrCAl ASiAN JOUrNAl

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

celebrity world

Darren Espanto named UNDP youth advocate

By Ferdie Villar FILIPINO-Canadian Darren Espanto, one of the brightest young talents in Philippine entertainment, was recently named as the new Youth Advocate of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, according to a report from The Philippine Star.

Espanto is known as The Total Performer, and sings pop, Broadway and Original Pilipino Music (OPM). He is currently under contract with Star Magic and MCA Music, and has performed in many shows presented by ABSCBN around the world.

Per the news item, Espanto was thrilled to be given the honor, even as the global problems caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect all facets of life.

“In this time of uncertainty and difficulty it is our obligation to look after one another and do our part to help. In this connection, I would like to inform everyone that I am now officially the newest Youth Advocate of the UNDP! It is truly and honor,” Espanto shared via Instagram.

Among the organization’s objectives is to help countries achieve sustainable development goals and national development priorities as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan and the UN Philippines Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development.

In a brief video message, Darren said he will do his best to “forward the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals for its realization toward the welfare of our world, for everyone and for the youth’s future.”

“Our goal is that no one is left behind. Hopefully, you all join and support the UNDP and I in order to accomplish these goals. Thank you very much,” Espanto added.

Congratulations to Darren… we all pray that you and the UNDP succeed in your mission! *** Multi-awarded actress Gina Alajar feels blessed, especially after a good scare last March where she had fits of recurring cough and had to get herself checked.

The actress/director tested negative for COVID-19, but had to undergo quarantine after being discharged from the hospital, according to a news report from The Philippine Star.

According to Alajar, the two weeks of quarantine felt like wartime for her.

“Only one person is allowed to go outside to buy what we need.

When they get back home, you have to disinfect what you bought including shoes and slippers. You get conscious that you need to do many things to cope. You get used to new health habits or else you lose the war against the virus,” the Salome and Moral lead star revealed.

Her happier role nowadays when she is not working is as grandmother to seven kids by her sons Ryan, Geoff and AJ Eigenmann.

“It is the best part of my life now,” she said. “The best part of it is that I can actually treat them as my barkada. But seeing them at least once a week, you wonder where the magic of it all comes from. Every time I see them, I feel pure joy and I get more than my share of excitement. Especially that moment after you have gone to church and we eat out together.

True, grandmothers tend to spoil.

Some of them are not allowed to use phones but I give it to them on this occasion. When you are grandma, parang lahat gusto mo ibigay sa kanila basta hindi makakasama,” she was quoted as saying.

Right now, the Prima Donnas director said there may be a silver lining to the lockdown and what is going on right now.

“You feel that special sense of gratitude for being alive and with it that certain level of spirituality that we don’t get to see every day. Suddenly, people are more kind, you see compassion and kindness and good empathy for not so fortunate people,” she said. “This lockdown has actually allowed us to see the true meaning of why Jesus had to suffer being nailed on the cross. It also allowed us to see a new life after his resurrection.”

Patricia on raising her Fil-Am family in PH: ‘Home sweet home’ Ricky Lo Philstar.com

By

THE family of Patricia Javier and her chiropractor husband Dr. Robert Walcher III is a moveable feast. Since they and their two sons transplanted themselves to the Philippines from San Diego, California, they have changed residences five times — first from the Azure Condo (near SLEX) to Antipolo City (where Patricia hails from) to Scout Rallos St. and Woodside (both in Quezon City) and finally to a sprawling community of highend townhouses also in Q.C. “This is our home, we own it,” Patricia told Jojo Gabinete and me early last month when she invited us for a free-wheeling chat over a merienda of pansit, empanada and banana cue.

“Except for the one in Antipolo, we were renting the three other places we stayed in. We loved this place the first time we saw it so we bought a unit. The neighborhood is quiet and cozy. Our neighbors (among them talent manager Leo Dominguez) are friendly, very nice, mababait.”

Weeks before the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) was declared, the Walchers have virtually been in a self-imposed “quarantine” as they were busy fixing the three-floor unit and at the same time family bonding since they moved there early this year.

The sala and dining area are on the ground floor. On the second floor, displayed are Patricia’s plaques, trophies (and crown and sash as Noble Queen of the Philippines) and other memorabilia, highlighted by a cute doll that looks like her — yes, a Patricia/Barbie Doll that has a poignant story behind it.

As Patricia recalled, years ago when she was a grade school

Dane Kitchen, a Filipino-American commercial and fashion model, will celebrate his 44th birthday on Saturday, April 25.

Fil-Canadian Darren Espanto was recently named as the newest UNDP Youth Advocate.

Instagram Photo @darrenespanto

Senator Manny Pacquiao (center), one of the world’s greatest boxing champions, met Filipina political leader Dorie Cachuela Paniza (4th from left) of Northern California during the Paniza Family’s recent visit to the Philippines. Award-winning actress Gina Alajar is happiest when she spends time with her grandcnhildren.

Philstar.com File Photo Also in photo are (from left) Lambert Paniza, Reigil Paniza and Gilvin Paniza.

‘Big Brother’ house vs COVID-19 lockdown: Richard spells the difference

By Jan

MiLo SeveRo Philstar.com

Patricia Javier with husband Rob Walcher and their sons Robert and James.

Photo from Instagram.@patriciajavier1

student in Marikina, her family was so hard-up that she couldn’t afford to have a doll.

“During the recess, my schoolmates would take out their Barbie Dolls at ako naman nakatunganga lang, mangiyak-iyak.

Walang doll, eh!”

It was only when she was around 20 and started working was she able to buy a Barbie Doll.

When Rob heard Patricia’s sob story as a doll-less kid, he comforted her by saying, “Don’t worry, you are my Barbie Doll and you are more beautiful than all the Barbie Dolls in the world.”

Unknown to Patricia, Rob had something big in mind. After Patricia won her “Noble” title last year, a beautifully-wrapped box with a huge ribbon around it was delivered to their home.

Patricia broke into tears when she opened it. Inside was a doll in a beauty-queen gown that looked like her. It was a surprise

gift from Rob who paid the dollmaker around P50,000 for the “masterpiece.”

“Actually,” said Patricia, “since I started earning, I would set aside a certain amount to buy as many Barbie Dolls as I can afford at ipinamimigay ko sa mga poor girls. Payback time ko ‘yan.

I see in their faces the same happiness that I had when I got my first Barbie Doll.”

The couple owns and manages four chiropractic clinics, one each in Libis and in the TimogMorato area in Q.C., one in Makati City and one in Alabang.

The opening of another branch in Eastwood, Q.C. was derailed by the lockdown.

At home, the family is not just idling around. Rob is busy with his Lego hobby, creating mini racing cars and whatnots, the kids glued on video games and Patricia with housekeeping chores.

The power of prayer...

PAGE 8 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 bound-

Vic “Bossing” Sotto, one of the hosts of the GMA Pinoy TV noontime entertainment/talent show “Eat Bulaga,” will celebrate his 66th birthday on Tuesday, April 28.

less 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

FORMER “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Richard Juan revealed that living in the Big Brother house is far from being in self-quarantine.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Richard said in Big Brother house, “Kuya” always gave them tasks to keep the housemates busy, as compared to the real world where a person in self-quarantine will look for things to do.

“You really cannot compare PBB and self-quarantine! People often think that we got nothing to do but in fact, inside the house, Kuya always gives us tasks to do in order to keep us busy! Here right now I will have to find things or find tasks for myself to do but in the house, Big Brother is the one that dictates and tells us what we need to do,” shared Richard, who was recently in self-isolation after his “Love Thy Woman” co-star Christopher de Leon tested positive for novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Oh and also in the house, we get to hang out with friends in person. But right now, I can only hang out with my friends virtually,” Richard added.

The model-actor, however, pointed out some similarities between being on selfquarantine and living inside the Big Brother house.

“I guess if there are any similarities, it’s only the fact that we are not able to go to the outside world! Furthermore, one major similarity is that both now being at home under quarantine and being in the PBB house both are both massive privileges,” he 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 demanding 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

Richard Juan

Photo from Instagram/@richardjuan

said.

When asked what are the things he misses inside the PBB house, Richard said he missed the idea of not having to worry about inside the PBB house except for the tasks.

“I guess the idea of not having to worry about anything in the outside the house, except for the tasks that Big Brother assigned to us. We didn’t have to worry about paying rent, electricity, utilities, food or anything that’s happening outside. And of course the companionship with my co-housemates and the bond that we fostered and the jokes inside the house are just a future name of the things that I’ve missed in the PBB house,” Richard said.

As for the things he misses in the outside world while on quarantine: “I miss my routine I used to do in the outside world!

Having the human interactions, going to the gym, hanging out

with my friends, playing football, taping for Love Thy Woman, Eating out at my favorite restaurants, traveling.”

Richard, meanwhile, agreed with a joke in an article that said that the PBB house is the safest place to be during an enhanced community quarantine.

“Well I guess so, because there’s no one else in the house besides me and the other housemates. I remember reading an article about the German Big Brother or was it another European country I don’t remember, their Big Brother show was ongoing and the housemates did not know about the Coronavirus outbreak. I guess during that time the show runners thought that it would be safe for them to be in the house anyway. And if I’m not mistaken Big Brother and all his houses have a little magical bubble that protects it from the outside world, right?” he said.

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 human 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

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April 17-23, 2020 • NOrCAl ASiAN JOUrNAl

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