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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022 Volume 15 - No.29 • 16 Pages
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Marcos Jr. proclaimed president-elect in DATELINE USA what sister calls ‘second chance’ for clan Kids ages 5-11 can FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
now receive COVID boosters in LA County
IN another step to promote protection against the coronavirus ahead of summer, Los Angeles County has begun administering booster shots to children ages 5 to 11. This move comes after federal health officials on May 20 approved the additional dose for the young age group who have received the first two doses of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the only vaccine authorized or approved for children ages 5 through 17 years. Children and teens need two doses of a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Everyone ages
by KRISTINE JOY
Philstar.com
PATAG
MANILA — Joshua Vida, 22, voted for the second time on May 9, his heart burning with a vision of a united Filipino people and a Philippines that would be the envy of its neighbors in the region. Jimilyn Perez, a retiree who used to work
at the Public Attorney’s Office, shared that vision: “I think the turning point of the Philippines has come. It will be beautiful, orderly and any Filipino abroad can be proud of ourselves. We will be proud of our country and our government.” On May 9, bound by the same vision for the Philippines, the two shaded different names on the ballots.
PNA photo
by NEIL
NEW PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT. Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco raise the hands of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on Wednesday, May 25. Marcos was elected by a landslide against closest rival Vice President Leni Robredo. Philstar.com photo by Efigenio
Duterte thanks Filipinos after term New report: Elderly MANILA — President Duterte again expressed his gratitude to the Filipino people for electing him president, even as he apologized for his “shortcomings.” “In a few days I’ll be out. All that I did, for me, that’s it. The best that my efforts can really achieve. If that is still not enough, I’m sorry I can’t do anything more,” the President said in Filipino and English during the inauguration of the new building of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Pasig City on Monday, May 23. “The things that I failed to do, mostly not
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US, Asian diplomats pay courtesy call on Bongbong Marcos
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President Rodrigo Duterte
Vida voted for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who was officially proclaimed the next president of the Republic of the Philippines in a joint session of Congress sitting as the National Board of Canvassers. Perez was among the 14.8 million who voted for Vice President Leni Robredo. The
ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net
MANILA — Four diplomats paid a courtesy call Monday, May 23 on presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ahead of his proclamation as the next chief executive of the country. Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, South Korea Ambassador Kim Inchul, India Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran, and United States Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava separately visited Marcos Jr. in his headquarters in Mandaluyong City. In an interview with the media, Ambassador Kumaran said among those tackled during his visit was the commitment to continue the “excellent
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US Navy ship to be named for Asian Americans experience Filipino sailor Telesforo Trinidad fear of physical assault
A NEW report shines a light on how the past two years exacerbated threats to the safety and wellbeing for Asian American elders ages 60 and up. The report takes a close look at data released by Stop AAPI Hate and AARP on the 10,905 reports it
by MOMAR
received of hate incidents against AAPIs from March 2020 to December 2021. Of these 10,905 hate incidents, 824 were reports of hate incidents against Asian American elders aged 60 and up. The new report shows
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G. VISAYA
AJPress
UNITED States Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Thursday, May 19 that a future Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyer will be named USS Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), honoring the bravery and heroism of Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo De
La Cruz Trinidad, the only Filipino in the U.S. Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor. “Since being sworn in as secretary, I have wanted to honor his heroic actions by naming a ship after him,” said Del Toro. “This ship and her future crew will be a critical piece in strengthening our maritime superiority while also
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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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US CDC opens new country office in Philippines by Gaea
LAST FRONTIER. Bataraza town officials in the southern part of Palawan need to strictly implement anti-littering and environmental protection laws after a photo shows trash items such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, food wrappers, shopping bags and cigarette butts abound near the Buliluyan Tourism Station at the Buliluyan port. The port is the jump off point going to Balabac Island located in the southernmost part of the country’s last frontier Palawan. PNA photo
Duterte thanks Filipinos after... PAGE 1 because of negligence or I have shortcomings but the time really – six years – would not be enough to finish all the projects,” he added. Duterte also took the opportunity to thank the media, particularly television networks, for their coverage of his presidency. “To all of you, including TV networks, I would not mention, thank you. And your help in my journey in the six years, you gave me the honor to be the president of the Philippines. Thank you very much,” he said. In a speech during the launching of the digital innovation efforts of the Philippine Postal Corp. last Thursday, Duterte said he has served the entire nation “irrespective of each tribal division.” “I know that the Filipinos voted for me. Let’s not talk about those who did not vote
for me. I served the country irrespective of each tribal division,” the President said. Duterte will step down from office on June 30. We still work President Duterte continues to oversee the completion of his administration’s programs with little over a month left in office, an official of Malacañang has said. “We still work. All programs are continuing,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Kris Ablan said over radio dzBB on Sunday, May 22. Duterte was expected to hold his regular Talk to the People on Monday night, May 23. The President did not deliver a public address last week. (By Helen Flores/Philstar. com)
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
MANILA — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opened this month a new country office in the Philippines to advance increased health security in Asia, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said. Through its new office in Manila, the CDC will strengthen and expand its existing cooperation with the Department of Health to prevent and control diseases, and strengthen public health emergency preparedness and response. The CDC is the public health agency of the United States. “With the opening of the U.S. CDC Philippines country office, we are further reinforcing the long-standing health and human services partnership between our two countries and our work together to build a healthier world,” said Loyce Pace, assistance secretary for global affairs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dr. Romel Lacson will serve as the CDC’s first country director for the Philippines. He will implement CDCsupported health programs and lead the agency’s peerto-peer relationship with the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Philippines Director Dr. Romel Lacson (left) receives the MOU from Dr. Anjo Fabellon of the DOH-Bureau of International Health Cooperation. US Embassy
DOH. “In this new era, partnership is more essential than ever. We must be willing to take on challenges together and create opportunities together. This is why the launch of this office and our work together is so important,” Lacson said. The CDC will also provide the DOH with technical assistance and support services to intensify the country’s HIV and tuberculosis prevention, treatment and care efforts, and to slow the twin epidemics. In the last four years, the Philippines experienced the fastestgrowing HIV epidemic in
the Southeast Asia/Pacific region, with a sevenfold increase in newly-diagnosed cases from 2010 to 2018. The DOH and the HHS also signed a memorandum of understanding on increasing collaboration between the Philippines and the US on public health emergency and response, prevention and control of vaccine-preventable and communicable disease, and the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. The DOH is pushing for the creation of the country’s own CDC, which will be tasked to develop and maintain an integrated surveillance system of diseases, injuries, and disabilities. g
Kids ages 5-11 can now receive... PAGE 1 12 years and older should also get a booster shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. The approval also comes as children head into summer vacation. “While vaccines offer significant protection from severe illness, we also know that like with other vaccines and medications over time, our bodies need a boost to remain highly protected,” said LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer at a press conference. She added, “We also know that in L.A. County over the past month, cases among children 5 to 11 increased 264%. This is a faster rate of increase than what we saw in young adults ages 18 to 49, where the increase was 116%.” In additional vaccine booster news, the CDC strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first booster dose. “COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to prevent hospitalization and serious illness, and data has shown that California’s vaccination efforts have saved tens of thousands of lives. The Omicron surge and its infectious subvariants have shown that
children are also vulnerable, with their case rates and hospitalizations increasing across California – we support the recommendations of our federal and state partners to authorize and recommend the use of a booster dose for children ages 5 and up. It’s important to get kids vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible,” said state Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly and Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón in a joint statement. “Additionally, over the past two months we have seen steady increases in cases, and more recently an increase in hospitalizations in California. While older Americans have the highest coverage of any age group of first booster doses, most older Americans received their last dose (either their primary series or their first booster dose) many months ago, leaving many who are vulnerable without the protection they may need to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Whether it is your first booster, or your second, if you haven’t had a vaccine dose since the beginning of December 2021 and you are eligible, now is the time to get one.” Parents can find a vaccine for their child in California at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 1-833-422-4255. (AJPress)
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022
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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
New report: Elderly... Marcos Jr. proclaimed president-elect in what sister... PAGE 1 that Asian American elders were most likely to face discrimination on public streets (36.7% of all reported incidents) and at businesses (26.7% of reported incidents). It further indicates that 26.2% of the reported incidents against Asian American elders involved physical assault. The report, also released during Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, demonstrates how these incidents have resulted in Asian American elders experiencing increased fear, stress, and anxiety since the pandemic, with nearly all of them who reported (98.2%) indicating that they believe the United States has become more physically dangerous for Asian Americans, according to the Stop AAPI Hate Follow-Up Survey. The elders who experienced hate incidents also stated they experienced higher levels of stress and anxiety. Among the findings of the report: • Six out of 10 (57.6%) incidents reported by adults aged 60 and up involved verbal harassment or shunning, the deliberate avoidance; • One out of four (26.2%) cases against adults 60 and up were physical assault • In one in 11 incidents, elders were coughed and spat upon (7.8%); and • Elders reported being barred from establishments in 5.7% of incidents and having their property vandalized in 7.2% of incidents. “Elder Asian Americans deserve to feel safe – but for the past two years have been struggling with hate, fear and isolation,” said Russell Jeung, Ph.D., co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University. “This AAPI Heritage Month we need to recommit to their safety and support.” “I am submitting this on behalf of my parents, who are 70 and 65 years old. My parents were pumping their gas PAGE 7
Japanese Ambassador to PH Koshikawa Kazuhiko pays a courtesy call on presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Mandaluyong City. During the visit, Marcos said he intends to further strengthen ties and expand areas of cooperation between the two countries. Photo
US, Asian diplomats... PAGE 1 bilateral relations” between India and the Philippines. “We requested his continued support for the development of excellent bilateral relations between India and the Philippines,” Kumaran said. “We’ve been having excellent progress over the past few years and we look forward to continuing the progress and dynamism under the new administration,” he added.
Kumaran likewise said strengthening the military and the health sector in the Philippines was also discussed during the visit Meanwhile, Ambassadors Kazuhiko and Kim and Chargé d’Affaires Variava did not grant an interview with the media due to prior commitments. U.S. President Joe Biden earlier expressed his intentions to continue strengthening the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines. g
PAGE 1 vice president’s campaign tried to lift flagging survey numbers with a series of massive rallies across the country but the “Pink Wave” broke against a lead that was clearly insurmountable as early as the first few hours after voting ended. On Wednesday, May 25, Congress helped along by the Robredo campaign posing no objection to the conduct of canvassing, proclaimed Marcos the winner of the 2022 presidential elections with 31,629,783 votes. “The result of this election is historical in several ways,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who has been reelected to a fresh term and is in the running for Senate president, said in sponsoring the canvassing report. He said that aside from the highest turnout and the quickest canvassing, the 2022 elections are also “the first time that the Philippines has elected a majority president and vice president.” Congress on Wednesday also proclaimed Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as vice president-elect, with 32,208,417 official votes cast for her in the May 9 polls. Zubiri said the decisions of Robredo, vice-presidential candidate Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and presidential candidate Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso to no longer contest the canvassing showed “the importance of uniting as a people and healing the emotional wounds” of the election campaign. The majority win has been painted by many as a way forward from divisions that widened during the campaign but were rooted in what analysts say was disaffection for the post-EDSA reforms and frustration with social problems that had been persistent even before People Power. Zubiri, in sponsoring the canvassing report, said the Filipino people had answered the “clarion call to unit for progress and to get out of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic” as he called the elections a “triumph of our democracy.” “Indeed, the healing of the country has begun,” House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin and who is the top name to be the next speaker of the House, said in his sponsorship speech as he called on the country to unite after the divisive election campaign. “The majority has spoken, it is high time that we listen to their voice,” he also said. High voter turnout According to the last Pulse Asia survey — conducted in April and released just before election day — support for Marcos remained solid across regions and socioeconomic classes, except in Metro Manila. Robredo gained support in the capital region and in the Visayas but saw a decline in the rest of Luzon. Marcos kept his support across classes and
saw a five-point increase in support in Class E as the Philippines prepared to pick its next set of leaders. In the high-stakes elections that many framed as a referendum on the 1986 People Power revolution, 67.4 million or 82.6% of total registered voters went out and cast their ballots and their lot for the next six years. Foreign posts reported record voter turnout, with crowds in Hong Kong large enough to alarm the police and remind people of pandemic measures. These were families, workers, and individuals who were cooped up in their own homes in the world’s longest lockdown, bombarded by arbitrary threats of arrest while dealing with the uncertainty that the pandemic brought across the world. Twenty-year-old Chelsea Marian Hebron, a student sporting ombre violet and pink hair, was among the hundreds of thousands who painted the Ayala Central Business District in Makati City pink on May 7. She told Philstar.com that as a firsttime voter, she felt that her one vote would be very important in the polls. ‘Bagong Lipunan’ remix Chelsea said she wanted a leader who is transparent and knows the job. She said she would vote for Robredo, because she was confident that the vice president could deliver on promises made in her platform. A few kilometers away from Ayala, retired overseas Filipino worker Sergio Vega, 79, was telling Philstar.com the same: “I am looking for a leader who can fulfill his promises.” Vega said he was voting for Marcos. “BBM-Sara solid ako,” he said, while enduring the heat with thousands of supporters waiting for the UniTeam Miting de Avance last May 7. An hour after the polls closed on May 9, Marcos showed an early millionvote lead and was soon poised to get a historic majority mandate. Vida was among the first supporters who trooped to Marcos campaign headquarters in Mandaluyong the night of the elections. At that time, Marcos had been leading by more than 10 million votes. He and a dozen other young supporters staged a small victory party outside, where they blasted songs from the campaign, including the upbeat version of the Martial Law anthem “Bagong Lipunan.” Motorists slowed down to honk their horns, or roll down their windows and take videos of themselves flashing the victory sign that was also a trademark of the elder Marcos. The crowd swelled up to a thousand revelers by around midnight. And supporters in green and red have been showing up in front of the headquarters along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue since then. Criticism as ‘negative campaigning’ Evangeline Araneta, 56, went to the Parañaque Miting de Avance to show her support for Marcos because
“like his father, his son’s platforms are good.” Marcos, as a candidate, had been criticized for not being as open with details about his plans for governance as his rivals were, a strategy that seems to have worked. “[Marcos] is not a rude person, unlike the others who are. He doesn’t mind [the insults]. Like his father, [he] is kind,” she said, referring to allegations as well as documented incidents of corruption and abuse during the Martial Law period, that were brought up against the son and namesake of the ousted dictator. Reminders of Martial Law were relegated to “negative campaigning”, which the UniTeam said they would not resort to. It was under the elder Marcos, who the next president refers to as his “inspiration,” that the country saw thousands killed, tortured and disappeared. The dictatorship also saw billions lost to corruption and to cronies, recovery of which has been a decades-long effort of the Presidential Commission on Good Government. For Vida — who, at 22, is constantly online — there are two sides of the story. “I listen to both sides, so you can balance it. Not just one side. I am not in the position to speak but I listened to both sides,” he said of accounts in history books and in court and government documents that vloggers, influencers and skeptical professional have been casting doubt on. The Marcos campaign was helped along by YouTube content creators and social media influencers, some of whom were included in sorties in the provinces. According to Dr. Cheryll Ruth Soriano of De La Salle University and Dr. Earvin Charles Cabalquinto of Deakin University who conducted studies on their content some YouTube creators have tapped into national pride and nostalgia to promote the narrative that the elder Marcos was the greatest president of the Philippines and that the election of his son would bring back national glory that was supposedly lost in 1986. In contrast, they said at a research forum in February 2021, were narratives of “squalor, poverty, and failure of democracy during (Cory) Aquino’s rule.” Nostalgia The younger Marcos’ bid for the presidency also saw a revival of support for this father, with supporters holding up portraits of the ousted dictator at caravans and proclamation rallies. At the grand proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena earlier this year, the UniTeam campaign also introduced an upbeat version of “Bagong Lipunan” which has been played at rallies, from campaign trucks, and, most recently, by the Philippine Coast Guard. The campaign also saw members of the Kabataang Barangay join the UniTeam’s last Miting de Avance in PAGE 7
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022
OPINION
FEATURES
Bracing for monkeypox
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Philstar.com
Here’s another reason to continue observing COVID safety protocols: health experts say the same measures are the best defenses against monkeypox, the latest viral disease now spreading in countries where First identified in monkeys in a Danish laboratory in 1958, monkeypox is less contagious than COVID-19. Transmission requires close and prolonged physical and sexual contact especially through lesions, the transfer of body fluids, contact with infected respiratory droplets as well as with contaminated materials such as bedding. The World Health Organization prescribes preventive measures that are the same as those for COVID: masking, handwashing, disinfection of surfaces that are frequently touched, respiratory etiquette, distancing and avoidance of large gatherings. No deaths have been reported yet in the monkeypox outbreak, but the disease can be serious for children, pregnant women and the immunecompromised. No monkeypox case has been reported in the Philippines so far. Considering the country’s open borders, however, it could be just a matter of time before monkeypox is detected here. A monkeypox vaccine and
one specific treatment were approved in 2019 and this year, respectively, but these are not yet widely available. In the meantime, the WHO has advised governments and the public to be on alert for symptoms of monkeypox. These include an atypical rash that progresses into pustules similar to smallpox and then to scabs, with possible fever, back pain, muscle ache and enlarged lymph nodes. Until the scabs have fallen off and a fresh skin layer has formed, physical contact and sexual acts with the patient are discouraged. The Bureau of Quarantine has announced that it would begin symptoms screening for travelers from countries where monkeypox has been reported. Travelers with symptoms must undergo quarantine for one or two weeks. As of May 21, there were 92 laboratoryconfirmed cases and 28 suspected in 12 countries where the virus is not endemic, with the highest numbers reported in Portugal,
Editorial
Commentary
RIGOBERTO TIGLAO THE fanatics among their ranks — cultists would be a more accurate term — will of course never get out of their delusion that Leni Robredo has started a “Pink movement,” or as the craziest among them has claimed, a “New Pink
Spain and the United Kingdom, and Canada reporting a high number of suspected cases. Also with confirmed cases are Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. As the WHO has again warned, the COVID
pandemic is “most certainly not over.” Filipinos are familiar with the COVID safety protocols, and should continue strictly observing these to prevent the spread of yet another potentially deadly viral disease. (Philstar.com)
The end of the Yellows and Pinks, and what it means Army,” a play on the oncedreaded communist-led New People’s Army. But Robredo is history. She’ll vanish in a few months, just as a more formidable but losing candidate, Mar Roxas, did. The only “tsunami” of volunteers was in Facebook posts claiming there was. Former super-yellow senator Sergio Osmeña
3rd revealed what most people suspected as he couldn’t help boasting, and told the New York Times that he “paid for 10,000 volunteers.” Osmeña and the likes of him certainly wouldn’t pay for “volunteers” for the vaguest of objectives as Robredo’s “Angat Buhay” NGO, unless she packages it in a way that would interest
the CIA-linked National Endowment for Democracy (Rappler and VERA Files funders) enough to fund it. In the first place, Robredo, with her Alfred Neuman smile (of Mad magazine fame) was completely out of her league. She never had the qualifications — both the intellectual qualities and political savvy — to be president, as her stint as
House representative and vice president obviously had shown. The Yellows though could not get anybody else to be their presidential candidate. The Pinks remind me of the Progressive Party of the Philippines, led by Raul Manglapus, which, as in the case of Robredo, the Jesuits especially and the Catholic Church pushed for, and
the “disente” elites, which I rooted for when I was in high school. I bet you haven’t heard of it. The presidential bid in 1965 of Manglapus — who was a hundred times more eloquent and intelligent than Robredo — failed miserably. It got only 5 percent of the vote, with PAGE 10
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Marcos mulls extending VFA by Catherine
S. valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is considering “extending” and “redefining” the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, citing the “changing environment” in the region. Marcos raised this
possibility following his meeting with United States Chargé d’ Affaires Heather Variava, where they discussed security issues between the Philippines and the United States. “Siyempre security concerns pinag-usapan namin (Of course we discussed security concerns), the return or the re-signing or the extension of the VFA
agreement and how it has to be redefined for the near future with the changing situation around the world, especially in our region,” Marcos told reporters in a press briefing on Monday, May 23. Marcos admitted that security concerns “have always been a big part of our relations with the United States.”
PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Marcos raised this possibility following his meeting with United States Chargé d’ Affaires Heather Variava, where they discussed security issues between the Philippines and the United States. Photo from the Office of Bongbonng Marcos
He said that any assistance from the United States to help the Philippine economy is always welcome. In June last year, President Rodrigo Duterte extended for another six months the suspension of the abrogation of the VFA. He terminated the agreement in February 2020. The termination process, however, was suspended in June last year because of the pandemic and emerging threats in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine government again held off the suspension in November 2020. The VFA, which took effect in 1999, provides the legal framework for the presence of American troops in the Philippines as they conduct joint military exercises. Marcos also met with Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, South Korea Ambassador Kim Inchul and India Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran. g
Vice President Leni Robredo
Philstar.com file photo
Robredo camp waves white flag at congressional canvass by Xave
GreGorio Philstar.com
MANILA — The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo will not be putting up a fight at Congress’ canvassing of votes for president where her archrival, former Sen.
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is projected to be proclaimed president. Romulo Macalintal, one of Robredo’s lawyers, manifested on behalf of her that they will not object to the inclusion of all certificates of canvass PAGE 9
New report: Elderly Asian Americans... Marcos Jr. proclaimed... PAGE 4 at a gas station when a group of men started yelling at them. They couldn’t understand them completely but heard them say, ‘China virus’ and ‘Chinese.’ They were scared and got in the car and drove away.” The number of incidents against older Asian Americans that have been reported to the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center is just the tip of the iceberg. Stop AAPI Hate is asking members of the Asian American community to support elder Asian Americans by reporting incidents on their behalf. “We are recognizing AAPI Heritage Month this year by honoring the members of our community who have fought against racism and discrimination of all kinds,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance. “That includes those who report their experiences with hate to our website, enabling us to advocate for real solutions.” Real solutions include supporting community based organizations that provide services for elder Asian Americans around the country. The report spotlights the work of San Francisco‘s Self Help for the Elderly, the Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS) in the greater Atlanta area, the Chinese Information
and Service Center (CISC) in Seattle, and the Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York. “We’re asking that elected officials honor this month with action by creating safer public spaces for AAPI communities and all communities of color,” said Cynthia Choi, cofounder of Stop AAPI Hate and co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action. “Funding and supporting community-based organizations across the country is key to building safe places for elder Asian Americans.” Stop AAPI Hate issued the following recommendations in order to address the ongoing crisis: •Community-based organizations: To address fear, isolation, and mental health challenges among Asian American elders, organizations should provide resilience programs that foster a sense of safety and community, offer mentally stimulating social activities, and leverage culturally and linguistically responsive frameworks in services and offerings. • Local, state, and federal government: To address fear, isolation, and mental health challenges among Asian American elders, governments should increase support to community-based organizations within a culturally and
linguistically responsive framework to serve Asian American elders. • Local, state, and federal government: To best target resources, governments can improve data collection by tracking hate incidents across the Asian American elderly community, and disaggregating data to identify how racial subgroups across the umbrella Asian American elder community experience and address fear, isolation, and mental health differently. • Local transit agencies: To reduce fear and anxiety among Asian American elders using public transit, transit agencies should collect data and engage with community groups on culturally relevant approaches to reducing harassment on transit systems. • Federal government: To better support the 60% of Asian American elders with limited English proficiency, the federal government should pass the “Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2021 (HR 5937), a pilot program to increase language access at federally qualified health centers. The Stop AAPI Hate coalition encourages any member of the AAPI community who has experienced hate during the pandemic to report the incident at: https://stopaapihate.org/ reportincident/. (AJPress)
PAGE 4 Parañaque on May 7, with members of the youth group saying they are hopeful that a Marcos win would lead to a revival of the KB, a government youth arm that was meant as a “counterforce” to activist groups. Sen. Imee Marcos — Ferdinand Jr.’s sister — was named its national chairperson, an appointment that raised eyebrows because she was too old to join. Archimedes Trajano, a student who questioned her appointment was taken away and later beaten to death. Decades later, Sen. Marcos cast her vote wearing a shirt bearing the logo of the KB. “We’re very, very grateful for a second chance,” Sen. Marcos said on Wednesday while canvassing was ongoing, as she claimed that her family had been been abused and mistreated since the 1986 revolution. The Marcoses were in exile until 1991 and soon returned to local politics, with Ferdinand Jr. running for and being elected
congressman of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte by 1992. “Our family really went through hardships,” Sen. Marcos said. Lawyer Harry Roque, as presidential spokesperson in 2018 rejected the assertion that People Power in 1986 was a product of “fake news”, saying the government “will always recognize EDSA not only as an important historical event but [as] the first bloodless people power revolution in the whole entire planet Earth.” But, Roque, as a senatorial candidate in 2022, claimed, as many seem to have done, that while the Marcos dictatorship happened and was ousted by People Power, “there are no cases of human rights violations against Ferdinand Marcos Jr... no cases that say he himself stole from the country” while overlooking institutionalized compensation for victims and efforts to reclaim illgotten wealth. — With Jonathan de Santos g
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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Formula One racing to come to Las Vegas in 2023 By realtor FelY QUiteviS-BateMan
MANY Americans and people around the world love car racing. Whether it’s in a racetrack or out in the elements, the thrill of cars and their drivers jockeying for position to outsmart each other and win the race is an attraction that many find enjoyable. Las Vegas even has its own event in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), the South Point 400, which takes
Attending meetings at the Las Vegas Realtors Board has enabled Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman to be well-informed about real estate trends in Clark County and in the State of Nevada.
place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October (a new weekend for this race) in 2022. Now comes news that another type of race will come to Sin City. An announcement recently covered by major news outlets revealed that Formula One, or F1, is coming back to Las Vegas in 2023. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be one of three F1 events hosted in the United States, the other two being in the cities of Miami (Florida) and Austin
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (left) gets market updates from Phil Klevorick (right), Economic Development Liaison of Clark County.
(Texas). There has not been an F1 race in the gambling and entertainment capital of the world since the days of the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in the early 1980s. According to the F1 site, the race will take place at night on a Saturday sometime in November 2023, and “for the first time F1 cars will race on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, with the circuit sweeping past famous hotels and casinos.” It also said that “the 14-turn track will run for 3.8 miles with top speeds expected to hit around 212mph” (miles per hour). Of course, this is a perfect marriage – F1 and Las Vegas. To have world-class drivers race at night on what is expected to become an iconic racetrack in Formula One racing is a vision that many racing spectators would like to see. With the neon lights and landmarks provided by the major hotel-casinos as backdrop, the designed racetrack features “three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section, with the Grand Prix to be run over 50 laps.” Already, many F1 drivers are excited at the prospect of racing in
Photo above shows the projected race route for the Las Vegas Grand Prix that is scheduled to take place on a Saturday in November 2023, which sweeps past famous hotels and casinos in the area. Internet photo/www.
the Las Vegas Grand Prix, calling the event amazing, unbelievable, exciting and lots of fun. In a video at the F1 site, even-time champion Lewis Hamilton said, “That’s going to be a pretty hardcore event,” while AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly remarked, “That’s going to be insane.” Many of the drivers said that they probably will see each other inside the casinos as well. F1 coming back to Las Vegas is certainly another feather in the cap of Las Vegas. The hard work of organizers, officials and
organizations connected to the event means that this event will be done correctly, both for drivers and their teams, and the fans. It will certainly attract racing fans from all over the world to Sin City, and bolster its reputation as an entertainment mecca. With countless shows, excellent dining, and, of course, a myriad of gambling choices, many of those who are coming to witness F1 racing at its best will not be wanting for activities. As Las Vegas begins to attract PAGE 9
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022
Formula One racing to... PAGE 8 many more events and opportunities to its fold, this bodes well for the city as it will raise employment and economic opportunities in the area. Las Vegas already is one of the largest cities in the west, even in the U.S., in terms of population, and the need for housing has seen real estate developers look to areas outside of Las Vegas to build masterplanned communities that will address the expected need for housing. With Clark County expected to add about 1 million people by 2060, companies are looking at ways to add to the current crop of housing opportunities for current residents and for those looking to make their start in the area. It won’t be long before other established entities make their way to Las Vegas, like the National Basketball Association (NBA), which reports and podcasts have alluded to in the past. A group recently announced that they secured 25 acres of land near the Strip to build what they see as a new sports and entertainment district that will feature an NBA-ready 20,000-seat arena. And with activity in Las Vegas, comes many opportunities for neighboring areas. The potential added development in areas like Pahrump, Mesquite, Henderson, Indian Springs and North Las Vegas that will come as an offshoot of rapid development in Sin City is one good fortune that should not be overlooked. This is a great time to look for real estate opportunities in Las Vegas and
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 5384948 or send email to fely@precious-properties.com.
neighboring communities, while the prices are affordable and the market is rife with choices. My decades of experience living and working in these communities – and selling real estate – can help you, my kababayans, secure the right type of land/property investment, whether it’s as a new home, a rental (maybe for Airbnb), a second home, or purely an investment
opportunity. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has been serving its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)
Robredo camp waves... PAGE 7 validated by Congress sitting as the National Board of Canvassers. Macalintal also said they will be waiving their appearance before the joint session of Congress where they are canvassing votes for president and vice president. In making this manifestation, Macalintal referenced speeches made by Robredo past midnight after election day and during her thanksgiving rally where she called on supporters to listen to the voice of the majority. “Habang lumilinaw na ang litrato, kailangan nating simulang tanggapin na hindi ayon sa mga pangarap natin ang resulta ng eleksyon,” Robredo then said. (While the picture is getting clearer, we need to start accepting that the results of
the election is not in accordance with our dreams.) In response, Marcos’ lawyer Vic Rodriguez thanked the Robredo camp. “We would like to recognize and thank the patriotism exhibited by Vice President Leni Robredo for expressly recognizing the integrity and the result of the recentlyconcluded general elections,” he said. Rodriguez told reporters in a press conference at the sidelines of the canvassing that they were pleasantly surprised at the Robredo camp’s move. Marcos and his running mate, presumptive vice president Sara DuterteCarpio have secured convincing leads in their respective races, garnering over 31 million votes respectively, according to partial and unofficial results. g
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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
The end of the Yellows and...
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced May 19, 2022, the naming of a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer as USS Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139). Telesforo de la Cruz Trinidad, the ship’s namesake, is the only Filipino in the U.S. Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in 1915 aboard USS San Diego (ACR 6), where he risked his own life to save two of his shipmates during a boiler explosion. U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class T. Logan
US Navy ship to be named for Filipino sailor Telesforo... PAGE 1 emphasizing the rich culture and history of our naval heritage.” The Navy secretary shared that the first time he learned about Petty Officer Trinidad’s story was as a midshipman at the Naval Academy. Trinidad was born Nov. 25, 1890 in Aklan. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after the United States took possession of the archipelago in the wake of the SpanishAmerican War. Community Initiative An initiative led by the USS Telesforo Trinidad Campaign (USTTC) has been working to make this dream of memorializing Trinidad’s selfless dedication to the Navy and the country a reality. The group is composed of serving and retired U.S. Armed Forces, community and civic leaders, academics, corporate executives, and veterans’ families. The USTTC was founded in 2020 by Col. Nonie C. Cabana, USAF-Ret, who serves as its Executive Director, and chaired by Captain Ronald Ravelo, USN (Ret), the first Filipino American to command a nuclearpowered aircraft carrier. USTTC garnered massive support across the country led by veterans’ and civic organizations, local, state, and national legislators, and grassroots support from many individuals. “Filipinos and Filipino Americans have waited over 107 years to see this watershed moment happen. We realize that building grassroots and ground swelling support is the key to sustain momentum in convincing Honorable Secretary Del Toro to make this seminal decision as part of our Nation’s history,” Cabana said. Ravelo echoed Cabana’s sentiments and added, “Naming a ship after Trinidad sends a strong message that America embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. The old and new generations of Americans of Filipino descent who served and continue to serve our military would keep their heads raised high knowing their contributions
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are embodied through the USS Telesforo Trinidad.” Multiple organizations such as the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and the Philippine Nurses Association of America sent letters to President Joe Biden requesting support for the campaign. Some community leaders and family members including Telesforo’s grandchildren have expressed their elation about this news. “Our family is extremely grateful to everyone that worked so hard to make this happen! My dad couldn’t believe the news and was so extremely excited that what he wanted for so long is finally coming to light,” shared Michelle Trinidad Villarroel on social media. “The naming of the USS Telesforo Trinidad validates 121 years of loyal and faithful service by generations of Filipino American families in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Armed Forces and the seminal role that Filipino Americans hold in U.S. history,” Cecilia Gaerlan, executive director of Bataan Legacy Historical Society told the Asian Journal. “This announcement will inspire current and future generations to emulate the heroic deeds of Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad not only during times of war but every day that they serve.” Bravery & Heroism On Jan. 21, 1915, Trinidad was serving aboard USS San Diego when the captain decided to conduct a four-hour full-speed and endurance trial to determine if the ship could still maintain its officially rated flank speed. Following the trial, an obstructed tube in one of the ship’s boilers gave way, creating a chain reaction. Trinidad re-entered the closed space to the No. 2 boiler to save Fireman 2nd Class R. W. Daly. As he was carrying Daly through the No. 4 fireroom, an explosion of the No. 3 boiler hit Trinidad, which burned him in the face.
PAGE 5 Ferdinand Marcos getting 52 percent and Gerardo Roxas getting 43 percent. It disappeared just a few months after, as the Pinks will. 31 million Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM) got 31 million, or 59 percent of the votes, certainly a landslide victory. Data in a survey undertaken by Laylo Research show that 55 percent of BBM voters are “hard voters,” i.e., those who would not change their minds in choosing him — i.e., his hardcore followers. This means a solid base of 17 million potential cadres. By comparison and using the same methodology, Robredo would have only 2 million — but who I think at most are the types whose political participation does not go beyond electoral episodes. Most Filipinos aren’t really partisans, in contrast to Americans who would identify themselves as members either of the Democratic Party or Republican Party. Most of those who voted for Leni will be patriots, who would now be hoping that the BBM presidency succeeds which success after all means the upliftment of Filipinos’ well-being. This doesn’t of course include the Reds, who have since the 1960s opposed all administrations, and tried to bring them down, in the hope that they could grab power. But after all, the number of people who voted for the Reds’ candidate Leody de Guzman is just 94,000 — which I think is a liberal estimation of the
Communist Party’s active members and activists. The Reds fared very poorly in the party-list elections. Only Gabriela — which is known more as a women’s movement rather than a “national-democratic” (i.e., Red) organization — will be winning a seat. The people have rejected its once mighty Bayan Muna and Anakpawis. Senate Now look at the Senate. All except Risa Hontiveros were either endorsed by BBM, President Duterte or both. Hontiveros has become a political orphan, as her party Akbayan couldn’t even run as a party-list. Including Hontiveros, there are now only four among the 24 senators who are not under the Marcos-Duterte wing: Koko Pimentel, Grace Poe and Nancy Binay, the latter two not even known to be antiMarcos persons. While I am unable still to make a count, I was told that only a tenth — at most — of the winning Congress representatives are from the opposition — and the lower House of course is populated mostly by politicians who would kowtow immediately to the incumbent president. With his appointment to the Supreme Court of Court of Appeals judge Maria Filomena Singh, Duterte has appointed 13 of the 15 high tribunal justices, the biggest number of sitting justices ever appointed by a single president. While they of course are not beholden to BBM, their political beliefs are certainly not that of the Yellows or the Pinks, or else the politically astute
After seeing Daly to safety and despite his injuries, Trinidad then assisted in rescuing another injured shipmate from the No. 3 fireroom. For his bravery, the U.S. Navy awarded him the Medal of Honor and a $100 gratuity. Trinidad died in 1968 at the age of 77 in Imus, Cavite. He was among the more than 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served in World War II, including thousands who died during the brutal 1942 Bataan Death March in the Philippines. “I am pleased to honor Trinidad’s life and legacy today — especially during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month,” said Del Toro. “Having a ship named after such a significant figure highlights our diverse culture and that our people will always be our strategic advantage against any adversary. I hope the naming of this ship is a beacon for not only Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders but for
Duterte would not have appointed them. Hegemon In short, with a feeble an outfit as the really ephemeral “Pinks” and the tiny CPP, the BBM-Sara Duterte tandem is the most powerful political hegemon in this country now. With its formidable power, I would think its main, immediate task — to strike while the iron is still hot, as the cliché goes — should be the total destruction of the Reds, a task BBM’s father set out to do, but failed, ironically because he wasn’t as ruthless as other heads of countries were. However, while reduced to a tiny group now, the Communist Party controls key institutions positioned to broadcast its views way beyond its actual strength, such as media, a major faction of the Catholic Church and the universities, especially UP, the Ateneo and La Salle. Other countries — Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Indonesia — decades ago wiped out their communist scourges. What his father failed to do, BBM must accomplish: to destroy the CPP completely and grind it to fine dust. If he accomplishes only that, he will be viewed as one of our best presidents ever. (ManilaTimes.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the a u t h o r d o n ot n e cessa r i l y reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao Twitter: @bobitiglao
all our Sailors, Marines, and civilians who serve across the Department of the Navy. The service and sacrifice of these men and women have made our military and our nation stronger and better.” According to the Navy announcement, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet providing protection to America around the globe. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface domains. These elements of sea power enable the Navy to defend American prosperity and prevent future conflict abroad. Tens of thousands of Filipinos and Americans of Filipino descent have served in the U.S. Navy since 1901 when the Philippines was a United States territory. g
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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Husband and wife are finally reunited in America after 32 years, on this success story on Citizen Pinoy BETH was petitioned as “single” by her U.S. citizen father in 1988. At her Embassy interview, visas were already available for “married” children. The consul advised her to marry Benjamin, her live-in partner, so she could add him to her petition and bring him and their children along with her. She followed the consul’s advice and married Benjamin. Unfortunately, the Embassy made a mistake and issued her visa as “single” (F-1), instead of married (F-3), preventing her husband from immigrating, and her naturalization application being denied. Beth retained leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel who was able to finally bring Benjamin to the U.S.
Atty. Gurfinkel even met with the consuls at the Embassy, who agreed they issued Beth’s visa in the wrong category but could no longer withdraw it since the visa was already issued. They did agree, however, to issue a visa to her child. Benjamin was eventually able to get a green card through their U.S. citizen child’s petition. Watch this success story of a family reunion that was 32 years in the making on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 29 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
FAMILY REUNION THAT WAS 32 YEARS IN THE MAKING, ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Beth (center) was petitioned as single by her U.S. citizen father in 1988. When she came in for her interview at the Embassy, the consul advised her to marry Benjamin (left), her live-in partner, so she could bring him and their children along, as visas were already available for married children. However, the Embassy erroneously issued her visa as “single,” preventing her husband from immigrating, and her naturalization application being denied. Beth hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right), who requested that Benjamin and their 10-year-old child be processed as following-to-join. The Embassy advised that Benjamin could not be issued a visa because Beth’s visa was issued as F1 (single), but they were able to process her child’s visa as a derivative. Atty. Gurfinkel worked tirelessly to bring Benjamin to the U.S. to reunite this family. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 29 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS SINCE only about 67 percent of the people in the United States are fully vaccinated, it is not a surprise that a new Omicron subvariant (BA.2.1.2.1), different from Omicron and Stealth Omicron, has emerged. It is supposed to take over Stealth Omicron as the dominant strain in the United States. This new virus is 25 percent more contagious and was responsible for nearly 50 percent of COVID-19 cases last week, up by 39 percent from a week before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) unwarranted abandonment of its mitigating guidelines since April 2022, aggravated by the similar careless and dangerous premature advocacy by some governors and other politicians to “stop masking and social distancing anywhere” for political correctness not to lose votes, has caused a massive increase in cases and countless deaths from COVID-19. The conditions are not normal yet, and still dangerous for children and adults alike. Unfortunately, we have other enemies during this pandemic: arrogance, stupidity, and political correctness, all worse killers than the viruses themselves. At least the viruses have an excuse, they have no brain. Booster for kids The week ending May 19th witnessed more than 107,000 children-cases of COVID-19, a 72-percent increase from two weeks before, the 6th consecutive weekly increase. So far, about 13.3 million children have been infected with COVID-19 in the U.S., many with the more contagious Omicron and Stealth Omicron variants. More than 1,100 children (ages 0-18) have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a third dose (booster) of Pfizer-BioNT COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized for children ages 5-11. This adjusted microdose is given 5 months after the initial 2 shots. Monkeypox Monkeypox is back in the United States. The first case this year was found in Boston on May 18, 2022, and
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A new subvariant! another one in New York City the following day. A third case in Florida and 3 others are being investigated. Monkeypox is a chickenpox-like viral infection, which has been discovered in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Spain. Some of these patients have not been to Africa, where this is more common. Monkeypox is seen in other countries but not expected to be a pandemic like COVID-19. The public is advised to be vigilant but not to panic since Monkeypox is not as contagious as the COVID-19 and there are vaccines and medications for it. The common symptoms are fever, headache, backache, chills, muscle aches, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rash on the face 1-3 days after the fever occurs. Our stealth weapons In our battle against the deadly invisible SARS-CoV2 virus in this pandemic, we have three effective stealth weapons within us to defeat this nemesis: wisdom, love, and compassion for our fellowmen. These three essential personal virtues, when uniformly applied by a truly understanding society, can transform the CDC mitigating guidelines (hygiene, masking, distancing, avoiding nonessential travels, and selfquarantine at home when infections are still high) into a highly efficacious preemptive strategy that could prevent more millions of deaths and end this global catastrophe sooner. Unfortunately, to some people the exercise of the freedom of choice to do what they want regardless, “because I have the right to do what I want under the First Amendment,” is more important, even to the point of arrogant disobedience to the COVID-19 guidelines, resulting in more massive transmission of the virus, an overwhelmed hospital system, more than a million deaths, and a devastated economy in the United States. There are almost 4 million cases and greater than 60,000 deaths in the Philippines. This selfish, unthinking, irrational, behavior has, without any doubt, significantly contributed to the more than 526 million COVID-19 cases and 6.3 million deaths worldwide, with almost 85 million cases
in America. I have used masks and done social distancing since the pandemic started (and still do), not only because I am a vulnerable senior, but because, as a cardiac surgeon, I am very familiar with the benefits of my masking to myself and more so to others around me. Just like in the operating room where the entire surgical staff is disciplined to be everconscious of their behavior to maintain sterility, and fully garbed with a cap, mask, gown, and shoe covers to prevent contamination, the aim is mainly to protect the patient, less of the staff. The mask is to minimize “breathing germs” into the patient’s open cavity, chest, or abdomen. While this scenario is standard surgical practice, it is no less wisdom, love, and compassion for others. There is no other way to end a pandemic the soonest without sacrificing some of our liberties and being compassionate to others. One person refusing to mask up, or get vaccinated, is enough to spread the virus and cause a pandemic, like Wei Guixian, the female vendor at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China, the very first case of COVID-19 infection, discovered on December 8, 2019, who inadvertently caused the pandemic. Indeed, one infected person is all it takes to initiate a pandemic, as this and past deadly pandemics around the world have shown us. The centuries-old proven effective evidence-based epidemiology protocol in the management of infectious diseases employs strict isolation, distancing, masking, hygiene, and urgent vaccination to prevent infection, transmission, and deaths, and is obviously in conflict with some of our First Amendment rights. Temporarily giving up the exercise of certain freedoms during this pandemic to save millions of lives is a necessary and noble option. The opposite majority also has the equal right to security, health, and life (not to be infected by those against masking and vaccination) and not to die. So, this is where wisdom, understanding, love and compassion towards our fellowmen come in. If we act without fairness and think only of ourselves,
Author of ‘More Than Money’ shows entrepreneurs how to access their inner voices to make better decisions GLENDALE — Fatima Bustos-Choy, Ph.D., knows what it is like to deny her own inner voice. After all, it took her 20 years to write her new book on that very topic, “More Than Money: Five Paths to Abundance and Success for Inner-Centered Entrepreneurs,” until finally that inner voice grew too loud to ignore. Bustos-Choy believes, “Each of us has this inner voice that knows more than we ever know, sees more than we ever see, and from this innate knowing, it speaks to us, guides us to our true north. However, we don’t always hear this voice… Believing that answers come from the outside, we have learned to not trust ourselves and our answers from within. We have unintentionally and, at times, intentionally blocked these answers from coming forth… The inner voice has become fainter and fainter, almost negligible. We have become deaf to our own inner voice.” To research “More Than Money,” BustosChoy relied on multiple voices, not just her
invoking every civil liberty by the book, insisting on behaving the way we want regardless of the deadly consequences to people around us, we must at least admit and feel remorseful that we will surely cause countless infections and kill many people, no matter how unintentional. The refusal to mask up and acquire the COVID-19 vaccines are deliberate choices, intentional, and negligent acts, transforming people into viral spreaders and potential killers. So, wouldn’t exhaling or coughing the virus into the atmosphere, infecting others and causing their deaths,
Fatima Bustos-Choy
own. She interviewed 30 entrepreneurs to understand their minds and hearts, their joys and sorrows, wins and losses, and whether an inner voice spoke to them. Bustos-Choy discovered Five Paths from which the inner voice comes through. In the book, she answers topics as: • What is meant by an inner-centered entrepreneur? • The five paths outlined in “More Than Money” • How can people get answers from their heart, body and soul? • How can entrepreneurial pain lead to entrepreneurial gain? • Does the Asian American business community have any special challenges that she can address? Praise for “More Than Money” Authors and business owners have heaped praise on Bustos-Choy’s new book: • “Most people spend their lives not realizing they have access to powerful inner guidance. This book shows you how to connect with and listen to your inner voice, which always knows the best way to move through any obstacle and toward PAGE 13
albeit unintentionally, like when someone inadvertently discharges a gun and kills some people (with dead people in both cases), be legally considered negligent homicide? *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis,
recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
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Author of ‘More Than...
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022
Twitter and your privacy
PAGE 12 what will truly serve you in any area of your life—including success and fulfillment in your professional life. I highly recommend it.” — Jack Canfield, co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The Success Principles • “A must-read for those seeking healthier and happier entrepreneurial lives.” — Jiyoung Oh, publisher, Best Life Media • “More Than Money: Five Paths to Abundance and Success for Inner-Centered Entrepreneurs will show you a way to higher goals in achieving your heart dreams of fulfillment that are more than just money.” — Inna Tuler, president and CEO, Maintco Corporation • “Amidst an ever-changing, hectic world, it’s even more important to connect with our inner selves. More Than Money reminds us to slow down and trust our inner voice to guide us down the right path.” — Cora Oriel, president, Asian Journal Publications, Inc. • “In More Than Money Fatima shows an intuitive and disciplined way of working through the body to turn off the mind’s chatter so as to allow spirit’s voice to be clearly heard. It is the gift that keeps on giving to this day. I am forever in her debt.” — Mido Hamada, actor Fatima Bustos-Choy, Ph.D., is president of R&F Holistic Services and Gaia Flow Consulting. She has more than 30 years of frontline and senior leadership positions in the financial services, aerospace and nonprofit industries. She came to the U.S. at 21 from the Philippines and serves on the board of the Filipino-American Chambers of Commerce. Bustos-Choy has presented at national trade conferences on learning and development. She is a lifelong student of spiritual teachers. “More Than Money” is her first book. For more information on “More Than Money,” contact Fatima Bustos-Choy, Ph.D., at (818) 2093775 or fbustoschoy@gmail.com; visit her website at wwwDrFatimaLifeCoach.com. g
TWITTER introduced the world to the concept of communicating in short tweets. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that doesn’t mean taking shortcuts with people’s privacy. Today, the FTC announced that Twitter must pay $150 million to settle a complaint — filed by the U.S. Department of Justice on the FTC’s behalf — saying that Twitter collected users’ information for one purpose (to secure accounts) and used it for another (targeted advertising). According to the complaint, Twitter told people it was collecting users’ telephone numbers and email addresses for various security purposes — like enabling multifactor authentication (a security feature that requires additional steps beyond logging in with a password). But the FTC says Twitter didn’t tell people that their information was also used to target them with ads. Today’s settlement means Twitter must put into place a comprehensive privacy
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SERVICES
and data security program to protect users’ data. Twitter must also disclose why and how it collects, shares, and uses your personal information and offer a multi-factor authentication option that doesn’t require you to give a phone number. The lesson here? • Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This helps protect your information because it makes it harder for scammers to log in to your
accounts even if they manage to steal your username and password. • Choose forms of multifactor authentication that don’t involve personal information if offered. This protects your privacy, too. Look for things like authentication apps or physical tokens. If you have to choose security questions, select questions only you know the answer to. You can even put in random answers to make guessing
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more difficult. If you do that, though, you’ll have to remember the answers you use. • Check your privacy settings. If you don’t want to get targeted ads, look in your privacy settings to see if you can opt out. Some platforms let you do that. To avoid targeted ads more broadly, check out the National Advertising Initiative and the Digital Advertising Alliance. (By Rosario Mendez/FTC)
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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M AY 27, 2 0 22
people events arts culture entertainment
Gugu Room: How Jose Rizal inspired NYC’s newest Filipino restaurant W
by MOMAR
G. VISAYA / AJPress
HAT happens when you mix a group of guys behind some of Manila’s most successful and popular bars with an established New York-based Filipino chef who has a loyal following, and an upcoming Filipino chef who specializes in Japanese cuisine? You get Gugu Room, New York City’s newest Filipino-Japanese watering hole. Taking over the spot of Tsismis NYC on the Lower East Side, Gugu Room formally opened its doors last week. The powerhouse team includes restaurateur Marco Viray of Kampai and Joe’s Brew, the music and vibe are by Groove Manila’s Jason Soong and memorable cocktails were concocted by Lee Watson of The Spirits Library in Poblacion while the culinary side is led by chef Aris Tuazon (Ugly Kitchen) and chef Markee Manaloto (Kissaki). Gugu Room starts as a restaurant in the evening and it slowly transitions into a bar and cocktail lounge around 9:00 p.m. with a DJ spinning music and turning it into a party. Why the name? Well, the inspiration is
Bulalo-style Short Rib Udon with Bone Marrow
Marco Viray explaining the inspiration behind Gugu Room.
Lee Watson, the man behind the cocktails and drinks.
Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, and his brief, romantic interlude with Seiko Usui, a samurai’s daughter. Rizal called her O-Sei-San and their love affair happened during his short stint in Japan before heading to New York City. On the wall of the
restaurant are paintings of Rizal and O-Sei-San and in the restroom, copies of Rizal’s love letters to her. “Rizal ended up going to New York and got stuck in the blizzard of 1888. So we wanted to work around the story of that love affair, a mix between Filipino and
Japanese culture,” Viray told the Asian Journal. “And at the same time, we call it gugu because in Japanese, it is a term of endearment.” Viray started with a craft beer business and eventually became an owner of bars and restaurants such as NoKal and Kampai both in Poblacion in Makati. Gugu Roots “With the bars back home in Manila, our goal is always to be world-class. So when you are world-class, you can be anywhere in the world and you have a certain standard when it comes to music and flavor. That’s what we tried to accomplish back home and all I had to do is to bring that here in New York,” said Jason Soong. The team credits Hollywood actor Adrien Brody for the idea that they talked about in Manny Pacquiao’s match last year. PAGE 15
Gugu Express, the restaurant’s take on Bicol Express, a traditional Filipino dish. Their version of the spicy coconut stew uses pork bagnet, eggplant, and shishito pepper
Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna
Short Rib Kare-Kare
Adrien Brody cuts the ribbon along with the team behind Gugu Room (from left: Chef Aris Tuazon, Marco Viray, Brody, Jason Soong, Chef Mark Manaloto and Lee
Chef Mark Manaloto
Chef Aris Tuazon
Nori Me Tangere Negroni and Langka & Lemongrass
Jason Soong AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2022
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Angeline on Why Ronnie thinks his love team with Loisa stands out from others relationship with By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
ACTOR Ronnie Alonte considers his love team (LoiNie) with real-life girlfriend Loisa Andalio unique from other tandems because they are actually a real couple, and are not in hiding. “Paano kami naiiba sa kanila? Hindi sila umaamin. Unang-una sa lahat, siyempre ako kasi kaya umaamin talaga, hindi ko kaya na nakikita ‘yung babae na nasasaktan at hindi ko siya kayang ipagmalaki sa social media,” Alonte said during the face-to-face and private screening of “Love in 40 Days” last Friday, May 20. (How are we different from them? They do not admit. First of all, I really admit what should be admitted because I cannot see the girl in pain and I cannot not be proud of her in social media.) Alonte also considers it ironic that there are love teams with fans who see the love team being sweet yet needing to deny that there is actually a relationship. “Magkahawak kayo ng kamay sa
Ronnie Alonte with Loisa Andalio Photo from Instagram/@iamr2alonte
mall, mapipiktyuran, maggaganya, maglalambigan, (and then may magtatanong sa inyo) ‘kayo ba?’ ‘Hindi, friends lang kami.’ Parang nakakabastos ‘yun sa isang babae! Para sa akin, ‘yun ang pagkakaiba namin (sa ibang love teams),” he explained. (You hold hands in the mall, have your picture taken, you do all these things together, being sweet, but when someone asks you, ‘Are you two together?’ ‘No, we’re just friends.’ That seems rude for the girl. For me, that is how our love team
is different from other love teams.) Even though their relationship has been going on for already six years by November, Alonte said he and Andalio are not yet ready to take their relationship to the next level. They are focused on enjoying their life and saving for marriage. In “Love in 40 Days,” Alonte plays Edward, a charming band member and son of a business tycoon who owns and operates the biggest funeral homes in the country. He meets Jane (Andalio) who becomes a ghost and ends up in the Evergreen Mansion, a transitory place in the afterlife where souls can settle their grudges and unfinished business within 40 days, before they can cross over to heaven. Directed by Manny Palo and Jojo Saguin, “Love in 40 Days” also stars Leo Martinez, Lotlot de Leon, Janice de Belen, Ana Abad Santos, Ahron Villena, Maria Isabel Lopez, Renshi De Guzman, Trina Legaspi, Raven Molina, Chie Filomeno, Benedix Ramos, Vaughn Piczon, Kobie Brown, Andi Abaya and Zabel Lamberth. g
Gugu Room: NYC’s newest Filipino... PAGE 14 According to Soong, Brody felt that Filipino cuisine might still be a bit distant for Americans so they need to use a bridge, in this case, Japanese. “He is our first guest and he wanted to see if he was right. It was actually a good idea and when he said that, it was a lightbulb moment,” Soong added. “We tried and I think we nailed it.” He admitted that they initially got some flack when they talked about the concept. “We were told, ‘Iilan na nga lang ang Filipino restaurants, babaguhin niyo pa’ and I said, you know what, I feel like we have much more to offer than just a Filipino restaurant. Our goal is to open something that every Filipino would be proud of,” he said. “We just wanted to be more approachable,” Viray quipped. “I wouldn’t say we’re fusion. I would say it’s a mix of traditional dishes, but we do have some dishes that are new Filipino and also new Japanese.” Gugu Room is also attempting to get the late-night crowd aside from casual diners. “This is a neighborhood where people party, you know, it’s a late-night crowd and that’s why we also focused on the bar. We made sure that the bar program is great because we are expecting a lot of people aside from the dinner crowd to stay and drink. and have some fun and enjoy the music,” added Viray, who lived in Los Angeles and New York for ten years before returning to Manila in 2016. Menu Gugu Room offers both Filipino and Japanese dishes. Chef Aris is bringing his classics including his short rib kare-kare, crispy pata, and beef bone marrow salpicao. Chef Mark on the other hand brings the Japanese element like agedashi tofu, chicken karaage, spicy kani salad, and various yakitori. Then there are some dishes that meld both Filipino and Japanese flavors such as crispy karashi bagnet, cod katsu sisig, and bulalo-style short rib udon with bone marrow. “Aris and I work well together, I guess that’s the secret,” said Mark Manaloto. “All of us are first-timers in opening a spot in New York, except for Aris, he is a veteran. I think it’s gonna go well, I’m pretty confident.” Manaloto moved to Michigan from Manila when he was 20 years old. He left Michigan to work here in New York in the restaurant called Kissaki.
Chef Aris Tuazon has been doing a pop-up for Ugly Kitchen at Tsismis NYC since his spot in the East Village closed during the pandemic. He has established quite a following in the community that follows him wherever he goes - from Grill 21 to Cafe 81 to Ugly Kitchen. It is a testament to the classic and beloved Filipino flavor profile that he offers. He is thankful for this new chapter in his culinary career and like Manaloto, he is happy to work with partners who have become friends. His Manila-based partners credit him for the experience and the know-how on how to do business with bars and restaurants here in New York. For the cocktails, it’s Lee Watson, a Filipino American originally from Portland, who is at the helm. There are a few puns on the cocktails menu, a nod to the Jose Rizal and the Japanese theme. It goes beyond the names though, since they incorporated Filipino ingredients and alcohol into these libations. Case in point: El Fili Daiquiri if you’re craving some spicy mango daiquiri. Their version is made with Gina mango juice and Tanduay rum, mixed with Japanese chili. Calamansi juice makes an appearance in a few cocktails such as Gugu Midori Sour and Wasabi Mar-Gari-Ta and the langka (jackfruit) is the star of the Langka & Lemongrass shochu drink. “We put a twist on the classic cocktails and just incorporated the two cuisines and their ingredients, which is kind of the idea of the whole concept,” Watson said. Asked to pick his favorite, Watson did not hesitate and chose Wasabi Mar-Gari-Ta (blanco tequila, Cointreau, calamansi honey, lime, wasabi, pickled ginger, smoked salt rim). “Conceptually it kind of makes sense. If you think about your plate of sushi, it always has the wasabi and the pickled ginger side by side. And it’s those two classic flavors mixed into a margarita with Philippine calamansi, that’s one of the drinks I personally like the most,” he added. “Calamansi has a little bit more depth and flavor, a little bit more punch, a little more acidity. It’s a little tricky to find it here in New York, but we made it happen.” There are also dozens of Japanese and American whiskeys from the full bar, along with sake, shochu, beer, and wine by the glass or bottle. Gugu Room is located at 143 Orchard Street and it is open for dinner Tuesday-Thursday from 5 pm-10 pm with drinks until 11, Friday-Saturday from 5 pm-11 pm with drinks until 1 am, and Sunday from 1 pm-9 pm. g
her baby’s father By JAn
Milo severo Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA singer Angeline Quinto denied that her boyfriend and the father of her baby Nonrev Daquina is just after her money. In Angeline’s latest video blog on her YouTube channel, she and Nonrev entertained questions from fans. Nonrev just laughed off to the question Angeline asked. “Ako talaga yung pineperahan dito,” he said. “Hindi ako pineperahan ni Nonrev. Ako yung namemera sa kanya. Totoo ‘to,” Angeline echoed her boyfriend’s statement. “Kasi wala akong GCash, wala po akong GCash dito sa phone ko. So every time magkukulang yung pera ko pambayad sa Grab, sa kanya ako nakikiusap. Magugulat na lang ako, nakalista lahat. Sinasabi ko sa kanya na babayaran ko naman talaga yun kasi hinihiram ko talaga,” she added. Angeline said that Nonrev satisfied her cravings during her pregnancy. “Nung buntis ako, ang dami kong gustong kainin.
Angeline Quinto Photo from Instagram/ @loveangelinequinto
Ang dami talagang moment na madaling araw, wala talaga akong cash. Yung GCash niya, ubos na. So from bangko niya, magta-transfer pa siya sa GCash niya para lang makapagbayad,” she said. “Para lang malinaw sa inyo ha, hindi ako pineperahan nito. Ako pa yung namemera sa kanya. Bigayan naman kaming dalawa. Kapag meron naman siyang gusto at kaya ko namang bilihin, binibigay ko naman. Pero wala namang moments na namemera. Wala naman pong ganun. Kung sakaling gawin niya sa akin yun, bahala na siya,” she added. g
Catriona shares stage with Sam for the first time By Anne
PAsAJol Inquirer.net
CATRIONA Gray and her boyfriend, actor-singer Sam Milby, performed together for the first time during their Canada tour, and Gray could not help but feel giddy about it. The beauty queen showed her behind-the-scene moments with Milby, via her Instagram page on Sunday, May 22. “Expectations vs reality. Kilig (I feel giddy) to be sharing the stage for the first time with panda [Sam Milby] for our [One Magical Night Tour],” she said. The couple sang Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow” and The Temptations’ “My Girl” in front of the audience in Calgary, as seen on talent management company Cornerstone Entertainment’s Instagram page. The Miss Universe 2018 titleholder was also seen performing Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You” while the crowd cheered. Joining Gray and Milby in the Canada tour are actordancer Rayver Cruz and singer Marcelito Pomoy. The couple confirmed their relationship during Milby’s birthday in May 2020. While they have since gone public about their relationship, Gray and Milby remain low-key when it comes to their love life. g
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