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JULY 10-16, 2020 Volume 13 - No. 36 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

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

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

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.

“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, 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.’

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New Jersey makes face masks outdoors mandatory as state death toll reaches 15,281

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

NEW Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is requiring residents of the state to wear masks in public in order to control the continued resurgence of coronavirus infections in the state in the past few days.

“Requiring masks outdoors is a step I had hoped we would not have to take. By and large, New Jerseyans have been outstanding in their compliance,” Murphy said. “But, unfortunately, we’ve been seeing a backslide in compliance in New Jersey and across our nation.”

New Jersey reported 52 new deaths and

SoCal Fil-Am family speaks out after man tells them ‘Trump’s gonna f*** you’ in viral video Top Manila prosecutor shot dead, becomes 8,762 overseas Filipinos u PAGE 4

by CHRISTINA

TRAVEL ABROAD RESUMES. A family arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City to catch their flight on Wednesday, July 8. The airport resumed operations for international flights (except for Terminal 4) after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases lifted restrictions on non-essential outbound travel for Filipinos.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

50th in list of slain lawyers, judges

M. ORIEL

AJPress

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

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by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

by NIKKA

G. VALENZUELA Inquirer.net

MANILA — The inquest division chief of the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office was killed on his way to work in a hail of bullets that ripped through his car on Tuesday, July 7, police said.

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infected with COVID-19

Police investigators in white protective gear approach the car where Manila’s Chief Inquest Prosecutor Jovencio Senados was shot dead on his way to work in a daring daylight attack on Tuesday, July 7 by unknown assailants in a black SUV along Quirino Avenue.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

THE 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

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From the Front Page

‘Filipino Americans for Biden’ seek...

PAGE 1 and immigration.

The congressman, whose maternal grandfather had Filipino ancestry, also emphasized 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 tit as, lolas, manangs and mano ngs 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 corrupted 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 FilAms “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 OrtizJones says, get 20 more so that eventually we will reach 1 million Filipino Americans for Biden.”

The virtual launch for the Fil-Ams 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

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Duterte tells law-abiding citizens not...

PAGE 1 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 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

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the InterAgency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on Tuesday, July 7.

Malacañang photo by Arman Baylon

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

8,762 overseas Filipinos...

PAGE 1 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 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

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 joins any organization, association or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization. n 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

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New Jersey makes face masks outdoors...

PAGE 1 312 new infections with the rate of transmission going up again for the first time in 10 weeks. The rate of transmission refers to the number of cases expected from each new diagnosis. New rate is up to 1.05 which means that every newly infected resident is transmitting COVID-19 to at least one other person and the speed of infection is accelerating.

“We need to further bring our numbers down and I don’t blame folks for being frustrated but please bear with us,” Murphy said during his press briefing on Wednesday, July 8. “Our focus is gatherings with lack of social distancing, folks coming together and you cannot properly social distance. You have to mask up.”

Murphy said that this move to require the public to wear masks outdoors is critical to controlling the spread of the virus in the state. He admitted that it is going to

be hard to enforce the order and pleaded for the public’s support in order to build up on the progress that has been made since the start of the outbreak.

In the same briefing, Murphy said that wearing a face mask “is not about politics” since the virus “doesn’t care about what political party you belong to.”

“It frankly just wants to kill you and move on to the next victim,” he said.

Murphy also announced this week that the state has added three more states to the list states from which travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New Jersey. Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma have joined 16 other states in this list.

The virus has killed more t han 131,000 A mer icans and this week, the country reached yet another milestone as the number of confirmed cases reached the three million mark.

“In order to responsibly continue down our road back to restart and recovery, we must remain vigilant in our collective effort to beat the virus and reduce the rate of transmission,” the governor said in an earlier statement.

Back in April, New Jersey and New York were considered as the epicenter of coronavirus infection in the country. New Jersey is still second among all the states in total number of COVID-19 deaths. More than 1.5 million tests have been administered in the state since the outbreak began.

States that have reopened across the country have reported soaring infection rates and this triggered the decision last week to indefinitely postpone the reopening of indoor dining in restaurants.

New Jersey allowed outdoor dining on June 15 and since the lockdown in March, restaurants have only been permitted to provide takeout or delivery services. n

Top Manila prosecutor shot dead...

PAGE 1 Jovencio Senados, 62, who was being driven from his home in Calamba City, Laguna province, died outright from multiple bullet wounds inside his vehicle on Quirino Avenue around 11 a.m.

The inquest prosecutor was sitting beside his driver, Feljie Bagares, his nephew. Bagares was unharmed but complained that his ears hurt from the loud gunfire.

Senados was the 50th victim of deadly attacks on lawyers, prosecutors and judges under the Duterte administration, according to the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to “immediately step in and investigate this horrible murder.”

“We are shocked by the audacity of this attack. It highlights once again the grave peril that our prosecutors face each day in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento condemned the killing “to the highest level.”

“We will avail [ourselves] of all the resources of the Department of Justice to obtain justice,” he said.

NUPL president Edre Ola-

lia denounced the murder as “absolutely unacceptable in a supposed civilized and democratic society.”

“The claims to ‘peace and order’ and purported ‘rule of law’ once again fly in the prevailing culture of violence and climate of impunity engendered by official hate speech and penchant for vindictiveness,” he added.

A video of the incident captured by a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera showed that Senados’ car was forced to slow down after a red Innova that had cut into his lane decelerated near Quirino and Anakbayan even though there were no other vehicles at that intersection then.

As this happened, a black sport utility vehicle (SUV) coming from the right lane moved alongside Senados’ car.

No known threats The assailant, who was on the backseat behind the SUV driver, fired at Senados, shattering his car window, according to Police Capt. Henry Navarro, the chief of the homicide section of the Manila Police District (MPD).

Navarro said that the slain fiscal did not mention any death threats to his nephew.

The black Montero SUV with plate No. AVG 8133

and the red Innova then sped away.

Lt. Col. Carlo Manuel, the public information officer of the MPD, said investigators were checking other CCTV footage to track down the two vehicles.

Lt. Col. Ariel Caramoan, commander of MPD Station 5, said investigators found shells at the scene that suggested that a high-powered firearm was used in the attack.

Navarro noted that the assailants were “very swift in the execution” of the ambush and were possibly trained in using high-powered firearms.

While the motive for the killing has yet to be established, MPD chief Brig.

Gen. Rolando Miranda said investigators were taking into account Senados’ job.

“Whatever the motive and whoever the perpetrators should be credibly established. This is absolutely unacceptable in a supposed civilized and democratic society,” Olalia said.

In his role as chief inquest prosecutor, Senados advocated the release of those arrested for alleged quarantine violations.

Olalia said Senados also had approved the release for further investigation of the 20 protesters arrested during last month’s Pride march near Malacañang. n

ENROLMENT. Enrolment drop boxes for various grade levels are lined up at the information desk of Kamuning Elementary School in Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City on Monday, July 6. The Department of Education has extended the enrolment deadline in public schools for school year 2020-2021 to July 15.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

SoCal Fil-Am family speaks out after...

PAGE 1 f***ing Asians,” Raymond Orosa told the Asian Journal.

On July 4, Orosa, along with his sister-in-law and her 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 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****** 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

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‘Filipino Americans for Biden’ seek...

PAGE 2 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 [H-1B] 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 Fil-Ams on its advisory board, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. (AJPress) n

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OPINION

FEATURES

Wielding a weapon 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 Anti-Terrorism 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

5

the detention as well as broader wiretapping activities.

The new law allows the AntiMoney 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 rights. Because of the administration’s record in law enforcement, particularly in the so-called war on drugs, and the selective application of laws – as manifested in the mañanita for Metro Manila police chief Debold Sinas – the concerns are not baseless.

Editorial

Verses and values for life 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 to-

gether 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: try, try again; If at first you don’t succeed, PAGE 8

Philstar.com photo

Security officials asked for a weapon from Congress and Malacañang, and got it. They will first have to earn public trust. Like any weapon, security 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)

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

OVER 800 incidents of anti-Asian 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 Angelesbased 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 anti-Asian 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 nonAsian people berating and PAGE 10

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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RAPID TEST. A woman undergoes rapid test for coronavirus as part of stringent health protocols imposed on persons going home to their provinces, during a send-off program at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Sunday, July 5. Locally stranded individuals bound for Ilocos Norte and Sur, Quirino, Benguet and other provinces in Luzon and Zamboanga in Mindanao, availed of the Hatid Tulong initiative.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joins int’l criticism vs anti-terror law

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

CLIMATE activist Greta Thunberg on Monday, July 6, threw her support behind Filipino environmentalists calling for the rejection of the newlysigned anti-terrorism law.

The 17-year-old Swedish activist retweeted an original post by the FridaysForFuture Twitter account saying the law puts climate activists and environmental defenders at risk of being tagged as terrorists, and wrote, “Please support the climate activists in the Philippines! #JunkTerrorLaw.” Thunberg rose to prominence in 2018 when she founded her global climate movement “Fridays for Future” after spending her Fridays outside the parliament of Sweden, holding a sign reading “School strike for climate.”

She has since been recognized as a youth leader advocating for environmental policies all over the world.

Greta Thunberg Photo from Instagram/@gretathunberg

She was also named Time magazine’s person of the year in 2019.

Thunberg’s support was welcomed by local environment and climate groups.

“Thank you, Greta Thunberg,” said Leon Dulce, national coordinator of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment.

“We feel just a bit safer tonight here in the trenches with

SoCal Fil-Am family...

PAGE 4 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

this warm and courageous gesture of yours,” he added.

Yacap convener Mitzi Tan, meanwhile, said: “Climate justice will always be a call for social justice. We must hold the government accountable for their actions, especially actions that put people’s lives at risk.”

Yacap noted that the digital arm of Fridays for Future movement has created an online toolkit that explains the law in different languages and encourages people around the world to call their respective Philippine embassies to reject it.

Aside from Thunberg, youth climate groups from different countries like Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, Portugal, Taiwan, and France have spoken about the controversial law.

The Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, July 3. n

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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 10-16, 2020

Dateline PhiliPPines

PCG moves to keep HK ship crew from fleeing case on collision with PH fishing boat

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

MANILA—The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has filed a motion in court to keep the crew of Hong Kongflagged carrier MV Vienna Wood from leaving Philippine territory while they faced investigation for a collision with a Philippine fishing boat.

PCG Commandant Vice Admiral George Ursabia on Wednesday, July 8 told families of 14 Filipinos aboard the fishing boat, who are still missing after the collision, that the PCG had already filed the motion to prevent the ship crew from returning to China.

The Filipino fishermen went

missing after Vienna Wood collided with their boat off the coast of Mamburao town in Occidental Mindoro last June 27.

The full-scale search and retrieval operations ended on Tuesday (July 7).

Patrol search, however, continued along the coastlines.

“As of now, we haven’t found anybody, but we cannot declare them dead,” said Ursabia in Filipino. “There is still a possibility that they’re alive. We all believe in God. It is too early to say they’re dead.

That’s why for us they’re still missing,” said the PCG chief.

On Monday, July 6, the PCG filed reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homi-

cide and damage to property against the shipping company, master and officers.

“Do not worry, the PCG is here to push through with this case,” he told the families of the missing fishermen.

He said the PCG would provide updates on the patrol operations to the families and the case against the ship crew.

“No matter how long this takes, we will not abandon this,” he said.

Ursabia said he would also help the families should they want to file a civil case against the crew of Vienna Wood.

“You can use the criminal case we filed for your own case,” he told the families. n

Dela Rosa says US embassy offered to fix his cancelled visa

by Bella

Perez-ruBio Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Ronald dela Rosa on Wednesday, July 8 said that the U.S. embassy advised him to reapply for a visa following President Rodrigo Duterte’s call with his American counterpart Donald Trump in April.

“Well, I didn’t want to say it, but to be honest, to be frank with you, the U.S. called me after President [Rodrigo] Duterte and President [Donald] Trump spoke.

The U.S. embassy called me to take care of my visa,” Dela Rosa told ABS-CBN’s Headstart in Filipino.

The senator said he would go to the embassy to take care of his visa once quarantine restrictions in the country ease further.

“Well, to be frank, my take on that is after they spoke... they had an understanding... maybe the American president gave an instruction to have my visa fixed which is why the U.S. embassy to called to say they would take care of it. Maybe that’s how it happened, I wasn’t there when they spoke,” he added in Filipino.

VFA uncertainty This development comes

MONDAY COMMUTE. A bus conductor checks the temperature of passengers before boarding along the Marikina-Infanta Highway (Marilaque Highway) Cogeo Gate 2 in Antipolo City on Monday, July 6. The government has been reminding transport operators and commuters to observe health protocols under the general community quarantine.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Most Filipinos believe worst is yet to come by catherine

s. Valente ManilaTimes.net

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa

amid uncertainty over the future of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which the Philippines has terminated.

Duterte drew criticism for announcing his plan to dissolve the VFA last January after Dela Rosa — his political ally and former police chief — had his visa cancelled.

The VFA allows Filipino and American forces to hold joint trainings on Philippine soil. It was signed by the Philippines and the U.S. in 1998 and ratified by the Philippine Senate in 1999.

Following widespread criticism, administration officials claimed that the move was actually in response to the U.S. Senate resolution condemning the human

Philstar.com photo by Dino Maragay

rights violations in the Philippines and the call made by some American senators for detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima to be freed.

The decision to scrap the VFA was made formal in February, kicking off a 180day countdown for it to expire.

However, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced in June that the president ordered the suspension of the agreement’s termination. The suspension is for six months but can be extended for another six.

When pressed about what critics might say in response to this development, Dela Rosa remained unbothered.

“Their minds are closed, PAGE 8

NEARLY 5 in 10 Filipinos believe the worst is yet to come as the country continues its battle against the coronavirus pandemic, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed on Tuesday, July 7.

The mobile phone survey, conducted from May 4 to 10 among 4,010 working-age Filipinos, showed that 47 percent of the respondents said “the worst is yet to come” while 44 percent believed that “the worst is behind” them.

The remaining 8 percent of those polled did not know or refused to answer.

Those who said “the worst is yet to come” was highest among the group whose quality of life worsened in the past year (49 percent) and those who expected their quality of life to worsen in the next 12 months (56 percent).

More than half of them

(54 percent) came from the Visayas, followed by Metro Manila (50 percent), Mindanao (48 percent) and the rest of Luzon (43 percent).

On the other hand, those who believed “the worst is over” was highest in Balance Luzon (49 percent), followed by Metro Manila (43 percent), Mindanao (42 percent) and the Visayas (38 percent).

Since the May 2020 survey, SWS said tighter community quarantine has been reinstated in Cebu City and Leyte.

As of July 1, only Cebu City remained under enhanced community quarantine.

Metro Manila and selected areas in the Visayas (Leyte, Ormoc, Southern Leyte, and the cities of Mandaue, LapuLapu, Talisay, Minglanilla and Consolacion in Cebu) and Luzon (Benguet, Cavite and Rizal) remained under general community quarantine, while the rest of the country was placed under modified general community quarantine.

The proportion of those who said “the worst is yet to come” was highest among college graduates (53 percent), followed by junior high school graduates (49 percent), elementary graduates (40 percent) and nonelementary graduates (37 percent).

Conversely, those who said “the worst is behind us” was highest among non-elementary graduates (53 percent), followed by elementary graduates (51 percent), junior high school graduates (43 percent) and college graduates (38 percent).

SWS said opinion about the coronavirus crisis did not vary by quarantine status.

The May poll, conducted using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interview, had sampling error margins of ±2 percent for national percentages, ±6 percent for Metro Manila, ±2 for Balance Luzon, ±3 percent for the Visayas, and ±3 percent for Mindanao. n

july 10-16, 2020 • NEW yORK AND NEW jERSEy ASIAN jOuRNAl

Real-life ‘The Terminal’: Foreigner trapped in NAIA for 110 days finally flies home

by Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

M A N I LA — E u ro p e a n tourist Roman Trofimov — who was forced to make a home out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for over three months — is finally flying back to his home country Estonia.

“With the help of God and thanks to all people who supported me in this difficult time, I am going home now!!! My flight will land in Tallinn on July 8th at 13:20 (1:20 p.m.)! Thanks for sharing my story with the world.

Good advice you give me and kind words of support.

We made it people!” Roman capped his 110-day stay at the Manila airport beginning March 20.

In a dramatic unfolding of events compared to the plot of the Tom Hanks movie “The Terminal,” where a European tourist took up temporary residence in an American airport after circumstantially being strand-

Estonian tourist Roman Trofimov was stranded in the Philippines for over three months.

Photo from Facebook/Roman Trofimov

ed, Roman found himself in the crossfire of travel restrictions due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Through a viral post last Friday, he appealed for help from local and international media who have since picked up his story in order to aid his repatriation.

“I am European from Estonia held in Manila International Airport for more than 100 days need any help getting out of here. I arrived in Manila on March 20th and been denied entry,

the airline who flew me in, AirAsia took my passport and stopped operations that same day I am not allowed to fly out...I am a person with disability, my health is getting worse because of malnutrition, lack of sun and fresh air.”

Prior to returning home, Roman had been staying at the departures area and even slept on the floor of the Philippines’ busiest airport.

He had been living off donations of food and hygiene products from airport staff. n

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Verses and values for life...

PAGE 5 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 circumstance 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 PAGE 10

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 10-16, 2020

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july 10-16, 2020 • NEW yORK AND NEW jERSEy ASIAN jOuRNAl

PH government allows nonessential travel abroad

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

THE government has lifted the restrictions on nonessential travel abroad, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said on Tuesday, July 7.

Roque said the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) allowed Filipinos to resume nonessential travels abroad but imposed certain conditions to ensure their safety and health.

“Kaugnay nito lahat ng travel restrictions na may kinalaman sa outbound travel ng Pilipino ay inalis na rin (All travel restrictions related

to outbound travel had been lifted),” he said.

“Huwag po muna tumalon sa tuwa. Bawal pa rin ang turismo pero ang mangyayari ay ‘pag bibiyahe, mayroon tayong mga requirements na dapat ipakita sa ating Bureau of Immigration (But do not jump for joy. Tourism is still not allowed. But when traveling, we must present certain requirements to our Bureau of Immigration),” he added.

Filipinos who travel abroad have to comply with requirements such as the submission of confirmed round-trip tickets for those traveling on tourist visas as well as travel health insurance to cover re-

booking and accommodation expenses.

Upon their return home, they should follow the guidelines set by the National Task Force Covid-19 such as undergoing polymerase chain reaction testing and quarantine.

The IATF-EID has also reconstituted the sub-technical working group (TWG) on the entry of foreign nationals into a sub-TWG on travel, Roque said.

Before the lifting of travel restrictions, only overseas Filipino workers or permanent residents or holders of a student visa in their country of destination were allowed to fly out of the country. n

This file photo shows passengers of NAIA Terminal 3 wearing face masks before they board an airplane.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Anti-Asian hate incidents total more than...

PAGE 8 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 antiAsian sentiments.

Coupled with raciallyinsensitive 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 17year-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 moth-

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Verses and values for life...

PAGE 8 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 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.

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)

er’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 discov-

ered that the COVID-19 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.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 10-16, 2020

COMMUNITY Journal

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ OVER the 4th of July holiday, Pres. Trump praised the Declaration of Independence as a “beacon of liberty, prosperity, and opportunity for all: “The principles grounded in the Declaration of Independence continue to guide our Nation forward and maintain its standing as a beacon of liberty, prosperity, and opportunity for all.”

However, Pres. Trump’s recent immigration ban is a direct attack on the very ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers listed the various “grievances” they had against Britain’s King George which justified their seeking independence.

Among the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence is King George’s “immigration ban” to the U.S.: “He [King George] has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose, obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.” (emphasis added.)

Although there was migra-

Is Pres. Trump opposed to the Declaration of Independence?

tion to the colonies in the 18th century, the overall population remained relatively small. The colonists wanted more immigration to the colonies, but King George was opposed to this, and he delayed and prevented new immigration from England and Europe to the colonies.

In other words, he imposed an immigration ban, which infuriated the colonies, and was one of the reasons for seeking independence from Great Britain.

Pres. Trump justifies his immigration ban in order to prevent people from coming to the U.S. and taking jobs away from unemployed U.S. workers. Instead of an immigration ban, Pres. Trump should be upholding the ideals he praises in the Declaration of Independence. As stated on the White House’s own website, “Together, we must ensure that we live up to the ideals of our Declaration of Independence and do all that we can to protect and preserve the freedom that make our country the greatest in the world.” It is clear an immigration ban is contrary to the “ideals of our Declaration of Independence,” and, in fact, was a grievance against King George in declaring our independence.

If you or a family member may be affected by this immigration ban, you may want to consult with an attorney, especially before planning any travel outside the U.S. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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 COVID-19.

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 PAGE 12

11

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

Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado

Atty. MichAel J. Gurfinkel will be AnswerinG your iMMiGrAtion questions on ‘citizen Pinoy’: your tAnonG, My sAGot – sociAl Distancing style! if you are unable to make the trip for your consultation because of travel restrictions in the time of the coViD-19 pandemic, have no fear. your immigration questions could still be answered even from a distance. leading u.s. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, and the producers of “citizen Pinoy” will be presenting a special q&A episode of “citizen Pinoy” where questions from the public may be answered. be sure to send your immigration related inquiries by private message to the facebook page of Gurfinkel law office at http://www. facebook.com/Gurfinkellaw. Deadline to send in your questions is on friday, July 24.

(Advertising supplement)

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july 10-16, 2020 • NEW yORK AND NEW jERSEy 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?

On stomach cancer 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 stomach 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 ap-

petite 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 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 gastric cancer is discovered sooner because of intensive screening. Resection of a part of the stomach (partial PAGE 13

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Your immigration questions answered by leading U.S. immigration attorney on special ‘social distancing’ episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy!’

EVEN in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, life goes on, and there are many people who have concerns about the latest immigration policies and how they affect their case.

Leading U.S. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, will be hosting a special edition of Citizen Pinoy where he will answer questions from the public.

Readers are encouraged to send all inquiries or questions

via a private message on theFacebook page of the Gurfinkel Law Office at http://www. facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. Deadline to submit questions via Facebook message is on Friday, July 24, 2020.

Tune in to TFC on cable and satellite, on the TFC U.S. Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/TFCUSOfficial/) and on the Gurfinkel Law Office Facebook page (http://www.facebook. com/GurfinkelLaw) for the

announcement of when the special episode of Citizen Pinoy “Your Tanong, My Sagot – Social Distancing Style” will be shown.

NOTE: Many questions may be submitted for this episode, and not all can be answered in the limited time of the broadcast. Please understand the submission of questions does not guarantee your question will be selected and answered.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

By Ricky Lo Philstar.com

I’D like to open this oneon-one 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 ABS-CBN 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

Jake Zyrus

Photo from Instagram/ @jakezyrusmusic

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 US 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 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 exPAGE 13

Iza bonds with front-liners who...

PAGE 12 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 for pneumonia last March and later confirmed that she was positive for the virus but was able to win her

battle against COVID-19.

After surviving the disease, Iza has been vocal on spreading awareness about the virus. She also donated blood plasma to Philippine General Hospital for patients with severe cases.

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Maritoni marries Mon in civil ceremony By katRina

HaLLaRe Inquirer.net

“NOTHING fancy, just love.”

Such was the caption of Maritoni Fernandez’s Instagram post on Tuesday, July 7, as the 51-year-old actress announced her marriage to Mon Dayrit.

The couple was wed in a civil ceremony at the Parañaque City Hall.

“My forever,” the blushing bride captioned another Instagram photo post.

Friends like Heart Evangelista, Lorna Tolentino, and Geneva Cruz congratulated

Philstar.com

Maritoni Fernandez with Mon Dayrit

the actress on this special day.

Fernandez, who was last seen in the GMA teleserye “Victor Magtanggol,” has

Photo from Instagram/@maritoni.fernandez

two children. This is the second marriage for the actress.

Meanwhile, Dayrit has two sons from a previous marriage.

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 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?)

On stomach cancer...

PAGE 12 or subtotal gastrectomy), if possible, together with lymph nodes, saving as much stomach as possible, is the choice if the pathology allows. If needed, total gastrectomy could also be done. Added surgical procedures may be needed for reconstruction of the GI tract and for feeding. Palliative resection (not for cure but to prevent future bleeding or blockage) may be done. For cancer of the gastro-esophageal junction (area connecting food pipe to stomach) that tests positive for “PD-L1,” Keytruda, FDA-approved medication may be used.

How about chemotherapy?

Alice invites you to travel with her

By Ricky Lo

Jake: Don’t get tired of...

PAGE 12 perimenting 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

13

Chemotherapy may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant Rx) to shrink the tumor mass and make surgery easier, prevent recurrence and prolong survival.

Chemo may also be given after surgery (adjuvant Rx) to kill cancer cells left behind undetected. Chemo is often given with radiation therapy (Chemoradiation Rx), especially beneficial for cancer that could not be completely resected.

Chemotherapy alone as a primary treatment is used for gastric cancer that has distant spread (Stage IV), for symptom relief and to lengthen survival a little.

There are various chemotherapeutic agents available today, and many

under investigation. Hopefully, someday soon, the “perfect” regimen will come along. Better yet, a vaccine to prevent gastric cancer. In the meantime, let us stay away from unhealthy habits and prevent diseases from coming our way, especially deadly cancers. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com.

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 medi-

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 what the future will bring.’

Photo courtesy of Alice Dixson

tation, 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 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 soul-searching 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 BioboPAGE 15

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people events arts culture entertainment

‘Blue’s Clues and You!’ host Josh Dela Cruz on figuring out clues and sharing Filipino culture with a new generation

W

by

MoMaR G. ViSaya / AJPress

HEN stage actor Josh Dela Cruz was announced as the new host for the “Blue’s Clues” reboot, a wave of nostalgia kicked in for kids who grew up watching Nickelodeon in the ‘90s.

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

Dela Cruz, who grew up watching “Blueʼs Clues,” is now the host of the iconic show, which has undergone some technological advances. The Handy Dandy Notebook also doubles as a smartphone-like device that can take photos and make video calls.

A still from a special brand-new episode, “Blueʼs Sing-Along Spectacular,” premiering Tuesday, July 14.

Photos courtesy of Nickelodeon

Not only were they reminded of the blue puppy, the talking 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 sis- pluck Dela Cruz out of over being chosen in his current ter and singing along to the 3,000 candidates. role.

Dela Cruz, who has a demusical numbers, which in In preparing for hostpart, spurred his budding gree in musical theatre from ing “Blue’s Clues & You!,” interest in choir and then Montclair State University, which involved playing out moved to New York and ap- possible scenarios and reacting.

The show, which de- peared in the off-Broadway PAGE 15 buted in 1996 and ran for musical, “Here Lies Love,” six seasons, started with based on the life of former Steve Burns as the host, Philippine first lady Imelda clad in a striped green long Marcos. He then became sleeve and khaki pants. In part of the ensemble for the half-hour episodes, he the original Broadway cast guided the preschool-aged of Disney’s “Aladdin.” In viewers in solving the mini- 2017, he stepped into the mystery, and along the way, lead character for a limi t e d engagement before would check-in on the various characters brought of life inside the small yellow house with a red roof. It was the first children’s cable show of its kind built on interactivity.

Burns departed the series in 2002 as his character was going off to “college,” and was replaced with his “younger brother,” Joe (played by Donovan Patton) for the remaining two years.

Over two decades later as a reboot was imagi n e d , Burns returned as a consultant and h e l p e d Josh Dela Cruz stars as “Josh” in the Nickelodeon reboot, “Blueʼs Clues and You!” featuring Blue and her band of friends.

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‘Blue’s Clues and You!’ host Josh dela Cruz... Alice invites you to travel with her...

PAGE 14 visiting old scripts, Burns pulled Dela Cruz aside and told him to explore what he brought to the table and to let go of the pressure of having to live up to his or Patton’s work.

“That gave me the permission to not be so worried about how people are going to receive me as the new host because I’m never going to be Steve Burns.

I’m never going to be Donovan Patton,” Dela Cruz said.

“They have a magic that is so unique to them and to try to copy that would be a waste because I’m never going to achieve that.”

The premiere episode was aired in November 2019 as an introduction to Josh, a younger “cousin” to Steve and Joe who’s now Blue’s human companion.

Instead of being outfitted in Steve’s green striped shirt or Joe’s colorful long sleeve with squares, Dela Cruz wears a blue striped shirt with jeans and sneakers. He’s able to put his musical background to use and has been given a guitar to play for the closing song once the mystery has been solved.

Filming the first season, which took place in Toronto, was a leap for the stage actor, who thrived on the live energy and audience reactions inside a theatre.

“I would say the biggest thing that I use from my Broadway career is the timing. It was very jarring to be on set for the very first time and to roll in the first tape.

There are a lot of jokes that are written into the show and at that point, I had always been used to having the audience to react,” he said. “Because they have to record sound, everyone has to be quiet, regardless if the joke is funny or not. So I remember going through it and I was like, ‘I know this is a joke’ and nothing, crickets.”

Though viewers see the result with Blue and the universe’s inhabitants, from Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper to the Shovel and Pail, Dela Cruz plays on silence and imagination to fill in these roles on set.

“It also does have its quirks that take getting used to, but again, we have such an amazing team.

Even though I’m asking the pieces of tape on the floor or a tennis ball, I know exactly who I’m talking to and

where I am in the world,” he said.

As in the original series, the essence of “Blue’s Clues & You!” is speaking directly to the viewers, encouraging them to piece together the meaning behind the three things Blue leaves her paw prints on, and pausing to allow them to respond and point out what the host is looking for.

“While our show is a remake of the original, the components of…children’s education [and] early developmental education, haven’t changed. Our incredible team does research with our script and with actual kids to see how they learn best and how they react and can retain [information],” Dela Cruz said.

The Handy Dandy Notebook remains a key prop in the series kept in Dela Cruz’s back pocket to document the three clues. The drawings then come to life above his head as he sits in the red Thinking Chair to solve Blue’s game.

However, as dozens of internet users have found out and have passionately reacted to, the show has undergone more upgrades to keep up with current technology and communication. Most children these days have been exposed to smartphones or tablets, but there’s also a balance to still keep the analog of the past.

“Because we’re coming back in 2020, we have the responsibility of either ignoring the advancements in technology or embracing them and turning them into positive outlets,” he said.

The “Mail Time” bit of each episode features the catchy jingle from the original — which Dela Cruz said he rehearsed ahead of his audition — as the smiley purple mailbox extends into the living room to notify that there’s a new message.

But again, conforming to modernity, it’s an email accessed from the backside of the Handy Dandy Notebook that doubles as a smartphone-like device.

Dela Cruz belts, “We just got an email! I wonder who it’s from,” as the letter reveals a video from children who share a talent or word of encouragement.

The technology also allows the host to take photos and video calls. The second episode, for instance, re-

volves around the question of what Blue wants to do when her canine pal, Magenta, comes over. (Spoiler alert: It’s for Josh to take a photo of the puppy duo with his phone.)

In the midst of the first season, “Blue’s Clues & You!” was renewed for another 20 episodes and has been nominated for two Daytime Emmys in the Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series and Outstanding Interactive Media For A Daytime Program categories.

The upcoming season will feature appearances from the beloved past hosts, Steve and Joe. Viewers will also be introduced to Filipino culture and another family member, a lola (a grandmother played by veteran Filipina-Canadian actress and singer Carolyn Fe).

“I can’t wait for families to get to know her and to learn a little bit about Filipino culture in the episode and see the similarities, not just between Asians, but also within their culture about…how they interact with their grandmother and how they feel about their grandmother. I love her to death,” Dela Cruz gushed.

Despite TV productions being stalled across the country, most of the filming for season two wrapped in February, just before the pandemic hit. Post-production ADR, however, is being done from home as Dela Cruz’s studio apartment in New York is now overrun with soundproofing materials, panels and monitors.

With the hyperconnected world, viewers’ interactions with Dela Cruz aren’t limited to the episodes. For example, on Nick Jr.’s social channels, his videography skills come into play as he shares videos teaching an American Sign Language word of the week, bedtime stories, or activities families can do, especially since parents have had to double as teachers and keep kids occupied at home.

“We were able to work together to create virtual playdates where we have created extra content that is specific to the time of coronavirus, so dealing with extra activities that families can do together or just things that kids can do on their own to give parents just a little bit of a break and extra break outside of our show. That has been a

PAGE 13 tanicals, 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.

lot of fun and really rewarding on my end,” he said.

A special brand-new episode, entitled “Blue’s SingAlong Spectacular,” will air on Tuesday, July 14, during which Blue leaves clues to figure out what song she wants to sing in her music festival. The episode is slated to have performances from Dela Cruz, Joe, pop singer Ally Brooke, the Sun (voiced by gospel singer Yolanda Adams), and Blue’s many friends.

Later this month, a toy line inspired by the show will hit stores, including figurines of Dela Cruz, to reinforce problem solving and creative play.

Dela Cruz, as he’s presented online, is beyond Josh on “Blue’s Clues & You!” His Instagram account shows a glimpse into his personal life, whether photos with his wife Amanda and their real dog Ollie or showing his workout routines and vegan diet (Filipino food is easy to modify to his lifestyle, he said). Before the first episode even aired, Twitter users dug up some of his older photos, including a shirtless shot, and expressed their admiration for him.

The reactions to the “thirst trap” photos, as they’re called, brought laughs to Dela Cruz and his family as he trended on the social media platform.

“This show has been a blessing in many ways.

There is that stigma in society that Asian men aren’t sexy or masculine,” he

said. “I’m so over the moon watching television shows or movies and there are more and more Asian men as leading men who aren’t just the sidekick, the nerdy guy or all the nice stereotypes.”

Instagram is also a platform where he chimes in on social justice and political issues, as his latest posts have been in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, speaking up about the rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, and raising awareness about the Anti-Terrorism Act in the Philippines.

“The fact that I have free rein over social media and that [Nickelodeon is] really standing, I believe, on the right side of this is really hopeful for me because these kids grow up, but it doesn’t change the fact that they were kids once and that everyone deserves the right to life and that everyone deserves to be treated equally and fairly,” Dela Cruz said.

At the beginning of June, Nickelodeon went off the air for exactly 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the same amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck as he muttered that he couldn’t breathe.

The network also released a “Declaration of Kids’ Rights” (e.g. “You have the right to be seen, heard, and respected as a citizen of the world”) and aired a special with singer Alicia Keys about how to discuss race

with young children.

“I’m so thankful to be part of this company and that we’re in that fight with the rest of the country because it is important and we can’t ignore it,” Dela Cruz said. “If we don’t fight for it now, we can’t 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 22-foot 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.”

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