071020 - Northern California Edition

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway...and Online!

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 19 - No. 27 • 14 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

J U LY 1 0 - 1 6 , 2 0 2 0

1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136, Burlingame, CA 94010 • Tel: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 • www.asianjournal.com

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

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

Newsom strengthens COVID-19 response as California experiences worst week yet Napa, San Benito and Yolo counties now added to COVID-19 county watch list

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AS cases and hospitalization numbers increase, California officials are once again doubling down on its statewide response to mitigate the continued spread of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 outbreak, this week, continues to worsen in the Golden State as 11,694 new cases were recorded on Tuesday, July 7, the largest single-day increase since the beginning of the pandemic.

Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized that the sig-

8,762 overseas Filipinos infected with COVID-19

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

u PAGE A3

VP Mike Pence honors Filipino who became US citizen during naturalization ceremony ahead of July 4 A FILIPINO father with sons in the U.S. Army was among the individuals who became a new citizen during a naturalization ceremony on Thursday, July 2 attended by Vice President Mike Pence.

Two days before the country celebrated the Fourth of July holiday, 16 immigrants from 12 countries, including the Philippines, were present at the ceremony held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s South Court Auditorium.

“I want to commend you for having the u PAGE A4

nificant boost in positive cases is partly due to the backlog of confirmed cases from Los Angeles County; without the LA numbers, the state’s overall positive tally would be below 10,000.

The situation has escalated significantly over u PAGE A2

SAFETY FIRST. A security guard checks the body temperature of passengers before entering the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City as it resumed operations for international flights on Wednesday, July 8. The government has lifted all travel restrictions relative to the outbound travel of Filipinos.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall by region, Europe – which comprises 16 u PAGE A2

SoCal Fil-Am family speaks out after man tells Duterte tells law-abiding citizens them ‘Trump’s gonna f*** you’ in viral video not to be afraid of anti-terror law

by CHRISTINA

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 antiAsian hate caught on video.

“We were having fun, playing games and when we were having dessert, suddenly, we hear

somebody behind us yelling, ‘You f***ing Asians,” Raymond Orosa told the Asian Journal.

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

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

Jordan Chan pulled out her 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. u PAGE A2

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

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

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

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

reported assaults and 64 were potential civil rights violations.

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

Hate incidents in California, specifically, have attracted na-

tional attention after viral videos of non-Asian people berating and harassing Asians, using xenophobic and graphic language.

It’s also been widely accepted that the use of misnomers like “China virus” or “kung flu” — which have been used by prominent lawmakers and leaders like President Donald Trump — further fuel anti-Asian sentiments.

Coupled with racially-insensitive rhetoric, the president’s u PAGE A2

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 President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency tuloy ang bayan (If you will not Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Presidential destroy the government, blow Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on Tuesday, July 7.

Malacañang photo by Arman Baylon 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.’ 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 u PAGE A4

A

July 10-16, 2020 • NORCAl ASIAN JOuRNAl

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

From the Front Page

Newsom strengthens COVID-19...

PAGE A1 t the past three weeks, Newsom said that Sacramento is working with hospitals to ensure resources don’t run out for those being treated for COVID-19.

Over the past two weeks, hospitalizations have increased by 44%, according to data provided by the governor’s office.

At a press conference on Wednesday, July 8, Newsom committed to “building up inventory” for hospitals including providing enough personal protective equipment for health care providers, increasing testing accessibility and crosstraining nurses and doctors to be able to accommodate patients efficiently.

As of Wednesday, California has 284,138 coronavirus cases, prompting California officials to tighten up safer-at-home measures and slow down the reopening process despite the public’s frustrations.

The increase in numbers has been directly associated with the growing amount of Californians ignoring safer-athome orders and participating in festivities with large gatherings, going back to work and the general dissatisfaction with staying home.

Indoor bar and restaurant service will not reopen next

week as planned due to the increased risk in and around the Bay Area.

“We know the pause on reopening is disappointing, but we cannot risk letting the virus get out of control,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed said on Wednesday. “We all need to do our part by wearing face coverings, keeping your distance from others, and getting tested so we can get to a place where we can safely resume.”

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the numbers coming out of counties also show that positivity rates are increasing among people aged 40 or younger; and, on Wednesday, Newsom said that hospitalizations are also increasing among that age group, adding that “you’re seeing this across the United States, young people who believe the virus doesn’t impact them like it does other age groups when we know this is simply not the case.”

As a way to help combat the spread of the infection, Newsom also announced that three more counties --- Napa, San Benito and Yolo --- have been added to the California county watch list, which now has 26 counties. This means that these counties must shut down bars and indoor seating at restau-

rants and venues for three weeks.

Napa County, in particular, earned a spot on the watch list for its case rate that surpassed 100 positive cases per 100,000 residents in two weeks. This prompted the immediate closure of bars, breweries, indoor restaurant service, movie theaters, zoos, museums and cardrooms, all of which were reopened within the last few weeks.

Among the counties that are at risk of increased transmission include Marin County which, on Monday, shut down indoor restaurants after reopening just a week ago. At San Quentin State Prison, also in Marin County, 1,400 of its 3,500 inmates incarcerated at a facility near San Francisco have tested positive.

Despite heavy criticism from Californians who either think the reopening effort is happening too hastily or think it isn’t opening quickly enough, Newsom praised the state’s efforts in mitigating the virus’ impact while also averting a substantial economic downturn.

During the four months that California has had a stay-athome order, more than 60% of the economy was “fully operational in a modified sense,” Newsom said while also praising the essential workforce who “overrepresented the black and brown community” and continue to “put their life on the line.”

“This moment will pass, we will move past this and we will become more resilient as a state,” he reminded, stressing that the end of stay-at-home orders will start to materialize if the public does its part and complies with physical distancing and quarantine protocols.

Newsom stressed that the issue isn’t whether or not the state will ever reopen, but instead “the question is when, and that is based on the determination of how we conduct ourselves... over the course of the next few weeks to mitigate transmission of this disease. The last four months have been meaningful and intentional...but again we need your compliance and we need your support.” n

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

8,762 overseas Filipinos infected with...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE A1 t Later in the video, Lofthouse gets ready to leave and tells them, “You f****** need to leave.

You f***ing Asian piece of s***.”

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

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

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

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

the safety of my family,” Orosa said.

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

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

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

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

Orosa, who has been in the U.S. for nearly three decades, said though the incident personally affected his family, it shows a bigger picture of what the Asian American community is

facing today.

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

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

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

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

Anti-Asian hate incidents total more than...

PAGE A1 t immigration policies, like his recent suspension of foreign worker visas, keep alive the xenophobia that Asians in America face, according to Cynthia Choi, co-executive director for Chinese for Affirmative Action.

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

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

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

Ferrer shared that she and her daughter were shocked, but she felt “discouraged” to keep walking so they decided to walk back to Ferrer’s mother’s house.

But when they made it back, they saw that car — presumably parked in front of their own house nearby, according to Ferrer — and saw two males, one female, two young kids and a baby get out of the car.

The Filipina then felt motivated to “say something” to the

family so she approached the family and said to them, “You know, I’m a nurse and my dad was in the military, he fought for this country. You really shouldn’t be teaching your kids racism.”

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

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

California is home to 4.2 million people of Asian descent, making it the state with the largest Asian population. Filipinos have been among the most targeted groups according to videos, like the Filipina woman who was harassed in a park in Torrance while exercising and the slew of anti-Filipino harassment that has occurred in the Bay Area since the outset of the pandemic.

According to victims, these attacks stemmed from anti-Asian sentiments that arose after it was discovered that the COVID19 virus originated from the city of Wuhan in the Hubei region of China. This has led to the fallacious association between the virus — which medical and pub-

lic health experts stress is not racially-motivated — and the global Asian community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dateline USa

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 10-16, 2020

A

Treasurer Ma, Thirty Percent Coalition renew effort to advance women to corporate boards Coalition and Treasurer aim to help California firms meet state’s 2018 gender diversity goals

Filipino American Mike Magpayo was promoted from associate coach to head men’s basketball coach at UC Riverside.

Fil-Am named UC Riverside men’s basketball coach, becoming first Asian to lead a team in NCAA Division 1 history

by AJPress

A Filipino American was recently selected as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of California, Riverside, making history as the first person of Asian descent to lead an nCAA Division 1 team.

Mike Magpayo, previously the associate coach for the team, will ascend to the top role after head coach David parick accepted another position at the University of Arkansas.

“The Riverside community and the Highlander program are so important to me and i am thrilled that Mike Magpayo will have an opportunity to lead the way forward,” patrick said in a July 1 release from the university. “i have no doubt about the way Mike and the staff will represent this program.”

Magpayo, whose parents are originally from the philippines, was the defensive coordinator and architect of the UC Riverside defense that finished in top-10 nationally and tied the program’s Division i record for wins, with 17 in the 201920 season. He was also named one of Silver Waves Media’s

“Top 50 Most impactful low Major Coaches.” last month, Magpayo was promoted to associate head coach before his latest role. “i am honored, humbled, and absolutely thrilled for the opportunity to lead our University of California Riverside Men’s Basketball program into the future,” the Fil-Am coach said in a statement. “i want to thank AD Tamica Smith Jones and Chancellor Kim Wilcox for this incredible opportunity. Most of all, i am eternally grateful to Coach David patrick, a true leader, a role model like no other, and a friend.”

Magpayo, a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, is also the founder and president of the Asian Coaches Association, a unified organization of networking, support, and development for Asian coaches worldwide. prior to his time at UC Riverside, Magpayo spent a season at the University of San Francisco, going 22-7, picking up wins over ranked teams like nevada and St. Mary’s, and advancing to the finals of the CBi Championship.

He also spent time at Campbell University. in his last sea-

‘Filipino Americans for Biden’ seek to get 1 million Fil-Ams to vote...

PAGE A1 t why the former vice president is ready to take on president Donald Trump in the upcoming election. “it’s essential that we elect Joe Biden as our next president,” Scott said, citing Biden’s past work in health care, education and immigration.

The congressman, whose maternal grandfather had Filipino ancestry, also 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 titas, lolas , manangs and manongs out to vote, then we will regret having had the chance to put our country back on the right track, understanding the importance of not only this country’s example, but also what it’s meant to each of us individually as Fil-Ams,” ortiz-Jones said.

She raised concerns about the current White House leadership during the pandemic and drew parallels with what is happening back in the philippines. ortiz-Jones continued, “Given the number of blessings that this country has given us, we’ve certainly worked hard. But as we all see, frankly we’re watching what’s happening in the philippines and Maria Ressa is unfortunately seeing firsthand what can happen in a country that doesn’t prize the importance of an independent free press. And unfortunately, seeing a 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 Fil-Ams “have to be part of that solution” by getting at least 20 individuals in their network to register to vote and cast their ballots for Biden.

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

“This is just the beginning

of the Filipino Americans who are now finding their voice and standing up for justice and equality,” nicolas lewis said.

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

The virtual launch for the 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 Trump and his supporters.

“Asian Americans are being targeted with violence and are being subjected to xenophobic rhetoric from the mouth of the president himself,” Biden said.

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

He further gave viewers a peek into his platform as it relates to immigration, especially as Trump last month temporarily suspended the issuance of new work visas through 2020, preventing hundreds of thousands of foreigners seeking employment through the H-1B visa. “people coming on these [H1B] visas have built this country,” the former vice president said, adding that in his first 100 days, he would send an immigration reform bill to congress to provide a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

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

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

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

son with the Camels, he was able to help put together one of the best seasons in school history, as the team was able to advance to the conference championship game as well as the CiT quarterfinals in the program’s first postseason appearance in nearly 25 years. He got his start in the ivy league at Columbia serving in multiple capacities during the most successful run in program history from 2010-14.

The existing staff is expected to remain in the inland Empire and build on the foundation established under patrick’s leadership, the university said. n

SACRAMEnTo – California State Treasurer Fiona Ma has teamed up with the Thirty percent Coalition in a new effort to accelerate the number of women named to public company boards in California. While the state was the first to mandate gender diversity in boardrooms, progress has been slow.

A law signed by Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr. on September 20, 2018 required public companies with principal executive offices in California to meet certain requirements by the end of 2019.

The law mandated two female directors if a company has five directors on its board and three if it planned to have seven directors by the close of 2021. one analysis of California publicly Traded Corporate Disclosure Statements filed in 2019 suggests that fewer than half of companies affected may be meeting these requirements.[1] “i have always been a strong champion of advancing women in the workplace and ensuring that we hold a representative share of leadership positions in business,” Treasurer Ma said.

“California’s gender diversity law is helping to achieve this goal, but it appears help is still needed in bringing women and corporations together. That’s where our new effort with the Coalition is focused.”

“We are honored to welcome

the California Treasurer’s office as a member of the Thirty percent Coalition. There are exciting new initiatives on the horizon that we believe can help accelerate gender diversification on corporate boards and keep us all on track,” said Charlotte laurent-ottomane, Thirty percent Coalition executive director.

As companies continue to seek to diversify their boards, the Coalition and the Treasurer’s office are poised to help their efforts succeed. in August and September two webinars hosted by Treasurer Ma and Charlotte laurentottomane are planned to help more women make the transition to serving on corporate boards and assist companies in achieving their diversity objectives. Details will be released closer to the dates of the webinars.

The first webinar will provide tips on how to land a Board seat for women wishing to become candidates for board positions in California. Speakers will include members of the national Association of Women Business owners (nAWBo) and Women in public Finance (WpF).

A second webinar for CEos, “Diversity—The Road to a performing Board,” will recognize that diversifying a board can be a complex undertaking. Guidance and insight will be provided on how to approach board diversity while considering markets,

governance, and optimal board composition.

Treasurer Ma has established a database of women interested in serving on corporate boards in California. To be included in the Treasurer’s Women on Board Registry list, interested women are encouraged to send a resume via email to WomensRegistry@Treasurer.Ca.Gov. public companies interested in participating in this effort may also submit the company’s name and a point of contact to the same address.

Fiona Ma is California’s 34th State Treasurer. She was elected on november 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified public Accountant (CpA) elected to the position. The State Treasurer’s office was created in the California Constitution in 1849. it provides financing for schools, roads, housing, recycling and waste management, hospitals, public facilities, and other crucial infrastructure projects that better the lives of residents. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker. Her office processes more than $2 trillion in transactions within a typical year.

She provides transparency and oversight for the government’s in-

u PAGE A4

A

July 10-16, 2020 • NORCAl ASIAN JOuRNAl

Dateline USa

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

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

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence welcomes 16 new U.S. citizens, including Orlando Medrano from the Philippines, during a naturalization ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, July 2.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President

CLIMATE activist Greta Thunberg on Monday, July 6, threw her support behind Filipino environmentalists calling for the rejection of the newly-signed antiterrorism 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. 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 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

Greta Thunberg Photo from Instagram/@gretathunberg

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

VP Mike Pence honors Filipino who became... Dela Rosa says US embassy offered to fix his cancelled visa

by Bella

PeRez-RuBio Philstar.com

PAGE A1 t

courage to reach for your dreams and to make the sacrifices necessary to become part of the greatest nation in the history of the world,” Pence told the new citizens after taking their oath. “Your stories are truly inspiring.”

The vice president gave an example of a “man who came to this country 16 years ago from the Philippines.”

“His family’s already making contributions to this country.

One of his sons, I’m told, serves as an Army medic at Fort Carson in Colorado. Another of his sons is a cargo specialist in the Army Reserve. What a great family,” Pence narrated. “Today, Orlando Medrano is an American and a proud father, to say the least.”

“First of all, I’m so excited to be a U.S. citizen. This is every… immigrant’s dream or goal. I’m still overwhelmed by the experience I had today [as] it is really more than I dreamed and asked for. I [had] no idea that I [would] take my oath at the White House with the presence of Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and others,” Medrano told the Asian Journal following the naturalization ceremony.

Medrano left his construction business back in the Philippines and came to the U.S. with his wife nearly two decades ago, first to Southern California upon the recommendation of a friend.

Though Medrano initially had no desire to stay in the country, as he had left his four children behind, he saw the opportunity and was motivated to permanently settle there with his family.

He then moved to Washington, D.C., where he continues to live, and was able to find employment as a chauffeur at the Embassy in

After 16 years of living in the United States, Orlando Medrano became a U.S. citizen on Thursday, July 2 during a naturalization ceremony attended by VP Mike Pence. Pence spoke about how Medrano’s family is “already making contributions to this country” and cited his two sons in the Army.

Photo courtesy of Orlando Medrano

India, which allowed him to bring his entire family to the country.

“Since I came here a bit late at the age of 36 with four children and with no legal status to start with, I did every decent job just to support my family. In the embassy as a temporary employee, my pay was not good enough to support my family. I [had] a part-time job cleaning houses [and] buildings, whatever it took to have shelter over our heads and food on our table,” Medrano added.

Currently, Medrano works two jobs: as a painter at a Marriott hotel and as a cabin service agent for Delta Airlines, cleaning overnight planes and getting them ready for the next flight.

“I even told my children I’m willing to do all these jobs just to support them in their studies,” Medrano said, whose children are now 28, 24, 22 and 21 years

old.

However, since the pandemic, he has been furloughed and drives for Uber in his spare time.

Despite the current challenges, attaining citizenship is a feat for Medrano.

“I’m so happy and really blessed to be a citizen and will do my best to improve myself and be a good citizen, serve this country and community,” he added.

Also during his remarks, the vice president noted that the individuals became citizens as the country is experiencing the coronavirus pandemic and protests.

“You come at a time of unique challenges in America and across the wider world as we deal with an unprecedented pandemic…,” Pence said. “You will continue to be a part of a story that demonstrates the resilience and the strength of the American people.” (AJPress)

Treasurer Ma, Thirty Percent Coalition renew...

PAGE A3 t

vestment portfolio and accounts, as well as for the state’s surplus funds. Treasurer Ma oversees an investment portfolio of about $99 billion, more than $31.4 billion of which are local government funds.

She serves as agent of sale for all State bonds, and is trustee on outstanding debt of $94 billion.

Founded in 2011, the Thirty

Percent Coalition is a pioneer in promoting diversity in the corporate boardroom. The mission is to advocate for gender diversity, including women of color, on public and private boards. The Coalition provides a national forum where its members develop strategies to influence companies to increase gender diversity in senior leadership and board-

rooms. Membership includes public companies, private equity, institutional investors, state treasurers, professional services firms and advocacy groups working together for the first time. In 2020, Coalition members represent over $6 trillion in assets under management. There is no other organization of this kind in the US. n

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 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

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa Philstar.com photo by Dino Maragay

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 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 180-day 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, these critics, they don’t need to be spoken to, just leave them alone.

What is the explanation? What should I say after this? They will still bash, their minds are closed.

I don’t need to explain to them,” he said in Filipino.

It was not only administration critics, however, who took issue with the VFA’s termination.

Dela Rosa’s colleagues in the Senate slammed the termination of the decades-old agreement in February, with Senators Ping Lacson and Ralph Recto warning of the negative effects such a move would have on military funding, counter-terrorism, and the economy.

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, meanwhile, said the move was indicative of what he called the administration’s subservience to China.

Even as Filipino fishermen continue to fall victim to Chinese aggression on Philippine territorial waters, the country’s top diplomat has maintained that Duterte’s China policy is the “opposite of appeasement.” n

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

by Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

MANILA — European 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 stranded, 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

Duterte tells law-abiding citizens not to be...

PAGE A1 t

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 in the commission of terrorism.” Those arrested and detained may be held for 14 to 24 days.

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

Acts punishable under the law include: • Engaging in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or endangers a person’s life; • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place, or private property; • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive interference

with, damage, or destruction to critical infrastructure; • Developing, manufacturing, possessing, acquiring, transporting, supplying or using weapons; and • Releasing of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods or explosions.

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

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

This goes the same for anyone who voluntarily and knowingly joins any organization, association or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization. n

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 10-16, 2020

A

Most Filipinos believe worst is yet to come

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

The C3-R10 section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segement 10 officially opened last June 15.

DTI File Photo

DTI foresees better movement of commercial vehicles, goods with opening of new NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 MAKATI CITY — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez congratulated the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in officially opening to motorists the C3-R10 section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 in Navotas City last June 15, which would ensure better movement of commercial vehicles and goods in the area.

The 2.6-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link section is an elevated expressway that will serve as a direct route from NLEX to the Port of Manila and vice versa to make the delivery of goods faster and more efficient.

“We very much welcome the opening of this section of the NLEX Harbor Link, as this will definitely boost productivity and spur trade and commerce.

It would cut travel time from Quezon City to the Port of Manila from two hours to 10 to 15 minutes. Likewise, it would also provide ease of travel for Manila port freight carriers and other commercial vehicles,” Secretary Lopez said.

“We laud the DPWH and its private sector partners in working overtime to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be critical in speeding up our country’s postpandemic economic recovery,” he added.

The project is the first infrastructure project to open during the General Community Quaran-

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez with Public Works Secretary Mark Villar

tine period. By bringing NLEX closer to the country’s central shipping gateway, the Port of Manila, the government foresees speedier transport of goods, as well as increased economic productivity in Metro Manila and North and Central Luzon regions.

As no truck bans are imposed along NLEX, cargo trucks would also gain 24/7 road network access.

“Effective logistics development is the key in facilitating trade and connectivity. It lowers cost and clearance time of imports and exports, while also ensuring the smooth flow of commodities. Having stable and reliable logistics would encourage market expansion and improve investors’ confidence in our country’s ability to transport

DTI File Photo

goods and services,” Secretary Lopez explained.

“With this new project that improves overall accessibility and reduces transportation costs including travel time, the impact on economic productivity is immense. With reliable logistics, costs to obtain input materials and services are reduced, businesses’ labor pool is increased, and the potential markets are expanded,” he added.

In the first quarter of 2020 alone, the Philippine Ports Authority reported 14,920,227 metric tons of foreign cargo throughput and 782,482 twentyfoot equivalent units of foreign container traffic, both imports and exports, between the Port of Manila to North Luzon.

(From PTIC-Silicon Valley)

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 per-

cent) 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 non-elementary 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

SHUTTERED media giant ABS-CBN Corp. faces an uphill battle in its bid to secure a new franchise, as majority of lawmakers at the House of Representatives seemed reluctant to allow the network to reopen.

Based on documents obtained

by The Manila Times, lawmakers who were likely to reject the

grant of a franchise outnumbered those who supported the network.

An initial tally of votes showed that 25 lawmakers were likely to vote in favor of the network, 57 were likely to oppose a new franchise, while 10 were unsure.

The Joint Committee on Legislative Franchises and on Good

Government and Public Accountability concluded hearings on the alleged violations of ABS-CBN on Monday. There had been 12 hearings that extensively tackled the network’s alleged violations of its franchise, the Constitution, labor and tax laws, and biased reporting and meddling in politics. (ManilaTimes.net)

ABS-CBN doomed as majority of lawmakers buck grant of new franchise

Go pushes bills vs homelessness

SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday, July 7, underscored the need to address homelessness as he pushed for the passage of two bills that seek to address housing problems.

“Marami po akong napupuntahang mga nasunugan [na] nawalan po ng tirahan. Kailangan natin silang tulungang makabangon muli (I have visited many fire victims who lost their homes. We need to help them so they could start anew) through low-cost housing programs and development, including the construction of safe and permanent evacuation centers, and housing assistance for fire victims,” Go said.

“Kaya ko po finayl ang mga bills na ito dahil hangarin po natin na wala nang squatter sa ating sariling bayan. Gusto natin magkaroon ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ng

isang maayos at disenteng bahay (This is the reason why I filed these two bills with the intention that there should be no squatters in our nation. We want every Filipino family to have nice and dignified houses of their own),” he added, referring to Senate Bills (SBs) 203 and 1227.

SB 203, the “National Housing Development, Production and Financing Act,” aims to significantly accelerate housing production and ensure sufficient reliable government funding and financing for socialized housing in the coming years.

Meanwhile, SB 1227, or the “Rental Subsidy Program Act,” seeks to provide homes for displaced families and help them sustain their livelihood by offering them various options during the interim process of construction

and relocation.

“Importante po na magkaroon ng maayos na tirahan ang pamilyang Pilipino. Nakita naman po natin ang hirap ng buhay lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya. Kapag dikit-dikit ang bahay, hindi maayos ang sanitation, karamihan po informal settlers, mas madaling kumalat ang sakit (It’s important for every Filipino family to have a home. Life is especially difficult during a pandemic. Most of our informal settlers stay in congested areas with poor sanitation that contributes to the spread of a disease),” Go said.

He also expressed support to SB 65 filed by Sen. Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano, which mandates cities and communities to transition to sustainable cities and communities especially during this health crisis. (ManilaTimes.net)

A

July 10-16, 2020 • NORCAl ASIAN JOuRNAl

Wielding a weapon

OpiniOn & Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial

Commentary

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

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

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

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

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

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

And I think it no disgrace to occupy my place…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pag nakikita mo na ang mga

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Try, try again.

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

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

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

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

nor all your tears wash out a word of it.

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

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

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

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

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

In the fell clutch of circum-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20s. Yet something was lacking in my life.

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

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

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

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

Life is real, life is earnest!

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

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

This is my own, my native land!

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

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

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

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

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

And in the winter of our lives, When mournful bells will ring, The Philippines will always be Our summer and our spring. *** (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAl POlICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com Northern California: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Manila Office: 2/F D&E Fort Palm Springs Cond.

30th St., Cor. 1st Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • 856-0397 Fax: (632) 856-1661 New york Office: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, Ny 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858 New Jersey Office: 2500 Plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer JOSEPH PERALTA Vice President & General Manager Northern California Asian Journal MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief Northern California Asian Journal

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment

by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 10-16, 2020

A

A

July 10-16, 2020 • NORCAl ASIAN JOuRNAl

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

THE ASIAN JOURNAL MAGAZINE

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

Community Journal

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 10-16, 2020 B IN NORTHEN cALIfORNIA

Friday, July 10, 2020

OMETHING

ILIPINO

LIfESTyLE • cONSUMER GUIdE • cOMMUNITy • MARkETPLAcE Immigration Corner

Is Pres. Trump opposed to the ‘Blue’s Clues and You!’ host Josh Dela Cruz Declaration of Independence? on figuring out clues and sharing Filipino culture with a new generation

attack on the very ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding OVER the 4th of July holiday, Fathers listed the various “grievPres. Trump praised the Declaraances” they had against Britain’s tion of Independence as a “beaKing George which justified their con of liberty, prosperity, and seeking independence. Among opportunity for all: 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 migration 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 unAtty. MichAel J. Gurfinkel will be AnswerinG your iMMiGrAtion questions on citizen employed U.S. workers. Instead Pinoy: your tAnonG, My sAGot – sociAl DistAncinG style! if you are unable to make the trip for your consultation because of travel restrictions in of an immigration ban, Pres. the time of the coViD-19 pandemic, have no fear. your immigration questions could still be Trump should be upholding the ideals he praises in the Declaraanswered even from a distance. leading u.s. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, and the producers of “citizen Pinoy” tion of Independence. As stated will be presenting a special q&A episode of “citizen Pinoy” where questions from the public on the White House’s own webmay be answered. site, “Together, we must ensure be sure to send your immigration related inquiries by private message to the facebook page that we live up to the ideals of of Gurfinkel law office at http://www.facebook.com/Gurfinkellaw. Deadline to send in your our Declaration of Independence questions is on friday, July 24.

(Advertising supplement) PAGE B3

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

“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

by

Christina M. Oriel/AJPress

WHEN 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.

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.”

Josh Dela cruz stars as “Josh” in the nickelodeon reboot, “blue’s clues and you!” featuring blue and her band of friends.

Photo courtesy of nickelodeon

The Fil-Am actor, who was born in Dubai and grew up in New Milford, New Jersey, recalls watching the first generation of “Blue’s Clues” with his younger sister and singing along to the musical numbers, which in part, spurred his budding interest in choir and then acting.

The show, which debuted in 1996 and ran for six seasons, started with Steve Burns as the host, clad in a striped green long sleeve and khaki pants. In the half-hour episodes, he guided the

preschool-aged viewers in solving the mini-mystery, and along the way, 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.

PAGE B2

B

Features

July 10-16, 2020 • NORCAl ASIAN JOuRNAl

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

Alice Dixson’s beauty still shines through

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar SHE was the one of the most in-demand actresses in movie and television screens in the 80s and 90s.

Starting with the vehicle that made her star shine, another remake of the popular Mars Ravelo comics series “Dyesebel,” Alice Dixson became a certified hitmaker, starring in many movies that earned big at the tills. Her every move and romantic links were fodder for gossip and movie magazines, and she had many companies approaching her to do product endorsements (remember the “I can feel it!” Palmolive commercial?).

Although she took a hiatus from showbiz in the mid-2000s and re-started her celebrity career around 2011, the former Binibining Pilipinas International winner (1986) has successfully maintained her beautiful appearance through the years.

Slated to start shooting a soap opera for GMA Pinoy TV called “Legal Wives” with Megan Young, Cherie Gil and Dennis Trillo before the pandemic and subsequent lockdown hit, Alice can currently be seen in her You-

Alice Dixson with her canine companion Blondie during a recent exercise run.

Instagram Photo (@alicedixson)

Gilbert Lee and his wife, Eunice Bejar Lee, celebrated the Fourth of July with a Red, White and Blue Party last July 4 at their residence in San Francisco.

Tube channel where the youthful-looking 50-year-old vlogs about her travels, beauty tips and health.

One of her most recent vlogs dealt with meditation.

“I call it a 30-day meditation challenge,” Alice said in an interview with my good friend Ricky Lo of The Philippine Star. “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.”

She adds that she doesn’t just sit around and binge-watch TV shows, but instead Alice says “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.”

Alice reveals that she was caught unaware, like everyone else, when the pandemic hit and it took some time to adjust to it.

“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 Alden Richards, known as one of Asia’s leading in touch with family, fans and media stars and who can be seen in the re- friends when I created a vlog,” run of GMA Pinoy TV’s “Carmela,” stars with she said in the same interview.

GMA Primetime Queen Marian Rivera in the As with the quarantine, her aforementioned teleserye. love life is also on lockdown at

the moment (she is rumored to be dating a hotel manager).

“My love life is also locked down,” revealed Alice with a laugh. “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.”

The July birthday celebrant, who starts her day typically at 5 a.m., does not know if she can go to the U.S. in September when a niece of hers is getting married.

But she is taking things philosophically.

Said Alice: “I’m trying to sort things out. I don’t about what the future will bring. I live in the moment, living life as it comes.” *** As the House Committee on Legislative Franchises begins to deliberate on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto has appealed to her fellow congressmen to take a look at everything closely, take a balanced approach and apply the law fairly when making their decisions.

Rep. Santos-Recto is the sponsor of House Bill 4305, one of the many bills presented in the

Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto has appealed to her fellow congressmen in the House Committee on Legislative Franchises to grant ABS-CBN a new franchise.

Instagram Photo (@rosavilmasantosrecto)

House, to grant ABS-CBN a new franchise.

In an Instagram post, Rep. Santos-Recto said that government agencies had declared that ABS-CBN, known as the Kapamilya Network, did not violate any laws or regulations, and that the network’s public service for over 65 years cannot be ignored.

The Batangas lawmaker said mentioned that aside from news, entertainment and educational

programs, the network has also been involved in protecting the environment and charitable work through their Sagip Kapamilya and Bantay Bata programs even when there are no calamities in the country.

“Ako po ay isa sa mga naniniwala na karapat-dapat na mabigyan muli ng pagkakataon ang ABS-CBN na ipagpatuloy ang serbisyo sa mamamayang Pilipino lalo na sa panahon ng pand-

emya. Kailangan natin ng tulong nila,” Rep. Santos-Recto said in Tagalog in her Instagram message.

The lawmaker, who was very active in the movies before joining politics, last made a film for ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema film production unit in 2016 (Everything About Her).

Luiz Manzano, her son with former husband Edu Manzano, is also a Kapamilya TV host.

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

PAGE B2 Over two decades later as a reboot was imagined, Burns returned as a consultant and helped pluck Dela Cruz out of over 3,000 candidates.

Dela Cruz, who has a degree in musical theatre from Montclair State University, moved to New York and appeared in the off-Broadway musical, “Here Lies Love,” based on the life of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos. He then became part of the ensemble for the original Broadway cast of Disney’s “Aladdin.”

In 2017, he stepped into the lead character for a limited engagement before being chosen in his current role.

In preparing for hosting “Blue’s Clues & You!,” which involved playing out possible scenarios and revisiting 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

Dela Cruz, who grew up watching “Blue’s 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.

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, revolves 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

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

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

A special brand-new episode, entitled “Blue’s Sing-Along 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, Nick-

Photos courtesy of Nickelodeon

elodeon 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 22foot inflatable version of Blue — his newfound fame has brought forth.

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

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

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

EntErtainmEnt

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 10-16, 2020

B

Iza bonds with front-liners who Jake: Don’t get tired of loving even if it hurts helped her survive COVID-19

By Ricky Lo Philstar.com

By Jan

MiLo SeveRo

Philstar.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your immigration questions answered by leading US 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 the Facebook 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)

Is Pres. Trump opposed to the Declaration of...

PAGE B1 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 plan-

EMPLOYMENT

ning 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:

FOR LEASE

SERVICES

I’D like to open this one-on-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 have a Billboard Top 10 hit and, probably, for his journey from Charice Pempengco to the transgender Jake Zyrus, a lifechanging decision chronicled in Jake & Charice, an NHK documentary that won a Gold Camera Award in the U.S. International Film & Video Festival (USIFVF).

In that docu, Jake talks about the new challenges he is facing and his courageous effort to find his own voice.

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

May problem pa ba sa social acceptance?

“I’ve tried to explain myself before but when I grow older, I realize that whatever you do, people will have something to say. That’s one of the reasons why I refrain myself from using social media.

Like I always say, you don’t need to accept other people for who they are, but you can respect them, you can be kind to them. If you have kindness in your heart, love follows.”

Congrats sa pagkakapanalo ng docu mong Jake & Charice.

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

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

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

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

“I see myself as Jake ever since.

What I have right now are experiences, learnings and pain who mold me for who I am today.”

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

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

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

Whether it is for LGBTQIA+, family and friends.”

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

“Evolution is the title of the

SERVICES

Jake Zyrus Photo from Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic

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?)

B

July 10-16, 2020 • NORCAl ASIAN JOuRNAl

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

Stomach Cancer, medically termed Gastric Cancer, is a form of malignant tumor (mutation in cells’ DNA) that grows haywire, uncontrolled, disorganized, aggressive, killing normal cells and tissues and replacing them with an abnormal, non-functional, hardened mass. The malignant cells travel to neighboring tissues and distant multi-organs, spreading like wildfire. Stomach cancer is usually in stage III or IV by the time it is diagnosed. Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the 15th in the USA. How prevalent is stomach cancer?

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

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

Does kimchi cause gastric cancer?

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

What are the other etiologic factors?

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

On stomach 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 appetite or pain on eating, loss of weight, tarry black (blood in) stools, anemia, weakness and fatigue, depending on the stage of the cancer.

But any of these symptoms may also be caused by other illnesses, which may not be as serious and are curable. This is the reason why a regular medical check-up and seeing the doctor early are important practices to prevent serious illnesses. If in doubt, consult your physician.

What is the survival rate?

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

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

Features

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 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?

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.

Photo courtesy of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space

Midpen board approves annual budget and priority open space projects LOS ALTOS – The Midpen board of directors has approved the operating Budget and Action Plan for the fiscal year running July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. In response to COVID19 economic impacts, Midpen general fund expenditures will remain flat and no new staff positions will be budgeted.

Capital expenditures account for nearly $28 million (35%) of the just more than $81 million total budget, with nearly $37 million (45%) allocated toward operating expenses and almost $17 (20%) for debt service.

Revenue is projected at just over $82 million.

The Capital Improvement and Action Plan section of the budget forms the fiscal year work plan, which includes 74 projects, 32% of which are eligible for reimbursement through Measure AA, a general obligation bond funding source approved by voters in 2014. Action plan projects are balanced across four main program areas: land acquisition and preservation (18%), natural resource protection and restoration (27%), public access, education and outreach (31%), and assets and organizational support (24%). Priority projects for the FY21 include:

• Progress on the Highway 17 wildlife corridor to provide safe crossing for mountain lions and other wildlife • Continue implementation of the ADA barrier removal plan to provide equitable access to programs, services and activities • Prepare Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve for the next phase of public access, including construction of the Alma cultural landscape area and planning new trails • Finalize the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program to help with wildland fire prevention and preparedness in coordination with local fire agencies and surrounding communities • Continue the collaborative high-resolution vegetation mapping project in San Mateo County and begin a similar project encompassing Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties to better inform wildland fire and invasive plant management throughout the region • Contribute funding to extend a regional trail corridor from Saratoga to the Pacific Ocean through the Saratoga to the Skyline Trail project.

Midpen receives the majority (73%) of its total funding from property taxes, with the remain-

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

PG&E offers personalized emergency plan tool for customers ‘Make Your Own Emergency Plan’ helps families create and share a customized plan for responding to power outages, natural disasters and more

SAN FRANCISCO — Whether it’s earthquakes, wildfires, winter storms, health pandemic or power outages, Californians need to be prepared for any emergency or disaster. That’s why Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has launched a new tool on its online Safety Action Center that helps customers be prepared.

By using the “Make Your Own Emergency Plan” tool and answering a few short questions, visitors to the website can compile and organize the important information needed for a family’s personalized emergency plan. This includes important phone numbers, escape routes and a family meeting location if an evacuation is necessary.

It also includes reminders to check smoke-detector batteries and when to practice your family emergency drills.

Once completed, the personal emergency plan can be printed and shared with the rest of the family.

“Wildfire season in California had started. We want to help our customers and communities prepare for a wildfire, a safety power shutoff or a natural disaster,” said Laurie Giammona, PG&E chief customer officer and a senior vice president. “That’s why we have created the Safety Action Center. And we know that each customers’ situation is unique, which is why this new tool lets customers create a personal emergency plan that works for them and their families.”

The Safety Action Center was launched in 2019 and includes videos, quizzes, step-by-step guides and tips to help keep families safe during wildfires, earthquakes, power outages and other emergency situations. On the site, you’ll find: • Ten tips to keep cool during a heat wave

The Safety Action Center site of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) features a new tool to help Californians prepare for emergencies or disasters. Visit http://www.safetyactioncenter.pge. com for more information.

Image capture from safetyactioncenter.pge.com

• A video that shows you the six steps to put together an emergency kit • Tips on how to prepare for a power shutoff • Advice on creating defensible space around your house • How to help your community during the COVID-19 health crisis • And much more.

The Safety Action Center is just one of many ways that PG&E is working to mitigate wildfire risk and enhance public safety as part of the Community Wildfire Safety Program. To learn more about safety progress so far in 2020 as well as how PG&E is going to make any needed Public Safety Power Shutoffs smaller

in the number of customers impacted, shorter in duration and smarter by integrating new technology, visit the Safety Action Center at safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge. com/news.

(Advertising Supplement)

GMA stars continue to support ABS-CBN franchise renewal KAPUSO stars continue to support their rival network ABSCBN’s plea for franchise renewal.

In her Twitter account, actress Glaiza de Castro posted: “Hindi na ito labanan ng istasyon, laban to ng mga Pilipino. Lahat tayo apektado. Dasal, kapit, akap.”

Fellow Kapuso actress Jamine Curtis-Smith retweeted Glaiza’s Twitter status posted yesterday while an ABS-CBN franchise hearing was being held in Congress. Jasmine is the sister of Kapamilya superstar Anne Curtis.

Likewise, screenwriter Suzette Doctolero believed that ABS-CBN needs to get a franchise renewal. In her Facebook post, however, the GMA screenwriter known for her high-rating teleseryes like “Encantadia” and “Amaya” pointed out that their rival network also needs to answer the tax evasion case.

She wrote that while she doesn’t want ABS-CBN employees to lose their jobs, their loss of livelihood should not be used as scapegoat for the network to not face the tax evasion allegation.

“Ayaw natin mawalan ng trabaho ang mga empleyado at talents pero hindi sila pwedeng gamiting pananggalang para palusutin ang malaking kasalanan (na allegedly, base sa hearing at mga ebidensya) ay tila yata tax evasion aka pagnanakaw o sige, tila yata katumbas ng economic sabotage ito oy. Kung ito ay tax evasion, Ito ay illegal at criminal na gawain. Press freedom ka dyan. Pwe!” Doctolero wrote.

“I hope mabigyan ng franchise dahil ayaw nating mawalan ng kabuhayan ang mga kapamilya, sa totoo lang. Boto ako na mabigyan uli sila ng chance pero ipenalty at idemanda ang

Glaize De Castro

Photo from Instagram/@glaizaredux

mga nagkasala. Hindi pwedeng palusutin para gayahin ng marami pang malalaking kompanya ang allegedly ay pagnanakaw at pandaraya.. press freedom pa more ba?” she added.

According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, however, ABSCBN has not violated any tax laws.

BIR’s Large Tax Payers Audit Division 3 Simplicio Cabantac Jr. already cleared ABS-CBN from tax-related allegations when he told the Senate panel in a hear-

der from bond reimbursements (20%), and grants, interest, rental and other income (7%). In FY20, Midpen received an Operating Budget Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. The complete Budget Book and Action Plan and the Budget in Brief high-level overview are available at openspace.org/budget.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land of regional significance in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. On the San Mateo County coast, its mission also includes preserving agricultural land of regional significance and rural character and encouraging viable agricultural use of land resources. Midpen has successfully protected nearly 65,000 acres of public open space land in the Santa Cruz Mountains region since 1972.

(From Midpeninsula Regional Maritoni Fernandez with Mon Dayrit Open Space District) Photo from Instagram/@maritoni.fernandez

ing last February 24 that the network is “regularly filing and paying their taxes for the past number of years.”

BIR assistant commissioner Manuel Mapoy said in the Congress hearing that the network paid P15,382,423,364.16 in taxes from 2016 to 2019.

“ABS-CBN Corporation is regularly paying taxes for the past years. Na-check naman po na ‘yung dapat nilang i-withhold at na-remit naman nila sa gobyerno,” Mapoy said. (Philstar.com)

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 the actress on this special day.

Fernandez, who was last seen in the GMA teleserye “Victor Magtanggol,” has two children. This is a second marriage for the actress.

Meanwhile, Dayrit has two sons from a previous marriage.

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

Features

Piolo, Direk Joyce denied access to shoot for SONA in Sagada, Banaue

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 10-16, 2020

B

by Iza IglesIas Manilatimes.net

TOP actor Piolo Pascual and director Joyce Bernal, together with a small production team, were refused entrance to the municipalities of Sagada and Banaue.

They were supposed tonshoot background views for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 27.

In a Facebook post by the Sagada Municipality, they explained that it was already on July 5 when they received information that the team was already on its way to Sagada. The Municipal Disaster Risk and Management Officer (MDRRMO) immediately recommended an emergency meeting to refer the matter to the Local COVID-19 Task Force.

In the said meeting, the task force asked if there was any written communication regarding the video shoot. What turned up was an email sent by Bernal’s team after office hours on July 3, to inform the Mayor they would arrive nightime of July 5. Moreover, the email came with an authorization letter signed by Dennis Wilfred Pabalan — Malacañang Presidential Broadcast Staff-Radio Television Malacañang Executive Director — endorsing the shoot.

The post continued that while the meeting was ongoing, Bernal’s advance party had already been escorted by the police to Sagada Cellar Door where they would have to stay, after the Sagada Heritage Village management turned them down following local guidelines that all tourism establishments remain closed to due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andrew Chinalpan, Sagada Cellar Door manager and Bernal were called to attend the meeting where the Local Task Force explained their sentiments and stand on the proposed shoot.

The Sagada Municipality further shared on Facebook the letter addressed to Bernal’s team citing the municipality’s strict quarantine ordinance as their main reason in refusing the shoot.

“Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 110 Series of 2020, a Revised

Piolo Pascual with director Joyce Bernal

Resolution Governing Tourism, Commerce, and Industry in the Municipality of Sagada during its period of the COVID-19 pandemic states, among others that: a. Closure and/or Suspension of Tourism such as booking of guests by establishments, all tourist sites and other concerns related to tourism; and b. Entry of non-residents coming from red areas is not allowed,” indicated the letter signed by Felicito Dula, Municipal Vice Mayor and Officer-in-Charge for Sagada COVID-19 Task Force.

“The strict implementation on the entry of all persons coming outside Mountain Province to Sagada has been effective in maintaining the municipality as a COVID-free community; Sagada being a 5th Class Municipality is not ready, specifically our health facilities, to accommodate the presence of a COVID-19 positive case in the locality,” the letter added.

The FB post also related that Bernal clearly understood the task force’s decision and was very apologetic. She only appealed they be given the night to rest at Cellar Door. The director’s plea was granted.

In Banaue too Following their rejection at Sagada, Pascual and Bernal’s team headed straight to Banaue, Ifugao early Monday morning intending to shoot in Batad. All the same they were refused entry by the local government.

Ai-Ai wants to stay Kapuso until she retires

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

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

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

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

by Kapuso execs and stars.

Fast-forward to the present, Ai-Ai is currently one of the mainstays of All-Out Sundays and one of the judges of The Clash.

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

“I’m staying here for good kasi di ba after nine years with GMA, I transferred to the other network then I came back here again. Kumbaga, before I finish my five-year contract with GMA Artist Center, plus some more years with GMA, I am already a senior (citizen) ka-

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

GMA photo

ya semi-retirement na ‘yung susunod doon so I want to stay here in GMA until the end of my career.”

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

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

As for the younger stars, she looks forward to working with Alden Richards in a soap as well as Miguel Tanfelix and Sanya Lopez.

“Marami pa rin akong hindi nakakasama sa mga artista sa GMA and I am lucky that most of them know how to respect senior stars.

So far, naman kahit sa kabila lahat ng nakasama ko magagalang.”

Respect for elders is what she also often reminds her children Sancho Vito, Sophia, Sean Nicolo and Seth Andrei to never forget.

“Sancho is now also into acting and I would tell my children that if ever they want to be in showbiz, they should never act as if they are already popular just because I’m their mother. I remind them to treat everyone with respect and always answer with ‘po’ and ‘opo,’ especially to senior stars,” concluded the actress and TV host.

(Bot Glorioso/Philstar.com)

Photo from Instagram/@piolo_pascual

Several reports noted that the team was escorted by local police outside the town’s welcome arch.

Banaue Ifugao’s official Facebook page previously posted an executive order prohibiting travel from the Municipality of Banaue, Ifugao for a period of seven days (July 3 to July 10).

Pascual and Bernal’s team ended up driving back to Baguio where they made a stop at Baguio Teacher’s Camp, which is currently being used as a triage unit for arriving OFWs before staying in Camp John Hay Manor Hotel.

Pascual and Bernal — who established the independent film production company Spring Films together — have yet to release a statement from their side.

Bernal has been directing the President’s SONA since 2018.

JULIA TURNS 18! A very happy birthday to Julia Garcia from San Francisco, California, who is celebrating her 18th birthday on Saturday, July 11. In photo with the celebrant are her proud parents Ponciano and Janet, and her brother Jason.

Here’s to another spectacular year and to a wonderful and love-filled journey to adulthood! Greetings from family and friends in the United Staes and in the Philippines.