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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 16 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c a n C o m m u n i t y N e w s pa p e r

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Todd Gloria poised to win as San Diego Mayor

by Momar

G. Visaya

AJPress

FILIPINO American Todd Gloria is on the cusp of making history in San Diego, and become the first person of color and first openly gay person to be elected as the mayor of California’s second largest city.

“Tonight, San Diego, because of you, we are poised to make history,” Gloria, a Democrat, said hours after the polls closed on Tuesday night.

“While there are still votes to be counted, I believe that tonight is a night to celebrate.”

As of Thursday, Gloria, who self identifies on Twitter as a “Third Generation San Diegan. Proud son of a maid and a gardener. CA’s 1st Native American-Filipino-Latino-LGBT Assemblyman”

Todd Gloria

garnered 56% of the votes over challenger Barbara Bry who got 44%.

San Diego, with a population of 1.4 million is home to one of the largest concentrations of Filipinos in the United States, with more than 200,000 residing in America’s Finest City.

Council Member Chris Cate, a second-generation Filipino American, represents the City of San Diego’s Sixth Council District where one in every three residents is of Asian American descent.

“I have known Todd a long, long time. He’s someone I can trust. I do not agree with him on a lot of things, which is okay,” Councilmember Cate told the Asian Journal. “I look forward to working with his new administration on bringing forth policy to help the residents of District 6 and all San Diegans,” Supporters and allies have been sending their

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As precincts still report, Filipino American candidates battle in key local, state races

USA

DATELINE FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Bay Area Fil-Am family in search of donor for baby with leukemia A BAY Area Filipino American family is in need of a bone marrow or stem cell donor for their 9-month-old infant.

The baby, AJ, has been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of leukemia. Doctors say that for a full cure, he would need a donor.

“AJ has finished his first round of chemotherapy,” said Eric, AJ’s father. “We are waiting for his body to recover from the treatment before the next round begins.

We’ve been told that subsequent rounds of

congratulatory messages to Gloria via social media.

In a tweet, Human Rights Campaign congratulated Gloria for the feat and for becoming “only the third openly LGBTQ mayor of a major city! Equality was on the ballot, and voters made their choice loud and clear.” #Election2020 #UnityWins The 42-year-old Assemblyman currently serves as the majority whip in the California State Legislature.

Gloria, who was sworn in as the California State Assemblymember for the 78th Assembly District in 2016, was the second person of Filipino heritage ever elected to the California State Assembly after Rob Bonta.

Bonta also expressed his well wishes to the new mayor via Twitter.

LGBTQIA Fil-Ams make strides in electoral politics, reporting historic outcomes in era of diverse leadership

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

U.S. POLLS WATCH. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law speaks at the sidelines of the 2020 US Presidential Election Watch at the U.S. Embassy in Manila on Wednesday, November 4. Law said ties between the US and the Philippines will remain strong, regardless of whoever wins between incumbent President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

THOUGH all eyes are on the contentious presidential race that continues to be too close to call, several statewide and local races have already been officially counted, giving voters a clearer picture of how diverse candidates fared in one of the most crucial elections in American history.

As of press time, results in many precincts across the country have not been called due to expected

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54 countries, including US, lift inbound Comelec considers border restrictions on Filipino citizens online voting for overseas Filipinos u PAGE 4

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines’ Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking at the possibility of online voting for overseas Filipinos during the country’s May 2022 presidential polls.

The commission is planning to get potential information technology providers of online voting systems to showcase its technology, according to spokesman

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Around 350K overstaying Filipinos in US face deportation — PH envoy

by Christia

Marie Inquirer.net

Ramos

MANILA – Some 350,000 overstaying Filipinos in the United States are currently facing deportation, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Wednesday.

“There are about 350,000 Filipino who have been overstaying here in the United

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FIFTY-FOUR countries worldwide have lifted inbound border restrictions on travel for Filipino citizens, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday, November 2.

In its latest bulletin, the agency said that the entry of Filipino citizens in the 54 countries is subject to medical protocols, such as testing and quarantine requirements upon

arrival as well as flight availability.

The United States is among the countries that lifted their restrictions on travelers from the Philippines.

The remaining 53 countries are: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guam, Hawaii, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Laos, Maldives, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste,

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As election season comes to a close, LA community leaders stand against anti-AAPI hate

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AS the country tries to upend the divisiveness stemming from months of civil unrest and a global pandemic, local leaders in Los Angeles County are unpacking the increased hate against the local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

The newly minted Civil Rights and Human Rights Department (CRHRD) was established in the City of Los Angeles in early 2020 before the pandemic even began.

The phenomenon of hate crimes spans races, ethnicities, gender and sexual orientation. On Oct. 23, the county’s Com-

mission on Human Relations released the annual Hate Crime Report for 2019, and although reported incidents only jumped by one (523 incidents in 2018 and 524 incidents in 2019), the report doesn’t factor in the incidents stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a city of belonging, a place where our strength is in our people and people who come from all over the world who have brought their values and voices to this global city and we will always stand up for our people and stand strong against bigotry and discrimination,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a webinar hosted by KACIE Strategies on Thursday, Oct. 29.

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An April 9 file photo shows the Mother of All Asia-Tower of Peace, which serves as the highlight of the Montemaria pilgrimage site in Barangay Pagkilatan, Batangas City. The statue is expected to be completed in 2021, marking the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines. Once completed, the 96-meter statue would be the world’s tallest Virgin Mary statue.

Philstar.com photo by Russell Palma

Batangas City bags WWF’s Most Lovable City award

by Rhodina

Villanueva Philstar.com

MANILA — Batangas City has been hailed as the “World’s Most Lovable City” and overall winner in this year’s edition of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)’s “We Love Cities” campaign.

The announcement was made online via Zoom recently and attended by representatives of WWF national offices around the world and We Love Cities campaign finalists, said Oliver Gonzales, environment

and natural resources officer of Batangas City.

“We’re overwhelmed and happy. This challenge brought us together and made us proud as citizens of our city. We want to thank WWF-Philippines for their great support and guidance throughout this challenge,” Gonzales said.

The We Love Cities Campaign, which has empowered the general public globally with the opportunity to celebrate, vote and upgrade their city through suggestions

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2

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

NDC/NAAC founder Faith Bautista PH among APAC countries flagged joins eCredable advisory board for rising COVID-19 outbreaks Champion of credit-challenged minorities views eCredable Lift as powerful tool in the fight to address the ‘credit invisible’ challenge

FAITH Bautista, the founder and CEO of both the National Diversity Coalition and the National Asian American Coalition, is joining the advisory board of eCredable.

Bautista is a long-time champion of minorities looking to improve their financial lives by improving their credit scores. She has spent her career advocating for minorities in need of financial assistance at every level of local, state, and national government.

“Every financial conversation inevitably turns into a discussion about your credit score,” said Bautista. “Your credit score is the key to access better housing, better employment opportunities, and affordable financial services to help you build and grow your financial wealth over time.”

“There are almost 50 million ‘credit invisibles’ in the United States,” said Steve Ely, CEO of eCredable, and former president of Equifax Global Consumer Solutions. “These people don’t have access to mainstream financial products and services, and frequently turn to lenders of last resort that charge exorbitant fees. eCredable was built to address this challenge head-on by helping people report their phone and utility accounts to credit bureaus to create or enhance their credit score.”

Most phone and utility companies do not report to credit bureaus, which means that paying these bills on time doesn’t help build a positive credit history. Most people pay these types of bills and deserve credit for paying these accounts on time.

The impact to credit scores like FICO® Score 8 and VantageScore® 3.0 is profound for people who are new to credit, or have an inactive credit report.

The average score increase for the person with an inactive credit report is 32 points when reporting three utilities with 12 months of on-time payment history. For someone that is completely new to credit, they might see a score well above 700.

“When I heard what eCredable Lift can do for credit invis-

NAAC/NDC founder and CEO Faith Bautista

ibles, I immediately thought of the impact this could have for the millions of people I’m trying to help right now – and right away. Since eCredable Lift uses up to 24 months of payment history, you can see an immediate impact on your credit score,” Bautista explained.

Bautista joins an impressive Advisory Board made up of industry veterans focused on financial education and empowerment. “I’m delighted that Faith has agreed to lend her immense experience and understanding of the underserved population we know we can help. Her ability to reach a national audience of people that can really benefit from better credit scores will dramatically accelerate our ability to help millions of people,” said Ely. Bautista is also a founding member of Project REACh, an OCC initiative led by Brian Brooks, who is the acting Comptroller of the Currency.

Project REACh is designed to promote greater access to capital and credit for underserved populations. Addressing the “credit invisible” challenge is one of the three key objectives of this program, and eCredable Lift has the potential to make a significant difference.

“There are a variety of innovative developments underway to tackle this problem,” said Ely. “We chose an approach that doesn’t require the current

NDC File Photo

financial ecosystem to take on a new solution that requires them to modify their existing underwriting practices to helping people without credit. Our approach works for virtually every credit invisible person, and at a price they can afford.”

Mr. Ely is on the subcommittee for financing and credit for Project REACh in the Los Angeles area. Mr. Ely has also joined the Advisory Boards for the NDC and NAAC. eCredable is a Data Furnisher focused on the 50 million adults considered to be “credit invisible,” and the 6 million small businesses that typically lack payment history in their business credit files. eCredable empowers consumers to include phone, internet, and utility information in their TransUnion credit report which produces traditional credit scores lenders use when assessing creditworthiness – scores like FICO Score® 8 and VantageScore® 3.0. eCredable empowers small business owners to include phone, internet, and utility information in multiple business credit files which produce business credit scores lenders use when assessing creditworthiness.

The company was founded in 2009, and is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. For more information visit www.eCredable.com and www.Business. eCredable.com.

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines is among the countries in the Asia-Pacific region where COVID-19 infections continued to grow throughout the pandemic, according to a recent report.

This finding was part of an analysis of the COVID-19 trend in the APAC region by German market and consumer data company Statista.

“While Thailand and South Korea have been successful at flattening the curve of coronavirus infections, other countries in the APAC region are still battling growing or returning outbreaks,” Statista said Monday, November 2.

It noted that Japan is cur-

rently battling growing infection numbers.

“Japan was the country most affected by COVID-19’s second wind in the region and is currently still battling growing infection numbers, while Singapore, which saw a major outbreak starting in April, seems to have the situation under control for now,” said Statista.

“Infection counts in Indonesia and the Philippines, on the other hand, have continued to grow throughout the pandemic,” it added.

However, Statista noted that the flattening of the curve in the Philippines is possible.

“The Philippines could, however, recently flatten the curve somewhat and now exhibit a

cumulative case count that is once again lower than that of Indonesia,” it said.

To date, the Philippines has a total of 388,137 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 7,367 fatalities and 349,091 recoveries.

Of the total number of infections, 31,679 are active cases.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) also noted that the country logged below 1,000 COVID-19 cases on Nov. 4 — the first time since July 14.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has a total of 421, 731 confirmed COVID-19 infections.

Statista also pointed out that COVID-19 infection numbers are once again growing in Malaysia, surpassing the number of total cases recorded in South Korea.

Palace: No major change in PH-US ties regardless of poll results

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PHILIPPINE-U.S. bilateral relations will not see any major changes regardless of who wins the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Malacañang said on Wednesday, November 4.

“You see the (U.S.) State Department ensures continuity as far as U.S. foreign policy is concerned. So we don’t expect any major changes in bilateral relations between the Philippines and the United States,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

He acknowledged the friendship between President Rodrigo Duterte and U.S. President Donald Trump, but expressed confidence that Duterte can foster friendly relations with Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

“Of course, there is an issue of personal relations but I think given time the President can establish equally warm personal relations with whoever wins this election even [if] it’s not President Trump,” Roque said.

“And even if there is a new President, I am not saying that there will be, but in case there is a new President in the United

States in the person of Senator Biden, I am confident that the President can also develop a close personal friendship with Mr. Biden. May the best man win as of now,” he added.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila likewise maintained that the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. will remain strong no matter the outcome of the election.

“The U.S. relationship is very very old, it’s very very strong, there have been Republicans and Democratic presidents of the U.S. and different administrations of the Philippines — one constant has been the relationship between our peoples,” Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said at the sidelines of the 2020 US Presidential Election Watch Party hosted by the embassy.

“The relationship between our countries is always very strong and (I’m) certain it will continue,” he added.

A political analyst, on the other hand, said Biden winning the U.S. election could prompt “challenging times” for the Duterte administration.

“If you would look at details of the core platform of Biden, there might be challenging times for the president,” Prof.

Dindo Manhit of think tank Stratbase ADR Institute told “The Chiefs” on One News.

“They’re proud of their belief that they need to go back to the core of the Democratic Party which is how they can lead in the world,” he added.

According to Manhit, part of Biden’s proposed foreign policy would be the reinvigoration of democracy around the world, which could meet resistance in the Philippines.

He added that a Biden administration could be “more aggressive” in addressing the Philippines’ human rights situation.

Biden could also address the maritime territorial dispute between Beijing and Manila in the West Philippine Sea by bringing more countries to ensure a “rule-based security environment not only in the Philippines but in the region as well.”

“Biden, being a former vice president of Barack Obama, would have learned their lessons [on] trying to give some space to China to become good global citizens. But what we have seen especially after the 2016 arbitral award is they cannot be good citizens and they will use their aggressive stance,” Manhit said.

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020

3

From The Front Page

As precincts still report, Filipino American...

PAGE 1 delays in counting ballots, but some races involving Filipino American candidates have been counted.

As reported in the Asian Journal last week, a record number of Filipino American candidates ran for office this election, signaling a push for diversity in American leadership across all offices.

In San Diego, Filipino American mayoral candidate Todd Gloria — a current California state assemblymember — took an early lead in a race that, as of press time, is still close as the votes are still being tallied.

As of early Wednesday morning, Gloria — who would be the first person of color and first openly gay mayor of San Diego (the second largest city in California) — holds a 56% lead over challenger Barbara Bry. “Tonight, San Diego, because of you, we are poised to make history,” Gloria, a Democrat, said hours after the polls closed on Tuesday night. “While there are still votes to be counted, I believe that tonight is a night to celebrate.”

Elsewhere in California, firsttime candidate for the state assembly Godfrey Santos Plata narrowly lost his bid for District 53, garnering 43.4% (31,785 votes) of the vote to incumbent Miguel Santiago’s 56.5% (41,401). Both Plata and Santiago were running as Democrats.

Plata, a progressive organizer and public education advocate, still hopes for a chance after the ballots have all been officially counted by the end of the month. “#LA is counting ballots until November 27th, but I am still [so] excited by these results, y’all. We are building so much power,” Plata tweeted on Tuesday night.

Rep. Bobby Scott, the Democratic incumbent from Virginia’s 3rd congressional district, sailed to re-election with 67.6% of the votes against Republican challenger John Collick.

“We have a lot of work to do in the weeks and months ahead to heal our nation, defeat this pandemic, provide additional economic support to working families, small businesses and schools, and rebuild our economy so that everyone can succeed,” Scott, whose mater-

Todd Gloria

Todd Gloria poised to win as San Diego...

PAGE 1 “Congrats to my friend & the only other Filipino American I’ve had the opportunity to serve with in the CA Legislature, Todd Gloria on his inspiring election victory as Mayor of San Diego! San Diego & CA are lucky to have your ongoing thoughtful & compassionate leadership, Todd!”

Bonta wrote.

Gloria thanked Bonta and said, “I’m sad to leave the legislature but happy to be breaking another Marvin Lim, a civil rights attorney, runs barrier for our Fil-Am communiunopposed for District 99 of the Georgia ty just as you have done so many House of Representatives times.”

“It is an uphill battle for LGBTQ people of color to be in a position to run for high-level office, much less win, so Todd’s victory is a pivotal moment for San Diego and the country. Todd shattered a rainbow ceiling and is now the second-highest ranking LGBTQ mayor in the country,” said former Houston Mayor Annise Park-

er, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund in a statement.

“His voice and his impact on critical issues – and especially civil rights – will extend far beyond the boundaries of his city and state. Todd will undoubtably become a role model for many LGBTQ young people who too rarely see someone like them in a position of power,” Parker added.

California State Senator Toni Atkins praised Gloria’s campaign which she said “focused on the People, which is exactly how he will operate as Mayor.”

“I look forward to working closely with him to serve all San Diegans and to ensure our city continues to be America’s finest,” Atkins added.

At an online town hall meeting organized by Gloria’s friends in the Filipino American community to further drum up support for his mayoral bid, Gloria talked

about his life and the way he was brought up by his parents.

He shared how his grandparents moved to San Diego and how his parents Phil and Linda taught him traditional family values. He said that he is the first in his working class family to graduate from university.

“I will be a mayor for everyone,” he said. “I am mindful that there are little Filipino boys and girls who might see me in government as someone that looks like them, and maybe inspire them.”

Gloria said he looks forward to strengthening the ties and relations between San Diego and the Philippines specially since San Diego is home to many Filipinos.

“Mayors are the best sales people for our cities. I look forward to bringing jobs and investors from both sides, which would also bring economic and cultural benefits,” he said.

54 countries, including US, lift inbound...

Nikki Villavicencio

Sean Reyes

nal grandfather was of Filipino ancestry, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

In one of the most watched races in the United States House of Representatives, the Democratic candidate for Texas’ 23rd congressional district Gina Ortiz Jones once again narrowly lost to Republican incumbent Tony Gonzales.

Jones, a U.S. Army veteran who would’ve made history as the first openly gay woman of color in Congress, garnered 47% of the vote to Gonzales’ 51% in a district that is heavily Latino-populated.

“I want to thank each and every grassroots supporter, volunteer, and member of my staff who poured their heart into our campaign,” Jones wrote in a Twitter thread on Wednesday morning. “I am so proud of the race we ran, and it is our shared commitment to fighting for working families in South and West Texas that continues to give me hope.”

Though she didn’t indicate whether or not she would run again, Jones (who is Filipina on

her mother’s side) added that “I will always remain dedicated to serving our country and my community in any way I can. I hope TX-23 is represented with all of her constituents in mind, and in a way in which she deserves.”

In another congressional race, Democratic incumbent Filipino American TJ Cox of California’s 21st District currently trails by three percentage points behind Republican challenger and former U.S. Rep. David Valadao.

As of press time, only 71% of votes have been reported, according to the Associated Press.

In Georgia, Filipino American civil rights attorney Marvin Lim, 35, made history by becoming the first Filipino American to win a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives in the state’s 99th District.

Lim, who ran unopposed, becomes the sixth openly LGBTQ member of the state legislature.

In Maplewood, Minnesota, a city outside of Saint Paul, Nikki Villavicencio is likely to garner

PAGE 1 t Azerbaijan, Belarus, Croatia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, GuineaBissau, Iran, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, seven countries now allow entry without any inbound arrival protocols: Haiti, Mexico, Andorra, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Zambia.

The DFA also said over 130 countries remain closed for tourism. Among these are: Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, China, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Saudi Ara-

bia.

“While travel for leisure is now an option amidst the pandemic, the DFA advises Filipino travelers to refer to the requirements set by the IATF and implemented by the Bureau of Immigration (BI),” the DFA said.

These include confirmed roundtrip ticket; travel and health insurance to cover travel disruptions and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infections during their allowable period of stay abroad; and BI declaration of acknowledging the risks involved in travelling, including risk of delay in their return trip.

“Moreover, travelers should always check ahead of travel dates with their airlines before departure or before booking a ticket as the information in the infographics could change at any time,” the

DFA added.

Meanwhile, the Philippines remains closed off to foreigners, excluding those with visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration pursuant to Executive Order No. 226, or the Omnibus Investments Code, as amended, and Republic Act. No. 8756; those with 47(a)(2) visas issued by the Department of Justice; and those visas issued by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Foreigners entering the country are required to have a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility before entering the country.

They must also be subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry, and must follow applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

a seat on the city council. Villavicencio — a disability rights advocate and community organizer who was born with a rare condition called arthrogryposis — has garnered 28.6% of the vote with all precincts reporting.

In Utah, the incumbent GOP state Attorney General Sean Reyes won re-election in a narrow race against the Democrat-

ic challenger Greg Skordas.

Reyes has held the post since 2013, and he focused on sex predators, street drugs, school violence and youth suicide and cybercrime in his re-election campaign.

“Regardless of party or ideology, our state and nation are stronger when more of us educate ourselves on candidates and issues and participate in

elections. It is exciting to see,” Reyes said in a statement released on Tuesday night. “No matter the outcome, hopefully we can remember those things that unite us as Utahns and Americans. And when all the ballots are counted, I look forward to serving four more years as attorney general, protecting Utah and all who live in this great state.”

4

From The Front Page

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

A Bay Area family is in search of a bone marrow or stem cell donor donor for their 9-month-old who was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare form of leukemia.

Photos courtesy of the Asian American Donor Program

Bay Area Fil-Am family in search...

PAGE 1 t chemotherapy only get harder.”

Siblings would be the best donor match, but AJ is an only child.

Extended family members have offered to step up, but they are no more likely to match than a stranger, according to the Asian American Donor Program.

Matching is based on one’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue type and matches are closely based on a patient’s ethnicity.

Now, the family is taking their search nationwide, encouraging Filipino Americans or anyone with Filipino heritage to register as a potential stem cell donor.

People of color are more like-

ly to die of leukemia and other blood cancers because there is a shortage of ethnically diverse donors on the Be The Match national registry.

Filipinos have a 46% chance of finding a donor, AADP said.

“Filipinos are well known for supporting each other, and the more people who register, the more AJ’s odds of finding a match increase,” Eric said.

“It can take some time to find a match. So, the sooner you register, the better.”

Despite the pandemic halting the organization’s in-person education and outreach, those in the Bay Area or around the country can sign up on its website to participate.

For those interested in reg-

istering as a potential stem cell donor, they can visit the AADP website (aadp.org/homekit) to find out how to receive a home swab kit.

Requirements include being between 18-44 years old and meeting general health standards. Even if individuals may not be a match for AJ, they may be asked to donate if they are a match with another patient.

“For thousands of severely ill blood cancer patients, there is a cure. You could be the cure.

Those whose marrow/stem cells are not a match for a patient in need now may be a match for someone else down the road, anywhere in the world,” said AADP Executive Director Carol Gillespie. (AJPress)

As election season comes to a...

PAGE 1 t One hate crime tracker called Stop AAPI Hate from the non-partisan group Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) tracked more than 2,583 reported hate incidents against AAPIs from March to August; more than 800 of those attacks occurred in California.

These attacks range from cyber bullying and harassment, verbal abuse in public (most of which were reported in grocery stores and restaurants) or, in few but unfortunate cases, violent attacks.

Roughly 1 out of 7 targets of these incidents were people under the age of 20, and the report also found that Asian American women were 2.4 times more likely to be discriminated against.

Deputy Chief Blake Chow of the LA Police Department pondered on the reasons as to why AAPIs are receiving intense hostility and blame for the coronavirus as well as the overall cultural divisiveness percolating throughout the city, county, state and country.

“I think, unfortunately, we as a society have a history of blaming other groups for problems, and that’s easy because that’s the easy way out.

Instead of coming together and tackling a problem as a community and looking for a solution, it’s much easier to blame another community,” Chow said.

Chow noted that currently, there are 14 anti-Asian hate crimes reported to the LAPD “for the full quarter of 2020.”

So when compared to the number of incidents reported to the A3PCON tracker, the gap shows that these kinds of incidents — whether they are violent, verbal or from behind a screen — are severely underreported.

Moreover, it’s important to note that these hate incidents are the ones that were reported to authorities or to community organizations and don’t factor in incidents that may have happened but weren’t reported.

“We have our work cut out for us and we have to, as a group, need to take a stand, that this type of behavior is not tolerated, and we have to encourage people to report [these incidents] so that we can get a general picture as to what the problem is and how we can address the problem head on,” Chow said.

LA City Councilmember David Ryu of the 4th district spoke about the Asian American experience and the history of discrimination faced by AAPIs throughout the decades.

Ryu, who is Korean American, condemned President Donald Trump’s and his cohorts’ dangerous language regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

As told by numerous leaders to the Asian Journal, Trump has spent the better half of the year referring to COVID-19 (which, by its nature, is not inherently associated with any one ethnicity or race) as the “Chinese virus” or the “kungflu,” terms that put up a false association between the Chinese (and Asian) community and the virus.

“These figures should be shocking to all of us, but it comes to no shock when the highest leader of our land is spewing hateful rhetoric,” Ryu said, adding that LA should “not be deterred by hurdles of hatred and ignorance.”

“With a president who’s given a green light to race it to attack the AAPI communities with xenophobic terms, it’s no wonder there’s been an exponential rise in hate against the AAPI community locally and across the nation,” said Filipi-

na American Abigail Zelenski, attorney and one of the commissioners from the CRHRD. “Since the onset of this pandemic, there’s been a documented increase in the number of incidents against Asian American and Pacific Islanders involving racist slurs spawning anti-immigrant nativist bullying and, unfortunately, even unprovoked violent attacks,” Zelenski added.

Though the 2020 election is on everybody’s minds (as of press time, the election results have yet to be counted), many voters are hinging the future of the AAPI community on whoever is elected (or, re-elected) President of the United States.

But racism, whether it is targeted at AAPIs or any other minority, doesn’t start or stop at an election, as previously stressed by AAPI community leaders throughout the 2020 election cycle.

But nevertheless, Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of A3PCON and a formidable figure in the fight against AAPI hate, noted that voting in the election is something everybody can do in a year where it feels like life is out of control.

“We have an opportunity in what is the most critical election of our lifetimes to address what’s happening and to prevent it from happening, and we know a lot of our API community members have been sitting on the sidelines in past elections,” she said.

Quoting the popular Twitter user Angry Asian Man, Kulkarni added, “Not voting is like essentially going to a restaurant and paying for the food and letting someone else pick for you. We wouldn’t let anyone do that for us as consumers. We shouldn’t let others choose our cultures as citizens of this great country.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

SANTA CLAUS GALORE. Three Santa Clauses, the Nativity scene, and a couple of other Christmas characters welcome shoppers of a store selling Christmas decors on Lacson Avenue in Manila on Wednesday, November 4. Several businesses have been allowed to reopen to slowly recover from the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Batangas City bags WWF’s Most...

PAGE 1 t made and addressed to decision-makers, is interwoven with the One Planet City Challenge (OPCC).

OPCC is a biennial global challenge organized by WWF to guide cities toward the most effective climate action, while publicly recognizing the most ambitious cities as leaders in the field of sustainable urban development.

Citizens from participating countries expressed their love and support for their cities with the campaign garnering over 1,170,000 votes through all channels, 4,600,000 social media engagements and a social media reach of 80 million.

Through the OPCC, the country’s declared national winner for 2020, Batangas City and national finalists Muntinlupa City and Santa Rosa City,

were the representatives of the Philippines in this year’s We Love Cities campaign.

“This We Love Cities award for Batangas City is particularly special,” said lawyer Angela Ibay, WWF-Philippines’ Climate and Energy Program head. “It also highlights the active engagement that Filipinos have with their cities as they promote their solutions and aim to make their cities more livable, sustainable and resilient. It is truly aligned with WWF’s call: Together Possible.”

All the three Philippine cities ranked in the Top 10, out of 54 cities in 26 countries around the globe for the 2020 edition.

“Our three Philippine cities that participated in the We Love Cities initiative really stepped up to the plate and did quite well, even as they were

addressing the current challenges brought by the pandemic. We are truly honored by their participation,” said Ibay.

“This means a lot to us, especially since we’ve been hit by the pandemic. The city is doing its best in implementing various initiatives and efforts. We have something new to hold on to, and this is great news to all of us. This win will inspire us to keep on going and to work hand-in-hand for this city,” said Gonzales.

In addition to recognizing the importance of public engagement in achieving sustainability goals, Batangas City aims to be the first carbon-neutral city in the country by 2030 and has developed a comprehensive climate mitigation and adaptation plan to realize this vision.

Comelec considers online voting for...

PAGE 1 t James Jimenez.

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be fielding demonstrations from various potential providers. I think the round of presentation will start sometime next week,” he said Thursday, October 29, on Cignal TV’s OneNews.

Jimenez stressed that so far, the online voting is for overseas absentee voting (OAV) only.

Low turnout among overseas Filipinos is in part due to the inability to get to an assigned polling place.

There are currently two voting options for overseas Fili-

pinos: postal voting, in which ballots are mailed to overseas voters who must return the ballot also by mail; or in-person voting, in which voters go to a Philippine Consulate or Embassy to cast votes manually or through voting machines.

Vote-counting machines (VCMs) will be used in the May 2022 national and local polls.

“We’re gonna use the machines that we used in 2016 and re-used in 2019,” said Jimenez.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III pointed out that the Comelec has a P14.21-billion budget for 2021 based on

the national expenditure programs (NEP).

“It (budget) also includes the P14 billion for renting of vote-counting machines, for printing, distribution, for supplies for the 2022 elections.

We allotted budget for that,” he said.

“Right now, I think the Comelec is considering a longer period for voting, they see two to three days so as not to have a problem with the pandemic if the pandemic is not contained at that time. And then probably they will require an additional P1 billion for salaries of teachers on election duty,” he added.

Around 350K overstaying Filipinos...

PAGE 1 t States [who] are on hold,” Romualdez said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel. “They’re in court right now, deportation court.”

Despite such numbers, Romualdez pointed out that the Filipino community in the US has a “ver y good” image.

“We are known as good workers and so, quite honestly, both Democrats and

the Republicans have been ver y kind to a certain extent to Filipinos,” the ambassador said.

“There’s ver y little Filipinos involved in any kind of crime,” he added.

Further, Romualdez said there are a “good number” of Filipinos who are on the frontline of the COVID-19 response of the US, which has the highest number of infec-

tions in the world.

“They are ver y much appreciated,” the Filpino diplomat said.

“W hen I speak with many of the US senators, both Democrats and Republicans, we don’t agree on many issues that they throw our way, but we end up agreeing on one thing: They like the Filipino community here in the United States,” he added.

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Dateline Philippines

5

Typhoon Goni deaths climb to 25 ‘PET can annul votes in Mindanao’

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE fatalities caused by Super Typhoon Goni (local name: Rolly) have risen to 25, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday, November 4.

The breakdown of casualties were: 21 from Bicol, three from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and one from Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan).

PNP Chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan also said 43 persons sustained injuries, 39 of which were from Bicol, and four from Calabarzon.

He added that two people are missing in Calabarzon, one in Mimaropa, and three in Bicol.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that a total of 2,083,222 individuals or 532,794 families were devastated by Rolly in Regions II, III, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and the National Capital Region.

Of the figure, 142,475 families or 517,172 people are being assisted in evacuation centers.

Response Malacañang said it sees no problem in realigning a portion of the proposed budget for the anti-communist task force to aid areas battered by Rolly as it is “within mandate” of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTFELCAC).

“I think that’s the objective of the ELCAC... to promote development in areas with ongoing insurgencies because we know that poverty is still the root cause of insurgency,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday.

“So I don’t think there is any inconsistency with the proposal to actually spend funds in typhoon damaged areas because, I think, it is a fact that Bicol also is a hotbed for insurgency,” he added.

The statement came after Senator Risa Hontiveros proposed to reallocate a portion of the NTFELCAC’s P19-billion budget for 2021 to aid victims of Rolly.

The Philippine Department of

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) opined that the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), has the power and jurisdiction to annul the result of the election in Mindanao provinces if it was marred by fraud as claimed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Marcos filed an election protest against Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, alleging poll fraud.

In its 30-Page Comment filed In the aftermath of Typhoon “Rolly” in Bacacay town, Albay province, electric poles were before the high tribunal, the destroyed which caused road closures on Monday, November 2.

Inquirer.net photo by Mark Arvic Esplana poll body said the PET has the power to order the annulment of votes under the 1987 Constitution and the 2010 Rules of the PET without conducting special elections.

Marcos questioned the integrity of the elections in 2,756

Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo inspects houses along the coastline of Brgy. Sabang, Calabanga, Camarines Sur on Monday, November 2.

Photo from OVP

Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), for its part, said it is looking into providing emergency shelter assistance to affected families by the typhoon.

“While the economy is disrupted in the (Bicol) region, we are looking at providing emergency shelter assistance to families whose homes were destroyed by the typhoon,” said Secretary Rolando Bautista.

The agency also said that over 8.3 million worth of aid has been given to people who were affected by Rolly.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, granted P20 million worth of financial assistance to hospitals in areas battered by Rolly.

According to Health Under-

secretary Rosario Vergeire, the aid was distributed to three DOH hospitals and affected areas and cities in Bicol.

P5 million went to Bicol Regional Training ang Teaching Hospital in Legazpi, Albay; another P5 million went to Bicol Medical Center in Naga City, Camarines Sir (P5 million); and P2 million went to Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao, Camarines Sur. The province of Camarines Sur received P2 million, while Albay and Catanduanes received P1.5 million each. Naga City received P1.2 million, while Camarines Norte, Masbate, and Sorsogon received P600,000 each.

protested clustered precincts in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan. He asked the PET to annul the votes because of the alleged “massive” cheating.

The Comelec cited Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that the Supreme Court en banc “shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President or Vice President and may promulgate rules for the purpose.”

It added that under the 2010 Rules of the PET, the tribunal has express and implied powers and “other such powers as may be inherent, necessary or incidental thereto for the accomplishment of its purposes and functions.”

The commission added that votes can be annulled if evidence showed that more than 50 percent of the votes were

cast illegally or if it is impossible to determine the lawful and unlawful ballots and if the “protestee is the one accountable for illegal acts.”

The Comelec clarified that voiding election results is entirely different from declaring a failure of elections, which is one of the functions of the commission.

It pointed out that the annulment of elections shall be made “only to determine who among the candidates garnered a majority of the legal votes cast.”

Marcos lost to Robredo by only 263,473 votes. He alleged “massive electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities” in the vice-presidential race such as preshading of ballots, preloaded SD or secure digital cards, misreading of ballots, malfunctioning VCMs or vote-counting machines, and an “abnormally high” unaccounted votes/undervotes.

6

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Resettlement

Features

FOUR years ago this month, the House committee on housing and urban development approved a bill providing for on-site, in-city or near-city housing for informal settlers.

This year as October drew to a close, the same committee, with different members, approved a similar bill for a relocation program to be implemented by local government units. House Bill 4869 noted that the normal practice of off-site relocation for slum dwellers has failed to address the housing problem for the poor or reduce squatting and urban migration.

The reasons are well known: the same factors that drive urban migration persist in the typical off-site relocation area. The biggest factors are the lack of jobs and livelihood opportunities, and the weakness of many basic services. In certain areas, armed conflict and other security problems, such as extortion by the communist New People’s Army and harassment by government forces drive people to look for a better life in the cities.

If these same problems bedevil a relocation site, it won’t take long before the beneficiaries of the resettlement program leave the houses awarded to them and return to the urban slums.

Some local governments in Metro Manila and other urban centers are in fact developing in-

city vertical housing for informal settlers. The housing programs are complemented by livelihood projects not only to sustain the beneficiary families but also to allow them to pay the minimal amortizations. The subsidized payment is meant to give the beneficiaries a personal financial stake in the housing units.

Given alternatives, no one wants to live off alms and sleep with their young children and even infants in shanties, under bridges or in city streets. Those who did not support the House bill in 2016, however, were worried that it could encourage more squatting and urban migration.

While providing decent housing with livelihood opportunities to informal settlers is a good idea, the better answer to urban migration is to step up countryside development.

Any in-city or near-city housing must be accompanied by job opportunities. Those who cannot be accommodated, however, must be presented with options outside the urban centers.

Making agriculture an attractive livelihood option even for marginal players can reverse ur-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

ban migration. Meaningful livelihood opportunities and jobs as well as the provision of adequate basic services such as education and health care outside the cities can encourage the urban poor to leave the urban centers and accept resettle-

ment. Tourism provides decent jobs and livelihood sources even in rural communities. If the government wants to stop urban migration, it should present viable alternatives. (Philstar. com)

Let every vote be counted: US democracy tested with Trump’s baseless claim of victory even as Biden leads in the polls The Fil-Am Perspective Gel Santos-Relos FOR the first time since after George W. Bush defeated Al Gore for President in 2000 through absentee ballots, the winner of the 2020 presidential election amid the pandemic is still too close to call on the night of the election, with so many early voting mailed in ballots still left to be counted.

This is a result of different state rules on when early voting mailed-in ballots may be counted and reported, especially in some battleground states ruling to count mailed-in votes after November 3.

Before midnight on election night, however, projection of winners in different states by various news media organizations, including Fox News, showed Joe Biden leading.

By Fox News’ report, 238 for Biden and 213 for Trump in the road to the 270 minimum electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.

Already, Trump had been flooding social media with accusations that votes are being stolen from him without any ba-

sis in fact.

In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Trump declared that he’ll go to the Supreme Court to push for “all voting to stop,” baselessly calling the continued vote count a “fraud” as key states sort through a historically high volume of early and mail ballots driven by the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump also wanted a recount of states where he lost to Biden, but would not want the states where he is leading recounted.

Before this delusional proclamation of victory by himself, Biden himself gave a speech, declaring that “we believe we’re on track to win this election”, and not declaring that he already won. On the other hand, Trump did claim he won big.

Biden said he’s “optimistic about this outcome,” but that “we’re going to have to be patient... It ain’t over until every vote is counted, every ballot is counted.”

On social media, Biden posted, “Keep the faith, guys.

We’re gonna win this. It’s not my place or Donald Trump’s place to declare the winner of this election. It’s the voters’ place.”

The Biden campaign said they will fight with Trump in court should the President bring this battle up to the Su-

preme Court.

Many Democrats are heartbroken to see how Trump remains competitive in many Republican strongholds despite his failure to fulfill his solemn oath to defend and protect the Constitution and the American people, his abuse of power and threats against democratic institutions and processes because of his selfish personal and political interests, despite the death of more than 200,000 Americans in the pandemic because of Trump’s failure in leadership.

Looking at the bright side: Amid the escalating threat of the coronavirus pandemic, joblessness, disrupted economic and social activities, a divided nation and toxic political climate in the country, a record number of Americans voted early — more than 100 million before the November 3 election.

Perhaps the better way to put is this: Because of the crises of our times that have been causing a lot of uncertainties about the future, and because of the threat of their votes being thrown away because of dirty political tactics to disenfranchise voters, American voters have decided to mail in their votes early, or went to the polling stations to cast their sacred votes and make sure they exercise their power to decide

what kind of life they and their families would be living in the next four years.

According to the U.S. Elections Project, the total early votes amounted to 101,167,740. Nationally, voters have cast 73.4% of the total votes counted in the 2016 general election which recorded 139 million votes.

Comparing early vote count: In 2016, only 47 million Americans cast ballots before Election Day vs 2020’s more than 101 million votes.

The breakdown of the 2020 early votes: In-Person Votes: 35,923,053; Mail Ballots Returned: 65,244,687; and Mail Ballots Outstanding: 26,858,126.

How are the early voting numbers divided according to party affiliation?

We can have an idea based on the party registration statistics provided only for states that have party registration.

Reporting states with party registration data: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, SD. The breakdown: Democrats: 22,174,934 votes (44.8%) Republicans: 15,119,146 (30.5%) Minor parties : 334,919 (0.7%) No Party Affiliation

11,871,101 (24%) TOTAL: 49,500,100 How did the states perform in early voting compared to 2016?

As reported by Axios based on the data gathered by the U.S. Elections Project: Hawaii (110.6%), Texas (108.3%), Washington (105.4%), Oregon (104.8%), Montana (102.4%), and Colorado (101%) all surpassed 2016’s total turnout via early voting.

Other states that amassed a huge portion of their 2016 totals include: New Mexico: 98% Utah: 97.6% Nevada: 96.7% North Carolina: 95.4% Florida: 94.7% Georgia: 93.9% Arizona: 92.9% Tennessee: 89.6% New jersey: 88.7% The battleground states The other side: Some key battleground states are lagging behind the frontrunners.

Pennsylvania, for example, only reached 40.7% of its 2016 total turnout — but this is the first general election for which the state has implemented no-excuse absentee balloting.

Historically, only about 5% of Pennsylvanians have voted by mail.

The other side: Some key battleground states are lagging behind the frontrunners.

Pennsylvania, for example, only reached 40.7% of its 2016 total turnout — but this is the first general election for which the state has implemented no-excuse absentee balloting.

Historically, only about 5% of Pennsylvanians have voted by mail.

Other key battlegrounds and their current early turnout against 2016 totals: Wisconsin: 64.7% Iowa: 60.5% Michigan 58.3% Ohio: 53.5% Worth noting as reported

by Axios: Mail-in ballots face deadlines. While some states only require that ballots be postmarked by or shortly before Election Day, others require ballots to be received by election officials on Tuesday.

Swing states Florida and Wisconsin, for example, require mail-in ballots to be received by 7 and 8 p.m., respectively, on Election Day. But the Supreme Court recently shut down Republican attempts to trim mail-in deadlines in both North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Many states also can’t begin counting their mail-in ballots until Election Day, which is likely to cause a backlog in results — and could shift results in Biden’s favor as more get

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Staying housed and staying healthy: New support for California renters Commentary

Governor Gavin Newsom THIS November, millions of Americans prepared for the most consequential election of our lifetimes. So much is at stake, and I encouraged all Californians who can to cast a ballot to take this opportunity to shape the future of our country.

But it’s also a time of dread for people who are having a hard time financially as the first of the month means rent is due.

If you are struggling to make rent and worried about eviction, know that you are not alone. In the Capitol, we are working hard to help you keep a roof over your head, and there are new resources and protections available to you right now.

Tackling the housing crisis in

California has been a priority for me since my first days in office.

Access to safe and affordable housing is a cornerstone of the California Dream, one that must stay in reach of all Californians.

For decades, the high cost of housing in California has been making it harder for families to get by, much less get ahead.

Last year, we took action to help more Californians stay in their homes by enacting the strongest renter protections anywhere in the nation.

But the COVID-19 pandemic presented us with even more challenges. Millions of Californians are potentially facing eviction this fall due to the impact of COVID-19—because they’ve lost jobs or hours, gotten sick or faced new costs like childcare.

An eviction or foreclosure is always devastating, but it takes on a new danger amid a pandemic, when having a place to stay home and stay safe is so important.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, it has not

affected all of us equally. The impacts of COVID on lives and livelihoods have had disproportionate impacts on our diverse communities. Census data from July 2020 showed that, of all California renters who had fallen behind on rent, three-quarters were Latino or Black.

In partnership with the Legislature, we passed a bill to help people who had fallen behind on rent if they were impacted economically by COVID. So if you owe rent from March 2020 through today because you were affected by COVID – if you lost your job, got sick or had your hours cut – you are protected from being evicted if you can take a few simple steps.

Here’s how it works.

If your landlord gives you a notice to “pay or quit” – saying you have a certain amount of time to pay the rent you owe, or you have to move out – but you can’t pay the full amount because you were affected by COVID, you can fill out a document and give it to your landlord.

It is called the Tenant Distress Form, and you can find it on our new HousingIsKey.ca.gov website. It is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Sign it and don’t delay. You must give your landlord this document within 15 days after you receive the “pay or quit” notice to be protected from eviction.

You still owe the past rent, but if you cannot pay full rent because of COVID, you can’t get evicted for any rental debt that accrued between March and August of this year.

And so long as you further pay at least 25 percent of the rent due between September of this year and January of next year, then you cannot be evicted for unpaid rent for that period, either.

While this bill will give tenants some room to breathe, it is not permanent. As of now, the protection for evictions lasts only until February 1, 2021.

That’s why we’ve been continuing to advocate for action from the federal government to

help protect renters. We have made remarkable progress in helping more Californians keep a roof over their heads during this emergency, but even a state as large and influential as ours cannot tackle a national crisis on our own.

We continue to ask the federal government to help us protect renters and homeowners, as well as other important steps like extending unemployment insurance and fully funding essential services like health, nutrition, education and childcare.

We have also asked for support for state and local governments that are battling COVID-19 and facing difficult choices about their budgets.

Without federal support for renters and homeowners, anyone out of a job, behind on their housing payments or struggling with medical bills will potentially face the prospect of losing their home. That’s not right, it’s not fair and it’s not good for our economy or communities.

Investing in our renters can

make a big difference around the country. It would help stabilize the housing market, help America recover from the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic and keep people in their homes.

No matter what happens in this election or in D.C., California will keep doing everything in our power to help everyone stay safe, healthy and housed during this crisis – because all Californians deserve a place to call home.

You can find more information about your rights and get access to low- or no-cost legal help at https://lawhelpca.org/.

*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California, formerly Lieutenant Governor of California and Mayor of San Francisco.

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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COLOR IT GRAY. 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray paints a miniature “Higantes” doll during her visit at the Art Capital and Home of the Higantes on Wednesday, November 4 at the Angono Lakeside Ecopark in Barangay San Vicente, Angono, Rizal. Gray is also a National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) Ambassador.

Photo courtesy of PIO Angono

This undated photo shows Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra at a Senate committee hearing.

7

Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo

4 in 5 Filipinos say quality of life With two high-profile tasks, Guevarra got worse in past year – SWS assures DOJ has enough lawyers

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

Cabico

MANILA — Four out of five Filipinos said their lives got worse in the past 12 months, a new Social Weather Stations survey suggested.

The September 17 to 20 survey found that 82% of adult Filipinos said their quality of life worsened (termed by SWS as “losers”) compared to a year ago, while only 6% believed it got better (termed as “gainers”). The remaining 11% said it was the same.

This yielded a net gainers score of -76, classified by the polling firm as “catastrophic”—or a score of -50 and below.

SWS said the September

2020 score was among the worst trends in survey history, having recorded -78 in May and -72 in July during the coronavirus crisis.

All areas experienced a drop in net gainers scores and had “catastrophic” figures: -80 in the Visayas, -76 in Metro Manila, -75 in Balance Luzon and -74 in Mindanao.

The sentiment that their lives worsened was highest among those who did not graduate from college (-72 to -83) and households who experienced involuntary hunger (-84).

An earlier SWS survey found that an estimated 7.6 million families experienced involuntary hunger—or hunger due to lack of food in households— at least once in the past three

months.

SWS also said that net gainers score is “just as low among those with a job as it is among the jobless.” The poll found that the score is -73 for those employed, -77 for those who never had a job and -79 among those who are currently jobless.

There were some 4.6 million Filipinos without job in July, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported in September.

The poll was conducted using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing of 1,249 adult Filipinos nationwide. It had sampling error margin of ±3% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, ±5% for Balance Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±6% for Mindanao.

PH may start COVID-19 vaccination by May 2021

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines may start vaccinations against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by May 2021 if everything will go as planned, the country’s vaccine czar said

on Thursday, November 5.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who is also the chief implementer of the national policy against Covid-19, confirmed the timeline set by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

“Ang prediction po ng DOST

if everything will go well, ang mangyayari po earliest is May (The prediction of DOST if everything will go well, the earliest for the inoculation is May),” Galvez said during an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

u PAGE 9

soon welcome young lawyers with tips can send them to the as prosecution attorneys in the DOJ action center through dodepartment. jac@doj.gov.ph.

MANILA — The Department “If need be, we’ll draw from Drug war review panel of Justice is currently handling the legal complement of agenGuevarra also said they can two high-profile investigations cies attached to the DOJ, other release a partial or initial refor the Duterte government, than the [National Bureau of port by the end of November, but Secretary Menardo Gue- Investigation],” he added. the timeframe he earlier gave varra assured that they have Members of the task force during the UNHRC meeting on enough personnel to attend to against corruption met on June 30. the additional tasks assigned Wednesday, November 4 and “As to the review panel lookto his office. identified the functions of the ing into police operations reLate October, President Ro- secretariat that would be re- sulting in deaths in illegal drug drigo Duterte tapped Guevar- ceiving complaints and infor- cases, I think we can come up ra to head a high-level task mation on persons or agencies with at least an initial or partial force to investigate the entire suspected of corruption. report by the end of the month, government of corruption. At DOJ Undersecretary Emme- as targeted,” he told reporters. that time, the DOJ secretary line Aglipay-Villar explained Guevarra explained that the had a little over a month to re- that the operations center will mobility of the panel examinlease the government’s report have a case evaluation commit- ing case files in various filed on the review of police’s drug tee that will screen all informa- stations was affected by the war operations that resulted in tion and complaints. pandemic and its lockdowns. deaths—a statement Guevarra She added: “The evaluation “As I see it, though, there made before the United Na- committee makes a recommen- may not be a need to look at tions Human Rights Council. dation of where the reports get each and every case, if a patThese two tasks are on top of to be referred to but the refer- tern is clearly visible upon exGuevarra’s other duties as the ral is approved and signed by amination of sufficient random head of the DOJ. the chairperson,” who is Gue- samplings,” he added.

But Guevarra assured that varra.

The Philippines’ drug war there is no lack of manpowThe DOJ chief, meanwhile, panel review was noted by the er even with these additional said the evaluation committee UNHRC when, in October, it tasks entrusted to him and his would also recommend that adopted a resolution on techdepartment. a certain report or complaint nical assistance and capacity “We have enough state “deserves the immediate con- building to improve the human counsels and state prosecu- stitution of a special composite rights situation in the country. tors to handle all these extra team to commence an in-depth The resolution stopped short tasks assigned to the DOJ,” he investigation.” of launching an independent, told reporters on a message Other channels of the sec- on-ground investigation, which on Thursday, November 5. retariat may still be created human rights groups have 20SDG16341_CARE Family Journal__RUN:said 11_06_20__ pg 4C__TRIM: 5.69” x 10.56” Guevarra added that theyReading__Asian will but Aglipay-Villar those 1/4been calling for.

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

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Survey: PH 12th safest country

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines is among the top 50 safest countries in the world, according to a recent survey by American analytics firm Gallup.

In its 2020 Global Law and Order index, Gallup listed the Philippines as the 12th safest country with a law and order index score of 84. It shares the same spot with Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Serbia.

The survey, conducted from October 8 to 24 last year, asked nearly 175,000 adults in 144 countries and areas the following questions to gauge the “personal security” of countries: • In the city or area where you live, do you have confidence in the local police force?

• Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?

• Within the last 12 months, have you had money or property stolen from you or another household member?

• Within the past 12 months, have you been assaulted or mugged?

“Some areas were excluded from the sampling frame, due to security concerns – such as barangays considered as war zones in Marawi – and areas that are remote or inaccessible. The excluded population from these areas represent less than 1 percent of the population,” said Gallup.

Singapore and Turkmenistan emerged as the safest countries with a law and order index score of 97. They are followed by China (93 percent), Iceland and Kuwait (93 percent).

Meanwhile, Afghanistan ranked the lowest with a score of 43.

Reactions Local human rights group Karapatan, for its part, pointed out that surveys about such issues should “integrate the rights-based approach and framework to provide a more holistic analyses on such responses.”

“In countries like the Philippines, [confidence] in law enforcement in addressing crime and security issues is not a mere yes or no question, especially if the indicators are not placed in context,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.

“Narratives bereft of such

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang tanggapan ay matatagpuan sa 929 9th Ave sa San Diego.

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SD#0004

LEGAL NOTICE

Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Petition of: Willard Brian Abe, on behalf of Darine Jay Verano, a minor for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Willard Brian Abe filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Darine Jay Verano to Darine Jay Abe The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted.

If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing: Date: 12/02/2020, Time: 8:30 am, Dept.: 6-61, Room: -The address of the court is 330 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The Asian Journal Date: October 20, 2020 Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/20 CNS-3411900# ASIAN JOURNAL

DEVOTION. Some devotees visit the Antipolo Cathedral, also known as “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage” in Antipolo City, Rizal, on Thursday, November 5. People from different religions have been thankful after the government has raised the seating capacity inside churches, mosques, and chapels to 30 percent from the previous 10 percent.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

maintain peace and order in our society,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in Filipino on Wednesday, November 4.

“This confidence that you have given through this survey is proof that we continue to push for the restoration of peace and order in our communities,” he added.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process likewise welcomed the survey.

“We are glad to be recognized as among the safest countries in the world. Thanks to our law

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00035460-CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ANITA MARTINEZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: ANITA MARTINEZ to CACHO ALLEEN ESCOBAR MARTINEZ. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING 11/19/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: OCT. 06, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 671 OCT. 23, 30, NOV. 06, 13 /2020 AJSD 671

enforcers, peace workers, and everyone who has made a commitment to peace, we are moving forward as a peaceful, progressive and resilient nation,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said.

The Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also stressed that the report is proof that “the government is winning the war against criminality and drugs.”

“The government is even more committed to maintaining its cur-

rent efforts against crime and drugs following the Philippines’ excellent standing in a prestigious worldwide survey on people’s views on their security,” the agency said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, meanwhile, said: “It is very reassuring for us working in the government knowing that the people feel safe in their homes and on the streets...The goal is to sustain this rating in the long run for the safety of the people and the country.”

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Ang Celadon sa 9th & Broadway, ay isang 250-unit na pamayanan na matatagpuan sa San Diego, ay magbubukas ng waitlist nito sa Nobyembre 2, 2020. Nag-aalok ang property na ito ng abot-kayang halagang studio, at mga 1BR apartment na may mga renta mula $ 619- $ 960 bawat buwan. Ang mga paunang aplikasyon para sa waitlist ay tatanggapin simula Lunes Nobyembre2, 2020 ng 9 AM. Ipapamahagi sa lahat mga paunang aplikasyon simula sa Nobyembre 2 sa pamamagitan ng contactless pick-up sa lokasyon ng property, kahilingan sa pamamagitan ng telepono, o kahilingan sa pamamagitan ng email.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 37-202000037776-CU-PT-CTL

frameworks may be unwittingly used to justify human rights violations in the name of ‘security’,” she added.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch senior Philippine researcher Carlos Conde said the survey was not an endorsement of police operations against the country’s drug war.

“When you have high police visibility and presence, of course people will feel safe. This is also consistent with statistics from the police that the crime rate has been going down,” he told Inquirer. “(The study) does not negate the fact that police conduct during the ‘drug war’ has been abusive, resulting in the deaths of thousands since 2016 and practically zero accountability.

Moreover, [most] of the victims of the ‘drug war’ had been demonized thoroughly and so the public at large [have] no sympathy for them,” he added.

Malacañang, on the other hand, welcomed the results of Gallup’s report.

“We are grateful to our people as they somehow recognized the priority of our President to really

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00032107-CU-PT-CTL

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00032333-CU-PTCTL

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00005726-CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ROLANDO RUVALCABA ARIAS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: ROLANDO RUVALCABA ARIAS to ROLANDO RUVALCABA. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING 11/16/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: SEPT. 23, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT DANIEL F. LINK Judge of the Superior Court AJ 672 OCT. 23, 30, NOV. 06, 13 /2020

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner KATIE HICKEY ON BEHALF OF CHILD MINOR TALLIS WALDERS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: TALLIS ELIZABETH WALDERS to TALLIS ELIZABETH HICKEY WALDERS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING 11/02/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: SEPT. 23, 2020.

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ673 OCT. 23, 30, NOV. 06, 13/2020

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner CAMILO ANDRES GARCIA VALENCIA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: CAMILO ANDRES GARCIA VALENCIA to CAMILO YUNG. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING 12/01/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. C61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: OCT 16, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 675 OCT. 30, NOV. 6, 13, 20, 2020

AJSD 672

AJSD 673

AJSD 675

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00037634-CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner SHERIELAINE LAYSON EDQUILANG filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: SHERIELAINE LAYSON EDQUILANG to SHERIELAINE EDQUILANG ADVIENTO. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING 12/02/2020 8:30 AM, Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: OCT. 19, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 674 OCT. 30, 2020, Nov. 6, 13, and 20, 2020.

AJSD 674

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9016669

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9016598

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9016520

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9017656

Triple L located at 901 Plaza Boulevard, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Leah M. Ollman, 1041 Alberta Place, San Diego, CA 92103. And Lissa Goldman, 17 Shir Hashirim, Elkana, Israel 44814. This business is conducted by General Partnership. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/15/1986. Signature Leah M. Ollman. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/07/20. AJ 668 10/16/20, 10/23/20, 10/30/20, and 11/06/20.

BABE’S BEAUTY CO. located at 3041 F STREET UNIT B, SAN DIEGO, CA 92102. Registrant: DESIREE BABE GONZALES, 3041 F STREET UNIT B, SAN DIEGO, CA 92102.

This business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. REGISTRANT HAS NOT YET BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME ABOVE. Signature DESIREE BABE GONZALES. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/07/2020.

AJ 669 10/16/20, 10/23/20, 10/30/20, 11/06/20.

Farmdale Independent lIvIng FacIlIty located at 7217 Farmdale Street, San dIego, ca 92114. registrant: annabelle SIngSon QuIntoS, 7217 Farmdale Street, San dIego, ca 92114. this business is conducted as Individual. regIStrant HaS begun to tranSact buSIneSS under tHe aboved name aS oF 09/01/2020. Signature leaH m. ollman. Statement filed with recorder/county clerk of San diego county on 10/02/20. aJ 670 10/23/20, 10/30/20, 11/06/20, and 11/13/20.

JU-ICHI BENTOS & BITES located at 10663 ESCOBAR DR., San Diego, CA 92124.

Registrant: INNOVATIVE CHEF CONCEPTS, 10663 ESCOBAR DR., San Diego, CA 92124.

This business is conducted by LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature NGHI DAO. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/29/2020.

AJ 676 11/06, 13, 20, 27/2020.

AJSD 668

AJSD 669

aJSd 670

AJSD 676

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020

Let every vote be counted...

LEARNING MODULES. School principal Delia Cerbito (center) of Dr. Jose P. Rizal Elementary School in Brgy. Sto. Cristo, Dasmarinas City, Cavite hands over a learning module to a parent on Wednesday, November 4. Students who have no internet access are given printed modules to ensure learning continuity as classes go through blended learning for the school year 2020-2021. PNA photo by Gil Calinga

BI asks airlines not to board travelers to PH without visas

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippine Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday, November 4, urged airlines not to allow foreign nationals bound for the Philippines without the appropriate visas.

According to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, the bureau received reports of foreigners who were turned back at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for not having visas. The incident also occurred in international airports in Mactan, Cebu and Clark, Pampanga.

Morente stressed that airlines are responsible in ensuring that the foreign nationals travelling to the Philippines have proper visas as the companies would bear the inconvenience if they would have to be sent back.

“Apart from shouldering the cost of returning these aliens to their port or origin, it is also the responsibility of the airlines to defray the expenses of their accommodation at the airport while awaiting their return flights,” he added.

Morente also urged airlines

to keep themselves updated on the latest policies on international travel from the Inter-Agency Task Force.

Atty. Candy Tan, BI Port Operations Division chief, for her part, said they have constantly reminded airlines not to allow improperly documented foreigners to travel to the Philippines.

“We understand that sudden change in policy happens worldwide because of the pandemic. Borders keep on opening and closing, depending on the number of COVID-19 cases,” she said.

“Hence we are in close coordination with airlines to update them on the policies as directed by the IATF. We are thankful for their cooperation, it’s a difficult time for everyone, especially for the airline industry, and through their support we are able to implement these measures to avoid the surge of cases in the country,” she added.

Tan also noted that most of the foreign nationals who were turned away are those who have Filipino spouses and children but do not possess any visa.

“What they have in their

possession are usually their marriage certificates and the birth certificates of their children,” she explained.

Filipinos, their spouse and minor children, foreign children with special needs of Filipinos, foreign parent of minor Filipinos, and foreign parent of Filipino children with special needs are allowed to enter the Philippines.

Foreigners with visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration pursuant to Executive Order No. 226, or the Omnibus Investments Code, as amended, and Republic Act. No. 8756; those with 47(a)(2) visas issued by the Department of Justice; and those visas issued by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority are allowed to enter the country as well.

Foreigners entering the country are required to have a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility before entering the country.

They must also be subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry, and must follow applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

PAGE 6 t counted in the following days.

Voter motivation These early voting numbers are just part of the bigger turn out numbers we have yet to get after the polls close on November 3, and after all votes are counted.

Trump used COVID-19 super spreader crowded public campaign rallies to display support and enthusiasm among voters while Biden held drive-in rallies in addition to virtual campaign rallies to follow social distancing and other public health safety measures.

However, if we look at these election results numbers, it appears that more Democrats than Republicans were motivated to cast their votes early, breaking all records.

These numbers are also in

congruence with polls conducted just before the November 3 elections which revealed Biden leads Trump by 10 percentage points nationally, 52 percent to 42 percent. This is according to an average of national polls since Oct. 26 reported by the Washington Post.

Biden’s margin in the battleground states of Michigan and Wisconsin is nine points. It’s five points in Pennsylvania, five in North Carolina, four in Arizona and three in Florida.

Whatever the final result may be, America wins as this election’s voter turnout may very well speak volumes about how they have come out of their shells of apathy. We learn the hard way that our votes indeed matter and are motivated to change the course of our nation’s history after four years of

9

the Trump presidency.

We all look forward to a better, brighter, and stronger America through the power of our sacred votes and our vigilance to make sure all votes are counted and reflect the will of the American people in this democracy. democracy.

*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** 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.

PH may start COVID-19...

PAGE 7 t However, Galvez said that the inoculation might be moved to the end of next year if the vaccines would have supply and demand issues.

“Kung magkakaroon ng hindrances, in terms of sa supply and demand, ang pinaka-earliest po [for inoculation] is maybe end of 2021 (If there will be hindrances in terms of supply and demand, the earliest would be the end of 2021),” he said.

“Sa ngayon, so far, ang demand ng big countries ay more than that. Talagang magkakahirapan tayo sa demand and supply kaya we’re appealing to the WHO na bigyan ng equitable access (The demand from big countries is more than that, so far. We will really have a hard time, that’s why we’re appealing to the WHO [World Health Organization] to ensure equitable access),” he added.

Galvez said the Philippine government was targeting to procure an initial 24 million vaccines.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to make Covid-19 vaccines accessible to poor communities.

The inoculation rollout will largely depend on the financing, development and approval of the vaccines, he added.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. had said the gov-

ernment needed to establish a cold chain as vaccines should be stored at sub-zero temperatures.

Roque said only the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City has the facility for vaccine storage.

Galvez was appointed by Duterte to be the point person in the negotiation for the procurement and distribution of vaccines in the country.

There are 10 vaccine contenders, eight of which are from COVAX, a global collaboration of countries to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccine, Galvez said.

Among the pharmaceutical companies with promising trials is the United Kingdom-based AstraZeneca, which, he said, has a capacity to produce one billion vaccines by the end of the year.

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JOURNAL

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N OV E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 0

Why Mia Mercado’s ‘Weird But Normal’ is the Funny Read We Need M

by Momar G. Visaya / AJPress

EET Mia Mercado, a Filipina American millennial humorist who launched “Weird But Normal,” her debut collection of essays last May.

The essays focus on various subjects, from gender roles, sexuality and beauty standards to racial identity, privilege and work dynamics.

In the book, Mercado shares her insights about issues, some absurd, some beautiful and some mundane.

Armed with her sharp humor and wit, “Weird But Normal” brings the laughter and hilarity, and we sure need some of those these days.

Mercado deftly maneuvers her way around humor, identity, culture and the intersections between them and comes up with gems.

Some parts are a little intimate and personal as the author delved into her memories as a young girl going through her teens (along with the corresponding bad/good decisions), and now adulting (with issues on racism, relationships and capitalism). It’s like watching an unfiltered livestream of a reality show where the protagonist wears her heart on her sleeve as she shares some painfully embarrassing moments in her life so far.

Some of the essays look hilarious, judging by the titles alone: “The Holy Sacrament of Birth Control,” “I Am the Girl From Your Tampon Commercials,” “Can I Still be a Good Girl While Still Getting F*cked Up?,” “All the Things I Thought Sex Was” and

“White Friend Confessional.”

Born to a Filipino dad and a white mom, Mercado grew up in what she describes as “very suburban Christian Midwest” (read: Glendale, a small city outside Milwaukee in Wisconsin). She took up creative writing at the University of Wisconsin, the same university where her parents met.

She has been asked “where she’s from” many, many times that she felt she had to make some jokes out of it so it wouldn’t overburden her thoughts. As a young girl, she didn’t realize what it meant then but now that she’s an adult, she says she’s “all too familiar with this line of questioning.” “‘What ethnicity are you?’ is something I’ve been asked so frequently my answer is not only well rehearsed, it comes equipped with a brief lesson in Filipino history and the etymology of my last name. I’m working on a choreographed musical number called ‘Spain Colonized the Philippines and All I Got Was a Spanish-sounding Last Name and a Whole Lot of Catholicism.’” Mercado writes.

There’s a part in the book where she introduces Rachel Ambiguity (see what she did there?), where she talks about how being half-white afforded her “white-adjacent privilege,” and says that while her mixed-race informs every part of her life and experience, it is not the focus.

Mercado’s essays have been published in outlets such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, Washington Posts’ The Lily, New York Magazine’s The Cut, Bustle, McSweeney’s, Gizmodo, The Hairpin, among others.

For a time, she also worked as a greeting-card writer and editor at Hallmark.

In an interview with the Asian Journal, Mercado shares how this book of essays came about.

Asian Journal (AJ): What was the reason behind the book?

MM: It’s s o m e thing that seemed like a pipe d r e a m or something I’d need to wait years to be even remotely qualified to do until I had enough people with enough publishing power saying I could do it. There are self-aggrandizing and self-sacrificial and romantic reasons why I wanted to write a book, but ultimately, I wrote the book for, I’m guess- Mia documented the day she received copies ing, the same reason anyone of her book in her Instagram account @mia. writes a book: I had an idea and market. enough people said “yes” to it.

AJ: What was the writing of at coffeeshops. On a typical process like for you, did you day, if I have a specific assignfollow a certain structure or ment, I start with that. The rest did you write about what you of my day is a combination of wanted to write when inspira- checking email, thinking about writing, and maybe writing a tion struck?

MM: If you asked any writer couple sentences. I repeat that if they’d ever want to write a until it’s an acceptable time to book, they’d be like, “Yes, duh, start thinking about dinner.

AJ: In a nutshell, how do of course.” If you told them to start writing it, they’d be like, you describe your journey so “Oh, you meant, like, now?” far?

MM: I started as a greeting It was a lot of sitting in coffee shops, thinking about writing, card editor, had the briefest and then maybe writing a cou- stint an ad agency, freelanced ple sentences. I need a lot of for whoever would have me, thinking time/brainstorming and now I’m almost exclusively time/looking at Twitter time writing things I want to be writbefore I write something. When ing (as opposed to writing what I would write, I’d try to write a I had to because [of] money). couple of the satirical/concep- It’s a rare and cool thing to be tual humor pieces between the able to do the thing I’m pasMia Mercado, seen her with her dog Ava, blends personal stories and humor to explore the completely personal essays just to give my sionate about as my job. Mostabsurd, and yet completely regular experiences of being a millennial.

Photos by Chase Castor ly, I’m trying not to take that for brain an emotional break.

AJ: How did you end up granted.

AJ: What was your biggest make it all fun and fulfilling. everything from chang[ing] his with the title? Were there othAJ: What’s next for you? oil to install[ing] a dishwasher er alternate titles you thought learning in coming up with this book? Was it how you MM: Hopefully, book two. to repair a shower. Sometimes about?

I’d also love to write for TV. If I forget how to open the hood MM: I have a list of poten- imagined it to be?

MM: My biggest takeaway is those don’t pan out, I’ll figure of my car. tial names in a Google doc AJ: How old were you when that are all bad and confusing to try to work with people who out how to scam my way onto and trying very hard. My main are as excited about the thing the next season of Love Island. you realized you wanted to AJ: When was the last time write? Did you have other criteria for a title, aside from I’m excited about both when childhood ambitions? something that pertained to it comes to writing a book and you visited the Philippines?

MM: I’ve only visited the MM: When I was five or six, the book, was that it had to be also…every other aspect of something I wouldn’t be em- a creative project. I still only Philippines once, twenty years I would tell my parents I wantunderstand a small fraction of ago when I was in fourth grade. ed to be a typewriter because I barrassed about in five years.

AJ: What was a normal what goes into publishing a My dad Basil grew up in Maka- thought that a writer had to use a pen and paper and I was like, day like for you (before book—the “writing the book” ti. part is neither the beginning AJ: What’s the most im- “Hmm no I will be using a maCOVID-19)?

MM: My day-to-day hasn’t nor the end of that process— portant lesson your father has chine for my word making.” At other points growing up, I also changed too much since but having people around me taught you?

MM: If you want to do some- wanted to be a vet, a teachcoronavirus lockdowns and who know their shit and are exself-quarantining. The main dif- cited about what I’m doing (or thing, there is probably a You- er, and a singer/actor/dancer/ ference is I now just work from are at least very convincingly Tube tutorial for it. My dad model. I should have stuck with my bed or my couch instead fake excited) is what helped had taught himself how to do typewriter.

Arjo celebrates birthday with Maine, family by

Niña V. Guno Inquirer.net

ARJO Atayde turned 30 on Thursday, Nov. 5 and marked the occasion through an intimate celebration with loved ones, including girlfriend Maine Mendoza.

The actor spent his birthday at home, as seen in his mom Sylvia Sanchez’s Instagram post on Thursday.

Sanchez shared photos of the low-key and joyful occasion filled with food, a handful of cakes and drinks. Mendoza and Arjo could be seen all smiles next to each other; his sister, “Chika Besh” host Ria, was also in attendance.

“Masaya ako anak @arjoatayde kasi alam kong masayang masaya ka (I am happy Arjo because I know you are so happy),” the “Pamilya

Ko” star told her son.

The simple celebration comes after both Sanchez and her husband Art Atayde recovered from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in May. The couple also opted for a quarantine party for their daughter Gela’s 18th birthday.

Arjo and Mendoza have been a couple for nearly two years.

They celebrated their first anniversary last December.

Mela Franco Habijan and Bro. Eddie Villanueva

Inquirer.net photo

Trans actress invites Eddie Villanueva to debate on SOGIE Equality Bill

by Ian

Biong Inquirer.net

Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde

TRANSGENDER actress Mela Franco Habijan has invited televangelist Rep. Eddie Villanueva to a “dignified debate” following the latter’s controversial remarks on the SOGIE Equality Bill.

Habijan, the first-ever Miss Trans Global titleholder and an LGBTQIA+ advocate, said in an open letter to Villanueva that she was “appalled” by his “faith-based arguments and thoughts” during the Congress’ online hearing on the said bill on Photo from Instgaram/@sylviasanchez_a Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Villanueva, founder of the Jesus is Lord Church, claimed that the bill is discriminatory against straight people. The anti-discrimination bill or ADB is the previous name of the said bill. “[In] the spirit of democracy and open discourse, I am reaching out to you to invite you in a dignified debate, an open-minded exchange of views and principles,” Habijan said in the letter.

“I desire to challenge your Bible-based arguments with progressive perspectives rooted in diversity and inclusion, that hopefully could enlighten you about the plight of every Filipino LGBTQIA+. In the same man-

ner, I am open to hearing your counter-arguments as well,” she added.

Habihjan also stressed that while she is not a lawmaker, she is “a Filipino citizen desiring to uphold the humanity my beloved LGBTQIA+ community, who has been belittled, oppressed, scared, and silenced.”

Through the tweet’s caption, Habijan said that “it’s about time for us to elevate the discourse on humanity, dignity, faith, and love.”

“Nawa’y maging bukas siya sa paaanyayang ito,” she added. (I hope that he will be open to this invitation.)

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Features

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020

11

Julia admits being in a new relationship

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Rumored lovebirds Coco Martin and Julia Montes.

ABS-CBN photo

Julia posts birthday greetings for rumored lover Coco

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Julia Montes greeted Kapamilya actor Coco Martin on his 39th birthday.

In her Instagram account, Julia posted a photo of Coco and only captioned it with wrapped gift, a red heart and birthday cake emojis.

Celebrities such as Lorna Tolentino and Vina Morales, Isabel Oli-Prats and Shaira Diaz, to name a few, also greeted the “Ang Probinsyano” star in the comments section.

Coco and Julia were rumored to be in a relationship for years but they have remained silent on the issue. Last year, Coco asked the public for his privacy when he was asked if he’s the

father of the rumored baby of Julia.

Julia also remained silent on the issue during her recent guesting in one of the episodes of ABS-CBN’s “Magandang Buhay.”

Since 2017, Julia has always been greeting Coco on social media on his birthday. The captions, however, are just brief like HBD or emojis.

Kris turns designer bags into face masks, chest bags in new business

by Ian

Biong Inquirer.net

MUSICIAN Kris Lawrence has been transforming designer bags – such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci – into fashionable face masks and chest bags amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawrence, known as the “Philippines’ Prince of R&B,” has been buying the luxury bags and using the materials to create new products for his new business venture, he shared in an interview in ABSCBN’s “Magandang Buhay” episode on Nov. 3.

“What I do is I buy luxury

u PAGE 12

KAPAMILYA actress Julia Barretto made a confession that she is now in love.

In the November issue of Mega Entertainment, Julia was asked by G3 San Diego if she’s in love.

“Yeah,” Julia replied.

She, however, did not want to disclose who’s the guy she’s in love with because she said she learned her lesson when it came to publicizing her relationships.

“I think nobody understands the kind of trauma of having a relationship so public, and then also have a lot of people see when your relationship fails. Like it’s so traumatizing for me because I genuinely cared about this guy, I genuinely loved this guy, and then I shared so much that when we broke up, they thought they knew the whole story,” she explained.

Julia reflected on her past experiences, saying: “They thought they knew my pains, they thought they knew my joys, they thought they knew everything—all the reasons that caused the breakup. But nobody really does.”

“So one of the things I made myself confident in when it comes to my personal relationships is that, I’m in control. I am in total control of how much I am only willing to share and how much I am only allowing people to know. I’ve already come to realize how important it is to protect your peace and privacy—and that both go well

together,” she said.

Julia first hinted about her happy love life in March when she posted about her birthday dinner with her family and a loved one.

Social media users also speculated that she was the girl on rumored boyfriend Gerald Anderson’s beach house in Zambales.

Recently, Julia promoted Gerald’s beach resort in her Instagram story.

Last September, Kapamilya actor Joshua Garcia, Julia’s ex-boyfriend, revealed that he wanted to talk to Gerald because of the controversies surrounding them.

In Cinema One’s “Cinema News At Home Edition,” a fan asked Joshua who he wants to talk to during this lockdown.

“Siguro si Kuya Gerald,

Julie, Rayver to showbiz wannabes: Work hard for your dreams by

Boy Abunda Philstar.com

Kris Lawrence donning his Louis Vuitton face mask and chest rig.

Photo from Instagram/@ikrislawrence

Julia Barretto

Photo from Instagram/@juliabarretto

pero hindi online, hindi ko kailangang i-online. Siya, kasi na-realize ko nu’ng quarantine, nu’ng nag-lockdown, ang hirap, ang liit ng industriya namin. Ang hirap nu’ng may ka-awkward-an,” Joshua said.

Joshua added that he already texted Gerald, but he is yet to receive a reply.

“Ang ginawa ko, tinext ko siya, sabi ko, ‘Bro, Joshua ito.

Gusto ko lang maging honest, lahat.’ Tinext ko siya ng ganu’n, pero hindi pa siya nagre-reply,” he said.

“Hanggang du’n lang ang kaya kong ibigay na text. Para ma-clear lang ‘yung air sa lahat ng nangyari.”

Joshua admitted that he wanted to clear things out with Gerald so there would be no awkward feelings between them.

“Nahihirapan akong gumalaw, parang gan’un ‘yung feeling. ‘Yun ‘yung isa sa na-realize ko nu’ng quarantine, nu’ng lockdown—ang hirap nung may ka-awkward-an ka. Nagka-issue kayo, ganyan,” he said.

“I’m being honest lang, ha, kasi ako wala naman akong kaso sa kanya. Ako, sobrang cool na ako sa kanya. Ako, okay na ako sa kanya. Kuya ko kasi siya, same handler kami,” he added.

It can be recalled that Gerald was allegedly the reason why Joshua and Julia broke up. Gerald and Julia co-starred in the Black Sheep movie “Between Maybes.”

Gerald’s ex-girlfriend Bea Alonzo said that the actor suddenly “ghosted” her that caused their own breakup.

THE entertainment industry is beginning to settle into a new normal. Cameras are beginning to grind in film productions with cinemas prepping up for their reopening. There are new shows to watch either on free TV or on digital platforms.

Game shows and talent searches, too, are making everyone excited, although not as many as compared to the days prior to the pandemic.

However, Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz said showbiz wannabes should not be discouraged in pursuing their goal of getting a fair share of the spotlight even if opportunities remain scarce these days.

“Do not stop but instead, be motivated to work hard for your dreams, especially at this time when the situation is not that normal yet,” began Rayver, who shares Clash Master duties with Julie Anne in the new season of GMA 7’s The Clash. “There’s always a plat-

form for arts, you know, we have projects when it comes to singing, acting and dancing. Meron tayong social media kung saan nakatutok ang mga tao ngayon. Huwag kang bibitaw kung ano man ang mga pangarap mo sa buhay. If you are dreaming to be an actor, a dancer or a singer, then, continue to pursue it because when you put your heart into it, I’m sure it will yield positive results.”

After all, life without art

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12

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Mark Ruffalo’s tweet about Duterte’s drug war gains traction after asking prayers for typhoon-hit Philippines

By Jeline

Malasig Philstar.com

A 2017 tweet of “The Avengers” star Mark Ruffalo about President Rodrigo Duterte‘s “War on Drugs” campaign resurfaced after he prayed for the safety of the Filipinos amid Super Typhoon Rolly‘s onslaught.

The Hollywood actor, known for portraying the character of “The Hulk” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shared an article in June 2017 titled “Trump’s mass-murdering buddy Rodrigo Duterte is killing even more people than anyone knew.”

The story featured a glimpse of Duterte’s bloody anti-narcotics campaign launched when the former Davao City chief had taken office as the country’s highest-ranking official in 2016.

Ruffalo shared the article’s link three years ago but it found itself on the social media feeds of Filipinos once more when he urged his followers to pray for the typhoon-battered nation and send in donations.

Last weekend, the world’s strongest tropical cyclone of 2020 slammed parts of Southern Luzon and displaced lots of families in Catanduanes and Albay. It also affected people from Regions 2, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Region V and the National Capital Region.

Meanwhile, some Filipino social media users retweeted Ruffalo’s 2017 tweet following his recent concern for the Philippines.

Another Twitter user quipped that Ruffalo’s tweet “is still up to date nowadays,” referencing recent reports of drug-related killings done by the police under the Duterte administration.

Duterte last month claimed that he has not killed anyone despite personally admitting in past speeches and interviews of killing “bad guys.”

“I killed about three of

Pia Wurtzbach with sister Sarah

Photo from Instagram/@piawurtzbach

Pia airs side on issue with sister Sarah, mom by

Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

Mark Ruffalo

them… I don’t know how many bullets from my gun went inside their bodies. It happened and I cannot lie about it,” he said in an interview with BBC in December 2016.

Duterte also recently denied being involved in the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users and hardened criminals.

Meanwhile, another online user commented that Ruffalo’s tweet indicates the latter “has been watching over the Philippines since 2017.”

As of this writing, the Hollywood actor’s tweet has 1,900 likes, more than 200 quote tweets and more than 900 retweets.

Since he rose to the presidency, Duterte made it his goal to eliminate illegal drugs in the country, believing it to be the number one problem in society.

He initially utilized the police force to lead the “Oplan Tokhang” operations which aims to crack down on narcotics use and trade.

Photo from Instagram/@markruffalo

The bloody campaign saw thousands of urban poor killed, including women and children.

It also prompted the United Nations Human Rights Council to approve a resolution that launched an investigation about the human rights crisis in the country.

BBC News in a June 2020 article quoted a 26-page report by Michelle Bachelet, the United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, which notes that the Philippine police’s key policy note contained “ominous” and “ill-defined language” such as “neutralising” suspects.

Coupled with the “rhetoric at high levels calling for the killings of drug offenders”, the news outlet says that it was “taken as a permission by the police to kill.”

“In the context of the campaign against illegal drugs, there has been near impunity for such violations,” BBC says, quoting Bachelet.

MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach broke her silence on the controversy surrounding her, sister Sarah and mom Cheryl Tyndall.

In her Instagram account, Pia asked the public to refuse giving rude comments on her sister Sarah since Sarah went through a traumatic experience.

“I’m sure a lot of you know that my family is going through some issues at the moment and most of it is posted online,” Pia said.

“This is a very hurtful time for our family. My sister, especially, had a very traumatic experience and I humbly ask everyone to be kind to her,” she added.

The beauty queen shared that they are trying to resolve the issue privately and asked for her followers’ support.

“We are trying to resolve our family issues privately and I ask for your support by not trying to put the blame on anyone and stop victim shaming. Please be mindful on your posts and comments to Sarah, mabigat ang pinagdadaanan niya ngayon,” she said.

“Bilang anak at kapatid, napakasakit sa akin na makitang nagkakaganito ang mga taong mahal ko. Hiling ko na lang po sa inyo na isama nyo kami sa inyong mga dasal at sana mahanap na rin ng aming pamilya ang nararapat na healing. Sa panahon na ito, magpakita po tayo ng pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa. Maraming salamat po.”

It can be recalled that the tiff between Pia and Sarah was made known when early last month, Sarah called out Pia for her alleged bad attitude.

“Ang baho ng ugali mo. Dami mong kuda pero sorry wala. Ta-

pos mangdadamay ng ibang tao na wala naman sa usapan. Magsama kayo ni mama @piawurtzbach,” Sarah wrote.

Sarah has since appealed to social media users to stop hating on the beauty queen after she ranted against Pia. “Stop hating on Pia. Yes I am angry and I still am, but your negative words will not fix anything. If anything, you’re condoning negativity and that’s what’s wrong with the world,” Sarah said.

While Sarah has not yet revealed what caused her misunderstanding with her sister, she claimed to be a victim of rape, and their mom allegedly told her that she deserved it.

“A lot of people here... gossip about me and Pia but literally just overshadowed the fact I said I got raped and the fact my mom said I deserved it. This world is a mad place to live in,” Sarah said.

For Jasmine, patience key to dealing with life’s challenges

By Ricky Lo Philstar.com

LIVING alone can get lonely at times, Jasmine Curtis-Smith admitted—and more so now that there’s a pandemic, and her family is hundreds of miles away in Australia.

So, if there was one thing she had to relearn in the past couple of months to somehow bridge that distance, it’s patience.

“Instead of feeling bad about the separation, I looked at it as something that taught me to look at the positive side.

I just think that I will have so

many more years with my family,” she said in a video conference for the return of GMA 7’s adaptation of the popular Korean drama series “Descendants of the Sun” (DOTS).

“There’s the feeling of wanting and yearning to be with them. For people who live alone, it tends to be lonely. It’s hard. But it’s about learning to use that and turn it into something to look forward to,” she added.

But luckily, Jasmine was able to squeeze in a quick trip down under in March and met her new niece, Dahlia, before

u PAGE 13

Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Inquirer.net photo

Kris turns designer bags...

PAGE 11 t bags tapos sinisira ko. Tapos gumagawa ako ng mga face masks and bags, mga chest bags,” the singer explained.

(What I do is I buy luxury bags and I break it apart. Then I make face masks and chest bags from the materials.)

Aside from earning extra income for his family, Lawrence noted that he was also able to give jobs to sewers who lost

work during the lockdown.

“I have a friend that has a company and iyong mga sewer niya, nawalan din ng trabaho (my friend’s sewers lost their jobs). So, since we’re going into the new normal, if we’re gonna stay safe, we mig “So we gave a lot of jobs to the sewers. Nabigyan namin ng trabaho iyong mga sewers na nawalan ng trabaho (We gave work to the sewers who

lost their jobs) so they can sew our new PPEs so everybody’s safe,” Lawrence added.

Aside from the said business, the R&B artist has also started a Cavite-based courier service named after his son, J&Lyric Express.

Lawrence explained in the morning show that he tried his hand in these business ventures because income fell due to the global health crisis.

Julie, Rayver to showbiz wannabes...

PAGE 11 t would be dull, as what also Julie Anne pointed out. “When I say art, it involves everything in the performing arts. Like music, it gives color and joy to our life. Singing tilts like The Clash are a perfect avenue for aspiring singers to reach for their dreams and this is also a way of honing your skills.”

While auditions began during the lockdown, contestants were able to join through online.

“Thousands of aspiring singers auditioned online. Makikita mo na marami pa rin talagang magagaling,” Rayver declared.

Added Julie Anne, “That’s why we had a hard time choosing who will be included in the Top 30.” The production team couldn’t do anything but to trim down the number of contestants — from previous seasons’ 64 to the new season’s 30 — in accordance to safety protocols.

The singer-actress also noticed the powerful voices of the Top 30 yet only one can be declared the winner. “It really takes so much hard work to succeed in any field, especially here in showbiz. There will be rejections along the way but they should not stop you from trying again until you find your spot in this business.”

Seeing contestants performing on stage brings back some memories of her kontesera days. “I’ve been there so I know the feeling na sa backstage pa lang may kaba na.

Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz

Kami ni Rita (Daniela, one of The Clash hosts), we were together in Popstar Kids (as contestants) but no rivalry or whatsoever because we thought it was just a game.”

Rayver, on the other hand, belongs to the prodigious showbiz clan of the Cruzes.

He has become more popular for his acting and dancing and now, hosting skills on GMA. “We are thankful that we are back to work after the total lockdown,” said the actor and added that being at home dur-

GMA photos

ing the height of the pandemic gave him the chance to spend quality time with his family.

“Sa brothers ko, mas naging solid ‘yung samahan.”

Asked to share some tips on achieving a successful career, Julie Anne responded by saying, “In showbiz, I’ve learned to work hard and to be patient.

Always keep your feet on the ground and be grateful sa lahat ng natatanggap mo. And it’s true that whatever you have achieved is much sweeter when hard earned.”

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Community

Know your rights during Medicare open enrollment

DURING Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which ends December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can choose the plans that are best for them. You can get help comparing Medicare plans from the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) that are in all U.S. states and territories. It’s also good to understand what sellers are — and aren’t — allowed to do, so you’ll be prepared if an insurance agent or representative tries to enroll you in a Medicare plan that isn’t right for you.

There are limits on how Medicare plans can contact beneficiaries. Medicare plans: • Can’t call you if you don’t have a relationship with their company.

• Can’t send you email if you haven’t agreed to this form of contact.

• Can’t come to your home to sell Medicare products without an invitation.

• Can’t leave flyers, door hangers, or leaflets on your car or at your home. However, agents and brokers who have a scheduled appointment with

you may leave plan information at your residence if you don’t show up for the appointment.

When you meet or talk with an agent, they: • Can’t start a discussion about other insurance products, like life insurance annuities, if your meeting is about Medicare Part C or Part D. • Can’t set their own time limits for you to sign up for a plan. You have until December 7 to enroll, and you can’t get any extra benefits for signing up early.

• Can’t threaten to take away your benefits if you don’t sign up for a plan or offer gifts if you do.

• Can’t suggest that Medicare endorses or prefers their plan.

• Can’t discuss Medicare products you didn’t ask to talk about when you filled out a scope of appointment form.

• Once you’ve picked the plan that’s right for you, be sure you get all the details in writing before signing up.

Take your time to read all information and verify details.

For example, reach out to your

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020

13

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

doctors to ensure they are in that plan’s network.

If a scammer calls Scammers might call and pretend to be Medicare representatives or agents in an attempt to steal your Medicare number. They can use fake caller identification to impersonate Medicare or another organization you know, so don’t trust the name displayed on your phone’s screen. If anyone calls and asks for your Medicare, Social Security, or bank or credit card information, hang up. A scammer can use your personal information to file false claims, sign you up for a plan to which you didn’t agree, or even steal your identity. A legitimate Medicare employee will always have your Medicare number on file.

For more information about Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse, visit smpresource.org.

To report someone pretending to be from Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE and visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(By The Senior Medicare Patrol National Resource Center Lois C. Greisman, Elder Justice Coordinator, FTC)

Recipe Corner

For Jasmine, patience key to...

PAGE 12 t lockdowns were put in place around the world. “I’m glad I really pushed the trip because I wanted to make sure I saw my niece as soon as I could … at her youngest,” she said of sister Anne Curtis’ firstborn child with Erwan Heussaff.

Less than a week later, international flights were canceled.

“I nearly got stranded in Sydney; not even in Melbourne, where my family is.

Now I wonder, ‘What if I had gotten stuck there? Maybe I could have stayed in Melbourne and be with my family.’ But then again, it would have been hard for me to fly back to the Philippines and resume shooting,” she pointed out.

“Maybe everything happens for a reason,” surmised the 26-year-old Kapuso star, who plays Capt. Moira Defensor in DOTS. Patience was also key in

dealing with the challenges her indie music label, Funky Records, is currently facing because of the pandemic.

“I discovered how impatient and unforgiving I can be of myself especially with all the time we have. But now I understand that it’s important to give yourself a chance to breathe; to take in what’s in front of you day by day,” Jasmine said in an earlier video interview.

Funky Records is home to such up-and-coming artists and bands like Bea Lorenzo and Flu. “You have to accept the reality of where things are, and think of the best way to move forward. Do you invest more?

Is it time to take a pause?” she asked herself.

It’s important that Jasmine remains emotionally detached, because some of her business partners have also become her friends. “It’s about being logical with busi-

ness matters. We don’t want our emotions to affect our decisions,” she said. “It’s hard.

But it is what it is, so we just have to deal with it.”

How does she deal with the stress? One of the things that has kept her sane amid the quarantine, she said, is taking breaks from social media.

“One of the most effective ways is to stay offline because many of us work online, too.

It’s important to give ourselves a break from all the things we’re trying to listen to and understand. Sometimes, when you take a break from it all, that’s when you find your real core, your center,” she said.

It’s the quiet moments, she added, that can make one feel calmer, more appreciative of the things around us. “Give yourself a chance to breathe.

We could always use a bit of patience and self-forgiveness, because tomorrow is another day,” Jasmine said.

ThisrecipeisprovidedcourtesyofSeafoodCity.VisittheirFacebookPageorhttp://www.seafoodcity.comformorerecipes.

IfyouhaveanyrecipesthatyouwouldliketosharewithAsianJournalreaders,pleasesendemailtoeditor@asianjournalinc.com or info@asianjournalinc.com, and include a photo of your dish.

This Company is Helping Communities Create ‘SafeZones’ Writer:

CerarMist brings to you the next generation of surface sanitizers and protectants which enables the public and private sector to respond to the unique set of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

RITCHEL MENDIOLA

are unlike anything currently available on the market.

CerarMist readily offers revolutionary sanitizers, disinfectants, and protectants which have been specially created to be safe for use on skin, fabrics, plants, and other inanimate surfaces, including Launched by R. Michael Buehler, a well-accomplished entrepreneur food contact surfaces. These products are easy to use and leave no residue while remaining active and remain securely in place on and the company’s CEO, CerarMist is a long-term protectant surfaces for hours, days, or even weeks. solution that activates “SafeZones” where people can patronize, work, and live.

“Our mission is to inform individuals, business owners, and government agencies that there is a better way to clean, disinfect, “Typical disinfectants ‘chemically kill’ germs using alcohols, and protect using CerarMist products and services,” said Buehler. bleaches, or acids that are toxic compounds which evaporate in mere seconds and lose their effectiveness rather quickly. Surfaces are immediately susceptible to being re-contaminated,” explained To create new sales channels for its non-toxic and eco-friendly surface protectants, CerarMist’s distributors are establishing Buehler. business-to-business and direct-to-consumer relationships in various industry sectors including hospitality, healthcare, “By contrast, CerarMist integrates nanotechnology allowing transportation, recreation and sports, commercial, industrial, and CerarMist to bond to the surface establishing a crystalline barrier retail spaces, public spaces, agriculture and households. that produces a long-term protection resulting in a continuous ‘mechanical kill’ of all bacteria. The treated surfaces prevent germs, “It doesn’t matter if you are maintaining a school, clinic, office, bacteria, & viruses from attaching and reproducing for extended a retail or commercial space, or any other facility – in addition to periods of time,” added Buehler. regular cleaning protocols, disinfecting must now be an important part of the maintenance routine,” highlighted Buehler.

CerarMist was born out of a collaborative effort between material scientists, chemists, inventors, business experts, and industry “But chemical disinfecting alone only reduces the spread of germs specialists, formed to create an array of incredibly efficacious throughout the facility temporarily. CerarMist’s non-toxic approach antimicrobial products that are an alternative to today’s standard, provides long lasting protection over several weeks and even chemical-heavy and toxic counterparts. CerarMist Solutions of America holds the exclusive rights to the formulas and is dedicated months. That’s the confidence we provide across industry lines,” he to delivering this powerful solution to help fight against COVID-19 added. and any future attacks through similar threats.

— Whether you’re a business looking for the best CerarMist Solutions aims to disinfecting solutions or an aspiring entrepreneur help companies maintain a safe looking to start your own business, visit CerarMist environment for employees and today at CerarMistOne.com and unlock the customers with its antimicrobial potential of CerarMist today! product line, an array of highly effective antimicrobial products that

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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CerarMist, Helping Communities Create SafeZones

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Insurance Commissioner Lara protects more than 2M policyholders affected by wildfires from policy non-renewal for one year Implements 2018 law he authored giving breathing room to wildfire survivors

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LOS ANGELES — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory oneyear moratorium on insurance companies non-renewing or cancelling residential property insurance policies — helping 2.1 million policyholders, or 18 percent of California’s residential insurance market, affected to date by the record 2020 wildfire season. The Commissioner’s action implements a California law that he authored in 2018 while serving as state senator in order to provide temporary relief from non-renewals to residents living within or adjacent to a declared wildfire disaster.

The November 5 announcement also affects nearly 364,000 policyholders who were included in last year’s moratorium, giving these particular policyholders an additional period of protection.

Thursday’s moratorium order follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency declarations this year on August 18, September 6, September 10, and September 28, giving protections for one year from those dates for residential insurance policies in ZIP codes within or adjacent to the fire perimeter. Consumers can go to the California Department of Insurance website to see if their ZIP code is included in the moratorium. This is the second year Commissioner Lara has implemented the 2018 moratorium law. After last year’s wildfire emergencies, he invoked the law for the first time on December 5, 2019, to protect more than 1 million policyholders who suffered either a partial loss or no loss in that year’s fire emergencies.

“Losing your insurance

should be the last thing on someone’s mind after surviving a devastating fire,” said Commissioner Lara. “My action gives millions of Californians breathing room and hits the pause button on insurance non-renewals while we take additional steps to expand our competitive market.”

“If we don’t want to be in this position every year, we have to reduce the risk to lives and homes, which means everyone plays a part — homeowners and state and local governments through home-hardening, the federal government though forest management, and the insurance industry working as a partner,” he added.

Commissioner Lara announced further action following the first-ever investigatory hearing on wildfires and homeowners insurance availability that he held on October 19, attended by more than 500 homeowners, first responders, advocates, and insurance representatives. As a follow-up to that hearing, he will convene a second virtual meeting on December 10 regarding potential administrative and regulatory changes to incentivize home-hardening and discuss models that are based in fire science to protect lives and property.

“Today’s announcement by Commissioner Lara and his team is exactly the good news California homeowners, local governments and realtors need to hear,” said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders. “In the aftermath of 2020’s devastating wildfires, and after struggling to feel safe again, residents in and near the impacted communities are now fearing they’ll be

dropped when their policies come up for renewal. United Policyholders commends the Department of Insurance for taking decisive action to calm their fears and keep order in the home insurance marketplace as we work together to establish the statewide mitigation and reward program that will help reduce wildfire risk and restore available, affordable options for consumers.”

“This moratorium ensures that families whose homes survived the flames do not lose their homes because insurers refuse to continue their coverage. With insurance, we pay year after year even though we hope never to need it, and California law helps make it a fair deal by saying that insurers cannot suddenly drop us just because a fire got close,” said Douglas Heller, California-based insurance expert for the Consumer Federation of America. “Today’s announcement provides a year of protection for consumers, but it also makes clear that we have to work on understanding and reducing the risk that wildfires pose to communities throughout our state.”

Following Governor Newsom’s emergency declarations, the Department of Insurance partnered with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), pursuant to statute, to identify wildfire perimeters for the mandatory moratorium area.

The Department of Insurance will continue to collaborate with CAL FIRE and CalOES to identify additional wildfire perimeters for any future fires where there is a declaration of a state of emergency.

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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