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NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2020 Volume 31 - No. 47 • 12 Pages

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

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Leaders, researchers discuss outreach, advocacy of AAPI electorate beyond 2020

IN a year marked by strife and struggle, the 2020 election stands out as a key learning experience in racially and ethnically inclusive outreach and visibility.

Across all races, a politically diverse fellowship of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) candidates, operatives and community advocates came to the fore demanding a political and legislative landscape that better represents the growing AAPI community.

A product of one of the most devastating modern health crises, the 2020 election was simultaneously unusual and pivotal.

In a webinar hosted by the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) on Thursday, Nov. 19, AAPI community leaders came together to unpack the preliminary polling that measured the behaviors and attitudes of the AAPI electorate.

“We experienced record turnout across the country and we, of course, had to vote under COVID-19 so we also had to shift gears, moving in large part to mail-in ballots across the country,” said Manju Kulkarni, executive director of Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), a leading advocate organization that has tracked the anti-Asian sentiments (and politicians’ attitudes thereof) amid COVID-19.

“We understand that like their fellow citizens, [Asian and Pacific Islanders] cast votes in record numbers exceeding the number of

US reaffirms military partnership with PH

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE United States on Wednesday, November 25, reaffirmed its steadfast military partnership with the Philippines during the visit of U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett in Manila.

Barrett was welcomed by Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Cardozo Luna and senior Philippine military officials.

She also met by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Gilbert Gapay

as well as Philippine Air Force Commander, Lt. General Allen Paredes.

She underscored the strong ties between the Philippines and the U.S., noting the importance of the countries’ alliance to national and regional security.

“From joint counterterrorism efforts to humanitarian support, the U.S. and Philippines have a long history of working together to protect global security through regional stability,” Barrett said.

“The U.S. Air and Space Forces look forward to U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett met Philippine National Defense building on our strong relationship with the Phil- Undersecretary Cardozo Luna and senior Philippine military officials on Wednesday, Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila u PAGE A2 November 25.

US tops 12 million virus cases ahead of holiday

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

u PAGE A2 GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE. Quezon City Public Affairs and Information Services Office officials and staff pose for a photo in front of the giant Christmas tree during its lighting ceremony at the city hall premises on Tuesday, November 24. Mayor Joy Belmonte led the ceremony at the Quezon City Hall, simultaneously with the tree lighting at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Katipunan, Welcome Rotonda, and Novaliches.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

THE United States over the weekend surpassed 12 million cases of COVID-19, as public health experts urged Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving.

By Monday, November 23, the country hit 12.5 million infections and 256,830 deaths.

This comes after the U.S. logged more than 195,500 new infections on Friday, November 20, bringing the official tally to 12,085,389, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 255,823.

The number of hospitalizations saw an increase, as well — on Friday, the U.S. recorded over 82,100 COVID-19 patients under treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked Americans to stay at home for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26.

“This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe,” it said.

“Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking mea-

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New COVID-19 restrictions take effect in Nevada PH House approves ‘Eddie Garcia Act’

by AJPRESS

Melissa Futagaki (center) poses with her daughters, ages 8, 6 and 4. “Finding a match will allow my daughters to have a mother,” she said.

Contributed photo

AS Nevada broke another COVID-19 case record this week, new statewide restrictions took effect on Tuesday, November 24.

Governor Steve Sisolak mandated a statewide “pause” for the next three weeks to slow the spread of the virus.

“Our case rate growth is at wildfire levels – even outpacing neighboring states, such as Arizona. All available models indicate that Nevada is in a ‘red zone’ and our health experts anticipate continued case growth based on current trends,” Sisolak said on Sunday, November 22.

Under the order, which took effect at midnight on Tuesday, Nevadans are required to wear masks “at all times” for indoor and outdoor activities, except while inside one’s household or while eating and drinking.

Restaurants, bars, gaming establishments, gyms, fitness studios, arcades/amusement parks, libraries, museums, aquariums, and zoos are among the places that must observe 25% capacity.

No more than four customers can be at a table at a restaurant and reservations are required.

“I know the majority of our bars and restaurants are doing their best, but these set-

Fil-Am mom of 3 seeks bone marrow donor following leukemia diagnosis Trump to nominate retired Fil-Am Army major general as US rep to ASEAN A FILIPINA American mother of three young daughters is seeking a bone marrow donor after being recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Melissa Futagaki, 37, was diagnosed at the beginning of October after a history of grappling with allergy issues and anemia.

After getting lab work done in September, her platelets were out of the normal range, and she began to notice symptoms like her heart racing or a sudden headache when going up the stairs.

She was sent to the emergency room to rule out bleeding in the brain, but then the doctor found consistencies with leukemia, Futagaki recounted.

“That was when I found out and was officially diagnosed a couple of days later while I was in the hospital,” she told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. “My diagnosis came as a surprise — this was not something I expected to experience at this age so this

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by AJPRESS PRESIDENT Donald Trump intends to nominate a Filipino American retired Army major general to serve as the United States’ representative to the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the White House announced on Tuesday, November 24.

Major General Eldon P. Regua, who is Filipino and Mexican American, will be nominated to represent the country to the ASEAN with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

The U.S. Mission to ASEAN, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, works with ASEAN-member countries like the Philippines to advance “U.S. interests in a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Southeast Asia that respects the rule of law, upholds the dignity of its people and actively addresses regional and global

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concerns.” Issues covered include the South China Sea, peace and stability in the region, and trade facilitation.

Regua’s father Phillip immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1929 and became an agricultural laborer.

Regua, a San Jose native, served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for 36 years before his retirement in 2013. He last served as Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff (Wartime) for the United States Eighth Army headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Prior to that he was the Commanding General of the 75th Training Division of the United States Army Reserve in Houston, Texas. He also served as the Chief of Staff, Assistant Division Commander and then Commanding General of the 104th Training Division in Vancouver, Washington, according to his biography sent

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by AJPRESS THE Philippines’ House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 24, approved on the third and final reading the proposed “Eddie Garcia Act,” which seeks to institute workplace safety protocols for television and movie productions.

With 235 affirmative votes, the lower chamber passed House Bill 7762, named after veteran actor Garcia, who died following an accident on the set of a GMA7 television series last year.

Under the bill, the worker or independent contractor and the employer are required to execute an agreement or an employment contract in a language or dialect understood by both parties before the commencement of service.

The contract should include

Eddie Garcia

the job position and status; job description; period of employment; details of compensation and other benefits; authorized deductions, if any; hours of work and proportionate additional payment for overtime hours; board, lodging, and medical attention; code of conduct; grievance mechanism for the employee; employer’s policies; and any other lawful condition agreed upon by both parties.

The bill also limits work hours to eight hours per day, which can be extended to a maximum of 12 hours, served intermittently or continuously, exclusive of meal periods. Work rendered beyond 8 hours would be subject to overtime pay and other benefits provided under existing laws.

For wages, the bill requires that the worker’s or the inde-

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ABS-CBN Photo

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november 26-december 2, 2020 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

From The FronT Page

US reaffirms military...

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ippine military through greater interoperability and training opportunities with the Philippine Air Force, as well as exploring where our nations can cooperate in the space domain,” she added.

During her visit, she discussed opportunities for greater bilateral security cooperation as well as highlighted U.S.’ assistance

to the Philippines’ COVID-19 response and disaster relief efforts.

Luna, for his part, welcomed Barrett’s visit.

“We look forward to working with our U.S. counterparts in pursuit of our common goals and interests,” he said.

Barrett’s visit follows U.S. national security adviser Robert O’Brien’s trip to Manila wherein

he led the ceremonial turnover of $18 million worth of precision guided munitions and other weapons system for use by the military to counter terrorism.

O’Brien on Monday reiterated that the U.S. will continue to support the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea. “Our message is we’re going to be here, we’ve got your back, and we’re not leaving,” he said. n

Leaders, researchers discuss outreach...

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votes in 2016 and 2018,” Kulkarni added.

In the research area of ethnic voting blocs in the United States, AAPI visibility is scant. Mainstream media regularly disaggregates voter groups by race, but too often the AAPI community is either unrecognized — often labeled as “other races” — or ignored entirely.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (not counting the latest census count), the AAPI community represents 6% of the overall U.S. population, and according to longstanding projections, that will double by the year 2040.

When it comes to the attitudes of AAPI voters this past election cycle, President Donald Trump played a huge role in the increased turnout, according to exit polls. In addition to the vocal minority of Trump-supporting AAPI voters, on the Democratic side, voters led with anti-Trump motivations.

In other words, a majority of people were motivated to vote for Democratic candidate Joe Biden, not because they support his specific promises and policies, but because they were more inclined to get Trump out of office, according to Karthick Ramakrishnan, public policy and political science professor at UC Riverside and founder of the research organization AAPI Data.

“I think it will be interesting to see what kind of governance implications that will [bring] because there’s a lot of diversity in terms of what the kinds of agendas and what should be the priority in the first hundred days [of Biden’s presidency],” Ramakrishnan said, emphasiz-

ing that the current data does not present the clearest picture, but more survey results should be available in early 2021.

The presidential race was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the overall ballot, especially in California where several contentious races and ballot measures were decided upon by voters.

The highly contentious Prop 16, which would have overturned a 1996 ban on affirmative action, did not pass, and people like Ramakrishnan attributed that to confusing language on the ballot itself and the fact that the legislature submitted the proposal later than usual.

AAPI leaders in California, by and large, asserted that Prop 16 would benefit the community in terms of hiring, college admissions and the granting of government contracts to small business owners, but the overall messaging of the ballot measure — as well as the contrast between both the Yes on 16 and the No on 16 campaigns — led to its defeat.

“We don’t have exit data on Prop 16, but my guess is it probably would not pass in the Asian American community, given the high level of uncertainty,” Ramakrishnan added. “Voters, when they don’t fully understand propositions are more likely to vote no than yes.”

When it comes to gathering data that could help explain why AAPIs vote the way they do, the execution of the many surveys and polls often leaves out the nuances of this community that comprises hundreds of different cultures within each community.

This blind spot among many national pollsters and organiza-

tions that conduct voter surveys (like the Associated Press and NPR ones, for example) highlights the importance of disaggregated data.

But AAPI community organizations over the last several years have been working to fill that void by intensively getting to know the ins and outs of every community. Lian Cheun, executive director of Khmer Girls in Action, noted that within the Cambodian American community, civic engagement is often hindered by trauma.

It’s an uphill trek to civically engage the larger AAPI community, but as Cheun notes, the solutions lie in mobilizing younger voters to hopefully bridge the generational gap and educate older, immigrant community members.

But incremental change, as Cheun stresses, should begin at the neighborhood level where solutions could involve interactive cultural events (like a Halloween “scare-fest” that the KGA hosted in October that showed “what would happen if you don’t turn out to vote”) that can energize members of the fastest-growing voting bloc in the country.

“We need to be able to show up and say that our story matters and the solutions that we propose matter, and all that effort is really important, and I think we’re beginning to see some of that shift,” Cheun said. “The election [helped] us shift the terrain in how we organize and advocate. It’s important because it means that we have an opportunity to deepen what democracy can be and we could build power in a different landscape.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

MOBILE MARKET. Various fruits and vegetables are loaded on an owner-type jeep parked at Liwayway Subdivision, Barangay Anabu 1-C in Imus, Cavite on Wednesday, November 25. Ambulant vending has become popular in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

New COVID-19 restrictions take effect...

PAGE A1 tings are proven to be high risk because they allow the opportunity for people to remove their face coverings in indoor settings around people outside of their household. That’s how the virus spreads,” Sisolak said.

Private social gatherings will be capped at 50 individuals or 25% capacity, whichever is less.

Further, private gatherings must be limited to 10 people or fewer from no more than two households.

Retail stores will continue to observe 50% capacity and are encourage to conduct temperature screenings before entry.

Meanwhile, offices, indoor malls, cannabis establishments and hair and nail salons will not see any changes.

As of this writing, the Silver State has 142,239 cases and 2,071 total deaths. In Clark County alone, 109,827 infections and 1,719 fatalities have been reported to date, according to the Nevada Health Response.

On Monday, the state hit 2,853 positive tests, breaking its daily COVID-19 case record from Nov. 18 at 2,416. The 14-day average is at 1,635.

The test positivity rate over the last 14 days remains at 16.5% “I don’t want to impose further restrictions, but we are too close to the real solution, the vaccines, to give up now. I implore you to tap into Nevada’s independent spirit in this moment and consider your own personal responsibility,” Sisolak said. n

Trump to nominate retired Fil-Am Army...

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by the White House.

As of 2010, Regua was the senior most active, or reserve, nonretired flag or general officer of Filipino American ethnicity, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

He is the recipient of numerous awards for his military service, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Currently, the retired Army general is the vice president of NextStep Technology, Inc. in Springfield, Virginia.

“Train your soldiers and love your families,” Regua said during his retirement ceremony in March 2013, as reported by the Eighth Army Public Affairs. “Take your job seriously but don’t take yourself seriously. Training is everything, and everything is training — continue to train hard, Eighth Army, and I know you will.” n Major General Eldon P. Regua of the U.S. Army (retired)

Fil-Am mom of 3 seeks bone marrow donor...

PAGE A1 can happen any at any time and can affect anyone or any of your family members.”

Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, preventing the marrow from making normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

A bone marrow transplant is a top way to treat the disease, especially for older patients.

Two of Futagaki’s half-siblings have been tested and were not matches for a transplant, so now doctors are turning to a national donor list.

“We learned how the donor list really lacks Asian representation, And me being Filipino, it’s only 0.5% of Filipinos on the list. Going through this and the lack of representation makes it difficult for us to find a match,” Futagaki, who has completed her first round of chemotherapy,

said.

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

Organizations like the Asian American Donor Program (AADP) and Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M) encourage the broader Asian American community to join the Be the Match registry through recruitment events and raising awareness.

Filipinos have a 46% chance of finding a donor, the AADP previously told the Asian Journal.

Though the pandemic has hampered in-person recruitment, individuals can join the registry and receive a home swab kit. Requirements include being between 18-44 years old and meeting general health standards.

They will have to swab the inside of their cheek and mail the kit back, and will be contacted if they are a match for Futagaki or other Filipino/Asian Americans in need of a donor.

The Bay Area stay-at-home mother hopes that more Filipino Americans join the registry and that a match is found so she can see her daughters — ages 8, 6, and 4 — grow up.

“Finding a match will allow my daughters to have a mother.

They are all I think about while going through this process and I just want the opportunity to be a part of their future,” Futagaki said. “There’s nothing I want more than to have many more years and memories with my family. That one person out there could give me that chance, which is why I’m asking for everyone to register and potentially save a life.” (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

Melissa Futagaki (right) shares a family photo with her husband, and their three young daughters. Futagaki, 37, is in search of a bone marrow donor of Filipino descent.

Contributed photo

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Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 26-dEcEmbER 2, 2020

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Fear of flying is a COVID-era conundrum US donates $18-M worth of weapons

by Victoria

Knight Kaiser Health News

THE holidays are approaching just as COVID-19 case rates nationwide are increasing at a record-breaking pace, leading to dire warnings from public health experts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued cautions and updated guidelines related to family gatherings. Dr. Anthony Fauci, a White House coronavirus adviser and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in interviews that his kids won’t be coming home for Thanksgiving because of coronavirus risks.

“Relatives getting on a plane, being exposed in an airport,” he told CBS News. “And then walking in the door and saying ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ — that you have to be concerned about.”

Are Americans listening?

Maybe not. Especially as airlines, reeling from major revenue blows since the pandemic took hold in March, tell passengers they can travel with peace of mind and sweeten the deal with special holiday fares.

The airlines argue more is now known about the virus and recent industry-sponsored studies show flying is just as safe as regular daily activities. They also tout policies such as mask mandates and enhanced cleaning to protect travelers from the coronavirus.

Time for a reality check.

Americans who do choose to fly will be subject to evolving COVID safety policies that vary by airline, a result of the continuing lack of a unified federal strategy. Under the Trump administration, government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have failed to issue and enforce any national directives for air travel.

And, though President-elect Joe Biden has signaled he will take a more robust federal approach to addressing COVID-19, which may result in such actions, the Trump administration remains in charge during the upcoming holiday season.

Here’s what you need to know before you book.

Airlines say it’s safe to fly during the pandemic. Is it?

The airline industry pins its safety clearance to a study funded by its leading trade group, Airlines for America, and conducted

by Harvard University researchers, as well as one headed by the Department of Defense, with assistance from United Airlines.

Both reports modeled disease transmission on a plane, assuming all individuals were masked and the airplane’s highly effective air filtration systems were working. The Harvard report concluded the risk of in-flight COVID-19 transmission was “below that of other routine activities during the pandemic, such as grocery shopping or eating out,” while the DOD study concluded an individual would need to, hypothetically, sit for 54 straight hours on an airplane to catch COVID-19 from another passenger.

But these studies’ assumptions have limitations.

Despite airlines’ ramped-up enforcement of mask-wearing, reports of noncompliance among passengers continue. Most airlines say passengers who outright refuse to wear masks will not only be refused boarding, but will also be putting their future travel privileges at risk. Recent press reports indicate Delta has placed hundreds of these passengers on a no-fly list. Some passengers may still try to skirt around the rule by removing their mask to eat or drink for an extended time on the flight, and flight attendants may or may not feel they can stop them.

And though public health experts agree that airplanes do have highly effective filtration systems spaced throughout the cabin that filter and circulate the air every couple of minutes, if someone who unknowingly has COVID-19 takes off their mask to eat or drink, there is still time for viral particles to reach others seated nearby before they get sucked up by the filter.

Public health experts said comparing time on an airplane with time at the grocery store is apples and oranges.

Even if you wear a mask in both places, said Dr. Henry Wu, director of Emory TravelWell Center and associate professor of infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine, the duration of contact in both locales can be very different.

“If it’s a long flight and you are in that situation for several hours, then you are accumulating exposure over time. So a one-hour flight is 1/10 the risk of a 10-hour flight,” said Wu. “Whereas most people don’t spend more than an

hour in the grocery store.”

Also, both studies analyzed only one aspect of a travel itinerary — risk on board the aircraft.

Neither considered the related risks involved in air travel, such as getting to the airport or waiting in security lines. And public health experts say those activities pose opportunities for COVID exposure.

“Between when you arrive in the airport and you get into a plane seat, there is a lot of interaction that happens,” said Lisa Lee, a former CDC official and associate vice president for research and innovation at Virginia Tech.

And while Wu said he agrees that an airplane cabin is likely safer than other environments, with high rates of COVID-19 in communities across the U.S., “there is no doubt people are flying when they’re sick, whether they know it or not.”

Another data point touted by the airline industry has been that out of the estimated 1.2 billion people who have flown so far in 2020, only 44 cases of COVID19 have been associated with air travel, according to data from the International Air Transport Association, a worldwide trade group.

But this number reflects only case reports published in the academic literature and isn’t likely capturing the true picture of how many COVID cases are associated with flights, experts said.

“It’s very difficult to prove, if you get sick after a trip, where exactly you got exposed,” said Wu. The low count could also stem from systemic contact-tracing inconsistencies after a person with COVID-19 has traveled on a flight. In a recent case, a woman infected with the coronavirus died during a flight and fellow passengers weren’t notified of their exposure.

That may be due to the decentralized public health system the U.S. has in place, said Lee, the former CDC official, since contact tracing is done through state and local health departments.

The CDC will step in to help with contact tracing only if there is interstate travel, which is likely during a flight — but, during the pandemic, the agency has “been less consistently effective than in the past,” said Lee. “Let’s say there is a case of COVID on a flight. The question PAGE A5

system to PH to fight terrorism

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

MANILA — The United States on Monday, November 23 gave the Philippines $18 million worth of weapon systems, which Manila’s top diplomat said would be used against Islamist militants in Mindanao.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. received the precision guided munitions or smart bombs from U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien at a ceremonial turnover at the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Manila.

“I am pleased to receive, on behalf of the Philippine government, the donation by the U.S. government of precision guided munitions or PGMs, valued at approximately $18 million (USD),” Locsin said in his remarks.

“We look forward to training for the use of these weapons with the best and undisputed military power in the world,” he added.

Locsin said the donation was a “fulfillment of a promise” made by U.S. President Donald Trump to President Rodrigo Duterte during a phone call in April.

The donation package included: 24 MK-82 bombs; 1 MK-82 crate/ packaging; 100 tube launched optically guided wireless tow missiles 2A Bunker Busters; 12 Improved target acquisition system and support equipment.

A separate U.S. military plane delivered the weapons, said O’Brien.

“This transfer underscores our strong and enduring commitment to a critical alliance.

We hope our precision guided missiles and munitions will help the AFP protect Philippine lives in Mindanao and in the needless suffering imposed

by ISIS-East Asia,” he said.

O’Brien is in Manila as part of a Southeast Asia tour that also included Vietnam. He is expected to discuss issues that concern both the Philippines and the U.S., including the South China Sea. “Our nations share a deep interest in upholding the rule of law and the rules-based international order,” he said.

“We welcome the recent statements by President Duterte and the Secretary (Locsin) at the ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit to which I participated, calling for all na-

tions, including a certain large nation in the neighborhood to respect international law in the South China Sea,” the U.S. official said.

O’Brien, echoing U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s earlier statements, reaffirmed that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty applies to any armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea. He also conveyed the message that the U.S. welcomed Duterte’s decision to extend the Visiting Forces Agreement.

“We look forward to the VFA continuing to facilitate closer cooperation in combating terrorism,” O’Brien said, thanking Locsin for his “strong involvement” in the process.

Duterte scrapped the VFA in early 2020 after the U.S. canceled the visa of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, his former police chief. The VFA would have ended last August following Duterte’s decision but the President last June decided to suspend enforcement of his decision until end of 2020.

This meant the VFA would remain in effect until early 2021. n

PH House approves ‘Eddie Garcia...

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pendent contractor’s minimum wage would not be less than the applicable minimum wage in the region.

Employees are required to be covered by the Social Security System, the Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation upon employment.

Meanwhile, employers or principals are required to strictly comply with the occupational safety and health standards set by law. They must also conduct a risk assessment of the workplace or location of production to identify and eliminate or control any potential hazard to the film, televi-

sion, and radio entertainment workers or independent contractors.

Garcia on June 8, 2019 tripped on cable wires while taping a scene for a GMA-7 television series in Tondo, Manila. He remained in a coma for nearly two weeks before he died on June 20 at the age of 90. n

US tops 12 million virus cases ahead of...

PAGE A1 sures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread,” it added.

Meanwhile, several U.S. governors wrote an opinion piece for the Washington Post, saying Americans need to work together to fight COVID-19.

“Right now, cases and hospitalizations are skyrocketing in the Midwest and across the country. As the weather gets

colder and more people head inside, it will get worse,” they wrote.

“It is more important than ever that we double down on mask-wearing and physical distancing to help more people get through the winter and protect those on the front lines of this crisis,” they added.

The governors of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky

likewise urged Americans to stay at home for Thanksgiving.

“If you are planning to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, we urge you to reconsider,” they said.

New COVID-19 measures have been put in place to combat the surging infections.

These include home quarantine, wearing of face masks, and statewide curfews. n

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NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2020 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Vaccine for all

FEATURES

FROM the start of this pandemic, the global call has been to heal as one. The virulence shown by COVID-19 has meant that as long as there is one hotspot left on the planet, there is the risk that the coronavirus can spread again, bringing death and debilitation and wrecking livelihoods.

Healing as one is being emphasized as top pharmaceutical and bioresearch companies begin rolling out COVID vaccines that are touted to be up to 95 percent effective. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a business; developing a single drug could cost up to $1 billion, from inception to clinical trials to the securing of regulatory approval and international patents. Pharmaceutical firms need a healthy return on investment to keep churning out their products.

So it’s understandable that the companies now preparing to release their vaccines for mass application under emergency authorization would accept advance orders for their products. And it makes good business sense to give priority to those who have made advance payments.

But the pharmaceutical industry is also infused with public interest, and it can be more than a business. This is true especially when there is a global public health emergency. And this is true particularly

in an emergency that happens only once in a century.

Thanks to rapid advances in science and technology, several pharmaceutical and research companies appear to have succeeded in producing vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 in record time. Some viral diseases have defied science; there are still no vaccines for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Now the world is anticipating the mass rollout of COVID vaccines within months.

COVID vaccination, however, will have the best impact only if there is equitable global access, with priority given not based on country but based on the level of vulnerability to infection. Obviously, frontliners will get priority. The hierarchy of priorities in vaccination may have to be standardized worldwide. table access to COVID vaccines. A similar call was Last week President Duterte urged the Asia-Pa- made by the Group of 20 – composed of governcific Economic Cooperation forum to ensure equi- ments and central bank governors of 19 countries

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THANKSGIVING Day is a very important day for us Americans as we come together with our families by sharing a special meal, and offering our prayers and gratitude for all the blessings bestowed upon us and our beloved nation.

This national holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the Pilgrims from England arrived in Massachusetts, in search of freedom, safety from persecution and the dream to give their family a better life in this newfound land of promise and opportunities that was to become the United States of America.

They had a rough and bitter first winter, and the History Channel reported that most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease, which killed about half of them.

These colonists (pilgrims) were saved by the goodness of the hearts of the Native Americans who welcomed them, fed them, taught them how to plant crops. The next autumn’s bountiful harvest inspired the Pilgrims

GREG B. MACABENTA ADOLF Hitler and his propaganda chief, Joseph Goebbels, are said to have developed the axiom that a lie, repeated often enough, will be taken for the truth.

In the recent U.S. presidential election, we have seen how effective this axiom has been, even among ostensibly intelligent people.

The most vicious practitioner of this Nazi principle has been outgoing President Donald Trump.

Even before Trump entered politics, he already publicly espoused “distorting the truth” as an effective means of achieving his ends.

In his book, “The Art of the Deal,” Trump stated: “I play to people’s fantasies.

People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those who do.

That’s why a little hyperbole never hurts. People want to believe that something is the biggest and the greatest and the most spectacular. I call it truthful hyperbole.

It’s an innocent form of exaggeration—and a very effective form of promotion.”

Trump has, in fact, used more

and the European Union. As COVID vaccines begin to be administered, the calls deserve to be heeded.

(Philstar.com)

May Thanksgiving Day give us the light and the courage to fight for those we are grateful for: Our lives, faith, democracy and unity

to give thanks by holding a feast with the Native Americans. This tradition has been passed from generation to generation as the Pilgrims got settled and started their new life in America.

The History Channel wrote that during the American Revolution, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving a year, and in 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States; in it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the happy conclusion to the country’s war of independence and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His successors John Adams and James Madison also designated days of thanks during their presidencies.

But how did it become a national holiday of celebration?

According to the History Channel, a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale — the noted magazine editor, prolific writer and author, among countless other things, of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” — launched a campaign in 1827 to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. For 36 years,

she published numerous editorials and sent scores of letters to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians, earning her the nickname the “Mother of Thanksgiving.”

“Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request in 1863, at the height of the Civil War, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.” He scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November, and it was celebrated on that day every year until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s plan, known derisively as Franksgiving, was met with passionate opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.”

The significance of this day and the reason why this has been celebrated since the time of the Pilgrims/colonists from Europe is something we, Filipinos in

The truth, told consistently enough Street Talk

Philstar.com photo

than “truthful hyperbole” in his personal, business and political life. As president, he has liberally told outright lies and has also made falsehood SOP among White House staff and members of his cabinet.

As a habitual liar, Trump is arguably unmatched by even Hitler and Goebbels themselves.

He is said to have told over 20,000 lies and exaggerations during his presidency (literally tracked and recorded by media).

Most tragic of all, he lied about the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus, causing the country and health authorities to let down their guard and not adequately prepare for its deadly consequences.

Throughout the 2020 election campaign, Trump spread lies and black propaganda in a scorchedearth effort to win a second term.

He branded Biden a socialist, an enemy of the police, a coddler of illegal immigrants and of terrorists, and a senile old man, unfit for the highest office in the land.

He also accused the Democrats and the Biden-Harris tandem of plotting to steal the election. None of these allegations was supported with credible evidence.

Ever the consummate trickster, Trump apparently prepared for all eventualities in connection with his reelection campaign — even the possibility of defeat. Early on, Trump made the preposterous assertion that the only way he

could lose was if the Democrats cheated. He was obviously conditioning the country to believe allegations of electoral fraud.

Trump singled out the use of mail-in ballots as the means for perpetrating the fraud. Voting by mail had been used in past elections without any problem.

Even Trump himself and First Lady Melania Trump had reportedly decided to vote by mail. The recourse to widespread deployment of mail-in ballots was due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump claimed that voting by mail was open to votes cast by non-citizens, “multiple voting” by those who would receive more than one ballot, and even voting by the dead.

“Voting from the grave” is a scam that voters in the Philippines are familiar with. In 1949 President Elpidio Quirino (who had assumed the presidency upon the death of President Manuel Roxas) was accused of winning against Jose P. Laurel with votes “cast” in Lanao by dead people, as well as trees and flowers.

Trump then set out to implement the Hitler-Goebbels technique of deluding America, particularly his voter base, by spreading the lie in media interviews and speeches and repeating it often enough until it was taken for the truth. The lie gained more traction, with the active support of pro-Trump media like

America, can identify with. In fact, this is a shared sentiment of all of us American citizens because we have all been pilgrims from our own respective countries who uprooted ourselves from our own Motherland to give our family a better life. We are all immigrants who took the leap of faith in the promise of America.

While the continued threat of the coronavirus may change the way we celebrate this day, the somber feel of this year’s holiday season invites us to be introspective about those values that matter most in our — our health and safety, our family, our peace and unity, our democracy, and the promise of America helping us realize our American dream.

We have had it easier compared to the Pilgrims and those in many generations after who fought in wars and paid the ultimate sacrifice just to defend us, protect our lives, our democracy, the light of the promise of America so each of us may fulfill our American dream.

But it is important for us to realize that each generation of Americans has its own challenges, and therefore, its own

unique opportunity to fulfill our responsibility to help keep the promise of America and make it a more perfect Union.

Our generation is now being called to rise up to the challenges of our time and do everything we can within our power to soldier on in our war against the coronavirus: wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid crowds, and abide by all public safety measures to protect our people and save our lives.

Our generation is now being called to rise up and soldier on and fight for our democracy, our democratic institutions and processes, armed with our faith in God and in each other’s goodness, with our commitment to the truth and our solemn creed to abide by the Constitution.

We are in a defining moment of our lives as Americans. We have all been blessed in our adoptive country that is the United States of America. To whom much is given, much is required. In gratitude, let us strive to go far and beyond the tradition of giving thanks and feasting with our family.

Let us heed the call for our generation to save our lives in the war against COVID-19, and

to call out and have the enemies from without and within be made accountable to protect and save our cherished democracy.

This is our way to help make the United States of America a more perfect Union that we can proudly and faithfully pass on to the next generations.

Together, we pray like Lincoln and ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.”

Have a happy and purposeful Thanksgiving Day! ***

Fox News.

Ironically, Trump’s campaign of disinformation served to motivate Biden’s supporters to register to vote in record numbers, resulting in the biggest turn-out of voters in U.S. election history.

Trump’s efforts may also have spurred his voter base to troop to the polls in record numbers, instead of voting by mail.

Unluckily for Trump, Biden garnered over 5 million more votes, and, more importantly, Biden won in battleground states, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan and even traditionally Republican bailiwicks, Arizona and Georgia.

Not surprisingly, Trump has claimed that he was cheated.

What is also not surprising is that most of Trump’s voters believe him. Up to 70% of Republicans are convinced that Trump actually won. Even among Democrats and Independents, 5% and 31%, respectively, agree.

A week after the election, Trump supporters massed by the thousands in Washington DC to protest the “cheating.” These supporters have vowed to continue their protests.

During the waning weeks of his incumbency, Trump and his aides have filed several lawsuits in a desperate effort to block the assumption of the presidency

by Joe Biden. However, they have failed to present credible evidence and all but two of their court filings have been dismissed by the courts.

Several of Trump’s lawyers have withdrawn their complaints, and have also given up representing Trump. Apparently, for this reason, Trump has had to ask his personal attorney, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to lead the team pursuing the complaints.

Giuliani has resorted to weaving fantastic conspiracy theories about cheating by Democrats, among them a plot allegedly hatched in Venezuela.

Giuliani has kept promising to produce tons of evidence but in all of his court appearances, he has failed to produce anything. In fact, in a recent appearance before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Giuliani stated that he was “not alleging fraud” but was protesting the fact that Trump’s poll watchers were kept at a distance.

The complaint was found without merit.

In one instance, Giuliani reportedly revealed that losing in the state courts is not as important as setting the stage for elevating the complaints to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Apparently, Trump is hoping that his appointees in the High Court will rule in his favor. Legal experts do not believe this will happen. However, Trump is desperate enough to try anything.

Meanwhile, state election officials, including Republicans, have attested that the election was fair, While there were fears of possible electoral tampering by Russian operatives, Christopher Krebs,

the Trump-appointed Director for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (CISA) reported that the election was the most secure in recent history.

For telling the truth, Krebs was fired by Trump.

The U.S. now faces the grim reality of being a divided country, mainly because of a master liar.

It is feared that millions of Trump supporters will continue to believe that their candidate should have won a second term and will continue to make things difficult for the Biden-Harris administration.

Actually, the shoe may be on the other foot.

Trump has not forgotten that in the four years of his presidency, the Democrats never let up on questioning his legitimacy. Now he plans to have his revenge.

The question is: how can President Biden and Vice-President Harries counter the lies that will be told about them - over and over and over again until these are taken for the truth?

By delivering on their campaign promises.

Most of all, by constantly and consistently telling the truth.

Over and over again. Until they are believed. ***

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.

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. *** E-mail: gregmacabenta@hotmal.com

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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PNP proposes online dawn masses

by Neil JaysoN

servallos Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday said the traditional “Simbang Gabi” or dawn masses should be “controlled” and follow strictly the limited number of attendees.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said, if possible, Churches should hold masses online for those who cannot attend physical masses due to the 30 percent capacity imposed on religious gatherings.

“Dawn masses should be controlled. If the authorized (number of attendees) is 30 percent, then that should be followed,” Sinas

told reporters.

Sinas said Christmas parties and street caroling are prohibited.

Last month, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed churches, mosques and other places of worship to increase seating capacity to 30 percent in areas under general community quarantine.

Sinas sheds more weight Meanwhile, Sinas said he was able to lose 41 pounds since practicing a healthier lifestyle even before assuming the PNP post.

“Before I became PNP chief, I

lost 35 pounds. Now, I have lost an additional six pounds. This will be continuous,” he said.

Sinas said he previously weighed about 305 pounds.

“My ideal weight is 210 pounds. But that will mean I’m going to be very skinny. People may speculate that I’m using illegal drugs,” he said.

Netizens have questioned Sinas’ capability to lead the PNP’s fitness program.

Sinas earlier said he would revive the weight loss program for police officers, which was sidetracked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. n FOR DOFW CREATION. Members of the Overseas Filipino Workers Veterans Association call on lawmakers to pass the bill seeking the creation of the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers (DOFW) during the rally outside the Senate premises in Pasay City on Wednesday, November 25. The group believes that the DOFW would further boost the welfare and security of OFWs. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Dengvaxia raps filed vs Duque, Garin Tenth of Filipino households don’t by evelyN

MacairaN Philstar.com

MANILA — The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) yesterday filed cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the Dengvaxia vaccine that allegedly resulted in

the deaths of 99 people.

Among the respondents are Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former DOH chief and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said it’s still too early to

Fear of flying is a COVID-era conundrum PAGE A3 is, who is supposed to deal with that? The state that [the flight] started in? That it ended in? The CDC? It’s not clear,” said Lee. Is now the time to fly?

Most airlines have implemented safety measures beyond requiring masks, such as asking passengers to fill out health questionnaires, enhancing cleaning on planes, reducing interactions between crew members and passengers, and installing plexiglass stations and touchless check-in at service desks.

But many have also stepped back from other efforts, such as pledging to block middle seats.

United relaxed its social distancing policy for allowing empty middle seats between customers at the end of May, though there were complaints from customers before then about flights being full. American Airlines stopped blocking middle seats in July.

Other airlines plan to fill seats after the Thanksgiving holiday, with Southwest stopping the practice of blocking middle seats starting

Dec. 1, and JetBlue planning to increase capacity to 85% on Dec. 2.

In January, Alaska Airlines plans to stop blocking middle seats and JetBlue will fly at full capacity.

Delta announced this week that it will continue to block the middle seat until March 30.

This policy change is a result of airlines’ lack of cash on hand, said Robert Mann, an aviation analyst. It also reflects a rising demand from consumers who feel increasingly comfortable traveling again, especially as holiday gatherings beckon.

“It was easy to keep middle seats empty when there wasn’t much demand,” said Mann.

Now, they’re instead hoping that new COVID-era services will calm passengers’ fears.

American, United, Alaskan and Hawaiian, among others, offer some form of preflight COVID test for customers traveling to Hawaii or specific foreign destinations that also require a negative test or quarantine upon arrival. JetBlue recently partnered with a company to offer at-home

have own toilets, new survey finds

tell if the complaint filed against Duque would be dismissed.

“If the DOJ finds the new complaint sufficient in form and MANILA — Some 90% of substance, it will conduct a preliminary investigation and issue households in the Philippines subpoenas to the respondents,” had access to a toilet by the end of 2019—leaving over 10% withGuevarra said. n out access to a private toilet, new survey results suggest.

According to results of the Social Weather Stations’ Fourth Quarter 2019 Social Weather SurCOVID tests that give rapid re- vey conducted in December 2019 sults for those traveling to Aru- but published on Monday, while ba. majority of households have acAirlines are likely to expand cess to a functional toilet, 6% of their preflight COVID testing these only have access to toilets options in the next couple of shared with other households, months. “This is the new dimen- while 4% had no toilet access sion of airline competition,” said altogether.

Mann.

However, the health deBut is it a new dimension of partment’s own figures say travel safety? that around 50.3 million Filipinos Emory’s Wu said there is cer- equalling about 10 million famitainly a risk of catching the coro- lies do not have access to “safely navirus if you travel by plane, and managed sanitation services.” travelers should have a higher Of which, some 24 million use threshold in making the decision limited or unimproved toilets or to travel home for the holidays none at all. than they would in years past.

“This past week was celebratAfter all, COVID case rates are ed World Toilet Day. This focus is surging nationwide. important because it calls for ac“I think the less folks crowding tion to tackle the global sanitation the airports, the less movement crisis and achieve Sustainable in general around the country, Development Goal 6: Water and will help us control the epidem- sanitation for all by 2030,” SWS ic,” said Wu. “We are worried also wrote in its special report. things will get worse with the The survey conducted face-tocolder weather.” face interviews with 1,200 adult This story was produced Filipinos. Its sampling error marby Kaiser Health News, an edi- gins stood at ±3% for national torially independent program of percentages, and ±6% each for the Kaiser Family Foundation. n Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Vi-

sayas, and Mindanao.

It also found that “across basic demographics, pour-flush or ‘de buhos’ is the most common type of toilet owned by households, followed distantly by flush toilets and others.”

“While most households across socio-economic class have pourflush toilets (ranging from 67% to 85%), flush toilets are more

common among the upper classes,” the report reads.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Health in an earlier memorandum advised the public to install exhaust fans in comfort rooms and close toilet seat lids while flushing to “minimize the release of droplets into air flows after flushing.” (Franco Luna/Philstar.com)

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November 26, 2020

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Features

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Fil-Am artists receive nominations for 2021 Grammys by

Ritchel Mediola/aJPRess

SEVERAL musical artists of Filipino descent are among the nominees for the 63rd annual Grammy Awards R&B star H.E.R. — who is Filipina and Black — will be up for three Grammys, including Song of the Year for “I Can’t Breathe,” going up against several pop stars like Taylor Swift (“Cardigan”), Dua Lipa (“Don’t Start Now”), and Billie Eilish (“Everything I Wanted).

H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Wilson, is also up for Best R&B song for “Better Than I Imagine” (with Robert Glasper and Meshell Ndegeocello) and “Slow Down” (with Nasri Atweh, Badriia Bourelly, Skip Marley, Ryan Williamson).

Brian Keith Warfield Photo from Instagram/@bobbycoleslaw

Christine Allado Photo from Instagram/@christineallado

Conrad Ricamora

R&B artist H.E.R Photo from Instagram/@hermusicofficial

Robert and Kristen Lopez

Toro Y Moi is nominated with Flume for Best Dance Recording.

Photo from Instagram/@toroymoi

The acclaimed performer took to Instagram to react to the news, writing: “WOWWWWW. SO GRATEFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shout out to the teams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Music is amazing. 13 nominations in 3 years!!!!!!!!!!! Unreal.

Thank you for listening to the music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

She was previously nominated for 10 Grammys over the past two years and in 2019, won Best R&B Performance for “Best Part” with Daniel Caesar and Best R&B Album for her first album, “H.E.R.” Jhené Aiko’s “Chilombo” received nominations for Album of the Year and Best Progressive R&B Album, and Best R&B Performance for the song “Lightning & Thunder” (featuring John Legend.

R&B producer Brian Keith Warfield, who is Filipino and Black, was among those who worked on the album.

“3 Grammy nominations and one of them being ALBUM OF THE YEAR! Wow, shout out to the whole team! We worked so hard on this album so I’m glad it’s getting the recognition it deserves.

Now if we can just bring this PAGE B4

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EntErtainmEnt

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Judy Ann reacts to ‘Mindanao’ as Nicole Scherzinger joins Fil-Am musical Philippines’ official Oscars 2021 entry director Troy Laureta in cover of ‘Pangako’

by Jan

Milo seveRo Philstar.com

WAR drama “Mindanao” has been chosen as the country’s representative to the International Film Feature category of the 93rd Academy Awards.

The good news was announced

by Film Academy of the Philippines director general Vivian Velez through a Facebook post of the organization on Tuesday, November 24.

“We are pleased to announce the selection of the feature film, ‘Mindanao,’ as the Philippines’ official entry to the 93rd OSCARS International Feature Film category,” Vivian wrote.

“Mindanao won best picture in the most recent Metro Manila Film Festival and featured Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon as the lead actors, directed by Brillante Mendoza,” she added.

The film won the Best Picture category at last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. It was directed

by Brillante Mendoza and stars Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon.

Judy Ann is thankful.for the recognition as she congratulated the crew behind the movie.

“Sooo much to be grateful for.. congratulations team mindanao!

Thank you,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Mindanao” won 11 awards at last year’s MMFF, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Float, as well as Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, and Best Child Performer for Yuna Tangog.

The movie, which was Santos’ first MMFF film in seven years, vies to become the country’s first

by RitChel

Mendiola AJPress

FOR the first time in her musical career, singer Nicole Scherzinger, who is of Filipina, Hawaiian and Ukrainian ancestry, sang and recorded a Tagalog song.

The former Pussycat Dolls lead singer sang the cover of Filipino ballad “Pangako” for Fil-Am musical director Troy Laureta’s new album.

The album, entitled “KAIBIGAN: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective,” is a realization of Laureta’s dream to produce an EP with friends he met in his musical journey, featuring Filipino songs that have made an impact in his life.

“I called on some of my favorite singers from international artists to YouTube stars to homegrown talents and musicians from around the world to come and play Filipino music together — no English translation — using our musical senses and experiences to interpret these songs in its native form,” he said.

“Pangako,” was popularized

by Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Scherzinger took to Instagram to express her excitement over her song collaboration.

“I really hope that this collaboration makes my Filipino fans ‘Mindanao’ was the biggest winner of MMFF 2019 for winning Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Float, among others. Photo courtesy of SM cinemas

ever Oscar-nominated foreign film.

Since 1982, the Philippines has been submitting entries to the Oscars but none has been officially

nominated.

The 93rd Oscars is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on April 25, 2021.

How the idea of ideal motherhood changed for Sylvia

by Ronnie

CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

IT takes more than guts for a mother to admit she’s no perfect parent, and Sylvia Sanchez is not wont to deny she has her share of maternal shortcomings.

Mother to Arjo, Ria, Xavi and Gela by her businessman-husband Art, Sylvia is thankful that this pandemic has made her realize she isn’t a perfect mom after all. “Naisip ko na bilang isang ina, marami pala akong mga pagkukulang,” the 49-year-old (still)Kapamilya actress muses.

Admittedly, her idea of ideal motherhood — at least in her case — then was blocking off her Sundays to spend quality time with her kids, “But it wasn’t enough.”

Sylvia cites her children’s casual chitchats at home which she finds way beyond her understanding, “I see the need to catch up with them, or better yet speak their language. It’s only now that we’re all going through this crisis that I discover a lot of unknown things about them.”

Accustomed to barrio life (she grew up in Nasipit, a third-class municipality in Agusan del Norte in Mindanao), she says that as mother to millennial kids she has to tear down generational as well as cultural barriers.

“I keep telling my children that I may not be the best mother but God knows I’m trying my best to be one. In a way, God has allowed this pandemic to come upon us to make us see through what really matters the most, and that’s family,” Sylvia said.

It will be remembered that Sylvia was among the early celebrities to have been inflicted with the life-threatening coronavirus.

Sylvia Sanchez

It was on March 31 when she and Art tested positive and had to be confined at a hospital.

Thankfully, Sylvia was declared Covid-19-free based on her April 9 test results while Art had to stay a bit longer at the hospital.

Arjo and Ria couldn’t be any less effusive for their mom’s early homecoming for her birthday cum Mother’s Day celebration last May. “I’m 49 now. At 55, I wish to be able to slow down as far as accepting showbiz assignments is concerned as I want to spend more time with my four children.

I want to penetrate their world, be part of it as much as they are.

I can’t reason out, ‘kasi ganito ‘yung henerasyon namin,’ we as parents have to roll with the punches.”

Indeed, who you are as a child

ABS-CBN photo

is reflective of your parent. And whatever Arjo and Ria (their two other siblings included) have become is — thank God — because of their roots.

Meanwhile, Sylvia couldn’t help but relive the horrible images of super typhoon Ondoy in September 2009 as Ulysses recently slammed into many parts of Luzon (including the NCR).

Then six months pregnant with her youngest child Xavi, Sylvia and her family had to go up the roof of their two-storey house in Riverside Subdivision on heavily flooded Ortigas Extension in Pasig City.

The Ondoy tragedy and much later the coronavirus on the couple are what Sylvia considers as surmountable problems that have brought her family even closer together.

John Lloyd finally breaks silence on why he left showbiz ‘indefinitely’

by Jan

Milo seveRo Philstar.com

ON-LEAVE Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz revealed why he left showbiz for an indefinite time.

In an interview with Boy Abunda for Abunda’s Kumu show “The Best Talk” last Saturday, John Lloyd said he needed to step back to clear his head.

“Nakakaubos iyong dine-demand ng ganitong trabaho,” he shared.

“And bilang creator gusto mong makapagbigay lagi ng something worth their time.

And kung ubos ka, medyo mahihirapan kang ma-deliver iyon kasi wala nang bagong laman iyong utak mo — wala ka nang maibibigay na tingin ko is worth their time. Kumbaga nakakahiya na lang din,” he added.

When asked if he’s happy now, John Lloyd said his son Elias is his little savior.

“Wala na yatang mas liligaya pa pagka mayroon kang maliit na anak, na two years old na ang kulit. Wala nang kasing saya. Ang lupet. My little savior,” he said.

Boy and John Lloyd also talked about the actor’s upcoming film

John Lloyd Cruz

with director Lav Diaz, “Servando Magdamag,” an adaptation of an award-winning short story written

by Ricky Lee. “Karahasan, kasamaan —wala ka pa palang nakita, wala ka pa

ABS-CBN photo

palang alam,” he said of the film.

Star Cinema revealed recently that John Lloyd is also set to make a reunion movie with Bea Alonzo under the direction of Cathy Garcia-Molina.

Nicole Scherzinger Photo from Instagram/@nicolescherzinger

Troy Laureta Photo from Instagram/@troylaureta

proud!” she wrote.

“I’ve always wanted to honor my heritage and when my music director and dear friend @ troylaureta came to me with this project it felt like the perfect opportunity!” she added.

Scherzinger also admitted it was her first time singing in Tagalog.

“This was my first time singing in Tagalog...and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I loved singing it from all my heart to yours,” the singer said.

“Pangako means promise and

it’s available now on all streaming platforms,” she added.

Other international talents who participated in the OPM album are American singers Matt Bloyd, Pia Toscano, and Shela; South Korean artist Ailee; Filipino-American talent Cheesa; and Filipino singers Jake Zyrus and Regine Velasquez.

Laureta dedicated his album to his parents.

“November 22 is my mom and dad’s wedding anniversary. I wanted this to be a gift for them,” Laureta said.

Heart named one of Forbes France’s Top 10 luxury influencers ACTRESS and fashion icon Heart Evangelista has been hailed as one of the world’s Top 10 Luxury Influencers by Forbes France.

Evangelista shared the good news via Twitter last Saturday, Nov. 21., as she expressed her gratitude to Forbes France for the recognition.

“Thank you @Forbes France,” she said.

The actress’s tweet came with a screenshot of the Forbes France list that includes a link to her Instagram page (@iamhearte), where she has over 7.1 million followers.

Evangelista, the only Filipina on the list, came in at number 10. The list was topped by Italian entrepre- Heart Evangelista Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte neur, fashion blogger, designer Week to making fashionable face and influencer Chiara Ferragni.

From joining Paris Fashion masks, Evangelista has been

known for her style and fashion taste for the longest time.

Even before the Forbes France recognition, Evangelista has gained renown internationally in the fashion industry. In October 2019, she was hailed as one of the Top 10 Influencers by Fashion Week alongside the likes of Cardi B, Christina Aguilera, Anna Kendrick, Sandara Park and others.

Evangelista was also included in the Vogue 100 list in November last year.

With the ongoing global pandemic, however, Evangelista decided to cancel her plans to attend fashion week events for now. The actress instead has been helping out fellow Filipinos by donating to and supporting fundraisers.

(Inquirer.net)

B november 26-december 2, 2020 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS ARE anti-radiation patches for cellphones effective?

There are oblong patches and similar gadgets being sold as antiradiation shield for cell phones.

The claim that this “earpiece” attached to the cellphone will minimize or abolish radiation exposure is not scientifically proven.

We think this is a useless item that might even give users a false sense of security to use the cellphone longer and without care. The other question that is not resolved either is whether extended use of handheld cellphones can cause tumor of the brain. We suggest getting a hands-free attachment rather than spending money for the “anti-radiation” gimmicks.

Is it safe to drink beverages from the cans?

If the can is clean yes. Canned beverages (soda or beer, etc.) are usually warehoused in areas where they are exposed to possible contamination of the cans. There have been reports of illnesses among persons who drank directly from the can, which was contaminated with feces or droppings of mice or cockroaches. If one washes the can very well before putting it against the mouth, it might be safe, but the best is to wipe clean the area of the lid even before opening it, and either pour the drink into a glass or sip the soda through a straw.

Why do smokers look older?

Studies have shown that those who smoke look, and many even feel, older than those who do not. Smokers’ lung capacity and endurance are definitely less than those who do not smoke. Smokers look older because the health and integrity of their skin (besides the lungs and other organs) are adversely affected by cigarettes and the chemicals in them. Premature ageing among smokers results from increase in a protein

Features

Healthful data

(enzyme MMP-1) that degrades skin collagen and severely reduces the elasticity of the skin. The skin “grows old” and wrinkles sooner, and eye bags develop sooner. Even libido and sexual potency are reduced among smokers, especially among the males. Needless to say, smoking greatly increases the risk for stroke, heart attack and various forms of cancers.

Is Iridology really as good as it is claimed to be?

In these days of advanced medical science and technology, there is nothing superior to modern western medicine. Alternative Eastern and Herbal medicine are being explored and studied now in view of some promising initial observations, but it may take another decade or two for the objective and scientific verdict (relating to their efficacy, safety, standardization and long-term effects) to be available.

Iridology is the “science” (as the “iridologists” call it) of looking into the iris of the eye and making all sorts of diagnosis covering an endless list of diseases, without the usual complete physical examination and laboratory tests.

There is no scientific basis for this claim. It is apparent that this is a money-generating scam to victimize the ignorant, the gullible and the unsuspecting. Many of these practitioners themselves actually sell medications (herbal, etc.) in their offices, one for each diagnosis they make, after only looking at the eyes of their “patients.”

While hypertension or diabetes, for instance, show changes in the eyes, helping the physician make a diagnosis, majority (more than 99.9%) of illnesses cannot be diagnosed by simply looking at the iris.

As always, consumers beware!

Does eating salt increase the risk of cataract?

A new study in Australia has shown that those who consumed the greatest amount of salt or salty foods (high sodium) have twice the risk of developing subcapsular cataracts, the most severe form

of eye lens opacification, compared to those who ate the least amount of salt. The lesser the salt we ingest, the better for all of us, especially among those with hypertension (high blood pressure) and those with congestive heart failure or water retention. With this new finding, it behooves all of us to stay away from salt, MSG, patis, bagoong, toyo, tinapa and other salted fish or meats. The amount of salt in natural foods (fruits, vegetables, fish, etc) is already perfect, but many of us have the bad habit of automatically (instinctively) adding more salt or salty condiments to the food we eat even before tasting it.

Is chocolate good for our heart?

While chocolate, especially the dark kind, has one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) ratings as an antioxidant, even compared to tea or concord grapes, chocolate is not good for our heart because of high caloric, fat and cholesterol content. A small bar (1.55 oz) of dark chocolate has 227 calories. Chocolate as an occasional treat is fine, but there is nothing superior to fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, as daily sources of antioxidants.

How much calories are there in nuts?

These vary, but the following data can serve as a guide: peanut, about 8 calories a piece; cashew, 8.8; chestnut, 20; macademia, 16.6; pistachio, 3.4; almonds, 7; hazelnut, 15; pecan halves, 12.7; walnut halves, 12.9; Brazil nut, 23.8. In moderation, an ounce serving of nuts every now and then is good for us. However, we have to watch the calories they provide, which can pile up fast and negate the good health benefits from them.

Can ampalaya cure diabetes?

No, there is yet no cure for diabetes, which affects about 3 million Filipinos. Pancreatic tissue transplants (with its Islet of Langerhans, insulin secretor, which is dePAGE B5

ABS-CBN fuses iWANT and TFC.tv, launches new streaming service ‘iWantTFC’ for Filipinos worldwide DALY CITY – ABS-CBN has merged its two streaming platforms to provide entertainment, news, and information to Filipinos wherever they are in the world as it launches the bigger and better iWantTFC, the first Filipino subscription-based streaming service available globally. iWantTFC, which is available through the web on iwanttfc. com and on iOS and Android apps, allows users to choose from different subscription options with different levels of access to content and new platform features to suit their needs.

Aside from offering ad-free access to the biggest library of Filipino video content, the new iWantTFC provides first window streaming of fresh teleserye episodes, 48 hours before their premiere on any ABS-CBN platform or channel. iWantTFC users are also able to enjoy new features such as offline viewing of select movies and series and an enhanced viewing experience on bigger screens through select TV brands, as well as Roku and Telstra TV. Registered iWantTFC users can choose from three subscription plans – free, standard, and premium.

Premium subscribers can access to its entire catalogue and

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all platform features ad-free, while Standard subscribers can watch ad-supported content.

For more information about the subscriptions, you may visit iwanttfc.com.

Both premium and standard subscribers get full access to iWantTFC’s full library of over 1,000 movies, live channels namely Kapamilya Channel, TeleRadyo, ANC, CineMo, and Knowledge Channel, ABSCBN’s full inventory of shows, all acquired content, all episodes of 86 iWantTFC originals, and other digital content.

Users can also opt for the free plan, which will grant limited access to an ad-supported catalog of movies, live channels, select episodes of shows, and teleseryes. iWantTFC’s extensive library of regularly updated content contains currently airing ABSCBN shows, Kapamilya classics, movies, newscasts, lifestyle programs, award-winning documentaries, originals, and religious programs.

Users also get to enjoy watching “La Vida Lena,” ABS-CBN’s newest teleserye starring Erich Gonzales that premiered its first episode on iWantTFC last Saturday (November 14). Adding to iWantTFC’s catalog are new and upcoming originals “Bawal Lumabas” with Kim Chiu, Kyle Echarri, and Franchine Diaz,

“Hoy Love You” featuring the love team reunion of Roxanne Guinoo and Joross Gamboa, “I Can Wait Forever” with Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte, “He’s Into Her” with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, and “Ampalaya Chronicles: Me & Mrs. Cruz,” the latest episode in the heartbreak-themed anthology series starring Beauty Gonzalez and Kiko Estrada.

Users will also be able to watch new movies released

by CineXpress straight on the platform such as the Star Cinema movies “My Lockdown Romance,” “Boyette,” and “Four Sisters Before the Wedding.”

Fans can also continue to follow the ongoing season of “The House Arrest of Us” on iWantTFC. To experience the latest version of the new iWantTFC, users need to download the app from Google Play and Apple App Store or visit iwanttfc.com and register for an account.

First-time users can also avail of a 30-day free trial.

Download the new iWantTFC app now from Google Play or App Store or log in to iwanttfc.com. For updates, like http://www.facebook.com/ iWantTFC, and follow @iwanttfc on Twitter and @iwanttfc on Instagram and subscribe to www. youtube.com/iWantTFC. (ABS-CBN Release)

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Through #HereForRMHC social challenge, McDonald’s will give $100 in your name to Ronald McDonald House Charities as part of $100 million commitment Join McDonald’s in rallying support for families with sick or injured children when they need it most CHICAGO — McDonald’s is launching a new social challenge that will have everyone feeling the love this holiday season – especially the families who rely on Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) when their child becomes critically ill or injured.

For more than four decades, RMHC has supported families with sick and injured children by providing vital resources and helping them stay together during treatment. In an average year, RMHC raises millions thanks to generous donors including McDonald’s customers, employees and franchisees. But 2020 was no average year, and donations to the organization are down due to the pandemic.

To rally much-needed support and awareness for RMHC, now through Dec. 31, McDonald’s will give $100 in your name as part of its $100 million commitment over the next five years. To participate, just post a photo or video making the RMHC heart symbol (or another supportive message) to Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or Facebook using #HereForRMHC. Your hands will turn the RMHC mission into a movement, spreading awareness of the critical work this organization does in communities all over the world. To make the RMHC heart symbol: • Build the house by forming a diamond with your hands • Show us the chimney by pointing your pinky up • Put your heart into it by pushing your index fingers down This year, we’ve all learned the importance of being there for each other, and we’ve learned this lesson the hard way: by not being there. We missed moments of celebration and heartache with our loved ones. And we’ve gotten the smallest taste of what families with sick children experience when they need to seek out faraway care and are forced to stay apart. These families need us now more than ever.

Helping McDonald’s spread the word are Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. “Anyone who knows us, knows that the most important thing to us is family.

When you’re able to lean on loved ones, the hard times always get a little easier. We can’t imagine how agonizing it must be when you’re not able to be there with your sick child. We were inspired

by McDonald’s longtime commitment to RMHC, and now we want the world to know how we can all take action to support this amazing charity through the #HereForRMHC challenge,” said Teigen and Legend.

The #HereForRMHC challenge began on Tuesday, November 24 and ends on Dec. 31, 2020. To

Chrissy Tiegen and John Legend

participate, post a photo or video with #HereForRMHC from your public account on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or TikTok, where McDonald’s is hosting an official challenge starting Tuesday.

This is just one way McDonald’s is living its purpose of feeding and fostering communities – a purpose that took on extra resonance in a year when people are leaning on communities more than ever.

“Here at McDonald’s, we believe there’s a difference between being in a community and being part of one. As a company made up of more than 39,000 restaurants around the world, supporting our communities is in our DNA,” said McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski. “I’ve been so inspired by the way RMHC is there for families, day and in and day out, during the most difficult times in their lives – that’s what being part of a community is all about. That’s why we’re so proud to support this wonderful organization now and into the future.”

McDonald’s isn’t stopping at the #HereForRMHC challenge – and you don’t have to either!

Franchisees around the world are doing wonderful work every day to support RMHC – from McHappy Day to Fries for Good to giving customers the opportunity to donate to RMHC all year long via donation boxes, selfordering kiosks and at the point

of sale. Check with participating McDonald’s to see how you can continue to make an impact for RMHC families when you order at McDonald’s restaurants.

For full terms, please visit McD.to/HereForRMHC. McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 39,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through a global network of over 260 Chapters in 65 countries and regions, RMHC enables, facilitates and supports family-centered care through three core programs: The Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC programs help families with ill or injured children stay together and near leading hospitals and health care services worldwide, ensuring they have access to the medical care their child needs while fully supported and actively involved in their child’s care. For more information, visit rmhc.org. Follow RMHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Fil-Am artists receive nominations...

PAGE B2 trophy home!” Warfield wrote in an Instagram post.

Toro y Moi, who is Filipino and Black, got a Grammy nod in the Best Dance Recording category for “The Difference” with Flume.

Filipina-British actress Christine Allado received a nomination for Best Musical Theater Album for “The Prince of Egypt,” which will be up against “Soft Power,” starring Conrad Ricamora, a FilAm actor known for his role on ABC’s “How To Get Away with Murder.”

“Who knows what miracles you can achieve?” So ridiculously thrilled to be #GRAMMY nominated for the @princeofegyptuk album!! Actually pinch me cuz this is craaaazyyy!! Congratulations to all the nominees and huge big love to team POE yes yes yes!!” Allado wrote in an Instagram post.

Fil-Am composer Robert Lopez and his wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who co-wrote “Into The Unknown” for “Frozen 2,” received a nomination for Best Song Written For Visual Media.

Pop queen Beyoncé led the

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pack with a total of nine nominations including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Black Parade.”

Meanwhile, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift received six nominations for their respective albums, “Future Nostalgia” and “Folklore.”

Trevor Noah is set to host the 63rd annual Grammys, which will air on January 31, 2021 on CBS. For the complete list of Grammy nominees in each of the 83 categories, check out www.grammy. com/grammys/news/2021-grammys-complete-nominees-list.

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

Features

Matteo on married life: ‘I super recommend it to everybody’

by Nathalie

tomada Philstar.com

IT’S been nine months since Matteo Guidicelli tied the knot in a surprise wedding, and for the actor-athlete, married life has been a “blessing every day.”

“Sobrang blessing. Maganda yung mga pinagdadaanan namin at sobrang thankful na nakahanap ako ng asawa na katulad ni Sarah (Geronimo),” the 30-year-old said in a recent virtual roundtable for Sun Life Philippines.

Told that he has the “longest honeymoon” in the country because just a few weeks after his wedding to the pop star, the country was placed under the COVID-19 lockdown, he said, “Of course, at the start, we got sad because we couldn’t travel, etc., etc. But come to think of it, aside from all the negative aspects this pandemic has brought upon us, we realized we are very, very blessed. And time with our families means so much more today than before.”

“There will come a time for that traveling stuff but as of now, we’re thankful for what we have,” he added.

Matteo also hopes he could still do a big church wedding with his wife. “Baka when the time is right.

Hopefully, of course, yun talaga ang maganda. Kung may vaccine lahat,” he admitted.

For now, he said they’re making the most of their time learning more about and from each other — from finding common interests (they both love gardening while Sarah has been baking and is “super talented” at it, as Matteo put it), to handling conflicts and managing finances.

Matteo said he and Sarah have a nice balance when it comes to spending and budgeting. “I think making your partner, your wife, the happiest person is very important, but of course, they shouldn’t spoil each other. We should always have boundaries and not be OA with things. We have a nice balance together. If somebody overspends, somebody says something, ‘Love, ganito, dahan-dahan lang. We don’t need that or we need that.’”

One thing he also learned during this time is the importance of trust. “I think you and your partner should have complete transparency, not hiding anything, be black and white with

Matteo Guidicelli with wife Sarah Geronimo

things. In my case, I believe in two people synergizing, being one and becoming better people together.

I really believe in sharing, what is mine is hers. If I go to work today, what I bring home is for my family, for my future.”

Another lesson as a “beginner” in married life is to start saving up right away. “Saving, investing and then having a good investment portfolio… how to get ready for the future, for your kids, for yourself or for your future home, whatever you like, you can discuss that and set that up perfectly for your needs for your family’s needs.”

They’re also financially stable and emotionally ready to welcome a new addition to the family. “If it happens next week, great! We’re trying. We’re just letting life move on and enjoying each other because we haven’t really spent time (together) in our boyfriendgirlfriend stage,” Matteo said.

“We’re not rushing anything.

In God’s will, God’s time, it will happen. We just saw my sister give birth and it’s such a blessing, man. So much respect for women out there. I can’t wait to have our own in the future.”

Asked how many kids he wants, Matteo mused, “The more, the merrier.”

He also got to share tips on dealing with bumps in their newlywedded life. “I think it’s very normal to have conflicts here and there. You wish you don’t have them but, I think, it’s normal to have them. What is important is

Rachelle Ann is pregnant and expecting first child

by JaN

milo Severo Philstar.com

FILIPINO singer and international musical theater actress Rachelle Ann Go revealed that she is expecting her first baby with husband Martin Spies.

In her YouTube channel, Rachelle said that she and Martin are excited to share the good news.

“Surprise! It’s finally here! No more hiding secrets (and bumps)!

We’re so excited to tell you all about our 2020, which was undoubtedly, and quite literally, a rollercoaster of ups and downs!

Martin and I are very happy and excited to share this wonderful new chapter of our lives with you all,” Rachelle wrote.

“Thank you so much for the love and support and I am very excited for what the future holds for our family!” she added.

The Broadway star also said that she cannot believe that she is going to be a mother.

“We are so grateful for this new season, this new blessing. Oh my

Rachelle Ann Go Photo from Instagram_@gorachelleann

gosh, I can’t believe it —I’m going to be a mama!” she said in the video.

The couple also teased that they already know the gender of their baby but they are saving that reveal for a later date.

Rachelle and Martin got married in April 2018.

Healthful data

PAGE B4 ficient or absent among those with diabetes mellitus) have been done in some centers to cure diabetes mellitus, but the last word on this regimen has not yet been said.

What has been observed with the vegetable called ampalaya (Philippine bitter melon), which is a rich source of vitamin B, iron, phosphorus and calcium, is that it appears to lower blood sugar levels when ingested by diabetics.

In Cuba and Puerto Rico, ampalaya has been used by the natives to treat diabetes. The mechanism of action is not clear. While a herbal company has already come out with an ampalaya capsule, the medical community still awaits further and more definitive scientific studies to support this encouraging observation.

As always, we recommend physician consultation and supervision when anyone tries a new medication or mode of treatment.

But eating ampalaya (while the ingredients in the ampalaya capsule are being evaluated in the laboratory for efficacy, safety, long term effects, etc.) is in itself healthy, since it is a natural food element,

unlike many commercial herbal products that have been reported to have adverse side effects. *** 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. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone.

This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Photo from Instagram_@matteog

that you just say, ‘It’s my fault (laughs).’ It does help!

“On a more serious note, you say that, ‘It’s my fault,’ and learn from your mistakes. You wanna be proactive all the time, you cannot dwell on the past, on the negative side, you have to be positive and proactive in growing one another, each other.

“It’s a learning experience for me every day. It’s hard to explain, but being married, I super recommend it to everybody out there, but you really have to find the right partner and the partner you trust.”

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 26-dEcEmbER 2, 2020

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Vanessa Hudgens rings in the holidays with new Netflix hit NOT even a pandemic can dampen the Christmas spirit of the Filipinos! Just last week, our kababayan, Fil-Am Hollywood star Vanessa Hudgens hit it off with her latest flick “The Princess Switch: Switched Again,” the sequel to her 2018 hit. Yes, it is number one again on Netflix over the weekend, solidifying the strong holiday spirit we Filipinos have.

We spoke with Vanessa and she shared how excited she was to offer such a festive and light flick despite the gloomy year more than most had.

“It’s a fun movie that I am so grateful for because I also came on as a producer, and create a whole new character. I am just so excited to share it with the world because it has been a tough year and I feel like it is a really beautiful escape and a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.”

If you enjoyed Vanessa play Duchess Margaret and Stacy, wait until you meet their third doppelganger Fiona! She is the cousin of the Duchess who is a known to be the extravagant party girl of their royal family.

Vanessa was surprised with this twist, “They could not get enough with just two of me so they wanted a third of me… They actually came to me with that idea and I first said you are all are crazy, good luck with that, but when I read the script I was like, ‘Oh hey!

This is fun’.”

The Fil-Am Hollywood star is back on Netflix with “The Princess Switch: Switched Again.”

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Vanessa adds, “The most fun is definitely Fiona, because I am very dramatic myself and I wanted Fiona to be the biggest drama queen of all time so I really just let that loose and be just as over the top as possible and just rely on my director Mike [Rhol] to reel me in if I go too far but it all worked out.”

Vanessa chose to do a project that showcases over the top Christmas spirit as it means so much more to the audience during a season such as this.

“It’s really special to be a part of people’s lights in and to be let into their homes via the television and to bring families together and have families sit together and go on a journey together. I think that

is really beautiful.”

If you all do not know yet, Vanessa grew up in a semi-Filipino household as she was raised by her pure Filipina mother. She did remember the best holidays during her childhood but though she cannot recall a certain tradition she had with her family during the season, what she misses most is the food she devoured while growing up.

“I miss adobo, lumpia, pancit.

I ate those all in our house during my childhood.”

Vanessa is on a plant based diet for years now that is why she is busy on the lookout for plant based Filipino alternatives in Hollywood. (MJ Marfori/ManilaTimes.net)

B november 26-december 2, 2020 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

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seafood city fpfc