050220 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

MAY 2-5, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 34 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Unwilling to retire, 81-year-old Filipino doctor in Las Vegas practiced until he died from COVID-19 AT 81 years old, Dr. Arthur Tayengco had no plans of retiring and continued seeing patients at his private practice along Charleston Blvd in Las Vegas.

An obstetriciangynecologist for over 50 years, Tayengco practiced until he physically couldn’t anymore after Dr. Arthur Tayengco, an 81-year-old OB-GYN in Las Vegas, died on April he contracted 22.

Contributed photo COVID-19, the disease linked to the novel coronavirus.

“He loved medicine. He just wouldn’t stop. I kept asking, ‘Don’t you want to retire yet?’ He

LA becomes first US city to offer free COVID-19 testing to residents

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

IN a major development in Los Angeles’ response to the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that free testing at city-run sites would be available to all residents, even to those who show no symptoms.

This makes LA the first major city in the United States to offer free testing to all residents regardless of symptoms.

“We have the capacity so don’t wait, don’t wander and don’t risk infecting others,” Garcetti said during a news conference on Wednesday, April 29.

Priority will still be given to those who exhibit

Working seniors in Luzon allowed to go out during quarantine

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

u PAGE A3

Historic Filipinotown group activates nationwide care program for working families A LOCAL Filipino American organization in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown has launched a new nationwide program to provide working families with supplies and other resources during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) unveiled its Community Care Program, which includes the Care Box Program, Care Fund, Care Meals, COVID-19 Relief Fund, Virtual Town Halls, temporary shelter and emergency assistance.

“We recognize that this pandemic is more than a health crisis. It poses a huge threat to the public’s health, safety and financial stability and has varied impacts to our community,” said PWC Executive Director Aquilina Soriano Versoza. “We are doing what we can to provide assistance for basic needs like food, finances and shelter.”

To date, the organization has sent 250 Care Boxes to families in need in California and human trafficking survivors located in New Mexico, North Dakota, Hawaii, Florida, Nevada, and Wyoming, among others. u PAGE A4

the known symptoms of COVID-19, are aged 65 and above and/or have underlying health conditions, but Garcetti encouraged all residents to get tested to safeguard the community. Officials also announced that workers in “high-risk settings” like bus drivers and food supply workers should be given priority testing as well. u PAGE A2

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU. Members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) in Malabon City patrol a neighborhood in Star Wars costume. The ‘storm troopers’ urged residents to remain in their homes and practice physical distancing as a precaution against COVID-19.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dylan

PAL to fly repatriation flights to Manila from LA, NY

by AJPRESS PHILIPPINE Airlines will continue offering flights for Filipinos who need to be repatriated from the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The national carrier is scheduled to operate special flights to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport from both Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK).

The LA to Manila flights are scheduled on May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. They will depart from LAX at 23:15 local time and arrive in Manila at 04:45 local time two days later.

The New York flights, meanwhile, are scheduled on May 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10. They will depart from JFK at 19:15 local time and arrive in Manila at 23:45 local time the next day.

The PAL also reminded that only Filipino citizens will be allowed entry into the country.

PAL in-flight crew with PAL president and COO Gilbert Santa Maria u PAGE A4 Inquirer.net photo

WORKING senior citizens in Luzon will not be placed on house arrest during the enforcement of the general community quarantine, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease clarified on Thursday, April 30.

The task force reminded those with significant health risks and of certain age groups that they should remain in their homes unless they must perform essential activities.

“Any person below twenty-one (21) years old, those who are sixty (60) years and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women, including any person who resides with the aforementioned, shall be required to remain in their residences at all times, except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices,” it said.

Several senior citizens earlier this week appealed to the government about its directive of prohibiting senior citizens and young people from going outside during the quarantine period.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, a member of the IATF, explained that the ban was just an “overall policy” due to the vulnerability of the aged segment to the coronavirus disease.

“The operating guidelines are to be issued. Of course, the seniors who are actively working or running businesses will be allowed. We will use [an] ID system,” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also reminded senior citizens they are vulnerable members of society.

“There are many grandmothers who called and wanted to pinch me due to the supposed house arrest for senior citizens. To our elderly, that is not true because our President and most Cabinet members are senior citizens,” he said in Filipino.

“You will not be completely locked up but I repeat u PAGE A2

Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch to happen? Equipped with only a surgical mask

by JOAQUIN

HENSON Philstar.com

PREMIER Boxing Champions owner Al Haymon is supposedly convinced a rematch between super WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will happen sooner or later.

“Al thinks it’s coming,” said a source. “I love his thoughts. This crisis is affecting everybody, including Floyd and for sure, he wouldn’t mind making over a hundred million dollars when the situation normalizes.”

There is talk that boxing may be back in business in some parts WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny of the US and Europe by June but Pacquiao

ManilaTimes.net photo

under controlled conditions, including a limited audience. “The big names in boxing like Manny, Triple G, Canelo, Errol Spence and Anthony Joshua make a lot of money with the fans they pull in but we don’t know how long before fights are back and crowds are allowed in again,” said the source. “Everyone’s hoping and praying this ends soon.”

For Pacquiao, the plan was to fight in Saudi Arabia in July with Mikey Garcia the leading candidate as opponent. Pacquiao himself confirmed that talks had begun to arrange the bout. When news came out that Mayweather was back in the gym, Pacquiao u PAGE A4

on the front lines, Filipina nurse dies at Hollywood area hospital

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

FOR the past 16 years, Celia Lardizabal Marcos was a telemetry charge nurse at a Hollywood area hospital — the same hospital where she died of complications related to the novel coronavirus on Friday, April 17.

Two days before her death, the 61-year-old Filipina nurse was admitted to CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, where she had worked since 2004.

Marcos wrote in a family group chat that on April 3, she was one of three nurses who responded after a patient, suspected to have COVID-19, went into cardiac arrest.

Though she worked on a floor that was considered free of positive cases, the particular patient was an “overflow,” according to a representative from the SEIU 121RN, which advocates for nurses at the hospital.

Marcos was only provided a Celia Marcos, 63, was a telemetry charge Contributed photo u PAGE A3 nurse in Los Angeles.

A May 2-5, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

Working seniors in Luzon...

PAGE A1 t that studies show the elderly people are vulnerable. You may leave the house to get essential goods and services and work in authorized industries,” the spokesman added.

Quarantine’s age restriction slammed The Employers Confederation of the Philippines on Wednesday, April 29, pointed out that the regulation restricting those

aged 60 and above, as well as the young or 20 years old and below, from leaving their homes could lead to job losses.

“By that simple regulation, you blacklist the 18 to 20 and the senior citizens from work, which can be permanent,” said ECOP president Sergio OrtizLuis Jr. “They say senior citizens are endangered. Fine. But you have to help them, not make their

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From the Front Page lives difficult. Don’t discriminate against them. [Y]ou think you’re protecting them. No, you’re harming them. You’re harming the economy. That [regulation] wasn’t well thought of,” he added.

Meanwhile, 1-Pacman Rep. Enrico Pineda, head of the House of Representatives’ committee on labor and employment, called the restriction “arbitrary,” citing statistics from the Department of Health that showed the age bracket 50 to 59 make up 24 percent of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country, and that the 60 to 69 bracket make up 26 percent.

“Thus, the age bracket 50 to 69 years old represents 50 percent of all cases. Therefore, if the age bracket 50 to 59 is not covered by the extended lockdown, so, too, should be the 60 to 69 age bracket,” he said.

He also said that the 70 to 79 bracket only make up 14 percent of the cases.

“What then is the basis of the DOH rule that 19-year-olds and below, [and] 60-year-olds and above must suffer [during] the extended lockdown period? It appears to have no real basis and therefore arbitrary,” Pineda added.

Rep. Ron Salo of Kabayan party-list, chairman of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, believed that the regulation was “inhumane at worst or illthought of at the least.”

“No less than our president, most members of the Supreme Court and Cabinet officials, as well as chairpersons of most companies, belong to this category,” he said.

“Protecting them from COVID-19 does not justify complete disregard of their civil liberties as well as their right to gainful employment and practice of their profession,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. also slammed the ban, taking to Twitter to express his frustration about senior citizens barred from going out.

“Go ahead, house arrest seniors with disposal incomes — and let’s see how far the economy goes — one a half and flat on its face—with just the young unemployed running around malls taking selfies without a f*^king cent in their pockets,” he said in a tweet. n

JUST ANOTHER WORKDAY. A medical worker pushes her bike along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City on her way to work on Friday, May 1. Health workers are among those on the front line of the battle against COVID-19.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

LA become first US city to offer free...

PAGE A1 t Testing is available by appointment only (visit the city’s coronavirus portal to schedule an appointment). Testing is provided by the city which has partnered with the LA County and Community Organized Relief Effort which has helped establish 35 COVID-19 testing sites across the county.

“So long as COVID-19 spreads, we have to scale up our response, and because this disease can be a silent killer, we have carefully built the capacity to get more people tested,” Garcetti said. “No one should have to wait, wonder or risk infecting others. Don’t leave it to chance.

Schedule a test.”

Drive-up testing (where patients can be tested from the safety and comfort of their vehicle) is available in several Filipino-heavy neighborhoods: Lincoln Park in Lincoln Heights, Altamed Evaluation and Testing Site in Boyle Heights, Hotchkin Memorial Training Center in Elysian Park and Good Samaritan Hospital in Westlake. (A full list of drive-up and walk-in testing sites can be found here.)

Currently, the symptoms to look out for include cough, difficulty with or shortness of breathing, fever and chills, constant

shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of sense of smell.

Thousands of Angelenos flock to testing sites Following Garcetti’s announcement, Angelenos hurried to secure appointments online.

As of press time, testing appointments for people without symptoms are full but the city encourages people to check for updates regularly. And, of course, in any case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

The availability of testing has been a contentious national issue since the before the pandemic was officially called a pandemic.

Lawmakers like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in March (after President Donald Trump announced a national emergency over the COVID-19 spread) that the only way to overcome the COVID-19 virus is “if we have an accurate determination of its scale and scope.”

Following the City of LA’s big move to expand testing to all residents, California state public health officials announced that testing capacity across the Golden State has increased enough to cater to more Californians.

Mirroring LA city officials’ belief that all essential workers should be tested regardless of symptoms, California officials

are encouraging county officials (who have the ultimate authority to set testing restrictions) to open up testing those without symptoms who work in highrisk settings.

Expanding testing is one of the first steps to lifting the emergency mandates and “re-opening” the California economy.

“The first step in modifying the stay-at-home order and strengthening the economy is to put in place widespread testing, and the first group you’d want to have access to it is essential workers,” said Dr. Bob Kocher, a physician on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s COVID-19 testing task force. “Conceptionally people who have lots of contacts are able to be screened, and we want those people to be tested often. You want to find out if they’re sick before they have symptoms and unknowingly spread it to other people.”

As of Friday, May 1, the LA County Department of Public Health confirmed 62 new deaths and 1,065 new cases of COVID19, bringing the county total to 1,172 deaths and 24,215 positive cases.

Based on data available for 98% of cases, 19% of deaths have been individuals of Asian descent. n

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-5, 2020

A

Equipped with only a surgical mask on the front... Pinay nurse, considered ‘Mother Hen’

at Kings County Hospital, dies from virus

PAGE A1 t

surgical mask when she intubated the patient and stayed behind in the room, said her niece Andrea Gian Lardizabal, who is also a registered nurse back in the Philippines.

“After responding to the patient, she took a bath and even used sanitizer for her hair as her protection before going home,” Lardizabal told the Asian Journal in an email.

“She [was] also doing steam inhalation twice a day as another preventive measure.”

Marcos reportedly started feeling sick three days after treating the patient but did not tell her eldest son Donald Jay Marcos until April 11 when he initiated a video call on Facebook Messenger to check on her.

The symptoms Marcos relayed included a headache, body aches and difficulty breathing.

Donald, who lives in Dubai, urged her to get a check-up but she put it off, he said. He did not hear from her until April 15 when the two spoke again on a video call.

Speaking from a hospital bed, Marcos was hooked up to a ventilator to help her breathe after she developed pneumonia, a complication associated with COVID-19.

“I told her, ‘Mama, be strong, you can do it. When you get out of the hospital, you will retire immediately.’ She replied to me, ‘Yes.’ She couldn’t talk that much [because] she couldn’t breathe…and she was even crying too,” Donald, 41, told the Asian Journal.

That was the last time he spoke to his mother.

On the morning of April 17, her younger son John, who lives in the Bay Area, said he texted her to see how she was doing and received a short reply. Around 9 p.m., her fiancé Antonio Velasco messaged Donald that her blood-oxygen levels dropped and she went into cardiac arrest. Two hours later, another message came in that she died.

Marcos’s positive result for COVID-19 came the day after her death, Donald said. Her one underlying medical condition was hypertension, considered a high risk factor for severe illness.

The Pinay front-liner was the first fatality for the SEIU 121RN,

by MoMar

Marcos with son Donald, who lives in Dubai

which has 9,000 registered nurse members in Southern California.

“She was on the front lines in the fight against this horrible pandemic, and it stole her from us,” the organization said in a statement.

Despite the report that Marcos did not have adequate personal protective equipment, a representative from the hospital told the Asian Journal that it provides gear for its staff in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Pinay nurse’s death is now among two dozen Filipino health care workers around the United States who have lost their lives in the fight against COVID-19, based on a tally by the Asian Journal as of this writing.

The Marcos brothers remember their mother for her generosity and how she put the well-being of others first.

“Our family in the Philippines counted on her a lot. She was the one they would go to if they needed something,” John told the Asian Journal. “Without hesitation, she would always be the one to help out right away.”

She loved traveling to different destinations, but prioritized using vacation time to visit her home country, which she left in 2001 for Los Angeles.

Whenever she returned, she showered family members with gifts and took delight in planning weekend outings for the whole group, Donald said.

“She always thought of how her family could be happy,” said

Unwilling to retire, 81-year-old...

PAGE 1 would say, ‘No, I’m not done,’” his eldest daughter Michele Tayengco, told the Asian Journal.

Dr. Tayengco reportedly got infected in mid-March after two medical assistants at his office tested positive for COVID-19, according to his ex-wife Delia Tayengco, with whom he remained close.

He started exhibiting pronounced symptoms associated with the illness, such as a fever, cough and loss of taste. He was able to get tested for the disease and the result came back positive.

Tayengco self-isolated at home until he told Delia that it was time to go to the hospital on April 5. She called 911 and paramedics took him away with a non-rebreather mask on.

The doctor stayed in the hospital for 16 days and was transferred to hospice care on April 21. In the early hours of April 22, he died.

He became the first practicing Filipino doctor in Las Vegas to die from COVID-19, according to Dr. Teresita Melocoton, a pediatrician who is the president of the Philippine Medical Association of Nevada, an organization of which the late doctor was a founding member.

Melocoton recalled Tayengco’s peacefulness and compassion — qualities she strived to emulate while attending to patients. He was also instrumental in helping her start her solo practice in the city.

“Every time I see newborns, the mother would always say, ‘I hope Dr. Tayengco will not retire because I want to have another child.’ That’s how good he was,” she told the Asian Journal.

Tayengco instructed hundreds of residents over the years, as he served as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Las Vegas School of Medicine.

His daughters estimate that the number of newborn deliveries he made over the course of his career would be equivalent to the student populations of four high schools.

“He loved the idea of being able to bring new children into the world. With every child that he met, he was always super engaged,” Tayengco’s younger daughter Stephanie, who lives in Washington, told the Asian Journal. “He would try to get on their level and speak to them both as children but also treating them like miniature adults.”

The extent of Tayengco’s medical work continues to surprise Michele and Stephanie as stories of him trickle in. When he was at home, he was foremost a father and made it a point to eat dinner each night, even if late, and attend Sunday mass together as a family.

During a company mixer some

G. Visaya

AJPress

Dr. Tayengco, a father of two daughters, is remembered as a compassionate and devoted physician. Photo courtesy of Michele Tayengco

years ago, the husband of one of Michele’s co-workers came up to her and introduced himself by saying, “Your father saved my mother’s life.”

“My father was so modest that when I recounted this story to him, he said, ‘From God through my hands,’” Michele recalled.

Born in Iloilo City, Philippines on October 18, 1938, Tayengco received his medical degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine in Manila.

There, he met Encarnita Tinio, a classmate who would later become his first wife.

Tayengco came to the United States in the early 60s for his OB-GYN residency at St Clare’s Hospital And Health Care Center in New York, while Tinio pursued pathology. He also completed a fellowship at Nassau County Medical Center.

The couple married in 1966 and had two daughters, Michele and Stephanie.

They moved west in 1972 after an opportunity was presented by Nita Pablico, a registered nurse in Las Vegas whose cousin was Tayengco’s childhood best friend.

Pablico had called him to say that her boss was looking for another doctor to help run the OB-GYN practice.

Tayengco worked with Dr. Kenneth Turner, a prominent physician in the city, for a year before venturing off in 1973.

“Art was one of the most caring doctors I have worked for. Some nights, he stayed alongside patients until they gave birth,” Pablico, who worked at Tayengco’s practice for 10 years, told the Asian Journal.

The practice, which was originally located inside a medical office building along Rancho Drive, was managed by his wife Encarnita until she died in 1986.

(Tayengco is set to be cremated

u PAGE A4

Marcos with younger son, John Contributed photos

Donald, who last saw his mother in person during a trip back home in July.

Marcos, who would have celebrated her birthday this May, has been cremated two weeks after her passing. Once travel restrictions are lifted, her sons plan to honor her wishes and to hold a memorial service in her hometown of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. She will be buried alongside her parents.

John set up a GoFundMe page for his late mother with a goal of $10,000 to help with costs associated with her forthcoming burial.

He pleaded with the public to continue following stay-at-home orders and to think of front-line workers like his mother.

“It’s tough staying home right now but it’s a minimal sacrifice,” John said. “At the end of the day, I’d rather know that we’re safe at home rather than risking our lives on the front lines just like my mom did.” n

MARIA Guia Cabillon, fondly called by many as Mama Guia, spent more than three decades of her life as a nurse.

She was described as the “number one ally, caregiver and mom to the nurses and staunchly protected all the techs” and “a legend.”

Cabillon was the Head Nurse at Kings County Department of Emergency Medicine in Brooklyn, which has overtaken Queens as the epicenter of the novel coronavirus in the United States today.

She passed away on April 26 from COVID-19 after almost a month of battling the infectious disease. She was 63.

Rob Gore is one of the doctors who called Cabillon ‘Mama Guia.’ He said he sat next to Cabillon almost every night shift for close to 14 years. “[She is] one of the toughest, most feared and one of my favorite nurses,” Dr. Gore, an emergency medicine physician at Kings County, wrote on his online journal. “We talked trash to each other. She introduced me to her relatives in the U.S. and whenever possible we faced time her family in the Philippines.”

Gore’s work at Kings Against Violence (KAVI), a nonprofit he founded to help at risk students, earned him a CNN Hero award in 2018. He praised Cabillon for

Known as Mama Guia, Cabillon spent over three decades as a nurse. Contributed photo

her commitment, and that despite talks of retiring soon, she “fought alongside and in front of us” during this pandemic.

“She trained, groomed and nurtured countless healthcare providers around the world with her own unique style and voice. We will never forget you,” he added.

Cabillon is survived by her husband, four daughters and two grandchildren.

A GoFundMe page has been set up as a means to help bring her back home to Iloilo and proceeds will go directly to her daughters here in the United

States, Fatima and April.

Fatima described her mother as selfless and as someone who loves unconditionally. She said she became a nurse as well because she wanted to follow her mother’s footsteps.

“I am who I am now because of you. I became a nurse because I admire you and how you treat your kids in the ER,” Fatima wrote. “You trained me to become a good nurse and most of all a better person, that I should always think about others first.”

“She was the glue that ce-

u PAGE A5

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‘This virus doesn’t take the weekends off’: Newsom Filipino Young Leaders Program officially shuts down Orange County beaches immersion trip deferred to 2021

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AFTER crowds of people packed beaches across Orange County during last weekend’s heatwave, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, April 30 shutdown beaches across the Orange County coastline, prompting ire from local officials.

Newsom’s decision to close down Orange County beaches — in what he called a “temporary pause” — follows a weekend heatwave in which Californians flocked to the beaches despite the safer-at-home and physical distancing measures that are still in place.

He added that the beaches may reopen “if we can get some framework and guidelines to get this right.”

Newsom’s beach closure order was announced on the same day that Orange County reported 145 new cases of the COVID19 virus, the most in one day.

“The reality is we are just a few weeks away, not months

away, from making measurable and meaningful changes to our stay-at-home order,” Newsom said during a news conference on Monday. “However, that’s driven by data, it’s driven by behavior and as we change our behavior, we can impact the science, the health and the data.”

Earlier this week, law enforcement memo was widely disseminated that indicated that Newsom intended to close all state beaches as well as parks — not just in Orange County — starting Friday, May 1.

However, in a news conference on Thursday, Newsom said that he didn’t see the memo.

“We just want to focus on where there’s a problem,” he explained. “We don’t want to be heavy-handed about these things.”

The choice to single out Orange County came after Newport Beach had a reported 90,000 beachgoers last weekend; this week, Newport Beach City Council voted to keep its beaches open with physical dis-

THE annual immersion trip bringing young Filipino American professionals back to the Philippines has been postponed to 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

For the past eight years, the program has been the signature piece of the partnership with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ayala Foundation and the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO).

Established by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation, FYLPRO annually identifies outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and to provide the delegates with invalu-

Gov. Gavin Newsom

tancing measures.

Newsom said that of the hun“All issuance for entry visas for dred beaches that line the Gold- visa-required foreign nationals en State’s coast, Orange County were suspended by the Departbeaches were packed with large ment of Foreign Affairs, while u PAGE A5 all previously-issued visas are deemed cancelled. The DFA circular adds that visa-free privileges of foreigner nationals are likewise temporarily suspended,” it said in its advisory.

“Exempted from this suspenOVER 17 YEARS

sion are foreign spouses and children who are traveling with the Filipino national, foreign crew members, as well as foreign government and International Organization officials accredited to the Philippines” it added.

The PAL cancelled all domestic and international flights until May 15 following the government’s extension of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. How-

PAGE A1 t said his next opponent is now up in the air. “It depends on Floyd,” said Pacquiao, indicating who’s No. 1 in his wish list.

Pacquiao, 41, hasn’t fought since defeating Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last July while Mayweather, 43, is coming off a first round knockout over hapless Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Kasu-

kawa in an exhibition in Saitama in December 2018. Mayweather claimed he was paid $9 million for the stunt.

If the situation normalizes, Pacquiao could fight once this year in September or October or even in December, perhaps against Mikey Garcia. Saudi Arabia could be the host and will be able to control who enters the stadium

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ever, the flag carrier continues to operate repatriation and all-cargo flights.

It has operated flights to Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, London, Auckland, and a few Asian destinations since March 24.

The airline recently operated a Manila to London route to fly British nationals back and on the flipside, return Filipinos home. n

Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch...

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

would be safe to travel and return to some state of normalcy later this year.

FYLPRO is focusing its energies to help and support kababayans on the front-lines of this war against this deadly virus and with various local programming that support our alumni and the communities we live in.

“We are committed to partnering with other Fil-Am organizations on projects to provide relief and assistance to our kababayans struggling during the pandemic,” Price said. “And we are proud to collaborate with AAPI organizations to stand against the recent wave of anti-Asian racism and xenophobia surrounding COVID19.” (AJPress)

PAL to fly repatriation flights to Manila...

PAGE A1 t

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

able community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

With 84 alumni to date, it has led to the creation of many businesses, collaborations and partnerships serving Filipino and Filipino American communities.

“Our top priority is the safety of our Filipino American communities, and we will not do anything to put the health of our delegates and alumni at risk during this dangerous and unpredictable time,” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price.

As health officials monitor the fast-changing situation globally, it is impossible to predict if things will be back to a place where it

Darrick V. Tan, Esq.

to watch. When the crowds are allowed back in, then it would make sense to stage the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch in Las Vegas next year for what could be their final fight. As for Top Rank CEO Bob Arum’s recent hint that Terrence Crawford may be Pacquiao’s next opponent, the source said Haymon wouldn’t hear of it. n

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

Filipino American families receive Care Boxes from the Pilipino Workers Center in Los Angeles.

Historic Filipinotown group activates nationwide care...

PAGE A4 t

Each box contains food items such as rice, noodles, canned meat, canned fish, soap, gloves and other personal hygiene products.

With donations from Island Pacific Supermarket and assistance from the Coalition of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, a second batch of PWC Care Boxes will be distributed starting this month.

PWC partnered with Neri’s Restaurant, PhilHouse and Tita’s of Manila to provide Care Meals (hot meals) to seniors, people with disabilities or medical conditions, low-income families and individuals who have limited capacity to access food.

In collaboration with PWC volunteers, Mother Movement and Victory Outreach, these Care Meals are distributed every Tuesday and Thursday to residents in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.

Concepcion Yap, a PWC member and a recipient of the hot meals added, “In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this disaster has taken lives and our sense of normalcy, I am thankful to PWC for delivering hot meals directly to our house. We are

touched beyond words.”

PWC is also facilitating the disbursement of the Care Fund, a National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) grant that provides a $400 cash/credit card to domestic workers for emergency assistance.

PWC has assisted numerous domestic workers, whom, if eligible, will collectively receive more than $100,000.

While most residents are staying at home, some health care workers actually find themselves displaced or homeless due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We have a lot of caregivers who are ordered to stay home and isolate themselves if they’re exposed. While they have not been tested positive, they have to self isolate but they have nowhere to stay, or they’re bed spacers only,” stated Lolita Lledo, PWC’s associate director.

In response, PWC initiated a COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide temporary housing and access to COVID-19 testing centers to workers and frontliners who are in this situation. A generous donation was also made by the Office of the Philippine Consulate General, Los Angeles to support this cause.

To keep the community abreast with latest news on COVID-19, PWC holds Virtual Town Halls bi-weekly (Mondays at 2:00 pm PST) to provide resources and relevant information on how to cope with the challenges brought by the pandemic.

After a series of Town Halls, PWC collaborated with The Filipino Channel (TFC) in order to reach more Filipinos in need during this crisis. Attendees may join the Town Hall via Zoom webinar or through PWC’s Facebook Livestream.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most domestic workers and caregivers have already been in isolation, working oneon-one in the homes of their clients. Through PWC’s Virtual Town Halls, we are able to address the needs of the community and provide a space for people to safely come together and support each other,” said Soriano Versoza.

As stay-at-home orders continue to be in place, PWC reminds Filipinos to be prepared, informed and follow recommendations and guidance from public health experts and relevant authorities. (AJPress)

Unwilling to retire, 81-year-old...

PAGE 3

and buried next to her at a local cemetery.)

Tayengco purchased a property for his practice on the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Darmak Drive in 2004. That was where he worked each day until his passing.

“He would have loved to pass his practice onto me and my sister, but neither one of us wanted to do OB-GYN. In the end, we both decided that we didn’t want to become medical doctors,” Michele said.

Though he lived in Las Vegas for 48 years, Tayengco was still connected to his home country and took part in regular medical missions, his classmate

Dr. Cefereno Cheng, a retired physician in Torrance, California, said.

“We’d organize medical missions back to the Philippines and go to provinces to help those in need. Of course, we wouldn’t forget to visit our medical school and see old friends,” Cheng said.

In addition to his daughters and ex-wife, Tayengco is survived by sisters Gloria Lopinco, Yvonne Pacquing, Rose Tayengco, and Anne Tayengco; and stepdaughter Guinevere Torres and her husband Gino, and their children, Gino, Gianna, and Giovanni.

Outside of his medical practice, Tayengco was fond of playing craps and watching a good game of basketball.

He was an avid reader, crediting Father Ian Madigan, a Redemptorist priest at his elementary school, for instilling in him a love for books. Tayengco’s favorite authors included Ian Fleming and Ernest Hemingway, whom his daughters suspect “influenced his love of hunting and fishing.”

The priest was also credited as a mentor who guided Tayengco to reach his potential.

In the 1985 book “Bringing Out the Best in People” by Alan Loy McGinnis, Tayengco was quoted as saying, “I don’t know where I’d be, if Father Madigan hadn’t noticed me and talked to me about my possibilities.” (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-5, 2020

Pinoy nurse among recipients of COVID-19 trial drugs Pinay nurse, considered ‘Mother Hen’...

by Ghio

onG

Philstar.com

A FILIPINO nurse based in California who once tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was among the patients worldwide who received medications that are currently undergoing trial to test their efficacy to treat the dreaded illness.

The drug remdesivir is part of a cocktail of drugs used to stop infection and is now being tested against COVID-19.

While his entire family of three – including his wife and his fiveyear-old son – tested positive for COVID-19, Marcial Reyes had the worst symptoms.

He stayed in the hospital for almost a month, with 11 days being on life support or with a ventilator, he told The Chiefs on Cignal’s One News channel last Wednesday.

He suffered COVID-19 complications like pneumonia so his doctors “had to put me in a chemically-induced coma so my lungs will get the rest it needs,” he said.

While unconscious, he was being injected with various medications like vitamin C, a drug for malaria which he did not name and remdesivir, all

“specifically to combat COVID19.”

Anti-malaria drugs and remdesivir – an antiviral drug used to treat diseases caused by the Ebola virus and other forms of viruses in the past – are currently undergoing clinical trials to see if they could also treat COVID-19.

The Department of Health (DOH) previously announced the Philippines would join a “solidarity trial” along with a hundred other countries to test the ability of various drugs – including remdesivir, anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and medicines used to counter the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – to cure COVID-19.

Reyes’ doctor told him he was among the 5,000 people around the world at the time who took remdesivir as a trial drug, he told The Chiefs.

He has been cleared of the coronavirus that causes COVID19 and was discharged from the hospital after noting he had no fever in the last three days. He is currently expecting another advise from his doctor after taking another COVID-19 test, he noted.

Near-death Reyes described his neardeath experience while n coma-

tose.

“Eleven days I was intubated and I had three vivid memories of what happened,” he shared.

One of the near-death visions he thought he saw was of his parents and his brother, all deceased, seemingly inviting him to join them. “I told them it would be OK if they would let me join, but I thought of leaving my wife and my five-year-old son.”

“I was sad about the thought of leaving them but I am not afraid,” he added.

Another vision that made him think he was about to die was when he saw himself floating away from his body.

Also, he remembered having a flashback of his entire life, from his childhood to being involved in political work when he was still in the country, until his shift to the nursing profession.

Now that he is recuperating, he is “eager to go back to work because I want to help patients and my colleagues who are now too drained.”

“Filipino nurses are looked upon around the world… that kind of respect gives me the courage to recover and bring myself back to work,” Reyes added. n

‘This virus doesn’t take the weekends off...

PAGE A4

crowds of people.

On Monday, Newsom expressed frustration over the photos and videos of beachgoers crowding the shore in both Orange and Ventura counties.

“Those images are an example of what not to see, people, what not to do if we’re going to make meaningful progress that we’ve made in the last few weeks extending into the next number of weeks,” the governor said, making a pointed message to Californians who have been disobeying stay-at-home orders.

“I cannot impress upon you more, to those Californians watching, that we can’t see the images like we saw, particularly on Saturday [April 25] in Newport Beach and elsewhere in the state of California,” he added.

But Orange County officials pushed back on Newsom’s decision, claiming that the governor’s decision was based on overblown media coverage of

the beaches’ attendance last weekend.

“The photographs I saw, quite honestly, are a stark contrast to what I believe the governor is acting on,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, adding that he doesn’t believe there are grounds “to enforce any aspect of that through arrest.”

Moreover, Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steele said that the beach closures are “a clear example of unnecessary government overreach” and Newsom’s reasoning was “arbitrary and capricious and an act of retribution against Orange County.”

Just a few miles north along the Pacific Coast Highway, residents in Huntington Beach have been gathering together in protest of the beach closures and the safer-at-home measures in general.

Many of them, foregoing any personal protective equipment like face masks or gloves, are calling for the reopening of

businesses and schools as well as the lifting of other restrictive measures.

Hyper-patriotism and making pleas for the reinstatement of their freedoms as Americans are common rallying cries among these protesters, an extreme perspective of nearly everyone’s desire to return back to normal life.

But as long as the COVID-19 virus continues to spread and the number of cases and deaths escalate, physical distancing measures and social restrictions are key to reopening the state, Newsom said.

Even though the state announced a plan on Tuesday to slowly reopen the state, California is not rushing to return to 100% normalcy.

“The virus doesn’t take weekends off. The virus doesn’t go home. We have to manage and augment our behavior,” Newsom said on Monday. “The only thing that will set us back is people stopping practicing physical distancing.” n

PAGE 3 mented and kept the ER staff they way it is. She ran a tight ship at the zoo that the ER can be and she ran it effortlessly,” the GoFundMe page described Cabillon. “Selflessly, she took all residents, attendings, nurses, EMTs, PCA, PCTs, techs, and many others under her wings and treated us nothing short as her own children. Whatever she had, she would share.”

The initial goal of $30,000 has been reached, and along with it, an outpouring of support from co-workers, former patients and people whose lives she has touched.

It is evident in the testimonials left by some of the donors, including a resident who said Cabillon “taught us more about caring for sick patients than anyone else” and that she was dearly loved as she “has been a rock and mother to all faculty, residents and staff of the SUNY Downstate-KCH Emergency Medicine Department.”

“Words are insufficient to fully describe her,” Shane De Gracia, a co-worker at Kings County, told the Asian Journal.

She has worked with Cabillon for six and a half years.

Asked about the biggest lesson she learned from Cabillon in those years of working together, De Gracia responded: selflessness and kindness.

“Mama Gui gave herself to everyone without asking for anything in return. She’s a giver and I’d say she is the epitome of what a giver is,” she added.

Cabillon is the first person they have lost in their department, following an ICU attending who died early this week and a pediatrics nurse who passed away a few weeks ago.

De Gracia says it has been “madness” and a “rollercoaster ride of emotions” when asked to describe how it is working in a hospital right smack in the middle of the epicenter of the coronavirus in New York.

“At times you feel helpless for the patients. There were shifts where it has been so busy that you don’t even have the opportunity to mourn the patient before another critical patient comes through the door,” De Gracia said.

She also posted an emotional tribute to Cabillon on Facebook.

“HERO doesn’t begin to define you. Your love for the work you do is evident in everything

you’ve done and how much you’ve affected every single life that was blessed to cross your path, be it nurse, PCA, PCTs, techs, doctors, patients, family members,” she wrote. “Your death is not in vain. You did what you loved til the very end, which was to take care of others. I can only aspire to be an inkling of the kind of nurse and person you were. You devoted your life to the service of others.”

De Gracia also remembered

A

how Cabillon was a mother to the nurses as she took them under her wing as if they were her own children.

“You protected us the way a mother lion protected her cubs.

You fed us, sometimes overfed us because you just won’t take no for an answer when you offered food. You shared your wisdom and expertise as a nurse through the stories you’ve told and by simply seeing the way you work,” De Gracia wrote.

(Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

A6 MAY 2-5, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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O PINION Losing hearts and minds

FEATURES

AS countries scramble to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, some governments are still finding time for other pursuits.

Last week, the Philippine government lodged two diplomatic protests against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. The protests, filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs with the Chinese embassy in Manila, covered two issues.

One protest is over an incident on Feb. 17, when a Chinese navy vessel pointed a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship near Rizal Reef in the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan. The other protest is over Beijing’s declaration of certain areas of Philippine territory as part of China’s Hainan province.

Beijing has named 80 geographical features in the South China Sea and Paracels. Recently, Beijing created two administrative units covering the South China Sea – an area over which its “nine-dash-line” claim has been invalidated by the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

The Philippine government had supported a protest filed by Vietnam against China over what Ha-

noi said was the ramming and sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat by a Chinese coast guard vessel near the Paracel Islands on April 3.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, China has donated masks and personal protective equipment to the Philippines. For this – and all help received by the Philippines from other countries in this time of grave need – Filipinos are grateful. Any goodwill, however, is inevitably eroded by hostile actions in the South China Sea. China has also suffered grievously from the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from losing over 4,600 people, it is seeing its economy contract for the first time since it embraced the free market and globalization decades ago. The Philippines commiserates with all those who have lost their loved ones in China, and with all the other countries and people who continue to suffer from the economic devastation wreaked by the pandemic.

When this health crisis is over, China must continue doing business with the rest of the planet.

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

With several groups and governments in the US and Europe demanding the equivalent of war reparations from China for the public health and economic calamity unleashed by COVID-19, Beijing

should be exerting more effort to win hearts and minds across the globe. Launching hostile acts against its neighbors is hardly the way to do it.

(Philstar.com)

Court rules Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order does not infringe on the constitutional rights of residents WHAT is happening in Michigan is a microcosm of what is happening in our country, and perhaps, around the world, in this global war against the coronavirus pandemic.

As of press time, it has claimed the lives of more than 235,290 people, with 3,303,296 confirmed cases and counting.

Here in the United States, the number of confirmed cases has topped a 1, 123,930 with a death toll of more than 65, 230. These numbers still do not reflect those who have died in their homes and have not been tested.

The pandemic has devastated the economy, affected the lives and livelihood of families, and broken so many dreams. The stay-at home and shelter in place safety measures implemented by local government officials to help mitigate the spread of the virus have also tested the ability of every person to think of what will be good for the bigger community over his or her own individual situation, needs, wants, interests and comfort zone.

This is particularly challenging considering the lack of clear strong moral leadership from the Office of the President of the United States, who, instead of urging people to comply with the safety measures, even encourages protests against these stay-at home orders and push to relax social distancing to re-open the United States for business

again. This comes despite advice from scientists and health offi- The Fil-Am cials that “we are not there yet.”

Because of these mixed mes- Perspective saging coming from the White House and local government officials, a lawsuit was filed in Michigan by plaintiff Steve Martinko and others, against Gov. GEL SANTOS-RELOS Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-athome order.

As in other states with strict social distancing, stay-at home, and shelter-in-place safety measure, Gov. Whitmer’s orders were introduced to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

In Michigan, there are 40,399 confirmed cases and the death toll has reached 3,670, per reporting from the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.

But protesters and plaintiffs contended that Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, violated the rights of Michigan residents — an argument echoed by other governors and mayors who support President Donald Trump. Even the president himself praised these people defying the order calling them true “patriots.”

Trump again sided with protesters, and as Newsweek reported — some of whom were armed — in Michigan on Friday, May 1, for their effort

to reopen parts of the state after Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her emergency declaration keeping some businesses shuttered amid the pandemic.

We recall that last month, Trump rolled out a series of tweets tapping into the people’s fears, boredom and frustrations, encouraging people in critical battleground states lead by Democrats, to “LIBERATE.” According to the Newsweek report, “The plaintiffs in the case claimed that the ‘mandatory quarantine,’ along with interstate travel restrictions listed in an earlier version of the order, violated their rights to both procedural due process and substantive due process.”

HOWEVER, the Michigan Court of Claims has ruled on Thursday, April 30, that the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders do not infringe on the constitutional rights of residents.

Court of Claims Judge Christopher M. Murray wrote in his decision that “those liberty interests are, and always have been, subject to society’s interests—society being our fellow residents.”

“They — our fellow residents — have an interest to remain unharmed by a highly communicable and deadly virus, and since the state entered the

Union in 1837, it has had the broad power to act for the public health of the entire state when faced with a public crisis,” Murray explained.

The rationale behind Murray’s ruling is that “issuing injunctive relief “would not serve the public interest, despite the temporary harm to plaintiffs’ constitutional rights,” Newsweek reported.

This decision is very important especially as a team of pandemic experts say in a report that “it may take more than 18 months.”

The new coronavirus is likely to keep spreading for at least another 18 months to two years—until 60% to 70% of the population has been infected.

This report was released on Thursday, April 30 by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota.

These experts recommended that “the U.S. prepare for a worst-case scenario that includes a second big wave of coronavirus infections in the fall and winter. Even in a best-case scenario, people will continue to die from the virus,” they predicted, based on science. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community.

You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

Learning a lesson from Noah

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA HOW long will the coronavirus pandemic continue to scourge the world? We can only guess, based on empirical experience.

Did God say how long the world would remain flooded and when Noah and the occupants of the ark could step out of it? Noah had to figure that out for himself.

So must government and health authorities think of a way to cope with COVID-19 and return the world to normalcy.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key member of the White House coronavirus task force and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, estimates that it will take at least 18 months – or a year-and-a-half – to develop a vaccine and make it publicly available. But he admits that this is very optimistic and could require taking shortcuts which could be dangerous. According to authorities, the usual time frame is “from six to ten years for vaccines to get developed, approved and marketed to the public.”

For perspective, the deadliest pandemic to hit mankind was the Spanish flu of 1918. The first cases of the Spanish flu were noted in January 1918 and the pandemic is said to have lasted almost three years, subsiding by December 1920. However, it was not until 1940 that a vaccine was finally developed and made pub-

licly available.

According to a National Geographic article, “By the end of the pandemic, between 50 and 100 million people were dead worldwide, including more than 500,000 Americans…”

But how was the virus contained without a vaccine? National Geographic adds: “Now, as then, public health interventions are the first line of defense against an epidemic in the absence of a vaccine. These measures include closing schools, shops, and restaurants; placing restrictions on transportation; mandating social distancing, and banning public gatherings.”

Inevitably, this “solution” has crippled the world economy.

In the U.S., unemployment has soared. Families are facing a financial crisis, on top of the health crisis. This has led to protest marches in several cities and demands for “liberation” from the restrictions. Protestors have also defied orders to wear face masks, avoid crowds, and maintain social distancing.

The mayor of Las Vegas would like the casinos, hotels and the convention center to restart operations, although she does not think it is her responsibility to ensure the safety of her constituents. The governor of Nevada won’t allow it. However, the governor of Georgia has already allowed businesses to open again in his state.

In the face of all these, President Donald Trump has been sending conflicting signals.

He has encouraged the protests and calls for “liberation,” while declaring that he does not agree with the move of the governor of Georgia. In fact, critics believe that Trump is anxious to open up the economy mainly to get his reelection campaign back on track. But health authorities and most state officials insist that the pandemic must first be contained – as a first step, through widespread testing – warning that easing restrictions without testing could result in a surge in infections and deaths, negating gains in containing the virus.

Everyone needs to learn from history. National Geographic recounts: “Philadelphia detected its first case of a deadly, fastspreading strain of influenza on September 17, 1918. The next day, in an attempt to halt the virus’ spread, city officials launched a campaign against coughing, spitting, and sneezing in public. Yet 10 days later – despite the prospect of an epidemic at its doorstep – the city hosted a parade that 200,000 people attended. Flu cases continued to mount until finally, on October 3, schools, churches, theaters, and public gathering spaces were shut down. Just two weeks after the first reported case, there were at least 20,000 more.”

But speaking of these “restrictions,” the fact is that nothing in the measures taken in the U.S. to contain COVID-19 requires an absolute lockdown or prohibits people from perform-

ing essential activities. Non-essential travel, avoiding crowds, and wearing protective gear are necessary to minimize infecting others or being infected. But social distancing and wearing a face mask in public do not keep people from shopping, working or taking a stroll around their neighborhoods.

Similarly, the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) imposed by the government of President Rodrigo Duterte does not mandate a complete lockdown of the population. People are able to set out to buy food and provisions and undertake other essential activities, albeit with restrictions.

A few days ago, while listening to a report by Duterte on COVID-19, I could not help being amused – and baffled – by his revelation that he has been unable to visit his hometown of Davao City because “the mayor will not allow my plane to land.”

The mayor is the president’s daughter, Sara Duterte.

Apparently, Duterte intended to stress that even he, the most powerful man in the country, has had to follow the rules on ECQ – so why shouldn’t everyone else? But he wasn’t doing the citizenry a favor by interpreting the restrictions in that manner. He has simply encouraged lesser officials – the police, the military and local authorities – to exaggerate the restrictions (as Duterte has), even to the point of being unreasonably strict (as Duterte believes his daughter is).

Would Duterte endanger the health and well-being of the people of Davao City if he and his entourage were to properly cover themselves with face masks and gloves and avoid hugging, kissing, shaking hands and mingling with the crowd?

And what is to prevent the mayor from advising her father and his security detail and aides to keep their masks and gloves on and observe ECQ – even as she herself needs to?

Earlier, the White House released guidelines for reopening the U.S. economy, allowing businesses to operate and people to work based on a three-stage process. The guidelines make sense except for the absence of a vital step – testing.

Inexplicably, Trump has resisted this, declaring that it is not possible to test 350 million Americans – meaning the entire US population – within an acceptable time frame.

And so, there is a stalemate.

But is it realistic to wait until a vaccine is successfully developed and everyone in the world has been tested before opening up the economy?

Isn’t there a middle ground – a way of gradually restoring normalcy while conducting nationwide testing, and while waiting for the vaccine to be developed and made publicly available?

At present, essential businesses and services are allowed to operate, subject to strict protocols: social distancing, wearing protective gear and using disinfectants. At supermarkets,

personnel and customers have to wear face masks and gloves and keep at least six feet away from each other. Crowding is not allowed and the number of customers in the store is controlled.

Why can’t these protocols be applied to a gradually expanded and carefully selected number of economic and community activities, based on such indicators as a decrease in infections and fatalities? Meanwhile, tests could be conducted at a brisk pace – but ensuring efficacy.

Admittedly, there could be risks but the precautions could mitigate that.

Like Duterte and his daughter, Trump has had a tendency to exaggerate. But, maybe the health and state authorities are also being too segurista (playing it too safe). Remember the saying among doctors, “When in doubt, don’t operate!”?

When God unleashed the great flood, He surely did not expect Noah to remain shut down in the ark indefinitely. Neither did Noah. Thus, when Noah saw that the flood waters had begun to recede, he dispatched a raven and a dove to fly out and seek dry land.

Noah did not wait for the earth to become completely dry before deciding to check when it would be safe to open up the ark and allow his family and God’s creatures to live normal lives again.

Perhaps we can all learn a lesson from Noah. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Duterte offers P20M reward to any Filipino who develops respirator for COVID-19 patients

by RitchEl

MEndiola AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is willing to give a P20 million reward to any Filipino who can develop a durable respirator that will be used to help patients who contracted the novel coronavirus, Malacañang said on Tuesday, April 28.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the respirators should “outlast” the lives of the patients.

“Nagbigay ng pabuya ang Presidente ng P20 million para sa sinumang Pilipino na makakabuo ng local respirator na sabi niya ay would outlast the life of the patient. Ito po ay may kaku-

langan talaga sa respirators (The president has put up a P20 million reward to any Filipino who can create a local respirator that would outlast the life of the patient. This is a result of the shortage of respirators),” he said in a virtual press briefing.

Duterte on Friday also raised the reward money for anyone who develops a vaccine against COVID-19, saying it can go as high as P100 million.

“I am raising the bounty to P50 million because it is a collegial thing,” the president said in his address.

“Baka sa ligaya ko, another P50 million, kung maligaya ako masyado (If I’m too happy I might add another P50 million),” he added.

Initially, the reward money was P10 million.

“Because COVID-19 is public enemy number one not only in the Philippines, but also in the whole world, the President is announcing that he will give a reward of up to P10 million to any Filipino who can discover a vaccine against COVID-19,” Roque said on April 21.

Duterte also offered a “substantial grant” to the laboratories of the University of the Philippines and the Philippine General Hospital for vaccine development.

As of writing, there are 8,212 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 558 fatalities and 1,023 recoveries. n

DOT chief clarifies report on foreign travel restrictions

by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Friday, May 1 clarified her statement that international travel this year is unlikely due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

She said Thursday’s report of The STAR wherein a statement attributed to her suggesting that international trips would not be possible for the remaining months of the year after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was “incomplete and inaccurate.”

Puyat was quoted in the report as saying during a virtual hearing of the House committee on tourism that “international travel might not happen this year” and that “at this point in time, traveling is but a dream.”

Her complete quote, should have been: “Travel will not revert to normal right away.

Even if the ECQ has been lifted, some LGUs will not yet be open to visitors from other places and international travel might not yet happen within the year pending the travel restrictions of other nations.”

The statement misled stakeholders in the tourism industry into believing that there is already a definite restriction on

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat Phils6tar.com photo

international travel to be imposed by the Philippine government, which is still looking into measures to help the tourism industry recover from economic losses caused by the ECQ. At the hearing, Puyat lamented that the tourism sector is “probably the hardest-hit economic sector in this crisis.”

She revealed that there is an estimated decrease of 40.2 percent in the number of foreign arrivals in the Philippines from January to March this year, as compared to figures from the same period in 2019.

“We also estimate revenue from foreign arrivals for the period January to March of 2020 to have reached P79.8 billion,

or a decrease of 40.62 percent compared to P134.3 billion from January to March of 2019,” Puyat bared.

Puyat also said the pandemic might limit the recovery of the industry after the ECQ. “For the first few months, we might be limited to creating offers for promoting places that are only a few hours drive away from where the target consumer resides,” she explained.

“All of these are being studied and evaluated by the DOT and our private stakeholder partners with regular coordination with the IATF,” she added.

Still, the DOT chief gave assurance that the government is ready to assist affected stakeholders in the industry.

Under the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act of 2020, the DOT will get at least P43 billion to assist affected businesses in the tourism industry.

During the hearing, DOT officials said they are planning to use P36 billion for soft loans for tourism enterprises; P4 billion for projects of the Philippine Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority; P500 million each for domestic tourism promotion, international tourism promotion and capacity building for industry stakeholders

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Palace: Ban on gatherings in GCQ areas stays Nearly 2-M Filipino tourist workers

affected by COVID-pandemic — ILO report

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

THE government has backpedaled from allowing mass gatherings, including religious and work-related assemblies, in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), saying the ban on these activities stays.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque made the announcement after some local government units complained about the decision the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease to allow such gatherings in GCQ areas.

The local officials said it was impossible to implement physical distancing during religious meetings as well as in factories and similar workplaces, Roque said on PTV-4.

A day earlier, he announced that the IATF had allowed religious activities and essential work gatherings in GCQ areas as long as strict physical distancing of at least 2 meters and the use of face masks or other protective equipment were enforced.

Roque said different religious organizations in the country had agreed to suspend services to protect the faithful.

He added that almost all forms of faith could now hold services through the internet, radio or television.

The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), which is more restrictive than GCQ, will still be enforced in Metro Manila, Central Luzon except Aurora; Region 4A, Pangasinan, Benguet, Iloilo province, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Cebu province, Cebu City and Davao City until May 15.

The GCQ will be implemented in areas not under ECQ from May 1 to 15.

As the government continues to relax isolation measures, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry have issued guidelines to assist private institutions that are allowed to reopen in developing the minimum health protocols and standards. The guidelines are effective immediately.

The following are among the guidelines: – For high-risk workers or vulnerable groups, employers are highly encouraged to let them do their work from home.

– Employers are also encour-

by Jeremaiah

OpinianO, marlOn luistrO Philstar.com

A boy wearing an improvised face mask made from a discarded plastic water bottle clings to his father, who is wearing a cloth face mask, in San Andres, Manila on Friday. Medical frontliners conducted community rapid testing for the coronavirus there due to its growing number of confirmed cases.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

aged to provide their workers with enhanced health insurance and, where feasible, shuttle services or accommodation near their place of work to lessen travel and people movement.

– Both employers and employees must wear masks at all times, strictly observe physical distancing and regularly disinfect workplaces.

– Washrooms and toilets must have sufficient clean water and soap, and sanitizers must be made available in corridors, conference areas, elevators, stairways and areas where workers pass.

– Companies must have an isolation area for workers suspected of having coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

A team of experts from the University of the Philippines warned the government against the premature easing of the ECQ and urged Congress to extend the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. “We caution the government on the premature relaxation of the enhanced community quarantine without substantial data and without the minimum health safeguards in place in affected areas, regardless of the historical number of cases,” said the group of Dr. Guido David, Prof.

Ranjit Singh Rye, Ma. Patricia Agbulos, Dr. Emmanuel Lallana and Dr. Erwin Alampay.

In its report titled “Covid-19 Forecasts in the Philippines: Sub-National Models for NCR and other Selected Areas,” the group reiterated its previous proposals for mass randomized testing, effective contact

tracing, and sufficient health facilities, equipment and isolation areas.

“Testing will help us determine the actual number of Covid-19 cases and prevent infective individuals, particularly asymptomatic cases, from spreading the virus,” it said.

The group proposed digital contact tracing applications system to track those who could have been exposed to an infected individual.

“Digital contact tracing through the use of mobile phones can reduce the burden of data collection on public health workers, improve accuracy of data and enable the identification of contacts unknown to the patient,” it said.

The group stressed that the government should intensify the hiring of health human resources, as well as expand its health system capacity to deal with the medium- to long-term impact of the pandemic.

It also urged Congress to extend the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act declaring the existence of a national emergency situation because of Covid-19.

“In combatting the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that the President continue to have the powers to realign and redirect resources,” the group said.

“As part of the extension of the Act, provisions for additional social amelioration funds for affected areas may be provided including stronger penal provisions for those who will commit corrupt practices related to the Covid-19 initiative,” it added. n

NEARLY two million Filipino workers in the tourism sector 15.3 million tourist workers in Asia Pacific to be hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, says a United Nations agency’s arm for the said geographic region.

A recent report by the International Labor Organization Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific said that more than 15.3 million jobs in the tourism sector in 14 countries of the region are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

These impacts are through shortened working hours, extended or unpaid leave on partial wages, or job displacements.

ILO based its estimates on the 14 countries on the latest labor force survey data available. In the case of the Philippines, it was the fourth quarter results of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that was the basis.

The October 2019 round of the LFS showed that about 8.5% of the country’s 42.429 million workers are in the “accommodation and food services” employment sector. The figure translates to some 1.909 million workers.

These tourist workers are the fifth largest Filipino workforce by employment sector, PSA data show.

ILO estimates show that most of the Filipino tourism workers are in “food and beverage service sharing activities” with 69.1%.

They are followed by tourism workers found in “sports and recreational activities” (13%) and “accommodation for visitors” (11.3%).

This includes among others staff of airlines, hotels, travel agencies and transport companies within the region. In Southeast Asia, Thailand has the highest share of tourism employment reaching 9.0%, followed by Vietnam (6.9%) and Cambodia (6.7%), respectively. Nepal and Sri Lanka has the highest shares of jobs in tourism for South Asia, reaching 8.1% and 6.1%, respectively.

More than three in four workers in tourism sector in many Asia and Pacific countries are in informal jobs, likewise “leaving them especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” the ILO wrote in its report COVID-19 and employment in the tourism sector: Impact and response in Asia and the Pacific.

What has characterized informal sector jobs are the lack of basic protection, as well as social protection coverage. Workers who continue to work in hotels, airlines or other hospitality industries typically don’t have the option to work remotely, which puts them at high risk of COVID19 infection.

Informal workers who will get sick may be disadvantaged in access to health-care services and they have no income replacement if they stop working in case of sickness or lockdowns, the ILO said.

In reaction the COVID crisis, various governments in the region have introduced stimulus packages and other policies directly supporting the tourism industry. Despite this, near bankruptcy conditions of tourism-related businesses are already rising.

This is already being felt as Cavite province Gov. Jonvic Remulla (in a Facebook post Tuesday) said the Philippines’ Calabarzon region, reportedly was the ‘hardest hit region in the Philippines.” It lost about P10 billion in overall productivity (regardless of economic and employment sectors).

u PAGE A9

SAFETY FIRST. Personnel of the Quezon City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) wear personal protective equipment (PPE), face shields, and masks while collecting garbage from establishments along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City on Labor Day, Friday, May 1. Garbage collectors are essential workers as they continue with their task of assuring clean environment amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-5, 2020

A

NEDA: Virus economic losses hit P700-B

by AnnA LeAh

GonzALes ManilaTimes.net

THE losses from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had reached P700 billion, a top government economic expert said on Thursday, April 30.

A zero-growth scenario could raise the losses to P1.1 trillion, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in an online briefing with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

“Based on the surveys we gathered, the effect of Covid primarily because of the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) is some P700 billion,” he added.

NEDA and the Department of Finance made surveys to assess the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on consumers and small and medium businesses.

Chua said 200,000 respondents were polled.

“What the survey told us was, in general, the businesses are experiencing hardships, but what they also told us is the immediate request is not really a subsidy or some grant, but just a grace period for the payment of rentals, expenses and other

commitments like tax payments,” he added.

He bared that businesses said they had enough working capital to support their business and employees, but that their funds would run out in a few more weeks.

Regarding the zero-growth projection, Chua said the government expects a slightly negative gross domestic product (GDP) for this year because of the pandemic.

“So, if GDP right now is P18.6 trillion and we will not grow by 6 percent, basically the loss we are basically seeing can be P1.1 trillion,” he explained.

Before the pandemic struck, the government was expecting a 6.5-percent to 7.5-percent growth range for 2020, higher than last year’s 6.0 percent.

First-quarter GDP data will be released by the Philippine Statistics Authority next week.

“My sense is that we have good potential to see a positive growth [in the first quarter], but we should not be surprised if the numbers are not to our best favor because, as I mentioned, we entered the year with very good foundations. But we were struck with three exogenous shocks that no one really expected,” Chua said.

The shocks are the eruption

of Taal Volcano in January, the economic lockdown in China that led to a significant decline in trade and tourism, and the Covid-19 in March.

“All of these factors are basically affecting the prospects for a very good GDP number so we will have to wait for next week if we see better growth or not,” the acting secretary said.

He added that the government must make sure there is no second Covid wave once businesses and industries reopen.

“Some people are basically saying we have to lift the ECQ, businesses have to resume, but we already know from other countries that too hasty a decision without the necessary preparation can lead to a second or third wave. We would like to recover and sustain that.

We don’t want a recovery followed by a sudden collapse again,” he said.

The government was looking for a balance between restarting the economy and safeguarding the people’s health, and “based on that, the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) recommended to the President (Rodrigo Duterte) the keeping of ECQ in some areas and modify to GCQ (general community quarantine in some areas,” Chua added. n

Nearly 2-M Filipino tourist workers affected...

PAGE A8 He also cited the closure of hotels in Tagaytay City, the beach resorts in municipalities such as Naic and Tanza, and the closure of malls. This is not to mention that in mid-January, Tagaytay City reeled from the eruption of Tall Volcano.

Remulla estimates about “100,000+ employees from Cavite to Manila dislocated.”

ILO said the design of COVID19 policy responses focusing on the crucial role of decent work is key to mitigate the adverse impacts on tourism enterprises and workers and to achieve a sustained and equitable recovery of sector.

It concluded that the COVID19 pandemic and the ability of countries to cope with its impacts, likewise bring to light the importance of labor standards and social protection systems, especially in application of sick pay and special leave arrangements.

Also, with many workers in the tourism sector working outside the formal sector, COVID-19 response in Asia-Pacific region must have a component of ensuring the livelihoods of informal workers.

On Sunday, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. (in a radio interview) said the Philippine tourism industry is looking at ways to resuming opera-

tions while observing prevailing physical distancing and health regulations.

The possible new normal being proposed in the industry is to reduce the number of visitors to be accepted at tourist sites, particularly top destinations like Boracay. It also includes filling a tourist bus only at half of its passenger capacity and limiting seating in restaurants, most especially famous buffet establishments.

Bengzon admitted though that the said measures would have cost implications and affect the tourism businesses’ revenue streams.

The Department of Tourism grapples hopes it could get back on its feet perhaps “in the latter part of this year” or maybe next year. This is while the department has yet to complete its Tourism Response and Recovery program, aimed at opening up and promoting domestic tourism first.

At the moment, some resorts and hotels are being used as quarantine centers for returning and repatriated overseas Filipino workers.

The Department of Trade and Industry has already allowed hotels in areas under “general community quarantine.” However, easing of restrictions in the said areas that have low-to-moderate risks to SARS-CoV-2 would

DOT chief clarifies report on foreign...

PAGE A7 training, and P1.5 billion to address the tourism crisis by supporting private sector activities.

Proper messaging To restore the confidence of Filipino travelers, DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. told “ The Chief” on One News that tourist destinations around the country should be able to show that their facilities have the proper safety protocols in place.

“Like for example, we will have a limit or carrying capacity in destinations or tourist attractions so that people will not be crowded,” he said, adding that other measures like those for hand washing or sanitizers will also have to be included.

From a marketing standpoint, he stressed the importance of messaging to tell domestic travelers that protocols are in place. ?Bengzon revealed that the DOT, together with stakeholders, is crafting guidelines on health and safety for accommodation establishments. It is also planning to come up with a prototype destination outside Metro Manila where the concept of proper messaging will be implemented.

“In a post-ECQ, or post- pandemic period, we will have to comply with these new protocols, new procedures to make sure that we are able to control the situation,” he said.

To make it effective, travelers will also have to do their share by following the basic protocols, such as proper hand washing and wearing of face mask, when moving around.

“We believe that it is the domestic travelers that will move around before international travelers. We are confident that in the months to come, it will really be domestic tourism that will keep many enterprises, especially in the provinces, afloat,” Bengzon said.?

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that the tourism sector contributed 12.7

percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2018 and became a huge employment generator.

Bengzon said the DOT is working on completing the Tourism Response and Recovery Plan (TRRP), which has consolidated the inputs from all concerned industry sub-sectors to make for an inclusive planning process and an integrated implementation with the support of both the government and private sector.

The TRRP aims to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism industry with emphasis on infrastructure, social services and livelihood, business and product development to maximize the socio-economic benefits.

“We’re doing our best to ensure business continuity of MSMEs by providing them access to low-interest rate lending facilities and wage subsidies,” Bengzon added.

The DOT said earlier it is in talks with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to provide rehabilitation financing support such as extending low interest loans for tourism enterprises that have been severely affected by the pandemic.

“The department has also made appropriate representation with the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth for the deferment of tourism workers’ contributions.

Upon these representations PhilHealth has agreed to extend the deadline to remit the members’ savings/contributions until two weeks after the lifting of the quarantine without any penalty,” the DOT said earlier.

It said Pag-IBIG has also agreed to extend its deadline of payment of premium contributions for the first quarter of 2020 to April 30. The Social Security System agreed to extend the deadline for the remittance of contributions until June 1. n

be gradual.

The national government expects to release today the guidelines for relaxing quarantine restrictions by April 30. n

BARANGAY CARES. Members of the Quezon City-Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) visit every barangay on board electric bikes along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, April 30. They use loud speakers to remind residents and other motorists to follow quarantine measures such as social distancing and curfew hours. aPNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

PH COVID-19 patients now at 8,772 MANILA — The Philippines on Friday, May 1 recorded 284 new cases of the coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19), sustaining an uptrend as the government begins the implementation of less stringent general community quarantine in “low-risk” areas.

The latest tally brought the country’s total count to 8,772.

Meanwhile, 11 new deaths were recorded, pushing up the total fatalities to 579.

On the flip side, there were 41 new survivors, bringing the total number of patients who recovered from the highly contagious disease to 1,084.

With the health crisis lingering, the government is now facing the

tough job of crafting an economic recovery plan that would allow businesses and public transportation to reopen while avoiding a second wave of infection.

Last March 17, President Rodrigo Duterte placed Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine, a move that upended the lives of half of the country’s population and effectively paralyzed business and commerce in the main island that generates 70% of the country’s economic output.

The quarantine had since been extended until May 15 for “highrisk” places including Metro Manila and neighboring areas, while other key areas like Davao de Oro

will transition to a more relaxed general community quarantine starting May 1.

Globally, at least 230,309 people have died worldwide, since the epidemic surfaced in China in December, according to an AFP tally at 1900 GMT Thursday based on official sources.

More than 3,218,410 cases have now been reported in 195 countries and territories.

In the United States, which has the highest toll, 61,717 people have died. Italy is the second hardest-hit country, with 27,967 dead, followed by the United Kingdom with 26,711, Spain 24,543 and France 24,376. (Philstar.com with reports from AFP)

A10 May 2-5, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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B Saturday, May 2, 2020

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-5, 2020

The Asian Journal

WKND May 2020 priority dates Immigration Corner

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY: First Preference

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a v isa, mea n i ng i m m ig ra nt visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose pr ior it y date is earlier t han the cut-off date lisqted below.

If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavai lable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning in October 2015, t he for mat of t he Visa Bu lletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier t han t he Appl icat ion Fi l i ng Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they a r e ot her w i se el ig ible a nd USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for t hat mont h).

This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner t h a n befor e, wher e they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance or Final Action Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

June 01, 2011

September 01, 2010

Ryan reveals Judy Ann’s ‘brilliant’ house rules during lockdown

by Marinel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holders

March 01, 2020

Current

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holders

February 01, 2011

June 01, 2010

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens

August 22, 2001

November 15, 2000

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens

June 01, 2001

October 01, 2000

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

April 01, 2019

January 01, 2017

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

April 01, 2019

January 01, 2017

*** 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 h e rei n ( i n cl u d i n g tes ti m o n ia ls , “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,

LifestyLe Consumer Guide Community marketpLaCe

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 Fo l l ow u s o n Fa ce b o o k .co m / G u r f i n ke l L a w a n d Tw i t t e r @ GurfinkelLaw C a l l To l l f re e to s c h e d u l e 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

HOW TV host Ryan Agoncillo and wife, actress Judy Ann Santos, explained to their children all about the pandemic and the ongoing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is a story worth telling.

“We presented it to them like a war scenario,” Ryan told Inquirer Entertainment.

“We told them that we are on isolation so people can’t go to work, and that we have to treat everything we have as if it will eventually run out,” Ryan recalled. The couple has three kids—Yohan, 16; Lucho, 10; and Luna, 4.

“We did it slowly. We tried not to scare them, but we let them understand the significance of what’s happening, so they won’t take things for granted. We had to make them realize that we’re lucky to be in one house, or that Ryan Agoncillo and wife Judy Ann Santos with their kids Luna, Lucho and Yohan Photo from Instagram@ryan_agoncillo PAGE B2

Imelda: My conscience is clear by riCky lo Philstar.com

THE Sentimental Songstress seems to be carrying a “sentimental overload” caused by a controversy generated by the song Iisang Dagat (literally translated “one sea”), written by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and sung on video

by Chinese actor Yubin, Fil-Chinese singer Jhonvid Bangayan and Camarines Sur Vice Gov. (Advertising Supplement) Imelda Papin, the enduring Jukebox Queen who won the hearts

of Filipinos with her sentimental/ lachrymal songs (Isang Linggong Pag-ibig, etc.).

The Chinese Embassy last week released the music video featuring the cooperation and mutual support between China and the Philippines in addressing the threat posed by COVID-19. It must be the word dagat (sea) that prompted some sector to react vehemently against it, especially since it was released amid the country’s diplomatic protest against China’s “aggression” in the West Philippine Sea.

“My conscience is clear,” said Imelda who was bashed on social media for her participation in the project. “I want to make three things clear. 1.) I did not volunteer; 2.) I wasn’t paid; and 3.) I just wanted to help in my own little way when I learned that the song was about the fight against the virus and it would be shown as a tribute to frontliners in China.”

Imelda explained to The STAR that she agreed right away when she got the texted invitation first week of April, followed by a call PAGE B2

B May 2-5, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

EntErtainmEnt

Ryan reveals Judy Ann’s...

we’ve been issued quarantine PAGE B1 we even have a house; that we’re passes ahead of everyone else, lucky to have supplies coming so it was already difficult to go in,” the TV host said. out.

Ryan said Judy Ann “did some“We would eat a set of food thing brilliant” a week after the for dinner, then eat the same ECQ was first implemented. He thing the following day. One admitted that he wasn’t aware day, my wife surprised us with of the effect of his wife’s gesture food delivery. The meal had been until a little while later. simple—French fries, chicken He recalled, “It had been a nuggets and burgers—pero party pretty heavy week. Our com- na! That’s how we introduced the munity had already been on idea to the kids—that from that ‘military’ lockdown early on and moment on, we would have to

make sacrifices.”

The couple had also set rules on the consumption of electricity.

“You can’t turn on the air conditioner if you’re alone in a room.

There has to be at least three members of the family with you before you can use it,” Ryan explained. “As a result, we now all stay together in the living room.

We’ve been doing this since Day 1. Now, it’s become a habit.”

When asked about how difficult it was for him to adjust to the isolation, Ryan said being stuck at home was “no big deal” for him, “because we eventually learned to adjust our habits.”

What made him more anxious was thinking about what would eventually happen to their restaurant businesses and to the noontime game show “Eat…Bulaga!” where he is a regular host.

“We were happy to stay indoors. Before the lockdown, we were already on a weeklong break. We had canceled work because we wanted to be safe already,” he recalled.

During the interview, Ryan said he was seated on the couch, “just like I always am when I’m here at home. The only difference is that if you weren’t interviewing me, then I’m either in a video meeting or in an exchange of emails. Isolation is a big deal, yes, but there are much bigger things to consider.”

Ryan then added that he wasn’t so worried about his colleagues in the industry because “I’m seeing a lot of good things happening right now. We see people reaching out to each other—and there’s no longer any distinction between media practitioners, like us, and civilians. Social media has blurred the lines even more,” he observed. “I think we’re all really just coping. There’s a lot of faith being restored on a daily basis on humanity for me.”

These days, Ryan said his concern was geared particularly toward the employees of their Angrydobo Manila branch.

“I keep thinking if they’re all OK, because we were finally allowed to operate recently,” he said. “I would also wake up thinking about what would happen once the lockdown has been lifted, because it’s not necessarily safe out there. There will be new problems for sure. We would just have to roll with the punches and try to be a few steps ahead of our anxiety.”

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Jett revives The Dawn’s ‘Salamat’ to honor frontliners

JETT Pangan found himself singing a familiar song in unfamiliar territory when he revived “Salamat” in a tribute video reflecting meaningful connections in the time of COVID-19.

Produced by Smart Communications, The Dawn’s frontman traded the original rock arrangement of the song for a subdued yet moving version of the late ’80s classic.

Pangan said singing “Salamat” during this difficult time was at the very least emotional and reminded him of life’s simple constants.

“Recording Salamat in this context was a lot more emotional. It reminded me of just how important it is to feel support from family and friends in a very trying time even if we’re apart.”

He added, “There was a sense of comfort knowing that even if I’m physically limited to do ‘normal’ things because of the quarantine, I’m still able to take part in sharing a song that can help inspire people to hang in there and look forward to the day that we can go on with our lives without fear.”

The video talks about simple connections that truly matter.

This part of technology has been available to us even before ECQ time but we tend to appreciate it more now as we rely more on the internet to reach out to our loved ones and friends.

Aware of the limitations of the current situation, Pangan shared, “People seem to view the song as a shout-out to one

‘Recording Salamat in this context was a lot more emotional. It reminded me of just how important it is to feel support from family and friends in a very trying time even if we’re apart,’ says The Dawn’s frontman.

Inquirer.net photo

another, at a time when we can’t hug or even shake hands but nevertheless try to unite in stopping the spread of the virus.”

The singer and stage actor also recalled the first time he recorded Salamat. “The main guitar chords within ‘Salamat’ were inspired by another song of The Dawn called ‘I Stand With You.’ It’s a case of one song giving birth to another.

When we created this song, we wanted it to express hope in

any situation. Thus, the original lyrics went: ‘Sa lungkot at kaligayahan/Tunay na kaibigan, kasamang maasahan.”

He also recalled that The Dawn intended for the song to serve a bigger purpose: “We hoped it would truly inspire people. Me and my bandmates in The Dawn enjoy creating songs that offer a glimmer of hope because it inspires us to go on living as well.” (ManilaTimes.net)

Lara expecting 3rd baby by

Katrina Hallare Inquirer.net

THE brood of Lara Quigaman and her husband Marco Alcaraz will be expanding, as the actress is pregnant with their third child.

The couple announced the big news in a YouTube vlog uploaded Thursday.

The former beauty queen said that her pregnancy is a blessing, despite the unfortunate circumstances brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Alam po namin na ang daming hindi magandang nangyayari ngayon sa paligid natin, pero this is something talaga we are truly grateful for,” the Miss International 2005 winner said.

(This is still a blessing that we are grateful for, and even though there are unfortunate things happening, this is something we are truly grateful for.)

Quigaman is currently 18 weeks pregnant and is due to give birth in September.

The couple, however, did not reveal the baby’s gender.

The couple are also parents to two boys, Noah born in 2012, and Tobias Nolan born in 2018.

Lara Quigaman with husband Marco Alcaraz

Photo from Instagram/@laraquigaman

The Crawfords are expecting by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

CELEBRITY couple Coleen Garcia and Billy Crawford revealed on Friday afternoon they were expecting their first child.

Via Instagram, Garcia — who is now on her fifth month of pregnancy — posted a series of photos showing her baby bump with her hubby. She also posted an ultrasound of the baby as

well as shots of changes on her body during her 17th and 19th weeks.

Garcia wrote, “It’s been over five months now. And just like that, we’re more than half way through! We found out earlier this year, but I’ve been pregnant since Dec 2019, and it’s been quite a ride since then! Thank you to the friends who’ve been praying for us and checking in on us! We’re beyond grateful for

this huge blessing! God is always so good. Excited for us, Daddyyy @billycrawford.”

Garcia wrapped up the photo series with a note that reads how blessed they feel as parents-tobe.

“We had a feeling that this year was gonna be unpredictable, but damn, 2020 is something else! Still, God has a plan, and His plans are always better than PAGE B3

Imelda: My conscience is...

PAGE B1 from the Chinese Embassy that she was the ambassador’s choice to interpret the Filipino portions of the song that go: Pagdating ng liwanag na ating minimithi/ Ito’y magbibigay ng pag-asa sa bawat bansa/Hawak-hawak kamay tayo’y patungo sa maliwanag na kinabukasan.

And the chorus: Ikaw at ako ay nasa isang dagat/‘Yung pagmamahal aking kasama/Ang iyong kamay ay hindi ko bibitawan/ Maaliwalas na kinabukasan ating masisilayan.

“I didn’t expect people to react that way,” wondered Imelda who recorded her participation on her celfone videocam in one night.

“Alam mo naman na okey ako pagdating sa pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa.”

Meanwhile, Universal Records (UR) denied in an official statement that it was involved in any way in the track’s production and promotion, contrary to what was included in its YouTube caption. According to the statement, “Prior to its release, an invitation was sent out by Chinatown TV for the label to help in the song’s promotion which respectfully declined by the label. The inclusion of the company name on

Imelda Papin

the aforementioned caption was posted without our consent and has therefore misled audiences with our non-participation in the project.”

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that there was nothing wrong with the music video, adding that foreigners also enjoy the right to freedom of expression. “Lahat ng karapatan sa ating Bill of Rights ay binibigay din sa mga dayuhan na

Philstar.com photo

naninirahan dito, ayon sa Korte Suprema,” Roque was quoted in news reports.

Imelda said, “Pasensya na (sorry po) sa mga taong iba ang interpretasyon ng song. Hindinghindi ako magtataksil sa ating bayan. Hindi to tatalikuran ang bansang Pilipinas. I was born in the Philippines and I will remain a true Filipino. Let us pray together para mapuksa ang virus. Let’s be healed as one.”

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-5, 2020

B

Award-winning singer-actress Lea Salonga ABS-CBN photo

Lea brings pride to Philippines anew at Stephen Sondheim concert

by Jan

MIlo severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA singer Lea Salonga raised the Philippine flag once again as she was among the performers in the starstudded concert yesterday that celebrated the 90th birthday of musical theater legend Stephen Sondheim.

Lea performed “Loving You” from Sondheim’s musical “Passion” before giving a birthday message for Sondheim.

“I just wanted to wish you a very happy 90th birthday. I

think it is absolutely fantastic that you have allowed for ASTEP to raise funds as part of this celebration,” Lea said.

“In this crisis, all of us are turning to the arts for comfort and solace and sanity so I feel that it’s important to expose children to the arts. Whether or not they end up as artists as adults, it is something that will only serve to enrich, enhance and fill their lives,” she added.

The concert also featured other artists such as Meryl Streep, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin

Chenoweth, Josh Groban, Aaron Tveit and Jake Gyllenhaal, among many others.

The online concert is also a fundraiser in support of Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP), a youth development program conceived by Broadway Musical Director MaryMitchell Campbell and Juilliard students to connect performing and visual artists with underserved youth in the US and around the world to awaken their imaginations, foster critical thinking and help them break the cycle of poverty.

The Songbird at 50

Regine Velasquez celebrates with a milestone benefit concert from home

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

ASIA’S Songbird Regine Velasquez had a successful online fundraising event dubbed “One Night With Regine” over the weekend and raised over P4.2 million in donation.

The three-hour special was streamed live from her home on ABS-CBN’s Facebook and YouTube pages on Apr i l 25 and was held for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163’s programs outside its coronavirus relief efforts, including t he “Children’s Village,” which houses r esc ued abu sed , neglec ted and abandoned children.

The singing diva’s husband, fellow OPM icon Ogie Alcasid, saw to setting up Velasquez’s performing area and the technical side.

“Ju st b efor e we a i r e d #onen ight w it h reg i ne last n ight . Boy, wa s I ner vou s.

Felt like I was in school in UP again for production classes,” A lcasid said on his Instagram on Sunday.

“All worth it. My wife was just amazing again. Praise the Lord for she is good. T Y to all who donated a nd watc hed.

G o d b l e s s you r wo n d er f u l hear ts. Wi l l post more pics a nd v ids. Cong rat s baba @ reginevalcasid,” he added.

Velasquez, who celebrated her 50th birthday on April 22, delivered a wide repertoire of songs including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Ben&Ben’s

Regine Velasquez

“Pagtingin,” Unique Salonga’s “Sino, “ Moira Dela Tor re’s “ Ta g u -Ta g u a n ,” K Z Ta n d ingan’s “Mahal Ko O Mahal A ko,” Eraserheads’ “Wit h A Smi le,” and of course some of her biggest hits including “Dada l h i n ,” “ Tuw i ng Umuulan,” and “Araw Gabi.”

Dur ing one segment, son Nate Alcasid joined her to sing

Photo from Instagram/@reginevalcasid

“A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman.”

Mea nwh i le, her specia l guest was Broadway star Lea Salonga with whom she sang several duets over video call, na mely “I Don’t K now How To Love Hi m,” “W hat I Did For Love” and “Someone Like You.” PAGE B4

The Crawfords are expecting...

PAGE B2 ours. His timing is always perfect.

Mysterious at times, but perfect nonetheless,” began the note.

“In spite of everything that has been happening, we got to start this year with an unbeatable glimmer of HOPE that we continue to hang on to and treasure. It’s enough to make every day much brighter. I know we all didn’t expect to be where we are at this very moment, but just know and trust that God is at work in each of our lives, even in times of uncertainty,” Garcia continued.

“So far, this year has taught us that much. As for us, the timing may be scary, but our journey so far has given us enough confidence and assurance that everything is going to be absolutely great! When fear and doubt are replaced with trust and faith, that’s when we allow blessings and miracles to come into our lives,” she ended.

Crawford, on the other hand, has also posted their photo on his Instagram account and said, “And just like that, we’re going to be parents! I can’t even express the joy of this day! I’ve been waiting to scream it out to the world.

Yes! My gorgeous wife and I are having a baby!!!!!”

“Been praying to God for this, and for years, the answer was ‘not yet.’ Fast forward to today, and God has blessed us in His perfect timing. And thank

Billy Crawford with wife Coleen Garcia Photo from Instagram/@billycrawford

you #myeverything @coleen for bearing with me cause everyone knows I’m the actual pregnant one! Hahaha you’re still sexy, gorgeous, gassy but classy. I love you so much #Mama PS: we’re 5 months in so it’s not an ECQ baby lol,” he added jokingly.

The couple’s respective comments section were flooded with congratulatory messages from followers and friends in showbiz.

Among the fellow celebrities who sent greetings were Nadine Lus-

tre, Anne Curtis, Luis Manzano, Pia Wurtzbach, Ria Atayda and Gary Valenciano.

Crawford, 37 and Garcia, 27, got married at Balesin Island Resort in Polilio, Quezon on April 20, 2018. It was in July 23, 2014 when they officially became a couple.

The two worked together on It’s Showtime in 2012. Garcia left the program in 2016 to focus on her acting career before they finally tied the knot.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE SUSPECTED OF FRAUD IS SAVED BY “ATTORNEY-OF-LAST-HOPE” ON CITIZEN PINOY. For Randa (left) and Phey (center), it was love at first sight when they met. They were in previous marriages that ended in divorce. U.S. citizen Randa petitioned Phey, but they were suspected of fraud. It did not help that Randa’s first marriage was also suspected of being a fixed one. After working with a paralegal and two other attorneys, who told the couple their case was hopeless (and they could even go to jail, and/or get deported), Randa and Phey decided to consult with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL. The couple admired the confidence and honesty of Atty. Gurfinkel. His thorough analysis and preparations for the case assured Randa and Phey that they were in good hands.

Watch how true love wins the day on an all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Same-sex couple faces suspicions of a fixed marriage, but love conquers all, on a new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday WHEN U.S. citizen Randa met Phey for the first time, it was as if Cupid shot an arrow straight through their hearts, and they fell in love.

Phey had been married to an opposite-sex spouse in 2002, with whom she had three children. She came to the U.S. as a tourist in 2014, and later realized that she would be able to provide a better future for her children if she stayed on. Phey took odd jobs here and there. She eventually divorced her husband in 2016.

Randa was previously married to a same-sex spouse and when

Randa petitioned her spouse they were suspected of marriage fraud. They ended up in divorce in 2017. Shortly after, Randa and Phey got married, after having known each other for some time.

Being an ardent viewer of Citizen Pinoy, Phey believed she learned a lot from the TV show and could work on their documents on her own. Then, she hired a paralegal. When her case did not pan out, the couple worked with two more lawyers, both of whom gave up – one lawyer even said the couple could go to jail, and that Phey could

get deported.

Frustrated and worried, Randa finally decided to not just watch the show on TV but should consult with the “Attorney of Last Hope” – Michael J. Gurfinkel. Atty. Gurfinkel was straightforward and worked on putting all documents together and establishing proof that the marriages were real.

See how love conquers all, with the help of the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

B4 MAY 2-5, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

My life, writing in pandemic times Debunking COVID-19 myths I have known the greats of my generation, those who could be read, read about, mulled over and discussed.

by MYLAH While the likes of Max Soliven, Louie Beltran and Amado DE LEON Doronila embodied the field of reporting, I was a suffering onlooker. My words, which puff and gasp and occasionally I MEASURE my life through strangle themselves, were often sentences pressed out, line by scorned, disparaged and set line, according to what poured outside the pale of welcome.

When it comes to newspafrom it — cascading, elastic, susceptible — into an inexact pers, I am congenitally unemployable. heart.

I live only to read and write.

My heart hopes, that out of this wet ink line of words, a visionary fog would rise. This mist, be it of sorrows, quagmire, waywardness or secrets, would reveal what ignites and sweeps us away and makes us capable to write stories.

I have no other goals, motivaIs it the interplay of life and tions or interests. art? The pursuit of excellence Then came the onset of literand perfection brings rupture. ary journalism. As one famous We already know that writers author said: “The ability to spin of plain prose ridicule complex cocoons of language out of sentences — endlessly bur- nothing.” It redefines news, the geoning and flowering. way it is reported, published I’ve fascinated by intimate and read. stories of people. I scribble The editors told me: “Today, stories in heaps of dog-eared the newshen has to make sense notebooks or old receipts, as I of chaotic and confounding isstrive for profusion, abundance sues at the center of her life, and fabrication. with an awesome range of There is nothing else I know events and concerns, and virtuhow to do or take much interest ally everything that matters.” in. I miter every pair of abutting During my college days, I sentences scrupulously like it was not interested in spendis my shell, compact and self- ing time learning to report and sufficient. write the news. With a slick of

MOONLIGHTING

sarcasm, I was dubbed the poet writing in prose.

I wanted to write stories because all good stories are honest. Whether they are moods, illumination, or desires, they possess their own embodiment and consummation — an absolute and permanent congruence of the writer and what is on the page.

About 50 years ago, newshens wrote about home and family concerns and were relegated to the women’s pages. Now, women write about politics, government and health, in addition to family affairs and personal concerns.

In revolutionary times, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine and James Madiso n used the column as a tool to mold and define the politics and culture of the country. They provided a forum for political commentary or an outlet for writing humor.

In the 1800s, Walt Whitman, Mark Twain and Ambrose Bierce used their newspaper columns to reach out to mass audiences, today, anything goes.

What distinguishes a valuable columnist, according to George Will, “is the distinctive way of seeing the social landscape. It is the ability to see what everybody sees, but not quite in the way that everybody sees it.” ***

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS

WITH novelty comes misinterpretation, misinformation, and myths rapidly disseminated via social media around the globe. This is what is happening with the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV2 virus, the cause of t he COV I D -19 pa ndem ic that has infected more than 3 million and k illed greater than 230,000 in 210 countries around the world – more than a million in the U.S., with about 6 0,0 0 0 deat h s; a nd a l most 8,000 cases and nearly 550 deaths in the Philippines. From the emails we received from our readers, here are some of them. Accurate information is a must for survival, especially during a pandemic.

Viruses are alive No. Viruses are not living m icrobes, u n l i ke bacter ia which are alive. Viruses are protein molecules surrounded by a protective layer of lipid (fats), which enables them to merge with cells and be transmissible and infective. When the protective envelope around them is damaged (as in handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds), they are unable to repl icate and cause infection, and are subsequently destroyed. Viruses need a host, like humans, to E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ survive. aol.com.

Novel coronavirus in Wuhan was from bats False. It had been officially r u led out t hat t he nCorona v i r us (SA R S- CoV2) d id not originate from bats or snakes sold in a seafood market in Wu ha n, Ch i na but possibly from a biolab working on viruses located a few kilometers away. The circumstances surrounding the Wuhan outbreak, which is now a pandemic victimizing 210 countries around the world, is being investigated. In the meantime, lawsuits have been filed in 7 states and also in the UK against China seeking damages for injuries, deaths, and economic losses caused by COVID-19, courtesy of t he reck lessness, deceit, duplicit y, and ir responsibilit y of t he Commun ist Par t y in Wuhan. Ot her states and countries are expected to follow suit.

Fe e l i n g w e l l m e a n s n o COVID-19 Wrong. Un less one has Photo from Instagram/@solenn tested negative for COVID-19, anyone, especially those who ried Bolzico in 2017 in France.

Earlier this month, Heussaff’s go out in public without cap, brother Erwan who is married to p r o t e c t i v e g o g g l e s , m a s k , Anne Curtis likewise delighted gloves, without distancing, are netizens when they posted a possible carriers of the virus photo close up photos of their because it takes about 2 weeks one-month old baby, Dahlia for symptoms to appear, and in a few cases up to 19 days.

Amélie.

So, feeling well alone is not a guarantee, unless one has self-quarantined for at least 2-3 weeks without falling ill.

Therefore, a person exposed should be considered infected, an ignorant carrier, and thus potentially a geometric/exponential spreader of the virus unknowingly.

H a nd s a n it i zer s a r e effective Hand sanitizers, to be effective, must contain at least 70% a lcohol. I f soap a nd water or peroxide or bleach solution are not available, any

As one famous author said: “The ability to spin cocoons of language out of nothing.” It redefines news, the way it is reported, published and read.

Solenn finally introduces baby Thylane

by CHRISTINA

ALPAD ManilaTimes.net

MODEL, actress and visual artist Solenn Heussaff finally posted closeup shots of her first born Thylane Bolzico via Instagram Wednesday, April 29.

“Best days at home getting to know your pure gentle soul.

Te amo [I love you] Thylane….. de tout mon coeur [with all my heart]!” the French-Filipina actress wrote as caption for the photo showing mother and child together.

“Sorry @nicobolzico this is just a girls pica… you can’t hang with us!” she followed on, teasing and tagging husband, Argentine businessman Nico Bolzico.

Since giving birth to Thylane on January 1 this year, the couple have chosen not to post photos of their daughter in full for their millions of followers to see. Heussaff has over six million followers on the platform while Bolzico amassed 1.4 million after showing his comedic side to netizens, quickly becoming a social media influencer and endorser himself.

Despite keeping Thylane’s

Solenn Heussaff with daughter Thylane

face hidden in past posts, however, the celebrity couple has been quite generous in sharing the pains and joys of first-time parents.

Heussaff, a contract talent of GMA Network as well as a visual artist behind the cameras, mar-

Will beauty pageants be ‘irrelevant’?

by RICKY LO Philstar.com

(FOREWORD: The 2020 Bb. Pilipinas pageant, originally scheduled May 31 pre-COVID19, has been postponed, along with other pageant activities, to new dates. The first Miss Universe-Philippines pageant handled by a new group led by former Bb. Pilipinas-Miss U runner-up Shamcey Supsup and Jonas Gaffud, is scheduled June 14. An important announcement will be made via online press conference on Monday, May 4.).

Can you imagine this? More than 60 masked beauties standing six-feet apart and dressed in varied styles of required PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) are poised to answer questions about the amount of vitamin C and sunlight they are taking every day, what other precautions they are taking while home-quarantined, and, since pageants love to tout the “beauty with a purpose” cliché, how they support frontliners.

The aspirants are, per criteria, certified COVID-19 negative.

The winner would be declared with a new kind of crown to be placed on her head by the previous title-holder standing six feet away, using a long stick.

That’s how my favorite beauty-pageant enthusiast envisions pageants in the so-called “new normal.” Asked about it, Gloria Diaz, the country’s fi rst Miss Universe (1969), simply said, “They should observe social distancing.”

But CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) chairman Margie Moran, the country’s second Miss Universe (1973), paints a sadder picture.

“Knowing the new norm post-COVID-19,” she told The

hand sanitizer may be used at that moment, followed by handwashing wit h soap and water soonest thereafter. Drying hands ver y well is vital.

The use of moisturizers (with simethicone) helps protect the skin further against the virus and also for skin health and comfort.

Masks only protect others While masks (even the N95 primarily for healthcare providers) protect others if worn by someone who is infected and a carrier of the virus or who is sick by lessening transmission, it also protects the healthy wearer. Imagine ten people, half wear ing masks and the others without, being sprayed with dust or f lour or red powder. T hose wear i ng a mask would obviously have much less powder on t hei r face compared to t hose not we a r i n g o n e, w h o s e f ac e s would be full of the powder.

It is a medical fact that even t he N95 mask is not 10 0% protective or preventive, but bot h ver sions of t he mask s m i n i m i z e t he s pr ead b ot h ways, albeit perhaps not totally equal in extent. Together with frequent handwashing, using a cap, gloves, social distancing (staying home if possible), the use of a mask when going out (properly, tight-fitting, covering the nose and the mouth) and not touching it even with the gloved hands are protective measures, second to selfquarantine with non-infected people at home.

S t a y i n g h o m e i s 10 0 % safe The home is like a gated, screened, protective fort in a jungle with countless man-eating animals roaming around, hungry, looking for a prey; or a bunker during a war, where bullets and bombs are bursting in the air outside. This analogy magnifies how vital the home is during this COVID-19 pandemic that kills people of any age, even chi ldren, but especia l ly t he elderly. But , the home is ONLY totally safe IF ever yone st r ict ly fol lows t he g u idel i nes below, w it h wisdom, discipline, and with a bit of what I term as healthy paranoia (medical vigilance).

The home is the safest place to be during an outbreak, an epidemic or a pandemic. But if anyone at home violates any of those preventive measures, then that individual could get infected and spread it to everyone at home, like a massive fire inside a cage. We are reposting this acronym, Fight COVID-19 with C-O-V-I-D: Cover face to scratch, sneeze or cough; Omit non-essential travels; Volunt a r y q u a r a nt i ne; I nten si ve handwashing; Distancing is now social. The effectiveness of this C-O-V-I-D strategy in minimizing spread of the virus has been proven around the world, star t ing from China, to South Korea, to the Philippines, to the U.S., and even to Italy, where the curve has started to f latten.

Tea t ree oi l is ef fect ive against SARS-CoV2 virus While tea tree oil is reportedly used for herpes simplex virus, it is not effective against this virus that is causing the COV I D-19 pa ndem ic. Ot her item s adver t i sed a s u sef u l against this virus, which are totally a scam, include herbs, coconut a nd a l l ot her oi l s, pomegranates and other fruits and vegetables, Noni, SuperBeets, t u r mer ic, cu rcu m i n,

cur r y, garlic, peppers, steroids, anesthetic agents, etc.

There is no food, drug, potion or lotion that has been proven to prevent or cure COVID-19.

NONE so far, not even vaccines, which are being developed and still a couple of years away. While fruits, vegetables and supplements, like vitamins D3, C, B-Complex, Zinc, etc., help boost the immune system none of them can prevent or cure COVID-19. Various drugs, including anti-malarial, antilupus d r ug hyd r ox ych lor oquine, developed after W WII, are still being clinically tested, in combination (a trio) wit h antibiotic A zit hromycin and Zinc.

Vinegar is a COVID-19 disinfectant While 5% kitchen vinegar (acetic acid) can destroy some bacteria and some viruses on surfaces, there is no evidence it destroys SARS-CoV2 virus.

Vi nega r is a lso da mag i ng when used to clean electr ic iron, electronic screens, countertops, f loorings, dishwashers, and other appliances.

Pe r ox i de i s u s e l e s s for COVID-19 According to CDC, hydrogen peroxide, a common household agent today, d i scover ed i n 1818, is an effective disinfectant against coronaviruses like the SARS-CoV2. Peroxide had been used effectively to disinfect masks, gloves, etc. for re-use when the supply of PPE was low, and useful at home to disinfect (3% undiluted spray) various surfaces, leaving it on for one minute against bacteria and the COVID-19 virus and 6-8 minutes for rhinoviruses.

Peroxide 3% or diluted with water may be used for gargling, but not to be swallowed or its vapor inhaled because it is toxic to the stomach and to the lungs.

Stay-home policy is a civil rights violation The government, during war or an epidemic or pandemic, has the constitutional right, obligation, and power to issue, declare, mandate any policy or measure during a national (international) emergency to protect its citizens. Societal / community rights supersedes and outweighs individual civil liberties when personal behaviors or actions of individuals jeopardize others. Those who do not fol low t he n at ion a l g u idel i nes to m i n i m i ze t he spread of killer SA RS-CoV2, and are even now staging protests in various cities, have the right to expose themselves to the virus and get infected or even kill themselves, but they do not have the right to infect and kill others. Their twisted t h i n k i ng and sel f ish ness, a major factor why COVID-19 has spread so much and infected and killed so many, would also prolong this deadly pandemic whose curve is just beginning to f latten. Let’s safeguard the civil rights of the people who a r e fol l ow i ng t he me d ic a l guidelines and sacrificing to protect themselves, their loved ones, and society as a whole. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Public Health Advo c ate, a n d Chair ma n of the F ilipin o Unite d Net wo r k- USA , a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States . Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN888.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

The Songbird at 50...

Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and Miss Universe 1973 Margarita Moran Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo

STAR, “pageants might be presented digitally or might even become irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. It will be difficult to get sponsors at this time. Everyone is preoccupied with recovery or searching for an alternative livelihood.

“I see it with our artists at the CCP. Arts, culture and tourism will be the last to recover.

Beauty pageants fall under these categories.”

By the way, wearing her PPE (pictured), Gloria might not be easily recognizable when she goes out to buy her “essentials.”

Said Gloria, “I observe social distancing.”

Last April 5, Gloria celebrated her ‘ty-ninth birthday while home-quarantined.

“Super nice!” was how Gloria described celebrating a milestone minus most of her loved ones. She was with her beloved Mike de Jesus, her daughter Ava and her assistant Paul. “It was a simple but memorable celebration. We sat six feet apart as we shared meat from Gibson, veggies from Bolzico, ice cream from Yay Lorenzo, cake from Jean Marie Tan...all gifts. I was able to talk to my daughter Belle and her husband Adrien (Semblat) and their child Balte.”

PAGE B5

PAGE B3 “First of all, Regine, happy, happy birthday! I hope that it’s been a wonderful celebration for you, so far. Singing with you was hard, but because it was you r bi r t hday, a nd because you asked, as in ikaw mismo yung nag-request that I sing this with you, I couldn’t say no,” Salonga told the celebrant.

“It’s your birthday request.

So, my God! It’s hard to sing w it h you , but I mea n t h at only in the best way! You still sou nd t he way you a l way s d id. But because of what you’ve been t hrough in life, there’s so much color to your i nter pretat ions a nd to you r vocal quality, and to just ever y t h i ng about you. You a re one of t he f u n n iest people that I know. You have one of the most amazing voices that I’ve heard. And I don’t think that things are going to stop for you. So, I hope t hat t he day has been fantastic,” she added.

Salonga, bidding goodbye to Vel a sq uez , ent hu sed , “I love you, and t he next time you and I sing together again, it should be in person, with full-on glam and full-on gown

in a much bigger venue than this. Talking concert hall, stadium, an arena. Somet hing.

And it will be fun.”

Birthday greetings Celebr it ies f r om Su nd ay ensemble variety show “ASAP Natin To” also sent out their bi r t hd ay g r eet i ngs for Ve lasquez, as well as Vice Ganda, Judy A nn Santos, Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli and Sharon Cuneta. “ R e g i n e! B e l at e d h a p p y birthday sa’yo! Gusto ko lang malaman mo kung gaano kami kaswerte maging kaibigan mo, maging kumare mo. Isa kang bles sing sa maram i ng tao .

Keep doing what you do best.

I love you and I really, really hope to see you soon. Happy birthday Mare!” Santos said.

“M s . R e g , t h a n k you s o much for everything, for the friendship. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagmamahal, sa suporta, for simply being you Ms. Regine Velasq uez-A lcasid. We love you so much,” Geronimo remarked.

Meanwhile, Cuneta greeted Velasquez by reca l ling how they first met through an impromptu singing.

“Naaalala mo pa ba, mga una nating pagkikita, akala ko’y masungit ka. Sabi ko pa nga mayabang ka. Yun pala’y nahihiya. Di makasalita. Kaya tayong dalawa ang tagal, naka n g a n g a . Pa s e n sya ka n a pala sa munting regalo kong ito. Tutal musika naman ang nagdala sa akin sa’yo. Salamat sa ‘Iconic’ nagkakilala’t nagkalapit. Ngayo’y di lang kaibigan kundi kapatid,” Cuneta sang.

“Happy birthday my Nana, mahal na mahal kita. Salamat sa f r iend sh i p, totoong kay ganda. Sa dami ng mga plastic at hinanakit, niregalo ka ni Lord sa akin. Heto magkapatid.

Salamat my Nana, aalagaan k ita. Di pababayaan, si ate nandito lang. Happy birthday my Nana. Mahal na mahal kita.

Habambuhay nandito, sabi nga ni Juday, hanggang kabilang buhay. Magkasama tayo kahit saan magpunta,” she added.

Not only did Megastar sing for the celebrant but Cuneta a l so donated P 1 m i l l ion to Velasquez benefit concert.

It was i n 20 02 when t he Songbird also held “One Night With Regine” concert outside the National Museum where Bantay Bata was also the beneficiary.

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-5, 2020

B

East West Players announces virtual gala plus weekly streaming programming, featuring Fil-Am talent AJ Rafael, Isa Briones, Dante Basco and more

By AJPress

EAST West Players (EWP), the nation’s longest-running professional theater of color and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, announces that it s 5 4t h A n nu a l V i s ion a r y Awards Dinner & Silent Auction will be celebrated online this May. Recogni zing t he achievements of individuals who have r a i sed t he v i sibi l it y of t he Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their craft, the first virtual gala fundraiser takes place on Sunday, May 31 and will be livestreamed at 5 p.m., with more details on the platform forthcoming. Proceeds will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs. As previously announced, EW P will honor longtime Board Member Dan Mayeda, screenwr iter Adele Lim (“Crazy Rich Asians”), and The Aratani Foundation.

Exclusive extended content of the Gala will be made for EW P donors who purchased at sponsor sh ip levels pr ior to the Safer At Home order.

New sponsor sh ip pack ages will be made available leading up to the Gala complete with exclusive content and special access to the event. Visit www. eastwestplayers.org for more information.

“East West Players is very excited to recognize t he incredible work of each of our honorees this season and we look for ward to celebrat i ng t h e m i n t h i s n e w fo r m at ” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai. “Each has amassed professional accomplishments and contributions that have been pivotal in raising the visibility of Asian A mer ica ns. T hey a lso have deep, persona l con nect ions to EWP and have been instrumental in supporting our work and growth. It’s an honor to spotlight them as honorees of our 2020 Visionary Awards in our first-ever virtual celebration.”

In addition, East West Player s i s rol l i ng out a week ly ser ies of st r ea m i ng show s starting this May. The series, East West Wednesdays, will feature a variety of programming featuring conversations with members of both the Los Angeles theatre and the Asian American entertainment communities. The first East West Wednesdays premiering May 6th on Facebook Live is slated to feature a panel of comedians featuring Amy Hill (“Magnum P.I.,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Randall Park (“Fresh Off The Boat,” “Always Be My Maybe”), with more to be announced.

T he second pa r t of E a st West Wednesdays debut broadcast will be a feature called “Clopenings,” a conversation hosted by EWP Artistic Director, Snehal Desai with theatre directors and designers from ac r o s s t h e c ou n t r y w h o s e shows were shut down due to the Safer At Home Order and are not scheduled to return.

East West Players is a lso partnering with artist A J Ra-

John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo

John Lloyd introduces son to Bea

by JAn

Milo severo Philstar.com

ON-leave Kapamilya actor John L loyd Cr uz i nt roduced h i s son w it h ac t r ess E l len Adar na, El ias, to love team partner Bea Alonzo, and also to her followers in an Instagram live video on Monday, April 27.

John Lloyd joined the Instagram Live of Bea to the delight of their fans.

T he love tea m brought a throwback night for their fans as they dropped some of their most memorable movie lines through the years, including t hose f rom t hei r blockbuster film “One More Chance.”

John Lloyd then shared how much he appreciates that Bea stayed in his life despite the ups and downs.

“Nandoon ka nu’ng nagmahal ako, nandoon ka nu’ng n a s a k ta n a ko , n a n d o o n ka nu’ng wala akong matakbuhan, nandoon ka nu’ng kailangan ko ng kaibigan, nandoon ka nu’ng kailangan ko ng kausap,” John Lloyd told Bea. “‘Pag binabalikan ko lahat ng ‘yan, minsan, ‘ di ko na alam kung ano pa tayo… kung sino tayo. Pero okay lang kasi ‘yung

AJ Rafael

Isa Briones

fael to produce their popular “Crazy Talented Asians” performance series on a monthly basis. The second virtual edition of the show will be broadcast on Sunday, May 3rd on Rafael’s and EWP’s Facebook pages to kick-off Asian Pacific American History Month. The line-up includes appearances

by Isa Br iones (“Sta r Trek : P ic a r d,“ East West Player s “ Ne x t To Nor m a l “), D a nte Basco (“Hook ,“ “St a r Wa r s Rebels,“ “Avatar: The Last Airbender“), Sherry Cola (“Good Trouble, “Claws“), the cast of East West Players’ acclaimed production of “Mamma Mia!,“ and much more.

“E xc ited to pa r t ner w it h E W P o n c e a g a i n fo r ‘C r azy Talented Asians’ to bring joy v i r t ua l ly to ever yone in need of it during t his crazy t i me,” says Cr a z y Ta lented Asians creator A J Rafael. “I’m thankful we can bring people toget her w it hout hav i ng to

leave our own homes. I used to think that there was nothing like performing on stage, but I know now that our stage can be anywhere — I’m very happy to k ick of f A sian Pacific American Heritage Month with this event that will prove just that!”

East West Players (EW P), the nation’s longest-running professional theater of color in the country and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, was founded in 1965, at a time when Asian Pacific Islanders ( A PI s) faced l i m ited or no opportunities to see their experiences ref lected outside of stereotypical and demeaning caricatures in the American landscape. EWP not only ensures that API stories are told, but works to increase access, inclusion, and representation across t he per for m i ng a r t s and the entertainment industry.

Will beauty pageants be...

PAGE B4 Incidentally, Gloria sent the following tips on how to be happier as her “gift” to STAR readers: Did you know that at Harvard, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the most popular and successful course teaches you how to learn to be happier?

The Positive Psychology class taught by Ben Shahar attracts 1,400 students per semester and 20 percent of Harvard graduates take this elective course. According to Shahar, the class — which focuses on happiness, self-esteem and motivation — gives students the tools to succeed and face life with more joy. This 45-year-old teacher, considered by some to be “the happiness guru,” highlights in his class 15 key tips for improving the quality of our personal status and contributing to a positive life: Tip 1. Thank God for everything you have: Write down 10 things you have in your life that give you happiness. Focus on the good things!

Tip 2. Practice physical activity: Experts say exercising helps improve mood. Thirty minutes of exercise is the best antidote against sadness and stress.

ABS-CBN photo

Tip 3. Breakfast: Some people miss breakfast for lack of time or not to get fat. Studies show that breakfast gives you energy, helps you think and perform your activities successfully.

Tip 4. Be assertive: Ask what you want and say what you think. Being assertive helps improve your self-esteem. Being left and remaining silent creates sadness and hopelessness.

Tip 5. Spend your money on experiences: A study found that 75 percent of people felt happier when they invested their money in travel, courses and classes, while only the rest said they felt happier when buying things.

Tip 6. Face your challenges: Studies show that the more you postpone something, the more anxiety and tension you generate. Write short weekly lists of tasks and complete them.

Tip 7. Put everywhere nice memories, phrases and photos of your loved ones: Fill your fridge, your computer, your desk, your room, YOUR LIFE of beautiful memories.

Tip 8. Always greet and be nice to other people: More than 100 inquiries state that just smiling changes the mood.

Tip 9. Wear comfortable shoes: If your feet hurt you, you

become moody, says Dr. Keinth Wapner, president of the American Orthopedics Association.

Tip 10. Take care of your posture: Walk straight with your shoulders slightly backwards and the front view helps to maintain a good mood.

Tip 11. Listen to music (Praise God): It is proven that listening to music awakens you to sing, this will make your life happy.

Tip 12. What you eat has an impact on your mood: Do not skip meals, eat lightly every three to four hours and keep glucose levels stable. Avoid excess white flour and sugar. Eat everything and healthy. Vary your food.

Tip 13. Take care of yourself and feel attractive: Seventy percent of people say they feel happier when they think they look good.

Tip 14. Fervently believe in God: With Him nothing is impossible!

Tip 15. Develop a good sense of humour: Learn to laugh off matters, especially when things don’t go right for you.

Happiness is like a remote control, we lose it every time, we go crazy looking for it and many times without knowing it, we are sitting on top of it.

mahalaga ‘yung nandoon ka.

‘Yun lang, sapat na ‘yun,” he added.

Bea r epl ied w it h “A nong movie ‘yan?”

“Wala, gusto ko lang sabihin,” John Lloyd replied.

Joh n L loyd t hen took out an acoustic guitar and sang “You Are My Sunshine,” which prompted Bea to say that she misses her love team partner.

“Namiss kita,” Bea said.

“N a m i - m i s s k i t a ,” J o h n Lloyd replied.

The Instagram live ended when John Lloyd’s son entered the room and the actor introduced Elias to Bea and their viewers.

Joh n L loyd a l so recent ly reunited with “Home Sweetie Home” co-stars Kuya Jobert and Nonong.

In Cinemo’s Facebook account, Jobert and Nonong had a live chat where John Lloyd was one of t he people who asked Jobert and Nonong.

“Puwede po ba akong magtanong kay Julius? Julius, ano ba ‘yung pinaka-epektibo at saka paraan para patulugin ang isang baby?” John Lloyd asked Jobert.

“Sa akin ka pa talaga nagtanong ha? Ang pinakamagan-

dang paraan sa isang bata ‘pag ‘ di natutulog ay ipatong mo sa unan tapos paikutin mo nang dahan-dahan. Tapos patulugin mo na,” Kuya Jobert answered John Lloyd.

“Matatanggalan kami ng trabaho,” Jobert jokingly added.

Jobert added that John Lloyd needs to put vaporub into his son’s eyelid.

“Wel l, ang pinakamagandang pampatulog ng bata ayon sa isang kaibigan kong komedyante rin, walang ibang solusyon diyan kung hindi vaporub. Tulad ng ginagawa ng ating mga magulang, lagyan mo sa talukap ng mga mata.

Iiyak nang kaunti ‘yan tapos sasabihin sa’yo, ‘I cannot see’.“ he continued to joke.

“Sabihin mo ‘You cannot see but you can sleep.’ Unti-unti siyang matutulog. Hihipan mo tapos sabihin mo sa kanya, ‘Anak, sorry mahal kita pero k a i l a n g a n m o n g m a t u l o g .’

‘Yun, ganoon,” he added.

Other questions from John Lloyd included, “Ano nauna, itlog o manok?” and “Meron po bang paliwanag kung bakit hindi mo mapigilan ang pagtiklop ng mga daliri natin sa paa ‘pag tapos nang pag-ire mo sa kubeta? ”

B May 2-5, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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

Seniors don’t have to file tax returns to get stimulus check Tax Tips Victor Sy, cPA, MBA & roger L. orieL YOU probably wonder if you will receive stimulus checks. Me too. Here’s a simplified piece on the Economic Impact Payments for seniors. Please read Q&A Questions and Answers on prior editions of the Asian Journal.

A recent news release from the Internal Revenue Service announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return (as earlier reported) to receive stimulus payments.

Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts.

Secretary Steven Mnuchin of the U.S. Department of the Treas-

Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon NOONG Lunes ng gabi, si President Trump ay nag-tweet na siya ay pansamantalang magsususpinde ng immigration sa U.S. Kinabukasan, o noong Abril 22, 2020, ang Presidente ay nag-isyu ng proclamation na nagsususpinde ng pagpasok sa US ng mga sumusunod: Mga indibidwal na nasa labas ng U.S. ng Abril 23, 2020; • at Walang immigrant visa; • at Walang valid official travel document.

Ang pagsuspinde ng pagpasok sa US ay hindi applicable sa: (1) lawful permanent residents o green card holders; (2) mga dayuhang papasok sa US bilang healthcare professionals, katulad ng mga doktor, nars, at mga medical researcher at magtatrabaho upang labanan ang COVID-19, ayon sa determinsayon ng Department of State (DOS) at Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (3) mga dayuhang nag-aaaply ng visa sa ilalim ng EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program; (4) mga dayuhang asawa ng US citizens at mga anak ng U.S. citizens na wala pang 21 taon gulang; (5) mga dayuhang papasok sa U.S. para patibayin ang U.S. law enforcement objectives ayon sa determinasyon ng DOS at DHS; (6) mga miyembro ng Armed Forces, at kanilang asawa at mga anak; (7) mga dayuhang papasok sa U.S. sa ilalim ng Special Immigrant Visa sa SI/SQ classification; at (8) mga dayuhan na ang pagpasok sa U.S. ay para sa national interest ayon sa determinasyon ng DOS at DHS. Ang proclamation ay epektibo ng Abril 23, 2020 at may bisa na 60 araw o hanggang Hunyo 22, 2020. Ang DOS ang inatasan na magpapatupad ng proclamation na may kaugnayan sa mga visa,

The Prophetic Voice reVerend rodeL g. BALAgtAS I’M praying that you continue to be strong in faith amid this pandemic. Like you, I often ask God to make his will and presence known, to put an end to this crisis. And there are times when I am tempted to think that he is not listening to our prayers, especially now that we keep learning about the increase of death among COVID-19 patients.

So, in my quiet moments with God, I wrote these poetic and straightforward words with the title, The Silence of God: We pray alone, together.

We pray, yearning for an answer, a resolution, a remedy.

But God’s silence is often deafening. God’s silence is troubling, threatening one’s faith.

ury added that Social Security recipients will receive their payment directly to their bank account or by postal mail.

The IRS will use the information on Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate $1,200 Economic Impact Payments to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019. Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they normally receive their benefits.

While a person’s 2018 or 2019 federal tax return would be used to calculate their income, the IRS could use Form SSA-1099 for those who didn’t file taxes in either of those years. If you didn’t file your tax return for 2018 or 2019, the IRS will use the information on Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to generate Economic Impact Payments for senior citizens, Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are not otherwise required to file a tax return.

Since the IRS would not have

information regarding your dependents, you would receive $1,200 per person, without the additional amount for any dependent.

FYI: An SSA-1099 is a form that the Social Security Administration sends yearly to people who receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, including senior citizens who have no other income and don’t normally file tax returns. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

Proclamation suspending issuance of visas

sang-ayon sa mga proseso na maaaring maitatag kasama ng DHS. Ang DOL, DHS at DOS ay magsusuri rin ng mga nonimmigrant program at magbibigay ng mga rekomendasyon upang pasiglahin ang U.S. economy at matiyak ang prioridad sa pagbibigay ng trabaho sa mga U.S. workers.

Ang proclamation ay maaaring ma-extend kung kinakailangan. Ang DHS, sa pamamagitan ng konsultasyon kasama ng DOS at DOL, ay magbibigay ng rekomendasyon kay President Trump kung ang proclamation ay patatagalin pa o babaguhin.

President Trump tweeted on Monday night that he would “temporarily suspend immigration into the United States.” On April 22, 2020, the President signed a proclamation suspending the entry of any individual who: Is outside the U.S. on the effective date of the proclamation; • Does not have a valid immigrant visa as of April 23, 2020; and • Does not have a valid official travel document as of April 23, 2020.

The suspension of entry to the U.S. does not apply to: (1) lawful permanent residents or green card holders; (2) aliens seeking to enter the US as healthcare professionals such as physicians and nurses, and those performing medical research or work essential to combating COVID-19 as determined by the Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (3) aliens applying for visa pursuant to EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program; (4) alien spouses of U.S. citizens and children of U.S. citizens below 21 years old; (5) aliens whose entry would further U.S. law enforce-

ment objectives as determined

by DOS and DHS; (6) members of the Armed Forces, and their spouses and children; (7) aliens seeking to enter the U.S. pursuant to Special Immigrant Visa in the SI/SQ classification; and (8) aliens whose entry would be in the national interest as determined by DOS and DHS. The proclamation goes into effect on April 23, 2020 and is valid for 60 days, or until June 22, 2020. DOS shall implement and enforce the proclamation as it applies to visas pursuant to procedures that DOS may establish with DHS. Also, DOL, DHS and DOS shall review nonimmigrant programs and shall recommend measures appropriate to stimulate U.S. economy and ensure prioritization, hiring and employment of US workers.

The proclamation can be extended as necessary. No later than 50 days from effective date of the proclamation, DHS in consultation with DOS and DOL, shall recommend to President Trump whether the proclamation shall be extended or modified. ***

ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty. Samson received her Legal Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005).

SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 274-4561; Email: info@ samsonlawfirmpc.com.

Energy assistance fund helps customers keep the lights on

THE impacts of COVID-19 are being felt around the world.

To support customers struggling to make ends meet because of the global crisis, Southern California Edison has increased the amount of bill relief provided by the Energy Assistance Fund.

Income-qualified customers experiencing COVID-19 financial hardship due to quarantine, illness, caring for loved ones

or business closures can apply for assistance to pay their electric bill. Customers who use both electricity and gas to power their homes can receive up to $200 in aid and customers with all-electric homes can receive up to $300.

The program is limited to customers who have not already used this program in the last 12 months. This resource

THE COVID-19 Pandemic has changed our lives almost overnight. Not only has it changed our lives in terms of our daily routine, jobs, lifestyle, but also our relationship with our family members under the Stay at Home orders in place in major cities such as Los Angeles, Divorce caused by Financial and Emotional Stress China is a few months ahead of the US in terms of the impact of this pandemic on families.

Statistics show that the number of couples filing for divorce in China is reportedly way up after long periods of COVID 19-related confinement. This gives us a glimpse of the months to come after the stay at home order has been lifted.

The rapid spread of the corona virus has destabilized every household particularly those of parents. The closure of schools and child-care facilities has created challenges for scores of parents who must figure out how to keep their children safe while continuing to work from home.

The current situation has posed significant challenge to parents with existing custody orders.

Many parents are attempting to renegotiate the terms of the existing custody orders at a moment when emotions run high and the Courts are closed for most hearings.

Most families have roles to play for each member of the household such as the parents getting up and going to work or the child being in school.

When these roles are radically changed in a time that we’re all feeling incredibly stretched emotionally creates major stress on families. As a result of this stress, marriages may fracture and may result to divorce because the coronavirus crisis is causing many families to experience job loss from the massive layoffs caused by the shutdown of the economy. Financial stress is always one of the big stressors that lead to divorce. Parents are trying to figure out how they can support an entire family.

Effect of COVID-19 “Stay at Home Order” on Custody Orders The stay at home order issued by both the City of Los Angeles and later the State of California has stirred a lot of confusion among divorced parents who share custody of their children. Stay at home orders have required California residents to remain at home, except if they need to go out for essential needs such as for groceries, medication or health care appointments. People can’t go into work unless they are in certain essential jobs.

The stay-home orders restrict travel for unapproved purposes. As a result, divorced parents didn’t know if they were

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS allowed to travel to bring their children back and forth to the other parent during visitation schedules. There is confusion about whether the stay-at-home order trumped the custody order or whether the court order trumped the stay-at-home order.

Custody and visitation orders are not affected by stay at home orders or other order restricting movement issued by a governmental entity that arises from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stay at home order does not change the existing parent-child custody orders that may be in place. Just the fear of pandemic is not enough to warrant keeping a child from seeing the other parent. If there is an actual threat of harm to the child, the Los Angeles Superior Court is available for ex parte emergency RFO to address these issues. However, parents should attempt to work together first to come up with some kind of temporary agreement that works for both the parents and for the kids that accommodates the problems caused by the pandemic and modify temporarily the existing custody orders as a solution to the current environment. For example, if exercising the father’s alternate weekend visitation exposes the child to other members of the father’s new household, perhaps the parents can temporarily agree to a virtual visitations such as zoom video conferencing, face time, and other apps available that allows the father to see the child and interact the child without exposing the child to the risk of contagion. The Los Angeles Superior Court has been continuing most hearings except for emergency hearings.

It would serve the parties best to co-parent and work out a temporary custody agreement which can be turned into a temporary court order.

Domestic Violence during Stay at Home Order Many domestic violence victims live with their abusers and are now being forced to isolate with their abusers. Victims may have also lost their source of income and are having a harder time connecting with their support systems such as the victim’s family. Leaving their situation is much more difficult during the pandemic. COVID19 stay at home order in Los Angeles means victims might be stuck with their abusers.

Victims might also be losing their job and income. For the most vulnerable people in the community, stay at home order is the same as putting them in a cage with a dangerous creature. Even though there may be an increase in domestic violence during this period, neither law enforcement nor the family courts may hear about the domestic violence and abuse because it is usually the community that reports these incidents when children go to school, when people see their friends, when people are in a situation where other people see what’s going on. Now, teachers, childcare providers and, friends are physically cut off from the people and children they normally are in contact with daily.

In addition, seeing businesses shuttered and paychecks halted has put intense pressure and hardship on a growing number of people and families who are becoming increasingly depressed. Many are self-medicating at home with drugs and alcohol. Add to that scenario the school closures and children and spouses sheltering together at home can create an extremely hostile, even dangerous, environment for many families. It is therefore important for victims to call the police or avail of the Family Courts by filing an application for a restraining order and a kick out order against the perpetrator. The Los Angeles Superior Court is available during this pandemic to issue such emergency orders to protect the victims of domestic violence. * * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. * * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com. Visit us in the web Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

Client relieved she chose Chapter 7 instead of consolidation of $60K credit cards

THE client is 50 and has two (Advertising Supplement) grandchildren living with her who are teenagers still in high school. She is married but separated. She is not divorced from her husband. They still live in the same house but they no lontry to save the lives of COVID-19 ger treat each other as husband patients. and wife. She takes care of her He’s in the heart of the scientwo grandchildren because her tist who is trying his or her best daughter is not able to care for to find a remedy for this disthem. ease.

The daughter has her own He’s in the good intentions of problems and lives by herself the governor of a state whose and is not able to care for her two only wish is the health and safechildren much less herself. So ty of his fellow citizens. the client took over the responThose might be simple ansibility of raising her daughter’s swers, but for sure, our hearts son and daughter. She splits the are burning within us every time rent with her husband and they we hear stories of fellow men and take care of their own expenses. women showing their generous Pretty much, they have separate hearts and heroic deeds in these lives. troubled times.

She works in the health care Let’s keep sowing stories of industry as a certified nursing love, kindness, thoughtfulness, assistant and grosses $3,500 a courage, and strength during month. This is not enough for a this pandemic. It’s how we make family of three with two teenagstories of tragedy triumphant. ers. She has a 2014 Camry which It’s how we make our faith in the she bought used and still pays Risen Christ come alive! $260 a month with three more *** years to go. When she came to Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor see me she said that she owes of Incarnation Church in Glendale, Cali$60,000 of credit cards, and fornia. she’s thinking of consolidating them. I said what for?

Obviously, she can’t afford to pay $1,900 a month of minimum payments every month to keep $60,000 of cards current. Maybe the consolidator might be able to reduce that a little bit to is available to customers un- $1,500 with lower interest and til the fund is depleted. Cus- a payment plan negotiated by tomers can contribute to the agreement with her creditors. fund through their monthly bill If she were grossing $12,000 a or via a credit card donation. month, maybe she can actually Established in 1982, the Ener- set aside $1,500 a month, but gy Assistance Fund is supported this is the real world, not some

by Edison International share- fantasy world. holders as well as donations Almost 60,000 Americans from SCE employees and cus- have died from the virus that tomers. Through the United Way continues to roar across the PAGE B7

On God’s silence

Do we keep on praying? Do we keep on hoping?

Yes, we will…

Because for now, our hope and our peace come from resting on the bosom of God. Let’s continue to pray for the end of this pandemic, for the safety of families and communities, and the recovery of our economy. Let’s not lose our hope and faith in God. We pray for those who have died from COVID-19 and our heroic doctors and nurses. We pray for those who have lost their jobs and are now in difficult financial situations.

Last Sunday’s Gospel, the Road to Emmaus, challenges us to see the Risen Christ amid this pandemic. And like I said in my homily: He’s in the neighbor, friend, or relative, who just dropped off for us while we’re on isolation.

He’s in the heroic hearts of some nurses and doctors who

Family law issues during the COVID-19 pandemic

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng country, in a matter of weeks.

More than 1 million Americans have been infected. This is our real world today.

Now, with $3,500 gross monthly, her net take-home pay is about $3,000. That’s really not much and barely enough to pay for rent, food and other living expenses for a household of three people. So, I advise her to file for Chapter 7 and just wipe out the entire $60,000 of credit cards. “Start fresh with no debt,” I told her. It’s the right decision.

She was nervous. I told her not to worry about it because it was the right thing to do. We went through her telephonic hearing last week with the Chapter 7 trustee. He asked for some more documents at the hearing but said that if those documents were submitted before the next hearing set for next week, then he would just take the matter off calendar next week if he had no questions about the documents.

I informed her that the trustee called to advise that he had no further questions, and that the hearing was concluded and no need to appear next week as he was taking that off the calendar.

She then informed me that her hours had been reduced by the hospital and that her pay had decreased and that she felt really fortunate that she did not go for consolidation, and instead got instant relief with the Chapter 7 case.

She did not have to pay anything on the $60,000 credit

cards at all, and she kept all her assets. With her decreased income, the $1,500 consolidation was a very, very big burden for her and her family.

She said that she also felt fortunate that she was assigned to give in-home care to patients instead of caring for patients at the hospital because there were a lot of COVID-19 cases in her hospital and she was afraid of getting sick. If something happened to her, then her grandchildren would have no one to turn to and they could not take care of themselves yet. Her older grandson at 15 had been working part-time after school at a local restaurant, but got laid off when the restaurant had to close down because of almost no business due to the lockdown.

She gave me an N95 respirator and 10 facemasks. Thank you very much, I do need those as I meet clients and conduct the hearing telephonically in my office now wearing facemask and gloves. Clients also wear their masks and gloves and we observe at least a 6 ft distance from each other. It’s so annoying but necessary to protect each other. I hope the vaccine comes soon, instead of a year from now. Gilead’s remdesivir appears to have promise and clinical trials are positive. Dr. Faucci said so. That’s certainly good news. BHC has virazole, which also appears promising to a certain extent. The pharmaceutical companies are doing their part. I won’t say anything about ingesting bleach or alcohol except that, this is the world we now live in, the twilight zone.

Maybe if we all wore a batman costume, the coronavirus would be friendly enough not to infect PAGE B7

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Recovering all wages due in a furlough, layoff or termination at work

Q: Because of the Stay-atHome order in California, my employer has sent me home on a “work furlough” without pay.

It has been more than a month and I still have not been asked to go back to work. Is a work furlough a termination? What are my rights?

A: The COVID-19 pandemic threatens, not just employee’s health and safety, but also their economic stability. There are reportedly more than 30 million workers who have filed for unemployment benefits since the start of lockdowns. California has seen the highest number of job losses. Of the state’s estimated labor force of about 20 million, nearly 4 million Californians are claiming unemployment benefits.

Workers who lost their jobs, may have lost them temporarily or permanently. Some companies have placed employees on a work furlough. Others have done layoffs. Still others have closed shop entirely and terminated their workers.

A work furlough is “a temporary layoff from work.” Furloughed employees are expected to return to their jobs. They are generally not paid their wages for the duration of the furlough, but may continue to have their health insurance, or other benefits. A furlough ends when the employer tells the employee to report back to work.

A layoff is a discharge, where the employer dismisses the employee from employment.

It is the term used when the employee’s separation from the employer is due to reasons other than the employee’s job performance. Layoffs generally occur when the business is not doing well and causes the employer to cut down on its staff.

A business closure may result in mass layoffs.

A termination generally refers

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. to the involuntary discharge of an employee, with the decision made by the employer, with or without cause. This contrasts with a voluntary discharge, which is often called a resignation. By its nature, a termination is a permanent separation from employment.

Are all wages paid?

Whether furloughed, laid-off, or terminated, or even upon resignation, the employee is entitled to receive payment of all wages due at the time the employment ends.

The following questions should then be asked: 1. Has the employer paid the employee for all work performed beyond 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week?

2. Has the employer paid the employee premium wage penalties for missed meal and rest breaks?

3. If the employee was eligible for vacation, has the employer paid unused vacation time? (Note: “Use it or lose it” vacation pay policies are illegal.)

4. If commissions are due, has the right amount been determined?

5. Were all deductions on wages proper?

6. Are there expenses that have to be reimbursed to the employee?

7. Does the employer have a policy or practice of paying separation pay?

Should employees sign a release?

Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to sign a release of the employee’s right to any wages due, unless those

Client relieved she chose...

PAGE B6 us, thus having herd immunity. *** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorney-client relationship established

EMPLOYMENT

by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with Attorney Yang. The first general consultation is free. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in

wages have been paid. Some employers hold their employee’s final paycheck “hostage” until the employee signs a release or other document. This conduct is prohibited by law.

Many employees lose valuable rights when they sign a release. If employees are pressured to sign documents, employees should request that they be given time to review the documents more carefully, or have an opportunity to consult with counsel.

If an employer willfully fails to pay all wages due to an employee after termination, the employee’s wages continue as a penalty until paid, for up to 30 calendar days. This is called “waiting time penalties.” Hence, if the employee who works 8 hours a day is paid $20 per hour, the employer may be held liable to pay up to $4,800 in penalty for not paying the terminated employee on time.

If an employee thinks that his or her rights have been violated prior to, during, and even after a (temporary or permanent) separation from employment, it would be smart for that employee to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced employment attorney to protect his or her rights. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

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Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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EMPLOYMENT

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-5, 2020

B

Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases

Dear Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear ended my car. I was not feeling well after the accident, as my back seemed very tight and stiff. I took some days off from work. After a week, I contacted the other driver’s insurance to report the claim. The insurance adjuster for the other driver said they would fix my car, and offered me $500.00 for my injuries. Is that enough?

I do not know where to go from here. –K.K. Dear K.K., The first step is to make sure that any injuries that you have suffered in the accident are examined and treated. You can recover treatment costs since they are considered “economic damages” that you suffered due to the accident. You can also recover for time away from work as “economic damages,” even if you used paid time off or sick leave.

The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.” Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1).

A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by persons who settle their accident cases on their own, or with the assistance of in-

Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn experienced counsel.

Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages.

Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date.

To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury. CACI No. 3903C. How are past lost earnings proven?

Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury. For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider.

After showing that the time off was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that one has lost as a result of his/ her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during

the time of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim. Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary value of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable. For those self-employed, earnings history as ref lected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings.

Apart from economic damages, you can recover “general damages,” which are damages for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience due to the accident.

If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (32 3) 6 39 - 027 7. Email: info@ dtanlaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Energy assistance fund...

PAGE B6 of Greater Los Angeles, every year 10,000-15,000 customers receive help paying their bill.

In addition to the Energy Assistance Fund, income-qualified customers may be able to take advantage of the California Alternate Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance programs.

The CARE program provides income-qualified households a discount of about 30% on monthly electric bills. FERA provides a reduced monthly discount of 18% for incomequalified households of three or more. Eligibility for both programs is based on annual household income and the total number of people living in the

FOR RENT

household.

SCE has also suspended service disconnections for nonpayment and is waiving late fees by request for residential and business customers impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.

For more information about customer programs, visit: sce. com/billhelp. (By Julia Roether / Southern California Edison)

B May 2-5, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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