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JULY 9-15, 2020

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 31 - No. 27 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

‘Filipino Americans for Biden’ seek to get 1 million Fil-Ams to vote for the former VP this November FILIPINO American elected officials and community leaders recently came together to throw their support behind former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, ahead of November.

Over 200 participants joined a virtual meeting for “Filipino Americans for Biden,” during which several speakers — from Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia to philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis — shared why the former vice president is ready to take on President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

“It’s essential that we elect Joe Biden as our next president,” Scott said, citing Biden’s past work in health care, education and immigration.

The congressman, whose maternal grandfather had Filipino ancestry, also empha-

Duterte tells law-abiding citizens not to be afraid of anti-terror law

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

SINCE signing into law the anti-terror bill, President Rodrigo Duterte addressed the public to assure everyone that they don’t have to fear the controversial law if they are not terrorists.

“For the law-abiding citizen(s) of this country, I am addressing you with all sincerity: Huwag ho kayong matakot kung hindi ka terorista (Don’t be afraid if you’re not terrorists),” he said in a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 early Wednesday, July 8.

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

SoCal Fil-Am family speaks out after man tells them ‘Trump’s gonna f*** you’ in viral video

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8,762 overseas Filipinos infected with COVID-19

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A FILIPINO American family from Southern California took a trip up north to Carmel Valley over the Fourth of July weekend to celebrate a birthday. What was supposed to be a happy occasion quickly turned into another example of pervasive anti-Asian hate caught on video.

“We were having fun, playing games and when we were having dessert, suddenly, we hear somebody behind us yelling, ‘You f***ing Asians,” Raymond Orosa told the Asian Journal.

On July 4, Orosa, along with his sister-inlaw and two children, was at the Bernardus Lodge and Spa’s Lucia restaurant to celebrate his wife Mari’s special day.

When the white man — later identified by social media users as Michael Lofthouse, who owns a tech company called Solid8 in San Francisco — started berating the family, Orosa’s niece Jordan Chan pulled out her

“Kung hindi ka naman sisirain mo ang gobyerno, pasabugin mo ang simbahan, pasabugin mo iyong public utilities. Well, just to derail para matumba na tuloy ang bayan (If you will not destroy the government, blow up the church, blow up public utilities,

REMINDER. A cop from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 11 checks a tarpaulin reminding people to wear face masks and observe physical distancing along Banawe St. in Barangay Tatalon on Wednesday, July 8. Local police and barangay officials have intensified the crackdown on erring residents as COVID-19 cases in the country surged to over 50,000. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, July 8, logged 74 additional cases of the novel coronavirus among Filipinos abroad, bringing the total count of infections to 8,762.

“Today, the DFA reports that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad is now at 8,762 with 74 new cases mostly in the Middle East,” the agency said.

“The total number of Filipinos under treatment also breached the 2,900 mark with 19 new recoveries in Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Middle East; and 13 new deaths reported in the Middle East as well,” it added.

As of writing, there are 2,935 overseas Filipinos undergoing treatment while 5,237 have recovered from the disease.

The death toll likewise rose to 590 after the agency’s latest report.

“Moreover, the DFA also received a report from another country in Africa which brings the total number of countries/regions with COVID-19 cases among Filipinos to 63,” the DFA said.

Overall by region, Europe – which comprises 16

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NAIA rehab plan faces collapse

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE CONSORTIUM of big businesses pushing for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recently announced that its negotiations with the Philippine government ended in a stalemate, threatening the downfall of the project.

“The consortium proposed changes to update the NAIA project’s framework to ensure the bankability of the NAIA project,” it said in a filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, July 7.

“Unfortunately, the government indicated that it is not willing to accept most of the consortium’’s proposed options and the consortium can only move forward with the NAIA project under the options it has proposed,”it added.

The NAIA Consortium cited the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the aviation sector in the Philippines and abroad as reason for the stalemate.

“The far-reaching and long-lasting consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on airline travel, airline operations and airport

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Rappler founder and chief executive officer Maria Ressa Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Ressa: Duterte ‘seeing too Tagle to Pontifical Council much fraud from where he sits’ for Interreligious Dialogue

by RITCHEL

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, with Pope Francis Photo courtesy of Vatican News

THE Vatican on Wednesday, July 8, announced that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, is among the new members of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

According to the Vatican, the Pontifical Council is the central office of the Church for the promotion of interreligious dialogue in accordance with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, in particular the declaration Nostra aetate.

“It is responsible for promoting mutual understanding, respect,

and collaboration between Catholics and followers of other religious traditions; encouraging the study of religions; and promoting the formation of persons dedicated to dialogue,” it added.

Aside from Tagle, Cardinals Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Archbishop of Bangui; Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, Vicar Apostolic of Vientiane; Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Archbishop Jakarta and Ordinary of the Military Ordinariate of Indonesia; and Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg were appointed to the Council.

Several bishops from all parts of the world were also named as

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MENDIOLA AJPress

RAPPLER co-founder and chief executive officer Maria Ressa on Wednesday, July 8, said President Rodrigo Duterte may be “seeing too much fraud from where he sits,” following his latest verbal tirade against her.

“Four years: spewing hate on social media, manipulating Filipinos, weaponizing the law. We call a spade a spade,” said Ressa in a tweet.

“Was he referring to me?

Maybe the president is just seeing too much fraud from where he sits,” she added.

Earlier, Duterte repeatedly accused Ressa of being a “fraud” and threatened to expose her to

journalists.

“You will have a dose of your own medicine one of these days. I am not threatening you.

Go ahead and expose anything about corruption,” he said in a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4.

“Ressa is a fraud. Give us time.

It’s too early for you to enjoy yung mga award, award mo. You are a fraud. We are just compiling. Some day in bold letters, we will show your incongruity. You are a fraud,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said the president may expose any irregularities committed by any person, including by the Rappler CEO. “Iyan naman po ang trabaho

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

july 9-15, 2020 • lAS VEGAS ASIAN jOuRNAl

From The FronT Page

Duterte tells law-abiding citizens...

PAGE A1

because I finally declared them to be one,” said Duterte.

“Why? Because I spent most of my days as president trying to figure out and connect to them on how we can arrive at a peaceful solution. Nobody wants a war. I don’t want it, especially me. They know me and I know them, and it was a good rapport while it lasted,” he added.

Duterte on Friday, July 3, signed the anti-terror bill into law despite local and international concerns about the measure’s potential effects on free speech and opposition in the country.

Under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 – which expands on the Human Security Act of 2007 – incitement of terrorism can be done “by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners or other representations… without taking any direct part in the commission of

terrorism.” Those arrested and detained may be held for 14 to 24 days.

The new law enables the suspected “terrorist” to also be placed under surveillance for 60 days, extendable by up to 30 more days, by the police or the military.

Acts punishable under the law include: • Engaging in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or endangers a person’s life; • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place, or private property; • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive interference with, damage, or destruction to critical infrastructure; • Developing, manufacturing, possessing, acquiring, transporting, supplying or using weapons; and • Releasing of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods or explosions.

Any person who proposes, incites, conspires, participates in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act, as well as those who will provide material support to terrorists and recruit members in a terrorist organization, will also be penalized by life imprisonment without the benefit of parole.

Meanwhile, anyone who threatens to commit terrorism, and those who propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism, will suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

This goes the same for anyone who voluntarily and knowingly President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency joins any organization, associaTask Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Presidential tion or group of persons knowGuest House in Panacan, Davao City on Tuesday, July 7. ing that such is a terrorist orgaMalacañang photo by Arman Baylon nization. n blow up just to derail, the nation will go down),” he added.

Duterte also warned terrorists who murder people that the government will kill them.

“As they say: ‘Duterte kills here and there.’ That’s true. If you kill people, I will really kill you. You can bet on that on the grave of your father and mother,” he said.

He added, “If you do that to the people, if you kill them wantonly, then I will take it as a right to kill you. Ano ba naman iyong problema ninyong (What is your problem that you) kill, kill, kill?”

The president likewise declared that communist rebels are terrorists, after none of his plans to arrive at a peaceful solution with them worked.

“They think that they are a different breed, would like to be treated with another set of law, when as a matter of fact they are terrorists. They are terrorists

8,762 overseas Filipinos infected with...

PAGE A1 countries – has recorded 1,028 Filipino cases, including 478 undergoing treatment, 456 recoveries and 94 deaths.

The Middle East and Africa, covering 23 countries, has reported 6,363 cases, of which 2,216 are undergoing treatment, and with 324 deaths and 3,823 recoveries.

The Asia Pacific region, which spans across 17 countries, has 674 cases, with 122 under treatment, 548 recoveries, and four deaths.

The Americas – covering seven countries including the United States – have 697 reported cases, with 119 undergoing treatment, 410 recoveries, and 168 deaths.

The DFA also noted that more Filipinos abroad who are affected by the pandemic are expected to return home as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 resumes international operations.

“With the resumption of international flight operations at NAIA Terminal 3 beginning today, 8

July 2020, the DFA expects a rise in repatriations and assures its steadfast commitment to effectively facilitating and coordinating the safe return of our nationals affected by this pandemic,” it said.

According to the agency’s latest data, over 68,000 Filipinos have returned to the Philippines since the outbreak started.

The DFA’s latest repatriation effort brought home 289 Filipinos on board a special commercial repatriation flight from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). n

Ressa: Duterte ‘seeing too much fraud from...

PAGE A1 — patuparin ang batas. So hayaan na po natin ang imbestigasyon at sa takdang panahon, ilalabas naman po iyan (That’s the job [of the President] — to implement the law. So letss wait for the investigation to conclude and in proper time, the truth will be revealed),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday, July 9.

“I don’t have to annotate kung ano ang sinabi ni presidente (what the president has said).

Meron pa pong hinahanda so hintayin po natin kung ano ang hinahanda (He is preparing something so let’s await what he

is preparing),” he added.

Ressa and and former Rappler staffer Reynaldo Santos Jr. on June 15 were convicted of cyber libel by a Manila court.

Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa found them guilty of violating Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, or cyber libel, and sentenced them to the indeterminate penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months and one day as a minimum to up to six years.

The court allowed bail under the same bond. It also ordered Ressa and Santos to pay

private complainant Wilfredo Keng P200,000 in moral damages and another P200,000 (a total of $7,900) in exemplary damages.

Keng in 2017 filed cyber libel charges against the two for naming him in an article as the owner of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) used by the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was then facing impeachment in 2012.

He filed a second cyber libel complaint against Ressa for her Feb. 15, 2019 tweet wherein she attached screenshots of a 2002 Philstar.com article entitled “Influential businessman eyed in excouncilor’s slay.” n

SoCal Fil-Am family speaks out after man tells...

PAGE A1 cellphone and told him to repeat what he had said.

In the video Chan posted on her Instagram, Lofthouse is seen sticking up his middle finger to the family, and then says, “Trump’s gonna f*** you.”

“It is no coincidence that this man has the audacity to showcase such blatant racism on the 4th of July. White supremacy has a notorious habit of masquerading as patriotism!” Chan wrote.

Later in the video, Lofthouse gets ready to leave and tells them, “You f****** need to leave.

You f***ing Asian piece of s***.”

“The fact that Donald Trump is our president (i.e. THE MOST POWERFUL MAN IN THE WORLD) gives racists a platform and amplifies voices of hate. The surfacing of racists is so prevalent right now, even in such an ethnically/culturally diverse and liberal state like California, because Trump HIMSELF uses his position to incite racial tension and to promote aggression towards POC, foreigners, and immigrants. We need change!”

Chan continued in her post, encouraging people to vote in November.

A waitress later stepped in, saying “You do not talk to guests like that.” (The video, which has been viewed nearly 400,000 times on Chan’s Instagram, also caught the attention of singer Kelly Clarkson on Twitter, praising the waitress

for speaking up and “throwing this trash out.”)

“We were shocked. All I could say was, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ because I didn’t want to react in a manner that could trigger something. I didn’t know how violent he could be and didn’t want to jeopardize the safety of my family,” Orosa said.

He also told the Asian Journal that the video didn’t capture the entire encounter as a man at another table also tried to intervene and chase Lofthouse out of the restaurant.

The lodge has since released a statement commending the staff for how they handled the incident and apologizing to Orosa and his family.

Chan also shared an abusive comment that Lofthouse reportedly posted on her Instagram that has since been deleted.

The tech entrepreneur also issued a public apology, writing, “My behavior in the video is appalling. This was clearly a moment where I lost control and made incredibly hurtful and divisive comments. I would like to deeply apologize to the Chan family. I can only imagine the stress and pain they feel. I was taught to respect people of all races, and I will take the time to reflect on my actions and work to better understand the inequality that so many of those around me face every day.”

Orosa, who has been in the U.S. for nearly three decades,

said though the incident personally affected his family, it shows a bigger picture of what the Asian American community is facing today.

“I think he shouldn’t just apologize to us. He should apologize to the whole Asian community that’s seen his video and from that point on, take all the responsibility that comes with it,” Orosa said. “He did it and everybody witnessed it. He’s gotta be responsible for what he’s done and said.”

This family’s racist experience is one of several that Fil-Ams across the state have spoken up about in recent months. Other examples have included a Filipina American who was told to go back to her country while exercising in Torrance or a white woman who threatened to call the cops on a Fil-Am man who was stenciling ‘Black Lives Matter’ outside of his San Francisco home.

Recent data from the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center showed that 832 incidents of discrimination and hate against Asians have been reported in California alone.

“Despite the fact that racism still exists, it shouldn’t stop us from doing the right thing,” Orosa said. “If we have one unified voice and speak up, the better it is for people to understand that we can do this and protect each other from people like this guy, Michael.” n

BACK RIDE. A back riding couple along Camarin Road, Caloocan City on Thursday, July 9. The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has allowed back riding starting Friday, July 10 provided the motorcycle has a divider and handle between the rider and passenger to avoid infection of COVID-19.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Anti-Asian hate incidents total more than 800 in California since the start of pandemic Orgs, leaders call on further investigations, pressure Newsom to enact solutions to protect AAPIs from hate incidents

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

OVER 800 incidents of antiAsian hate, harassment, bullying and violence have been reported in California alone since March, marking a disturbing touchstone of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a new report by the Los Angeles-based Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) released on July 1 found that of the 832 reports in California, 81 incidents were reported assaults and 64 were potential civil rights violations.

A3PCON on March 18 established Stop AAPI Hate, an initiative to raise awareness of antiAsian racism, urge lawmakers to support anti-racism proposals and legislation and to provide a space where victims can report any anti-Asian hate incidents, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

Hate incidents in California, specifically, have attracted national attention after viral videos of non-Asian people berating and harassing Asians, using xenophobic and graphic language. It’s also been widely accepted that the use of misnomers like “China virus” or “kung flu” — which have been used by prominent lawmakers and leaders like President Donald Trump — further fuel anti-Asian sentiments.

Coupled with racially-insensitive rhetoric, the president’s immigration policies, like his recent suspension of foreign worker visas, keep alive the xenophobia that Asians in America face, according to Cynthia Choi, co-executive director for Chinese for Affirmative Action.

“Racist demagoguery matched with anti-immigrant policies have always been used to deny Asian Americans full social and political rights,” Choi said in a press conference on July 1. “In California, we have to do more than condemn racist rhetoric. We must take bold action today to address attacks whether they happen in grocery stores, in the workplace, or in the schoolyard.”

Donalene Ferrer, a Filipina

nurse from Oceanside, California, said that on April 1, she — along with her 17-year-old daughter Charlie and 65-year-old mother — was walking her dogs when she was harassed by a white woman.

“This was like, you could say, early COVID or early mask requirement time but we all had our masks on and this car drives by and yells [at us], ‘You started the corona!’” Ferrer, 41, recounted in the July 1 press conference.

Ferrer shared that she and her daughter were shocked, but she felt “discouraged” to keep walking so they decided to walk back to Ferrer’s mother’s house. But when they made it back, they saw that car — presumably parked in front of their own house nearby, according to Ferrer — and saw two males, one female, two young kids and a baby get out of the car.

The Filipina then felt motivated to “say something” to the family so she approached the family and said to them, “You know, I’m a nurse and my dad was in the military, he fought for this country.

You really shouldn’t be teaching your kids racism.”

According to Ferrer, the man who yelled the obscenity looked downtrodden after hearing Ferrer and didn’t want to stoke further aggression, but the woman, who was holding the baby, “kept egging it on,” hurling vulgarities at Ferrer’s teenage daughter.

“It’s disheartening because they live literally three doors down from my mother’s house and you could tell she was shaken by it,” she shared. “I cried when the commander in chief, or whatever you want to call him, said ‘China virus’ and ‘kung flu.’ There’s something definitely in the air, and I can’t believe it happened to me, my daughter and my mom. I just shook my head and said this better not be something major.”

California is home to 4.2 million people of Asian descent, making it the state with the largest Asian population. Filipinos have been among the most targeted groups according to videos, like the Filipina woman who was harassed in

a park in Torrance while exercising and the slew of anti-Filipino harassment that has occurred in the Bay Area since the outset of the pandemic.

According to victims, these attacks stemmed from anti-Asian sentiments that arose after it was discovered that the COVID19 virus originated from the city of Wuhan in the Hubei region of China. This has led to the fallacious association between the virus — which medical and public health experts stress is not racially-motivated — and the global Asian community.

Russell Jeung, chair and professor and professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, said in a statement that the incident in Torrance was “one example of hundreds.”

“It’s the tip of the iceberg of anti-Asian American hate and discrimination. Without government accountability, we risk COVID-related racism against Asian Americans becoming deeply entrenched, ultimately impacting the lives of millions of people in California and around the country.”

Since April, Stop AAPI Hate has pushed the California government to adopt initiatives that hold these abusers and harassers accountable and to further investigate these incidents through a Racial Bias Strike Team.

But the California state budget, released on Friday, June 26, did not include funding for these initiatives, leaving “millions of Asian Americans in California in the dark about what accountability and action they can expect,” A3PCON said in a statement.

“We have presented Governor Newsom with clear and effective tactics to combat discrimination and harassment of Asian Americans,” A3PCON Executive Director Manjusha Kulkarni said following Newsom’s oversight concerning the state budget.

“Asian Americans need to see concrete actions and we’re here to work with the state to ensure that we can live free from racial discrimination and enjoy equal rights and access.” n

‘Filipino Americans for Biden’ seek to get 1 million...

PAGE A1 sized the importance of also voting down the ballot to reclaim the Democratic majority in Congress.

“But it is also important to elect others that will be on the ballot…We can take back the Senate,” he said.

Gina Ortiz-Jones, an openly gay Iraq War veteran who is running again for Texas’ 23rd District, urged the audience that it is up to them to get their family members, especially older eligible voters, registered to vote.

“I’m very concerned that if our voices are not at the table and if we are not making sure that we get all of our titas, lolas, mana ngs and manongs out to vote, then we will regret having had the chance to put our country back on the right track, understanding the importance of not only this country’s example, but also what it’s meant to each of us individually as Fil-Ams,” Ortiz-Jones said.

She raised concerns about the current White House leadership during the pandemic and drew parallels with what is happening back in the Philippines.

Ortiz-Jones continued, “Given the number of blessings that this country has given us, we’ve certainly worked hard. But as we all see, frankly we’re watching what’s happening in the Philippines and Maria Ressa is unfortunately seeing firsthand what can happen in a country that doesn’t prize the importance of an independent free press. And unfortunately, seeing a cor-

rupted judiciary, you just have to look at what’s happening there to see very quickly what could happen here. So we have to be there. It’s our responsibility.”

The congressional hopeful added that the excuses for not voting are invalid as “too much is at stake” and Fil-Ams “have to be part of that solution” by getting at least 20 individuals in their network to register to vote and cast their ballots for Biden.

With now less than four months until Election Day, the group is seeking to get at least “1 million” Fil-Ams onboard.

“This is just the beginning of the Filipino Americans who are now finding their voice and standing up for justice and equality,” Nicolas Lewis said.

“So please volunteer, all of you, and tell your friends. As Gina Ortiz-Jones says, get 20 more so that eventually we will reach 1 million Filipino Americans for Biden.”

The virtual launch for the FilAms for Biden group came the day after the former vice president appeared at the digital AAPI presidential town hall organized

by APIAVote on Sunday, June 28, during which he addressed the issues specific to the AAPI community.

As anti-Asian sentiments have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., Biden denounced the rhetoric coming from Trump and his supporters.

“Asian Americans are being targeted with violence and are being subjected to xenophobic

rhetoric from the mouth of the president himself,” Biden said.

“This is the president who, instead of bringing our country together, does everything he can to fan the flames of hate and division in this country.”

He further gave viewers a peek into his platform as it relates to immigration, especially as Trump last month temporarily suspended the issuance of new work visas through 2020, preventing hundreds of thousands of foreigners seeking employment through the H-1B visa.

“People coming on these [H1B] visas have built this country,” the former vice president said, adding that in his first 100 days, he would send an immigration reform bill to congress to provide a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

“My immigration policy is built around keeping families together, modernizing the immigration system by keeping families together, [and having] unification and diversity as pillars of our immigration system, which it used to be,” he said.

As election season draws closer, the Trump and Biden campaigns are seeking support from AAPI voters, considered the fastest-growing group in the U.S. electorate, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis.

Trump’s re-election campaign, meanwhile, has announced “Asian Pacific Americans for Trump,” which has several FilAms on its advisory board, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. n

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UN launches campaign vs xenophobia for migrants Nevada Census 2020 provides latest update on scams targeting the Census count

THE increase in xenophobic language directed toward migrants, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), has prompted a group of jurists, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) and the Office of the Resident Coordinator to launch a media campaign countering xenophobic rhetoric falsely blaming the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on migrant workers.

Tarek El-Sheikh, UN secretary general representative and resident coordinator to Kuwait, highlighted the efforts being made designed to safeguard the rights of foreign residents and the campaign designed to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, another batch of OFWs displaced by the COVID19 outbreak in Kuwait have been repatriated, bringing to 3,098 the total number of OFWs repatriated from the country since the pandemic began in March.

A majority of those who have been repatriated are Visa 18 (private sector) OFWs who either were at the end of their employment contracts, terminated from their positions or placed under a “no work, no pay” arrangement during the three-month-long COVID-19 lockdown in Kuwait.

The Kuwaiti resident coordinator said the media campaign that they have launched is designed to help authorities counter the prob-

lem, which they are beginning to see as a potential threat to a peaceful and stable society.

They also welcomed the televised speech on the subject by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who emphasized the need to heal divisions and address misinformation.

“This is one example of the role that the UN is playing in Kuwait to address the consequences of the pandemic,” Tarek said.

Their response is into four main areas, according to the resident coordinator: helping to prepare the economy and society (for example, by strengthening supply chains, countering economic shocks and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises); working to protect vulnerable groups, including migrant workers; creating educational content different media, and addressing developmental and health issues.

“My message to the citizens of Kuwait, migrant workers living in the country, and everyone who is contributing to dealing with this pandemic, is that this is a time for solidarity, action, humanitarian support and respect for human rights,” he said.

“We cannot defeat this new enemy without unity, and agreement on a basic strategy, with the United Nations working hand in hand with government, the private sector and civil society. Let us reject hatred, turn to humanity and re-

spect for human rights, and reiterate what the UN secretary general has said: the only way to survive is to work together,” he added.

The Philippine embassy in Kuwait mounted its second chartered Kuwait Airways flight on Wednesday, carrying 318 OFWs displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cost of the air tickets of about half of the Filipinos onboard the chartered repatriation flight was shouldered by their respective companies and employers, while the other half was paid by the embassy under the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Assistance to Nationals Fund.

The embassy reminded the Filipino community in Kuwait to signify their intent to be repatriated to the Philippines by answering the embassy’s ongoing online survey, which may be accessed through http://bit.ly/KuwaitPESurveyRepat.

Filipinos in Kuwait do not need to call the embassy’s hotlines or visit the embassy to register their names for repatriation, according to the public advisory released by the embassy on June 30.

“Due to physical distancing measures at the embassy, Filipinos in Kuwait (are discouraged) from visiting the embassy to inquire or request for their repatriation. The online survey already serves the purpose of receiving repatriation requests from Filipinos in Kuwait,” the advisory read. (Pia Lee Brago/ Philstar.com)

Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Tagle to...

PAGE A1 members of the Council.

Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot sits as the Council’s president since May 2019.

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue was established in 1964 as part of the Roman Curia, the organization responsible for giving the pope assistance in the governing and overseeing of

the Catholic Church.

The Roman Curia has 12 Pontifical Councils that oversee: Laity, Promoting Christian Unity, Family, Justice and Peace, Cor Unum, Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Health Care Workers, Legislative Texts, Interreligious Dialogue, Culture, Social Communications, and Promoting New Evangelization.

NAIA rehab plan faces...

PAGE A1 passenger traffic necessitated a review of the assumptions and plans to ensure that the NAIA project will be viable in the ‘new normal,’” it said.

The P102-billion NAIA rehabilitation plan came about two years ago with the goal of expanding NAIA’s passenger capacity and increasing flights to combat worsening congestion. It also aimed to establish NAIA as a “major regional

airport.”

After submitting its proposal, the consortium was granted original proponent status in 2018 by the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority.

However, Transportation Undersecretary Ruben Reinoso on Wednesday, July 8, confirmed the government has withdrawn the OPS it granted to the consortium.

The consortium was initially

Pope Francis on April 14 appointed Tagle as Cardinal-Bishop, the highest order within the College of Cardinals. He is the first Asian to be elevated to this rank.

Last year, Tagle was also appointed as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, formerly called the Propaganda Fide, which is the Vatican’s missionary arm. n

composed of the Ayala family’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global Group Inc., the Aboitiz family’s Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Development Corporation, the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings, Inc., Lucio Tan’s Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., and Manny Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Investment Corp.

MPIC withdrew from the consortium last March. n

NEVADA — With the deadline to respond the 2020 Census extended until Fall 2020, scammers continue to target Nevadans around the Census count, including phishing emails and text messages: individuals claiming to be with the U.S. Census Bureau, approaching the doors of residents and asking for sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card information; or by mailing fake census forms to unsuspecting residents that also ask for sensitive information.

The best way to protect against scam activity is to know what to look for when approached or when receiving correspondence related to the Census count: Verify U.S. Census Bureau email and text communication methods The U.S. Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 Census. However, the Census Bureau may contact you via email to request your participation in other ongoing surveys: • If you have been selected to participate in the Household Pulse Survey, you will be contacted by COVID.survey@census.gov or by text message from 39242.

• If you have been selected to participate in the Small Business Pulse Survey, you will be contacted by econ.pulse@census.gov.

• If you have previously opted in to participate in Census Bureau research studies, you may be contacted by census@subscriptions. census.gov.

• You will NOT be contacted regarding any stimulus packages related to COVID-19.

How to identify a U.S. Census Taker Representatives working for the U.S. Census Bureau may be identified by the following: • Census takers will be wearing a U.S. Census Bureau shirt, lanyard, and/or carrying a U.S. Cen-

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau

sus Bureau tote/laptop bag.

• All Census takers will be carrying a badge issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce that will include their name, photo, and a gold chip which resembles the one found on most credit cards.

Know what the 2020 Census form WILL NOT ask for

• The Census form WILL NOT ask for information such as a resident’s social security number, citizenship status, credit card or bank information, donations, political party affiliation or anything regarding the 2020 election.

Remember key dates The updated timeline for the 2020 Census is as follows:

• Ongoing

Update leave process in rural counties

• August 11, 2020

Nonresponse follow-up begins

• October 31, 2020

Final response deadline

Residents who are unsure of the legitimacy of communications or wish to report fraudulent activity are urged to contact the U.S. Census Bureau regional hotline number at 1-844-330-2020, or email the Nevada Census 2020 team at nvcensus2020@gov.nv.gov. Additionally, the Nevada Census 2020 website, www.census.nv.gov, contains plenty of accurate and up to date informa-

tion to keep residents informed of the process.

Nevadans can still complete their 2020 Census questionnaire through one of three safe, confidential, and quick ways from the comfort of their own homes: online (www.census. nv.gov), via phone (844-330-2020; for Spanish 844-468-2020), or mail in the hard copy questionnaire. n

A

july 9-15, 2020 • lAS VEGAS ASIAN jOuRNAl

Wielding a weapon

OpiniOn & Features

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

THE Supreme Court is being asked to intervene, and Malacañang has promised to abide by the decision of the high tribunal. While the SC ponders whether it should weigh in on a law passed by Congress and newly enacted

by President Duterte, security forces are likely to begin applying the new law as soon as publication requirements are met.

Republic Act 11479, the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020, effectively replaced RA 9372, the Human Security Act of 2007. The new law reduced the prison term for wrongful arrest of terror suspects and does away with the daily fine of P500,000 – provisions in RA 9372 that security officials have cited as key reasons why the law was not used by counterterrorism forces.

Among the most contentious provisions in RA 11479 are the identification of who is a terrorist, the broad powers for conducting warrantless arrests, and the extension of the period for detaining terror suspects without charges for up to 24 days.

Defenders of the new measure say security forces will need clearance from the Court of Appeals and notification of the Commission on Human Rights for the detention as well as broader wiretapping activities.

The new law allows the Anti-Money Laundering Council to look into the accounts of terror

suspects, setting aside bank secrecy laws. The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force has warned that the Philippines would end up this year on the gray list of money laundering havens if it fails to pass legislation against terrorist financing. Proponents of the measure have also pointed out that other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and other Western democracies, have similar laws against terrorism, allowing even longer detention periods without charges.

Opponents of the measure say the provision on detention and certain other items in the new law are unconstitutional. They have also expressed fears of abuse and the use of the new law to suppress political dissent and trample on human Philstar.com photo rights. Because of the administration’s record in law enforcement, particularly in the so-called war baseless. on drugs, and the selective application of laws Security officials asked for a weapon from Con– as manifested in the mañanita for Metro Manila gress and Malacañang, and got it. They will first police chief Debold Sinas – the concerns are not have to earn public trust. Like any weapon, secu-

Editorial

Commentary

cathy MiraBalles-arceo WHen a white police officer killed George Floyd by placing a knee on his neck for almost nine minutes, despite his cries of “I can’t breathe,” our community was forced to confront the issues of police brutality and racism. I had only heard about these problems in the news but never in conversation with my community even after working as a caregiver in the U.S. for 20 years.

Police brutality and racism are rooted in a system that mistreats Black people and other poor communities. They experience injustice in the workplace, at school, and even in their own homes.

Though our experiences are different, the system that killed George Floyd is the same one that causes suffering and hardship of many overseas Filipinos working lowwage jobs, or have been trafficked by employers, and face racism and deportation in the U.S. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and mass protests, unemployment has reached nearly 39 million across the country, especially burdening immigrant workers. Many of my friends and family, who are caregivers, restaurant workers, and service workers, have lost jobs or have had hours cut. They worry about being exposed to the virus while on the

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta MY last piece on reaching back to one’s roots while growing new fruits as a young Filipino in America seems to have started a discussion on values. In this regard, throughout my life, I have picked up gems of wisdom from poets and learned men. I call them verses and values for life.

As a small boy, bothered that I wasn’t born tall, handsome and rich like some of my schoolmates, I came upon a children’s poem

by Ralph Waldo emerson, The Mountain and the Squirrel. The two had a quarrel, with the mountain calling the squirrel a “little prig.” The squirrel’s response helped me overcome my feelings of inadequacy, reassuring me that I also had a place in the sun: But all sorts of things and weather must be taken in together To make up a year and a sphere.

And I think it no disgrace to occupy my place…

If I cannot carry forests on my back, neither can you crack a nut.

Another priceless lesson that I learned in my childhood was from a poem by William edward Hickson. It was about overcoming failure: ‘Tis a lesson you should heed:

rity forces will have to show that they can wield this one effectively, equally and with restraint, principally to keep the nation and its democratic institutions safe. (Philstar.com)

I’m a Filipina caregiver and I support the call for ‘care, not cops’ — from Los Angeles to the Philippines job. But I continue working, burdened by sickness, fatigue, and stress from knowing that some of my peers working at home care facilities have tested positive for COVID-19.

We are essential to the workings of this country and the well being of its people and yet we are forced to stretch a stimulus check of $1,200 over several months.

Those of us who are undocumented didn’t even get that support. every day, my community and I confront the realities of unaffordable rent, the fear of deportation, and the struggle to support our families both in the U.S. and in the Philippines.

I was angry, scared, and confused when protests against racism and police brutality broke out in LA. But as I learned more about the demands for “Care, not Cops,” I began to understand the righteous outrage of Black communities. I am still shocked that it took more unconventional types of protest that police all over the country began to be held accountable and for real reforms to make progress.

Seeing your people killed by police in the streets without consequence, harassed by police for no good reason, and forced to live in poverty is all too familiar because I have experienced this in the Philippines as well.

Pag nakikita mo na ang mga

tao ay pinapatay sa lansangan ng walang napapasala, hinaharas ng kapulisan ng walang matinong rason, at sapilitan na nabubuhay ng mahirap - lahat ito ay pamilyar dahil ito ang nakita at naranasan ko at ng aking mga mahal sa buhay sa Pilipinas.

I am from Mindanao, an island rich with natural resources. For decades multinational corporations have invaded our communities to take our land and our livelihood. They hoard billions in profit while we worked for unlivable wages. The Philippine government caters to these corporations, using military force to displace us. They harass, intimidate, and silence us.

Regardless of who occupies Malacañang, the Philippine government uses the military and police to protect the interest of the elite, and sacrifice the welfare of the majority — the farmers, working-class and indigenous people.

The Philippine national Police is one of the country’s most corrupt institutions — and this could not be more true under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Human rights violations under Duterte have surpassed even the number of cases under Marcos’s martial law, which killed an estimated 3,240 people. Human rights groups put the murder count between 27,000 and 30,000 under the police-or-

Verses and values for life try, try again; If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Then your courage should appear; for if you will persevere You will conquer, never fear.

Try, try again.

Of course, I must admit that in periods of discouragement, I was sometimes tempted to adjust the verse a bit: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try a gun!

But for shoring up one’s hopes in moments of discouragement, the most helpful were these lines from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Ode to the West Wind: Oh wind, if winter comes Can spring be far behind?

The transition from high school to college can be a critical period in one’s life. The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, translated from the original Persian by edward FitzGerald, offered weird ideas – romantic, fatalistic, rebellious – that fed the fantasies of an adventurous young man trying to craft a career in Journalism: Then to the lip of this poor earthen urn I lean’d, the secret of my life to learn; And lip to lip it murmur’d, while you live Drink! - for once dead, you never shall return!

The moving finger writes and having writ Moves on: nor all your piety nor wit Can lure it back to cancel half a line,

nor all your tears wash out a word of it.

Ironically, it was a visit to a watering hole for members of the press, Soban Singh’s Lion’s Inn, in downtown Manila, that jarred my giddy perspective. On the wall of the men’s room were lines that were obviously a parody of the Rubáiyát: Step lightly and gently close the door, For many an expensive meal Lies buried beneath this floor.

Here was a den of veteran newsmen who needed to be reminded not to take themselves too seriously.

But I was already too far into my restlessness, like a car careening downhill without brakes. I soon found myself in trouble with the Prefect of Discipline of the University of Santo Tomas and had to drop out of college.

I had also begun to write screenplays under the tutelage of film director, Armando Garces, whose bohemian outlook was grist for my youthful recklessness. His favorite saying was: Live fast, die young, have a handsome corpse.

What followed was a period of immature braggadocio, even a feeling of immortality, fanned by a poem by William ernest Henley, Invictus: Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul!

In the fell clutch of circum-

chestrated war on drugs. While Duterte shrugs off and challenges criticisms from local and international human rights groups, he encourages police to carry out extrajudicial executions and promises them immunity.

Duterte has taken advantage of the turbulence caused by the continued rise of COVID-19 cases across the country, by giving more power to the police and silencing the media. He has shut down the country’s biggest TV network, ABS-CBn, and sent journalist Maria Ressa, one of the most vocal critics of the administration, to jail. earlier this month, Duterte signed the Anti-Terror Bill into law allowing police to commit human rights violations against individuals who are “suspected” of terrorism. Any Filipino citizen, even those living abroad, can be accused and arrested for “terrorism” simply for voicing disagreement with the government. It is unconstitutional and fundamentally enables an unofficial Martial Law. It grants more power to the police force. A police force that murdered 15-year-old Fabel Pineda for daring to report the officers that raped her, killed, 17-year-old Kian De Los Santos, and put hungry quarantine “violators” in dog cages. even though the law doesn’t officially begin until July 18, the stance I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance my head is bloody, but unbowed....

It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

Sadly, Manding suffered a massive stroke that left him paralyzed.

In spite of a remarkable fighting spirit that enabled him to direct one last movie, his frail body finally gave up. Manding lived fast.

And he died young. But he did not necessarily have a handsome corpse.

But even before Manding’s stroke, I had begun to feel that something was amiss. I felt like a boat out at sea that had lost its moorings. A poem by Thomas Gray made me pause and consider that, perhaps, I was wasting my life: Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathom’d caves of ocean bear; Full many a flower is born to blush unseen And waste its sweetness on the desert hour.

At that time, I had been going steady with a girl who was my complete opposite: patient and reserved, while I was brash and short-tempered. She was also unimpressed with what I had become: an associate editor of a national magazine at 16, a screenplay writer and a movie assistant director at 17, and an advertising man and TV director in my early

Filipina caregiver and Migrante Los Angeles member, Cathy Miraballes-Arceo holds a sign that reads, “Labanan Ang Terorismo ng Estado” or “Resist State Terrorism.”

Anti-Terrorism Act is already being used against ordinary people by the Duterte Administration.

Just a day after the Anti-Terror Bill was signed into law, the police violently dispersed and arrested 11 protestors of them in Cabuyao, Laguna.

But history shows that the more the state oppresses the people, the stronger the people’s resolve to fight back becomes. The problems of police brutality and racism are just a small part of a rotten system that protects the wealth and status of the elite by hurting people it considers disposable — the poor, Black, Indigenous,

and more, whether here or in the Philippines. That’s why I take inspiration from the uprisings here in the United States calling for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and more. We cannot defeat a globally unjust system we are all forced to live in without fighting for each other, together.

20s. Yet something was lacking in my life.

It took lines from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Song of Hiawatha, to make me appreciate what I already had – but could lose: As unto the bow, the cord is, so unto the man is woman; Though she bends him, she obeys him; Though she draws him, yet she follows; Useless each without the other.

I asked for Gigi’s hand in marriage. That was almost 57 years ago. It was the best decision that I made in my life.

As I look back, now being almost 81, I do not regret having lived my life the way I did. But if I were to do it all over again, I would be guided by another Longfellow poem, A Psalm of Life: Tell me not in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem.

Life is real, life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest Was not spoken of the soul.

In my old age, I have also come to realize that there are other important things, such as love of country. In this regard, I am stirred by verses from Sir Walter Scott’s The Lay of the Last Minstrel: Breathes there a man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said,

This is my own, my native land!

Whose heart hath ne’er within him burn’d...

High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; Despite those titles, power and pelf, The wretch concentred all in self, Living shall forfeit fair renown, And doubly dying shall go down To the vile dust from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonor’d and unsung!

In September 2011, for the Global Summit of Filipinos in the Diaspora in Manila, Imelda nicolas, chair of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, asked me to compose a response to A Gathering of Heroes/Pagbabalik ng mga Bayani, which I had written for the 3rd Global Filipino networking Convention held in Cebu City in January 2005.

*** Cathy Miraballes-Arceo is a Filipina caregiver from Butuan, Mindanao and has lived in Los Angeles for 20 years. She is a member of Migrante Los Angeles, a grassroots community organization that advocates for the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers and their immigrant families.

I end this reminiscence with the final lines from my own poem, We Hear Our Motherland Calling: When age sets in and health has gone And stripped our spirits bare; We know that you will welcome us Though no one else will care.

And in the winter of our lives, When mournful bells will ring, The Philippines will always be Our summer and our spring. *** (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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D ateline PhiliPPines Most Filipinos remain hopeful Lawmaker bares ABS-CBN

A

amid the coronavirus pandemic ‘P200-M’ offer; network denies bribe by armin

P. aDina

Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines may have already breached the 50,000 mark in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, but Filipinos’ general disposition remain hopeful, even if they are holed up in their homes for almost four months due to the quarantine imposed by government to address the coronavirus pandemic.

In a study released by an insurance company during a recent virtual press conference, about 68 percent of Filipinos say they remain hopeful amidst concerns related to the health emergency.

The study suggested that while 63 percent of respondents admitted to being concerned, 47 percent of them said they remain optimistic.

The most pressing concern among Filipinos are their families’ health, and the economy’s, both at 71 percent.

And with the ongoing debates regarding the opening of classes, and through what mode of learning will be used, 69 percent cited concerns for their children’s education.

“This could be two-fold. It could be related to the new learning method, and how their children will adjust to it.

Another would be funding for their tuition,” Sun Life Philippines Chief Marketing and Client Officer Mylene Lopa said.

The respondents’ ability to save for the future, their understanding of the pandemic’s long-term impact to their finances, and providing support for the elderly family members also registered highly among the Filipinos’ concerns, at 63, 62, and 61 percent, respectively.

Lopa noted that the respondents’ concern for the elderly may likewise be two-fold. “It could be financial, or the care that is needed,” she explained.

Almost half (48 percent) of the respondents said their financial situation took the hardest hit from the pandemic.

“This is an eye-opener for us. The most impacted was their financial situation. So the need for financial security is heightened even more,” Lopa shared.

However, 44 percent said the pandemic has taken its heaviest toll on their ability to socialize

with friends, while 31 percent cited not getting enough physical activity.

But Filipinos have not totally ignored any form of preparations for certain emergencies.

Almost half (49 percent) said they are “somewhat ready,” while 13 percent said they are “very prepared.”

About 68 percent now said they see the need to save more and build a bigger emergency fund, while a majority (57 percent) hopes to have more savings and investments, and to seek more financial advice.

Learning new skills or sustaining a hobby, and living more sustainably and environment-friendly both posted 54 percent from the respondents.

About 53 percent also said they are seeking more health and wellness advice, and would invest in their families’ health.

Lopa said the study was conducted in May among 500 of their clients through a blended survey conducted by their regional office in Hong Kong online and over the phone.

“We ran a parallel survey among 200 respondents, and the results validated the study,” Lopa said. n

‘Tighter quarantine measures possible’ - DOH by reD

menDoza

ManilaTimes.net

TIGHTER community quarantine measures may again be imposed if coronavirus cases continue to rise, according to the Department of Health.

The spike in cases was attributed to a rise in community transmission, bringing the virus tally to 47,873 with the addition of 1,540 new cases on July 7.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the subtechnical working group on data analytics presented data but officials were still looking into the numbers to see if there was a trend in the rise of the number of cases.

“We have to look at the indicators also, like case doubling

time, critical care utilization at ‘yung ating mortality, so kung titignan natin ‘yan, importante na hindi na-ooverwhelm ang system (it’s important that the system is not overwhelmed),” Vergeire told reporters.

Vergeire said the results of the study by the sub-technical working group might be released early next week.

She explained that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases looks at health, security, economic and social indicators before making a decision.

“Kung may posibilidad na makabalik tayo sa stricter community quarantine measures, titignan natin sa mga darating na araw, nagaanalyze na tayo (If there is a

possibility that we return to stricter community quarantine measures, we will see, we are analyzing data),” Vergeire said.

She added that the models presented by the University of the Philippines Octa Research team that there could be 100,000 new cases by the end of August have underlying assumptions that could affect their modelling.

“Marami pang ibang factors na pwedeng maka-aapekto n’yan (There are other factors that can affect [their modelling].” Vergeire said.

She reminded local government units to strengthen the enforcement of measures such as washing of hands, wearing of face masks and physical distancing. n

by Divina

nova Joy Dela ManilaTimes.net

Cruz

ACT-CIS Party-list Eric Go Yap, chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, disclosed that an alleged emissary from media giant ABS-CBN reached out to him, urging him to vote in favor of the network’s franchise renewal in exchange for money.

“More than two weeks ago, may tumawag sa atin, nagpakilalang emisaryo ng ABS-CBN at hinihimok tayong bumoto pabor sa ABS-CBN kapalit ng P200 million. Simple lang ang sagot ko, hindi for sale ang prinsipyo at boto ko (someone called me, introducing himself as an emissary of ABS-CBN, urging me to vote in favor of ABS-CBN in exchange for P200 million. My answer was simple, my principle and vote are not for sale),” Yal said in a statement late Wednesday night, a few hours before the joint-committee convenes on Thursday, July 9, for the summation of the issues tackled during the past 12 hearings on petitions for the renewal of the network’s franchise.

In an official statement released on Thursday, ABS-CBN denied that it sent an emissary and stressed that it has confidence in the process.

“ABS-CBN did not send an emissary to bribe any lawmaker to vote in favor of our franchise application,” the statement read.

“We believe in the process and we have participated in the process. We answered all issues raised in the past 12 hearings,” it added.

In a forum on Thursday morning, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, one of the authors of the 12 franchise bills, and Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun denied allegations circulating on social media that they have been paid to support the ABS-CBN franchise.

“These are very serious allegations pero walang basehan (but have no basis,” Fortun said.

In the same statement, Yap said he disclosed the incident to highlight that he would not release unverified information that may affect the ongoing proceed-

ings of ABS-CBN during that time and in connection with his criticism on the proliferation of fake news.

“Nilabas ko ba sa media? Hindi. Dahil hindi tayo sigurado kung emisaryo nga ng ABS-CBN yun at unfair naman na malalagay sa alanganin ang pangalan ng ABSCBN dahil sa kanya at unfair din maging sa proceedings ng Joint Committee na tumatalakay sa issue ng prangkisa nila. May nadinig tayo na iba pang kaso gaya nito pero hindi natin nilabas dahil hindi din verified ang mga information na yun (Did I expose it to the media? No. Because I was not sure if he really was an emissary of ABS-CBN and it would be unfair to endanger the name of ABS-CBN because of him and it would be unfair to the proceedings of the Joint Committee tackling the issue of its franchise.

I have also heard other similar cases but similar to this, the information were not verified),” he said.

Yap slammed reports on the alleged pressure on his colleagues to vote against ABS-CBN that, he said, were all accusations and had no credible source. He also cited the exposure of a list of lawmakers’ votes even when it was clear that voting had yet to be conducted.

“Why use unverified information? Do not mislead the public,” he said.

Yap pointed out that “press freedom is alive but it is also the responsibility of our journalists to deliver the truth.”

Yap said that press freedom is very much alive in the country to the point that it’s being abused for personal interest.

He noted that he has friends in the media industry that are balanced and have high integrity in writing and reporting but there are some who are biased and are careless.

“Do not mislead the public.

They deserve to know the truth,” he said.

The joint committee of Legislative Franchises and Good Government and Public Accountability is set to convene at 1 p.m. to hear the summation on the issues tackled during the hearings that

ACT-CIS Party-list Eric Go Yap

were concluded last Monday.

Expected to present their summations are Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, author of one of the 12 franchise bills, and Deputy Speaker and Sagip Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who presented the position of the opposition against the franchise renewal.

Voting will come next but the committee has yet to schedule a date, according to Legislative Franchises Chairman Franz Alvarez.

Aside from the 46 members of the Committee on Legislative Franchises, 48 House leaders or ex-officio members will also vote for the first reading at the committee level. Two of the ex-officio members are also regular members of the committee.

If approved, the bill granting a new franchise will be presented to the plenary for deliberations and voting for the second and third reading. If rejected, the franchise bills will not advance to the plenary level.

Brosas, Fortun, and franchise bill authors Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Parañaque City Rep. Myra Tambunting, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, and ACT-Teachers Partylist France Castro appealed to the members of the committee to vote according to their conscience.

Zarate said voting may be held on Friday when the legislative franchises committee is scheduled to meet. n

A

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Journal ‘Blue’s Clues and You!’ host Josh Dela Cruz on figuring out clues and sharing Filipino culture with a new generation The show, which debuted in inside the small yellow house with 1996 and ran for six seasons, a red roof. It was the first chilWHEN stage actor Josh Dela started with Steve Burns as the dren’s cable show of its kind Cruz was announced as the new host, clad in a striped green long built on interactivity.

Burns departed the series in host for the “Blue’s Clues” reboot, sleeve and khaki pants. In the a wave of nostalgia kicked in for half-hour episodes, he guided the 2002 as his character was gokids who grew up watching Nick- preschool-aged viewers in solving ing off to “college,” and was the mini-mystery, and along the replaced with his “younger elodeon in the ‘90s.

Not only were they reminded way, would check-in on the vari- brother,” Joe (played by of the blue puppy, the talking ous char- acters brought of life PAGE B2 objects and “skidooing” into another world, the lyrics to the catchy songs — from “Mail Time” to “We Just Figured Out Blue’s Clues” — came rushing back to consciousness.

On top of that, the new generation of Filipino Americans watching “Blue’s Clues & You!” would see someone who resembles them on screen.

“Growing up, I never saw anyone on screen that I connected with,” the 31-year-old actor told the Asian Journal. “I never saw myself reflected in a positive way — it was either the foreigner, the villain, or the joke. I get to be myself. I’m just Josh and I also am Filipino.”

Dela Cruz, who last appeared in the Broadway staging of Disney’s “Aladdin” as the titular role, swapped the genie for the iconic blue canine as a sidekick, who has now been enhanced in CGI animation.

“Every day on set is nostalgia for me. Drawing the very first clue on set was a cup,” he said. “I remember being 7 years old and watching that episode with my little sister and it was a cup. We have Blue, Magenta, the Shaker family, all of our characters coming back but tiny little updates to bring it to 2020.”

The Fil-Am actor, who was born in Dubai and grew up in New Milford, New Jersey, recalls watching the first generation of “Blue’s Clues” with his younger sister and singing along to the musical numbers, which in part, spurred his budding interest in Josh Dela Cruz stars as “Josh” in the Nickelodeon reboot, “Blue’s Clues and You!” featuring Blue and her band of friends. choir and then acting.

Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon by

Christina M. Oriel/AJPress

B july 9-15, 2020 • lAS VEGAS ASIAN jOuRNAl

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WHAT is stomach cancer?

Stomach Cancer, medically termed Gastric Cancer, is a form of malignant tumor (mutation in cells’ DNA) that grows haywire, uncontrolled, disorganized, aggressive, killing normal cells and tissues and replacing them with an abnormal, non-functional, hardened mass. The malignant cells travel to neighboring tissues and distant multi-organs, spreading like wildfire. Stomach cancer is usually in stage III or IV by the time it is diagnosed.

Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the 15th in the USA. How prevalent is stomach cancer?

This varies among countries and by sex. South Korea has the highest prevalence of stomach cancer in the world, followed

by Mongolia, Japan, Guatemala, and China. There has been an impressive decline of incidence in North America, New Zealand and Australia since 1930 but the reduction has been slower in Europe. The incidence also seems higher among those with Type A blood. In the U.S., cancer of the stomach is relatively more common among Japanese American and Hispanic groups. The death rate in the U.S. for gastric cancer is between 14,000 to 15,000 a year. Sixty to 70% of cases are men.

Does kimchi cause gastric cancer?

Kimchi, with its high sodium content, has been associated with many diseases, mainly gastric cancer. Salt-preserved foods (miso, pickled fish) appear to increase the risk of stomach cancer. Obesity, smoking, H.pylori infection, processed and grilled meats, smoked foods, soy foods, pernicious anemia, and stomach polyps, and gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are all linked to increased risk for gastric cancer. As stated above, Korea, where Kimchi and other salty foods are part of the regular diet, has the highest incidence of stomach cancer.

What are the other etiologic factors?

Smoking is strongly related to cancer of the proximal portion of the stomach. This is one unhealthy habit people should stay away from because it kills in so many ways. This type of gastric malignancy is also associated with obesity, gastro-esophageal reflux, high fat intake, and is seen more among the more affluent people. Those in the lower socio-economic bracket has been seen to be more prone to distal stomach cancer. Timely treatment of H. pylori infection and of the stomach reduces the risk for gastric cancer.

Do spicy foods cause stom-

Philstar.com

IT’S the perfect time to set the record straight and clear the air now that the verbal tussle (and tempers) have simmered down, about the issue unwittingly generated by Lea Salonga’s socmed comment about how hard it is to love the Philippines.

I leave it to lawyer Romy Macalintal to provide an “unadulterated” and “unbiased” assessment of the matter. Here’s Romy’s letter to Funfare titled No legal nor factual basis to declare Lea Salonga persona non grata: There is no legal nor factual basis to declare actress Lea Salonga as persona non grata just because of the opening statement in her recent Facebook post where she said: “Dear Pilipinas, p**** ina, ang hirap mong mahalin.” With due respect to her accusers, I believe that such statement should be judged along with the entire contents of her post to come up with an objective opinion if she really cursed our country as alleged by those who misappreciated her post.

Salonga was candid and honest enough to hold herself accountable for what she said and quickly apologized and explained that she wrote it “as an expression of my frustration with certain events currently taking place in our country (and that) contrary to what some of you might believe, I never, NOT EVER, cursed the Philippines.”

And I believe her as I read and studied deeper how her statement was written and constructed. Take note that there is a comma immediately after the word Pilipinas and another comma after the word “ina” which clearly separated the p**** ina (p-i) from Pilipinas and “ang hirap mong mahalin,” thereby leaving the “p-i” as a mere expression of frustration. The use of the comma is very important

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On stomach cancer

were born and lived in Japan might be a “different” kind of pathology, and that there are other unexplained factors as well. But what is interesting is that the type of stomach cancer among Koreans and Japanese who were born and have been in the United States for a while behaves like the gastric cancer among white Americans. Obviously, environmental factors do play a role.

What surgery could be done?

For stage 0, I, II, or III, among otherwise healthy persons, surgery, often with other therapy, offers a probable cure. Endoscopic submucosal resection may be done for the very early stage, with no lymph node involvement. This is not performed much in the U.S. as in Japan or Korea, where early stage of gas- A still from a special brand-new episode, “Blue’s Sing-Along Spectacular,” premiering Tuesday, July 14.

Photos courtesy of Nickelodeon tric cancer is discovered sooner because of intensive screening.

Resection of a part of the stomach (partial or subtotal gastrectomy), if possible, together with lymph PAGE B1 nodes, saving as much stomach Donovan Patton) for the remainas possible, is the choice if the ing two years. pathology allows. If needed, total Over two decades later as a gastrectomy could also be done. reboot was imagined, Burns reAdded surgical procedures may turned as a consultant and helped be needed for reconstruction pluck Dela Cruz out of over 3,000 of the GI tract and for feeding. candidates.

Palliative resection (not for cure Dela Cruz, who has a degree but to prevent future bleeding in musical theatre from Montor blockage) may be done. For clair State University, moved to cancer of the gastro-esopha- New York and appeared in the geal junction (area connecting off-Broadway musical, “Here Lies food pipe to stomach) that tests Love,” based on the life of former positive for “PD-L1,” Keytruda, Philippine first lady Imelda MarFDA-approved medication may cos. He then became part of the be used. ensemble for the original BroadHow about chemotherapy? way cast of Disney’s “Aladdin.”

Chemotherapy may be given In 2017, he stepped into the lead before surgery (neoadjuvant Rx) character for a limited engage- Dela Cruz, who grew up watching “Blue’s Clues,” is now the host of the iconic show, which to shrink the tumor mass and ment before being chosen in his has undergone some technological advances. The Handy Dandy Notebook also doubles as a make surgery easier, prevent current role. smartphone-like device that can take photos and make video calls. recurrence and prolong survival.

In preparing for hosting “Blue’s tent that is specific to the time of Chemo may also be given after Clues & You!,” which involved game.

However, as dozens of internet coronavirus, so dealing with extra surgery (adjuvant Rx) to kill can- playing out possible scenarios cer cells left behind undetected. and revisiting old scripts, Burns users have found out and have activities that families can do toChemo is often given with ra- pulled Dela Cruz aside and told passionately reacted to, the show gether or just things that kids can diation therapy (Chemoradia- him to explore what he brought to has undergone more upgrades do on their own to give parents tion Rx), especially beneficial for the table and to let go of the pres- to keep up with current technol- just a little bit of a break and extra cancer that could not be com- sure of having to live up to his or ogy and communication. Most break outside of our show. That children these days have been ex- has been a lot of fun and really repletely resected. Chemotherapy Patton’s work. posed to smartphones or tablets, warding on my end,” he said. alone as a primary treatment is “That gave me the permission but there’s also a balance to still A special brand-new episode, used for gastric cancer that has to not be so worried about how entitled “Blue’s Sing-Along Specdistant spread (Stage IV), for people are going to receive me as keep the analog of the past.

“Because we’re coming back in tacular,” will air on Tuesday, July symptom relief and to lengthen the new host because I’m never 2020, we have the responsibility 14, during which Blue leaves survival a little. going to be Steve Burns. I’m There are various chemother- never going to be Donovan Pat- of either ignoring the advance- clues to figure out what song she apeutic agents available today, ton,” Dela Cruz said. “They have ments in technology or embrac- wants to sing in her music festival. and many under investigation. a magic that is so unique to them ing them and turning them into The episode is slated to have performances from Dela Cruz, Joe, Hopefully, someday soon, the and to try to copy that would be a positive outlets,” he said.

The “Mail Time” bit of each pop singer Ally Brooke, the Sun “perfect” regimen will come waste because I’m never going to episode features the catchy jingle (voiced by gospel singer Yolanda along. Better yet, a vaccine to achieve that.” from the original — which Dela Adams), and Blue’s many friends. prevent gastric cancer. In the The premiere episode was Later this month, a toy line inmeantime, let us stay away from aired in November 2019 as an Cruz said he rehearsed ahead of his audition — as the smiley spired by the show will hit stores, unhealthy habits and prevent introduction to Josh, a younger diseases from coming our way, “cousin” to Steve and Joe who’s purple mailbox extends into the including figurines of Dela Cruz, living room to notify that there’s to reinforce problem solving and especially deadly cancers. now Blue’s human companion. a new message. creative play. * * * Instead of being outfitted in But again, conforming to moDela Cruz, as he’s presented Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Steve’s green striped shirt or Joe’s a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based colorful long sleeve with squares, dernity, it’s an email accessed online, is beyond Josh on “Blue’s in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Dela Cruz wears a blue striped from the backside of the Handy Clues & You!” His Instagram acNevada, is an international medical shirt with jeans and sneakers. Dandy Notebook that doubles as count shows a glimpse into his lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, He’s able to put his musical back- a smartphone-like device. Dela personal life, whether photos with and Chairman of the Filipino United ground to use and has been given Cruz belts, “We just got an email! his wife Amanda and their real Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian a guitar to play for the closing I wonder who it’s from,” as the dog Ollie or showing his workout foundation in the United States. Websites: song once the mystery has been letter reveals a video from chil- routines and vegan diet (Filipino dren who share a talent or word food is easy to modify to his lifephilipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; solved. of encouragement. style, he said). Before the first Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Filming the first season, which The technology also allows the episode even aired, Twitter users took place in Toronto, was a leap host to take photos and video calls. dug up some of his older photos, for the stage actor, who thrived The second episode, for instance, including a shirtless shot, and exon the live energy and audience revolves around the question of pressed their admiration for him. reactions inside a theatre. what Blue wants to do when her The reactions to the “thirst “I would say the biggest thing canine pal, Magenta, comes over. trap” photos, as they’re called, that I use from my Broadway ca- (Spoiler alert: It’s for Josh to take brought laughs to Dela Cruz and reer is the timing. It was very jar- a photo of the puppy duo with his his family as he trended on the ring to be on set for the very first phone.) social media platform. time and to roll in the first tape.

In the midst of the first sea“This show has been a blessing There are a lot of jokes that are son, “Blue’s Clues & You!” was in many ways. There is that stigma written into the show and at that renewed for another 20 episodes in society that Asian men aren’t point, I had always been used to and has been nominated for two sexy or masculine,” he said. “I’m having the audience to react,” Daytime Emmys in the Outstand- so over the moon watching telehe said. “Because they have to ing Preschool Children’s Series vision shows or movies and there record sound, everyone has to and Outstanding Interactive Me- are more and more Asian men as be quiet, regardless if the joke is dia For A Daytime Program cat- leading men who aren’t just the funny or not. So I remember go- egories. sidekick, the nerdy guy or all the ing through it and I was like, ‘I The upcoming season will fea- nice stereotypes.” know this is a joke’ and nothing, ture appearances from the beInstagram is also a platform crickets.” loved past hosts, Steve and Joe. where he chimes in on social Though viewers see the result Viewers will also be introduced to justice and political issues, as his with Blue and the universe’s in- Filipino culture and another fam- latest posts have been in solidarhabitants, from Mr. Salt and Mrs. ily member, a lola (a grandmoth- ity with the Black Lives Matter Pepper to the Shovel and Pail, er played by veteran Filipina-Ca- movement, speaking up about the Dela Cruz plays on silence and nadian actress and singer Carolyn rise in anti-Asian hate during the imagination to fill in these roles Fe). pandemic, and raising awareness on set.

“I can’t wait for families to get about the Anti-Terrorism Act in “It also does have its quirks that to know her and to learn a little the Philippines. take getting used to, but again, we bit about Filipino culture in the “The fact that I have free rein have such an amazing team. Even episode and see the similarities, over social media and that [Nickthough I’m asking the pieces of not just between Asians, but also elodeon is] really standing, I betape on the floor or a tennis ball, within their culture about… how lieve, on the right side of this is I know exactly who I’m talking to they interact with their grand- really hopeful for me because and where I am in the world,” he mother and how they feel about these kids grow up, but it doesn’t said. their grandmother. I love her to change the fact that they were kids As in the original series, the death,” Dela Cruz gushed. once and that everyone deserves Lea Salonga: She never said what some people misconstrued as what she said. essence of “Blue’s Clues & You!” Despite TV productions being the right to life and that everyone ABS-CBN photo is speaking directly to the view- stalled across the country, most deserves to be treated equally and in analyzing Salonga’s statement if I hurt your feelings with my ers, encouraging them to piece of the filming for season two fairly,” Dela Cruz said. together the meaning behind the wrapped in February, just before as to whether or not she cursed choice of words.”

At the beginning of June, NickAs to the “p-i” expression, three things Blue leaves her paw the pandemic hit. Post-produc- elodeon went off the air for exactthe Philippines. The fact that the comma was used to separate “p- even the Supreme Court in some prints on, and pausing to allow tion ADR, however, is being done ly 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the i” from Pilipinas, clearly shows cases held that “p-i” is “a com- them to respond and point out from home as Dela Cruz’s studio same amount of time Minneapolis that Salonga was not cursing the mon expression in the dialect what the host is looking for. apartment in New York is now police officer Derek Chauvin knelt “While our show is a remake of overrun with soundproofing ma- on George Floyd’s neck as he mutPhilippines or anyone for that that is often employed, not really to slander, but rather to express the original, the components of… terials, panels and monitors. matter. tered that he couldn’t breathe. children’s education [and] early Here, the importance of the a displeasure.”

With the hyperconnected The network also released a Thus, I was a little bit disap- developmental education, haven’t world, viewers’ interactions with “Declaration of Kids’ Rights” comma should not be ignored for it has been said that, the pres- pointed with former Senator changed. Our incredible team Dela Cruz aren’t limited to the ep- (e.g. “You have the right to be ence or absence of comma “can Juan Ponce Enrile’s knee-jerk does research with our script and isodes. For example, on Nick Jr.’s seen, heard, and respected as a change the meaning of a state- reaction to Salonga’s statement with actual kids to see how they social channels, his videography citizen of the world”) and aired ment — sometimes dramatically, by calling her “bastos, napaka- learn best and how they react and skills come into play as he shares a special with singer Alicia Keys thus, a careful writer must be a bastos (and) ano namang alam can retain [information],” Dela videos teaching an American Sign about how to discuss race with ng Lea na yun; ang alam niya Cruz said. careful user of comma.”

Language word of the week, bed- young children.

The Handy Dandy Notebook time stories, or activities families Precisely, in her clarificatory eh kumanta lang,” as if it is that “I’m so thankful to be part of statement, Salonga apologized easy to simply disregard and remains a key prop in the series can do, especially since parents this company and that we’re in for her “choice of words” in that forget the honor and pride Sa- kept in Dela Cruz’s back pocket have had to double as teachers that fight with the rest of the coun“I didn’t say p-i mo, or p-i ka. longa gave to our country as an to document the three clues. and keep kids occupied at home. try because it is important and we My p-i was aimed at no one in international artist, just because The drawings then come to life “We were able to work to- can’t ignore it,” Dela Cruz said. “If particular, and was used only as of that highly misunderstood above his head as he sits in the gether to create virtual playdates we don’t fight for it now, we can’t red Thinking Chair to solve Blue’s where we have created extra conan outburst, a cry. My apologies viral post.

PAGE B5 ach cancer?

Except for kimchi, there is no scientific evidence to prove that ingesting spicy food causes stomach cancer. There were some speculations that, perhaps, eating very hot food and drinking hot beverages (as most Asians do) day in and day out may increase the risk for the development of cancer of the stomach.

The jury is still out on this issue.

Alcohol is a risk for the development of cancer of the food pipe.

The caveat in almost everything is “moderation.”

How about eating smoked or salted fish?

Eating dried salted fish and smoked foods (or the nitrates in them) have been suspected to increase the risk of stomach cancer. There seems to be a higher incidence in Asia, particularly in South Korea, Mongolia, Japan, Guatemala, and China. As far as a good daily dietary regimen is concerned, there is nothing better and safer than fresh (unprocessed) fish, vegetables, fruits, high fiber foods, and abstaining from processed food items, red meat and eggs, which are high in cholesterol and fats and low in fiber. Red meat has been implicated as a causative factor in colon cancer and other cancers, and shortened longevity, compared to those who do eat much less or no red meat at all.

What are the symptoms to watch for?

They vary from person to person. Most do not even have obvious symptoms before they are discovered. The symptoms could be a sense of indigestion, upper stomach discomfort, gassy bloated feeling, loss of appetite or pain on eating, loss of weight, tarry black (blood in) stools, anemia, weakness and fatigue, depending on the stage of the cancer. But any of these symptoms may also be caused by other illnesses, which may not be as serious and are curable. This is the reason why a regular medical check-up and seeing the doctor early are important practices to prevent serious illnesses. If in doubt, consult your physician.

What is the survival rate?

In the U.S., the 5-year survival rate (the number of patients alive after 5 years) is 90% (nine out of ten) among those where the tumor is confined to the mucosa (early stage, involving stomach lining only) and 20% (one in five) among those with large tumor and lymph node spread. Early stage is mostly discovered by routine preventive upper endoscopy (e-gastroscopy), much like colorectal cancer via routine lower endoscopy (colonoscopy).

The 5-year survival rate in Korea and Japan for gastric cancer is about 50% for those with advanced stage of the disease, compared to 20% in the U.S. as stated above. The reason is unclear. It is postulated that the stomach cancer of those who

In fairness to Lea

by Ricky Lo

Features

‘Blue’s Clues and You!’ host Josh Dela Cruz...

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Iza bonds with front-liners who helped her survive COVID-19

By Jan

MiLo SeveRo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Iza Calzado reunited with the team of nurses who helped her fight against COVID19.

In her Instagram account, Iza posted photos of her with the nurses of Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

“Allow me to shine the spotlight on my amazing team of nurses (missing a few though!) from Asian Hospital who gave me the best love and care any patient could ever ask for,” Iza wrote.

“Together with my brilliant doctors, I really couldn’t have asked for a better team to help me fight and beat COVID-19. I am forever grateful,” she added.

The actress was hospitalized Iza Calzado with the front-liners who took care of her when she had COVID-19.

Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado for pnuemonia last March and later confirmed that she was posAfter surviving the disease, also donated blood plasma to itive for the virus but was able to Iza has been vocal on spreading Philippine General Hospital for win her battle against COVID-19. awareness about the virus. She patients with severe cases.

Jake: Don’t get tired of loving even if it hurts

By Ricky Lo Philstar.com

I’D like to open this one-onone with a stanza from Love Even If, a cut from Jake Zyrus’ 2019 album Evolution, that could be his most personal song to date.

If hate begins with love Why do we need to love?

If love’s the answer Why are there questions unanswered?

Now part of Spotify Playlist, the song was co-written by Jake with Trisha Denise and ABSCBN creative director Jonathan Manalo, released as a nod to Pride Month.

“With all the negativities around,” said Jake (my inaanak sa binyag when she became Catholic; other godparents include Boy Abunda and Oprah Winfrey), “love is the modest contribution one can offer.

Don’t get tired of loving even if it hurts or becomes difficult.

Everybody loves you and will remember great things about you anyway when you’re gone.”

The one thing that people will surely remember Jake for is his achievement as the first Asian artist to have a Billboard Top 10 hit and, probably, for his journey from Charice Pempengco to the transgender Jake Zyrus, a life-changing decision chronicled in Jake & Charice, an NHK documentary that won a Gold Camera Award in the U.S. International Film & Video Festival (USIFVF). In that docu, Jake talks about the new challenges he is facing and his courageous effort to find his own voice.

He talked further about similar issues in a candid interview with The Star.

May problem pa ba sa social acceptance?

“I’ve tried to explain myself before but when I grow older, I realize that whatever you do, people will have something to say. That’s one of the reasons why I refrain myself from using social media. Like I always say, you don’t need to accept other people for who they are, but you can respect them, you can be kind to them. If you have kindness in your heart, love follows.”

Congrats sa pagkakapanalo ng docu mong Jake & Charice.

Was it a tell-all docu, didn’t you withhold anything?

“Ever since, I always tell the

Jake Zyrus

truth because I want to show the people the real me. I often share my experiences in my interviews to inspire them because no matter what, I know that there is someone who can relate with me and be inspired.

“I even released an autobiography book with the help of my team in 2018 which Japan also has a special edition. The documentary focuses on the challenges and covers the changes in my voice. It premiered in Japan in November 2019. I’ve been experimenting with different genres to see if I am comfortable singing jazz/pop music.”

Are you 100-percent Jake at wala nang natitirang Charice?

“I see myself as Jake ever since. What I have right now are experiences, learnings and pain who mold me for who I am today.”

Are you totally happy and comfortable with who and what you are now?

“With life, I can say that I am happy. I have my beautiful partner inside and out who supports and accepts me wholeheartedly and my fur babies that we treat as family. With work, I will never be contented because my fans deserve the best and I want to give my best effort in whatever I do.”

What, rather who, is the inspiration behind Love Even If? “Love Even If is available in all digital platforms worldwide and this song that I co-wrote with Trisha Denise and produced by Jonathan Manalo discussed all types of relationships in general. Whether it is for LGBTQIA+, family and friends.”

You did a song called Evolution. How have you evolved as a person and as an artist since your decision to be Jake?

“Evolution is the title of the album. As a person, I can say I tried to be more understanding with what’s happening around me. Trying to look on the bigger picture of a situation. As I just said, as an artist, I’ve been experimenting with different genres due to the transition of my voice which was included in the documentary. My new song will be released soon, titled Miss You in The Moonlight. It is imperative because it is my first jazz/pop music. This is the genre that I know fits my voice and I’m most comfortable with.” (Composed by Gab Tagadtad and also

Photo from Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic

produced by Jonathan Manalo, Missing You in The Moonlight is about someone having difficulties in dealing with a breakup he has caused and that brings on feelings of regret while hoping for a second chance.)

No regrets whatsoever?

(As the lyrics of Love Even If, that’s one question that should remain unanswered. Obvious, isn’t it?)

Alden Richards is the ambassador of the #BIDASolusyon campaign of the DOH against COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of DOH

Alden named DOH’s new antiCOVID-19 program ambassador KAPUSO actor Alden Richards was named the new ambassador or “BIDA champion” of the Department of Health’s (DOH) new campaign, “Bida Solusyon sa COVID-19.”

“Paano nga ba tayo magiging solusyon sa COVID-19? Simpleng simple lang po. Kailangan lang po natin tandaan ang BIDA acronym,” Alden said in a DOH video shared on his social media accounts.

The “B” in “BIDA” stands for “Bawal walang mask.” “’Yung face mask po, ‘di po tayo pwedeng lumabas ‘pag wala tayong face mask,” he elaborated.

“Sa letrang ‘I’ naman po, i-sanitize ang mga kamay at iwasang

humawak ng mga bagay,” he continued.

“D,” he said, means “Dumistansya ng isang metro.”

“At ang panghuli po, ang letrang A, alamin ang tamang impormasyon patungkol sa COVID19,” the actor reminded.

“Mga kaibigan, ngayon pong panahon ng pandemya, tayo naman po ang bibida.”

Recently, Alden made headlines when he was seen holding a TV camera and shooting inside the “Eat Bulaga” studio.

In the noontime show’s “Bawal ang Judgemental” segment on Tuesday, host Vic Sotto noticed Alden holding a TV camera.

“Cameraman natin ang pogi o,

pogi o,” Vic said.

Upon realizing that Vic was talking about him, Alden looked at the camera and smiled.

“Eat Bulaga” Instagram account also posted behind-thescene photos of Alden shooting in the studio.

Instagram users commented on the post, praising the handsome cameraman.

“Poging cameraman naman niyan. Hehehe. Labyu,” an Instagram user commented.

“May balak maging director sa Eat Bulaga,” another user commented.

The show, however, didn’t mention why Alden was holding a TV camera. (Philstar.com)

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Kathryn, Daniel admit their dreams Alice invites you to travel with her affected by ABS-CBN franchise renewal By ricky lo Philstar.com

By Jan

ALL dressed up but nowhere to go?

Many people find themselves in that situation only to realize to their dismay that they are locked down at home.

But Alice Dixson is all dressed up and ready to travel the world (to all the continents), thanks to her vlog (on YouTube) that allows her the luxury of traveling.

“I am inviting everybody to join me,” announced Alice through this phone interview with The STAR. “We can see the world without leaving home.”

(STAR’s Remember When columnist Danny Dolor has actually been virtual-traveling to beat the quarantine boredom.)

Traveling (complete with tips) is just one of the topics on Alice’s vlog that has been attracting followers since she started it several days after the lockdown was imposed. She also talks about health and wellness, “day in the life” and meditation, which tries to help people deal with stress and anxiety.

“I call it a 30-day meditation challenge,” said Alice. “It’s very helpful in these times when everyone is under stress, melancholic and energy-deficient. It helps change one’s mindset. I’ve been doing it and it’s effective, so I want to share its benefits

Milo Severo

Philstar.com

WEDDING, dream house, farm and boutique hotel — these were among the dreams of Kapamilya on- and off-screen couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla — dreams whose fruition depend on the franchise renewal of their home network ABS-CBN. During Star Magic’s “Love from Home” series Facebook Live video last weekend, KathNiel shared their hopes and dreams together.

“Dream ko kasi magkaroon kami ng parang boutique hotel at farm. Ako ang magma-manage nu’n, Ako magluluto... Gagawa ako ng mga rice bowls, ganyan.

Tapos siya (Daniel), tutugtog lang siya doon,” Kathryn shared.

“Ipagluluto namin sila, aasikasuhin, ganoon lang. Someday.

Iyan ang goal natin,” Daniel added.

The couple also professed that they have talked about their dream house.

“Yeah. Siyempre dream namin iyong bahay namin in the future, pero hindi pa naman talaga iyon mangyayari kasi it’s too early,” Kathryn said.

“Pero, of course, nandu’n iyon sa wishlist namin,” added DJ, who, in an earlier interview, shared how he is preparing for his and Kathryn’s future family.

“Kaya nga tayo nagtatrabaho, kaya nga tayo pumirma ngayon dahil mayroon tayong kailangang asikasuhin for the future... Kailangan nating gawin na ngayon para sa panahong gusto mo na rumelaks, puwede mo na alagaan ang sarili mo, at siyempre ang partner mo,” he was quoted as saying.

During the Star Magic Facebook live video, however, KathNiel stressed that their plans are also affected by the wait for a cure for novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.

“I-look forward po muna natin na magkaroon na ng cure. Kung ano man ang gamot sa virus na ito, sana dumating na siya,” Kathryn said.

“Look forward din siyempre sa prangkisa ng ABS-CBN,” DJ added. “Paano tayo magpaplano kung wala pa namang ABS-CBN? Maaaring wala kung hindi tayo magbigyan, eh ‘di wala, ‘di ba?

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Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo

Look forward tayo sa positivity na mangyayari.”

Kathryn agreed, saying: “‘Yun muna. Sa daming nangyayari ngayon, bago kami, siguro kompanya maging okay muna ang estado. Kapag nangyari iyon, tara, trabaho na tayo... Ang daming artista na miss na miss na magtrabaho. Ang daming fans at supporters naming lahat na gusto makita ang ABS back on TV. Let’s hope for that.”

KathNiel recently celebrated their eighth anniversary with a simple celebration due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.

In her Instagram account, Kathryn’s mother Min Bernardo posted photos of the celebration.

“Happy 8th anniversary @ supremo_dp @bernardokath...”

Min wrote.

with other people.”

Aside from meditation, what Alice is doing these past 112 locked-down days is being productive.

“I just don’t binge-watching TV shows, hindi lang ako nakababad sa panonood ng kung anu-ano, I also do some soulsearching and create new ways of telling stories on my vlog. I keep myself busy. I also promote online my endorsements.”

(Among them is Simple Solutions by System 4 Biobotanicals, a haircare product from Finland that has three components [herbal wash, vital cure conditioning and scalp tonic], good for both men and women and available in Watsons stores nationwide.).

Alice was about to start shooting the GMA soap Legal Wives (with Megan Young, Cherie Gil and Dennis Trillo) when the lockdown was imposed. She’s quarantined with her househelp and her pet Blondie, just the three of them at a well-appointed condo unit in an elite subdivision.

“Everybody was caught unaware,” related Alice. “I went through three stages before I got used to it. First, denial.

Then, realization. And finally, acceptance. Helping frontliners did me good, and keeping in touch with family, fans and friends when I created a vlog.”

Her typical day usually starts

at 5 a.m. She bikes around the place with Blondie running along with her. She sleeps at around 10 p.m. She observes a healthy diet (“Kaya hindi ako tumataba”) and follows intermittent fasting.

“I don’t have a routine,” stressed Alice. “If I go to bed late, I wake up late. If I go to bed early, I wake up early.”

Besides her GMA soap, put on hold is her love life.

“My love life is also locked down,” revealed Alice with a laugh, not naming her boyfriend (rumored to be a foreigner hotel manager). “Before the lockdown, I planned to go to Boracay but he said no need. He would just follow me to Manila. Unfortunately, flights were cancelled.

We haven’t seen each other for almost five months. We do communicate via Skype pero iba pa rin siempre when you see each other personally.”

In September, a niece is getting married in the US and Alice doubts if she could go there.

“Until a cure or a vaccine is created,” she sighed, “we’ll never know when it is safe to travel.”

Still and all, Alice is taking things philosophically.

“I’m trying to sort things out.

I don’t worry about what the future will bring. I live in the moment, living life as it comes.”

Well, you know: que sera sera; what will be will be.

ABS-CBN photo

Kathryn and Daniel celebrated their anniversary painting a wall. “‘Di man na celebrate sa fav place nila ang special day na ito ginawa na lang worthy ang day by continuing painting the wall of then i decided now to call this place, virtual wall,” Min said.

Kathryn’s mom also thanked fans and friends of the couple who sent food.

“They decided to make the day simple lang pero thanks to all fans and friends na nagpadala ng food. Thank you FCs of KathNiel kase hanggang sa business ng glamteam nila patuloy ang support nyo,” she said.

Before the pandemic, Kathryn and Daniel were set to work on a new Kapamilya teleserye. Their last project together was the blockbuster movie “The Hows Of Alice Dixson (with furry friend Blondie) has found a way to beat the quarantine blues. She says, ‘I live in the moment; I don’t worry about Us” in 2018. what the future will bring.’

Photo courtesy of Alice Dixson

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Ai-Ai wants to stay Kapuso until she retires Assunta ‘survived 1st, 2nd trimester,’

AI-AI delas Alas amusingly recalled the moment she first stepped inside one of GMA 7’s studios to promote a comedy show in Eye to Eye many moons ago. She was then a budding stand-up comedienne, clueless that her guesting would lead to more fruitful Kapuso TV projects.

In a one-on-one Zoom interview with The STAR, the seasoned actress recalled how the late talent manager Cornelia Lee, a.k.a. Tita Angge, would reject requests of Nap Gutierrez and Alex Marcelino to guest her in the then No. 1 showbiz talk show.

“My friends Alex and Nap produced a solo show for me in Heartbeat, and they’re requesting Tita Angge, who was the talent coordinator of Eye to Eye to let me promote in the show because that time, Eye to Eye was No. 1. Dahil hindi ako kilala, s’yempre ayaw nila pero kakapilit nina Nap at Alex, pinaupo rin nila ako,” she shared. “Of course, I was so tense I didn’t know what to do pero natuwa naman sila and it’s most memorable to me because imagine na ‘yung isang show ay ayaw kang i-guest and then soon after, you would find yourself doing shows in the station (laughs).”

The late-night show R. S.V.P. was Ai-Ai’s very first project with GMA in 1991 and was best remembered for her character Cheenie La Chika. It was followed with co-hosting stints in the noontime show Lunch Date (1991 to 1993) and SST: Salo-Salo Together (1994 to 1995). The sitcom, 1 For 3, with Vic Sotto and Rosanna Roces, was Ai-Ai’s last project with GMA before going ober da bakod to ABS-CBN in 1998. In 2015, she returned to GMA and was warmly welcomed by Kapuso execs and stars.

Fast-forward to the present, AiAi is currently one of the main-

stays of All-Out Sundays and one of the judges of The Clash.

Ai-Ai humbly told The STAR that it’s “destiny, a gift from God” to remain visible in showbiz in spite of the presence of younger stars. Truth is, Ai-Ai just recently inked a five-year management contract with GMA Artist Center that “officially turned her into a 100 percent Kapuso” as how she put it on her Instagram post. The contract-signing coincided with the actress’ celebration of 30 years in the entertainment industry.

“I’m staying here for good kasi di ba after nine years with GMA, I transferred to the other network then I came back here again. Kumbaga, before I finish my five-year contract with GMA Artist Center, plus some more years with GMA, I am already a senior (citizen) kaya semi-retirement na ‘yung susunod doon so I want to stay here in GMA until the end of my career.”

If not for the ongoing community quarantine, Ai-Ai should have been taping for the drama series Oh, My Love, that she’s topbilling with Lovi Poe and Benjamin Alves. She also should have been working by now on The Clash Season 3.

“With the many roles that I’ve done, portraying a nun will complete the list kasi hindi pa ko nakakagawa ng full-length (role) na madre ako na pang-international ang datingan but not horror please, and to be with Ate Vi (Batangas Rep. Vilma SantosRecto) in a movie is another dream of mine.”

As for the younger stars, she looks forward to working with Alden Richards in a soap as well as Miguel Tanfelix and Sanya Lopez. “Marami pa rin akong hindi nakakasama sa mga artista sa GMA and I am lucky that most of them know how to respect senior stars. So far, naman kahit sa kabila lahat ng nakasama ko

Celebrity couple Max Collins and Pancho Magno lounge at the inflatable pool they bought for their baby’s delivery.

Photo from Instagram/@magnopancho

Max, Pancho welcome baby boy She said she wanted to give birth at home because she was scared of the novel coronavirus disease KAPUSO actress Max Collins 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The couple are yet to release gave birth to her baby boy with details and photos about the dehusband, actor Pancho Magno.

According to GMA News, Max livery.

Max and Pancho announced gave birth to her firstborn yesterthat they are expecting a baby last day.

In an interview with “24 Oras” Christmas and revealed the genlast May, Max said she already re- der last March.

The Kapuso couple tied the knot ceived a go-signal from her doctor to give birth at home, with assis- last 2017 during a Christian certance from Pancho, who is a reg- emony at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. istered nurse.

By Jan

MiLo Severo Philstar.com

‘Blue’s Clues and You!’ host...

PAGE B2 expect to have people fight for us for other important issues.”

As another season is set to hit the children’s network, Dela Cruz is still relishing in the messages and opportunities — like appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 2019 alongside a 22foot inflatable version of Blue — his newfound fame has brought forth.

Even as he’s made history for Asian and Filipino American representation in children’s entertainment, he hopes that other ethnicities and backgrounds still feel seen.

“I have friends that send me

texts of their kids saying, ‘He looks like me.’ It hits me like a ton of bricks every time because I never really experienced that as a kid,” he said. “I hope that even if you don’t see yourself reflected in this show, by looking at me, that kids grow up and kids know that just because you don’t see yourself there, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be that person to open the door for everyone else because that’s how I felt. I’m so happy that I get this responsibility…I hope that I can continue to be a good role model for kids, no matter what they look like or how they identify.”

Josh with his predecessors, Joe (Donovan Patton) and Steve (Steve Burns).

Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon

shows ultrasound of ‘miracle baby’

the baby’s heartbeat, size and weight, but there is still no way to determine the baby’s gender ACTRESS Assunta de Rossi has at this point. announced that she got through “I’m feeling a bit emotional the first and second trimester of because the last time I had a her pregnancy without any com- scan, the baby was as small as plications, despite the COVID-19 a jellybean, if not smaller,” de pandemic and the quarantine Rossi said. “It’s the fear of not measures in the country. knowing.”

De Rossi showed the ultraShe is currently five months sound of her baby via Instagram pregnant with her first child with last Monday, July 6. The actress her husband, politician Jules said they were able to check Ledesma.

by Cha Lino Inquirer.net

De Rossi explained that the baby was a “miracle” because she and Ledesma have been waiting to have a child for 18 years.

The actress first announced that she was pregnant last May. Back then, de Rossi narrated some of the difficulties she was experiencing in her pregnancy, including fatigue, nausea, food aversions, constipation and dizziness.

De Rossi and Ledesma got married in 2004.

Ai-Ai delas Alas is now a certified Kapuso after signing a five-year contract with GMA Artist Center recently.

GMA photo

magagalang.”

Respect for elders is what she also often reminds her children Sancho Vito, Sophia, Sean Nicolo and Seth Andrei to never forget. “Sancho is now also into acting and I would tell my children that if ever they want to be in showbiz, they should never act as if they are already popular just because I’m their mother. I remind them to treat everyone with respect and always answer with ‘po’ and ‘opo,’ especially to senior stars,” concluded the actress and TV host. (Bot Glorioso/ Philstar.com)

Assunta de Rossi

Photos from Instagram/@assuntaledesma

B july 9-15, 2020 • lAS VEGAS ASIAN jOuRNAl

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