102220 - Las Vegas Edition

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OCTOBER 22-28, 2020

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Volume 31 - No. 42 • 18 Pages

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

In-person early voting kicks off in Clark County

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

OVER 140,000 voters headed to the polls in the first five days of early voting in Clark County.

From Saturday, October 17 to Wednesday, October 21, 140,501 ballots were cast across 48 in-person voting locations, according to figures released by the Clark County Election Department on Thursday morning.

The sites that have been the busiest include Centennial Center, Downtown Summerlin, Galleria at Sunset in Henderson, and Silverado Ranch Plaza.

Following COVID-19 safety

The two-week early voting period began on Saturday, October 17 in Clark County with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

Photo courtesy of Clark County/Facebook

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Jollibee among best fast-food fried chicken in US PHILIPPINE fast-food giant Jollibee’s best-selling Chickenjoy is one of the best fast-food fried chicken options in the United States, according to online magazine, Redbook.

In its “The Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken” article, released on October 13 to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day, Redbook ranked Jollibee as the fourth best fried chicken in the country.

“Jollibee is the Filipino fried chicken chain that’s about to take over the United States,” the magazine said.

“If you’re skeptical, check out this recent New York Times story heralding the chain’s first Manhattan location earlier this year.

‘The pleasures of Chickenjoy, as it’s called, are immediate: The sheath of skin is as craggy as a thunderhead, crannies and crunch

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AAPI community is focus of early voting events leading up to presidential election With just over 2 weeks left until the 2020 general election, the Asian American Pacific Island community is at the center of a community campaign to get them out to vote and make their voices heard.

The Asian Community Development Council, or ACDC, hosted an event at Desert Breeze Park in Las Vegas on October 17th on the first day of Early Voting in Nevada. In collaboration with the office of Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones, ACDC staff and volunteers are giving out election information and having people sign pledge cards to vote early. Desert Breeze Community Center is one of the early voting sites this year.

“It’s so exciting to be out here today, especially meeting all the first time voters!” said ACDC’s Founder and President, Vida Lin. “I

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BETTER WEATHER. A man strolls his dog while others exercise under the sun at the Marikina River Park on Thursday, October 22. Metro Manila and other parts of the country will experience better weather conditions throughout the day as Severe Tropical Storm Pepito continues to move away from the country.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs celebrates Filipino American History Month

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

THE President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), during its third open meeting virtually on Thursday, October 15, and in cooperation with the White House Office of Public Liaison and the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), honored and celebrated Filipino American History Month (FAHM).

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, and other

Senior Administration officials from the White House, U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Commerce, thanked the numerous Filipino Americans on the frontlines.

Chao talked about the “hundreds of thousands of Filipino health care workers on the frontlines” and that America is grateful for the many contributions of the community.

“I am pleased that we are here today to celebrate Filipino American History Month. I am especially thankful to the frontliners, many of them Filipinos, are taking personal risks to save so many lives and keep our

country safe, healthy, and whole,” Ross, WHIAAPI co-chair, echoed.

Ross also acknowledged Fil-Ams for being “famously entrepreneurial” and cited Pedro Flores, who invented the yoyo and began an enterprise in California.

“Many of the nation’s 1.9 million AAPI-owned companies have suffered a dramatic loss of business due to the pandemic,” he said, adding that with the right policies in place, the country’s businesses will soon enter the recovery phase.

Filipinos in the Trump administration

Three Filipino Americans who are a part of the Trump administration as senior officers also joined the virtual celebration.

Vic Mercado, among the high-level Filipinos in the Trump cabinet, works at the Department of Defense as Assistant Secretary for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities. Prior to his current position, Mercado served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years where he held various acquisition and engineering leadership roles.until his retirement in November 2018.

He is responsible for advising the

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PH lifts ban on non-essential foreign travel

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FILIPINOS may now fly out of the Philippines as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases lifted the ban on non-essential outbound travel beginning last Wednesday, October 21.

Malacañang on Friday, October 16, announced that the IATF approved the removal of travel restrictions during its recent meeting.

“In the same 79th meeting, the IATF lifted the restriction of non-essential outbound travel of Filipinos effective October 21, 2020,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

According to him, Filipino travelers are required to have negative antigen test results,

confirmed plane tickets, and health and travel insurance.

“They may be allowed to leave the country subject to the submission of confirmed roundtrip tickets and adequate travel and health insurance for those traveling in tourist visas, execution of an immigration declaration acknowledging the risks involved in traveling and a negative antigen (test) result taken within 24 hours before departure, subject to the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines,” Roque said.

Filipino travelers are also required to follow the existing rules for returning overseas Filipinos as they return home such as undergoing a swab test and the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

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Age of foreign retirees in PH to be re-examined

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

AARP analysis of the 2020 Asian American Voter Survey found that 41% of registered voters identify as Democrat, while 33% as Republican.

AARP survey: Health care motivating Asian American voters in 50-plus segment, 41% identify as Democrats

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

SEVERAL Philippine senators continue to raise concerns over the arrival of almost 28,000 Chinese nationals in the country as retirees, saying this may pose national security threats.

The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), an agency under the Department of Tourism (DOT), will reassess its current policy that allows foreigners as young as 35 years old to retire in the country.

“The Philippine Retirement Authority Board of Trustees will meet to re-assess the policy of allowing retirees at the age of 35,” Philippine Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Wednesday, October 21.

The statement came after senators raised concerns over the agency allowing Chinese nationals to enter the Philippine Tourism Secretary Bernadette

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Romulo-Puyat

Inquirer.net photo

WHAT issues are top of mind for Asian American registered voters over the age of 50 going into Election Day? Health care (93%), jobs and the economy (89%), education (87%) and national security (87%) are among the concerns Asian American voters rated as “extremely” or “very” important, according to findings released by AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for Americans 50 and older, on Wednesday, October 21.

The findings come some eight months in the pandemic, as the Asian American community has experienced the effects of COVID19, whether through hate crimes, business downturn, or being disproportionately high rates of infection.

Going into specific health-related topics, 58% of voters said addressing the coronavirus is a top priority, while 54% said securing the future of Social Security is “extremely” important” and 53% want to see lower health care costs.

“To win, candidates must really

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OctOber 22-28, 2020 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-28, 2020

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From The FronT Page

In-person early voting kicks...

PAGE A1 measures, masks and social distancing are required at all polling stations and voting machines are sanitized after use.

To further prevent the spread of the virus, all active and registered voters in Nevada were automatically mailed ballots in early October. More than 1.2 million Clark County residents received their mail-in ballots, which can be returned through the U.S. Postal Service or by dropping them off at an early voting site or Election Day voting center.

As of Wednesday, 107,966 returned ballots from county voters were accepted for counting, based on figures from the Office of the Nevada Secretary of State. Statewide, 197,541 mail-in ballots have been sent in.

Early in-person voting continues until October 30. On Election Day, November 3, 125 voting centers will be opened in the county.

In addition to the presidential, statewide and local races, five ballot questions appear on the Nevada ballot this year.

Question 2 is an amendment to the state constitution to remove language that says marriage is only between a male and female and to recognize “marriages of and issue marriage licenses to couples, regardless of gender.”

Meanwhile, it also allows religious organizations and clergy members to “refuse to perform a marriage.”

Another question revolves around a new section guaranteeing specific voting rights to registered voters in the state constitution.

Countdown to Election Day Local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations and Filipino American community members are continuing the final push with less than two weeks to go until Election Day. On Monday, October 19, the Nevada State Democratic Party held a virtual AAPI get-out-thevote rally, urging registered voters

Across 48 in-person early voting sites in the county adjusted to the new normal, which includes plexiglass, sanitization, masks and social distancing.

Photo courtesy of Clark County/Facebook

to avail of the mail-in or early voting options.

“We vote because we know it makes a difference. Just look at the progress Nevada has been able to achieve in the two years my husband has been governor. But we also vote because we have the chance to elect people who share the same life experiences and values,” said Nevada First Lady Kathy Sisolak.

Virtual events, as well as phone and text banking efforts, will continue in the final days. One of the upcoming events to tap Fil-Am millennial and Gen-Z voters is a virtual GOTV concert with rapper Ruby Ibarra on October 28 hosted

by AAPI Democratic Caucus of Nevada, along with the Pilipino Los Angeles Democrats, KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress, and the national Fil-Ams for BidenHarris affinity group.

“We need to bring that same energy to the voting booth. Election Day is just around the corner so please make a plan to vote. We owe it to our ancestors who paved the way for the privileges and rights that we experience today,” said Dan Santos, chair of the AAPI Democratic Caucus.

Meanwhile, on Friday, a group of Fil-Am supporters of President

Donald Trump in Nevada and other swing states came together for an event in Las Vegas to double down on their endorsement for a second term.

As Fil-Am voters make their plans to vote, several resources in English and Tagalog are available should they require assistance or need to report any voting rights concerns.

The state Democratic Party recently unveiled a Tagalog voter protection hotline, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

By calling the hotline at 888-525VOTE (8683), Fil-Am voters can be connected to a volunteer in English or Tagalog to ask questions about how to register to vote before the deadline, locating a polling place, or where to drop off their vote-bymail ballot.

The National Filipino American Lawyers Association also launched its non-partisan Voter Protection Program comprised of attorneys who available to answer questions via phone, email, or text from voters in Nevada, Arizona and California. For Nevada, the resource is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

PST by calling or texting (702) 900-3937 or by emailing NFALAVOPRONV@gmail.com. n

PH lifts ban on non-essential...

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“Yung mga Pilipino na merong mga fiance at mga iniibig sa ibang bansa, pupuwede niyo na po silang dalawin doon sa ibang bansa (Filipinos who have fiances in other countries, you may now visit them there),” Roque said.

The national government has also recently allowed non-essential travel between areas placed under the general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ subject to the regulations imposed by the local government unit (LGU).

Likewise, hotels in GCQ and MGCQ areas are now allowed to operate at full capacity.

According to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the IATF’s decision to ease travel restrictions would help revive the country’s tourism industry. n

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Jollibee among best fast-food fried chicken... AARP survey: Health care motivating Asian American...

PAGE A1

multiplying.’ Uhm, I’ll have some of that, please!” it added.

Jollibee bested other popular fast-food chain restaurants, including McDonald’s, which placed 12th; Kentucky Fried Chicken, ranked 11th; and Shake Shack, ranked sixth.

“Chickenjoy is served in bonein pieces buckets, or you can opt for Chicken Dippers, which are the boneless tenders. Every order of chicken is accompanied by a side of their signature gravy for dipping,” Redbook said.

It added, “They also boast a selection of Filipino side dishes unrivaled by any competitor on this list. Chickenjoy with a side of the famed Jolly Spaghetti? Or, how about Fiesta Noodles (Jollibee’s take on pancit palabok, a classic Filipino shrimp and noodle dish). Still hungry? Grab a Peach Mango Pie or Halo-Halo for dessert. Yes, all of this is available, and actually good, at a fast food chain.”

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) welcomed the ranking.

“We couldn’t be happier of this recognition, as it goes to show that our Chickenjoy is truly

Jollibee’s famous Chickenjoy (center) with other menu favorites, such as Filipino spaghetti and peach mango pie.

AJPress file photo by Momar G. Visaya

world-class. We see customers continuing to come in droves to our stores because of their love for Chickenjoy,” said JFC North America President Rowel Vijandre.

“This is also why Jollibee North America continues to do well and is outperforming the QSR industry with positive systemwide sales growth despite the pandemic. We are grateful to our customers and will always

be happy to serve them the best Chickenjoy that they deserve,” he added.

Jollibee has 45 stores in the U.S. and will open more branches in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Texas, Nevada, California, and Hawaii. It also has 10 stores in Canada with plans to open more branches in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec this year. (AJPress)

PAGE A1 talk about the issues that matter to the 50-plus voters — voting safely from home, preventing cuts to Social Security and Medicare and lowering drug prices,” said Joseph Liu, director of campaign strategy and management at AARP on Wednesday, adding, “If the polls are to be believed, they may be the biggest swing vote casting their ballots for candidates, taking COVID as seriously as they are, regardless of party or political labels.”

The data are based on results from the 2020 Asian American Voter Survey — released in September by APIAVote, AAPI Data and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC — and AARP’s “National Survey of Older Voters During COVID-19: Asian Americans” conducted in March.

With Asian Americans comprising the fastest-growing racial and ethnic voter bloc in the United States, individuals in the 50-plus segment, particularly those who are foreign born, are the ones leading in voter registration and turnout.

The results found that voter registration among eligible Asian American voters increases with age, with the 45-64 segment at 58%, 65-74 at 60% and 56% for those over 75. In contrast, the 1824 segment is at 45% and 24-44 at 52%.

“Among Hispanics and among Asians, the foreign born are the more reliable segments of voters.

They are the ones turning out at higher rates on Election Day,” said Angela Houghton, senior research advisor of multicultural research at AARP. “They are predominately an immigrant electorate.”

Going into the party identification, 41% of older voters identified as Democrats, while 33% said they are Republicans and 26% independent. But the majority identify as “moderate” (58%), while 26% “conservative” and 16% “liberal.”

“Looking back over the midterm

elections as well as the 2016 presidential election year, we didn’t see a lot of change in terms of party identification in this group of voters,” Houghton said. “There’s more cohesion around an ideology with this group of voters than there is in a party identification.”

Despite the enthusiasm and party identification, a majority of voters are not being engaged or contacted by the Democratic or Republican parties or community organizations.

The findings did not show the breakdown of support for the presidential candidates or any other races, but Asian American voters largely said they are looking for an elected official that “exhibits integrity, honesty, and moral character” (56%), “understands deeply the day to day issues of ordinary Americans” (52%), and “prioritizes getting things done above the political party ideology” (52%).

“One of things that has been continuing to plague the AAPI community is that we’re invisible and that also comes true when it comes to elections and political parties as well. We constantly have to make the case through data,” said Daphne Kwok, vice president of multicultural leadership for AAPI audience strategy at AARP. “They need to hear what are our issues, what are our concerns…and that we all need to be taken seriously and that our needs need to be addressed and spoken to.”

Meanwhile, the 2020 Asian American Voter Survey, which tapped Asian American registered voters 18 and older, further disaggregated findings by the subgroups. Sixty-two percent of Fil-Am voters said they are “more enthusiastic” than they were in previous cycles, the highest level of support compared to the Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese groups surveyed.

When asked who they are “inclined to vote for” in the presidential race, 54% of Asian Americans

are leaning toward former Vice President Joe Biden, while 30% would back a second term for President Donald Trump. Among Fil-Ams, 52% back Biden, while 34% support Trump — the second highest support among the groups after 48% of Vietnamese voters who said they would reelect the current president.

Safe voting plan The data sets found that more older voters plan to vote in person (51%) compared to 46% who will opt for the mail or absentee ballot option.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and influx of disinformation on social media and other sources, AARP is advising older voters to make a plan to safely vote — either by mail-in ballot or in-person by following measures like wearing a mask to the polls — and to be cognizant about news consumption.

Seventy-six percent of voters prefer traditional news sources, while 50% look at candidate debates and town halls to make voting decisions and 42% seek conversations with friends and family.

When asked about voter safety, 46% said they “worry often” about any interference this November, while 40% relayed concerns about health and safety at the polls.

“We’re living in the middle of a pandemic and there’s been a lot of misinformation and disinformation campaigns out there about voting absentee, and is it going to be safe to go to the polls? We’re seeing these competing concerns,” Houghton explained.

Liu added that the most effective ways to combat misinformation in the older segment are trusted messengers, like ethnic media, and repetition.

“The more you call out the falsehoods, cover the stories and correct the record, the more informed our community will be,” he said.

“So covering these issues is so important and don’t stop telling the truth between now and the election.” n

AAPI community is focus of early voting events...

PAGE A1 just met one woman who’s been in the country 30 years and this is the first time she’s voted in an election. It’s so great to see.”

Lin was among those who filled out her ballots that were mailed to them this year. This the first year for mail in Nevada.

At early voting sites like Desert Breeze Park Clark County Election officials were on hand to help people walk up or drive up and drop off their ballots. There was also a long line most of the day for people who came to vote in person. ACDC’s staff and volunteers were handing out water and offering free food to voters who came out to the event.

The next day on October 18th, ACDC was out at Chinatown Plaza on Spring Mountain Road in Las Vegas for its meal distribution event. Sponsored by Caesars Entertainment, staff and volunteers were able to give out free food to about 300 families. The Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada, or PNANV was also on hand to give

out free masks and face shields.

Members say this was a great opportunity to collaborate with another organization dedicated to giving back to the AAPI community and beyond.

“This is one of our community projects,” said Doris Bauer, PNANV’s President. “The face shields were hand-made by the board of the directors of our organization. We got some mask

donations from the American Lung’s Association. Our slogan is “Masks on, shields up, protecting Nevada together.”

ACDC and their partners have planned more “get out the vote” and “meal distribution” events leading up to the election, including one on Sunday October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. That event will also offer a drive-up free flu clinic for the community. n

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-28, 2020

A

USAID gives additional P170-million assistance to Metro Manila communities

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

The President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs held a virtual Filipino American History Month celebration on Thursday, October 15.

President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs...

PAGE A1 Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy on national security and defense strategy; the forces, contingency plans, and associated posture necessary to implement the defense strategy; nuclear deterrence and missile defense policy; and security cooperation plans and policies.

Mercado joined the virtual meeting from his office at the Pentagon. He said he was looking forward to the month of October when Filipino American History Month is celebrated.

“We have such a rich and diverse culture and our history in this country goes way back, centuries back,” he said.

He shared a few stories about his trip to the Philippines a few years ago and called it “extraordinary,” particularly his experience when he visited the American cemetery, which at 152 acres, is the largest in terms of the number of graves with about 17,000 military members who died in World War II. “I have an uncle I never met, his name was Serapio Guerrero and he was a Filipino Scout who died at the Bataan Death March on July 4, 1942 and was one of 75,000 Filipinos and Americans who fought in the war. The cemetery in Manila symbolizes the beautiful relationship between the United States and the Philippines,” Mercado said.

Kelly Ilagan is a senior advisor at the Department of Commerce for International Trade Administration. Born and raised in Michigan, Ilagan shared that both her parents are nurses and instilled in her Filipino values.

“They taught me to just work hard to achieve that American dream that our ancestors dreamt for us,” she shared.

She acknowledged the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos, especially those who opened small stores and restaurants across America.

As a small kid growing up in Detroit, she said she looked forward to their trips to the Filipino and Asian markets and restaurants.

Ninio Fetalvo, White House communications advisor, shared Ilagan’s sentiments and paid tribute to his parents who taught and instilled in him Filipino values.

“Who would have thought that a son of immigrants who grew up in Port Charlotte, Florida would be serving the President of the United States? I am so proud of the great strides we have made to make this a better country,” he shared.

Fetalvo added that his mother and sister both work as nurses, and just like the rest of the frontliners, have been working round the clock to beat the coronavirus pandemic.

“We grieve alongside every family who has lost a loved one due to COVID-19. The administration has been doing unprec-

Victor Mercado

edented efforts in making sure that a safe and effective vaccine will be available to all Americans,” Fetalvo said. “We are not cutting corners, we are on track and we hope to distribute 100 million doses before the end of the year.”

Herman Martir, a commissioner on President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs, led the program, which was also attended by Brendan Flores, National Chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Tina Wei Smith, Executive Director of WHIAAPI and Alex Flemister, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison.

Celebrating Filipino The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders’ Facebook page highlighted the achievements of several Filipino Americans in honor of FAHM. Among those they have featured are Shirlene D. Ostrov, President & CEO of Ares Mobility Solutions Inc. and Co-owner of Adaptive Cargo Solutions; Richard Felicelda, who is a teacher by profession and a businessman at heart, and founder of StarLab; Marie Cunning, owner and operator of Arizona Discount Flooring, LLC, Altair Realty, LLC, and the President and CEO of Arista Development, Inc. and Michele and Andy Rivera, who are cofounders of My E Three.

The Rivera couple’s wedding and events photography business was badly affected by COVID-19, so they had to pivot their business and innovate. When there was a need and demand for face masks, the Riveras refocused My E Three, a Chicagobased lifestyle and wellness brand selling activewear products, to designing and selling quality face coverings.

To date, they have donated 1,000 masks to the underprivileged populations and health workers in the Philippines. In honor of Filipino American History Month, for every mask they sell, the Riveras will donate a mask to a Filipino charity or non-profit in the U.S. Cunning, on theater hand, is the National President of Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce

Kelly Ilagan

Ninio Fetalvo

(FPACC) and on the Board of Trustees for National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). She is also the Founder and President of the Filipino American Business Chamber of Commerce of Arizona.

Felicelda immigrated to the U.S. in 2008 and made the jump to the healthcare industry.

He started his own business, StarLab in 2011, offering phlebotomy services and diagnostic specimen testing. Last April, it was one of the first labs in Illinois to respond to the pandemic by providing COVID-19 PCR testing and continues to be at the forefront of meeting the needs of the community through this pandemic. He is a recipient of the Emerging Leaders U.S. SBA initiative, and believes in setting higher standards for laboratory services.

Ostrov served 23 years of active duty service in the United States Air Force as a Colonel.

A politically active community leader, she takes pride in her extensive combat experience commanding military logistics operations around the world.

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

U.S. Congress officially recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009. n

KARAOKE TIME. A man sings along with a karaoke machine on the corner of Mindanao Avenue and Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City on Thursday, October 22. The machine costs P39,000 and it goes for P1,200 for 24 hours if rented.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

THE United States Embassy in Manila on Tuesday, October 20, said that the American government has provided the Philippines an additional P170 million ($3.5 million) assitance for disaster relief and recovery.

The grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will assist communities in Metro Manila, Northern Samar, and Maguindanao provinces that are highly prone to frequent earthquakes, typhoons, and floods.

It will also boost the capacity of community leaders and local governments to mitigate disaster risks, improve early warning systems, and develop better protocols for more rapid disaster responses.

Likewise, the USAID’s assistance will help train evacuation center managers to organize safe evacuations that include safeguards and social distancing in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

USAID partners, meanwhile, will be ready to augment the Philippines’ disaster response and logistics capabilities to deliver relief assistance when disasters strike.

“Through this assistance, we hope that Filipino communities

USAID is helping communities in Northern Samar and other areas in the Philippines prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

are able to prepare, mitigate, and recover quickly from the negative impacts of natural disasters,” U.S. Embassy Chargé dé Affaires John Law said.

According to the 2019 Asia Pacific Disaster Report, the Philippines’ multi-hazard average annual loss was estimated at $20 billion, with 75.8 percent of the Philippines total population living in high risk areas.

“As a friend, partner, and ally of the Filipino people, we are proud of our partnership with the Philippine government and the great strides we have made to boost the country’s resilience against natural calamities,” Law added.

The announcement coincided

with the commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction on Oct. 13, which encourages citizens and governments to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and nations.

Since 2010, USAID has provided P16.5 billion ($340 million) in disaster relief and recovery assistance for more than 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines.

In September, the USAID and the Philippine Department of Finance (DOF) signed a new fiveyear bilateral assistance agreement amounting to P10.5 billion ($213 million) to boost the country’s economic development and growth.

Age of foreign retirees in PH to be...

PAGE A1 Philippines as “retirees,” stressing that it could be considered as a threat to national security.

Based on PRA records, Chinese nationals comprise the most number of foreign retirees in the country at 27,678. They are followed by Koreans (14,144), Indians (6,120), Taiwanese (4,851), Japanese (4,016), and Americans (3,704).

“The reason for 35 years of age is that, in Korea, the retiree will retire in the age of 35. And these are retirees who would come for, who would avail of this program,” PRA General Manager Bienvenido Chy said during the Senate committee hearing of the DOT’s proposed 2021 budget.

“This has been the practice, this has been passed upon by the Board of Trustees and we are just continuing the program,” he added.

Senator Nancy Binay expressed concern over PRA’s relaxed policy, saying the agency is not monitoring those granted with retirement privileges.

“If their demographics is 35 years old and above, then the probability of them working is very high,” she said in Filipino. ”I don’t know if you are monitoring them; are you sure they are not working here in the Philippines and all are retired?” she added.

Senator Joel Villanueva echoed Binay’s sentiment, stressing that the Chinese nationals could be working in Philippine Online Gaming Operations (POGOs).

Senator Richard Gordon, meanwhile, said this policy was “dangerous.”

“That, to me, is dangerous. I’m disturbed by it,” he said.

“We won’t just monitor it.

We’re gonna correct it. Because 35 is just too young. Not to cast aspersions upon our neighbor, but would they allow us to retire at 35 there? I don’t think they would even allow us to retire in China,” he continued later.

Chy, for his part, maintained that the Chinese nationals retiring in the country are not involved with POGO. “The POGO you’re referring to, the age requirement there starts at 20. The 35 years old age that are coming here more or less, they choose the Philippines as a retirement destination,” he said in Filipino.

He also assured that the PRA is careful regarding the entry of possible foreign threats.

“We don’t want to endanger the country. The purpose of PRA is to showcase the Philippines as a retirement destination,” Chy said.

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OCTOBER 22-28, 2020 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

The ultimate betrayal

FEATURES

FOR many years now, the United Nations, the World Bank and other organizations have focused on corruption as one of the biggest hindrances to development and a major contributor to poverty. The organizations have estimated that global economic losses from corruption amount to billions every year.

Basic services as well as the construction of critical infrastructure such as roads have suffered as public funds are diverted to private pockets.

In 2009, for example, the World Bank barred several Chinese and Philippine contractors from participating in road projects funded by the bank, for collusion in bidding for certain projects in this country. Today the companies continue to operate in the Philippines.

Corruption has not taken a rest during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the UN warned over the weekend that responses to the virus were opening new opportunities to exploit weak oversight and lack of transparency in governance, allowing crooks to divert public funds to personal coffers.

The impact of this “ultimate betrayal” of public trust, the UN said, could be more damaging than COVID. It could also further derail global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN warned.

The UN has also pointed out that collusion

among those who control supply chains has led to unconscionable price increases of items needed for COVID treatment and containment responses. This has denied life-saving treatment to those who can’t afford it, the UN lamented.

While calling for transparency and accountability in governance, the UN has also urged private businesses to act responsibly. It also reminded governments about the UN Convention Against Corruption, a legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2003. The Philippines is one of the 187 state parties to the convention. Most of the state parties have ratified, accepted, approved and acceded to the anti-corruption treaty, which came into force in 2005.

Amid the COVID health crisis, the Philippines continues to be rocked by corruption scandals, including one involving an agency directly involved Insurance Corp. President Duterte has said fightin the pandemic response, the Philippine Health ing corruption is one of his top priorities. The

Editorial

MY mother who lives in Manila frantically asked me during a phone conversation lately about what she called “black propaganda” against Joe Biden relayed to her by my sister-in-law which I think she must have heard from Filipino Trump supporters visiting in Manila.

Mom said it is about Trump claiming repeatedly that Biden supports late-term abortion, even when the baby is already viable to survive. This is false.

FACT: Trump knowingly and maliciously fabricated misrepresentation and lies about Biden’s stand on abortion to elicit disgust and hate. He crafted that messaging with the goal to deceive and misinform. That is discussed below based on the reporting by Newsweek.

FACT: Biden has reiterated his position on Roe V. Wade, a 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide which gives women the constitutional right to make a choice on her body’s reproductive system.

“I’m very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion… But you still — I just believe in choice,” Biden said, pursuant to the law of the land. “I accept church rule personally, but not in public life,” he continued, alluding to his obligation as public officials to follow the laws according to the Constitution’s separation of Church and State. A devout practicing Catholic, Biden’s sentiments about abortion have evolved, but his decisions as a public servant always followed the law.

FACT: Biden is pro-choice and pro-life. Supporting abortion rights is not the same as mandat-

Commentary

CHERINA KLEVEN I WAS 12 years old in 1970, when I first came to the United States from Taiwan. Like many, my family came to America seeking a better life, with the promise that if we worked hard enough and kept our heads down, we too could have our own American Dream.

And we did just that. Our family quickly became enamored with Las Vegas: we loved many things about the city, but the bright lights, the never ending sense of opportunity, and the culture made the city home. As a child, I modeled the spirit I saw in my parents. I quickly learned that with determination and hard work, our American jour-

World Bank warning adds urgency to the task.

(Philstar.com)

Fact-checking Trump’s claim about Biden’s stance on abortion and what it truly means to be pro-life

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS

Philstar.com photo

ing abortions. Biden honors and protects life from womb to tomb, and the Affordable Care Act of the Obama-Biden administration dramatically lowered abortion rates through women’s access to health care and information, contraceptives, so that she can choose when she is responsibly ready to conceive a child, thereby, not having to resort to abortion. This is backed by the studies conducted by Guttmacher Institute.

FACT: The same results are revealed in studies done globally. The Kaiser Family Foundation published several studies on this on July 24, 2020. “Global rates of unintended pregnancies have fallen from 79 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49 in 1990 to 64 in 2019, thanks in part to a concerted effort to increase access to contraceptives, according to new data published by health research organization the Guttmacher Institute and the U.N. Human Reproduction Programme (HRP).”

FACT: “No evidence’ that legal restrictions prevent women seeking abortions. In fact, according to research published on Wednesday in the Lancet Global Health journal, the abortion rate increased by an average of 12% between 1990 and 2019 in 107 nations with restrictive laws. But in countries where the procedure is broadly legal, the abortion rate dropped by eight percent.”

My husband and I are practicing Catholics. My husband is a doctor who took the Hippocratic oath to protect and save lives and “do no harm.” While we personally choose not to have an abortion, if someone asks for our advice, we will share how we feel about it and other options she

may consider, BUT we do not encroach on other people’s choices and other women’s reproductive rights, trusting they also uphold life and will benefit much from compassionate care and help during moments of desperation.

Ask yourself: Trump used to be pro-choice. He just aligned himself with the Republicans and out of political expediency, called himself “pro-life”. What has Trump done to protect the life of the American people?

Did Trump choose life when he downplayed the threat of the virus and continue to discredit and deny science, facts, and health officials that has resulted in the deaths of more than 221,000 Americans and the infections of more than 8.28 million and counting?

Did Trump choose life when he took the battle to abolish the Affordable Care Act all the way to the Supreme Court during the pandemic without a real concrete well thought of a pro-people plan that may immediately be implemented to save the lives of the American people? Include the sick, the elderly, or the disabled? An executive order by Trump would not deliver what the Obama-Biden health care has done to help the American people.

Did Trump choose life when he tried to take away safety nets like food stamps, unemployment insurance from those who have lost their jobs? Social security and Medicare for the sick, the elderly and the disabled?

Did Trump choose life when he would give corporate hand-outs to the billionaires and help them get insanely richer and richer as the poor ordinary hardworking Americans are denied a living

wage, affordable education, and good health care that will help them get out of poverty?

Did Trump choose life when he separated babies and young children from their parents who were desperate to save their children from hunger and violence in their country when they tried to cross the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum in the United States.

Up to now, after almost four years, the Trump administration still cannot locate the parents of some 545 babies and children — all living without their mothers and fathers for almost four years.

Is this humane? Is this pro-life?

Did Trump choose life when he obsessively killed all of President Barack Obama’s regulations meant to help save nature and the environment from man’s greedy short-sighted abuse so we can leave behind a healthy planet for our children, grandchildren and future generations?

Trump’s action is not what true pro-life is. True pro-life is not just anti-abortion. It is honoring and nurturing life from womb to tomb, especially helping those who are most vulnerable and the poor.

Pro-life is also helping every woman not to choose abortion by empowering her from the beginning with knowledge about her reproductive system, how to avoid unwanted pregnancy, how to be healthy and well to take care of her baby not just inside the womb but until the baby is an adult, raised with good health care, education, good moral foundation to be good people and productive members of society.

Pro-life is helping a woman in despair with compassion in realizing that she has options

other than abortion, because there are people who will help her through instead of crucifying her. Abortion restrictions did not stop women in despair from self-aborting. Only true love, empathy, compassion and support help and heal.

So, let’s do ourselves a favor and let us fulfill our obligation of due diligence in finding out the truth about issues so we can make informed and conscientious decisions when we cast our sacred vote. Doing otherwise is a mark of blind idolatry to Trump and complicity to his malicious disinformation to perpetuate his corruption and abuse of power.

Trump tweeted at 4:45 a.m. on Oct 6, 2020: “Biden and Democrats just clarified the fact that they are fully in favor of (very) LATE TERM ABORTION, right up until the time of birth, and beyond - which would be execution. Biden even endorsed the Governor of Virginia, who stated this clearly for all to hear. GET OUT & VOTE!!!”

FACT: Newsweek followed how Trump crafted these false claims and disinformation about Biden’s position on abortion: The Supreme Court’s rulings in Roe and in Planned Parenthood v. Casey say that states may ban abortion after the fetus reaches viability, which typically occurs near the end of the second trimester, according to the fact-checking service Logically. The cases mandate that states with such bans must allow an exception if it’s necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother—which some conservatives interpret as the law allowing for late-term abortions.

When the Washington Post asked whether Biden supported

restrictions, a campaign representative said that Biden believes in the terms laid out by Roe and Casey.

One such state is Virginia, where current law says that thirdtrimester abortions are permitted only if the risk to the mother’s life is “substantial and irremediable.” Last year, state Democrats proposed legislation that would allow for late-term abortions if the mother’s physical or mental safety were at risk.

Although the bill ultimately stalled in a committee, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, a Democrat, defended it during an interview with radio station WTOP. Northam, a pediatric neurosurgeon, explained what could happen in the case of a third trimester abortion if the bill was passed.

Northam’s comments sparked immediate outrage among prominent Republican figures, accusing the governor of favoring infanticide. Even Trump weighed in, falsely claiming in his 2019 State of the Union address that Northam had “stated he would execute a baby after birth.”

The president was likely referring to Northam’s comments in his tweet Wednesday, moving to equate Biden with the governor.

While Biden previously endorsed Northam during his 2017 campaign for governor, Biden was among those calling for his resignation last year after a racist photo from Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook resurfaced.

Appearing at a September 25 campaign rally in Newport News, Virginia, Trump doubled down on his criticism of Northam, telling the crowd they have a “crazy governor” who is “so far left”

u PAGE A8

As immigrants, Trump represents the opposite of American values ney provided the opportunity for me to aspire to my childhood dream – becoming a firefighter.

I faced many challenges as a woman and an immigrant in a traditionally male-dominated line of work throughout my career. It was easy for others to look down on me and treat me differently.

But I never lost sight of those immigrant values I learned from my parents. And through my efforts, I rose through the ranks of the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue department, to become its first Asian-American assistant fire chief. It was an honor to work in a profession that gave me the opportunity to help others in the city that helped my family find their home.

Unfortunately, the spirit that once welcomed and praised the hard work of immigrants who built this country is gone. Immigrants, especially those com-

ing from Asia like myself, now face more discrimination and xenophobia, fueled by the feartweeting from the White House and President Trump. For me, I have feared sending my children off to school, wondering if they will be bullied for how they look. People often ask, “Where are you from?” without realizing that my family has called Las Vegas home their whole life. As parents, we hope to raise our children to not belittle others, especially those of different backgrounds. But Trump’s behavior is rippling through our society.

In fact, Trump’s decorum is the opposite of what we teach our children, and the behaviors we work to exemplify. He continually lies, bullies, and manipulates those around him to get his way, and when he doesn’t, he throws a Twitter tantrum.

He repeatedly attacks those of unprotected and lesser status, and encourages his followers to attack them as well. We saw it in the first debate: he can’t even bring himself to denounce violent white supremacists. His behavior is dangerous and its consequences are felt deep in the immigrant community. What would we tell our children if they acted like this? I know my parents surely would not stand for anything remotely close to these obscene behaviors.

As immigrants, we are often reminded that someone migrated to this country before us to make it better for us. We are often challenged to pay it forward and make it better for the next generation who seeks American prosperity, and we are constantly reminded to break down barriers and pay it forward. Donald Trump has never had to work

hard for anything in his life. He was handed millions of dollars by his father, waltzed into the finest schools, and is privileged to treat or degrade others however he so pleases. He has never felt the fear of tying your family’s livelihood to a small business or missing work to care for sick family members. He has not paid it forward. His story is not our story.

On the contrary, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris understand our communities. Harris, the daughter of immigrants herself, understands our fight, and they both know the value of honest work, what it is like to be poor, looked down upon, and the spirit it takes to make it in America. Together, the two of them have passed laws to make our lives easier and ensure a brighter future for our families.

As President and Vice President,

we know our fight as immigrants will be their fight too. They will stand up for the values we hold dear, and ensure America is once again a welcoming beacon of hope for those looking to make a better life.

It is time we as immigrants vote to elevate those in power who share our story and our determination, not just in the fight for bettering our own families, but allfamilies. Together, we’ll secure a better future that brings all of us together and advances our shared values by electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. *** Cherina Kleven is a Taiwanese immigrant, mother, and the former assistant fire chief of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. Cherina is the first female Assistant Fire Chief and the first AsianAmerican Assistant Fire Chief in the state of Nevada, and one of the highest-ranked Asian firefighters nationwide.

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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PH among highest in online piracy in Southeast Asia Duterte takes responsibility

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines engages in online piracy more than neighboring countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, according to a new study of the online content viewing behaviour of Filipino consumers.

The survey, commissioned by the Asia Video Industry Association’s (AVIA) Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and conducted by international data and analytics group YouGov, found that 49% of Filipinos access streaming piracy websites or torrent sites.

The highest level of piracy, meanwhile, was found within the 25 to 34 age demographic, where 53% participated in online piracy.

The survey also found that 47% of Filipinos who accessed piracy sites cancelled their subscriptions to both local and international content services.

The country’s online piracy rate is higher than Malaysia and Indonesia, both of which saw

substantial reductions in online piracy over the last 12 months.

YouGov found a 64% reduction in Malaysian users accessing piracy sites, and a 55 percent reduction in Indonesia.

YouGov attributed the decline in online piracy levels to the piracy site blocking initiatives in Malaysia and Indonesia.

It also said a regulatory site blocking mechanism would be supported by Filipinos, with its recent survey finding that 53% agree that a “government order or law for ISPs to block piracy websites” would be the most effective.

A bill called the “Online Infringement Act” is now in the Philippine Senate, and seeks to empower authorities to ensure that internet service providers take “reasonable steps to disable access to sites whenever these sites are reported to be infringing copyright or facilitating copyright infringement.”

Globe Telecom, for its part, launched the #PlayItRight program which aims to inform peo-

ple that online piracy is harmful.

“The ill effects of online piracy cannot be underestimated.

We have been an advocate of content streaming through legal sites only through our #PlayItRight program. This advocacy educates people on the impacts of online piracy and on making the right choices when it comes to online consumption,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. Meanwhile, AVIA General Manager Neil Gane expressed optimism that the Philippines would follow in the steps of Malaysia and Indonesia in combating online piracy.

“We are confident that Indonesia and Malaysia will rise to become market leaders in video IP protection in the region, as a result of their site-blocking strategies. We are also confident that other countries in Asia, such as the Philippines, will take note and follow suit, boosting the growth of legal consumption of Filipino and international content,” he said. n

DOT: Hotels in GCQ, MGCQ areas can operate at full capacity

by AJPress HOTELS in areas under the modified general community quarantine and general community quarantine are now allowed to operate at full capacity, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Wednesday, October 21.

“The decision to open at 100 percent operational capacity will be subject to the hotel management’s decision and compliance with the safety guidelines,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

The announcement came after the DOT was given the authority by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) to determine the allowable operational capacity of up to 100 percent for hotels under GCQ and MGCQ areas.

The IATF on Oct. 15 approved Resolution No. 79, which replaces the provision that accommodation establishments in areas under GCQ may only operate with a skeleton workforce.

The resolution also approved the easing up of interzonal and intrazonal movement, which is the predicate to reviving domestic tourism, according to Puyat.

CHECK-IN. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat tries the process to check-in during the inspection of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in BGC Taguig City on Wednesday, October 14. Puyat also underwent a swab test at the hotel to comply with the government health protocol.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

“Along with this comes the need to ready the whole tourism value chain, which includes the accommodation, transportation and tour operation sectors. Allowing the accommodation sector to operate at full capacity will be most welcomed by tourism’s workforce that has been greatly affected since the community lockdown,” she added.

Puyat also said that the DOT will soon issue the amended guidelines for the expanded operational capacity of hotels, including staycation hotels.

Earlier, she directed hotels and other tourism establishments in

areas under GCQ to secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycations (DCAOS) before accommodating any guests.

The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), for its part, welcomed the new development.

“We thank the Secretary for her support to really slowly reopen business as it will benefit the establishments along with employees going back to work.

We fully understand the importance of sanitation, safety, and strict adherence to the protocols which have been implemented since the start,” HSMA president Christine Ibarreta said. n

for drug killings anew

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte took responsibility anew for the killings committed under his campaign against illegal drugs.

However, he insisted he was not to blame for the deaths with unknown perpetrators.

“If there are deaths, I said... you can hold me responsible for anything, any death that has occurred in the execution of the drug war. But do not blame me for deaths whose perpetrators are not known,” Duterte said in his televised public address on Monday, October 19.

The chief executive also claimed he is willing to go to jail for the drug-related deaths.

“If you die, that’s because I am angry with drugs. That’s what I am saying. If you bring me to court or send me to jail, fine, I have no problem. If I serve my country by going to jail, gladly,” he said.

Duterte likewise maintained that he is not committing crimes against humanity with his crackdown on drugs.

“Kailan pa naging humanity itong p***** i** mga drug na ito (Since when did these sons of b*****s become part of humanity)?” he said.

“If this is allowed to go on and on and if no decisive action is taken against them, it will endanger the security of the state,” he added.

PH still in the ‘thick of fight’ vs drugs

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday, October 19.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal

Citing the 2019 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse by the Dangerous Drugs Board, Duterte said that there are “about 167 million or two out of 100 people” who are reportedly current drug users in the country.

“In the past, ‘yung panahon nila Dela Rosa, umabot ‘yan ng (during the time of [now senator Ronald] Dela Rosa), almost 4 million. And how much has been reduced in the use of shabu?

I really do not know until now.

But we are still in the thick of the fight against shabu,” he said.

On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the figure that Duterte stated was a typographical error.

“Typo lang po ‘yun (It was just a typo). It should be 1.67 million,” he said.

Duterte addressed the parents of Filipinos who are using drugs, saying they are also to blame for the country’s situation.

“I forgot this important advice that parents should have also — a shared responsibility.

Dapat kayo rin ang masisi nito kung ang inyong anak pupunta na doon. Pinabayaan ninyo (You should also take the blame if your child gets involved with drugs.

You neglected them). Check on your children always. Supervise, check,” he said.

He also admitted that he grieves for drug users, reasoning that it is “a waste of life.”

“I grieve for the Filipinos na tinamaan ng droga. Talagang masakit sa akin because a waste of life (I grieve for the Filipinos affected by illegal drugs. It really pains me because it’s a waste of life),” Duterte said. n

Fact-checking Trump’s claim about Biden’s...

PAGE A6 and constantly attacks the right to life.

“As you know, sleepy Joe Biden endorsed your governor, so that means he endorsed the policy of your governor,” Trump said.

According to the New York Times, “The statistics hardly justify Trump’s description of babies being ripped from the womb — a horror story he has repeated dozens of times. About 1 percent of abortions happen after the point of viability, so the cases at issue in this debate would be relatively rare.”

Yet, we are inundated with

disgusting memes and videos telling these lies versus Biden and his running mate, California Senator Kamala Harris, with the help of Russia’s interference in our election to discredit opponents and help Trump win again, as revealed by Trump’s own appointee FBI director Christopher Wray, under oath in a congressional hearing.

Trump is just nominally, by name, pro-life to get your vote, but not in his attitude and action as president and as a human being.

For the past four years, Trump has spread misinformation. And

now, being behind Biden in the polls, he is doubling down on the falsehoods to get re-elected.

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

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Joel de la Fuente grateful to retell the story of an unknown American hero by

MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

JOEL de la Fuente made noise and created quite a following in the Emmy-winning series “The Man in the High Castle,” one of Amazon Studios’ most watched original series. But his introduction to more Filipinos globally is through his controversial multi episode arc in the CBS drama “Madam Secretary,” where he played the role of Datu Andrada, a fictional Philippine president.

But more on that later.

A couple of years ago, he made his TheatreWorks debut for the play Hold These Truths and essayed the role of Gordon Hirabayashi, and his 50-year journey from a Japanese American student who fought internment to a relocation camp during World PAGE B2

Actor Joel de la Fuente says Hold These Truths remains to be relevant and necessary today because of its theme about patriotism and the fight for freedom. De la Fuente, who gained fame in the Amazon Studio-produced Emmy-winning series “The Man in the High Castle” believes all Americans should know the story of Gordon Hirabayashi. Photo by Kevin Berne

San Diego honors comedian Jo Koy during Filipino American History Month by ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

FILIPINO American stand-up comedian Jo Koy was honored by the City of San Diego during a ceremony recognizing Filipino American History Month.

District 6 City Councilman Chris Cate on Friday, October 16, proclaimed the day as “Jo Koy Day” in San Diego. The ceremony took place in Mira Mesa and was emceed by ABC 10News reporter Melissa Mecija.

“Jo Koy is iconic and a trailblazer,” said Cate, who is a secondgeneration Filipino American.

“His homage to the Philippines has reached the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Filipino cuisine, culture, and arts are flourishing in District 6, and I am excited to celebrate Jo Koy and JOKOY DAY IN SAN DIEGO. San Diego City Councilmember Chris Cate (right) with Jo Koy and recognize his accomplishments,” emcee, Melissa Mecija of 10News at last week’s event which recognized the world-renowned he added. stand up comedian. Cate, a second-generation Filipino American also proclaimed Jo Koy Day Jo Koy, whose birth name is in celebration of Filipino American History Month Ceremony.

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Joel de la Fuente grateful to retell...

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War II all the way to the Supreme Court, and eventually to a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Calling the character he played “a quintessential American hero” and performing in the Bay Area “a very special experience,” de la Fuente shared a few of the memorable moments he had while doing the play and why the story continues to be relevant and necessary in today’s world.

“We think all Americans should know his story, so any time we get the opportunity to tell Gordon’s story to a new audience, we could not be more grateful,” de la Fuente told the Asian Journal in an email interview.

“There is such a large Japanese American community there [in the Bay Area], and I felt honored to serve the play in front of them. The whole subscriber base at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley was incredibly supportive, and the Artistic Staff could not have made us feel more at home. It was a really warm, memorable time there,” he added.

Hold These Truths, the awardwinning play by playwright Jeanne Sakata, tells the true story of a Japanese American who passionately defends his Constitutional rights against an unexpected adversary: his own country.

Realizing that the theme is as timely as ever, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is offering streaming for the play now through November 3 as part of their online initiative Voices of Democracy which encourages audiences to “get out the vote” and stand up for racial justice.

De la Fuente shared that he recently saw a documentary that interviewed young kids in Hiroshima and that the majority of them did not know that an atomic bomb had been dropped on their city.

“A recent survey reported by NBC News found that 63% of those surveyed did not know 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. And today, the administration of the United States is separating families at the border, inciting fear and violence over perceived difference because of one’s skin color,” he said.

Indeed, the inspiring story of Hirabayashi happened decades ago yet the theme still resonates to this day making it more important for the younger generation

The hit production of Hold These Truths is directed by Lisa Rothe, Hold These Truths is available to stream on-demand until November 3, 2020.

Photo by Kevin Berne

to learn about what happened in the past.

“We must continue to tell these stories, because otherwise we are at great risk of repeating them. It is sad to say, but the play has never been more relevant. It speaks not just of the past, but very much of our present,” De la Fuente emphasized.

Aside from the Bay Area, De La Fuente performed the show at leading theatres across the country in New York, Honolulu, Seattle, and Minneapolis and a set of benefit performances in Vancouver.

Critics lauded the play as a show which “gives hope that the arc of the moral universe does indeed eventually bend toward justice” (Los Angeles Times).

Bay Area audiences and critics alike admired TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 2018 production, hailing Joel de la Fuente’s performance as “flawlessly focused and dazzlingly versatile” (The Mercury News) and deeming Hold These Truths “a rallying cry for our own times” (San Francisco Chronicle).

De la Fuente was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for “Best Solo Performance” for his role in this one-man show, which also saw him portray more than thirty characters under the direction of Lisa Rothe.

Controversial We also had to ask him about his stint as President Andrada on “Madam Secretary,” a show about fictional Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord, played by actress Tea Leoni.

“It was actually quite fun,” he

said. “I was honored to be a part of the “Madam Secretary” family, if only for a brief time.”

The episodes aired on CBS in 2017 and tackled the issue of some people in power who are taking advantage of women.

In one of the episodes, Leoni’s character McCord punched Andrada for making sexually suggestive moves during a private meeting.

“There was quite a hullaballoo when the fictional President Andrada first appeared on “Madam Secretary,” but the truth is, the character was based more on another particular president than the President of the Philippines,” De la Fuente revealed.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington strongly protested and said that the “highly negative” portrayal “not only casts doubt on the respectability of the office of the Philippine president but also denigrates the way our nation navigates foreign affairs” and “tarnishes the Philippines’ long-standing advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality.”

“The show was taking on very serious issues in the wake of the #MeToo Movement, and they were able to do so via this big, over-the-top character,” he added. “The crazy thing is, he’s not nearly as over-the-top as some of our real life leaders these days.”

De la Fuente has been featured in many films and series including the Netflix supernatural series “Hemlock Grove,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Manifest,” “Hawaii 5PAGE B6

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-28, 2020

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What ‘completes’ Daniel

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

As the star reported two weeks ago, Daniel Padilla is determined to get married before he’s 30 (that’s less than five years from now because he just turned 25 last April 26) and the lucky girl is none other than his girlfriend of several years Kathryn Bernardo (24 last march 26).

“I don’t want to wait that long,” said Daniel. “Ayoko nang masyadong patagalin pa.”

After all, he and Kathryn (uniname: Kathniel) have known each other very well, with their families close to each other. Kathryn’s mom, whom Daniel calls “tita min,” considers him part of the family, same with Daniel’s mom, Karla estrada, who happily welcomes Kathryn as her daughter. Approved!

Fans have a preview of how their idols will look as bride and groom in a publicity photo for the new Kathniel starrer, the ABs-CBn-produced digital series the House Arrest of Us which premieres at 2 p.m. on saturday, Oct. 24 (can be accessed via KtX.ph and iWanttFC).

Directed by Richard Arellano, the series cast Kathniel as a newly-

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engaged couple essaying married life by living together while quarantined with their loved ones. Unlike in real life, the sweethearts’ families are at odds, bickering all the time and disrupting the sweethearts’ love for each other. (the cast also includes Herbert Bautista, Arlene muhlach, Gardo versoza, Ruffa Gutierrez, Dennis Padilla, Hyubs Azarcon, Anthony Jennings, Riva Quenery and Alora sasam.)

Anyway, aside from Kathryn, what else “completes” Daniel?

Here’s Daniel in this corner’s broken series “Complete the sentence”: • What I like most about Kathryn is...Her being organized and her love for animals. And, of course, her love for me. (note: Kathryn’s pet summer appears in the series.)

• I stay away from people who are...Greedy and racist.

• my biggest fear is...Losing people that I love.

• my saddest experience was when...thank God, wala naman!

• my happiest experience is when...I am with Kathryn.

• my most embarrassing experience was when...We were having a show abroad and I wanted to go to

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With improved gains, Abacore optimistic about long-term prospects Daniel Padilla and girlfriend Kathryn Bernardo are starring in the ABS-CBN-produced digital series “The House Arrest of Us,” streaming starting on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 pm on KTX. ph and iWantTFC. Kathryn’s pet dog Summer is appearing in the series. ABS-CBN photo

the CR, hahaha!!!

• the song that makes me happy is...Anything from the ‘80s.

• the song that makes me cry is...smile by nat King Cole.

• I usually pray for...Good health and happiness.

• What I like about myself is... my being patient.

• What I don’t like about myself is...my being stubborn.

• If ever, my dream wedding is...

Beach wedding.

• Alone in my room, I fantasize about...Having a quiet and happy life.

Investment holding firm Abacore Capital Holdings is optimistic that Batangas, one of the country’s fastest-growing provinces, will continue its economic growth in the years to come as they have seen the value of its real estate in the province surged in the past two years due to the rezoning of land driving up values.

Abacore President and CeO Regina O. Reyes told stockholders that the company remains hopeful and confident about its long-term growth given its substantial land holdings, which are next to commercial, residential and industrial areas in Batangas.

“It is hard to look beyond the current pandemic due to uncertainties and many variables that may affect our business, but we are still confident that Abacore will continue its 10 percent annual dividend policy,” Reyes said at the recent board meeting of officers and stockholders.

“Unlike metro manila, values in Batangas remain stable and provide great value for those looking for capital gain,” Reyes added.

According to her, the company’s commercial properties in West Batangas have increased in zonal value by more than 1,000% from two years ago.

As a holding company, ABA generates revenues through dividends from its subsidiaries and other companies where it has interests. the company’s flagship montemaria mother of All Asia tower of Peace property in Batangas commands good value for investment due to its potential for tourism and industrial growth, according to Reyes. the landmark real estate project montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center is a faith-based tourism destination dedicated to mary, mother of All Asia.

the development was conceived as a destination to attract devotees and pilgrims and through the years, it has become both a tourism and a retirement village. there is also a world-class township development located in montemaria called Lombard by the Bay, the residential development overlooks the verde Island Passage which, according to the United nations, is the “center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world.” It is located 30 minutes away from the central district of Batangas City, and is accessible by concrete road and by sea.

Despite the surge in land values in the province, Reyes noted that prices are “still a bargain” compared to the cheapest commercial properties in metro manila.

“We have seen the trend of logistics and international port container yards being built next to our properties. this has made our properties near or fronting the beach dramatically increase in value and we believe this growth to sustain in the coming years as the province and national government start building their major infrastructure,” Reyes said.

Batangas, due to its strategic location, makes it a natural gateway to the rest of the Philippines as well as the Asia Pacific Region, enhancing the province’s potential in industrial, residential and tourism development.

Abacore will reportedly continue to sell its land assets and reinvest a portion of the cash from the sale of land in joint ventures with recurring revenue. the company also remains on the lookout for properties in Batangas, which it sees as the next metro manila due to the presence of high end residences, commercial businesses, educational institutions and industrial growth.

Filipino Americans celebrated with Santo Niño Garden blessing FILIPInO Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the U.s. and are more than half of the population of Asian Americans in Las vegas.

“Filipino Americans are an immensely influential part of the community and have made important contributions to our society,” says edwin Balecha, sales manager at Palm northwest Cemetery in Las vegas.

October is Filipino American History month and commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental U.s. in 1587. Across the nation, the month-long celebration brings awareness to the significant role Filipinos have played in American history. to recognize the Filipino Americans in their community, edwin and his team at Palm northwest Cemetery are hosting the first annual blessing of the new santo niño Garden later this month. the santo niño Garden is a peaceful area of remembrance and a beautiful place for families to establish a lasting legacy. A statue of santo niño stands in the center of the garden. santo niño is the Roman Catholic title for the Child Jesus associated with a religious image of the Christ Child widely venerated as miraculous by Filipino Catholics. the image depicts the Child Jesus, with a serene countenance, in the attitude and dress of a spanish monarch and is one of the most beloved and recognizable Filipino cultural icons. “this is the first blessing we’ve hosted for the garden, but we hope to continue this tradition for many years to come,” says edwin. the event will include the blessing performed by Father Frank Yncierto, a reception, and

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entertainment by the Filipiniana Dance Company of Las vegas.

In order to adhere to social distancing protocols, attendance for the event is by invitation only, but the team at Palm northwest Cemetery hopes to broaden the

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event in the future. “the community is thrilled by the santo niño Garden, and we hope it continues to bring peace and blessings to our Filipino American friends and neighbors,” says edwin.

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-28, 2020

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS A group of 10 physicians, dressed in white coats, with the logo America’s Frontline Doctors on their uniform, spoke in front of the Supreme Court a few weeks ago, claiming, among others, that face masks do not protect anyone from getting infected with CoVID-19, and, therefore, useless. Investigation revealed most of them never even got close to CoVID-19 patients, much less front-liners, and that some of them were not even practicing, none of them surgeon or infectious disease experts. Their claims are preposterous and a public disservice, a disgrace to the medical community. Fake information that poses a risk to life is criminal.

Science behind the advice The rationale for the recommendations to wear a face mask, do social distancing, not touching your face, frequent hand washing, and good personal hygiene (and even staying home for the most vulnerable seniors) is to minimize, if not avoid, the SArS-CoV2 virus of CoVID19 from getting into our body, through the mucus membrane of the eyes (conjunctiva), the nose (nasal mucosa), and the mouth (buccal mucosa) into our blood stream, leading to CoVID19 infection.

The size of the SArS-Cov2 virus determined by electron microscopy is between 60 to 140 nanometers, our invisible enemy. The virus is spread by droplets, which is “sprayed out” when an infected person breathes, talks, sneezes, or coughs. Depending on the air current velocity, the larger size virus, after a few seconds of release in the air will drop to the floor (could contaminate the shoes), and the smaller ones could be airborne and travel farther than 6 feet, infecting people through airborne transmission.

Infectivity depends on the dose (number of virus particles), the integrity of the person’s immune system, co-morbidities (medical conditions the individual has), and health in general.

Viral dose A single cough could spray out 3,000 droplets that travel

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The mask confusion 50 miles per hour. Majority are large and simply fall to the ground. one sneeze shoots out 30,000 droplets at a speed of 200 miles per hour. The smaller ones are airborne and could travel distances, depending on the air current. The droplets from a single cough or sneeze by an infected person (symptomatic or not) could contain 200,000,000 (yes, millions!) of virus particles.

A person infected with CoVID19 could be infectious (transmit to others) 5 days before the symptoms appear. It is, indeed, treacherous. This was why I had been saying early on (February) “that a little dose of healthy paranoia and vigilance are most beneficial in minimizing the risk of getting infected,” to suspect everyone near you in public places to be a carrier/infected.

Wearing a face mask and social distancing (avoiding close contacts and crowds) are beneficial.

In my personal case, I also wear long sleeve shirt, a cap, protective google, and gloves when going to stores. As a surgeon and a high-risk senior, I do not think this is an overkill, not fearful but cautious. The virus is obviously more infectious (more efficient) in close quarters, compared to the outside, where the air could scatter and diminish the concentration and dose of the virus.

Type of mask The uS-CDC and the WHo recommend the use of N95 mask approved by the National Institute of occupational Science and Health (NIoSH), which filters out 95 percent of the viral particles, especially good for healthcare workers. Homemade non-woven (material) masks are a second choice, especially the triple layered ones (coffee filters as added layers). It is important that the mask must cover the nose and the mouth, and that it fits snugly all around the face, to prevent virus particles from being inhaled. The use of mask does not guarantee 100 percent warding off infection.

That does not mean we should discard them. Home or car security alarms, firearms, condom, Medicare, and other things in life do not provide us 100 percent guarantee, but they are still beneficial, so we continue to use them. Together with social distancing, frequent handwashing and other healthy behaviors, the use of face mask has been proven to significantly minimize

getting the infection. Surgical masks are more protective than cloth masks. (Children younger than 2 years of age, or those with shortness of breath when wearing one, should not wear mask; discuss alternative with your physician).

Evidence Since we are dealing with a very infective disease, potentially fatal for some, we must stick with medical facts and scientific findings, not with anecdotal claims or political spins.

The current CDC and WHo guidelines, implemented after realizing CoVID-19 is a high prevalence disease as evidenced by the raging pandemic, have been proven to be effective in cutting down the spread of CoVID-19. More than 50 countries and 33 States and the District of Columbia have mandated the use of mask in public places.

In 198 countries, the CoVID19 death rates among those with government or cultural policies favoring mask wearing were much lower. The CoVID19 growth rate before and after mask was mandated in 15 states in the District of Columbia found that “the first five days after the mandate, the daily rate slowed down by 0.9 percentage points compared toto the 5 days prior; at three weeks, the daily growth rate had slowed down by 2 percentage points.”

Case reports are useful clinical data. researchers Chin-Hong and rutherford filed these two: “A man flew from China to Toronto and subsequently tested positive for CoVID-19. He had dry cough and wore a mask on the flight on the flight, and all 25 people closest to him on the flight tested negative. The other case: Two hair stylists in Missouri, last May, infected with CoVID-19, had a close contact with 140 adults. Everyone wore a mask and none of the clients tested positive.

The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation forecasted 33,000 deaths would be avoided by october 1, if 95 percent of people wore masks in public.

The best scenario is for 100 percent of people to wear a mask in public.

Common sense As I stated in a previous column, plain common sense will convincingly show the value of masks. Those working with

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Liza, Catriona warned against Leftist links

by Darwin

Pesco ManilaTimes.net

A MILITArY official warned actress Liza Soberano and Miss universe 2018 Catriona gray against having links with Leftleaning groups.

Lt. gen. Antonio parlade Jr. told Soberano, in a statement on Thursday, said that she still has a chance to get away from the gabriela Youth that had invited her to speak in an event it had organized.

“Liza Soberano, there’ s still a chance to abdicate that group,” parlade said, who heads the Southern Luzon Command of the philippine Army. parlade, who also serves as the spokesman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), warned that the actress could suffer the same fate as Josephine Anne Lapira alias “Ella.”

Lapira was a former Deputy Secretary general of gabriela Youth of up, Manila and women’s rights defender, who was killed in

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Liza Soberano

an armed encounter. parlade also warned Miss universe 2018 Catriona gray and Ella Colmenares, sister of actress Angel Locsin.

“The choice is yours Liza. And

ABS-CBN photo

so with you Catriona,” parlade added.

However, parlade told the public to not “red-tag” Soberano, as she was “merely supporting advocacy for women’s rights”.

Joel de la Fuente grateful to retell...

PAGE B2 o,” “Er,” red Sparrow, The Adjustment Bureau, among others.

He has also performed throughout the united States at theatres including New York Shakespeare Festival, La Jolla playhouse, The public Theater, and others.

As a writer, his essay on his experiences as an Asian American actor was published in pyong gap Min’s “Struggle for Ethnic Identity,” which has become a staple in Asian American studies programs all over the country. He also co-wrote “Life Document 2: Identity,” which won the Columbia Students Award for Best Film in 2002.

An alumnus of Brown university and the graduate Acting program at N.Y.u., De la Fuente lives in Maplewood, New Jersey with his wife, his two daughters, and their dogs, Luna and Yuki.

Like many of his colleagues working as artists and performers, De la Fuente is affected by the global pandemic, which has also disproportionately hurt communities of color.

“We face unique challenges in the entertainment industry, because our work depends on the collaboration of so many. From companies of actors, to film and television crews, to audiences,

show business is dependent on gathering,” he shared. “We are having to find new, safe ways to do that during these times.”

He has used his social media accounts to promote the issues he believes in, including voting this November, wearing masks and banding together to defeat CoVID-19, supporting local businesses and stopping the spread of racism.

[Closed captions for the show are available in English and Japanese. To purchase streaming access to Hold These Truths (sliding scale of $10-$100) the public may visit TheatreWorks.org or call (650) 463-1960.]

San Diego honors comedian Jo Koy...

PAGE B1 Joseph glenn Herbert, first took the stage in Las Vegas in 1989 and has been working as a stand-up comedian ever since.

He has several Netflix comedy specials under his belt — “Comin’ in Hot,” “Live from Seattle,” and “Jo Koy: In His Elements,” which was shot in the philippines.

“I wanted to give back to a culture that gave me so much, PAGE B7 and I wanted to inspire young

Filipinos,” he said while accepting the honor.

According to Cate, one in every three District 6 residents is of Asian-American descent. The district includes Kearny Mesa, Clairemont Mesa, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Sorrento Valley, and park Village.

“Filipino American History Month commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental united States, which

occurred in october of 1587 when Luzones Indios landed at what is now Morro Bay, California,” Cate’s office said.

“Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the nation and the third largest ethnic group in California.

San Diego is home to one of the largest concentrations of Filipinos, with more than 200,000 Filipinos residing in America’s Finest City,” it added.

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EntErtainmEnt

Beauty: I live for today by ricky lo

How competitive do you think the field will be with the entry of Brightlight Productions in the SO what’s in a name? Call Beaufield? ty Gonzalez by any other name and “Brightlight is making all the she’s still beautiful inside-out. a right moves. cliché but true: She’s beauty and “Should Sir albee continue to brains. as she has proven in her hire the best and brightest from Kapamilya shows, Beauty can both in front of the camera and easily lose herself in the character behind it, he will find his house in she’s playing. and as you will see a very good place. in this interview, she can nicely “His desire for a friendlier, more acquit herself in every question. cooperative industry can only be Formerly a Kapamilya, this conbeneficial for everyone in it. there tract artist of arnold Vegafria’s alV will always be plenty of room for talent agency is now a Kapatid, excellence and for those who want starring in the weekly tV5 series to achieve it.”

I Got You (with RK Bagatsing and What are the specifics of your Jane Oineza, directed by Dan Villecontract with Brightlight? gas) which premiered last Sunday Beauty Gonzalez “at this moment, I have a oneat 2 p.m. after Sunday noontime Photo from Instagram_@beauty_gonzalez series deal only, for the sevenlive (Snl). Both shows (and many “nobody criticizes me more episode show I Got You. I am not others) are produced by albee under any contract.

Benitez’s Brightlight Productions. than myself. In fact, I can hardly “However, I am very excited even look at myself after a shoot or What do you think are the pluses about our collaboration and I look a take. not sure why, but I guess and minuses of this pandemic? forward to what the future may within me, I know that there will “apart from the obvious human bring.” suffering brought about by health always be much room for improveGood thing okay lang sa husment a different way, perhaps a and economic issues, I feel most of band mo for you to be in showbiz. the ‘minuses’ can be spun around, better way. any “do’s” or “don’ts”?

“Sadly, I’m the type that needs reinvented and adapted into a “norman has no rules or do’s ‘plus’ by the positive mind and the constant encouragement and reasand don’ts for me. He trusts me surance. industrious body.

“But I also know it deep inside completely and lets me be my own “there has always been opwhen I’ve done a good job. the woman. He knows I am a good portunity in chaos. Just clear your girl with modern but conservative mind, think out of the box, pull thing I fear most is me being a copy values a probinsyana at heart. of myself, so I make a special effort yourself up and out, then carry “I, on the other hand, have to serve something new for each on.” many rules for myself. I will not project.

I look at myself always with aside from bonding with your do anything I wouldn’t want my family, how else are you spending different eyes.” daughter to do or be proud of.

How do you make sure that your your time?

“I must act and do age-ap“With family bonding, I live craft doesn’t become “rusty” at the propriate and decent shows. I time when there’s no work? for today. Hug today, be with my “Real life is the best training for want to do shows which uplift family today. acting and with my co-stars Olivia and celebrate women. I value my “But what I like to do during family’s respect and with that I act this pandemic is to prepare and and norman and all the helpers at accordingly.” home themselves being dramatic, plan for tomorrow, for when this there’s never a dull moment at finally ends.

“So I keep myself fit, I diet and home.

“I’m a great observer. I am conI constantly nourish my mind with information pertinent to my line stantly learning and picking up tips of work. I read a lot of books and by watching. no time for rust.”

I presume that your contract study a lot of characters via movies with Kapamilya has expired and and documentaries.

“I project. I envision a produc- you are now with tV5. You must tive and purpose-filled future. I feel at home since you are working train my mind to make it happen. with fellow Kapamilyas. Is there When this ends as I know it will a chance for you and Dimples soon, I wanna hit the ground run- Romana (now also with tV5) to continue your “clashes”? You were ning.”

How has your “Mommy time” a big hit in the aBS-CBn show and “Wifey time” been? (Beauty Kadenang Ginto.

“My contract with aBS has ofis married to Filipino businessman and art curator norman Crisologo ficially ended but I am a Kapamilya by whom she has a daughter, in my heart forever. My gratitude runs long and deep.

Olivia.)

“So technically, I’m a freelancer “Better than ever! So lucky to have this time to grow together, now. I am open to any projects that to actually grow and learn things come my way, I will entertain and about ourselves and our place in consider them on their merits.

“Of course, it would be my this world we live in.

“We have always been close honor to do another show for aBSand inseparable, the three of us CBn but at the moment I have not travel the world together, so we been asked.

“So now I have graciously achave always been comfortable with cepted a project from Brightlight each other’s company 24/7.

“We find ways. In our confined and tV5 which I think will make space, we compartmentalize our people happy to watch. after all, activities, we adjust, even play hide that is the primary desire of us and seek with each other to make entertainers.

“I am very grateful for the trust sure that my husband and Olivia they have given me. both get their quality time.”

“Romina and Daniela to meet Did you have time to assess your showbiz work and see what and clash again? Why not? I never back down from a good fight.” needs improvement?

Philstar.com

Kylie to star in PH adaptation of South Korean film ‘The Housemaid’ KYlIe Verzosa is set to lead the upcoming Philippine adaptation of the 2010 South Korean eroticthriller film “the Housemaid.”

Viva artists agency revealed the Miss International 2016 titleholder’s involvement in the movie on its Instagram page on Wednesday, Oct. 21. the film will also feature Jaclyn Jose, albert Martinez, alma Morena and louise Delos Reyes, as per the Philippine entertainment Portal.

Director Roman Perez will be helming the production of the Philippine remake. Prior to “the Housemaid,” Perez directed the 2019 drama-thriller “adan.” the team will begin lock-in taping on Monday, Oct. 25. the cast and crew will shoot the film’s scenes in Batangas, Bulacan and tagaytay. the 2010 version of “the Housemaid” starred Jeon Doyeon, lee Jung-jae and Seo Woo and was nominated for the Palme d’Or, the highest prize at the Cannes Film Festival, in the same year. It centers on a woman who

Kylie Verzosa Photo from Facebook_Kylie Verzosa

works as a housemaid for an upper-class family and soon gets involved in a love triangle.

However, it is not the original version of the movie. the movie was first produced back in 1960 and directed by the late Kim Kiyoung.

Prior to landing the lead role in the upcoming Philippine remake, Verzosa last starred in the romance-comedy movie “love the Way U lie” alongside Xian lim and alex Gonzaga. (Inquirer.net)

The mask confusion PAGE B6 fumes or dusts wear mask; welders, spray painters, sewage workers, all wear mask.

When you cover your nose when someone near you farts, you get much less of the “aroma.” If there are 20 persons, ten wearing a mask, and the other 10 not wearing one, and you spray their faces with flour or washable paint, which group would have less flour or paint on their faces? If the spray were a sneeze from a COVID-19 patient, which group would get a much larger dose of the virus and more likely to be infected? Remember, the lower the viral dose, the lesser the chance of infection, every-

thing else being equal.

One final question: For those who do not believe wearing a mask minimizes, if not prevents, infection, would you allow the surgeon operating on you or your loved ones not to wear a mask during surgery?

You Honor, I rest my case. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-28, 2020

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Arnel shares updates on Hollywood movie about his life

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

InteRnatIOnal singer arnel Pineda revealed an update about the upcoming Hollywood movie based on his life.

In a recent exclusive interview with Philstar.com, the “Journey” frontman said that the screenwriter of the blockbuster movie “Joker” is penning the script of his biopic under Hollywood studio Warner Bros.

“It’s ongoing. You must know the movie ‘Joker’ right? the scriptwriter of that movie and ‘now You See Me’ is still working with his script. We’re very positive that it’s going to happen,” arnel shared. arnel added that the production wanted to do the movie soonest as they are just waiting when to start.

“Right now we’re eyeing when we can start to shoot the movie first. I can’t say five years, they wanted it the soonest,” he assured fans.

When asked if he will be playing himself in the movie, arnel said: “I don’t think my face is for the movie. I’m only for singing.

I haven’t spoken to Warner yet about that.”

He also said that all of his life will be featured in the biopic.

“Of course the whole thing, the struggles, when I grew I up, it’s those things. It’s about my life, anyway. It’s all going to be there.”

He said it is not yet confirmed

Arnel Pineda

if the movie will also adopt the title “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which is also the title of an iconic Journey song.

In an interview with the media last year during the grand reopening of Hard Rock Café Manila in S Maison, arnel said he will dedicate the biopic to unknown Filipino musicians. “let’s cross our fingers. I hope it happens because I would like to dedicate this to all the unknown Filipino musicians who are losing their hopes. they thought hindi na sila magsa-succeed. I think if they see this, they would feel na hindi pala masamang mag-hope and then work hard.”

Photo from Instagram_@arnelpineda2007

It was in 2018 when Warner Bros. and “Crazy Rich asians” director Jon M. Chu announced that they are making a movie based on Pineda’s life following Freddie Mercury’s successful biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“Warner Bros is re-teaming with its Crazy Rich asians director Jon M. Chu to chronicle the journey of arnel Pineda, a Filipino singer rescued from obscurity by a Youtube video that led him to become the lead singer of the iconic ’80s arena rock band Journey,” Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr. wrote in an article published on December 5, 2018.

B OctOber 22-28, 2020 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

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