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AUGUST 13-19, 2020

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

Volume 31 - No. 32 • 12 Pages

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Fil-Am leaders praise choice of Sen. Kamala Harris as Biden’s running mate Harris makes history as the first Black woman and Asian American person on a major party ticket

by CHRISTINA Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, announced California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate on Tuesday, August 11. “I’m honored to join him as our party’s nominee for Vice President, and do everything it takes to make @JoeBiden our next Commander-in-Chief,” Harris wrote in an Instagram post.

Photo courtesy of Kamala Harris/Instagram

DATELINE

M. ORIEL

AJPress

SEVERAL Filipino American elected officials and community leaders on Tuesday, August 11 reacted to the selection of California Senator Kamala Harris as former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate.

“Fierce, endlessly-talented, values-based, and

Oakland-born, [Kamala] will not back down as we take back our country and restore our American values of opportunity, equity, justice and inclusion for all!” California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, who represents the state’s 18th Assembly District, wrote in a Facebook post.

Juslyn Manalo, vice mayor of Daly City, California,

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COVID-19 cases rise among Filipinos abroad as 57 more get infected

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Filipino American History Month 2020 to celebrate the history of Fil-Am activism

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

IN light of this year’s COVID-19 pandemic and movements addressing racial injustice in the United States, The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) in Seattle, Washington has announced the theme of this year’s Fil-Am History Month to be “The History of Filipino American Activism.”

This October will be a reflection on how the Fil-Am community has been involved in social justice movements over the years.

“We choose this theme to highlight the myriad ways Filipino Americans have partici-

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US State Dept. issues travel advisory for PH Select foreign nationals allowed to enter PH

MECQ REMINDER. A large billboard shows a health reminder to motorists driving along Edsa in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday, August 13. Complying with the safety and health protocols will help limit the spread of coronavirus disease, reduce the impact on the national medical health services, and save lives.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

THE United States is urging its citizens to reconsider traveling to the Philippines due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The appeal came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a level 3 Travel Health Notice for the country.

“Reconsider travel to the Philippines due to COVID-19. Additionally, exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, a measles outbreak, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk,” the U.S. State Department said on Thursday, August 6.

It warned tourists against traveling to Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping, as well as Marawi City in Mindanao

said the announcement “sends the right message” of what a Biden presidency will look like.

“Joe Biden choosing Senator Harris will dramatically improve how the voters look at his candidacy and values,” she said.

Manalo serves as the state’s co-chair for “Filipino

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles this week released an advisory detailing which foreign nationals can travel to the Philippines as the pandemic continues.

“The entry to the Philippines of a foreign national is still dependent on the specific circumstances of each foreign national as determined by the Bureau of Immigration,” it noted.

Below is the list of foreign nationals allowed to enter the Philippines, as of August 10: • Filipino citizens/Dual citizens • Foreign government and international

organization officials and their dependents • Foreign spouse/child traveling or joining Filipino spouse/parent • Foreign airline crew/seafarers • Sec. 13 visa holders • RA 7919 visa holders • EO 324 visa holders • Native-born visa holders • Indian nationals with temporary resident visas • Chinese nationals with permanent resident visas by reason of marriage to a Filipino.

The advisory also said that Sec. 13 visa holders, RA 7919 visa holders, EO 324 visa holders, and Native-born visa holders are

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, August 13, logged 57 new cases of the novel coronavirus among Filipinos abroad, bringing the total number of infections to 9,873.

It also recorded one new fatality, raising the death toll to 722.

Meanwhile, the number of recovered overseas Filipinos has reached 5,821 as the DFA registered 19 new recoveries.

“Similar to yesterday’s figures, another spike in the total number of COVID-19 cases among our nationals was recorded today with 57 new confirmed cases in Asia and the Pacific and the Middle East,” the agency said.

“The daily rate of increase in the number of recoveries at .33 percent (19 new recoveries) is higher than the rate of fatalities at 14 percent (one new fatality). For the past three days, no reports were received from the Americas and Europe,” it added.

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Rappler co-founder and veteran journalist Maria Ressa is the center of the documentary “A Thousand Cuts” by Filipina American filmmaker Ramona Diaz. Photo courtesy of PBS/Frontline

Ramona Diaz’s new documentary PAL to require passengers to wear face shields, masks ‘A Thousand Cuts’ offers an immersive look into Maria Ressa’s AJP fight for press freedom in PH u PAGE A2

by

PAL Area Manager in Los Angeles Michelle Narvaez and San Francisco Area Manager Dell Merano show that passengers must wear a face shield in addition to a face mask.

Contributed photos

RESS

ALL passengers traveling on Philippine Airlines will be required to wear face shields, on top of the mandatory face masks, starting August 15.

The new measure is in compliance with the latest guidelines that the Philippine Department of Transportation set for the public transport sector.

“Passengers are required to wear masks and face shields during all phases of the flight,” the airline said in a recent advisory.

As “safety remains the cornerstone of PAL’s operations,” the airline said the latest directive is in line with the existing measures, which include the cabin crew in full personal protective equip-

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ment during the flight.

“The new directive on face shields complements our existing multi-layered safety measures such as the use by our cabin crew of full PPE or Personal Protective Equipment in flight, the availability of hand sanitizers on-ground and inflight, thermal scanning of all passengers, special inflight service, installation of protective barriers at airport and ticket office counters, intensive disinfection of aircraft surfaces using high-grade eco-friendly cleaning agents, high-tech cabin air flow systems to refresh cabin air, and use of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters to cleanse cabin air of impurities, bacteria and viruses, with 99.99 percent efficacy,” it

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

TWO years into Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, Filipina American filmmaker Ramona Diaz set out to make a documentary about the crackdown on illegal drugs that has drawn international attention.

However, the strongman’s war on drugs has become the focus of many films, which led Diaz — whose previous work includes “Motherland,” “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Jouru PAGE A3 ney” and “Imelda” — to meet-

ing Rappler co-founder and veteran journalist, Maria Ressa, who soon became the “center of gravity” of the project.

The final product is “A Thousand Cuts,” referring to the supposed chipping away of the Philippines’ “democracy,” a thrilling look at the state of press freedom in the country and Ressa’s role as a vocal critic set amidst the backdrop of the country’s midterm elections in 2019. Duterte supporters, Mocha Uson and former Police General Bato dela Rosa, now a senator, are also highlighted in

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

august 13-19, 2020 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

From The FronT Page

Fil-Am leaders praise choice...

PAGE A1

Americans for Biden,” a national group of Fil-Ams working to send the former vice president to the White House this November.

Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, revealed the first-term senator as his pick in a historic move on Tuesday after months of speculation.

Harris — the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants — is the first Black woman and the first Asian American person to be on a major party’s presidential ticket. (She is also the third woman to be a vice-presidential choice after Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Sarah Palin in 2008).

“I have the great honor to announce that I’ve picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate,” Biden wrote in a Twitter post.

Melissa Ramoso, Fil-Ams for Biden national campaign co-chair and Artesia, California councilmember, said Harris brings “good judgment, good leadership skills and can be a trusted advisor to Biden.”

“A historic selection Filipino Americans can be proud of and it energizes our community for the November elections,” Ramoso said.

The 55-year-old first-term senator from California has risen as

a prominent leader in the Democratic Party and previously vied for the presidential nomination before dropping out in December. Prior to the Senate, Harris was the former California attorney general and San Francisco district attorney.

“Senator Harris represents so many communities and selecting her as vice president solidifies that not only can women and people of color have a seat at the table, but we can be at the head of it,” added Jessica Caloza, president of the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats.

Following Biden’s performance on Super Tuesday in March, Harris threw her support behind him, despite their contentious exchange during a primary debate last summer during which she grilled the former vice president on his civil rights record.

On Tuesday, Harris wrote in a Facebook post, “I’m honored to join Joe Biden in the fight for the soul of our country as the Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee.”

“I know that winning this race will be tougher than anything I’ve faced before, but I’ve never been more ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Donald Trump thinks this country belongs to him. But Joe Biden knows it belongs to all of us. To the people,” she added.

For New York-based philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis,

the announcement is a “winning combination” and a call to action for fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

“Kamala knows what are the hardships and triumphs of a person of color in America,” Nicolas Lewis, a spokesperson for Filipino Americans for Biden and AAPI Victory Fund board member, told the Asian Journal. “We will be the margin of victory for Biden/Harris in this historic iconic election, which is a fight for the soul of America.”

AAPIs are considered the fastest-growing segment of eligible voters out of the major ethnic groups in the United States, according to a recent report from the Pew Research Center.

Filipino Americans, along with Chinese and Indian Americans, are among the top three groups in the U.S. Asian electorate.

In an April interview with the Asian Journal, Harris made a plea for Californians to fill out their 2020 Census form, as the data helps determine how federal funds are allocated to each state, and to vote in the upcoming election this fall.

“Who holds these positions matters in times like this,” Harris told the Asian Journal. “We have to make sure that we have elected representatives who understand the community…and who speak up for the community. No one should be made to fight alone, we’re all in this together.” n

MOBILE STORE. Two men push their bicycle sidecar with reed and raffia brooms along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, August 13. Many businesses such as this one still continue to operate amid the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal from August 4 to August 18.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Select foreign nationals allowed to enter PH PAGE A1 required under the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 56 to have pre-booked an accredited quarantine facility and COVID-19 testing provider.

Sec. 13 visa holders refers to holders of Quota visas, and Immigrant visas issued by reason of marriage to a Filipino, to a returning former Filipino, to a child born to an immigrant visa holder, and to a returning alien resident.

RA 7919 visa holders refers to aliens holding permanent resident status in the Philippines pursuant to Republic Act No. 7919 or the Alien Social Integration Act, while EO 324 visa holders refers to aliens holding permanent resident status pursuant to Executive Order No. 324 series of 1988 or the Alien Legalization Program of 1988.

Native-born visa holders, on the other hand, refers to children born in the Philippines whose parent/s are lawful permanent

resident aliens – usually holders of RA 7919 or EO 324 visas.

Entry visa for foreign spouses The BI also announced that foreign spouses and dependents of Filipino citizens will need visas to enter the country.

“Foreign spouses of Filipinos must now secure entry visas from our Consulates abroad before traveling to the Philippines. Otherwise, they will be denied entry by our immigration officers and sent back to their ports of origin,” said Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente in a statement.

The requirement also applies to children of Philippine citizens and children with special needs, regardless of age, as well as to foreign parents of Filipino and children with special needs, also regardless of age.

The new requirement took effect on August 9.

BI Port Operations Acting Chief Grifton Medina, meanwhile, said

foreign spouses, dependents and parents of Filipinos who are holders of long-term visas do not need to apply for a new entry visa.

“Those aliens who already hold valid permanent and temporary resident visas which they acquired by reason of marriage to Filipinos under Section 13(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act can enter the country anytime,” he said.

He also reminded foreign spouses of Filipinos to always bring with them their authenticated marriage certificates and other supporting documents when traveling to the Philippines so they could readily present them when asked to do so by immigration officers.

“There have been many instances already wherein foreign passengers claiming to be spouses of Filipinos were turned back by our officers at the airport due to their failure to show proof of marriage,” said Medina. n

COVID-19 cases rise among Filipinos abroad...

PAGE A1

File photo shows California Sen. Kamala Harris making a plea to AAPI voters in Las Vegas in May 2019 when she ran for the Democratic presidential nomination.

AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

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Overall by region, Europe — which comprises 18 countries — has recorded 1,143 Filipino cases, including 500 undergoing treatment, 548 recoveries and 95 deaths.

The Middle East and Africa, covering 27 countries, has reported 6,889 cases; of which, 2,323 are undergoing treatment, 444 deaths and 4,122 recoveries.

The Asia Pacific region, which spans across 20 countries, has 1,057 cases, with 345 under treatment, 704 recoveries, and eight deaths.

The Americas — covering seven countries like the United States — have 784 reported cases, with 162 undergoing treatment, 447 recoveries, and 175 deaths.

“As the DFA personnel in our

Foreign Service Posts continue to report on the status of Filipinos abroad, the DFA likewise assures the public of its tireless efforts in attending to the needs of our people and facilitating requests for repatriation, whenever possible,” the DFA said.

The World Health Organization has reported over 20 million confirmed COVID-19 cases globally, with 737,417 fatalities.

US State Dept. issues travel advisory...

PAGE A1 due to terrorism and civil unrest.

It also urged the tourist to reconsider traveling to other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

“Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in the Philippines. Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities,” the U.S. State Depart-

ment said.

“The Philippine government has declared a ‘State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao,’” it added.

The CDC also noted that the COVID-19 risk in the Philippines is high.

“CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to the Philippines. Some examples of essential travel may include traveling for humanitarian aid work, medical reasons, or family emergencies. Older adults,

people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions, and others at increased risk for severe illness should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to the Philippines,” it said.

“If you get sick in the Philippines and need medical care, resources may be limited,” it added.

As of writing, there are 139,538 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 2,312 fatalities, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. (AJPress)

Filipino American History Month 2020 to...

PAGE A1 pated in social justice movements, including but not limited to, the United Farmworkers Movement, the fight for Ethnic Studies, Hawaii Sugar Plantation strikes, Washington Yakima strikes, and Anti-Martial Law Movements across multiple decades,” the FANHS wrote in a press release on Thursday, August 6.

A photo posted to its social media accounts featured the late San Francisco State University professor and “Little Manila is in the Heart” author Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, Fil-Ams who fought eviction threats for tenants of San Francisco’s I-Hotel in the late 1960s, and Fil-Am activist Kalay’an Mendoza who has been vocal about Fil-Am allyship for Black lives.

Also being celebrated this year are the country’s Fil-Am health workers who have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to census data, Filipinos in the U.S. make up roughly 1% of the total U.S. population, but over 7% of the nation’s healthcare workforce.

When the pandemic reached the U.S., the impact of Fil-Am healthcare workers was felt as headlines commemorated those who passed away due to the virus.

“We recognize the advocacy of our Filipino American healthcare workers who are actively protecting and fighting for our lives every day amidst this global pandemic,” wrote the FANHS. This year also marks many milestones and anniversaries of historical Fil-Am events like the 50th Anniversary of the Filipino

American Far West Convention that took place in Seattle which the FANHS said has been “credited in part as the start of the Filipino American movement.”

Also commemorated is the 75th anniversary of the Philippines’ Battle of Luzon that was fought during World War II, and the 90th anniversary of the Watsonville Riots that took place in Central California in 1930.

Referring to the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential election, the FANHS said, “We believe this theme is particularly crucial in 2020, as it is a key election year and we are living amidst a pandemic and mass movement towards racial injustice.”

According to the FANHS, Filipino American History Month is a chance for Fil-Am communities to commemorate the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the U.S. when Filipinos arrived in presentday Morro Bay, California aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza on October 18, 1587.

FANHS founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, along with her late husband Dr. Fred Cordova, first presented a resolution introducing October as Filipino American History Month in 1992.

U.S. Congress officially recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 13-19, 2020

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

Nevada hits 1,000 COVID-19 deaths NEVADA this week surpassed the 1,000 mark for COVID-19 deaths.

The Silver State on Thursday, August 13 recorded 602 new cases and 34 deaths, bringing the total to 58,650 positive cases and 1,030 fatalities, based on data from Nevada Health

Response.

“These deaths are a sobering reminder that we must remain vigilant and do all that we can to slow the spread while we’re in the throes of this horrific pandemic,” Governor Steve Sisolak said in a statement on Thurs-

day.

He reminded Nevadans to do their part by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, “and above all, take seriously our personal responsibility to help slow the spread and protect those around us.” (AJPress)

PAL to require passengers to wear...

PAGE A1 added.

Cebu Pacific has also required its passengers to wear face shields “during the entire flight” starting Aug. 15.

“This is on top of the mandatory use of face masks upon entering the airport terminal until arrival at the destination,” it said.

Earlier, the DOTr issued a memorandum circular ordering all passengers to wear face shields when using public transportation.

This applies to all public transportation in the aviation and air-

ports, railways, road and maritime sectors.

“Let us remember that no amount of protection is too much when it comes to health and safety, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

President Rodrigo Duterte on August 2 placed Metro Manila under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) again as novel coronavirus cases in the country exceed 100,000.

The quarantine classification will take effect on August 4 and will be in place until August 18.

Duterte approved the Cabinet’s recommendation to return to a more stringent lockdown in response to the medical community’s plea for a time-out.

Aside from Metro Manila, the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan were also placed under MECQ. Under this quarantine status, strict home quarantine will be observed in all households. There will be no public transport, domestic flights, and mass gatherings. There will also be limited transporting services for essential goods and services. n

Ramona Diaz’s new documentary ‘A Thousand...

PAGE A1 the documentary.

“After I met Maria, she was also talking about disinformation and impunity and how that intersected with the drug war, which I thought was a more global story,” Diaz said. “With the rise of fascism and authoritarians around the world, it made it more relevant and global.”

“A Thousand Cuts” made its debut at Sundance Film Festival in January and was released virtually on August 7, nearly two months after Ressa and a former Rappler staffer were convicted of a cyber-libel charge. It will subsequently be released on PBS Frontline in January 2021.

In a recent interview with the Asian Journal, Diaz and Ressa talked about the making of the film and how the lessons from the Philippines can resonate with a global audience. The interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

AJ: First for Ramona, after you finished the documentary, how did you decide to take the festival route and get PBS on board for distribution?

Ramona Diaz (RD): I moved to the Philippines to look for the story in 2018, found the story and went back twice in the span of that year. Then, we shot principal photography in 2019 and then we got into Sundance so our post production was cut short. Usually I have a post production of like 10 to 11 months but this one was really curtailed because we got into Sundance so we had to rush, like four and a half months. PBS Frontline saw it at Sundance and shortly made an offer. I think we had 13 festivals in the spring and then COVID-19 happened.

AJ: For Filipino Americans here in the U.S., there’s still this connection back to the news in the Philippines, yet they are physically distanced from there. What do you want the community to know following the film?

RD: If you watch the film, it’s an immersive experience. It is both a global story and a very specifically Philippine story. I’m not into messages necessarily.

I’m into experiences if you get the experience of what it was like to live in Maria’s shoes in the most beleaguered time of her life when she was arrested twice and the backdrop of the midterm elections, which is always crazy to begin with in the Philippines. So to me, it’s a perfect backdrop because it shows local color and people are also out and about so it’s kinetic and cinematic.

So just watch it, be there, and feel it. I think messages are really informed by personal history, by lived experiences. But really listen, understand what fake news and disinformation [are], what the drug war is about and how Duterte gets people…

Just listen and let’s have a conversation after that. I think my job as a filmmaker is to give you an experience and you come to your own conclusion. I’m not saying it’s purely objective — it cannot be — because film resists objectivity and it’s very subjective. But I’m not very explicit when it comes to that.

AJ: Maria, in recent weeks, we’ve read about your case, the shutdown of ABS-CBN and President Duterte’s SONA. As Filipino Americans here in the US, again, there’s this connection, but how do we reconcile this dual identity and interest in what’s happening on the ground and with this sometimes romanticized view of the Philippines and that love of country?

Maria Ressa (MR): By next year, I’ll have been a journalist for 35 years and…at no other time can I remember our two countries, the people in our

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Palace: Thai newspaper branding PH ‘Land of COVID-19’ motivated by tourism competition

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

MALACAñANG said competing for tourists was what drove a newspaper from Thailand to brand the Philippines as the “Land of COVID-19.”

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the Philippines and Thailand are “fierce” competitors in the tourism sector, with the latter struggling to attract tourists due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“There’s also no way we can control what our neighbors say.

But do not forget that we are fierce competitors with Thailand when it comes to tourism. So I’m sure their statement that we are the Land of COVID is also motivated by the fact that they’re struggling to invite people to come to visit Thailand again and, of course, they’re worse of, in so far as they have a bigger tourism industry than us,” Roque said on Thursday, August 13 in an inter-

view over CNN Philippines’ The Source.

Last year, the Philippines attracted eight million foreign tourists, while Thailand attracted almost 40 million foreign tourists.

“That’s the context by which we should listen to this comment coming from our ASEAN neighbors. We are the closest of friends but we are also the closest competitors as far as economic interests are a concern because we’re dealing with the exact same commodities and in the case of Thailand, it’s tourism in particular,” Roque added.

Roque earlier called for understanding over the newspaper’s headline, pointing out Thailand’s lack of press freedom.

“Wala po kasing kalayaan ng malayang pamamahayag at pananalita dyan sa Thailand. ‘Pag pinulaan mo yung hari, pupuwede kang makulong. Sa tingin ko po, dahil marami silang hindi pupuwedeng pulaan sa Thailand, pinulaan na lang nila tayo

(There’s no freedom of the press and of speech in Thailand. If you criticize their king, you may be put in jail. In my opinion, since they cannot criticize Thailand, they just opted to criticize us),” Roque said.

“Intindihin na lang po natin ‘yan. Tayo naman dito sa Pilipinas, alam natin ang kahalagahan ng malayang pananalita. Tanggapin na lang po natin yan bilang input sa malayang merkado ng ideas (Let’s try to understand the situation. Here in the Philippines, we know the value of free speech. Let’s accept this as an input on the free market of ideas),” he added.

The headline calling the Philippines “Land of COVID-19” was in relation to the return of more than a hundred Filipino teachers there.

As of writing, there are 147,526 COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, with 2,426 fatalities and 70,387 recoveries. Meanwhile, Thailand currently has 3,359 cases, with 58 deaths. n

Lorenzana firm about NCR’s return to GCQ status

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Ressa and Diaz, known for her films “Motherland” and “Imelda,” in New York in 2019.

Contributed photo

two countries, the manipulation online of the people in our two countries, be in such identical situations. Love of country is not our beaches or yes, we’re proud of the Philippines. It feels like home and it’s why I chose it as my home. But if you’re like me, you feel most Filipino with Americans and most American with Filipinos, right? I’ve struggled to pull those things together.

But the difference I think today is that our foot in each world gives us a very unique perspective of the trends [and] the patterns of what our democracies are going through. I think the second one is…you can’t even say at any point that tens of thousands of people killed in the drug war is acceptable, that sexist, misogynistic language from the leader of a country is accepted, or that… people who want to stand up for their rights that they get arrested or they get teargassed. There’s a line that is being crossed in both of our countries. So I think the first is to recognize the similarities and the second is recognize… the biggest difference between the United States and the Philippines is that our institutions were significantly weaker than the United States. So the battle for us is for our lives.

Definitely, for me, it’s my life and freedom. You [Filipino Americans] are powerful soldiers in this battle, partly because you come from both worlds. So I think relish that, understand your power and help hold the line. I say this all the time because we need to protect our rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution in the Philippines and the U.S. As you know, the Philippines was patterned after the United States so we have a Bill of Rights. The difference here is that our institutions have essentially collapsed. We have the most powerful leader we’ve ever had. The Philippines is now a dictatorship masquerading as a democracy with rule of law. I hope that love of country gains these colors. I didn’t know what that meant until I came under attack. You don’t really know who you are until you are forced to fight to defend it then you will draw your own lines. We choose to create the world we want and that’s the upside of this time period. I hope Filipino Americans look and realize the ties because your ties that bind are positive and are still strong, like Ramona’s or mine. Don’t stop with the beauty of the Philippines because it masks such violence.

AJ: With your cases and ABSCBN, and other news against journalists in the Philippines, as well as the newly signed Anti-Terrorism law, what kind of message does this all send especially to future Filipinos who want to go into a media career?

MR: The shutdown of ABS is unthinkable. We see the government really taking advantage — it’s opportunistic and consolidating power. Yes, it can make you afraid but it is also something history has taught us: the more oppressive a government becomes, the more resistance to it grows. That’s what we’re starting to see as people who didn’t really care before now care. It’s funny, it’s been four years that we’ve been under attack but people who are in Rappler chose to be [here].

We are stronger and the mission and sense of purpose are so clear. Fear and violence will have an opposite effect…I’m not a rebel without a cause. I want to see the Philippines do well in the fight for COVID. I want to see the president to be wise and build an inclusive society.

I want to see him let journalists do our jobs because every time they attack journalists, it makes me think that they have something to hide.

Please focus because where our president goes, our entire nation goes. So having said that, this is a rallying cry for journalists. The risks are greater, but the stakes are higher.

AJ: After watching this documentary, what’s the call to action? How can viewers stay engaged and keep a watch on what’s happening with Rappler and Maria?

RD: There’s a coalition of some 80 organizations, the Hold the Line coalition. That’s one way they can really get involved and stay in touch. They should sign up for that. It’s so hard to just keep the story alive because there’s so much happening, there’s so much noise. So that’s one way of really just been shining the light on this story, which is key. Just keep the story alive.

MR: Please hold Silicon Valley accountable because if you don’t, the poison or virus of lies will continue infecting all of us and that is global. Journalists can’t even begin to do our jobs if lies laced with anger and hate spread faster and further than the stories of facts.

Number two is, please help us keep shining the light. The only reason I think I’m still “free,” kind of, because I think my government forgot I spent a lot more time outside the Philippines and so people are doing our stories.

Thank you for that. Ramona is now the major rabble-rouser.

The third is, sign the petition for Hold the Line and we also have a crowdfunding campaign [for] our legal fees. We wouldn’t have been able to pay this so it’s from the kindness of strangers.

That to me puts my faith back. I think people know what’s right and wrong. But power and money are very big incentives. In the Philippines, it’s been really hard to get beyond what the Duterte administration has done and to punch through the fear.

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday, August 12, reiterated his confidence over the National Capital Region (NCR) returning to general community quarantine (GCQ) once the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) enforced on the area and nearby provinces ends on August 18.

“My statement has a caveat.

If trends continue that the new cases decrease, because during my interview, (the case was only) 3,000 (on) the day before, from 6,000 (during) the previous days.

That was the trend I was referring to,” he said in a statement.

His statement came after an additional 6,958 novel coronavirus cases were recorded in the country on Monday, August 10 – coincidentally the day he claimed Metro Manila is ready to return to a less stringent quarantine status due to the gradual decline of COVID-19 cases.

“But we still have five days to

go before the end of MECQ. I may be proven right yet,” Lorenzana noted.

On Monday, the Defense secretary also noted that the country cannot afford to continue enforcing lockdowns as it would only hurt the economy further.

“Sa katunayan nga, kahapon nagsalita na si (Finance) Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez (III) na ang sabi nya, we have to do something to open up the economy, hindi pwedeng lockdown na lang tayo ng lockdown dahil nga baka mas marami pang mamatay sa gutom kesa sa COVID kung walang trabaho ang mga tao (Yesterday, Secretary Dominguez said we must do something to open up the economy. We cannot go on imposing more lockdowns as many more people might die of hunger than of COVID-19 if people will no longer have jobs),” Lorenzana said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque likewise admitted that the country’s economy will not be able to withstand a prolonged MECQ. “Tatapatin ko po kayo, hindi na

po kaya ng ekonomiya ang mas matagalan pang lockdown (I will be blunt, the economy cannot withstand a longer lockdown),” he said on August 4.

President Rodrigo Duterte on August 2 placed Metro Manila under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) again as novel coronavirus cases in the country exceed 100,000.

The quarantine classification took effect on August 4 and will be in place until August 18.

Duterte approved the Cabinet’s recommendation to return to a more stringent lockdown in response to the medical community’s plea for a time-out.

Aside from Metro Manila, the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan were also placed under MECQ. Under this quarantine status, strict home quarantine will be observed in all households. There will be no public transport, domestic flights, and mass gatherings. There will also be limited transporting services for essential goods and services. n

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august 13-19, 2020 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

Proper screening Filipinos continue returning en masse from different countries, most of them workers who lost their jobs abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic. since the start of the community quarantine in mid-March, 221,275 overseas Filipinos have returned to the country.

All of them were required to undergo 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

The Department of Health has reported that 211,540 of the returning Filipinos have been released from quarantine while 4,831 have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019. of that number, the DoH said 4,113 have recovered, 574 remain in hospital while five have died of CoViD-19.

Another 1,796 Filipinos staying abroad have also tested positive, the DoH reported. The Department of Foreign Affairs, for its part, has recorded 9,692 confirmed CoViD cases among Filipinos staying abroad. screening of all people entering the philippines amid the pandemic, Filipinos and foreigners alike, must be stringent as the country grapples with community transmission of CoViD-19. international flights are still limited so this is possible.

The global spread of CoViD from the Chinese city of Wuhan has been attributed to international travel. in the philippines, the belated ban on travelers from China gave the country its first CoViD

OpiniOn & Features

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case on Jan. 30: a 38-year-old female Chinese tourist from Wuhan.

Her male companion from Wuhan, the philippines’ patient no. 2, died on Feb. 1 in Manila.

By March 7, the first case of local transmission was recorded. And by March 11, a 67-year-old woman with no history of overseas travel became the first Filipino to die of CoViD. These developments show the importance of screening travelers and subjecting them to proper testing and isolation. in the philippines, local government executives have complained of recording their first CoViD cases only after the arrival of locally stranded individuals from Metro Manila.

The DoH has stressed that detecting sARsCoV-2 requires the “gold standard” reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab testing and not just the rapid test for the presence of antibodies. A positive swab test result must be followed by proper isolation for anyone who tests positive.

There is general agreement that the country needs to gradually reopen the economy. But reopening without the necessary measures to prevent the further spread of CoViD can only spell disaster, for both the economy and public health.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-reloS YEs, BiDEn-HARRis 2020! “i have the great honor to announce that i’ve picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate,” former Vice president Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, announced on Twitter on Tuesday, August 11.

This personally excited me and i know Harris will energize all the more the Democratic party as this tandem works together toward ending the chaos and retrogression we are experiencing right now under the presidency of Donald Trump and his spineless Vp Mike pence.

Harris is intelligent and well educated, and has exemplary work experience in public service. A gifted communicator and a fierce, substantive debater with great presence and energy, she will be a great asset during the campaign.

Her roots and life experience have very well equipped her to represent us immigrants in America.

Choosing Harris is the first executive decision made by Biden and this judgment call reflects much about Biden’s discernment, values, priorities and vision for America. And he delivered on his promise to select a

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta HAs president Donald Trump been fantasizing about becoming a dictator like his idol Russia’s Vladimir putin and his favorite presidents-for-life China’s Xi Jingping and north Korea’s Kim Jung Un? in History News Network, author John C. Waugh, wrote an article with the eyebrow-raising title, “Trump – A Wannabe Dictator in Training.” “in a view shared by many, it is easy to believe that what Donald Trump really wants is not to be president of the country, but dictator of it. indeed, he has suggested how good it might be for him to enjoy a third term, perhaps more, even though the Constitution forcefully forbids it. “in a Father’s Day tweet he fantasized over the possibility, suggesting the public might ‘demand’ that he serve a third term.

The [good news], he wrote, ‘is that at the end of six years, after America has been made GREAT again and i leave the beautiful White House (do you think the people would demand that i stay longer? KEEp AMERiCA GREAT)…’

The Joe Biden-Kamala Harris tandem represents the diversity and the soul of the new generation of America

woman of color for his running mate. should they win, Harris will be the first woman of color vice president in America. senator Kamala Harris represents California, home to the biggest population of Filipinos in America and outside of the philippines.

Harris was sworn into office in 2017, and as her webpage states, she is the second African-American woman and first south Asian-American senator in history. she serves on the Homeland security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the select Committee on intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on the Budget.

Harris was born in oakland, California on october 20, 1964 and was raised in Berkeley, California. she shares the experience and perspective of many people in today’s America, being biracial and born to immigrant parents.

Harris’ father is Donald Harris, a respected stanford University Emeritus professor of economics. He is from Jamaica with African descent and moved to America in 1961 to pursue graduate study in economics at UC Berkeley.

Kamala’s late mother was shyamala Gopalan Harris, an immigrant from south india who emigrated to the United states in 1960 to pursue a doc-

torate at UC Berkeley, earning her ph.D. in nutrition and endocrinology at age 25.

This amazing woman who raised Kamala and her sister Maya “embodied an independent, confident and curious spirit that led her to travel alone to the U.s. as a teen; forge a career as a brilliant breast cancer researcher; join the Civil Rights Movement; introduce a generation of students of color to careers in science,” her obituary stated when she died after a courageous battle with cancer in 2009.

Harris’ mother was respected as a breast cancer researcher around the world. Her body of work as a researcher made substantial contributions to the field of hormones and breast cancer, publishing her research in countless journals and receiving numerous honors.

Her parents separated when Kamala was only five years old. she and her sister were raised singlehandedly by her mother, who inspired Kamala to make a name for her self and make a difference.

Her bio on her web page talks about her early childhood: “Growing up in oakland, Kamala had a stroller-eye view of the Civil Rights movement.

Through the example of courageous leaders like Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Motley, and Charles Hamilton

Wannabe dictators?

“After Chinese president Xi Jingping abolished term limits in his own country, Trump said he liked the sound of that. ‘president for life. no, he’s great. And look, he was able to do that. i think it’s great. Maybe we’ll have (to) give that a shot some day.’ Just joking? it is not all that laughable.” [The quotes in these two paragraphs are from an article by Gabrielle Bruney in Esquire, July 16, 2019. They have also appeared in the New York Times and Washington Post.]

Will Trump be able to pull it off? it is doubtful – not in the U.s. – but it won’t be for lack of trying. Wannabe Dictator Trump (a term coined by website Daily sound and Fury) has threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcast networks that are airing unflattering commercials. Manila media should find that threat familiar. And in another move reminiscent of the philippines, Trump recently sent federal troops to suppress protests in portland, oregon.

Trump has also given some unsubtle hints, such as suggesting that the Constitutionallymandated presidential election on november 3 this year should be delayed, ostensibly to foil an unfounded “plot” by the Democrats to “steal the election.” in

an interview with Fox news’ Chris Wallace, Trump also said he would not readily accept his defeat, assuming that were to happen, until he had confirmed the legitimacy of the voting. of course, House speaker nancy pelosi put it very bluntly in a press statement: “Trump will be fumigated out” if he refuses to leave the White House after he loses.

Yes. Fumigated, like getting rid of a cockroach.

Fortunately, the U.s. is not a banana republic or a Communist state like Russia, China or north Korea. And even in the unlikely event that a wannabe dictator succeeds in getting all the services of the U.s. armed forces behind him, he would have to contend with the 50 states of the union, each of which has a degree of sovereignty, each with its own supreme Court, legislature, national guards, and the equivalent of a president, the state governor.

Waugh had more to say about this. “so what does a wannabe dictator who wants to give that a shot some day have to do day-byday to reach his miserable goal?

And how is Trump measuring up? it is not an easy jump from democracy to dictatorship in our

Houston, Kamala learned the kind of character it requires to stand up to the powerful, and resolved to spend her life advocating for those who could not defend themselves.”

Harris earned her undergraduate degree from Howard University and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of law.

After graduating, she began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s office.

“In 2003, Kamala became the District Attorney of the City and County of San Francisco.

Among her achievements as District Attorney, Harris started a program that gives firsttime drug offenders the chance to earn a high school diploma and find employment.

Having completed two terms as the District Attorney of San Francisco, Kamala was elected as the first African-American and first woman to serve as California’s Attorney General.

In this role, she worked tirelessly to hold corporations accountable and protect the state’s most vulnerable people.

Over the course of her nearly two terms in office, Kamala won a $25-billion settlement for California homeowners hit by the foreclosure crisis, defended California’s landmark climate change law, protected the Affordable Care Act, helped win marriage equality for all Californians, and prosecuted

transnational gangs that trafficked in guns, drugs, and human beings.

In the United States Senate, Kamala’s mission remains unchanged: fighting for the rights of all communities in California. Since taking office, she has introduced and cosponsored legislation to raise wages for working people, reform our broken criminal justice system, make healthcare a right for all Americans, address the epidemic of substance abuse, support veterans and military families, and expand access to childcare for working parents.”

When she ran for president during the Democratic party primary elections, Harris was already being attacked for her ethnicity, just as president Barack obama was. Contrary to her detractors’ false allegation that she was not eligible to run for office to be president [and Vp for that matter] because she is not a “natural-born American”, HARRis is An AMERiCAn, according to the provisions of our Constitution.

The U.s. Constitution Fourteenth Amendment, section 1, which was added in 1868 states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United states, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United states and of the state wherein they reside.”

What are the technical requirements a presidential candidate must meet to run for office? This is important for a Vp candidate because she will be next in line in the order of succession should something happen to the president that would incapacitate him to perform his duties as president.

The candidate for president (and Vp) has to be: a natural-born citizen of the United states, a resident for 14 years, and must be 35 years of age or older.

Kamala Harris checks all of those requirements. she has birthright citizenship, and that makes her eligible to run for president (and Vp).

Harris is only 55 years old. if Joe Biden, who is now 78, decides not to run for re-election in 2024, then Harris may very well be the frontrunner of the Democratic party, and therefore be the elected as the first woman president should she win the election in four years.

MABUHAY! ***

country. There is that dratted Constitution in the way. There are laws to be violated. There are critics, opponents, Democrats, immigrants, and the unfaithful to be purged. There is the critical mainstream media to be done away with. There are many lies to be told. it is hard, nasty work and Trump is fast running out of time.

“A dictator must as soon as possible, by any means, shut down the media or control it. no dictatorship can exist in the presence of a free press. so far Trump has only been able to call the media names – ‘the fake news media,’ ‘the enemy of the people,’ ‘the opposition party’….

“A dictator must tell lies, lots of lies. Trump is far and away the champion liar in presidential history. it is said by news outlets who keep track of such things, that Trump averages about six lies per day.” indeed, a dictatorial caper would be difficult to pull off in the U.s. But this could be easier to do in the philippines – that is, assuming that president Rodrigo Duterte is inclined to become a dictator. is he?

From his recent actions and statements, Duterte may already be acting like one. He has caused the shutdown, displacement and arrest of political and media critics, including a Chief Justice of the supreme Court. And the police and military have been accused of extra-judicial killings.

Duterte once said that even if he “resigned” from the presidency, Vice-president leni Robredo could not expect to automatically assume the position as mandated by the Constitution – because the police and the military would have to “find the right successor.” perhaps, Duterte has been watching too many movies about latin American banana republics, where military strongmen grabbed power.

Recently, Duterte dared the people at large to start a “revolution.” According to him, that

would give him an excuse to mount a “counter-revolution” and declare a “revolutionary government.” it’s not far-fetched that some quarters in the military and police will support Duterte if he were to do this. He may also be able to count on the support of a rubber-stamp Congress and the courts.

But neither is it far-fetched to believe that there are enough patriotic and idealistic military and police officers who will rally behind a civil society resistance to an outright attempt by Duterte to name himself a president-forlife, the way putin and Xi Jingping did.

Besides, Duterte will also have to contend with those who believe that they also deserve their turn at wielding presidential power.

What is likely to happen is that Duterte will want a surrogate to assume the presidency when his term expires. But then, even the most loyal surrogate, once that person tastes power, will want even more of it.

British historian lord Acton put it aptly: “power corrupts.

And absolute power corrupts absolutely.” in other words, the problem confronting a wannabe dictator is that there are others who want to become dictators, too. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

“He is particularly incensed by the Washington post and the new York Times, both of them highly critical of him. He has said that in the event that the public did demand that he stay, ‘both of these horrible papers will quickly go out of business & be forever gone!’

“A dictator must be an avid hater of some minority group and wanting to purge it. Trump hates Muslims. He is not too crazy about blacks and Hispanics either. But there are now many of them, a very tall purging job. on the other side of this coin, Trump seems in no mind to purge white supremacists, who love him as one of their own.

Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.

Relos.

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

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VEGAS&STYLE Journal

DrAWing A more vibrAnt Future:

Fil-Am animators on their creative beginnings, the universality of Filipino narratives in animation by

KlaRize Medenilla / AJPress

IN the inclusive rider era of Hollywood, it’s almost become a pedestrian party line to pledge support for diversity but the actual outturns thus far of that proclamation still leaves more to the imagination.

But the world of animation — a space governed by entertainment bigwigs, Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks — is a space where anything goes, and the effort to diversify is evidently much easier when characters can be drawn whichever way, new fantastic worlds can be rendered from pure imagination and voice talents don’t typically have to contend with the marketability factor in casting.

Little do many of us know that behind such cherished films like “Zootopia” and “Wreck-It Ralph” and TV shows like the cultural behemoth “Avatar: The Last Airbender” are Filipino American animators who have established fruitful careers as animators, storyboard artists and, most recently, directors.

Rise Up Animation, an initiative created by people of color in the animation industry, was co-founded by Fil-Am animator Bobby Pontillas, whose credits include contemporary Disney classics such as “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Big Hero 6.”

The initiative’s objective is, simply put, to buoy up aspiring animators of color and uncover their potential. In the year of COVID-19, the Rise Up Animation’s offerings of programs and workshops are, like most things these days, limited. But the organization — which has partnered up with various Disney properties — has been hosting talks with some of the biggest veteran animators in the game.

Among those animators include Filipino American talents such as Pontillas, Josie Trinidad, John Aquino, Ian Abando and Bobby Rubio, all of whom have worked on an entire generation’s worth of nostalgia and developed enough career longevity to become formidable forces in the push for Filipino visibility and recognition in animation.

“It’s quite an honor to be in the presence of directors and Filipino artists whom I admire and look up to and it’s great that we are in this time and space where our work is being recognized,” Pontillas said in a special “Filipinx Directors in Animation” panel with Trinidad, Abando, Rubio and Aquino on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Since its inception, Disney set the blueprint for animation, and like other kids, Aquino acknowledged Disney’s role in fueling his early interest in drawing. But Aquino — like Rubio and Abando — was more influenced by comic books, particularly those of Will “Whilce” Portacio, who created works on popular superheroes like the X-Men, The Punisher, Iron Man and Spawn, to name a few.

Like the other artists on the panel, Aquino knew early on that he would lead a life in illustration, a dream that led him to Walt Disney Animation Studios. As a crucial figure in its visual effects and animation departments, Aquino has worked as a modeler for some of the biggest hits to come out of Disney and Pixar of the last decade: “Tangled,” “WreckIt Ralph,” “Frozen” and “Frozen 2,” “Big Hero 6” and “Moana.”

Though he’s celebrated major achievements in his professional life, Aquino acknowledges his

mother as a key motivator that has gotten him to the point he is now. His mother, who contrasted the Dragon Lady stereotype of Asian mothers, championed the artist’s dreams.

“She encouraged me to do whatever brought me joy and she always supported me, and I think that kind of [parental] support goes a long way for Filipinos who want to pursue careers in the arts,” Aquino shared.

For these artists, the shared goal of establishing a cultural foundation for Filipino animators may be an uphill journey, but it’s a battle that they don’t plan to quit. And that tenacity, coupled with the inherent desire to share personal stories through animation, is what prompted a crucial milestone in 2019.

“Float,” Rubio’s directorial de-

B

Filipino dance crew competes in ‘World of Dance’ semi-finals

By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

FILIPINO hip-hop dance crew UPeepz on Wednesday, August 12 wowed “World of Dance” judges as they competed in the semifinal round of the American dance competition.

UPeepz’s 11 members showcased Filipino culture on the international stage by incorporating several local influences in their performance. They wore costumes that featured local weaves that remind of royalty from Mindanao, danced to Black Eyed Peas’ “Bebot” with a short mash-up of Francis Magalona’s “Mga Kababayan Ko,” and added traditional folk dances like tinikling and singkil into their one-minute routine.

Judge Jennifer Lopez was fascinated by the routine, praising

UPeepz as a “strong group” that ”dance almost as one.”

Judge Ne-Yo, for his part, enjoyed grooving along with the dance crew and commended the overall “cleanliness” of their performance.

He also gave UPeepz a shoutout on Twitter, sharing the group’s performance with the caption: “Pagmamahal @UPeepzOfficial.”

Meanwhile, Judge Derek Hough said he loved that UPeepz featured Filipino culture in the dance routine.

“I just feel your passion for dance so much and I love the fact that you brought in your culture into this piece,” he said.

UPeepz received a score of 88 from Lopez, 89 from Ne-Yo, and 90 from Hough for an average of 89.0.

UPeepz is a two-time World Hip Hop Dance Champion.

but about a Filipino father with a son who can float in the air that was released on Disney+ in November, was the first-ever animated short featuring CGI Filipino characters.

With a running time of only seven minutes, “Float” beautifully tells a heart-warming story that was inspired by his own experience as a father with a son on the autism spectrum. In the story, the father struggles with showing his son’s special abilities to the world, afraid that the son will be subject to ostracization. Eventually, the father realizes that the son’s unusual ability is not a hindrance, but a gift.

A gift, too, is the short film’s expansive relatability and universality, said Rubio, who also worked as a story artist on Dis- Filipino dance group UPeepz stunned the “World of Dance” judges with an explosive routine Photo from Instagram/@upeepz PAGE B4 that featured the Philippine national dance Tinikling.

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EntErtainmEnt

Gerald still mum on real score with Julia

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actor Gerald Anderson joins not only the clamor to cancel 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If he would have his way, he also would like to cancel 2019 — the year when he was embroiled in a scandal for allegedly “ghosting” former girlfriend Bea Alonzo and for being linked to “Between Maybes” co-star Julia Barretto. “’Yung lockdown ko kasi nagstart ng 2019. More on personal (reason),” he admitted to Philstar. com in a teleconference Tuesday for his reunion movie with Arci Munoz, “Hook-Up.” “Kung pwede rin i-cancel ang isang taon, talagang itong 2020.

Marami pong nangyari sa isang taon na ‘to na sobrang unexpected, sobrang nakakademoralize, nakakalungkot, nilalagay tayo sa sitwasyon na napakahirap, buong mundo – namatay si Kobe, sumabog ‘yung Taal, coronavirus…

Nagshutdown kumpanya namin, livelihood namin, nawala. So, tulad ng sinabi ni Arci, the only choice na meron tayo ngayon is to stay positive,” he said.

“Pag naiisip mo lang ‘yung nangyari sa Lebanon, naiisip mo pa, Ano pang pwedeng mangyari sa 2020?... ‘Yung 2020 talagang cancel ko talaga ‘to… saka 2019!”

When asked by another media outlet to finally set the record straight about his rumored relationship with Julia, Gerald said: “Unang una, ayaw ko po pagusapan ang isang taong wala

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Drew: Quarantine made me a better father and husband by allan

PolicaRPio Inquirer.net

Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto in a scene from their film ‘Between Maybes’.

Star Cinema photo

namang connection sa ginagawa natin ngayon. Respeto na rin po siguro sa kanila. At labas po tayo d’yan. I want to stay silent. Ganu’n po talaga ‘yung kalakaran. I mind my own business at sana, ipapayo ko rin ‘yun sa ibang tao.”

According to him, this 2020 is a test for everyone as a human race.

“We have to stay resilient and strong. Dapat nating dalhin’ yan sa mga susunod na taon. We just have to stay strong. Naniniwala talaga ako na magkakapositive outcome ang lahat ng ‘to,” he enthused.

Apart from staying safe and strong, he said it is also impor-

tant to remain as a good person every day.

“Not every day is promised to us… Sa sitwasyon natin ngayon, ‘di natin alam kung anong pwedeng mangyari bukas. Ang importante talaga kasama natin pamilya natin, pangalagaan natin na maging mabuting tao tayo araw-araw.”

In “Hook-Up,” Gerald and Arci will play lovers who will try to spice things up by attempting to make love online. But as they continue to explore more about online lovemaking, they will discover new things about each other that will change the course of their relationship.

BECAUSE of the COVID-19 pandemic, Drew Arellano has found himself spending more time at home. And that, in turn, he feels, has allowed him to grow as a family man. “I’m the one usually outside, so that has been the major adjustment we experienced the past couple of months. But the effect of quarantine … it made me better in terms of being a father and husband,” he told the Inquirer in a video conference.

Drew has three children with wife Iya Villania: their boys, Primo and Leon, who are turning 4 and 2, respectively, this month; and daughter Alana Lauren, who was born last July.

“I’m fortunate to have little ones, because they give me so much happiness every single day,” said Drew, who currently hosts the new lifestyle show, “Family Time”—a part of GMA News TV’s “New Normal: The Survival Guide” series, which aims to discuss various topics related to life in the new normal.

If there’s one thing to be grateful for in these times, it’s being able to spend more quality time with the kids. “It’s golden,” Drew stressed. “I grew up thinking that family should be the top priority.

Work is second. That has always been my mindset. And this is something I want to do even after things return to normal.”

While he misses going on ad-

Drew Arellano

GMA photo

ventures as he so often does for his travel show, “Biyahe ni Drew,” time at home is priceless. “I miss the sea, submerging myself and tasting salt. We shoot two days a week and I miss waking up at 5 a.m. and experiencing the serenity alone,” he said. “But spending [time with] my family trumps that feeling.”

Show biz has been one of the hardest hit by the quarantine. And the flow of projects has considerably slowed down for many celebrities. But if the going gets tough, Drew is prepared to hustle.

“A lot of people know that I’m a joker, but I’m serious when it comes to fighting to make my family comfortable,” Drew said.

“I grew up being super independent. I left our house when I was just 20 years old to have my own business, and didn’t have to ask for money from then on. Having said that, seeing other celebrities creating opportunities for themselves and exploring new ways to earn is nothing short of admirable.”

“Some of us are fortunate to have that ‘soldiering on’ and ‘I will pivot because I don’t want to perish’ kind of mindset. It’s the kind mindset that allows us to say, ‘OK lang, I will scale down my lifestyle, because I’m not earning the same amount of money that I had been earning prepandemic,’” he related.

In “Family Time,” which airs

on Fridays at 8:30 p.m., Drew shows what he’s like as a father at home, and features experts who can give parents valuable tips on how to juggle working and raising children at home.

“We can ask these experts how to build strong relationships, how to create a safe and happy home.

We also hope to show simple and fun activities that parents and children can enjoy together.

We will talk to families dealing with the new normal. And hopefully, we also get to talk to people about love and relationships in this period. Relationships are an important aspect of our lives right now—whether within the household or social media,” he explained.

The good thing about working from home, he joked, is that it forced him and Iya to make the rooms look “presentable” for filming. “We turned one of the rooms into a makeshift studio … It’s also where Iya does her work for ‘24 Oras,’” said Drew, who doesn’t mind his children interrupting his shoots.

“Most of the time, the shoots aren’t serious, so I let the children walk around. But if it’s a serious interview, I’d tell Iya to look after them. But if they cry and the audio catches that, then there’s nothing we can do,” he said, laughing.

“We don’t live in a soundproof mansion, so we gotta do what we gotta do.”

Michael V. recovers from COVID19, clarifies suspicion of getting virus from deliveries

by Jan

Milo seveRo Philstar.com

KAPUSO comedian Michael V. revealed that he has now recovered from novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and already finished his self-quarantine.

In his latest YouTube channel video, the “Bubble Gang” star said that he won the battle against COVID-19 and thanked all his fans for the support and prayers.

He also thanked his fans for the fan art he received while battling the virus.

“Special shoutout sa lahat ng mga nag-post at nag-tag sa akin ng mga fanart hindi lang dahil dun sa mga ginagawa nilang artworks kundi dahil sa mga messages na rin nila,” Bitoy said.

“Pag may nagta-tag sa akin, inii-screenshot ko agad tapos nilalagay ko sa isang folder sa phone ko,” he added.

Likewise, Bitoy showed his own version of a fan art he made for health workers.

“I made sure na mailagay lahat ng detalye na tumatak sa isip ko: ‘Yung tagaktak ng pawis nila paghubad ng PPE, ‘yung pangungulubot ng mga kamay dahil sa ilang patong na gloves, ‘yung marka na iniiwan ng maghapon na pag susuot ng face mask,” he said.

He also asked the public to support the medical workers.

“Kahit po mga superheroes, at one point, natatalo sa mga kalaban. Ang mga medical frontliners po natin ay hindi superheroes.

Wala po silang superpowers. Kaya kung puwede lang po sana huwag natin silang hayaang matalo.”

He shared that besides him, one of his kids also experienced COVID-19 symptoms like fever and diarrhea, but his kid recovered after three days.

Before ending his post, Bitoy addressed fans’ comments, including one that alleged that he is partly to blame why deliveries are now low because people are scared of getting the virus from

Michael V.

GMA photo

there.

“Malinaw naman ‘yung sinabi ko, wala namang double-meaning. Ang sinabi ko, duda ko, duda ha, hindi factual so pwedeng tama, pwedeng mali,” he stressed his suspicion that he probably got the virus from deliveries since he and his family rarely go out of their house.

“Ang duda ko eh sa deliveries ko nakuha ko ‘yung virus. Isipin n’yo ha, bago umabot sa’kin ‘yung delivery, nanggaling ‘yan una, sa seller. Pangalawa, sa logistics facilies. Pangatlo, sa mismong nagdedeliver. Pang-apat, sa guard sa lobby. Pang-lima, sa kasambahay namin. At pang-anim, d’un sa mismong item. Lahat ng ‘yan pwedeng mangyari in 24 hours.

Lahat ng anim na nabanggit ko, posibleng carrier ng virus eh.

Kaya ‘yung buong proseso ng delivery, ‘yun ang pinagdududahan ko at hindi iisang tao lang.”

Despite such suspicion, Bitoy clarified that he still allows deliveries.

“Ang suggestion ko, bago n’yo gamitin o hawakan ‘yung mga pina-deliver n’yo, siguraduhin n’yo munang malinis at walang virus.”

Apart from properly disinfecting deliveries, he advised to read the entire news and not just the headlines.

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS “COOKING” N95 masks N95 respirator mask has been the standard personal protective equipment (PPE) for COVID19. Since this face covering is frequently in short supply and a bit pricey, sterilizing it for reuse is in demand. Some wash it with peroxide, others expose it to UV-C light, some even microwave it. A recent study from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Champaign, showed that placing the N-95 mask on top of a thick bath towel folded several times over (so the mask does not touch the heated metal wall) in an electric cooker (rice-cooker, power cooker, instant cooker), and “cooking” the N-95 mask for 50 minutes of dry heat (100 degrees Celsius or 212 Fahrenheit) will thoroughly decontaminate and sterilize the mask, inside and out, against 4 different viruses, including the SARS-CoV2 virus that causes COVID-19. The filtration power and fit of the mask were 95 percent maintained even after 20 repeated cycles of “cooking” decontamination.

COVID-19 damages multi-organs While the known cytokines storm in severe COVID-19 infection destroys the lungs and kills these patients, new data show that other organs are also adversely affected by the virus.

Inflammation of the heart, both among those with previous heart problem and those without, is very common among severe COVID-19 patients (51 percent, 40 percent with arrythmia). The devastating cytokine storm syndrome, besides damaging the lungs, also causes acute necrotizing (brain) encephalitis, kidney damage, hepatitis, gastrointestinal derangement, and venous thromboembolism. It is obvious by now that no one, even children, is exempt from getting COVID-19 when they are careless, non-compliant with the guidelines: frequent hand washing, avoiding non-essential travel and exposure, wearing cap, eye goggles, mask, gloves, and doing social distancing in public. Better safe, even a little paranoid, than sorry. SARS-CoV2 virus is a killer. And we have only one life, no spare.

Health tips Disinfectants are poison A reader inquired if disinfectant could be used to clean food items. The answer is NO. Disinfectants, like Clorox, alcohol, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, iodophors, etc. are all poisonous. These solutions must not be applied to the skin either. While they destroy the SARS-CoV2 virus that causes COVID-19, they are all harmful for use on the body. Fruits and vegetables may be washed with peroxide solution, but this is an expensive way, compared to soaking and washing them with liberal amounts of water, and with salt if desired. The food industry uses UVC light to sterilize meat, other food items, and water for drinking to meet FDA guidelines for health safety. Disinfectants are for cleaning surfaces (FDA approved: 2 tablespoons of bleach in one quart water or 1.2 cups bleach ger gallon of water, or alcohol that is 70 percent or higher). Good ventilation is needed to expel chemical odor after cleaning; turn room vent on.

Bad for arthritis The pathology in arthritis (joint swelling and pain) is inflammation. Behavior, activity, and food all affect our body, including our joints (neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, back, hip, knee, ankle, toe). Lack of exercise or abuse on any of our joints, as well as food, can cause the inflammatory process that leads to arthritis. As far as vegetables are concerned, the Night Shade family (Latin term: Solanaceae) aggravates arthritis of our joints, especially the knees. This variety includes white potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, bell and cayenne peppers, paprika and tobacco.

The alkaloids in these seem to be the culprit. They are also avoided by those with autoimmune diseases.

Skin moisturizers Our skin, especially in the face, is very sensitive to dryness, which causes the loss of turgor and collagen and encourages wrinkle formation. Dry skin in the face or anywhere else in the body is not healthy. Drinking eight (8) glasses of filtered water daily and showering helps hydrate our skin. Since water, especially with soap, robs our skin of our protective natural body oil, it is best to use moisturizers for the face and the entire body daily.

Vaseline for callouses To moisturize the foot and also

soften callouses and cracks at the sole (plantar aspect) of the feet, petroleum jelly has been around from time immemorial and found effective when used two to three times a week. There are various creams on the market advertised for callouses, but they are pricey.

Anti-wrinkle There are dozens of anti-wrinkle creams out there that could cost up to $200 per jar. The promotional psychology used by advertisers is that the more expensive it is, the more people will think it is more effective. Some of them have a “starch or crazy glue effect” which lasts a couple of hours (for party goers). This stretches out the facial skin a bit, but without lasting effect. Using it round the clock is not harmless. These anti-wrinkle creams are preferred by some women in their fifties and older, who are wiser to avoid Botox or cosmetic surgery. The majority rely on good diet, exercise, and facial moisturizers.

Alzheimer’s wonder pill Presently, there are no drugs that could slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, a dementia that erases memories, cognition, and steals independence and skills, rendering a person helpless and worse than a baby. Biogen, a U.S. company, announced that it has created the first therapy that could slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, and that it will soon seek regulatory approval in the United States. This groundbreaking drug is called aducanumab, which targets a protein called amyloid, which are abnormal deposits toxic to the brain. This new drug “will slow down the clinical decline and preserve more of their memory and everyday living skills, things the disease usually robs.” In the meantime, let’s all do mental calisthenics daily to exercise our brain and promote mental health.

Pills for the brain There are a lot of pills and potion for “brain health,” to boost memory, concentration, and cognitive ability. Since business entrepreneurs know by experience that millions of gullible people are out there, they never cease to manufacture, advertise, and sell various “breakthroughs” and “miracle cures.” They are actually the snake oils of the past centuries, packaged more elegantly PAGE B4

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 13-19, 2020

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Myths versus reality: Registering as an organ donor

by Nevada

doNor Network

AUGUST is National Minority Donor Awareness Month and Nevada Donor Network (NDN) is raising awareness about the importance of having diverse donor registrations in the state.

Critical factors in donor/recipient matching, such as blood types and tissue markers, are more likely to be found among members of the same ethnicity. Therefore, if donor registration among the diverse population can be increased, there is potential to increase access to transplantation for everyone who desperately waits.

Below are a few of the common myths about donation, along with the correct information to help you make your choice: MYTH: I AM TOO OLD TO BE A DONOR Reality: The oldest donor was actually 92 years old! Everyone can consider registration regardless of age. Medical professionals, to ensure transplant safety and viability, evaluate each potential donor individually. Nobody should prematurely rule themselves out if they would like to give the gift of life and health to those in need.

MYTH: I CANNOT BE A DONOR BECAUSE OF MY MEDICAL CONDITIONS Reality: Everyone should consider themselves a potential donor, regardless of previous or current medical conditions. Transplantation is constantly evolving, meaning certain medical conditions no longer rule out the possibility of donation. Additionally, cornea donation is still safe and possible in many cases where organ and tissue donation are not.

MYTH: IF DOCTORS KNOW I’M A REGISTERED ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONOR, THEY WON’T WORK AS HARD TO SAVE ME Reality: This is simply not true.

First responders, nurses and doctors are all trained and responsible for saving lives. If you are sick or injured and taken to a hospital, the first priority is always to save your life. Donation is only considered after all life-saving measures have been unsuccessful.

MYTH: IF I DONATE MY ORGANS, EYES OR TISSUES, I WON’T BE ABLE TO HAVE AN OPEN CASKET FUNERAL Reality: Throughout the process, a donor’s body is treated

with respect and dignity. Organs and tissues are recovered in a surgical procedure and all incisions are closed and dressed.

Every effort will be made to minimize changes to the physical appearance to ensure every single individual receives the honor he or she deserves. Nevada Donor Network works closely with donor families to understand their preferences for viewings and services.

MYTH: ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONATION IS AGAINST MY RELIGION Reality: Most major organized religions worldwide support or encourage organ, eye, and tissue donation and view it as the final act of charity or love. Learn more about your religion’s position on donation on the Nevada Donor Network website: http://www. nvdonor.org.

MYTH: I REGISTERED AS AN ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONOR, BUT MY FAMILY DOESN’T NEED TO KNOW Reality: Nevada Donor Network encourages everyone to discuss their wishes with their

family and friends to ensure your decisions are being honored.

Even if you have registered, organ procurement organizations must work closely with your family members to obtain medical and social history information and to guide them through the process. If you have not registered and have not discussed your wishes with your family, they may ultimately be faced with making the decision for you.

While it can be difficult to think about end-of-life decisions, making the choice to be a donor can impact the lives of dozens of people. Organ donation saves lives, tissue donation restores health and mobility and cornea donation gives sight to those who may otherwise be blind.

Additionally, many donor families find profound comfort and healing in knowing their loved one has left a lasting legacy.

Please visit www.nvdonor. org/diversity for more information about multicultural donation and to register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Features

B august 13-19, 2020 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

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

Marian & Dingdong’s parenting style Fil-Am animators on their creative...

PAGE B1 ney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” and “Monsters University” as well as the wildly popular Nickelodeon series “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

After two decades of working on various Disney projects (Rubio’s first animation credit was on the 1995 film “Pocahontas”), Rubio began storyboarding “Float,” which was directly inspired by his son’s autism diagnosis in 2010.

“The floating was a metaphor for me. It was supposed to be a story about autism, but then I saw that it could mean other things and could represent any kind of difference like gender difference, racial difference,” he noted. “I also heard Filipinos suggest that they thought it was a metaphor for assimilation, that the boy was trying to embrace his Filipino heritage but the dad was, like, ‘No, you’re American,’ and tried to stifle his Filipinoness.”

Rubio added, “That’s important because it’s like, I don’t have to assimilate and I could accept and embrace my culture. [When I heard this interpretation from Filipinos] I felt so grateful that my story could be seen that way, and I’m so thankful for all the love and support that the film has gotten.”

If “Float” is the foundational genesis of emerging Filipino stories in the mainstream, then the future is boundless, which Rubio’s fellow Disney animator Trinidad acknowledges.

Trinidad, a second-generation Filipino American, grew up in Oxnard, California and, like Aquino, had parents who were

“very supportive of the arts.”

The moment that she knew animation was in her future was an early viewing of Disney’s “Robin Hood” when she was a young child and realized that cartoons were drawings that were created frame by frame.

What followed was her entrance into CalArts and employment at Disney in the early aughts when animation went from a strictly 2D medium to one that now employs CGI and other technological advances.

At Disney, Trinidad wears many hats, providing voices in various Disney and Pixar films to working as a story artist on awardwinning films like “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Zootopia” and the “Wreck-It Ralph” films. But, now more than ever, Trinidad feels emboldened to

*** 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 “Float” made history as the first Pixar and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ animation featuring Filipino characters. gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Pixar

Bobby Rubio photographed on August 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif.

Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar

SERVICES

SERVICES

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

WHEN Dingdong Dantes turned 40 last Aug. 2, his wife Marian Rivera gave him a beautiful gift — a portrait of Dingdong and his son Jose Sixto IV/Ziggy specially done by Mark Rocha Padernal, who was commissioned

by Marian. “A meaningful piece of art” was how Dingdong called it, handed to him right on his birthday coinciding with Ziggy’s baptism at Saint Alphonsus Mary de Ligouri Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati City.

The day was marked by a simple family salu-salo instead of the planned Oktoberfest-themed ‘90s Rock All-Out Grand Party thwarted by the pandemic. There will be time for that.

Ziggy turned a year old last April and his Ate Maria Letizia/Zia will be five in November. Zia is now of school age, so is it okay for her parents to have her on online schooling?

“She is currently under the PreKinder program,” shared Marian.

“Kagaya ng karamihan, isang malaking adjustment talaga ang ganitong type of learning system.

There are so many approaches, and I learned about them from friends who also have small kids.

But Dong and I decided to stick with her current school na may pagka-blended learning. Kung anuman, as parents, we really have to adapt.”

Because girls her age are used to social interaction and face-toface games, Zia will have to learn to also adjust to the new system.

“Ang isang mandate lang naming mag-asawa ay dapat hindi rin mawala ang personal na ‘tutoring’ na gagawin namin para kay Zia, sa kabila ng online schooling,” added Marian.

“Nobody can say na tama o mali ang ganitong approach. But what’s important is the education of the kids shouldn’t be stopped, especially at their age.”

PAGE B3 today. The potential side effects and complications of these “supplements,” will someday be obvious. The best brain health booster is a healthy lifestyle: a high protein, low-carb, low-fat diet of fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, a little red meat; portioned calories, no smoking or alcohol abuse, daily exercise, and stress

EMPLOYMENT

Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera with their children Zia and Ziggy.

Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes

The couple’s parenting style is not the same.

“Yes,” Marian admitted, “magka-iba. Mas structured ako because I’m the one who was always at home. That was before the lockdown was imposed. Dong is often at work, so he’s assigned sa playtime and me sa study time.

Pero hindi kami nagkaka-iba in upholding the basic values that we teach the kids. Magka-iba man ang approach, pareho ang gustong patunguhan. And that’s what the kids should realize that Dong and I are on the same page, pareho kaming pahina parati.”

How are they and the kids during this lockdown; do they play “school”?

“We have to be creative in encouraging the kids to learn, especially with the limited resources available. Dito lumalabas ang pagiging creative namin, and thanks that we have learned a lot in this industry to make ‘schooling’ attractive to the kids in the new normal. So, yes, laro muna at maya-maya nahahalo na ang laro sa proseso.”

It was also during the lockdown that Marian was able to expand her flower business.

“I got enough time to launch a new line, salamat sa oras na nai-

laan ko sa mga bulaklak. Para sa akin, nakakatanggal kasi ng stress ang mga ito. My vision is simple... share my love through flowers by sending good vibes to my customers. It’s very personal with me kaya konti lang ang nilalabas ko. I’m super excited because I’m putting out new (arrangements) at Flora Vida next month. I’d love to tell you more about it, pero huwag po muna, hehehehe!!!”

By the way, how many episodes has she shot for First Yaya, her GMA show with Gabby Concepcion?

“Just one taping pa lang. I still don’t know what the next move will be. But I’m sure that GMA is doing its best para maibalik na ang inaantay ng manonood, with the guarantee that our workplace will be safe and sustainable.”

Who is her peg for the role?

“J.Lo po, just like her role in Maid in Manhattan. But of course, sarili nating flavor at kiliti ang pina-plano kong interpretasyon dito.”

And what can she say about Gabby?

“Siempre, since I’ve known him as I was growing up, I am excited to work with him, kasi mabait daw po siya at magaan ka-trabaho.”

Josie Trinidad, a story artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

Health tips management (mini-vacation with family/friends, contemplation, relaxation and rest). Those who wish to try any of these brain health boosters, please email me about your experience.

May God bless all the peoples of the world, especially during this global crisis. We are all in this together, and this too shall end.

share Filipino narratives through her art.

“I want to show that it’s beautiful and very, very unique and complex and that it’s not a monolith,” Trinidad remarked.

For her work as a story artist on the 2016 hit “Zootopia,” Disney sent Trinidad to the Philippines to gather inspiration for the film, which would later win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. While in the Philippines, she visited De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and the animation studio Toon City in Mandaluyong.

“I’ve just been floored by the Philippines. There’s so much talent there and so many different storytellers and filmmakers that I have just been so impressed by and that makes me very, very proud,” Trinidad shared, punctuating the reservoir of talent and artistry within the global Filipino community.

The artists who shared their enthusiasm for diverse storytelling on Thursday emanated excitement over the future of animation, even taking asides to brainstorm Filipino-centric stories they could tell.

But the reality is that, even though an animation department and writers’ room could be diverse, nothing will happen unless power dynamics change within studios like Pixar and Dreamworks and, especially, in the corporations that own them like Disney and NBCUniversal.

Abando, who is a story and storyboard artist at Dreamworks (and has worked with Laika Studios), pointed out that studios are PAGE B5

EntErtainmEnt

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 13-19, 2020

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Bea looks back at rejections, life as an ‘extra’ Fil-Am animators on their creative...

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo

Philstar.com

BEFORE she became one of today’s most sought-after Filipino actresses, Bea Alonzo went through countless auditions — and the countless rejections that came with them.

In a recent Zoom teleconference with the media, Bea disclosed that she auditioned “a thousand times” and also “got rejected a thousand times” before she finally landed in a starring role.

She gave an example of how one of those many auditions went.

“Before, I was casted for a role, but parang actually ex production, extra lang ako,” she began disclosing during her virtual launch as new endorser of direct-selling brand Avon Philippines.

“I showed up in the set at like seven in the morning and then I got my shot at nine in the morning – the next day!”

As if that was not horrible enough, she shared what happened next after waiting so long to get a shot.

“And then nakunan naman ako. I was waiting for the episode to come out that week and then nu’ng nakita ko ‘yung scene, naedit out pala ako.”

According to the actress, she shared that story to remind everyone “to never let anything, not even a heartbreak or a pandemic, to stop you from pursuing your dreams.”

“If you are able to rise above those things, parang feeling ko mas sweet ‘yung victory, ‘di ba?” she pointed out.

Victory over hardship and heartbreak Although Bea misses shooting, taping and everything about her work as an artist, she makes sure to always show gratefulness and to count her blessings.

“Of course, everyone’s affected by the pandemic… Aside from my shootings, of course, my business is also a bit affected but you know what, I try to look at things from a different perspective,” she enthused.

“I acknowledge what’s impor-

tant in life, I try to always have compassion for others. I think that’s the key to being happy and calm amid chaos.”

According to Anna FernandezLlamas, Avon Philippines Head of Beauty, they chose Bea to be the brand’s new face because “not hardship, not a heartbreak, not even a pandemic could pull her down.”

“She has been an inspiration to many in real and reel life,” Anna vouched.

“She’s an embodiment of the power of dreams, and the Floral Wonderland lipstick collection (which Bea endorses) is for those who want to pursue their dreams,” added Anna Garces, the company’s director for marketing.

The new Floral Wonderland Collection comes in six dreamy floral shades in matte finish.

These include Floral Fuschia, a vivid mid-tone pink with blue undertones for making a bold statement; Ruby Rose Red, a classic regal rose-burgundy; Midnight Orchid, a deep bruised plum that is subdued yet striking; Dainty Coral, a red with hints of burnt apricot; Red Poppy, a bright true red; and Nude Petals, a stripped neutral brown that sits well with any look.

Bea said she agreed to become the company’s brand ambassador because they both believe in women helping women and they share the same advocacies they can collaborate in.

“Actually, the quarantine allowed me to realize that I have a bigger purpose,” said the star.

During the enhanced community quarantine, she formed a n o rg a n i z a t i o n a i m i n g t o help frontliners, I Am Hope Foundation. From frontliners, the group is now into helping women to get livelihood and poor kids to have proper online education.

“I realized I can use my platform now for a bigger purpose… (the pandemic) actually empowered me more. I discovered different hobbies and made me discover that I empathize with many people – helping different orphanages – if not because of the pandemic, baka hindi ko nagawa

Maricel Soriano with Jodi Sta. Maria, Sam Milby and Oza Calzado

ABS-CBN photo

Maricel is ‘inay’ to Jodi, Iza on and off set of latest Kapamilya series

by JeRRy

Donato Philstar.com

SHE has a body of work and career longevity that actors can only aspire for. It’s safe to say that Maricel Soriano has done practically any meaty role there is. She shows no sign of slowing down in expanding her menagerie (collection) of dramatis personae, essayed on TV and in film.

“Let us put it this way,” Maricel paced herself when asked if there were still roles that she would like to do in a recent virtual press conference via Zoom. “Kung meron akong matanggap na script na nagustuhan ko at ginawa ko (if I receive a script, then I like it and I will take on the role), that will be it, yun pa siguro ang mga gusto ko pang gawin (that role or those roles are the ones I see myself playing), na may relevance.”

Lucing, mother of Jodi Sta. Maria’s Marissa, in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, is a role Maricel loves to give life on the small screen, if one may follow her train of thought. The Kapamilya teleserye will premiere on Aug. 17 on Kapamilya Channel and stream on Kapamilya Online Live. The veteran actress will approach Lucing differently and succinctly.

“I’m Jodi’s mom as well as Iza’s on set,” Maricel gave everyone a glimpse of her working relationship with Jodi and Iza Calzado (as Ellice), as well as Sam Milby (Gabriel), all leads of the teleserye. “Parang ganun din yung story. Their characters are friends. Tapos magkakampi, magkaibigan hanggang sa pareho silang dalawa na nag-aagawan sa lahat ng bagay, sa pagmamahal, sa atensyon, sa lahat ng bagay nag-aagawan sila (Marissa and Ellice have each other’s back and

later on will fight over things, love and people’s attention. They have become rivals.) Jodi’s character is the daughter of my character.

But that doesn’t diminish my (character’s) love for Iza’s. Mahal ko si Iza (Ellice) kasi inaalagaan ko siya sa storya.”

Lucing’s maternal instinct to care and love unconditionally crosses over from the reel to the real as Maricel extends her generous heart to fellow actors, whom she is working for the first time.

“They are very punctual and professional and they are very good at what they do,” said Maricel of Jodi, Iza and Sam. “Ang gagaling nung dalawang babae at hindi nagpapatalo si Sam. That’s why I’m very happy.” The three Kapamilya stars had nothing but only good words for Maricel, who shares acting tips with them or gives them a quick masterclass, if one may put it, off-cam.

“It’s a good feeling when they ask for (my opinion about or seek my) help in approaching (let’s say) this (scene),” she said. “Kapag nagtanong, sasagutin ko talaga at tutulungan ko talaga. Kung di ako tinatanong, NR din ako. No reaction. Pero kapag tinanong ako, ibibigay ko talaga ang sagot, I won’t get tired of teaching them.

I’m happy when I help them.”

Maricel shared that she is their “nanay sa industriya,” which thrilled the actress, “kinikilig nga ako,” she added.

As for taping a teleserye in the new normal, Maricel said, “Mas marami kaming take kaysa sa chika.” And they had to follow the safety protocols.

With the plot premise shared above, Kapamilya will look forward to uncover the Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin narrative details on conflict and fate twists and turns.

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often guided by profits and marketability over cultural impact and narrative innovation. This, he remarked, is what leads to sequels of sequels and reboots (and then reboots of those reboots).

“Studios are always trying to look for the next thing to kind of riff from, the next thing that [they can foresee] will be successful,” said Abando, whose credits include “Despicable Me 2,” “The Emoji Movie” and “Trolls.”

“It’s like, you have all this room and you buy all these properties that are about people that aren’t like you, but why aren’t any of those people on your team?

Why do you strip away all those Bea Alonzo things that you think scare your Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo audience away?” he pondered, ‘yun,” Bea professed.

According to her, her key to success is to always strive to give her best no matter what the situation.

“I’ve come to love myself, flaws and all… I’m bound to do a movie and a teleserye for this year. If it means more mistakes and challenges, bring it on! You owe it to yourself to be happy, blooming, to grow,” she said.

“It’s never easy. You have to always and constantly remind yourself to always be happy. I try to eat right, exercise, put a little makeup to remind myself of who I am despite of the pandemic. In the end, the way I deal with the fear and uncertainty is by making sure to take care of myself through big or small gestures. I make sure to serve my life’s purpose through advocacies.”

noting that pushing projects based on the premise that they showcase diverse talent and storytelling should be “enough” for studio executives to greenlight those projects.

But, at the same time, Abando rejects quotas and tokenism in Hollywood, or the notion of shallowly telling diverse stories without the intention of taking those projects seriously as forms of art. In other words, studios should recognize that both ideas — that Filipino animators should be uplifted and their art should be valued as universallyrelevant stories — are simultaneously true.

“I appreciate people like you, Bobby [Rubio], who can be 100% true and not be afraid of being

Ian Abando, a director at Netflix and storyboard artist

rejected because people want to be as personal as possible and be seen, and I think that lack of precedent in [the animated] industry isn’t understood,” Abando said, adding that he hopes that animation will be valued more as an art form rather than just juvenile, escapist entertainment.

He added, “People are like, ‘Oh, it’s just animation,’ but to us, this is our culture as much as being Filipino is our culture. I take animation culture very seriously and I hope to see it elevated to being appreciated as a film and real art form.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios environment modeler John Aquino, who’s worked on films from “Frozen 2” to “Moana.” Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

B august 13-19, 2020 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

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

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