090420 - Northern California Edition

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Volume 19 - No. 35 • 14 Pages

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

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

S E P T E MBE R 4 - 1 0 , 2 0 2 0

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CA begins final push for 2020 census responses

by AJPRESS

ing a press call on Monday, August 31.

The results help guide how COMMUNITIES across California are still urged to fill out $675 billion in federal funding their 2020 U.S. Census forms as and resources, from medical the deadline approaches at the services to infrastructure projects, are allocated to commuend of September.

The decennial count, which nities annually. States lose apcan be done by phone, online proximately $1,000 per person or mail, enumerates where indi- each year for the 10 next years for those who are missed in the viduals live as of April 1.

“Fundamentally, our message count.

It also determines how is clear: time is running out to make an impact on the funding many representatives each state for the next 10 years for your gets in Congress and is used to community,” said Ditas Katague, redraw district boundaries.

“We really want to emphathe director of the California Complete Count campaign, dur- size taking just a few minutes

USA

to complete the census because it’s safe, secure and drives those critical dollars into education and health care programs,” Katague said, adding that everyone can be counted regardless of background or immigration status.

By the end of August, over 10.2 million California households have responded to their questionnaire forms. The state’s self-response rate is 67.3%, which is above the national average of 65%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Leading up to September 30, u PAGE A2

Part of Route 35 in Daly City to be named after local Filipina American leader The route known as Skyline Boulevard will bear the name of community leader and activist Alice Pena Bulos

DATELINE A year into Paula del Mundo’s mysterious disappearance, her family is desperate for answers FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

A FILIPINO American transgender nursing assistant has been missing for almost a year, and while her family is terribly desperate about the slow process of the search, they remain hopeful that they will be able to be reunited with her someday.

Paula del Mundo, 59, went missing on September 14, 2019 at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport where she was on a layover en route to Mexico for vacation. She never made it to her connecting flight to Cozumel and hasn’t been heard from since.

“We miss her so much and too worried about her safety. It is so sad that we have not received any updates and developments reu PAGE A4

MEGA CONTACT TRACING CENTER. Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian (center, in barong) shows Chief Implementer of the country’s National Policy Against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (left, in blue polo shirt) how their contact tracing system works, at the Social Hall of the Valenzuela City Hall on Tuesday, September 1. The city implements a “contactless” system that enables contact tracers to attend to emails on all incoming and outgoing requests and queries and call those possibly exposed to the virus.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

Community leader “Tita” Alice Bulos

A PORTION of California State Highway 35 in Daly City will be named after Filipina American activist and community leader Alice Pena Bulos according to a resolution passed in the state Legislature on Friday, August 28.

The resolution, ACR 165, was authored and introduced by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), and it designated the stretch of Route 35 that covers the well-known Skyline Bou-

levard as the “Alice Pena Bulos Memorial Highway.”

“We see the influence of Alice Pena Bulos throughout our communities, as well as in elected local and state government leadership,” Ting said in a press release. “That’s why she’s considered the Godmother of Filipino American politics and empowerment. It’s my honor to carry the legislation that celebrates her legacy.”

A prominent community leader of the 20th century, Bulos was born on March 31, 1930 in the Philippines, where she

PH to continue projects involving Metro Manila placed under a Chinese firm under US sanctions GCQ until end of September

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, September 2, said the government will honor the projects involving Chinese investors as it is “satisfied” with an arbitral decision upholding the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. “We will respect the contracts that we entered into with Chinese companies,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told CNN Philippines.

“There is already a decision that the Philippines has sovereign rights where they built the artificial islands and that means whoever built those artificial islands had no legal basis to do so. We are satisfied with that decision,” he added.

The spokesman also said that for as long as the Hague ruling stands, the country can proceed forward on matters that it can push like trade and investments.

Earlier, the Palace announced that all China-backed projects will proceed despite u PAGE A4

Long-fought nurse practitioner independence bill heads to Newsom Philippine Airlines named among safest SACRAMENTO — After years of failed attempts and vociferous opposition, California lawmakers on Monday, August 31 adopted a measure to grant nurse practitioners the ability to practice without doctor supervision — but only after making big concessions to the powerful doctors’ lobby, which nonetheless remains opposed.

The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration, fenced in by amendments that would stringently limit how much independence nurse practitioners — nurses with advanced training and degrees — can have to practice medicine.

Lawmakers credit these compromises, like them or not, for finally allowing them to push the issue over the finish line, capping years of political scrapping and perhaps one day altering the delivery of health care in California.

“This is not an intrusion on a hallowed u PAGE A2

earned degrees at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. She then became a professor of sociology and department chair, and in 1972, she migrated to Northern California where, for four decades, she would empower the Filipino American community with her activism.

She inspired and became the spiritual leader for generations of Filipino American leaders like Daly City Councilmember Ray Buenaventura, who told Inquirer.net that “Alice Bulos meant the world to me. We formed a special relationship u PAGE A2

airlines for travelers during COVID-19

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has been named among the world’s top 10 safest airlines during the current coronavirus pandemic, according to a newly released database that looks at COVID-19 traveler health and safety protocols.

Of the over 150 airlines evaluated by Safe Travel Barometer, PAL was listed as the ninth safest for both travelers as of Friday, August 28, with a “Safe Travel Score” of 4.2 out of 5, a score held also by Hawaiian Airlines, Airasia Malaysia, and China Airlines. u PAGE A4

Photo courtesy of Philippine Airlines

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

METRO Manila will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) for the entire month of September, President Rodrigo Duterte announced Monday, August 31.

The provinces of Bulacan and Batangas, as well as the cities of Tacloban and Bacolod, will also be under GCQ until Sept. 30.

Iligan City will be under the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) after seeing an increase in its coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), gyms, internet cafés, personal

care centers, as well as review and tutorial centers, will be allowed to operate in GCQ areas.

“As agreed with Metro Manila mayors, for gyms, fitness centers and sports facilities, the specific guidelines, including operating capacity and more specific health protocol requirements shall be issued by each LGU (local government unit),” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“The other newly opened sectors can reopen up to 30 percent operating capacity,” he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that plans to shift Metro Manila to the most lenient MGCQ are being discussed.

“These are being discussed, we are looking at the critical care capacity, we are looking at the u PAGE A2

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september 4-10, 2020 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL

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

From the Front Page

Part of Route 35 in Daly City to be named...

PAGE A1 t

from the moment we met. She is like family to me, my mentor, confidant, mother, advisor, conscience and critic. I loved her dearly and wanted to do something to make sure her name will be memorialized forever.”

As an advocate for Filipino American representation in public office, Bulos’ local impact evolved into nationwide recognition. In the 1990s, then-President Bill Clinton appointed Bulos to the National Council on Aging, making her the first Fil-Am appointed by a sitting president to serve a federal post.

Bulos has also served on the

Filipino American Caucus for the California Democratic Party, the National Filipino Women’s Network and the National Asian Pacific Democratic Council, making her a formidable figure in the progressive wing of Fil-Am politics.

Bulos passed away in 2016 at 86 years old, but her reputation as the loving “Tita Alice” remains among Filipino American leaders in California, including members of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County which credits Bulos for encouraging Filipino Americans to run for office.

“Throughout her life, Tita Al-

ice was committed to opening doors for young Fil-Ams who wanted to enter public service and politics but did not see themselves represented in those places of power,” the club wrote in a statement. “Tita Alice has left an everlasting mark in commuters all over California and especially here in the Bay Area where she called home. While she is no longer with us, her memory lives on in her family and the numerous friends, supporters and pupils she inspired over her decades of service.”

The Alice Pena Bulos Memorial Highway signposts are set to be installed next year. n

Metro Manila placed under GCQ until..

PAGE A1 t case doubling rate, we will know later on, the president will conduct an inspection,” he said.

Roque also noted that shorter curfew hours are being proposed by mayors in Metro Manila, going from the current 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew hours to 10 p.m. - 5 a.m.

“It won’t be immediate because they (local governments) still have to amend their ordinances. Other local governments have given the mayor the authority to change the curfew hours through executive order,” he said.

As of this press time, there are BACK IN THE GYM. A fitness coach teaches a client on basic workout, warm-up, and stretching at a gym in Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, September 1. Gyms and fitness 224,264 COVID-19 cases in the centers are among non-essential establishments that have been allowed to operate subject country, with 3,597 fatalities and to health and safety protocols starting Tuesday.

Photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler 158,012 recoveries. n

GARDEN ACCESSORIES. A woman chooses from the figurines for a garden displayed on the sidewalk along Dapitan Street in Quezon City on Wednesday, September 2. Also on display are wooden baskets, picture frames and flower pots, among others. PNA photo by Joseph Razon

CA begins final push for...

PAGE A1 t

the state will be focusing on a final push in some 2,000 census tracts that have the lowest response rates and are the hardest to count. The hardest to count county in the state is Los Angeles County, which has a current rate of 62.6% compared to 69% in 2010.

In light of the ongoing CO-

VID-19 crisis, enumerators have begun knocking on doors of households that haven’t responded, while following local public health guidelines and conducting interviews while socially distancing.

Door knockers are also available in various languages, such as Tagalog.

One of the methods that has worked in recent weeks is through a texting and phone banking effort that directs callers to the census bureau’s hotline to get responses.

Other counties that the state’s count committee will be focusing on include San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Barbara, Fresno, Kern, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego.

“This is an opportunity for individuals and households to take the census into your own hands and to make sure your voice is heard because no one else should be defining who you are,” Katague said. “This is exactly the way in the next 30 days that you can absolutely have an impact on your community.” n

Long-fought nurse practitioner independence...

PAGE A1 t

profession, it’s a relief,” said state Sen. John Moorlach (RCosta Mesa), one of four Republican senators who voted for the bill. Moorlach said the measure would get more practitioners into underserved areas that don’t have enough doctors.

“It’s like the cavalry coming up over the hill to provide reinforcements to a tired army of wonderful and overworked doctors,” he said.

California is behind most other states in empowering nurse practitioners. If the bill becomes law, the state would join nearly 40 others to grant some level of independence to nurse practitioners; 22 grant full independence, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

California would have among the most restrictive policies on nurse practitioner independence in the country.

“I’m not going to say I regret any of these changes,” said Assembly member Jim Wood (DSanta Rosa), who chairs the Assembly Health Committee and authored the bill, AB-890.

Wood opposed previous attempts to remove supervision requirements.

“I wish it could be a little less strict, quite frankly,” he said, adding that this was a reasonable compromise informed by his experiences as a dentist and what he learned from other providers.

Today, nurse practitioners must enter into a written agreement with a physician to oversee their work with patients. In exchange, physicians bill them between $5,000 and $15,000 per year, according to a report by the California Health Care Foundation and the University of California-San Francisco. (California Healthline is an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.)

“Where we are with the pandemic and the craziness of the world today, it highlights why there’s a need for this,” said Andrew Acosta, a spokesperson for the California Association for Nurse Practitioners. “The doctor shortage isn’t going away anytime soon.”

Under Wood’s measure, nurse practitioners would be able to see patients in their own practice, but only after working under physician supervision for at least three years. The bill also contains many other restrictions.

Nurse practitioners argue that the measure, even with its limitations, would ease primary care shortages, especially in rural areas — a problem the pandemic has made more stark.

Opponents, primarily the powerful California Medical Association, which is the doctors’ lobbying group, counter that stripping nurse practitioners of physician oversight would lead to a lower standard of care, and that nurse practitioners wouldn’t necessarily flock to rural areas once they’re free of physician supervision.

These arguments aren’t new in

Sacramento, but lawmakers and lobbyists say this version of the bill succeeded because there are new leaders at the helm of influential legislative committees who were willing to make changes, and because the pandemic has changed health care.

“I think the legislature is starting to realize decades of evidence that nurse practitioners are safe, productive providers,” said Ed Hernandez, a former legislator who was termed out in 2018 and authored the last two failed bills.

“I think the policy is finally overshadowing the politics” of the California Medical Association.

Still, the biggest difference this year is the bill itself. Hernandez’s bills, introduced in 2013 and 2015, were “clean” bills that granted independence to nurse practitioners without many requirements.

There’s nothing clean about Wood’s bill, which was heavily amended in the state Senate. Instead of simply lifting the supervision requirements on nurse practitioners, the measure imposes several hoops for nurse practitioners to jump through.

Before they could practice independently, nurse practitioners would have to be certified by preapproved national nursing boards, and possibly complete additional California-specific testing if accredited out of state.

Once certified, they would have to practice under physician supervision for at least three years — up to six in some cases — before they could strike out on their own. And they would have to disclose to patients that they aren’t doctors.

The bill even prescribes a Spanish phrase for “nurse practitioner”: enfermera especializada. (Technically, this refers to a female nurse. The bill doesn’t provide the equivalent phrase for a male nurse.)

That’s not even all the amendments — and the measure wouldn’t take effect until 2023.

The requirements were inserted in response to criticism from the California Medical Association that nurse practitioners are not qualified to provide patient care without physician oversight, and that patients wouldn’t understand that they’re seeing someone with less training than a doctor, lawmakers said.

Despite the numerous amendments, the association remains opposed, saying the changes don’t address their fundamental concerns.

“We’ve increased the training required for physicians over the last couple years and now all of a sudden we’re allowing unsupervised providers to treat patients who have even less training,” said association spokesperson Anthony York.

Rounds of negotiations, major concessions and hourslong Zoom calls still could not get the doctors’ group on board, Wood said.

He said it was like chasing “goalposts that continue to u PAGE 3

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Mayor Breed announces SF plan for further reopening of businesses, activities

Updated timeline allows for safer and gradual reopening, balances risk of reopening and ability of city’s resources to manage COVID-19 cases SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor London N. Breed, Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health, and Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu, co-Chair of the City’s Economic Recovery Task Force, on Tuesday, September 1 announced the next steps in San Francisco’s reopening of businesses and activities.

Since July, San Francisco has been on the state’s COVID19 watch list, which restricted many activities and required the City to pause further reopening. On Friday, August 28, the State issued new criteria and a colored-coded tiered system, which replaced the watch list.

San Francisco has been placed on the “red” tier, which provides the City the discretion to move forward with reopening some activities. While San Francisco recognizes the state’s thresholds, the City will continue on a reopening path based on its unique challenges and successes, and maintains the ability to open more gradually than what the State allows.

“Our priority has always been to protect the health and safety of the people of San Francisco,” said Mayor Breed. “Since March, people have been struggling financially, mentally, and emotionally, and being able to continue our gradual reopening of businesses and activities will help to ease some of that burden. We remain committed to making decisions based on data and our local conditions with COVID-19, and our next steps take a balanced and thoughtful approach to reopening. But we all need to do our part to reopen while keeping our community safe, so remember to cover your face, keep your distance, and wash your hands regularly.”

San Francisco’s immediate path forward starts with outdoor activities that are lower risk and moves to indoor activities that are lower risk and with limited capacity. In parallel to this, inperson learning and child and youth development activities will also be opened on a rolling basis.

On Tuesday, outdoor personal services are resuming, as well as indoor malls at limited capacity.

Additional services, businesses, and activities will resume over the coming weeks and months, as long as San Francisco continues to make progress on limiting the spread of COVID-19.

“We know our communities and businesses are anxious to get back to work and start doing some regular activities,” said Dr. Colfax. “We will continue our deliberate and gradual reopening as it allows us to monitor the spread, manage its immediate challenges and mitigate the long-term impact on our city. Our reopening pace will be informed by our ability to manage the risk of more activity that may result in more cases and hospitalizations.”

“Time and again, San Franciscans have risen to the challenge to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Assessor Carmen Chu, Co-Chair of the Economic Recovery Task Force. “That collective action is what has allowed us to be here today. Reflected in comments we’ve heard from

hundreds of people through the Economic Recovery Task Force, this announcement is important because it shows the path forward for so many industries and businesses that have been shuttered for months. Let’s keep each other safe and let’s work together to sustain our steady openings.”

“San Franciscans have made real and ongoing sacrifices to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to get back in a position where we can begin reopening again,” said Joaquín Torres, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “This crisis is multi-faceted, and as a City, we’re extremely concerned about the enormous economic toll it’s taking, especially on those who are out of work and for businesses that have not been able to reopen. We’re keeping these workers and businesses center of mind, and that’s why we’ve moved ahead immediately with reopening personal services and will continue quickly but carefully expanding our reopening.”

The gradual reopening of outdoor services, malls, and children’s activities will increase travel and interaction throughout the city, which means increasing community spread of the virus and an increase in cases. Public health officials will need to regularly assess the Key Public Health Indicators, particularly new positive case counts and hospitalizations to ensure San Francisco has the necessary resources available for those that are infected.

As San Francisco moves forward with reopening businesses, more than 50 San Francisco Transitional Kindergarten (TK)-6 grade schools have been provided an application for in-person learning with limited capacity.

These applications are under review and will be approved within two to four weeks. The goal is for in-classroom learning to resume on rolling basis, starting with the youngest children. Additionally, applications for Community Hubs are currently being accepted, and the program is scheduled to start on September 14. Other child and youth development activities are underway including afterschool programs and childcare facilities.

San Francisco’s updated reopening plan is outlined below and is available online at SF. gov/reopening. Reopening is dependent upon San Francisco’s Health indicators remaining stable or improving, and the plan below is subject to change. All San Franciscans must do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19, including face masking, social distancing and handwashing. The reopening of most of the below activities and businesses requires limited capacity and approved health and safety plans.

San Francisco’s Path Forward to Reopening Outdoor activities – Moving Forward September 1 • Outdoor hair salons and barber shops • Outdoor personal services • Outdoor massage • Outdoor pools (lap swimming, wading), with limited capacity

Long-fought nurse practitioner independence...

PAGE A2 t move.”

“It’s very disappointing when you work with opposition and nothing is ever good enough,” Wood said. “CMA will never support this bill. They’ll never go neutral on it.”

York said that characterization is not accurate. He pointed to a different bill — SB-1237 — that would allow certified nurse midwives to attend to low-risk pregnancies without physician supervision. The association was initially opposed, but after negotiations and amendments to the bill, it changed its position to neutral. That bill is also headed to Newsom.

“You don’t have to look too far to find a case where we were willing to engage on a scope-ofpractice issue,” York said.

David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University, called the association’s inability to kill Wood’s bill a political “watershed moment” for the group.

“Their M.O. for 70 years has been about blocking, stunting and preventing change,” McCuan said. “The deference toward the medical profession has changed. In that sense, it would be a momentous event if this is signed.”

Though the California Association for Nurse Practitioners is celebrating legislative passage of the measure, even in its amended form, it’s a different

story at the national level. Sophia Thomas, president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, said in a statement that the bill is choked by too much red tape to provide any meaningful change.

“California’s so-called ‘solution,’ the flawed AB-890, would establish a cascading set of new restrictions on NP practice that would maintain California’s position among the most heavily regulated and restrictive in the nation,” Thomas said.

State Sen. Richard Pan (DSacramento), a pediatrician who chairs the Senate Health Committee, said he also opposed the bill, but not simply because he is a doctor or a member of the California Medical Association.

Yet many of his objections reflect those of the association, such as concerns about training and access to care in rural areas.

He also believes independence for nurse practitioners could exacerbate inequalities in the health care system, as people with less means see providers with less training.

“People with more resources are going to go with the person they think is more qualified.

That’s just the way it tends to happen,” Pan said.

California Healthline’s Angela Hart contributed to this report.

This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation. n

• Outdoor non-contact, recreational activities • Indoor malls (no food courts, gathering areas) at 25% capacity • Childcare and Out of School Time programs, with limitations • Higher and adult education, with limitations • Indoor funerals (up to 12 people) • Outdoor gym and fitness centers (September 9) GOAL: Mid-September, Low Risk Outdoor Activities and TK6th grade in-person learning • Outdoor tour buses and boats, with limited capacity • Outdoor movies, with limited capacity • Outdoor family entertainment, with limited capacity • Hotels and lodging (not hotel fitness centers), with limited capacity • In-classroom learning: TK-6 grade on rolling basis with approved health and safety plan • Indoor museums, zoos, aquariums, with limited capacity and an approved health and safety plans) • Places of worship (allows one person at a time for individual prayer indoors; 50 people outdoors) • Small special gatherings, for example election campaigns, with limited capacity (1 person indoors, 12 people outdoors)

u PAGE A4

FISHING. Some bikers fish along the bank of the Marikina River in Marikina City Tuesday, September 1. Some residents are trying their luck to catch fish with the use of their makeshift rods.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

COVID-19 eviction prevention bill heads to Governor’s desk Legislation seeks to prevent evictions as Californians struggle to pay rent

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco), Assemblymember Monique Limón (DSanta Barbara), Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), and Senator Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) to prevent and delay evictions passed the Assembly floor on a concurrence vote on Monday, August 31 and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature. Assembly Bill 3088, the product of negotiations led by Governor Gavin Newsom, seeks to prevent evictions for non-payment of rent for tenants financially impacted by

COVID-19.

“This will not be the ultimate solution to addressing COVID19 evictions, but will tide us over for the next five months,” said Assemblymember Chiu, who is Chair of the Housing & Community Development Committee of the California State Assembly.

“This gives us the time to reconsider our options next legislative session and potentially work with a new federal administration on economic relief for struggling tenants and property owners.”

Under AB 3088, tenants who have COVID-19 related financial

hardships and missed rent payments between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020, cannot ever be evicted for those missed rent payments. The rent owed would be converted to civil debt, and landlords could recover that debt in small claims court.

The bill sets up a transition period between September 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, in which tenants with COVID19 related financial hardships would need to pay 25 percent of the rent owed from September through January in order to be permanently protected

u PAGE A4

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Dateline USa

september 4-10, 2020 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL

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A year into Paula del Mundo’s mysterious...

WORK, WORK, WORK. A man eases a hand trolley loaded with three large plastic bags containing sawdusts along the Barangka Flyover in Marikina City on Tuesday, September 1. With only a few public transport in operation, most opt to walk to their short destinations.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Mayor Breed announces SF plan for...

PAGE A3 t GOAL: End of September, Low Risk Indoor Activities • Indoor hair salons and barber shops, with limited capacity • Indoor personal services, with limited capacity • Indoor one-on-one personal training, with limited capacity • Indoor solo use of gyms and fitness centers, with limited ca-

pacity • Places of worship, with limited capacity (25% of capacity indoors, up to 25 people; 50 people outdoors) • Small special gatherings, with limited capacity (25% of capacity indoors, up to 25 people; 50 people outdoors) GOAL: October, Middle School in-person learning

• Middle schools, in-person learning, on rolling basis with an approved health and safety plan GOAL: November, High Schools, additional learning activities • High schools, in-person learning, on rolling basis with an approved health and safety plan.

(From SF Mayor’s Press Office)

PH to continue projects involving a Chinese...

PAGE A1 t the United States blacklisting 24 state-owned Chinese firms including subsidiaries of the stateowned China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which bagged Cavite’s Sangley Point International Airport project.

“The president declared last night that the Americans can blacklist Chinese companies in their territories in America and maybe in their military bases under their jurisdiction. But what the president said was clear: He will not follow the directives of Americans because we are a free and independent nation and we need those investments from China,” Roque said in a mix of Filipino and English on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

“We are not a vassal state of any foreign power,” he added.

Roque also confirmed that the Sangley project will proceed as planned.

“So Sangley [project] and all other projects, regardless of which Chinese contractor is involved, will continue because the national interest is to ensure the

flagship projects under Build, Build, Build will be finished,” he said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila, for its part, welcomed the Philippines’ decision to move forward with the projects.

“We have taken note of the statement made by the Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque that President Duterte charted an independent foreign policy course that puts the national interest at the core,” said Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian.

“And that the national interest of the Philippines is to ensure the completion of the flagship projects under the Build, Build, Build program,” he added.

Xilian also maintained that the cooperation between President Xi’s Belt and Road initiative and Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program has achieved “fruitful results.”

“I believe that any attempt to undermine the normal economic cooperation between China and the Philippines will never succeed,” he said.

Locsin backpedals

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. recanted his earlier statement to terminate local contracts with any Chinese companies that have been sanctioned by the U.S. “President is right: A sovereign choice. Also, if we break a contract, we get sued abroad,” he said Wednesday, following the Palace’s announcement.

Locsin on Friday, August 28, said local contracts with any Chinese companies involved in island-building activities in the West Philippine Sea should be rescinded.

“If I find that any of those companies are doing business with us then I would strongly recommend terminating the relationship with that company,” he said in an interview over CNN Philippines.

“If they were in any way involved in the reclamation, then it becomes consistent on our part to terminate any contract with them.

Of course, since the contract was already entered into, they could sue us back... I’m very careful about validating anything China does by inaction,” he added. n

Philippine Airlines named among safest...

PAGE A1 t At number one was Germany’s Lufthansa, which received a score of 4.5. At the end of the list was Saudi Arabia’s Nesma Airlines with a score of 1.

Cebu Pacific, another Philippine airline company on the comprehensive list, received a score of 3.2.

According to Safe Travel Barometer, the travel scores are based on an independent audit of over 20 factors related to air travel, including pre-boarding, boarding, and onboard experiences.

In addition to an overall safe travel score, the database provides information on whether airlines provide other protective measures like hand sanitizer, thermal screening, and face masks, or require a health declaration form.

PAL requires flyers to take a thermal screening, and asks passengers to bring their own hand sanitizer and face masks. No information on health declaration form requirements was provided on the database.

The database also provides information on other travel catego-

ries like airports, but does not assign travel scores.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, Philippines, for example, provides hand sanitizer and requires passengers to go through thermal screenings and to bring their own face masks.

“The fundamental premise of Safe Travel Score is to benchmark travel brands’ initiatives to reduce traveller anxiety,” explained Virenda Jain, co-founder and chief executive officer of Safe Travel.

“Our independent rating centered on traveler health and safety measures establishes a baseline for travel brands, while equally offering travelers a glimpse into what they can expect in their journeys.”

Philippine Airlines safety protocols While travel to and from the Philippines has remained closed to most foreign travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PAL has continued to provide regular flights between the Philippines and the U.S. subject to changes.

As of August 15, domestic and international passengers of PAL are required to bring their own

face shields, in addition to face masks, to be worn throughout their flights and inside airports.

According to the airline company, face shields must be of “good quality — clear and sturdy with a snug fit that covers the entire face.”

Face masks of any kind, including “do-it-yourself masks,” are sufficient, however, stricter guidelines are put in place for certain destinations.

Travelers flying to and from Hawaii, for example, are required to wear surgical masks while those flying to and from Auckland, New Zealand, are required to wear medical-grade masks like surgical masks or N95 respirators.

Failure to bring a mask or face shield will mean being turned away from their flights. Infants up to 2 years old are exempt from the mask and face shield requirements.

Travelers are also asked to bring their own hand sanitizers and are allowed to bring up to 10 pieces of 100mL hand sanitizers with a maximum content of 70% alcohol as part of their carry-on. n

PAGE A1 t garding her reported loss,” Paula’s sister Yolanda told the Asian Journal.

An intensive search was initiated by CUE (Community United Effort) Center for Missing Persons last July 25 to 26, 2020. CUE is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing and finding missing persons across the United States. Funded by donations, the search assigned for Paula was composed of a 12-man search team from various parts of Texas. They used various search gadgets and had K9 dogs, motorized boats, and drones.

The youngest sister, Lolita, who worked with Paula at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, represented the family and flew to Texas to meet the group. With no traces or remains found, the search team decided to undertake another follow-up search scheduled this October.

To saturate publicity of Paula’s loss, production of weatherproof posters will be placed in strategic locations both in Fort Worth and Dallas with the benevolent support of CUE to handle this undertaking, Yolanda shared.

Malaya Movement, a human rights activist group in Texas through the initiative of Fil-Am Sarah Jalandoon, has put up a memorial landmark with plastic flowers and a laminated missing person poster where Paula was last spotted by an airport surveillance camera.

According to Yolanda, through the persistent action of Caiti Le Ward, the caseworker assigned

by Malaya Movement, they were able to track down the exact spot where Paula was last seen.

Prior to the lockdown last March, a follow-up search by the family, represented by Paula’s siblings, Leonor a retired nurse from California, and Yolanda from New York was planned.

However, due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in Texas, they cancelled their trip and instead, the family hired a private investigator to continue the search.

After more than two months of no progress, the family decided to call it off.

“Later, we found out, we were scammed and demanded a full refund of the one time upfront $5,000 demanded from us for the investigation services,” Yolanda said.

Mysterious disappearance Paula’s sisters consider her as a force to be reckoned with, a strong and driven individual who always puts her family first.

Which is why they know that she had no plan or intention of going away from them.

At DFW, Paula reportedly had changed her mind about the vacation. She texted her sister in Florida, saying that she was abandoning her travel plans and asked her to purchase a return ticket to Tampa.

“She even relayed her last messages to my youngest sister Lolita, for her to get her return ticket back to Tampa. However, when my sister was about to confirm, Paula could no longer be contacted. It was tough because we feel she does not deserve to van-

Paula del Mundo, a Fil-Am transgender nursing assistant, remains missing a year after being last spotted at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport where she was on a layover en route to Mexico for a vacation.

Photo courtesy of the del Mundo family

ish and leave her family worrying for her,” Yolanda told the Asian Journal. “It was supposed to be a scheduled vacation treat to be in Cozumel, Mexico where all her travel and accommodation expenses [were] already taken care of.”

For them, it was typical for Paula to make her own arrangements since she is organized and systematic in all her travels, including her last two vacation trips to the Dominican Republic.

“And the thought that she was lost in Texas than in any other state was already terrifying for us to take. She was supposed to be only passing through, in transit.

DFW Airport was only her jumpoff point to Mexico,” Yolanda said.

Hate crimes against transgender women of color were reportedly on the rise in Texas, according to the local media that talked about a string of transgender attacks in the Dallas area last year.

Airport cameras caught Paula aimlessly walking through the huge DFW airport premises. She was not carrying any luggage, although the sisters know she had a yellow Nautica trolley bag.

Fond memories Paula is the ninth among a dozen siblings, two of whom have passed away.

Leonor and Erlinda are based in California, Lilia and Lolita live in Florida and Yolanda is from New York. Susan is in Manila, along with their eldest sister and two older brothers.

“She is my most favorite, special, and loved amongst my siblings,” Susan told the Asian Journal.

A former Tourism Attache in the Department of Tourism New York office, Susan took care of Paula when she was sick, gave her medication and was by her side until she felt better.

“I had to take Paula with me when I was posted in London and spent one-year with me. She was hardworking, [had] never been late or absent (except when sick), and most liked by her colleagues at the travel agency in London,” she shared.

“My regret, Paula never joined me in my trips [through] Europe,

Photo taken during Paula’s visit to New York where she celebrated her 58th birthday in June 2018. Seated, from left: Susan, Paula, Leonor; standing from left: Lilia and Lolita.

Photo courtesy of the del Mundo family

only a weekend [in] England’s countryside, as she refused to take off days from work. Very hardworking and prudent in spending for herself. Now that Paula is missing, I’m praying for her safety and God’s protection wherever she maybe,” Susan added.

Lilia, the nurse practitioner from Lake City, Florida, said that when she and her son first arrived in the States, they stayed with their sister Leonor in California.

Although a doctor in Manila, Lilia took up nursing and while she was preoccupied with her Board review, Paula would always bring food for them to share at night and treated them to the movies.

Lolita was the one who helped Paula the most to settle in Florida.

“For Paula, it was a long-cherished freedom, to live independently. Paula was able to get her apartment adjacent to her workplace. It was Lolita who encouraged her to apply in the same hospital she was working,” Yolanda shared. “Since both of them have different shifts in the hospital, Paula would make it a point to bring food that she cooked for Lolita as Lolita, a single mother with 4 kids hardly has time to prepare her food.”

Married to a U.S. citizen, Leonor, the sister from California, was 24 years old when she left Manila in December 1980.

On the day of her departure for the United States, and after bidding goodbye to everyone, Leonor realized that Paula was nowhere to be found. She found her in her room, alone and crying. Paula told her, “Ate Len, please don’t forget to sponsor me to come to America.”

She made a vow to petition all her siblings to join her in her new home. She made true to her promise and Paula was the first to be petitioned.

At the age of 48, Paula came to America and stayed with Len in California for seven years. Len also sponsored Paula’s nursing assistant studies and was immediately hired as a caregiver because she finished at the top of her class. Paula’s fluency in Nippongo was an asset she used in conversing with senior Japanese wives who hardly could speak English.

The siblings regularly communicate and discuss their plans of action for Paula. They have tried all possible ways they could think of, even through, spiritual and psychic means.

“We never lose hope. We never cease praying. We regularly pray the holy rosary as a family both in the U.S. and Manila with our special intention that she may be found safe. We continue to believe that one day a miracle is bound to happen,” Yolanda said.

For now, they continue to wait.

“Every cloud has a silver lining.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. And as our family tirelessly pray, whatever the consequences will be, may justice be served for trans Fil-Ams like Paula whose only wish is to reach her American dream,” Yolanda said.

(Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

COVID-19 eviction prevention bill heads to...

PAGE A3t from eviction for non-payment.

If tenants are able to pay at least 25 percent, any remaining amounts owed to the landlord would be converted to civil debt and could not be used as the basis of an eviction.

If a tenant could not pay 25 percent of the rent owed between September 2020 and January 2021 by January 31, 2021, they could face eviction starting February 1, 2021.

Landlords would be able to file a civil lawsuit or use small claims court to recover rent owed from tenants starting March 1, 2021.

Starting February 1, 2021, tenants would need to keep current with their rent.

In order to claim a COVID-19

related hardship, tenants would need to return a declaration of hardship under penalty of perjury to their landlord. For many tenants, there would be no proof of documentation required with the declaration form. However, higher-income tenants, defined as those who make at least 130 percent of the area median income or over $100,000 per year, must provide documented proof of their financial hardship.

AB 3088 grandfathers in local ordinances regarding evictions for non-payment of rent that passed into law prior to August 19, 2020. However, localities would be prevented from passing new eviction ordinances regarding non-payment of rent until February 1, 2021.

As COVID-19 continues to leave millions without income, renters and homeowners have been unable to keep up with rent and mortgage payments.

A survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau between July 16-21 showed 3.8 million renter households reported “little to no confidence” in their ability to pay rent in August. Without legislative action, millions of Californians could be evicted, leading to an unprecedented and catastrophic increase in homelessness and COVID-19 spread.

The bill will be transmitted to Governor Newsom’s desk for his signature. If signed, the bill would go into effect immediately. (From Assemblymember David Chiu’s Office) n

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SEPTEMBER 4-10, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

A chance for PhilHealth reforms A YEAR and another corruption scandal ago, Ricardo Morales was appointed president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. The retired Army brigadier general was moved from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to PhilHealth amid reports that the state insurer had paid for kidney treatments of dead patients at the Wellmed Dialysis Center.

The National Bureau of Investigation has filed criminal charges for corruption and fraud against 21 PhilHealth accreditation officials over the “ghost” dialysis claims. Roy Ferrer lost his post as PhilHealth president and CEO. Now Morales himself is out of the post and has been recommended for criminal indictment by the Senate committee of the whole, which includes all members of the chamber, in connection with new PhilHealth anomalies. Resigned and incumbent PhilHealth officials have said a syndicate or “mafia” is behind the continuing anomalies in the agency.

This is the challenge now facing Dante Gierran, a lawyer and accountant who once headed the NBI, and is now tasked to undertake the cleansing in PhilHealth that was assigned to Morales. The challenge is daunting.

Morales, who is battling cancer and wished Gierran good health in the top PhilHealth post, has said it would take about three years and an external management team to clean up the agency. Morales says PhilHealth is “not configured” for clean and efficient management.

He points to hospitals, working in collusion with PhilHealth insiders, for the rot in the agency.

Gierran is assuming the PhilHealth post amid high expectations that he can carry out the long overdue honest-to-goodness housecleaning. The problem is complicated by the disclosure of Rodolfo del Rosario Jr., who resigned as PhilHealth senior vice president for the legal sector, that the regional directors of the agency who have been tagged in the scandal have political backers.

Gierran will have to navigate this minefield as he implements structural reforms that will plug opportunities for stealing PhilHealth funds while at the same time identifying, prosecuting and penalizing those behind the anomalous activities.

In this pandemic, it is a national tragedy that one of the most critical agencies in the COVID response is mired in a corruption scandal. The agency badly needs to regain public confidence. A new chief should pave the way for the long overdue overhaul of PhilHealth. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS DOOMSDAY in America is what President Donald Trump has been scaring people about in his campaign. He warns that if his opponent, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, wins in November, then people will not be safe with all the chaos, violence, and killing happening in the country. He claims only he can fix this and bring law and order back in America.

No self-respecting and thinking Republican, Democrat, or Independent will choose to be blind to the truth because the fact is: all that he is warning voters about is already happening under his watch, in Trump’s America.

Trump purposely fans the flame of hate, mistrust, and division in America. He emboldens racists, white supremacists and right-wing extremists. This is his own doing. His words, actions and policies have been inciting the chaos, violence and carnage we are now experiencing.

Falling behind in the polls because of his failed leadership, especially in handling the coronavirus pandemic, he uses the tactic that got him elected in 2016: stoking racial and cultural divide. He is desperate to be reelected to buy time and escape all the lawsuits waiting to be filed against him for all the crimes and

Law and order president? The chaos and violence Trump wants you to be fearful and hateful of is happening now under his watch transgressions he has committed against the Constitution and the American people.

The violence, looting, and destruction we now see are perpetrated NOT by the peaceful Black Lives Matter Movement protesters rallying against racism and racial injustice in America, but by opportunists, anarchists, right-wing extremists and white supremacists, some of them coming from other states and cities. This is tactically done so Trump can blame protesters and the Democrats, and cast himself as the “savior” and the “hero” for the crises he and his administration have created.

Trump has been using people as pawns and props for his fabricated narrative to appeal to his base and to convince those who are still undecided to vote for him, using lies, fear-mongering and doomsday scenarios.

The violence and crimes happening in America are not mainly perpetrated by peaceful protesters, Black Lives Matter activists, Antifa, immigrants and Democrats as alleged by Trump — the so-called “bad guys” in his playbook that he loves to blame and demonize.

Here is the truth about the issue from Anti-Defamation League (ADL). ADL is a leading anti-hate organization that was founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antiSemitism and bigotry, and its

DE LA CRUZ

IN a previous essay, I wrote that the passage of AB 1460 and its signing into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom provided a measure of protection against certain forms of censorship, such as the statewide ban in Arizona schools against ethnic studies classes.

There are actually more nuanced forms of censorship in California’s public colleges and universities. This form of censorship is illustrated by the debate over the ethnic studies requirement for the CSU. A few weeks before Newsom signed AB 14560, the CSU Trustees passed what they considered an ethnic studies requirement for the university system. To graduate, CSU students must take a three-unit course “to understand ethnic studies and social justice,” which could be met by a traditional ethnic studies course or by a class on social justice. This is deceptive: one can meet the

timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all.

The facts from the ADL’s annual Murder and Extremism report that Trump does not really want you to know: “Of the 42 extremist-related murders in the U.S. last year, 38 were committed by individuals subscribing to various far-right ideologies, including white supremacy.

ADL ranked 2019 as the sixthdeadliest year on record for extremist-related violence since 1970.

A total of 17 separate incidents were counted last year.

The deadliest, by far, was the August white supremacist shooting spree at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, which left 22 people dead and at least 24 more wounded. Including the El Paso attack, white supremacists were behind 81 percent of the domestic extremist-related murders in 2019.

Right-wing extremists were responsible for 90 percent of such murders in 2019 and for 330 deaths over the course of the last decade, accounting for 76 percent of all domestic extremist-related murders in that time.

“Over the last decade, rightwing extremists have been responsible for more than 75 percent of extremist-related murders in this country,” said

ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt. “This should no longer come as a shock to anyone.

Lawmakers, law enforcement and the public need to recognize the grave and dangerous threat posed by violent white supremacy. We cannot begin to defeat this deadly form of hatred if we fail to even recognize it.”

The past five years (20152019) include four of the deadliest years on record for extremist murders. Last year, the number of extremist-related fatalities in the U.S. declined slightly from the previous year, dropping from 53 fatalities in 2018 to 43 in 2019. But last year’s total was still higher than 2017, when 41 deaths were recorded.

For the eighth year in a row, firearms were the weapon of choice for domestic extremists.

Guns were involved in 86 percent of last year’s fatalities. In the past 10 years, 315 of the 435 people (72 percent) killed in the U.S. by extremists were shot to death.

The increase in extremist-related shooting sprees in recent years is of particular concern.

These are the people Trump referred to as “very fine people” after one woman, 32-year-old Heather Heyer, was killed by a white supremacist while she protested at a rally of alt-right groups, who were defending the white supremacists and neo-Nazis in August 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

These “very fine people” in Trump’s playbook were neoNazis who staged a torchlight parade, unabashedly chanting anti-Semitic slogans, and roughed up students locked in arms around a statue of Thomas Jefferson. When the violence escalated and became fatal, Trump immediately blamed the “altleft,” the Antifa, and defended the neo-Nazis.

In May of this year, Black American George Floyd was arrested and killed by a white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for eight minutes as he was handcuffed and faced down pleading for his life, saying “I can’t breathe.”

In the wake of this brutal murder, Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement protesters rallied in Minneapolis (and in other parts of the country and the world) to fight against racial injustice.

Chaos, looting and violence perpetrated by anarchists, opportunists followed. Trump and his administration were quick to blame antifa without bases in fact.

Antifa is not a single group with a clear organizational structure or leader. It is a decentralized network of activists who don’t coordinate. Antifa is a monicker for these people whose common goal is opposing anything that they think is racist or fascist.

“Experts who have studied an-

tifa say there is no evidence that the fringe, amorphous group is driving nationwide protests, and Trump hasn’t cited anything specific as he accused them of doing so,” the Washington Post reported.

But according to the Post, even as the protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful in recent days, Trump and Barr have made a concerted effort to implicate antifa involvement in them.

The Trump administration’s own intelligence reports reveal that “most of the violence appears to have been driven by opportunists.” A separate DHS document dated June 17 stated, “anarchist and anti-government extremists pose the most significant threat of targeted low-level, protest-related assaults against law enforcement.” The document did not mention antifa by name and the document’s definition of “anarchist extremist” appears to exclude the group, the Post further reported. Did Trump tell you about this?

The president also did not differentiate the Black Lives Matter (BLM)’s peaceful protesters from anarchists who infiltrated the rallies, and did not acknowledge what BLM was fighting against — racial injustice and police brutality. Trump’s malicious attempt to tie antifa with peaceful protesters is an assault to people’s constitutional right

u PAGE A7

Part II: Ethnic studies builds stronger ties among communities

Commentary

ENRIQUE

Philstar.com photo

requirement without taking any ethnic studies class.

The CSU idea, Ethnic Studies Social Justice (ESSJ), was advanced by Chancellor Timothy White, apparently without consultation with ethnic studies stakeholders, such as the CSU Council for Ethnic Studies, the California Faculty Association, and even the Chancellor’s own Task Force for the Advancement of Ethnic Studies. Five Trustees voted against it: the State Superintendent for Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, social justice activists Lateefah Simon and Hugo Morales, and two others.

To call ESSJ an ethnic studies requirement, when in fact, it can be met without taking a single course in ethnic studies is a very subtle form of censorship. Luckily, AB 1460 superseded it.

The standard college academic program is normally divided into two sets of courses. The first, called a general education set (GE), covers courses that one takes in the first two years of a nominal four-year degree program. These are survey and introductory courses, which pretty much cover everything from literature, history, math, science,

and the social sciences. It introduces the student to a vast array of subjects that they could pursue. An ethnic studies course is now mandated by AB 1460 to be among these GE requirements.

The second set, usually taken in the 3rd and 4th year, leads the student along a more specialized path, an academic major.

The GE requirements within the CSU have not been amended in the last 40 years. California in the 1980s is very different, demographically, from 2020 California. Then, 67% of residents were white, 19% were Latino, 8% were black and 5% were Asian. Today, California is a minority-majority state, where no one ethnic group is in the majority: Latinos (39%), Whites 37%, Asians 15%, African Americans 6% (2018 Estimates). This minority-majority population makes it imperative that students know something about our diverse ethnic communities.

As of this writing, a bill, AB 331 by Assemblymember José Medina (D-Riverside) is making its way through the legislature.

This would make an ethnic studies class a requirement for high school graduation. “It is not a

question of whether the subject itself is necessary but rather, how do we ensure the curriculum is comprehensive, rigorous and inclusive enough,” Medina said.

The American college curriculum is still predominantly eurocentric and white, mostly about men. Evolutionary changes to this have been taking place, to be sure. In addition to ethnic studies, many campuses now have programs in women and gender studies. Periods in the calendar are set aside to focus on special subjects: Black History Month (February), Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May), and Filipino American History Month (October), for instance.

The growing diversity in California poses a dual challenge for higher education. The first is to ensure that the curriculum reflects this diversity in being comprehensive and inclusive enough. The second is to make sure that students take courses that increase their awareness and understanding of this diversity; this is the purpose of imposing graduation requirements.

Within the CSU, many stu-

dents are the first in their families to attend college. Many more are “working” students who have to balance a full-time job and sometimes family demands while pursuing a college degree. These and financial pressures do not allow them the luxury of taking courses beyond the barest minimum required for graduation.

Every year, when I was teaching, there would be at least one student who would come to class, unenrolled, until the absolute last day when enrollment required the instructor’s signature certifying that the student had indeed been attending my classes. These students do not have the funds to enroll at the beginning of the semester and must save these up from their wages thus waiting to matriculate at the very last minute. Such students count the academic credits they earn toward graduation. They do not have the luxury of taking extra courses out of interest. Left to their own devices, without the luxury of time, and a flexible budget, students will hew to a very pragmatic academic program devoid of extra courses in literature, history,

the arts, culture and society, let alone courses about ethnic minorities.

Yet, educators recognize that it is such courses that contribute to the overall literacy of students, and prevents colleges from turning out “learned ignoramuses” — to borrow a phrase from Jose Ortega y Gasset. The GE component of the curriculum ensures a more balanced education.

There is a more pressing reason for making the educational curriculum more inclusive of the history and contributions of people of color. The educational system is society’s principal socializing institution. It is through schools that members are socialized into becoming members of the larger community.

With California evolving from a white majority to a minoritymajority state, the inclusiveness of the curriculum in reflecting this demographic diversity is vital in breaking down racial stereotypes. In turn, this promotes stronger ties among communities.

••• Enrique de la Cruz is Professor Emeritus of Asian American Studies at Cal State University, Northridge.

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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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 4-10, 2020

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BI eases requirements for departing foreigners Palace sees wisdom in Lacson’s ‘designated survivor’ bill THE Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) has relaxed its rules and requirements for departing foreigners to prevent overcrowding in immigration offices.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the bureau now allows aliens with visas approved by the BI to leave the country before they could be issued their alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card).

Morente added that the bureau would no longer require

departing aliens with approved and implemented visas to secure an ACR I-Card waiver order.

The policy will be implemented until December 31, but it may be extended if the coronavirus pandemic will not ease.

“By allowing these aliens to leave pending release of their I-Cards, the number of people going to our offices will be lessened and physical distancing will be achieved, thus preventing the further spread of the virus among our frontline person-

nel and clients,” Morente said.

The bureau allowed aliens with BI-approved visas to leave without I-Cards in March when Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ. It resumed issuing ACR I-Cards and I-Card waiver orders in June.

But the BI recently bared that despite the implementation of stricter health protocols, more than 70 of its employees contracted the coronavirus disease.

(Jomar Canlas/ManilaTimes. net)

Law and order president? The chaos and...

PAGE A6 of peaceful assembly to a voice out their legitimate grievance in a democracy.

So who is behind this misinformation about antifa? Twitter has shut down multiple accounts that it says were operated by a white supremacist group posing as liberal groups encouraging violence. “This account violated our platform manipulation and spam policy, specifically the creation of fake accounts. We took action after the account sent a Tweet inciting violence and broke the Twitter Rules” the company said, as reported by CBS News.

Twitter said the white supremacist group Identity Evropa used one fake account, @Antifa_US, with the intent to call for violence in majority white suburbs, maliciously using the name of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Did Trump tell you about this?

Yet despite all of this, Trump even wanted to declare antifa as a domestic terrorist group. Have you ever heard the president denounce white supremacists, right extremists and vigilantes subscribing to far-right ideologies for the violence and deaths they have perpetrated despite all the facts? Did he ever call for the right extremists, and white supremacists to be declared as “domestic terrorists?” No. He even defends them.

And what about the supposed peaceful protests against the white police officer who shot an unarmed black man seven times at the back, witnessed by his kids in the car in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 23?

The New York Post reported that of the 175 arrested during protests, a total of 105 were not from the city. They came from 44 different cities, including 17-

year old Kyle Rittenhouse, the teen accused of shooting dead two men and seriously injuring a third with an assault rifle.

The teenage shooter, along with his mother, had also allegedly crossed state lines and was arrested in his home in Illinois.

What were they doing in Kenosha, Wisconsin armed with military-style weapons? The report said police seized more than 20 firearms during the protests, leading to numerous charges for carrying concealed weapons.

And did you see the video of the police ignoring this teen as he walked around with his weapon amid the chaos?

And what did Trump do? He defended the teen, who we now know is a Trump supporter. He attended a Trump rally in Iowa, seating in the front row. This kid is not old enough to vote, smoke nor drink but was already in possession of an assault weapon that has killed innocent people.

When Trump was asked if he would condemn “the actions of vigilantes like the teen Kyle Rittenhouse,” he ignored the question and claimed Rittenhouse “probably would’ve been killed” if he had acted differently, BuzzFeed reported.

Rittenhouse idolized the police and posted pictures of him on social media posing with guns, in support of “Blue Lives Matter.”

How ironic that he chose to turn an otherwise peaceful protest to tragedy with his knee-jerk vigilante approach to discord.

The president refused to condemn the actions of vigilantes like Rittenhouse even after denouncing the shooting of a right-wing demonstrator in a pro-Trump rally in Portland on Monday, August 31.

This prompted Democratic

presidential candidate Joe Biden to challenge Trump in a statement: “The deadly violence we saw overnight in Portland is unacceptable. I condemn this violence unequivocally. I condemn violence of every kind by anyone, whether on the left or the right.

And I challenge Donald Trump to do the same.”

Throughout the Republican National Convention, Trump has been branding and selling himself to be the president who will bring back law and order in the United States. He failed to do it as president now, why should we believe he can solve this crisis when re-elected?

Trump accused the Democrats of spreading hate, when in fact, his rhetoric of hate, prejudice and divisiveness against people of color, immigrants, Muslims and his political opponents is the one that has led to the surge of hate crimes in the United States.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler nailed it when he said: “It’s you who have created the hate and the division. It’s you who have not found a way to say the names of Black people killed by police officers even as people in law enforcement have. And it’s you who claimed that White supremacists are good people.”

“Your campaign of fear is as anti-democratic as anything you’ve done to create hate and vitriol in our beautiful country.” ***

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, September 2, admitted that there is wisdom behind Senator Panfilo Lacson’s bill authorizing “designated survivors,” should the top four leaders of the Philippine government perish in any occasion wherein they’re all present.

“Well, you know, I think it’s based on a TV series ‘Designated Survivor.’ And while the series is based on fiction where everyone in government explodes away because of a terrorist attack during the State of the Nation Address, there is that scenario that should be addressed,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source.

“We have a clear line of succession all the way down to the House speaker, but what happens in fact if similar to what happened in the TV series where everyone

perishes? Perhaps there is definitely wisdom in the bill filed by Senator Lacson,” he added.

Under Lacson’s Senate Bill 982 that was filed last year, the most senior senator, most senior House representative, and Cabinet member designated by the President shall assume the powers and duties of the Office of the President until the following election, in case all other successors indicated in the Constitution dies or become permanently disabled.

Lacson on Monday, August 31, urged his colleagues to pass the measure.

“To avert a potential constitutional crisis and leadership vacuum, the process to pass a ‘designated survivor’ measure guaranteeing the continuity and stability of operations in government should be started immediately,” he said in a statement.

“Because of the failure of Congress to pass the necessary legislation in extending the line of succession beyond the Speaker

of the House of Representatives, a constitutional crisis is possible if all 4 top elected officials, God forbid, die in one event such as the State of the Nation Address due to a terrorist attack in the Batasang Pambansa, or any occasion where the president and all three officials in the line of constitutional succession are present,” he added.

Roque, however, noted that Lacson now needs to “find a counterpart measure in the House because the author in the House has withdrawn her authorship of the bill.”

On Sunday, August 30, Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Precious Hipolito-Castelo withdrew House Bill 4062, which she filed in August 2019.

She said the bill’s withdrawal was meant to dispel any notion that she was ignoring the line of succession to the presidency, which includes the Vice President, the Senate President, and the House Speaker. n

Ted Failon leaves ABS-CBN, ‘TV Patrol’

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

MULTI-AWARDED broadcast journalist Ted Failon on Monday, August 31, made his final appearance on ABS-CBN’s shows “TV Patrol” and “Failon Ngayon sa TeleRadyo.”

The network on Sunday, Aug. 30, confirmed that the journalist was leaving after working there for 30 years.

“The closure of ABS-CBN’s radio broadcast operations led to his painful decision and we respect it. We admire Ted’s talent, passion, and commitment to radio as his most effective medium in serving the Filipino people,” said ABS-CBN. “We thank Ted for his many years of dedication and service as a Kapamilya broadcast journalist. He will always be a Kapamilya. We wish him well on his journey,” it added.

Failon’s exit followed the departure of radio hosts Gerry Baja and Anthony Taberna, who Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public left the network for radio DZRH service and educational broadcasting since earlier this month.

According to a Pep.ph re1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, port, Failon will be transferring including digital broadcasting, and print, and to TV5’s radio station Radyo5, is working on a new public service program for bringing his radio show “Failon the community. You may contact her through Ngayon” as well as his staff to email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a the other network.

Last week, ABS-CBN anmessage via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. nounced that it will stop producSantos.Relos.

Ted Failon

tion on 12 regional “TV Patrol” programs on August 28.

“Filipinos living outside Metro Manila across the country will lose a trusted source of local TV news and public service as ABS-CBN pulls the plug on the 12 local ‘TV Patrol’ programs,” the network said Wednesday, Aug. 26.

The 12 programs are as follows: • TV Patrol North Luzon (Baguio, Dagupan, Ilocos, Isabela and Pampanga) • TV Patrol Bicol (Naga, Legazpi) • TV Patrol Palawan • TV Patrol Southern Tagalog (CALABARZON) • TV Patrol Central Visayas (Cebu, Dumaguete, Bohol) • TV Patrol Negros (Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental)

ABS-CBN photo

• TV Patrol Panay (Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras) • TV Patrol Eastern Visayas (Samar, Leyte) • TV Patrol Northern Mindanao (Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental Lanao Del Norte, CARAGA, Dipolog) • TV Patrol South Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN, Cotabato) • TV Patrol Southern Mindanao (Davao) •TV Patrol Chavacano (Zamboanga) “This unfortunate development is the latest service affected by the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise by the House of Representatives last July 10, which also led to the closing of ABSCBN Regional’s operations,” ABS-CBN said. n

A

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Community Journal

B IN NORTHEN cALIfORNIA

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 4-10, 2020

Friday, September 4

OMETHING

ILIPINO

LIfESTyLE • cONSUMER GUIdE • cOMMUNITy • MARkETPLAcE

Why did you wait so long?

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAr Atty. Gurfinkel, I was petitioned by my sister in 1990, and immigrated to the U.S. in 2013. Unfortunately, I had to leave behind my eldest child because she had aged out.

I have been hoping and praying something could be done for her.

Could she be covered by the Child Status Protection Act? Is there

anything else I can do to bring my child to the U.S.?

Very truly yours, GN

by ignoring it.

In your situation, you immigrated seven years ago, leaving behind a child. That is seven wasted years of separation.

Dear GN, As far as eligibility under First, I would like to point out the Child Status Protection Act an issue or problem I see com- (CSPA), there is a complicated mon among many Filipinos who mathematical formula to deterconsult with me. They wait years mine a child’s age, which basibefore consulting or taking steps cally involves subtracting the proto do anything for a family mem- cessing time of the petition from ber left behind. I’m not trying to the child’s age when the priority be critical: I’m just trying to point date is finally current (or visa is out that if a person has any ques- available). tion or issue, they should consult If you immigrated to the U.S. with an attorney or take action in 2013, and filed an F-2B petiimmediately, rather than waiting. tion for your child right away, The problem does not get better PAGE B3

Pinay scientist and rapper Ruby Ibarra’s 2020 mission: Help develop a COVID vaccine, release a sophomore album by

Christina M. Oriel/AJPress

For Filipina American rapper ruby Ibarra, 2020 was slated to be more of this balancing act as in the past few years — juggling live performances after work and on the weekends, while fine-tuning her sophomore album.

Before CoVID-19 hit California, the 29-year-old did two soldout shows at the Getty Center in Los Angeles in February and performed at the Sacramento Kings’ Filipino Heritage Night in early March.

Now, her performances have been strictly virtual. And the pandemic has put an emphasis on her 9-5 job as a scientist at a biotech company in the Bay Area, where she’s been involved in the quality control of CoVID19 test kits and research around a vaccine.

By day, Ruby Ibarra is a scientist at a biotech company in the Bay Area. Currently, her work revolves around COVID-19 tests and development of a vaccine.

Photo courtesy of Ruby Ibarra

“When the pandemic was more visible, we shifted gears at work to make sure all hands were on the table and we could help in any way possible. Early on, we started with test kits,” Ibarra said during a recent Zoom interview with the Asian Journal. “Since then, we’ve just been continuing to run tests on a daily basis, more so for research. With the LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL ANSWERS YOUR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS VIA ZOOM ON AN ENCORE “SOCIAL pandemic still being very real, DISTANCING” EDITION OF CITIZEN PINOY. Under the new “normal” in the time of the pandemic, Citizen Pinoy continues its public service by providing relevant information and updates on immigration. On the first episode of “Your Tanong, My Sagot: Social Distancing Style,” my company is focusing on work Atty. Gurfinkel answers questions from Kapamilya in New Jersey, Guam, and California. Find out if an employer of an assisted living facility towards the development of a can petition someone in the U.S. with a tourist visa; or if the petition for a child with Down Syndrome can be expedited; or if the USCIS vaccine.” will excuse green card holders who are out of the country for over six months due to the pandemic. Get answers to these and more on an As of the beginning of SeptemBy night, Ibarra, 29, is a performer who raps encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY: Your Tanong, My Sagot – Social Distancing Style this Sunday, September 6 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm ber, the United States has reportEST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement) through her perspective as a Filipina American.

Photo by Donna Ibarra ed more than 6 million positive

cases and over 185,000 deaths.

California alone bears the most cases out of any state with more than 707,000 cases and 13,018 fatalities, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.

Ibarra added, “The ultimate goal is to ramp up testing, specifically in this country, and to help with the research in any way toward a vaccine so that we can gain a sense of normalcy again.”

Ibarra, who was born in Tacloban, Philippines, moved to San Lorenzo, California at four years old. As she’s shared in a previous interview with the Asian Journal, PAGE B4

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Features

September 4-10, 2020 • NOrCAL ASIAN JOUrNAL

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Angeline Quinto goes back to her simple ways

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

dering, ‘How did I get started.

How as I able to have this house built?’ I remember the first time I spent the night here in my dream house. It all comes back to me. And it still feels like a dream,” Quinto added.

She admits to, at one point, becoming fascinated with luxury bags, shoes and clothes. But the pandemic has taught her a lesson: reassessing the things she values in her life.

“Naging maluho din ako, aaminin ko po. And when the lockdown began a couple of months ago, I realized that I couldn’t use any of them. I realized that these expensive things aren’t important; they will not make me genuinely happy,” the singer said.

“I have been in showbiz for quite some time now and I think I ended up adopting how other people [live their lives]. I’m really a simple girl and now I’m going back to how I started,” the 30-year-old entertainment personality explained.

What is priceless for Angeline right now is getting to Singer Angeline Quinto is happy to bond with her family and loved ones during the lockdown. spend time with her family and Inquirer.net File Photo loved ones. For her, it’s another chance to bond with her Mama Bob because they had different schedules in the past.

“Before the lockdown, I would usually go to work while she’s still sleeping. And when I return home, she’s already asleep. Now I sleep beside her every day. I have been doing all the chores.

We chat more often. And even if she tells me the same stories over and over, I pretend that I am hearing them for the first time,” she revealed.

With the lockdown and with ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal troubles, Angeline has entered the digital world and opened a new chicken delivery business.

She feels happy to have started these ventures which she expects will keep her busy.

“I’m said that there’s no ABSCBN now. I’m not used to not working. In my nine years with the network, I believe this is the longest I have stayed at home.

But I’m thankful that there are MONTHS into the quarantine, Angeline Quinto has found herself musing about her journey, going back to how she was when she started in showbiz, and bonding with her Mama Bob, her adoptive mom.

“My goal back then was simple: I just wanted to have a regular job, so I could help Mama

Bob and provide for her when she’s no longer able to work. I didn’t really see myself singing on television,” the 2011 “Star Power” winner said in a recent Inquirer interview. “I was OK entering contests; I would have been content with hotel gigs.”

“So, every time I see what I have now, I find myself won-

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Kiana Valenciano, the daughter of Mr. Pure Energy and music icon Gary Valenciano, recently appeared on a telecast of ASAP with her dad.

Actor Richard Yap is set to film a new movie with director Louie Ignacio, along with Kapuso stars Lotlot de Leon, Rita Daniela and Ken Chan. He is known for his roles in the telseryes “My Binondo Girl,” “Be Careful With My Heart” and “Kadenang Ginto.”

Philstar.com File Photo

Stepping out of hiS mother’S Shadow

Hilda Koronel’s son creates a path of his own G. Visaya

SeBASTIAN Reid, born and raised in Manila, is the youngest child of award-winning actress Hilda Koronel. He is the man behind Sébre Studio.

Reid went to Xavier School in San Juan and moved to the South Bay in California at the age of 14.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Game Art from Full Sail University in 2019 and plans to take further studies in the future.

“I’ve been drawing since I can remember and I’ve been an avid gamer since 5 years old,” he shared. “I’ve always been inspired

by Japanese pop culture like manga, anime, and heavily influenced by paranormal horror and various mythologies and folklore.”

He intends to use his startup and raise funds so he can become more efficient in serving newcomers with big ideas. Right now, he takes on clients that come his way for promotion or small fees in exchange, but expansion to a larger audience and business model is the plan. He is hoping to use the funds toward equipment, software licenses, and auxiliary education, among others.

“The idea behind the business is for me to be able to take on part-time client-based freelance art services focused for creatives who are starting out in the indus-

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important to start brand new,” she said, adding that one of her concrete plans is to finish her studies and becoming a counselor in the future.

As she wades more into social media, she thinks people should be more sensitive to other people’s feelings on social platforms, especially since studies have shown that anxiety is on the rise during the pandemic.

“The people around you should also be more sensitive of what to say. Be more conscious of the words to say to other people. We should try to be nicer to everybody especially since we are all going through the same thing,” the other half of the love team “LizQuen” said.

She added: “It’s not good to pick up on other people’s flaws, making fun of people. It’s time for everyone to connect more together in battling the crisis.”

And as she is one of many people in the industry and elsewhere who have lost their jobs during the pandemic, Liza wants to send out a message of hope to people who are in this same situation.

“I just want to let them know that there’s something to be hopeful about. It doesn’t really matter what people say. What matters is what is important for you,” she reflected.

AJPress

E O N program N I t P ILI ates

For

people who are ready to help me and mentor me as I put [up] my business and online show,” she said. *** Actress Liza Soberano is among many showbiz personalities who are finding other ways to connect with their fans.

She does it via vlogging, which her manager Ogie Diaz prodded her to do to remain visible with her audience.

“During the pandemic, I realized that I couldn’t connect to my supporters anymore because we aren’t seeing each other, I don’t have a project. I want to put an effort for them because they’ve put in so much effort for me. I want to put in more to make them more happy, for entertainment,” Soberano explained in an interview for The Philippine Star.

Aside from providing entertainment for her fans and supporters, vlogging also gives Liza an opportunity to give a platform for her advocacies.

“At first, I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to think of it, but as time when by during quarantine, I realized that there’s more to life. I realized that there are a lot of things I haven’t figured out about myself, of course, and about the things I want to do in the future.

And of course, I realized that it’s

by MoMar

| I ing sc WS m

F

Violet “Ligaya” Orence, a Filipina community leader in San Francisco, will celebrate with birthday with a “Keep Distant Party” on Wednesday, September 16 with her Liza Soberano has turned to vlogging to connect with her fans and supporters. husband Pete, her children and her grandchildren.

Instagram File Photo (@lizasoberano)

REE.

for F

Sebastian Reid with his wife and his mom, award-winning actress Hilda Koronel

try,” he shared. “I don’t plan to take on the industry competition by accepting all clients, but I will do my best to help the ideas that I can stand behind.”

Being an artist and having experience in the game production pipeline, Reid realized that a lot of indie developers or creators struggle to find help. Most of them, like him, are most likely jacks of all trades.

As an illustrator and game creator, Reid hopes to learn from the stuff he creates which is why he maintains a blog (journal) to take notes of the things he liked or disliked in a game he made.

He also wants to be transparent with his process and he would like to teach his clients and visitors to accept their form of art and

roll with it and nurture it.

“I struggled to see that my work does not look like other’s simply because I’m me and I’m different.

It didn’t mean that my art was “bad”,” he said.

Looking forward, he hopes to be able to gain enough traction which he can use to mentor people who feel stuck or lost.

“I have been an artist since I was 3 years old and a gamer since 5 (PS1), so it really takes time. I’m not the best in the field, especially since I stopped drawing for 7 years, but within the last year, I have had to re-learn a lot of fundamentals and concepts to elevate myself back to being artistically active,” he said. “The key is to really find peace and fulfillment in the process of creating, not to focus on the end results.”

He also dabbles on web design as he worked on his own homepage to cater to viewers who are new to his site. He hopes to be able to attract scouters and possible clients.

The young man has a multiple dreams: to become a creator, illustrator, video game developer, 3D artist and printer, voice actor and mentor.

But life is a learning process and he knows he has so much more to learn and that is why he is keeping his options open as far as learning more things go. In the end, he hopes to eventually help others along the way.

“I know, I’m a big dreamer. But I know that if I keep seeking, I will eventually arrive at fulfilling my dreams. They’re all connected at one point or another,” he said.

In the end, he hopes that his website can create a community of creators and learners and be able to assist the seekers and become a mentor to dreamers.

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

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WATER is life. Without it, there would be no life on Planet Earth.

The normal lean adult body is made up of about 70% water (50% intracellular, 15% interstitial, and 5% in the blood plasma) and only 30% solid mass. This is an amazing fact which many of us don’t realize.

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day benefits us in more ways than one. Adequate water intake helps us look and feel better by maintaining our blood in perfect liquid form to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells, regulating our body temperature, assisting our kidneys eliminate harmful wastes and elements, lubricating our joints, revitalizing our dull skin and keeping our weight in check, to list some of the benefits.

Our daily normal physiologic fluid loss (without exercise, illness, etc.) is as follows: Infants (2-10 kg), 300-800cc; Children (10-40 kg), 840-1500 cc; and Adults (60 kg), 1800-2100cc. The minimum 8-glasses-a-day (250cc per glass) recommendation for an adult barely equals the daily fluid loss. On the average, therefore, the replacement should actually be about 10% more than the daily fluid loss.

Since the human thirst mechanism is not very reliable (most often thirst is mistaken by our brain for hunger), drinking at least 8 glasses a day is a good rule to follow, whether one feels thirsty or not. In most instances, dehydration has already taken place before the person feels thirsty. Don’t wait for dryness of the mouth, nasal passages, eyes, and any of those symptoms listed above before drinking water. It is best to pre-empt thirst.

If we don’t drink enough water, a host of problems, in varying proportional degrees, can occur, like fatigue, headaches, irritability, mental dullness, sagging skin, retention of toxic wastes in our body, weight gain, kidney stone formation and urinary tract infection. If dehydration is severe, shock and death could ensue.

The best fluid to satisfy our thirst is properly filtered water.

Not cola drinks, coffee or alcoholic beverages, all of which cause us to urinate and further lose more fluids, not to mention their adverse side-effects on the heart, kidneys and liver. Nothing is better than the old fashioned clean, fresh, sparkling filtered water.

Where more water is needed There are many situations where the 8-glasses-a-day recommendation will not be enough.

These include the following: • Exercising – where one loses a lot of fluids through breathing, perspiration and urination. The rule of thumb is to replace every pound lost with 2 glasses, or four glasses for every 1,000 calories burned off.

• Dieting – water suppresses the appetite (by filling the stomach and “fooling” the brain) and also speeds up body fat metabolism and water elimination through the urine, leading to weight loss.

• Traveling – the atmosphere

Liquid candy vs water on board airplanes is very dry, causing dehydration, hence more fluid intake is recommended. A glass of water for every hour of flight is the minimum replacement recommended.

• High altitudes – the very low humidity and the natural body adaptation (deeper, heavier and more frequent breathing) among mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, etc. lead to more body fluid losses, and require more than 8 glasses a day to replace.

• Pregnancy – the blood volume of a pregnant woman increases, so she needs more water to maintain the proper fluidity for blood to circulate normally and with ease. For an individualized advice, please discuss this with your obstetrician.

• Nursing – at least four more glasses of water a day, on top of the 8, is needed by nursing mothers to help ensure adequate milk supply.

• Illness – any ailment, like infection or diarrhea, etc., speeds up body water depletion, and so added water intake is needed.

• Age: Older people, and infants and babies, are at a higher and easier risk of dehydration, from almost any cause, so they require more water intake than normal adults.

Facts and trivia 1. Seventy-five percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. We don’t have statistics for the Philippines, but I suspect the incidence could be the same.

2. At 37%, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. This leads to overeating and weight gain.

Drinking a tall of glass of water before each meal will help one lose weight.

3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as much as 3%. Male potency and female lubrication are reduced by dehydration.

4. One glass of water shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of dieters, as reported in a University of Washington study.

5. Lack of water is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue.

6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy shortterm memory trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or a printed page.

8. Drinking at least 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Soft drinks: toxic!

Countless of millions of people around the globe are still drinking soft drinks (liquid candy), cola or uncola, diet or regular, caffeinated or decaf, all of which are toxic to the body. Consuming soft drinks increases the risk for the development of Metabolic Syndrome, even among children, which is a group of medical conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and high cholesterol and triglycerides levels. All these increase the risk for (one factor why we

Sarah turns emotional in addressing Mommy Divine, family

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA couple Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo opened up their married life in their first concert together as husband and wife last August 30.

Matteo thanked his wife Sarah for being true to herself.

“Thank you very much for being you all the time, and not faking who you are not just to me but to my family and to our friends. Sometimes, you always tell me, ‘Love, hindi ako ganyan.’

But I trust in you and in God that you’re learning every single day to be a stronger woman,” Matteo said.

He added that Sarah is becoming stronger and more independent every day.

“I love you for that because you’re learning about life every single day. You’re becoming a stronger, more independent, bullet-proof woman every day. I am seeing it from my own eyes.

I am very proud of you and I will love you for the rest of my life,” he said.

For her part, Sarah thanked her husband for being there for her every single step of the way. “’Yung mga simpleng bagay lang na gina-guide mo ako or ina-assist mo ako whenever I work from home. Ikaw nag-aasikaso ng camera, ng ilaw. Grabe ‘yung efforts mo and walang hinihinging kapalit ‘yun every time you do it. You do it out of love, not obligation. Naa-appreciate ko lahat ‘yun kahit hindi ko

Features

Sarah Geronimo Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph

nasasabi sa’yo,” Sarah said.

The “Pop Star Princess” also opened up about being spoiled

by Matteo since he cooks for her all the time.

“Alam niyo po, spoiled ako dito kay Matt. ‘Yung babae, ang role is siya ‘yung nagluluto all the time, siya ‘yung nag-aasikaso sa asawa. Pero baligtad sa amin.

Siya ‘yung ganun sa maasikaso, ipagluluto ka,” she shared.

Sarah turned emotional in the concert when it came to thanking her family.

“Our families, we love you. To my daddy, my mama, Ate Cheng, Ate Shine, Gab, at sa lahat ng aking mga dogs, I love you all so, so, so, so much,” she said.

Matteo and Sarah tied the knot last February in a secret ceremony in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

have tons of) diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It is best for children and adults to stay away from soft drinks of any kind.

The following interesting pieces of information are worth knowing: • In many parts of the United States the highway patrol carries two gallons of cola drinks in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

• The phosphoric and citric acid in it removes stains from vitreous China, cleans toilet bowls, and also unclog blocked sink drains.

• It removes rust from bumpers: rub area with a crumpledup piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in cola drink.

It also cleans corrosion from car battery terminals. Additionally, it loosens a rusted bolt and removes grease from clothes, as well as cleans road haze from your windshield.

• The active ingredient in colas is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

Soft drinks are all toxic. Do we love our children and ourselves enough to say “No”? *** 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 NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua. com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

PAGE B1

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 4-10, 2020

Why did you wait so long?

the child could now be close to immigrating under your petition, without regard to the CSPA. That is because right now they are processing single adult children of immigrants who were petitioned in 2012. Instead, you let seven years go by, hoping or waiting for something to happen.

While I cannot determine your child’s CSPA eligibility without considering and reviewing all the information and documents, other possible options are for you to finally file a petition for your child (even though you’ve already lost or wasted approximately seven years, had you filed it right away).

Also, if there is an employer in the U.S. with a job related to her education, skills, or experience, the employer could petition her for a

green card. A petition by an employer might take approximately 2 to 3 years.

But the point or lesson I want to make is that if you have questions, issues, or concerns about your immigration situation, eligibility, or possible immigration benefits for your family, don’t wait years and years before finally consulting with an attorney to determine the best option. Do not waste years, which translates to additional years of family separation.

Instead, consult with an attorney as soon as you have the issue or question. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of

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the State Bar of California. Each case is different, and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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Pokwang thanks ABS-CBN for changing her life

Pokwang is now hosting “Chika, BESH! Basta Everyday Super Happy” with Pauleen LunaSotto and Ria Atayde, TV5 photo

COMEDIENNE Pokwang formally bade farewell to ABS-CBN, her home network for 16 years.

In her Instagram account, Pokwang posted videos of her shows in ABS-CBN through the years.

“16 years! Maraming, maraming salamat Kapamilya....” she wrote.

The former mainstay of now defunct ABS-CBN comedy show “Banana Sundae” said she will be forever thankful to the Kapamilya network for changing her life.

“Hindi dito matatapos ang pasasalamat ko at ng aking buong pamilya na binago nyo ang aming buhay, mga pangarap na natupad, higit sa lahat ang naging daan ka sa pagbibigay ko ng saya sa lahat ng Pilipino saan man sa mundo,” she said.

“2004 nag simulang gumanda ang buhay ko. Salamat maraming, maraming salamat sa iyo #ABSCBN. Habang buhay kong tatanawin at pasasalamatan ka at ng aking buong pamilya hanggang sa muli Kapamilya,” she added.

Pokwang is now with TV5 hosting “Chika, BESH! Basta Everyday Super Happy” Pauleen Luna-Sotto and Ria Atayde. She also hosts the game show “Fill in the Bank” with Jose Manalo. (Philstar.com)

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September 4-10, 2020 • NOrCAL ASIAN JOUrNAL

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Pinay scientist and rapper Ruby Ibarra’s...

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An illustration promoting H.E.R.’s “I Can’t Breathe,” a song dedicated to the ongoing protests and Black Lives Matter movement.

Fil-Am R&B artist H.E.R. wins ‘Video for Good’ award at the 2020 MTV VMAs

by AJPress

BLACK Filipina American R&B artist H.E.R. won the Video For Good award for her song “I Can’t Breathe” at the MTV Video Music Awards 2020 on Sunday, August 30.

“I Can’t Breathe” is a song highlighting the recent police killings of unarmed Black individuals, such as Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the ongoing protests around the world.

“Praying for change ‘cause the pain makes you tender,” the lyrics read, adding, “All of the names you refuse to remember/ Was somebody’s brother, friend/ Or a son to a mother that’s crying, saying/I can’t breathe, you’re taking my life from me.”

In a recorded message shown on Sunday, H.E.R. said winning a VMA is a “dream come true for me.”

“I’m so proud to be a part of this category. All the other nominees were super dope. I’m super proud of everybody speaking out on social injustice,” she added, thanking the crew behind the video.

Other nominees in the category included Billie Eilish (“All of the Good Women Go to Hell”), Lil Child (“The Larger Image”), Demi Lovato (“I Love Me”), Anderson Paak (“Lockdown”) and Taylor Swift (“The Man”).

H.E.R.’s song “Slide,” featuring YG, was also nominated in the Best R&B video category alongside Alicia Keys’ “Under-

Known as H.E.R, Gabriella Wilson was born in Vallejo, California to a Filipina mother and an African American father.

Photo courtesy of RCA Records

dog,” Chloe x Halle’s “It,” and Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You,” but lost to The Weeknd’s ”Blinding Lights.”

H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Wilson, was born in Vallejo, California to a Filipina mother and an African American father.

She rose to fame in 2009 after participating in Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing.” At the age of 14, she signed to RCA Records and released the single “Something to Prove” under her real name in 2014.

In 2016, she debuted under

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the H.E.R. persona with her debut EP “H.E.R. Volume 1.”

She then released other EPs “H.E.R. Volume 2” and “The B Sides” in 2017 before releasing her first compilation album “H.E.R.” which consisted of tracks from the singer’s first two EPs plus six additional songs.

In 2018, she released “I Used to Know Her: The Prelude” and “I Used to Know Her: Part 2.”

H.E.R. received five nominations at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019, winning Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Album.

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albums by Filipino rapper Francis Magalona and American artists Tupac, Lauryn Hill and the Wu-Tang Clan were on heavy rotation at an early age, which kickstarted her love for hip-hop.

With threads like colorism — the culture of skin tone discrimination in the Philippines — to unifying Filipinos found in FrancisM’s music, she would continue those conversations two decades later from the lens of a Filipina American millennial raised in the Bay Area through her debut album, “Circa91,” released in October 2017. Throughout the 18track album, Ibarra shifts from English, Tagalog and Waray, the language spoken in the Eastern Visayas.

Music has always been a passion, but another field that piqued her curiosity and fascination as a child were the sciences. Young Ibarra would read encyclopedias and science books for fun.

“I’ve always been such a big nerd when it came to reading books and learning new facts…

I’d be the one to read the dictionary. I think that’s why I fell in love with words in the first place,” Ibarra said, adding that a childhood dream was to be a pediatrician. “I gravitated towards science because, to me, it ultimately explained how the world works.”

She went on to study biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California, Davis because in a first-generation immigrant household, “education and finding a stable job” were ingrained early on.

“If music was not a viable ca-

Pre-pandemic, Ibarra would perform after work or on weekends. Now, her performances are virtual.

Photo by Tojo Andrianarivo

reer for me, I’d have this backup plan in the sciences so I ended up working for this biotechnology company straight out of college,” said Ibarra, whose work has revolved around molecular diagnostics.

Going seven months into the pandemic, the public is aware of coronavirus-related symptoms, from difficulty breathing to loss of taste, and safety measures like maintaining six feet from others and wearing a mask. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty around the disease and its longterm effects.

“There’s still a lot of things that we don’t know about this disease, but again, it comes with time and research,” Ibarra said. “But what gives me hope and optimism is that there is a lot of work being done, not just by my own company, but multiple labs and companies across the world.”

These days when she arrives home from work, she heads straight for the shower — not because she has to get ready for a night gig, but because she’s been taking extra precautions to keep herself and her fiancé safe, especially after working alongside co-workers.

Knowing how serious COVID-19 is, and how it has been affecting essential workers and her own Filipino American community, Ibarra is not shy about calling out folks who aren’t following the guidelines and has By the end of the year, Ibarra hopes to release been vocal about the reopening her sophomore album, as a follow-up to her of certain industries.

“It’s not lost on me that when acclaimed “Circa91.” Photo by Donna Ibarra

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I look on social media or turn on the news, we see people, around [my] age or generation, more dismissive towards the pandemic. We have been where we are since March as long as we don’t have a vaccine or clear research so I’d like to remind people to really trust the science,” she said.

Though Ibarra had some live performances scheduled for this year, the bright sides of staying at home are being able to rest and spending time with family.

She is hopeful that her second album will be released by the end of the year, as well as “7,000 Miles,” a documentary documenting her 2019 trip to the Philippines with her band, The Balikbayans.

Ibarra said that the album will have similar themes as heard on “Circa91” but will showcase her maturity as an individual and artist and weave in current events, such as the push for racial justice. Her latest song, “A Thousand Cuts,” to accompany Fil-Am filmmaker Ramona Diaz’s documentary of the same title parallels her use of music with veteran journalist Maria Ressa’s fight for press freedom.

“If anything, it will allow me to explore other parts of my identity as well. But I am definitely going to continue, to push Filipino culture forward. When it comes down to it, my music will always be a reflection of my experiences and who I am as a person, so I don’t want to ever escape from my music being Filipino,” she said.

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September 4-10, 2020 • NOrCAL ASIAN JOUrNAL

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