112720 - San Diego Edition

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

SAN DIEGO

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 16 Pages

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

Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS

550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel: (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • Email: info@asianjournalinc.com

US renews support for PH in maritime row vs China

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE United States on Monday, November 23, reiterated that it will continue to support the Philippines’ claim on the West Philippine Sea. “Our message is we’re going to be here, we’ve got your back, and we’re not leaving,” U.S. national security adviser Robert O’Brien said.

U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien with Philippine’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro He recently visited the Philippines to lead Locsin Jr. DFA photo the ceremonial turnover of $18 million worth of

precision guided munitions and other weapons system for use by the military to counter terrorism. He was welcomed

by Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. O’Brien maintained that the U.S. stands with the Philippines in rejecting China’s maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Fil-Am mom of 3 seeks bone marrow donor following leukemia diagnosis

u PAGE 4

u PAGE 4

PH Navy gets ‘eye in the sky’ from US: 8 drones worth P710M

DATELINE

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

“We stand with the Philippines in protecting your sovereign rights, your offshore resources and all those rights [that] are consistent with international law,” he said.

“Those resources belong to the children and grandchildren of the people here. They belong to the Philippine people,” he added. “They don’t belong to some other country that just because –

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

CHRISTMAS IS NEAR. A village personnel hangs a Christmas lantern on a post at the intersection of G. Araneta Avenue and Kaliraya Street in Quezon City on Wednesday, November 25. As early as September, most Filipinos have started putting up Christmas decors.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy has received eight drones worth P710 million from the United States, a set of equipment which Navy officials said would serve as “eye in the sky” for better maritime patrols nationwide.

The Insitu ScanEagle 2 unmanned aerial systems were turned over by US officials to Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo in a ceremony at Sangley Point, Cavite City on Wednesday (Nov. 25).

The turnover of the drones came two days after P868 million in precision-guided munitions were also handed over by US officials to the Philippine military.

The drones were under the Maritime Security Initiative of the US government, which was set

u PAGE 4

US tops 12 million virus cases ahead of holiday 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 measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread,” it added.

Carvey Ehren Maigue

Photo courtesy of James Dyson Foundation

Filipino student takes home Trump to nominate international award for retired Fil-Am Army major general as House approves bill against sustainable invention US rep to ASEAN women discrimination Major General Eldon P. Regua of the U.S. Army (retired)

u PAGE 4

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

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 ASE-

u PAGE 4

THE Philippines’ House of Representatives on Monday, November 23, approved on third and final reading a bill that expands the prohibited acts of discrimination against women in the workplace.

With a unanimous 226 affirmative votes, the lower chamber passed House Bill 7722, which amends Presidential Decree No. 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines.

HB 7722, authored by Reps. Eric GoYap, Rowena Nina Taduran, and Jocelyn Tulfo of ACT CIS Partylist, and Edgar Aglipay of DIWA Partylist, seeks to strengthen safeguards against discrimination of

women in the workplace on account of their sex and characteristics of their sex.

The bill classifies as discriminatory the acts of: • Favoring a male employee over a female employee with respect to assignment, promotion, training opportunities, study, and scholarship grants, solely on account of their sex or characteristics, whether actual or presumed; • Favoring a male employee over a female employee with respect to the dismissal of personnel or the application of any retrenchment policy of the employer

u PAGE 4

FILIPINO student Carvey Ehren Maigue on Thursday, November 19, bagged the first-ever sustainability prize at the James Dyson Award for his invention.

The 27-year-old electrical engineering student from Mapua University in Manila triumphed from more than 1,800 entries worldwide with the AuREUS System Technology — a new material, made from rotting fruits and vegetables,

which converts UV light into renewable energy.

AuREUS can be attached to a pre-existing structure or surface to harvest UV light and convert it into visible light to generate electricity in a way that traditional solar panels can’t. It can also function fully even when not in direct sunlight.

According to Maigue, his invention was inspired by the science behind the northern lights He first submitted his idea

u PAGE 2

2

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

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

Fear of flying is a COVID-era conundrum California breaks single-day COVID-19 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?

record with over 20,600 new cases

The airline industry pins its safety clearance to a study funded by its leading trade group, Airlines for America, and conducted by Harvard Uniby AJPress versity researchers, as well as one headed by the Department AS most of California went of Defense, with assistance under a limited stay-at-home from United Airlines. order over the weekend, the Both reports modeled dis- Golden State hit a daily record ease transmission on a plane, for new coronavirus cases at assuming all individuals were the beginning of this week, topmasked and the airplane’s high- ping over 20,600 infections. ly effective air filtration systems The state recorded 20,654 were working. The Harvard re- new positive cases on Monday, port concluded the risk of in- November 23, surpassing the flight COVID-19 transmission previous record of 13,400. was “below that of other routine To date, the state has activities during the pandem- 1,125,699 confirmed cases of ic, such as grocery shopping COVID-19, resulting in 18,769 or eating out,” while the DOD deaths. study concluded an individual On Saturday night, November would need to, hypothetical- 21, 41 of the state’s 58 counties ly, sit for 54 straight hours on began its limited curfew to curb an airplane to catch COVID-19 the spread of the virus. from another passenger.

From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., nonBut these studies’ assumptions have limitations.

Despite airlines’ ramped-up enforcement of mask-wearing, reports of noncompliance among passengers continue. PAGE 1 t Most airlines say passengers to the James Dyson Award in u PAGE 7 2018, but did not progress to the Awarding stages of the competition. The loss didn’t deter him from improving his idea until renowned inventor James Dyson handpicked him to be the first ever global Sustainability winner at this year’s James Dyson Award.

“AuREUS is impressive in the way it makes sustainable use of waste crops, but I’m particularly impressed by Carvey’s resolve and determination. Having failed to make the national stage of the Award in 2018, he stuck at it and further developed his idea — this will be a very important character trait as he embarks on the long road to commercialisation,” said Dyson in an interview on its site.

“I wish him every success because, as a farmer, I have always been concerned about covering fertile, food-producing, agricultural land in photovoltaic cells. Carvey’s invention demonstrates a convincing way to create clean energy on existing structures, like windows, within cities,” he added.

Maigue received £30,000 (around 1.9 million) as part of his prize.

“Winning the James Dyson Award is both a beginning and an end. It marked the end of

essential activities and gatherings are ordered to stop in counties in the purple tier, the most restrictive level in the state’s reopening plan. These counties include Napa, Sonoma, Sacramento, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, Fresno and Monterey. (As of this writing, the counties of San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo are in the second-most restrictive red tier.)

Meanwhile, all of Southern California’s counties from Santa Barbara to San Diego are in the purple as well.

“The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge. We are sounding the alarm,” New-

som said in a statement. “It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges. We’ve done it before and we must do it again.”

The state’s order will remain in effect until 5 a.m. December 21.

Earlier this month, the state issued a travel advisory, along with Oregon and Washington, urging people entering the state or returning home from travel outside the state to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The travel advisory urges against non-essential out-of-state travel, asks people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country, and encourages residents to stay local.

Filipino student takes home international...

AuREUS uses waste crops

years of doubting whether my idea would find global relevance. It marks the beginning of the journey of finally bringing AuREUS to the world,” said Maigue.

“I want to create a better form of renewable energy that uses the world’s natural resources, is close to people’s

Photo courtesy of James Dyson Foundation

lives, forging achievable paths and rallying towards a sustainable and regenerative future,” he added.

The James Dyson Award (JDA) is an annual international design award that celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers.

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

3

4

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From The Front Page

PH Navy gets ‘eye in the sky’ from...

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

PAGE 1 t up in 2015 to aid allies in the region. The drone package included two launchers, a skyhook and ground control station.

Vice Admiral Erick Kagaoan, representing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, said the turnover of the drones would “bolster the Philippine Navy’s readiness for territorial defense, internal security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and international defense.”

“Above all, this will significantly boost our maritime domain awareness especially in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

The Philippine Air Force acquired similar drones in

2018 from the United States.

Kagaoan said the PAF drones are being operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing in Palawan, the island closest to Spratlys in the West Philippine Sea. Kimberly Kelly, US acting deputy chief of mission, said the ScanEagle will enhance mutual maritime and domain awareness.

Bacordo said the drones will “expand the coverage” of Philippine Navy patrols.

“It has given us another option to expand the coverage which is less costly and less risky for our personnel,” he said.

The drones, which could be deployed from ships, are capable of staying in the air for 12

to 15 hours compared to 2 to 3 hours for helicopters.

“We don’t have to actually deploy people,” Bacordo said.

He said drones have longer coverage “because of the flying time which is 12 to 15 hours whereas if we send a helicopter it’s just about two hours.”

The unmanned aerial systems could also be used for other missions like internal security operations, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The new equipment would be deployed with the Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron (MUARS 71), a newly activated team of the Naval Air Wing which would be based in San Antonio town, Zambales province.

US renews support for PH in maritime... Fil-Am mom of 3 seeks bone marrow...

PAGE 1 they may be big and they may be bigger than the Philippines – they can come take away and convert the resources of the Philippine people. That’s just wrong.”

Suspension of VFA abrogation O’Brien also welcomed the Philippines’ decision to suspend anew the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between Manila and Washington.

“We’re grateful for the initial 6 months. We think it would be better if it was a year a longer but we’ll have to wait and see.

That’s ultimately a decision for the government of the Philippines,” he said.

He also said that he is batting for a longer suspension of the VFA abrogation in order for the U.S. and the Philippines to discuss the treaty more.

“We’d obviously like to see that longer and that’s something I spoke with Secretary Locsin about is if we extend it a further period of time so we can have some negotiations to address the important concerns on both sides of that treaty and that agreement and not be up against an artificial deadline,” O’Brien said.

Locsin on Nov. 11 announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the suspension

of the VFA to “to enable us to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable, and more effective and lasting arrangement on how to move forward in our mutual defense.”

China hits back China, for its part, slammed O’Brien for his remarks, accusing the U.S. top security adviser of “sowing discord” between China and the Philippines.

“He blatantly accused China on no ground, grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs, deliberately exaggerated regional tensions and attempted to sow discord between China and the Philippines,” the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Monday.

“We firmly oppose these remarks which are full of Cold War mentality and wantonly incite confrontation. It shows that his visit to this region is not to promote regional peace and stability, but to create chaos in the region in order to seek selfish interests of the U.S.,” it added.

The consulate also claimed that the U.S. is “the biggest driver of the militarization of the South China Sea” as well as “the most dangerous external factor endangering the peace and stability” in the contested waters.

“With the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN (Association

of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, the situation in the SCS remains stable and is improving. We, the regional countries, have the will, wisdom and capability to properly handle the SCS issue and achieve longterm stability, development and prosperity in this region,” it added.

The embassy asked the U.S. to “respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the SCS.” “[R]espect the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries for maintaining a peaceful and stable South China Sea and stop interfering and inciting confrontation in the SCS,” it stressed.

Malacañang, on the other hand, refused to comment on the accusations made by O’Brien and China.

“I cannot speak either for the national security adviser of the U.S. or the spokesperson of China. I can only speak for the president. And the president has said that there will be increased tensions among superpowers in the region. We do not want to take part in that drive for hegemony,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

“We will assert our national interest and we would want a peaceful resolution to the West Philippine Sea dispute,” he added.

PAGE 1 t 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 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

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.

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 photos

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)

US tops 12 million virus...

PAGE 1 t 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 hospitalisations 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. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

Trump to nominate retired Fil-Am Army...

PAGE 1 t AN 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 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 by the White House.

As of 2010, Regua was the senior most active, or reserve, non-retired flag or general officer of Filipino American ethnic-

ity, 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.” (AJPress)

House approves bill against...

PAGE 1 t solely on account of their sex or characteristics, whether actual or presumed; and • Denying any woman the benefits of employment or other statutory benefits under our laws by reason of sex It also prohibits the discharge of a woman on account of her pregnancy, or while on leave,

or while in confinement due to pregnancy.

A fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P200,000 and/or imprisonment between one to two years will be meted to any employer proven to commit or attempt in any manner to commit the prohibited acts.

The measure likewise notes that the conviction or acquittal

obtained by the employer shall not prevent a female employee from filing a civil suit for the payment of salaries or benefits due to her.

Any employee who willfully aids or abets in the commission of the prohibited acts will also be punished in the same way as the employer. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

Dateline Philippines

5

Congress urged to pass law addressing situation of mothers in jail and their children

by Gaea

Greco Belgica, commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission

PACC exec tags nearly a dozen congressmen

by Alexis

Romero Philstar.com

MANILA — Around a dozen incumbent lawmakers have been tagged in alleged anomalies surrounding public works projects, an official of President Duterte’s anti-corruption body said.

Greco Belgica, commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), said the lawmakers were mentioned in complaints about irregularities including ghost projects, kickbacks, repeat funding and substandard projects.

“I think the exact number submitted to the President after validation is fewer than 12,” Belgica told CNN Philippines in mixed English and Filipino.

“This has to be investigated formally. We need solid documents. We need probably a forensic of the projects... All of these should be substantiated so a case can be filed,” he added.

In a separate interview with Teleradyo, Belgica said the allegedly anomalous projects tied to lawmakers are located in four regions.

He added that the possible involvement of regional public works directors in the supposed irregularities would also have to be probed.

Asked whether the lawmakers are allies of Duterte, Belgica replied: “I’m not privy to their relationship with the Preisdent.

It’s immaterial to me.”

The PACC commissioner said the kickbacks supposedly demanded by the lawmakers range from five to 15 percent, and one witness has claimed that a lawmaker had sought a 10-percent commission from a P100-million project.

“I’m not saying this applies to all congressmen. All of these have to be substantiated and validated, so that the cases can stand in court,” he added.

Belgica, however, clarified that the PACC probe focuses on public works projects, noting that the body only has jurisdiction over presidential appointees.

“In the course of our investigation, there are witnesses who came forward with documents; some were complaining about congressmen asking for kickbacks... When we reach the point where there are reports

Katreena Philstar.com

Cabico

MANILA — There is a need to enact proposed measures that would address the situation of incarcerated women and their children following the case of detained activist Reina Mae Nasino and her daughter, the Commission of Human Rights said on Wednesday, November 25.

In a forum, CHR Commission Karen Gomez-Dumpit said there was not much discussion on the plight of women in prisPhilstar.com photo ons and their children prior to the death of Nasino’s threemonth-old daughter River, who was born while the activist was behind bars.

that are beyond our jurisdiction, we submit the information to competent authorities because we don’t have jurisdiction over elective officials,” he said.

Last Monday, Duterte said he would not expose the lawmakers tagged in alleged corruption in state projects, saying he has no jurisdiction over officials not part of the executive branch.

He added that he has no authority to identify the lawmakers, and that he would encroach upon the separation of powers if he probes members of the legislature.

The list of lawmakers tied to corruption should be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman because it is “the only investigating agency that has jurisdiction over congressmen,” according to the President.

Belgica said Duterte was right in saying that the corruption allegations against lawmakers should be investigated by the ombudsman.

“We submit our reports to the President to ask for direction. Correctly and rightly, the President said ‘investigate, bring it to the ombudsman and

u PAGE 8

Human rights groups said the case of Nasino and her daughter highlighted the cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of mothers in Philippine jails.

Aside from being an often overlooked topic, there is also no existing local law that addresses in detail the situation of mothers deprived of liberty and their children and provides protection for them, Gomez-Dumpit stressed.

“Persons deprived of liberty including women in such situations and their children do not seem to figure very highly in policy priorities of the government,” the CHR official said, adding their special circumstances should prompt the

speedy passage of bills that aim to protect them.

‘Mother in Jail Act’ At least two bills which seek to create programs for incarcerated mothers and children were filed at the House of Representatives. These are House Bill 117 introduced by Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo (Pampanga) and House Bill 3197 introduced by Reps. Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez (ALONA party-list) and David Suarez (Quezon).

Among the salient provisions of the two bills include the establishment of child-friendly opportunities for mothers and children such as special visitation rooms and independent

u PAGE 7

6

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Opinion

Vaccine for all

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

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 Philstar.com photo 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. ensure equitable access to COVID vaccines. A nors of 19 countries and the European Union.

Last week President Duterte urged the similar call was made by the Group of 20 – com- As COVID vaccines begin to be administered, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to posed of governments and central bank gover- the calls deserve to be heeded. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

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

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

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, Fili-

The truth, told consistently enough Street Talk 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 some-

thing 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 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 scorched- earth 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

pinos in 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! ***

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 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

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.

u PAGE 8

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.

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. Publisher

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Chief Executive Office

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

San Diego Office: 550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel (619) 474-0588

With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President MOMAR G. VISAYA Editor-in-Chief San Diego Asian Journal

Asian Journal Publitions, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

7

Fear of flying is a COVID-era conundrum...

FOUNTAIN REPAIR. Workers fix the dancing fountain and lights at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Wednesday, November 25.

The maintenance works at the Quezon Memorial Circle are in preparation for the coming Yuletide Season. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Dengvaxia raps filed vs Duque, Garin legedly resulted in the deaths of 99 people.

Among the respondents are MANILA — The Public Department of Health SecreAttorney’s Office (PAO) on tary Francisco Duque III and Wednesday, November 25 former DOH chief and now Ilfiled cases before the Depart- oilo Rep. Janette Garin. ment of Justice (DOJ) over the Justice Secretary Menardo Dengvaxia vaccine that al- Guevarra said it’s still too earby Evelyn

Macairan Philstar.com

ly to tell if the complaint filed against Duque would be dismissed.

“If the DOJ finds the new complaint sufficient in form and substance, it will conduct a preliminary investigation and issue subpoenas to the respondents,” Guevarra said.

Congress urged to pass law...

PAGE 5 t monitoring of detention facilities by the CHR and other non-government organizations.

The bills also seek to give courts duty to provide a defendant with reasonable amount of time to appropriately attend to the needs of his or her minor children for safe and appropriate care prior to accepting a guilty plea.

Both proposed measures are still pending at committee level.

“The commission supports legislation and other measures that aim to address the situation of incarcerated women and children,” Gomez-Dumpit said.

The human rights body is also recommending the provision of nursing room for breastfeeding mothers and child-friendly spaces for visiting children, pediatric ser-

vices, learning opportunities for infants and children, and post natal care, counseling and psychosocial services for incarcerated mothers.

CHR also stressed the need for access to clean water and hygiene facilities and a reunification plan for mothers and their children as well as reintegration programs.

Cruel justice system “Reina Mae’s plight demonstrates the cruelty of the justice system to poor women, especially women political prisoners,” Josalee Deinla, one of Nasino’s lawyers, said.

Nasino was arrested during a raid at the office of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) in Manila in 2019. She was charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, an accusation she and her legal counsels claim are made up.

She gave birth to River while

in jail. She asked the lower court to allow her to be with her daughter so she could breastfeed her at least until the baby turned one.

River died on the evening of October 9 while Nasino and her lawyers were pleading with the court for her temporary release.

Nasino attended the burial of her daughter in handcuffs and surrounded by dozens of jail and police officers. She was also given only three hours to see her baby inside a funeral parlor on October 14 for the first time since they were separated in August.

“The government neglected Reina Mae inside jail as Baby River was growing inside her womb deprived Baby River of her mother’s breastmilk and maltreated Reina May and her family as they buried Baby River,” Deinla said.

PAGE 2 t 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 COVID-19 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 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 COVID tests that give rapid results for those traveling to Aruba.

Airlines are likely to expand their preflight COVID testing options in the next couple of months. “This is the new dimension of airline competition,” said Mann.

But is it a new dimension of travel safety?

Emory’s Wu said there is certainly a risk of catching the coronavirus if you travel by plane, and travelers should have a higher threshold in making the decision to travel home for the holidays than they would in years past.

After all, COVID case rates are surging nationwide.

“I think the less folks crowding the airports, the less movement in general around the country, will help us control the epidemic,” said Wu. “We are worried things will get worse with the colder weather.”

(Victoria Knight/Kaiser Health News)

8

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

PACC exec tags nearly a...

PAGE 5 t the (mega anti-corruption) task force,’” the PACC official said.

“When you bring it to the ombudsman, bring it to the task force, that means technically, impliedly, we should investigate. which is the proper thing to do, so it would be fair, professional and formal. Allegations have to be substantiated and the accused will be asked to answer the allegations,” he added.

No violation If the Task Force against Corruption (TFAC) would include in their investigation officials outside the executive department and file charges against them before the ombudsman, they would not be violating Duterte’s position to not investigate congressmen.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who heads the TFAC, expressed belief that they would not be going against the President’s position if there would be, during the course of their investigation, congressmen dragged into the probe if the charges that would be filed against them are criminal in nature.

“When it comes to criminal investigation and prosecution, no one is exempt, except those enjoying immunity from suit during their tenure. The rule is different in administrative cases. The President has neither supervision nor control over other branches of the government and, therefore, may not investigate them for misconduct, dishonesty and the like, as he correctly pointed out,” Guevarra said.

During their late evening meeting at Malacañang, the President said that while the PACC reported some lawmakers are using their influence to control the implementation of local projects and are colluding with public works personnel and contractors to commit corruption, he could not investigate these lawmakers because doing so would encroach on the legislature.

Since they are co-equal branches of the government, Duterte said if the list is given to him, he would forward it the ombudsman since it is the only investigating agency that has jurisdiction over congressmen.

Guevarra clarified, however, that if, in the course of investigating a particular act or

transaction alleged to be tainted with corruption, the TFAC finds that certain government officials outside the executive department are involved, “then these officials will necessarily be included in complaints that the task force may file with the ombudsman.”

“The President stated that if the involvement of a member of Congress, for instance, is germane to the anomalous transaction, then the latter’s inclusion in criminal charges will have to be endorsed to the ombudsman through the secretary of justice,” he said.

“It’s the corrupt act or transaction that is being investigated. Whoever is dragged into it, it will not matter if he is from outside of the executive department. That is how we should view it,” he added.

Minority backs House probe The minority bloc at the House of Representatives has supported calls for the chamber to investigate the alleged involvement of congressmen in anomalous Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects earlier exposed by President Duterte himself.

At a virtual press conference, Minority Leader and Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano said their bloc would support a motu proprio inquiry on the matter.

“A motu proprio investigation can only commence, under our rules, if the majority of members of that committee will decide and vote in favor… And for us in the minority, we don’t see any problem with that,” Paduano said.

The lawmaker made the statement following Duterte’s pronouncement that the executive branch cannot investigate congressmen due to separation of powers.

“Even the DOJ (Department of Justice) was clear in saying that they will just investigate anomalous projects in the districts through the DPWH. Now, if there are names of congressmen that will surface, the President said he cannot name them and will just let the ombudsman take cognizance on whoever will file the case,” Paduano said.

The House leadership has not made an official stand on the matter following the President’s latest pronouncement.

The “supermajority” under

LEGAL NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 37-202000037776-CU-PT-CTL Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Petition of: Willard Brian Abe, on behalf of Darine Jay Verano, a minor for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Willard Brian Abe filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Darine Jay Verano to Darine Jay Abe The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

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

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

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

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has 275 members, while the minority bloc only has 22 members.

Velasco had earlier said the investigation on the reported role of congressmen in anomalous infrastructure projects should be left to agencies other than Congress.

Meanwhile, former speaker Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday confessed that Congress is not corruption-free.

“During my time, I really controlled that. I did not let it pass,” the Taguig representative said at a press conference in his city.

Cayetano claimed that previous moves to oust him from the speakership were due to some congressmen wanting to get higher budget allocations for their districts.

Stakeholders Congressmen, officials of local government units (LGUs) and private citizens are among the stakeholders who suggest to the DPWH projects that should be prioritized, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said Tuesday.

Without insinuating any bad intentions, Villar told the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum that his agency is trying to accommodate everybody to make things as fair as possible.

“There are projects that they think can help. We do our best to accommodate everybody. We want to make things as fair as possible. Of course, there has never been a perfect system,” he said.

He, however, admitted that there are cases where the agency’s district engineers are also being pressured.

“Of course, for us we try to balance it also because district engineers are also being pressured. It can be from different sectors. Threatened. It happened before. There are some incidents where they died under mysterious circumstances,” he said.

The agency is clearly explaining to the lawmakers, LGU officials and private citizens that top priority projects are those that exist and need continuation, according to Villar.

Resident ombudsman On Guevarra’s proposal to assign a resident ombudsman to government offices to aid in the investigation of corruption, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said he and the justice secretary have already agreed on

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.

The truth, told consistently...

PAGE 6 t 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. ***

this but what needs to be resolved is the ombudsman’s lack of personnel for such deployment.

“In principle, we agreed to have a resident ombudsman, but the problem is our lack of manpower. So I suggested that we could deputize (DOJ) prosecutors instead. Just identify the prosecutors that we can tap and I will deputize them,” Martires told reporters last Tuesday.

Guevarra was recently

tapped by Duterte to head the TFAC, which would investigate complaints of corruption in government agencies.

Guevarra had earlier said that the TFAC is planning to look into the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of government officials and employees who would be under investigation and to revive the deputy ombudsman post per government agency.

Martires admitted that the

ombudsman does not have any personnel to spare to participate in the TFAC’s investigation as his office has its hands full in conducting field investigations in connection with pending complaints filed before his office.

“I explained this to Secretary Guevarra, that these lawyers are now assigned to different offices, and they are busy with their own work it would be hard to pull them out,” he added.

SERVICES

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NUMBER:

CASE NUMBER:

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner SAM PUTRUS, NADWA ALJAMEEL filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: REGINA ALKASS TOBIYA to REGINA PUTRUS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/28/2020 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEP 25, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 677 NOV 27, DEC 04, 11, 18, 2020

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner NAKEIL DE’SHAUNNE WILLIAMS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: NAKEIL DE’SHAUNNE WILLIAMS to SEVENTH NOVEMBER WILLIAMS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/30/2020 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV. 17, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 678 NOV 27, DEC 04, 11, 18, 2020

37-2020-00041864-CU-PT-CTL

AJSD 677

37-2020-00041864-CU-PT-CTL

AJSD 678

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9017656 JU-ICHI BENTOS & BITES located at 10663 ESCOBAR DR., San Diego, CA 92124.

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

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

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

AJSD 676

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

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

SEAFOOD CITY FPFC

9

10

SAN DIEGO

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

JOURNAL

10

N OV E M B E R 27, 2 0 2 0

Nicole Scherzinger joins Fil-Am musical director Troy Laureta in cover of ‘Pangako’

by Ritchel

F

Mendiola / AJPress

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

Nicole Scherzinger

Photo from Instagram/@nicolescherzinger

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 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,” shared said.

Troy Laureta

Photo from Instagram/@troylaureta

Fil-Am artists receive nominations for 2021 Grammys

by Ritchel

Mendiola 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).

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 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 Fil-Am 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 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/ n e w s / 2 0 2 1- g r a m m y s - c o m plete-nominees-list.

File photo

Brian Keith Warfield Photo from Instagram/@ bobbycoleslaw

Christine Allado

Photo from Instagram/@christineallado

Toro y Moi

Photo from Instagram/@toroymoi

H.E.R

Robert and Kristen Lopez

Conrad Ricamora

Photo courtesy of the American Theatre

Photo courtesy of Soft Power

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

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 anti-radiation 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 (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

Healthful data

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,

Features

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 deficient 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 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 antigraft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Vanessa Hudgens rings in the holidays with new Netflix hit

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

NOT even a pandemic can dampen the Christmas spirit of the Filipinos! Just last week, our kababayan, FilAm Hollywood star Vanessa Hudgens hit it off with her latest f lick “The Princess Switch: Switched Again,” the sequel to her 2018 hit. Yes, it is number one again on Netf lix 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 f lick 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’.”

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.”

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

Photo courtesy of Netflix

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.

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

11

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

Sylvisa Sanchez

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

ABS-CBN photo

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. It was on March 31 when

u PAGE 12

Philippines’ official Oscars 2021 entry

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

‘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

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 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.

12

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Popular TV show ‘The Right 2020: Emergency needs surged during Stuff’ lands in San Diego historic wildfire season amid COVID-19 Disney+ series to begin filming locally in March 2021

SAN DIEGO – “The Right Stuff” is officially touching down in San Diego.

The popular Disney+ series, which explores the origin and growth of the U.S. space program in the 1960s, has announced it is moving filming of its second season to San Diego.

The show is based on the 1983 Academy Award winning film, “The Right Stuff,” which starred Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris and Dennis Quaid.

The hit series is scheduled to shoot for 88 days, starting in March 2021. Locations for shooting have yet to be determined.

“We are thrilled to welcome ‘The Right Stuff’ to the San Diego region. The California Film & TV Tax Credit Program has been a critical incentive in attracting productions to San Diego,” said Brandy Shimabukuro, film liaison for the City of San Di-

ego’s Film Office. “Productions like these help bolster our local economy and civic pride, while also creating and sustaining jobs in the film industry.”

The San Diego Film Office – a division of the City of San Diego’s Special Events & Filming Department – offers a streamlined permitting system and dedicated staff to assist productions every step of the way. This, coupled with incentives through the California Film and TV Tax Credit Program 3.0, administered by the California Film Commission, is an attractive draw for productions like “The Right Stuff.”

“It’s great to see the state’s tax credit program bring high-quality jobs and significant production spending to San Diego,” said California Film Commission Executive Director Colleen Bell.

“The City has a rich history of film and TV production and this exciting news is a big win for the

local economy.”

Because the region offers diverse locations and nearly impeccable weather year-round, San Diego is attractive to film and television productions. The San Diego Film Office was established by Mayor Kevin Faulconer and the San Diego City Council in 2015 to support and grow the local film industry and to promote the San Diego region as a competitive, film-friendly destination.

These efforts have bolstered an increase in film and television production, including facilitating production for the eagerly-anticipated “Top Gun: Maverick,” FOX’s “Pitch,” Netflix’s “Ingobernable,” and TNT’s “The Last Ship.” San Diego has also been ranked in MovieMaker Magazine’s Big Cities: The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker.

(City of San Diego Release)

Asian culture and media alliance, Asian Americans advancing justice call on people to have a new Thanksgiving conversation Groups urge all to talk about COVID-19 racist attacks against Asian Americans and to ‘Stand Against Hatred’

SAN DIEGO — The Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) is calling upon people across the country to talk about COVID-19 in a new way. The groups urge all of us to talk about the Coronavirus related hate crimes and racial discrimination incidents occurring against Asian Americans while they gather with friends and family in-person or virtually this Thanksgiving.

In response to the unwavering attacks in the Asian American community, ACMA and Advancing Justice have partnered to lead a national “Stand Against Hatred” Public Service Announcement video campaign to encourage aware-

ness and reporting about this social injustice. The PSAs feature community activists and leaders of Asian American and multicultural civil rights organizations including The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and NAACP. According to ACMA, it is honored to be partnering with Advancing Justice in producing this important project as part of their “Stand Against Hatred” initiative.

“This is the result of a cooperative of voices across partnering organizations to bring better awareness about COVID-19 related verbal and physical hate crimes targeting our Asian American communities. We encourage anyone who has been directly affected

or has witnessed an incident to report it,” the ACMA statement said.

The Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a national affiliation of five, independent organizations advocating for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and other underserved communities also stands against this insidious racism.

In a statement, Advancing Justice said that the Stand Against Hatred website “captures individual reports of hate crimes and incidents against Asian Americans related to COVID-19 as well as earlier incidents going back to the 2016 election. Since early this year, we have been

u PAGE 14

LOS ANGELES — Families in the U.S. have spent more nights in emergency lodging in 2020 than in any other year during the past decade. Disasters haven’t stopped during the coronavirus pandemic, and another relentless disaster year shows why people still need support every day. This is a time to continue taking care of one another.

More than 1 million times this year, a person relied on the Red Cross for a safe place to sleep after a disaster in the U.S. That’s more than four times the annual average from 2011 to 2019.

In California, this year’s total so far includes more than 242,400 overnight stays for people affected by the more than 8,500 wildfires, which have burned more than 4.1 million acres. The Red Cross and our partners have also helped by: • Serving more than 816,300 meals and snacks • Distributing more than 53,000 relief items • Making more than 49,400 individual care contacts • Providing more than 1,600 households with emergency financial assistance.

“As the coronavirus pandemic wears on, disasters like wildfires in California — plus relentless hurricanes and other emergencies — have upended hundreds of thousands of lives across the country,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.

“Through it all, more people are

stepping up as Red Cross volunteers to help others — even as they cope with the impact of these events, and COVID-19, on their own lives. It’s a true testament to the humanitarian spirit of people in Los Angeles and in our country.”

One family’s wildfire story Juniper Hills residents Cyndi Skinner and her daughter Heather are among families who were forced to evacuated during COVID-19 after the Bobcat Fire reached the edge of their property, consuming a storage barn. This was the second time since 2006 the Skinners were forced from their home under threat from fire. In both instances, the Red Cross provided them a safe place to stay until they could return home.

Despite losing part of the property as well as a precious family heirloom to the fire, Cyndi expressed her deepest gratitude for the support the Red Cross lent her family, both in 2006 and 2020. (Full story on http://redcrosslatalks. org/2020/09/23/a-familys-history-of-fire/) Thousands answer call to help This year, more than 70,000 people across the country joined the Red Cross as volunteers — representing more than 90 percent of its workforce. As California and the country grapples with the pandemic, young people have played a critical role in disaster response, with Millennials and Gen Z representing more than half of new Red Cross volun-

teers.

Seventy-five percent of these new volunteers stepped up to fill mission-critical positions across the country, such as shelter and health workers, addressing urgent disaster needs and other vital services. Many Angelenos deployed both in person and virtually to assist with relief efforts in Northern California and Oregon amidst several simultaneous, record-breaking wildfires across the West Coast.

How you can help On Giving Tuesday and during the holiday season, help people in need by donating at redcross.org/gift. A donation of any size provides hope in times of crisis — whether someone needs a safe place to stay after a home fire, CPR, a lifesaving blood transfusion or help contacting a loved one deployed with the military during an emergency.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/ la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA. (American Red Cross LA Region Release)

How the idea of ideal...

PAGE 11t 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 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.

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

Community

Through #HereForRMHC social challenge, McDonald’s will give $100 in your name to Ronald McDonald House Charities® as part of $100 million commitment

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

13

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Recipe Corner

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 cel-

Chrissy Tiegen and John Legend

ebration 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 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

u PAGE 14

Filipino Paella Ingredients: 3 cups Long Life Rice Calrose 250 g Shrimp 300 g Mussel 1 can Temple Green Peas ½ cube of chicken broth ¼ cup chopped onion 5 cloves garlic 2 tbsp PAMANA Safflower Kasubha 1 cup Del Monte Tomato Sauce 1 pack Pamana Mix Seasoning All-in-One 1 pc lemon; cut into wedges (optional) Directions 1. Steam or boil mussels over medium to high heat for about 5 minutes or until the shells open. Set aside.

2. In a big skillet pan, sauté on-

ion and garlic in vegetable oil, add shrimp. Cook and set aside.

3. On the same skillet, sauté for 5 minutes the rice over a high heat.

Add water and chicken cube and bring to a boil.

4. Lower the heat to medium then add tomato sauce, PAMANA Safflower kasubha, green peas, sauted onion, garlic and shrimp. Add PAMANA Seasoning All-in-One. Mix thoroughly.

5. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and simmer over low heat for20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked. Add salt and pepper to adjust taste.

6. Place the rice on a serving platter and top with shrimp and mussels.

Garnish with slices of lime. Serve hot.

This recipe is provided courtesy of Seafood City. Visit their Facebook Page or http://www.seafoodcity.com for more recipes. If you have any recipes that you would like to share with Asian Journal readers, please send email to editor@asianjournalinc. com or info@asianjournalinc.com, and include a photo of your dish.

14

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Community

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

‘Sine Kwento: Filipino Stories in Film’ launched in San Diego

THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Califoria invites the Filipino-American community to visit an art exhibition dubbed “Sine Kwento: Filipino Stories in Film” at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center in San Diego which launched last November 7. The art exhibition runs until December 30, 2020.

The exhibition, organized by the nonprofit San Diego Filipino Cinema (SDFC), was conceptualized to introduce the history of Philippine cinema and promote the Philippine film industry and arts in the United States southwest by showcasing curated film stills and posters of works by renowned Filipino filmmakers such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Kidlat Tahimik, Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Lav Dias, among others, as well as iconic behind-the-scenes photographs from the Philippine film industry taken by Cesar Hernando.

The exhibition also includes an interactive installation entitled “Tela Nobela (Stories on Fabric) by Fil-Am filmmakers and SFDC’s founders, Benito Bautista and Emma Francisco. This art piece aims to tell stories of Filipino immigrants through a community quilt of personal clothing, weaving the ambitions, dreams, imaginations as well as the contributions of many generations of Filipinos into a site-specific piece.

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, museum visits are by appointment only. The museum also requires visitors to wear masks and observe social distancing.

To make an appointment to see the exhibition, interested parties are encouraged to call the museum at (619) 267-

Holiday shopping season 2020

5141. Museum hours are from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information about the exhibition may be accessed via https://bonitahistoricalsociety. org/sine-kwento/ or http://sdfilipinocinema.org/.

“Sine Kwento: Filipino Stories in Film” is supported by

THE holiday season is upon us and retailers are already preparing for what they hope will be a successful shopping season. Because of COVID-19, it’s likely that we’ll be going online to look for those perfect gifts. With so many deals around and what seem like eternal “Black Friday” sales, it’s important to keep some online shopping tips in mind.

So, if you plan to shop from the comfort of your home this year instead of heading out in person for those doorbuster deals, first, make sure your home computer has the latest antivirus software updated.

This will help protect you from hackers and identity thieves.

Read more on computer safety tips at https://www.consumer. ftc.gov/articles/0009-computer-security.

Once you’re ready to shop, the California Humanities and make sure you: • Take time to compare made possible with the help of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Philippine Consulate General and Sentro Rizal in Los Angeles, Sagip Pelikula and ABS-CBN Film Res- PAGE 13 t toration. the world are doing wonder(Text and photos from PCG- ful work every day to support LA) RMHC – from McHappy Day® to Fries for Good to giving customers the opportunity to donate to RMHC all year long via donation boxes, self-ordergeted by hate and harassment. ing kiosks and at the point of Since language barriers can sale. Check with participating be a hurdle for limited English McDonald’s to see how you can proficient Asian Americans, continue to make an impact for the site offers reporting in RMHC families when you order Chinese, Korean, and Viet- at McDonald’s restaurants. namese.”

For full terms, please visit Visit Stand Against Hat red. McD.to/HereForRMHC. org to report hate incidents.

McDonald’s is the world’s (ACMA Media Release) leading global foodservice re-

Asian culture and media alliance...

PAGE 12 t working to raise awareness about increased racism and discrimination against Asian Americans who are being wrongly blamed for the coronavirus and COVID-19. This discrimination is taking many forms from hostility and suspicion that Asian Americans are

carriers of the coronavirus; to verbal abuse, harassment, and even physical violence. Prominent elected officials have been using terms including ‘Chinese virus,’ ‘Wuhan virus,’ ‘Kung Flu,’ and ‘China plague,’ labels that lead to stigma and cause real harm to our community members who are tar-

products. To get the best deal, compare products (for more, visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/shopping). Do research online, check product comparison sites, and read online reviews (for more visit https://www.consumer.ftc. gov/ me d i a / v i d e o - 0 0 7 5 - online-reviews-and-recommendations).

• Check out the seller. Confirm that the seller is legit.

Look for reviews about their reputation and customer service, and be sure you can contact the seller if you have a dispute.

• Look for coupon codes.

Search the store’s name with terms like “coupons,” “discounts,” or “free shipping.”

• Pay by credit card. Paying by credit card gives you added protections (for more, visit https://www.consumer. f tc.gov/a r t ic les / 0 020 - shop ping-online). Never mail cash

or wire money to online sellers. If the seller asks you to pay this way, it could be a scam.

• Use secure checkout. Before you enter your credit card information online, check that the website address starts with “https.” The “s” stands for secure. If you don’t see the “s,” don’t enter your information.

• Keep records of online transactions until you get the goods, confirm you got what you ordered, and that you’re satisfied you won’t have to return the item.

Check out more ways to ensure hassle-free online shopping at https:// w w w.consu mer.f tc.gov/a r t icles /0 020 -shoppi ng-on l i ne.

And if you spot a fraud while shopping online this holiday season, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Atty. Shameka Walker/Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC)

Through #HereForRMHC social challenge... tailer 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 non-profit, 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. (Advertising Supplement)

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

15

16

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

SEAFOOD CITY FPFC

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