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DECEMBER 18-24, 2020 Volume 14 - No. 7 • 16 Pages

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‘A DAY WORTH CELEBRATING’

COVID-19 Vaccination Begins in Hospitals Across New Jersey

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

GOV. Phil Murphy and Health Commis-

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy witnessed history this week as sioner Judith Persichilli marked the historic frontline nurse Maritza Beniquez became the first person in the beginning of New Jersey’s vaccination effort state to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. on Tuesday morning, Dec. 15 at University Photo from Gov. Murphy’s Office

Hospital in Newark, and witnessed the admin-

DATELINE

istration of the first COVID-19 vaccinations to the state’s frontline health care workers.

Maritza Beniquez, an emergency room nurse, became the first in the state to receive the vaccine. She said it was her birthday as the vaccination was administered.

“As a woman of color, I stand in solidarity with my community and know that we are

USA

Melissa Ramoso appointed mayor pro tem of Artesia, CA

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Palace rejects ICC report on drug war

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

A FILIPINA American community leader will serve as the mayor pro tem of Artesia, California for the coming year.

The Artesia City Council appointed Councilmember Melissa Ramoso as the city’s second-in-command during its virtual meeting on Monday, December 14, marking a series

three times more likely to suffer the catastrophic effects of this disease,” Beniquez said. “Although I am living proof that PPE functions and has kept me safe while at work, I’m honored to be the first person in New Jersey to receive this vaccine, which will limit the possibility of me contracting this disease and

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

SIMBANG GABI. Using a thermal scanner, a personnel of the Saint Joseph Parish in Las Pinas City takes the body temperature of a devotee who attended the first day of the Simbang Gabi on Wednesday, December 16. Only 200 persons are allowed inside the church and mandatory wearing of face mask and face shield is observed.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

THE assessment of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor on the Philippines’ war against drugs is “legally erroneous,” Malacañang said on Tuesday, December 15.

“Obviously, we do not agree with her. It’s legally erroneous dahil mayroon po tayong minimum gravity na required. Hindi po lahat ng krimen ay nililitis sa ICC (because we have the minimum gravity required. Not all crimes are tried at the ICC),” Presidential

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Jollibee to open Filipino Christmas Kicks Off in New Electoral College 28 stores in the US, York With Simbang Gabi, Parols makes Joe Biden’s presidential win official Canada in 2021 AJP by

POPULAR fast-food chain Jollibee has set its sights on 2021 and will add 28 stores to its North American network, 19 in the United States and nine in Canada.

The 2021 expansion will mark Jollibee’s largest ever addition to its North American store network in company history as it works towards its goal of amassing 300 stores by 2024.

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RESS

THE Filipino community in New York and the entire US Northeast officially started their Christmas celebration with the lighting of the colorful parols and the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado (Night Mass) at the Philippine Center in New York City on 3 December 2020.

Every year, the Philippine Cen-

ter decorates its windows and lobby with parols (traditional Christmas lanterns) and handcrafted items to bring the spirit of the joyful Filipino Christmas to the Big Apple. The Simbang Gabi, on the other hand, is a nine-day series of masses leading up to Christmas and traditionally celebrated in the hours before dawn.

Consul General Petronila P. Garcia led the ceremonial lighting of the first

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by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

DEMOCRAT Joe Biden is the next president of the United States after the Electoral College formalized his victory over President Donald Trump this week.

Voting 306 to 232, the members of the Electoral College

met on Monday, December 14, to cast their ballots. The votes will be sent to Congress to be counted formally during a joint session on January 6.

Biden and his running mate, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, will be inaugurated at noon on January 20, 2021.

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DECEMBER 18-24, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Crisis within a crisis: Survivors, legal experts discuss the dual struggles of surviving domestic violence during a pandemic

Among Filipinos, there are certain things you don’t talk about that the community has deemed shameful, or nakakahiya.

Chief among these topics includes mental and emotional health, and even though there have been significant breakthroughs destigmatizing these complex issues, there’s still so much to unpack and specific areas that are still continually swept under the rug.

There are a multitude of reasons why people, especially Filipinos, avoid talking about domestic violence: it’s messy, it’s painful, and it doesn’t make sense. But according to what we now know about the twofold complications of domestic abuse during a pandemic, maybe it’s actually the best time to talk about it.

In a webinar hosted by the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRo) and the Philippine Embassy in the United States on Thursday, Dec. 10, experts shared the personal, psychological and legal perspectives of domestic violence as part of the Philippines’ 18Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

Earlier this year, the United nations released a report that found that cases of physical, psychological and emotional domestic abuse spiked during the CoVID-19 pandemic.

Though the demographic makeup of victims and survivors is diverse, domestic violence continues to disproportionately target women and girls.

About 243 million women and girls (aged 15-49) were subject to sexual or physical violence by an intimate partner from April 2019 to April 2020, according to Phumzile mlambo-ngcuka, executive director of Un Women. As families and couples continue to be quarantined due to the pandemic, domestic violence, or intimate partner violence (IPV), continues to be an increasingly worrying threat.

Domestic violence is usually characterized as abuse of a spouse or partner in a home

setting, and in the United States, it affects more than 10 million people of all genders every year, according to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose manuel del gallego Romualdez, who delivered remarks during Thursday’s webinar.

“Let us be resolved in our commitment to stopping domestic violence and ending violence of the rights and dignities of anyone who is forced to endure such experiences,” he said.

Domestic violence can manifest in many ways, and one person’s experience can look completely different from someone else’s.

For journalist Christine Lee, a victim and survivor who has dedicated her life to shedding the stigmas of domestic abuse among the wider Asian American community, it began innocently in a relationship with a man who would become her abuser.

“First he was so charismatic and that’s what drew me in. We just had this instant connection. I felt like someone finally understood me,” Lee says in a video, describing the “honeymoon phase” of what would become an abusive relationship.

Her partner then began calling her unsavory names when he was upset and became verbally and emotionally abusive, but she said she “kept letting that go because I did want to believe that it was me, that if I fixed this aspect about myself, he would be the prince charming that I originally met.”

But one night after a date, an argument devolved into her partner striking and choking her to the point where she didn’t think she would live.

She got the courage to leave the relationship, but she still found herself in a quandary when it came to talking about the topic with her family.

“This is still very much a hush-hush topic in our family. They don’t understand why I’m still talking about this,” Lee explains. “The thing is, I don’t enjoy talking about this because every time I talk about it I’m re-

traumatizing myself, but then I think, ‘Is there anyone else out there that’s going to talk about this?’”

Lee’s experience happened years ago, but she knows that the more she destigmatized these conversations in the Asian American community, the closer it gets to providing more resources to victims and survivors within that community.

For Filipinos, the thick barrier between wanting to openly rectify the plight of IPV survivors and community support continues to stifle progress, a longstanding struggle for Filipino American victim advocates for years.

In 1981, a Filipina American domestic violence survivor named nilda Rimonte opened the first women’s shelter in the U.S. that specifically catered to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women who were experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Rimonte knew personally the complicated dynamics and emotional complexities of AAPI domestic abuse, especially among immigrants, who at that time didn’t have many mental health support options. Rimonte knew that the concept of acceptable behavior within AAPI marriages and couples was blurry, that many Asian cultures did little to curb what she called “wife beating.” “[Husbands] go home and feel safe, so they feel they are able to hit their wives. They have been told it is oK to hit them…(that) it might be good for her,” Rimonte told the Los Angeles Times in 1986.

The Every Women’s Shelter in LA became a safe haven for AAPI women, most of whom were immigrants, and it offered counseling and legal support as well as a place for AAPI women to support each other.

The programs Rimonte created evolved into the Center for the Pacifc Asian Family (CPAF) which continues its work in community engagement and violence prevention, providing multilingual

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Lorenzana: Ties between US and PH will not change

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE relationship between the Philippines and the United States will stay the same under the administration of President-elect Joe Biden, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

In a Laging Handa public briefing on Friday, December 11, he maintained that the PH-U.S. ties would “generally be the same as always,” despite the possibility of “a few changes.”

However, Lorenzana said that he would have to wait for Biden to take office on Jan. 20, 2021 to know for sure “what his specific policies would be regarding their dealings with other countries, including the Philippines.”

In the past, several national government officials have insisted that the bilateral relations between the two countries will not see any change no matter who won the U.S. presidential election.

“We trust that with close ties between the Philippines and the U.S., we will continue and even see better relations under President (Rodrigo) Duterte and President-elect Biden,” Presidential Spokes-

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Philstar.com file photo

person Harry Roque said in november.

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose manuel Romualdez likewise echoed the sentiment.

“The alliance between our two countries remains very strong and it doesn’t matter who the president of either country is,” he said on nov.

17, as previously reported by the Asian Journal, “We feel that this relationship is so strong that it has withstood many wars and

COVID-19 Vaccination begins...

PAGE 1 unknowingly transmitting it to others.”

“This is a day that we have been waiting nearly a year for, and while we know this isn’t the end, we are witnessing, at the least, a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel,” said murphy. “Without question, we are still in for several hard months and we are going to face stiff headwinds from this second wave, but now our heroic frontline health care workers can begin to take care of their fellow new Jerseyans with a higher degree of confidence in their own protection.”

“Availability of a CoVID-19 vaccine within the same year as the epidemic began is a huge scientific achievement, which can help us contain this virus and save lives,” said new Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We are thankful for our hospitals—who serve communities around the state—for volun-

teering to provide equitable and efficient access to vaccines to our valued healthcare workforce.” murphy called the development “the first drops in a really big bucket”, but also called it “a day worth celebrating.”

The federal government has allocated 76,050 first doses to new Jersey for the first tranche of the Pfizer-BionTech (ultra-cold chain) vaccine, which began arriving at acute care hospitals monday morning. new Jersey will roll out CoVID-19 vaccines step-by-step to serve all adults who live, work, or are being educated in the state. Phasing will ensure that limited vaccines are distributed in a fair and equitable manner.

Phase 1A of the plan, which captures approximately 650,000 people, includes healthcare workers who are paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for di-

many conflicts in the past worldwide, and perhaps even some issues we may not agree on, but at the end of the day, because of our special relationship, it has endured,” he added.

Lorenzana also maintained that the defense articles that the Philippines received from the U.S. has nothing to do with U.S. President Donald Trump’s departure from the White House.

According to the defense chief, the military hardware “have long been programmed,” but only arrived this December.

The Philippines received $18 million worth of precision guided munitions and other weapons systems for use by the military when U.S. national security adviser Robert o’Brien visited the country on november 23.

The country also attained a ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System for the Philippine navy, as well as P1.4 billion ($29.3 million) worth of defense articles, including sniper and anti-IED equipment, when U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher miller visited on separate occasions. n rect or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Acute care hospital workers at highest risk of exposure to CoVID-19 will be the first to receive the vaccine.

Phase 1A will also include long-term care residents, who are adults who live in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently. Long-term care facilities will be served on-site through a pharmacy partnership supported by the CDC. new Jersey is expected to get three shipments of the Pfizer vaccine including another 86,000 next week. The Pfizer vaccine requires ultracold storage and will be administered only at hospitals for now.

The total number of deaths in new Jersey has breached 16,000 and the total number of cases state wide is 409,400, as of Tuesday, Dec. 15. The rate of transmission is currently at 1.1 and more than 4,000 cases recorded daily. n

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DECEMBER 18-24, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Filipino Christmas Kicks Off in...

PAGE 1 of nine symbolic parols. One parol will be lit every evening, for nine days of the traditional Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Garcia extended her Christmas greetings to the 340,000-strong Filipino-American community in the U.S. Northeast, and thanked them for their selflessness and generosity. “It is during difficult and challenging times that we must stand resolute as a community and let our bayanihan spirit and resiliency shine,” she added.

Though it has been held for 32 years, it is the first time that the Simbang Gabi is being celebrated virtually.

Since March when New York became the country’s COVID epicenter, large public gatherings have been prohibited by local authorities. This, however, did not dampen the spirit of the 79 organizations that enthusiastically joined the Consulate in converting this much-awaited Filipino tradition to a virtual format.

The Simbang Gabi now draws thousands of views on Facebook and Youtube as more and more mass goers, from the East Coast and other parts of the U.S., participate in the comfort and safety of

Consul General Petronila P. Garcia (L) welcomes kababayans and guests to the virtual parol-lighting ceremony and Simbang Gabi held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.

Photo by PCGNY

their homes.

The theme of this year’s Simbang Gabi saKonsulado is “Maluwalhati at Mapayapang Pasko sa Panahon ng Pandemya”.

Despite the anxiety and uncertainties faced by society, Consul General Garcia encouraged the community to continue imparting love and blessings to others, and to overcome challenges with prayer and solidarity. She said, “As one Filipino-American community in the US Northeast, let us be a shining beacon of the true spirit of the Filipino Christmas—faith, peace, unity and

bayanihan amidst any and all odds.”

After the mass, the Consulate General also held a memorial service honoring and remembering Fil-Am frontliners and members of the community who passed during the pandemic. Based on reports received by the Consulate, more than 100 in the US Northeast alone have succumbed to the disease since March. Fr. Patrick Longalong, Filipino pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Queens Village, New York, officiated the Simbang Gabi and the memorial service. n

Jollibee to open 28 stores in the US...

PAGE 1 2020 was previously the brand’s most aggressive year yet. Already this year, the largest fast food chain brand in the Philippines safely and successfully opened 12 stores across North America amid the pandemic.

Jollibee opened its 21st store in California on Thursday, Dec. 3, located at 8436 Mira Mesa Boulevard in San Diego. The new store marks the brand’s return to Mira Mesa and a concerted effort to build up its store network in the San Diego area which is home to a sizable Filipino community. There is an existing store in National City and the previous Mira Mesa store operated from 2007 to 2013.

The new store, which stands at 3,100-square-feet offers an outdoor patio and a drive-thru window. It is located in the area’s biggest retail hub, near Mira Mesa Mall and in close proximity to the University of California San Diego, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

VICTORY. U.S. President-elect Joseph R. Biden II and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris delivered victory speeches on Saturday night, November 7 at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware. They were joined by their spouses, Dr. Jill Biden (right) and Douglas Emhoff (far left), who will be the country’s first second gentleman.

Photo courtesy of the Biden-Harris campaign

Electoral College makes Joe...

PAGE 1 “Our democracy — pushed, tested and threatened — proved to be resilient, true, and strong,” Biden declared in a speech after the Electoral College formally confirmed his victory.

He also condemned Trump’s accusations of a widespread voter fraud in the election, as well as his attempts to overturn the results.

Trump, despite his clear loss during the November 3 election, continued to claim he was the real winner. His allies and supporters, meanwhile, filed lawsuits in several key states.

“This legal maneuver was an effort by elected officials and one group of states to try to get the Supreme Court to wipe out the votes of more than 20 million Americans in other states and to hand the presidency to a candidate who lost the Electoral Col-

lege, lost the popular vote and lost each and every one of the states whose votes they were trying to reverse,” Biden pointed out.

“It’s a position so extreme we’ve never seen it before.

A position that refused to respect the will of the people, refused to respect the rule of law, and refused to honor our constitution,” he added.

The U.S. Supreme Court, for its part, rejected the Republican appeal on Friday.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated Biden for the first time after the Electoral College “has spoken.”

“Many of us had hoped the presidential election would yield a different result,” McConnell said in a statement.

“But our system of government has the processes to determine who will be sworn in on Jan. 20. The Electoral College has spoken.”

He also congratulated Har-

ris, saying “all Americans can take pride that our nation has a female vice president-elect for the very first time.”

Biden further declared that “it’s time to turn the page.”

“In this battle for the soul of America, democracy prevailed,” he said.

He added, “We the people voted. Faith in our institutions held. The integrity of our elections remains intact. And so, now it is time to turn the page. To unite. To heal.”

Biden also brought focus to the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing there is “urgent work” ahead.

“Getting the pandemic under control to getting the nation vaccinated against this virus. Delivering immediate economic help so badly needed by so many Americans who are hurting today — and then building our economy back better than it ever was,” the President-elect added. n

Palace rejects ICC report on...

Jollibee is working towards its goal of 300 stores in North America by 2024. It recently opened a new location in Mira Mesa, California.

AJPress file photo by Noel Ty

and Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Before year’s end, Jollibee will open four new stores, led by openings in San Antonio, Texas, the brand’s third Houston-area store on Westheimer Road and first store in Delano, California, and a store on downtown Toronto’s historic Yonge Street, an area often referred to as the ‘Times Square of Toronto’ as it is a major retail hub with heavy pedestrian traffic.

In total, these December openings will bring Jollibee’s count to 17 new stores this year.

Though the pandemic has delivered challenges across the restaurant industry, Jollibee has been able to persevere by focusing on off-premise channels apart from dine-in. At the onset of the pandemic, the brand encouraged its customers to experience the joy of Jollibee from the

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PAGE 1 Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

In her latest report, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said: “The office is satisfied that information available provides a reasonable basis to believe that the crimes against humanity of murder, torture, and the infliction of serious physical injury and mental harm as other inhumane acts were committed on the territory of the Philippines between at least July 1, 2016 and March 16, 2019 in connection to the WoD (war on drugs) campaign launched throughout the country.”

She also noted how Presi-

dent Rodrigo Duterte and law enforcement officials “actively promoted and encouraged the killing of suspected or purported drug users or dealers.”

According to Bensouda, her office will decide on whether to seek authorization to open a probe into the country’s situation in the first half of 2021.

The Palace, in response, expressed confidence that the ICC will apply the April 2019 decision of its pre-trial chamber that prevented the prosecutor from investigating allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan due to the parties’ refusal to cooperate.

“Kampante po kami na dahil sinabi na natin iyan ay ia-apply ng ICC iyong naging ruling na nila sa isang kaso. Na bakit ka pa magsisimula ng kaso, kung hindi ka naman makipagtulungan, iyong bansa na naging miyembro ng ICC (So, we are confident that because we said that, the ICC will apply their ruling in a case. That is why you will start a case, if you do not cooperate, your country that has become a member of the ICC),” said Roque.

“Desisyon po iyan ng ICC mismo, pre-trial chamber doon po sa kaso na nais nilang mag-imbestiga laban

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 18-24, 2020

OPINION

5

FEATURES

The gift of health

AS people plan holiday celebrations in the time of COVID, the World Health Organization is urging everyone to consider giving the most precious Christmas present in this pandemic: the gift of health.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued the reminder as people prepare to celebrate the most joyous event in Christendom, shopping for gifts and readying special meals for holiday get-togethers. Over the past weeks, Tedros reminded everyone, there has been a 60 percent increase in COVID cases worldwide.

Even as countries begin rolling out the first vaccine against COVID, the pathogen continues its rampage across the globe, as virulent and deadly as ever. As COVID vaccination with the Pfizer shots got underway in the United Kingdom last week, the United States registered a record high number of deaths in a single day, with 3,124 Americans succumbing to COVID on Dec. 9.

In the Philippines, experts are worried that the slowdown in COVID transmission in re-

cent weeks could be reversed during the holidays, with cases already beginning to rise in the past days. Officials have urged people to temper Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, limiting family gatherings and observing health safety protocols while shopping for the holidays. Even the use of torotot or horn noisemakers is being discouraged during the New Year’s revelry.

In recent days, shopping has been particularly problematic for enforcers of health protocols, as consumers crowd outdoor public markets. As people prepare to celebrate Christmas in this year of tragedy, it would be useful to heed the reminder from the WHO director general: “The festive season is a time to relax and celebrate but... celebration can very quickly turn to sadness if we fail to take the right precautions. As you prepare to cel-

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS FOLLOWING the rule of law as set forth by the Constitution, January 20, 2021 marks a new chapter in the history of the United States when President-elect Joe Biden and Vice Presidentelect Kamala Harris will be sworn in to lead the nation in building back better from the rubbles and ashes of the Trump presidency.

The American people have

Philstar.com photo

ebrate over the coming weeks, please, please consider your plans carefully. If you live in an area with high transmission, please take

every precaution to keep yourselves and others safe. That could be the best gift you could give – the gift of health.” (Philstar.com)

Change is coming: Joe Biden is officially elected 46th US president with VP Kamala Harris spoken. Joe Biden won during the November 3 presidential elections, garnering the greatest number of popular votes in the history with 81,283,495 votes compared to outgoing President Donald Trump’s 74,223,753 — a solid 7,059,472 margin of victory.

The Electoral College has spoken. Pursuant to election laws, Biden won the majority vote, surpassing the 270 electoral vote threshold, gar-

nering 306 electoral votes or 51.4%, versus Trump’s 232, or 46.9%. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have certified the election results, upon which the electors cast their votes and handed Biden the victory.

Trump has desperately tried to hold onto power with all his brazen evil attempts to overturn the election results and trash the will of the American people with his baseless claims of

massive election fraud and conspiracy theories that Biden and the Democrats — and basically the whole infrastructure of our democratic institutions and processes — stole the votes and the presidency from him.

But, the rule of law will and shall prevail. Biden won. Trump lost.

The Judiciary has spoken. The Supreme Court and 86 judges, appointed and elected by Republicans

and Democrats alike, ruled against Trump’s and his cohorts’ efforts to overturn the results of the election.

The Legislature has spoken. Our representatives in Congress have affirmed the will of the people. The day after the election and with Biden already leading significantly, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote, “Joe Biden’s election will be historic, propelled by the votes of a record-shattering

70 million Americans—the most votes ever received by a presidential ticket in American history.” And she was right.

Meanwhile, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated Joe Biden on Tuesday, December 15, saying, ”I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden. Many of us had hoped the presidential election would yield PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Locsin: Somebody dropped the ball on Pfizer vaccine deal

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PHILIPPINE Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday, December 15, said the country was supposed to receive 10 million doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as early as January, but someone bungled the deal.

In a series of tweets, Locsin shared that he and Philippine Ambassador to the United State Jose “Babe” Romualdez facilitated a deal with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to secure Pfizer’s vaccine that has a 95% efficacy rate.

The purchase was supposed to be financed by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

“That said my thanks just the same to US Sec of State

Mike Pompeo we – Babe Romualdez and I – got 10 million doses of Pfizer financed by World Bank and ADB to be shipped thru FEDEX to Clark in January.

But somebody dropped the ball,” Locsin tweeted.

The foreign chief also maintained that the Philippines was not slow to act, in response to former poll commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal’s tweet noting that the country “missed the bus.”

“No. We did not miss the bus because we were slow to act. Babe and I were fast. Offers poured in. But there are none so slow as those who never had the intention to catch the bus,” said Locsin.

Romualdez, meanwhile, clarified that the vaccine deal was not scrapped, only pushed back.

“Only pushed back to later date of delivery possibly June next year because we did (not) act quick enough on the CDA (Confidential Disclosure Agreement).

Other countries got ahead of us like Singapore,” he told CNN Philippines in a text message.

“We are ‘work in progress’ with Pfizer & Moderna for supply of vaccines.

If we commit soon, we can possibly get delivery by mid next year,” he added.

Neither officials disclosed the name of the person responsible for the missed Pfizer vaccine purchase.

Malacañang was also left in the dark on who Locsin’s referring to in his controversial tweets.

“No. I have no idea who dropped the ball,” admitted presidential spokes-

Duterte OKs January dry run of face-to-face classes in low COVID-risk areas

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte approved the conduct of a dry run of face-to-face classes in select schools in areas deemed lowrisk to SARS-CoV-2 transmission for the whole month of January 2021.

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Duterte approved the proposal of the Department of Education (DepEd) during Monday’s Cabinet meeting.

It’s not yet clear, however,

exactly when in January the dry run will start.

The DepEd will be tasked to coordinate with the National Task Force against COVID19 for the monitoring of the conduct of the face-to-face classes dry run.

“The pilot shall be done under strict health and safety measures, and where there is a commitment for shared responsibility among DepEd, local government units, and parents,” Roque said.

Roque noted that the faceto-face classes dry run will not be compulsory on the part of

the learner/parents.

A parent’s permit will be needed for a student to participate in the pilot implementation, the Palace official said.

Classes resumed nationwide on Oct. 5 with schools utilizing distance learning modality— a combination of online and modular learning—as campuses stay closed and physical classes remain suspended due to the COVID19 pandemic.

COVID-19 is a respiratory ailment caused by the new strain of coronavirus, SARSCoV-2. n

person Harry Roque in a press briefing.

However, he insisted that the government did its part in attempting to secure the

vaccines for the country.

“Malinaw na malinaw po na no less than our Secretary of Foreign Affairs negotiated with his coun-

terpart in the U.S., Secretary Pompeo, para tayo po ay magkaroon ng supply ng Pfizer. So, hindi naman PAGE 8

by daRRyl John

esgueRRa

Inquirer.net

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 18-24, 2020

Wearing of face shield now required in public places

by Darryl John

EsguErra

Inquirer.net

MANILA — The InterAgency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has required the public to wear both face shields and face masks at all times out-

side of their residences to stem the further spread of COVID-19.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is also the official mouthpiece of the IATF, announced this in a televised Palace press briefing Tuesday.

The new directive amends

the previous IATF order which requires people to wear face shields and face masks only when entering enclosed spaces or establishments such as malls.

Meanwhile, the wearing of face masks in public places was ordered mandatory since April. n

Jollibee to open 28 stores in the US...

AID TO FIRE VICTIMS. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go gives a pair of rubber shoes to one of the families affected by a fire in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Tuesday, December 15. Go also distributed cash assistance, food packs, bikes, and tablets to the fire victims.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Melissa Ramoso appointed mayor pro...

PAGE 1 of firsts in the local leadership — as an Asian American and Pacific Islander and Filipina American woman and a millennial in the role.

Ramoso said she was “grateful and humbled” to be selected for the role by council colleagues.

“Being a Pinay in now an elevated position within my elected role means I need to make sure I am not the only one…I made sure that my family and my nieces and nephews were watching because I want them to know to dream big. A title is one thing, but what you do with it is another,” Ramoso told the Asian Journal in an email.

She will serve alongside Mayor Rene J. Trevino for a one-year term.

Artesia — a city in southeast Los Angeles County neighboring Cerritos and Norwalk — has a population of 16,758, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. About 17.9% of the population is of Filipino descent.

Among the current priorities the City Council will be faced with is managing the local response and economic impact of the ongoing pandemic.

Earlier this year, Ramoso initiated the council’s efforts to place moratoriums on rent and mortgage payments and an ordinance against price gouging.

“I plan on continuing my advocacy for the safety and well-being of our residents.

To my knowledge, there have been no closures of small businesses in my city during this pandemic. I would like to keep it that way and

Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso was selected to serve as the city’s mayor pro tem during a virtual City Council meeting on Monday, December 14.

Contributed photo

have asked that any monies that we receive should be allocated back to our businesses. We have had no layoffs of employees as well, so ensuring we have a balanced budget and finding ways to receive more revenue is at the top of my list,” Ramoso added.

Ramoso was elected to the council for a four-year term in 2018, becoming the city’s youngest councilmember.

She had been the only woman serving on the council at the time until Monica Manalo was elected to the vacant seat this past November and was subsequently sworn in during Monday’s council meeting.

Prior to Ramoso’s election, Fil-Am Victor Manalo had served on the city council since 2007. He ran for reelection in 2018, but failed to make it to the top three.

Born in neighboring Downey, Ramoso has been a long-time Artesia resident and received her education from the ABC Unified School District’s Richard Gahr High School before going to the

University of California, Irvine.

In a previous interview with the Asian Journal, the Pinay credited her family, who migrated from the Philippines, for her career in public service. Her late grandfather was a World War II veteran, while her mother is a retired registered nurse, and father a U.S. Army veteran and retired postal worker.

Outside of Artesia, Ramoso works as the district director to Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who represents the state’s 66th assembly district, and serves as the state chair for the California Democratic Party’s Asian Pacific Islander Caucus.

While in-person events are shelved for now, Ramoso reminded constituents about her open-door policy.

“I plan to launch virtual coffees, ask that the city do virtual townhalls as well and continue to utilize social media. I have always stated my door is always open and have been accessible to all,” Ramoso said. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress) n

PAGE 4 comfort and safety of their own homes via call ahead pick-up, take-out and drivethru. By April, Jollibee announced the launch of its nationwide delivery service via DoorDash.

“We have remained nimble and optimistic which has led Jollibee to defy expectations amidst an extremely difficult year and experience double-digit sales growth across North America,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Group North America, Philippine Brands. “Make no mistake though, we would not be weathering these hard times without

the support of our customers. They’ve showed up for us and now we want to show up for them. This month we will be opening long-awaited stores across Texas, California, and Ontario, Canada. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support we’ve received from across these regions and are thrilled to deliver a small spark of joy as we enter the holiday season.”

Texas plays a key role in Jollibee’s U.S. expansion strategy. Opening its first location in San Antonio, the second largest city in the state, represents a major milestone for the brand and

is a sign of Jollibee’s continued growth in the U.S. Located at 5033 NW Loop 410, this also marks Jollibee’s first store in south central Texas as the brand has three other stores across the greater Houston area.

To provide a safe environment for customers and store team members in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dining rooms of all of these stores will remain closed until further notice. Each store will offer a mix of alternative channels for receiving food, including call ahead and pickup, take-out, drive-thru and delivery services. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress) n

DECEMBER 18-24, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

OFWs carry pandemic economic load, raise remittances in October

by Daxim

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

MANILA—Dollars sent home by Filipinos abroad grew slightly in October as land-based contract workers sent more money to their local beneficiaries, narrowing the year-to-date annual decline caused by pandemicrelated job losses.

In a statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said personal remittances from Filipinos overseas grew by 2.5 percent to $3.044 billion in October 2020 from $2.969 billion in October 2019.

“The growth was attributed to the increase in remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more to $2.374 billion in October 2020, 3.3 percent higher than the $2.298 billion recorded in October 2019,” the regulator said.

Also, remittances from sea-based workers and land-based workers with work contracts of less than

one year rose slightly by 1.2 percent to $612 million in October 2020 from $605 million a year ago.

ING Bank Manila’s senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the country’s expatriate workforce “continue to prove doubters wrong, finding a way to send home their hard earned remittances despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

“The two month pickup is welcome as remittances augment weaker domestic incomes with the Philippine economy in full blown recession,” he said in an e-mailed statement. “The slower pace in remittance flows from the previous month may reflect the impact of renewed lockdowns imposed by authorities in host nations as Covid19 infections spiked during period.”

“The fact that remittances continue to rise even after 300,000 [workers] were repatriated and the global economy faces recession is truly impressive and a testament to the grit and heart

of our modern day heroes,” he added, but noted that the increase in remittances in dollar terms may mean that overseas workers are asked to bear the brunt of the local downturn.

For the first ten months of 2020, personal remittances reached $27.346 billion from the $27.612 billion recorded in 2019, bringing the cumulative contraction to 1 percent in October from 1.4 percent in September 2020.

Likewise, overseas Filipinos’ cash remittances that were coursed through banks rose by 2.9 percent to $2.747 billion in October 2020 from $2.671 billion in October 2019.

The cental bank said this increase was due to the growth in remittances from both land- ($2.186 billion) and sea-based ($561.2 million) workers by 3.3 percent and 1.2 percent.

For the January-October 2020 period, overseas Filipinos’ cash remittances PAGE 10

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Locsin: Somebody dropped...

PAGE 6 po tayo nagkulang diyan at mayroon talaga pong kasunduan na bibigyan tayo ng Pfizer (It’s very clear that no less than our Secretary of Foreign Affairs negotiated with his counterpart in the US, Secretary Pompeo, so we could have Pfizer’s supply. So, we weren’t lacking and there was an agreement that Pfizer would supply us),” Roque said.

Lacson: It’s a Cabinet member Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday, December 16 gave hints on who wasted Locsin and Romualdez’s efforts.

“Cabinet syempre (of course). Captain ball at that,” he told INQUIRER. net.

“You can figure that out.

He’s the captain ball. He keeps dropping the ball but he stays in the game.

The coach refuses to replace him,” he added.

Lacson shared that he had an SMS exchange with Romualdez and the envoy told him who the individu-

al in question was.

The senator also urged Locsin not to pass the ball to the Cabinet member when he arranges a deal again.

“I wish you and Babes good luck in your next effort to intercept the ball,” Locsin said in a tweet.

“Next time, don’t pass it to that doggone...teammate of yours. He keeps dropping the ball. Our people need those vaccines,” he added.

Ongoing negotiations Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, for his part, denied that someone mishandled the deal with Pfizer.

“First of all, there is no such thing as dropping the ball. The negotiations are ongoing,” he insisted.

Duque also said that he signed a CDA with the American vaccine developer in October.

“Tuloy-tuloy lang kami sa mga reviews nung mga cond it iona l it ies /prov isions and I just wanted to make sure na hindi onerous or disadvantageous to

government yung mga provisions (We are just continuously going through the reviews of conditionalities/provisions and I just wanted to make sure that the provisions aren’t onerous or disadvantageous to government),” he said.

“Our vaccine czar also signed a CDA with Pfizer last November. So, he would be in the best position to tell you or us at what stage that the negotiations we are in,” he added.

Earlier this year, Duque received flak for failing to immediately issue a directive stopping Chinese travelers from entering the Philippines after COVID19 broke out in Wuhan in December last year.

He also received criticisms for failing to solve the corruption issue in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth).

Several senators signed a resolution urging Duque to resign as Health, but President Rodrigo Duterte said Duque continues to enjoy his trust and confidence. n

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 18-24, 2020

GIFT-GIVING. A resident of Pasay City receives a Christmas gift pack distributed by city government personnel at the Pasay City Sports Complex on Monday, December 14. Various local government units have started distributing Christmas goodies to their constituents subject to health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Palace rejects ICC report on...

PAGE 4 sa mga Amerikano. I am confident po na ia-apply din iyong prinsipyo pagdating kay Presidente (That is the decision of the ICC itself, the pre-trial chamber in the case where they want to investigate against the Americans.

I am confident that the same principle will also apply when it comes to the President),” he added.

Roque stressed that the ICC will not waste its time and resources on an investigation that won’t move forward.

“Mayroon na pong desisyon ang ICC, na hindi sasayangin ng ICC ang panahon ng kanyang mga opisyales sa mga kaso na hindi naman po uusad dahil walang kooperasyon (The ICC has already made a decision, that the ICC will not waste the time of its officers in cases that will not progress because there is no cooperation),” he said.

The spokesman also maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country.

“The ICC does not have jurisdiction over the Philippines after the country withdrew from the treaty that established ICC,” Roque said.

He added, “The Philippines has quit the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction.”

The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in February 2018 after Bensouda started a preliminary examination of the communication filed by lawyer Jude Sabio regarding the country’s drug war.

Political agenda Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo accused Bensouda of politicking in her ICC report.

“With no authority to proceed, it becomes clearly

evident that what Ms. Bensouda and her office are doing is playing politics in an attempt to besmirch the reputation and popularity of President Duterte – akin to the practices of other lowly vulnerable and biased international rights groups which accept unthinkingly and without basis the lies peddled by the dyed-in-thewool opposition detractors,” he said on Wednesday, December 16.

He also dismissed the report as “irrelevant” to the Philippines.

“The report, or more appropriately, a political propaganda against (President Rodrigo Duterte), is not only irrelevant to the Philippines but immaterial as well to the affairs of the country’s government,” said Panelo.

“This is so, since the ICC, as we have repeatedly expounded, does not have jurisdiction over the Philippines, nor any of its state officials, given that the Rome Statute failed to comply with the publication requirement demanded by the fundamental principle of due process under our Constitution, more so because the Rome Statute is penal in nature,” he added.

Panelo maintained that the country’s judicial system is “robust enough” to conduct criminal proceedings brought before the courts of justice.

“The Republic of the Philippines shall continue to claim its independence and call out all persons or entities that seek to destroy its exclusive supremacy over its affairs to refrain from doing so for they shall be repelled at every stage pursuant to – and in accordance with – our

Constitution,” he said.

Impunity is not forever Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares, on the other hand, welcomed Bensouda’s findings.

“We are glad that the ICC Prosecutor found credence to these complaints and the pieces of evidence that we have presented,” he said.

“The Duterte administration may deny to high heavens that they are blatantly violating human rights but the international community is also closely watching and we hope that justice will be served soon,” he added.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate likewise welcomed the report.

“With the recent intensified red tagging, arrests and extrajudicial killings of critics of the administration and the political opposition, we are relieved that the ICC has voiced its concern on the issue. To the violators of human rights, you have been forewarned. Nothing is forever; not even impunity,” he said.

“We hope that the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC will seek authorization to open an investigation in the Philippines in the first half of 2021 or earlier if they can, so as to focus the international limelight in the horrid human rights situation in the country and help to put a stop to it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan said the ICC finding wasn’t surprising, but “troubling” that it took the international tribunal over four years to find “reasonable basis.”

“Perhaps if they acted sooner, thousands of lives could have been saved,” he noted. n

10

DECEMBER 18-24, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Crisis within a crisis: Survivors...

PAGE 2 and multicultural transition programs for survivors of IPV. (The center’s website includes 24/7 multilingual hotlines for victims who need help.)

Rimonte’s work created a foundation for the kind of activism and destigmatization surrounding IPV that we see today, but understanding the warning signs and red flags in a relationship could be the preventative measure that saves lives.

“Police usually get calls related to domestic violence when an abusive incident turns violent, and I’ve covered countless stories over the year as a TV news reporter on homicides, murder suicides and things like that, and eventually I thought that domestic violence just meant extreme physical assault,” Lee explained, emphasizing that there are many non-violent forms of abuse that could predicate physical violence.

The road to eradicating domestic abuse is a long and winding one, riddled with misconceptions and obstacles that require an undoing of cultural stigmas and victim-shaming. All the panelists on Thursday’s webinar acknowledged the harm that “Well, why didn’t they just leave?” arguments do to the vast community of IPV victims.

Even when the red flags are present, it’s common for victims to believe that what they’re going through doesn’t warrant abusive behavior. It only becomes clear in retrospect, as in Lee’s experience.

“When I reflect on my past relationship with my abuser, I knew it was much more,” she went on. “Yes, it was assault; that made me finally leave and that’s what prompted the call to the police. But months led up to that incident and in many cases victims and survivors experience years of abuse that’s more than just physical violence. It started out [as] emotional, psychological and verbal abuse.”

Some of the non-physical abuse that Lee detailed included that “honeymoon phase” where the abuser lured her in with “too good to be true charm” that secured her commitment to the relationship. He then began losing his temper in private and in public, often blaming Lee or others instead of taking accountability. He spoke negatively about Lee to her face and isolated her from her family.

Isolation is a key characteristic of domestic abuse and it manifests in codependency and control, according to Ana Jayme, a licensed marriage and family therapist and cofounder of the Long Beachbased group psychotherapy practice Bridges to Healing Counseling and Training Center.

By isolating the victim, the outside world becomes distant, making it difficult for victims to seek help and break away from the relationship.

Jayme points out that leaving an abusive relationship is not as easy as deciding to call the police and walking out the door — doubly so for victims who are immigrants.

“Because of isolation, the abuser might be the sole economic supporter of the family and the survivor might not have any knowledge or control of money,” Jayme explained. “They may be thinking. ‘Even if I am to leave, where am I going? I don’t know where to go.’”

The fear that an undocumented immigrant victim would be penalized if they came forward with their story is real, but what many of them may not know is that they actually have specific rights.

“Many Filipino Americans here in the United States on fiance visas or different types of visas may feel afraid or uncomfortable with coming forward and jeopardizing their legal status,” said Joyce King, chief counsel at the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office in Maryland.

King, who is Filipina American, said that undocumented victims can self petition for legal status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), apply for cancellation of removal under the VAWA or apply for a U-visa under VAWA, which is for victims of crime.

King also emphasized that these options differ from other legal criminal processes, which usually require victims coming forward and either swearing by written testimony before a judge or providing an open court testimony.

These protocols are “by paper only and they’re not contingent on you having to file a police report” or “deal with the police ever.”

She stressed that anybody who is going through an IPV situation or knows someone who is should seek legal advice. She added that even if a victim who has outstanding criminal charges still can obtain a restraining order against an abuser.

“A lot of these individuals don’t realize how many rights they actually have and how many resources they do have in the law,” King said.

It makes sense that talking about domestic violence, or IPV, is difficult and it’s a struggle trying to unpack the complexities of any given situation. Jayme noted that abusive behavior is cultivated and learned; it’s not inherent.

There’s a social and community responsibility attached to knowing what are and are not healthy behaviors in a relationship. Abusers often have either been the targets of abuse or witnessed domestic abuse themselves, both Jayme and Lee acknowledged. Although this doesn’t excuse abusive behavior, it can help inform and develop healthy, non-abusive family structures.

Years after she left her abusive relationship, Lee admitted that she still feels like she hasn’t received the justice she deserved.

“How can you bring true justice to a situation like mine, where my life was in danger or someone intentionally tried to cause me harm?” Lee remarked, adding that she hopes her abuser fully understands what he has done and the trauma he’s put her through.

“I have a really hard time forgiving my abuser, and I know that is a really important step in the healing process. I’m not quite there yet, but I’m a lot closer than I was several years ago,” she said.

If you’re undocumented and are currently experiencing domestic abuse, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles is a legal and civil rights organization that provides legal support to undocumented immigrants. To reach out by phone, you may call (213) 977-7500; for the Tagalog hotline, please call (855) 300-2552.

To contact Jayme’s psychotherapy group center, Bridges to Healing, please call (562) 528-0606 or email at bridgestohealing@gmail. com.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7/365: 1-800-799-SAFE, or you may communicate with a counselor on their website.

(For safety purposes, the hotline advises users to clear internet browser history after visiting their website.)

If there’s an emergency, always call 9-1-1. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

ANTI-TERROR DRILL. Personnel from the various government agencies and the private sector line up to participate in the simulation exercise on anti-terrorism bombing scenario at the Food Park, Time Square Avenue corner General Roxas Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City on Tuesday, December 15. Participants included members of the Quezon City Police District anti-riot group, SWAT, K-9, forensic experts, as well as some first aiders team, ambulance team, Red Cross, firefighters, barangay personnel, and security guards.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Change is coming: Joe...

PAGE 5 a different result, but our system of government has the processes to determine who will be sworn in on Jan. 20. The Electoral College has spoken.”

McConnell called Biden someone “who has devoted himself to public service for many years.” He also congratulated Vice Presidentelect Kamala Harris, saying “all Americans can take pride that our nation has a female vice president-elect for the very first time.”

The transition of executive power from the outgoing to the incoming administration has always been procedural and ceremonial, until Trump came along.

Sadly those who value their own political survival chose to ignore the rule of law and the Constitution and instead vowed their adoring loyalty to Trump.

Trump himself continues to urge his blind followers to continue fighting for him, spewing even more toxic lies, and milking his fans with money he needs for his legal woes and campaign debts.

While McConnell’s acknowledgment of Biden’s victory gave other Republicans the impetus to abandon

the sinking Trump ship and support the incoming administration, others remain Trump fanatics despite all the challenges we are facing as a nation.

Hence, the move of Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J), who has been outspoken against Republicans backing Trump’s baseless allegations of voter fraud.

As USA Today reported, “Pascrell authored a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Administration Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren arguing the 126 House Republicans who signed on to support a lawsuit, which asks the Supreme Court to invalidate election decisions in several key states in hopes of overturning Biden’s win over Trump, were attempting to ‘demolish democracy’ and steal the election.”

The New Jersey Representative cited provisions in the Constitution outlining “that a person cannot serve in Congress if they have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the Constitution or the country and asks the leaders to ‘evaluate steps you can take’ in holding Republicans accountable.”

Indeed, the chaos we

are facing, the division and misplaced priorities can be linked to these government officials’ dereliction of their oath to abide by and defend the Constitution and the American people. Their loyalty must be to the country and not the party nor Trump.

On top of the list is no less than Trump himself, enemy No. 1 of democracy, the nation and the American people.

Making them accountable will deter another Trump and his minions.

This is our sacred duty as citizens of the United States of America. *** 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.

OFWs carry pandemic economic...

PAGE 8 amounted to $24.633 billion, representing a slight decrease of 0.9 percent from the $24.858 billion registered in the comparative period last year.

By country source, cash remittances from Saudi

Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Kuwait declined, while those from the United States, Singapore, Qatar, Oman, Hong Kong and Taiwan increased.

The US posted the highest share of the total remit-

tances at 40.2 percent, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, the UAE, Canada, Hong Kong, Qatar, and Taiwan. The combined remittances from these countries accounted for 78.7 percent of the total cash remittances. n

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 18-24, 2020

COMMUNITY Journal

11

ICE going after those with ‘voluntary departure’ Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently announced “Operation Broken Promise,” targeting for arrest and removal/deportation those aliens who were in removal proceedings and promised to voluntarily leave the U.S. (instead of being ordered deported), but never left. So far, ICE has arrested hundreds of individuals who accepted voluntary departure but failed to depart.

“Voluntary departure” is requested by the alien and granted by an immigration judge, where the alien is typically granted about 60 to 120 days to arrange for their own departure from the U.S., versus facing a formal deportation order (and the various barriers to readmission that such an order carries). In other words, rather than being ordered to leave, the alien promises to leave (or depart) the U.S. voluntarily. If they fail to do so, the voluntary departure converts into a final deportation order.

In the past, many were placed in deportation/removal, such as when they applied

for political asylum, but their claim of persecution was denied, and they were placed in removal proceedings. At the time of the hearing, they had no form of relief (or way to get a green card), and were facing certain deportation/ removal. Rather than being “ordered” removed, they agreed to leave voluntarily, so a deportation order would not appear on the records.

But they never left, and now ICE is going after them.

While ICE states it is mostly targeting criminals with convictions, they also state that “ICE does not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All those in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the U.S.” In other words, everyone who accepted voluntary departure but didn’t leave, even if they have no crimes, could be subject to being picked up by ICE. If you accepted voluntary departure but never left, I would advise that you consult with an attorney who can evaluate your situation rather than trying to handle this on your own. In some cases, it could be possible to have your case reopened and/or even dismissed, provided you now have a form of

relief or way to get a green card which at the time of your original removal proceedings, you didn’t have.

An attorney can evaluate your circumstance in light of applicable law and your chances of success. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different, and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

‘CITIZEN PINOY’ ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM KAPAMILYA IN HAWAII AND CANADA ON A NOCHE BUENA HOLIDAY ENCORE EPISODE THIS SUNDAY. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) celebrates the holiday season with a Noche Buena feast, and in the Kapamilya spirit, answers immigration questions from guests from Hawaii and Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Seph, from Oahu, HI, (top right) asks if he can include his brother’s 5-year-old daughter under the same petition he filed for his brother back in 2004, even though the child was not even born when the petition was filed.

From Vancouver, Ronald would like to know how much longer he must wait for his petition by his U.S. citizen mother. He is bringing along his wife and their two children. Their priority date is March 2012, and they got an approval notice in 2018.

How long is the processing time in Canada? These questions and more will be answered by Atty. Gurfinkel on the Noche Buena encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot” this Sunday, December 20 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

Vogue says Heart is rumored to join ‘Crazy Rich Asians 2’ cast

By Kata

Dayanghirang Philstar.com

WHAT are the chances that Heart Evangelista will bag the role of Colette Bing in the sequel to the mega-hit 2018 “Crazy Rich Asians”?

Heart is among the rumored to play the spoiled brat fashion blogger who is a daughter to mega-billionaire Bao Gaoling in the sequel “China Rich GirlPAGE 12

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EVERYDAY

9:00am - 11:00am

Heart Evangelista

Photo from Instagram_@iamhearte

12

DECEMBER 18-24, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Warning: Grapefruit

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS COVID-19 Update Worldwide: nearly 74 million cases, with almost 1.7 million deaths; the Philippines: about 452,000 and 9,000 deaths; the United States: around 17 million cases and 310,000 deaths.

Last Saturday, there were almost 200,000 cases, with about 1,400 deaths in one day in the U.S. The first-dose supply of the FDA-approved PfizerBioNTech vaccine against the SARS-CoV2 virus of COVID-19 was delivered to 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Priority recipients are healthcare workers and first responders, to be followed by seniors with health issues. The rest of the population will be getting the vaccine early to middle of next year.

Even after getting the vaccine, people will still have to wear mask properly (covering nose and mouth) in public and do social distancing (with a healthy dose of paranoia and medical vigilance) until we know more about the effectiveness, length of protection it confers, side-effects, and whether some of those vaccinated could still get COVID-19 and transmit it.

Letting the guard down after receiving the vaccine is a serious mistake. We will have more vital clinical data by 2022. The reason COVID-19 has spread like wildfire, infecting 74 million and killing almost 2 million, is because more than 50 percent of the people refuse to follow COVID-19 guidelines. The more compliant we all are, the sooner this pandemic will end.

Does coffee raise our blood pressure?

Yes, most definitely. A cup of regular coffee or two can abruptly blood raise blood pressure (8 mm in systolic and 6 mm in diastolic) even among those not predisposed to hypertension. For those who suffer from high blood pressure, drinking coffee, even only a cup a day, makes the blood pressure shoot up for at least four hours, but not to a dangerous level, espe-

cially among treated persons. The BP is no longer affected by coffee among those chronic drinkers who are on BP meds. Healthy lifestyle, regular medical check-up, taking prescription medications and moderation are the keys to health.

Does condom protect one from AIDS? Only complete abstinence from sexual activity and from needle sharing (especially among addicts) can guarantee protection from AIDS. The use of condom, in general and to a great extent, may lessen the transmission of AIDs, but this is not a guarantee. A significant number of condoms come from the factory – defective, or with tiny holes, or weak spots.

There are more than 17 million people in the world who are HIV-infected. Don’t be one of these statistics.

Is durian an aphrodisiac?

Durian, a popular Asian fruit that has the distinct reputation for its “bad smell but heavenly taste” (for some people) has been bantered around as one that increases sexual libido. There is no scientific evidence durian is an aphrodisiac. If anything at all, the smell alone might turn off some lovers, or excite those who love its taste.

Is wine really good for our heart?

Yes, more specifically red wine. It is not the alcohol in it that is good for our heart.

The ingredient in red wine called resveratrol has been found to be cardio-protective. This comes from the skin of the Pinot Noir grapes used to make red wine. Pinot Noir has the highest resveratrol content among red wines. Somehow, white wine does not confer the same significant health benefit. Neither do beer nor most liquor, which do not contain this special ingredient.

Does grapefruit affect some medications?

Yes, there are several medications that should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. This fruit or its juice inhibit a group of enzymes in our body (CYP3A4), resulting in higher level of the medications getting out of our intestines into our blood stream and the entire body. So, this can lead to overdose. One glass of grapefruit juice can inactivate these en-

zymes for half a day to 36 hours. Some of the groups of medications affected include certain calcium channel blockers, hormones, chemotherapeutic agents, sedatives and tranquilizers, some cholesterol lowering drugs, some psychiatric drugs, and the antiarrhythmic heart medication called Amiodarone. The most prudent thing to do if you are on any medications and love grapefruit or grapefruit juice is to discuss this with your physician.

Is self-medication safe?

Buying over-the-counter medications on your own, or following advice from friends or relatives who may be taking such drugs as prescribed by their physician, is dangerous. Allergies and some deadly complications have been reported in medical literature, even with the ingestion of so-called “common and simple” household pills like aspirin. There is no drug which has no possible side effects. None. All medications, including prescription meds, have possible adverse effects among some people – some mild, others severe or even fatal. Each person reacts differently to specific drugs.

What is good and effective for one may be harmful to others. About 25 years ago, I did open heart surgery on a patient in Hobart, Indiana. She was recovering very well but complained of her gout. On the fourth day after surgery, her internist ordered a pill for her gout. She had a violent reaction to the medication and rapidly went on to develop kidney, liver, and general organ failure, and subsequently died within four days from taking the medication. Always consult a physician before taking any medication you have not taken before.

Is taking antibiotics often dangerous?

Yes, it is not only expensive but very dangerous. In our body, there are so-called “good bacteria” which help in the normal metabolism and function of our body, and are thus essential to our health.

The bacteria we want to kill with antibiotics are the “bad bacteria” that cause us diseases. If we have an infection that is properly diagnosed by a physician, he/she will prescribe the PAGE 15

Filipino Canadian voice actor is Bugs Bunny in ‘Space Jam 2’

By Ian

BIong Inquirer.net

FILIPINO Canadian voice actor Eric Bauza will be lending his voice as the iconic Bugs Bunny in the upcoming “Space Jam” sequel next year.

Bauza, 41, will be voicing everyone’s favorite rabbit alongside NBA star LeBron James in “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” as per Global News on Dec. 9.

The voice actor from Ontario, Canada emphasized that amid the pandemic, in this “2020 world, the only thing we have is nostalgia to keep our spirits up.”

Prior to landing the role for the much-awaited sequel of the hit 1996 film, Bauza has been voicing Bugs Bunny in the Warner Bros. Animation-produced “Looney Tunes Cartoons” on HBO Max. “To know that I grew up on this stuff, something that’s widely received as Space Jam, to be able to contribute to the next ver-

Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo

Filipino Canadian voice actor Eric Bauza Photo from Instagram/@bauzilla

sion of it is something else — another Willy Wonka golden ticket for me,” Bauza was quoted as saying.

“Some kid from Scarborough is the voice of Bugs Bunny? What the heck is going on? Now I know it’s the end of the world,” he joked.

Bauza, who noted that these cartoons are being made for kids, admitted that he is “a big kid” and since

he has a 4-year-old child, “it’s all for him now.”

Back in March, Bauza gave the public a glimpse of his Bugs Bunny voice in a public service announcement concerning COVID19, where he reminded kids to always wash their hands and listen to their parents.

Aside from the classic carrot-loving character, Bauza also previously voiced childhood favorites such as Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck and Tweety, among others.

In his younger years, Bauza was known as a prankster and a wisecracker among his peers, as per Toronto Star also on Dec. 13.

Using his talent for mimicking different voices and comedy, Bauza used to deliver announcements using the voices of Homer Simpson, Ace Ventura and many more at the Cardinal Newman Catholic High School, where he graduated as valedictorian.

Photos from Instagram/@aldenrichards02, @beaalonzo

Alden to star with ‘idol’ Bea in remake of South Korean film

By Ian

BIong

Inquirer.net

ALDEN Richards will be partnering up with his “idol” Bea Alonzo in the upcoming Philippine adaptation of the hit South Korean film “A Moment to Remember.”

Principal photography for the adaptation is set to start next month, January 2021, as per Philippine Entertainment Portal yesterday, Dec. 14. The film will be co-produced by Viva

Films and GMA Pictures.

Richards will be taking on the role played by actor Jung Woo-sung while Alonzo will be playing actress Son Ye-jin’s role.

Back in August, Richards admitted that it is his dream to work with Alonzo as he is a fan of the actress, noting that he loves her onscreen tandem with John Lloyd Cruz.

While the two have never worked in a film or series before, Richards and Alonzo have already

worked together in a shampoo commercial earlier this year.

The South Korean film, released in 2004, was based on the 2001 Japanese drama “Pure Soul.”

“A Moment to Remember” tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman with Alzheimer’s disease.

Nuel Naval, who also helmed the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean drama “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” will be directing the said film, as per report.

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Kathryn denies nose job anew: ‘It’s all natural’ By ricky lo Philstar.com

Cherry Pie Picache

Photo from Instagram/@yescppicache

Why Cherry Pie thinks of Rio Locsin when giving back on Christmas

By Alex

BrosAs

Inquirer.net

EVEN after 25 years as an actress, Cherry Pie Picache continues to be inspired by the generosity of Rio Locsin during Christmastime.

Picache recalled hearing a beautiful story of Locsin’s gesture and shared it on her Instagram post on Monday, Dec, 14.

“About 25 years ago when I was just starting as an actor, I remember how I loved hearing anecdotes about different actors I look up to,” she initially said.

“One story that really moved and inspired me to this day is how [Ms.] Rio Locsin I heard, would stock up cupcakes or any food inside her car and give it as alms to our children and brothers on the streets instead of

money,” she recalled.

Picache is so inspired by Locsin’s good deeds that she herself is practicing it.

“Since then, cupcakes were always part of my grocery and [I] would do the same to this day. This season, stepping up a little and preparing these gift bags for our children caroling or not, cleaning windshield or not and brothers begging or not on the streets,” she said.

The “Walang Hanggang Paalam” actress hopes others would do the same, which is why posted the story on Instagram.

“The only reason I’m posting is that you might be inspired too the way I was [25 years] ago, since wala na masyadong live [and] random na chikahan na nagaganap (there are fewer live and random chats happening)

these days… socmed halos (mostly),” she said.

Since Picache has no sponsors, she is asking friends to help in whatever way they can.

“I’m not sponsored by any product as well kaya (which is why) to my closest of friends and family, alam [n’yo] na (you know what to do)… abundant love and heartfelt prayers muna ngayong Pasko (this Christmas),” she said.

While life is hard with the pandemic, for Picache, there is no reason not to celebrate Christmas.

“Trying and difficult times, work is scarce though there is so much to be thankful for and so much to celebrate and share this season, no matter how simple, because God’s love never fails,” she said.

Vogue says Heart is rumored to...

PAGE 11 friend.”

Production has yet to start and if the sequel follows the said second book in the popular series penned by Kevin Kwan, then Colette is a fitting character to play for Heart.

But she has to contend with her closest competition for the role — Netflix darling Lana Condor, the star of the two movies in the “To All The Boys I’ve Love Before” movie adaptations.

Kwan shared the Vogue Australia article that mentioned the rumors about

Condor, Heart and Taiwanese-Australian actress Hannah Quinlivan on his Facebook page on December 4.

“A fun bit of speculation from our friends at Vogue,” he wrote and shared the link to the article.

Kwan himself met with Heart and he tagged her as “The Real Crazy Rich Asian” in the Harper’s Bazaar YouTube clip.

Colette is an important character because she will affect the story of the two main characters of the books and movie adaptations, Nick Young and Rachel Chu.

If there will be a third movie to the movies and it will also be based on the books, Colette will see a major character development after her “fall” in the second book. In the third book, “Rich People Problems,” Colette will see good character development and a noble title to boot.

Now, does Colette Bing seem tailor-fit to be Heart Evangelista’s first international role after being rumored, too, of supposedly playing the role of Cho Chang in the “Harry Potter” series?

We’ll just have to wait and see.

KATHRYN Bernardo once again put to rest rumors that she had her nose done.

The actress appeared on the vlog of celebrity dermatologist Dr. Aivee Teo, “Aivee Day,” last Wednesday, Dec. 9, where they played the game “Never Have I Ever.

Both the 24-year-old and Teo responded to statements that went from skincare to their personal lives.

Among them was the statement, “Never have I ever had surgery.”

The “Hello, Love, Goodbye” star immediately reacted. “Doc, please pakilinaw naman. Siyempre ‘pag sinabi kong never, sasabihin nila dine-deny ko na naman.”

(Doc, please, can you explain? Of course when I say never, others will say I am denying it again.)

Teo said that it was a “common question” she

Kathryn Bernardo Photo from Instagram/@bernardokath

would receive and that she would always tell people “no.”

“No, I swear. Kasi si Doc Aivee ‘di ka naman niya pipilitin (With Doc Aivee, she will not force you) if you’re not comfortable with it. And I’m happy with my nose,” said Bernardo.

Teo explained, “Kasi when your face gets slimmer, lumalabas ‘yung feature mo. So nag-dedevelop din iyong nose as you get

older.”

(Because when your face gets slimmer, your features come out. Your nose develops as you get older.)

“I swear si Doc Aivee walang ginawa sa nose ko (Doc Aivee has done nothing with my nose) or any doctors before Doc Aivee just to be clear,” Bernardo reiterated.

She also said that she has no problem with people getting surgery if they want it.”

“For me talaga (really) no, it’s all natural,” Bernardo stressed.

She previously went on record on “Tonight with Boy Abunda” in 2018 to say that she never had surgery done on her nose.

The actress does have skin tightening procedures done, such as thermage, which was demonstrated in the video. Teo explained that it is to lift, tighten and contour the skin, since Bernardo complains about her face getting “fuller.”

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DECEMBER 18-24, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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people events arts culture entertainment

SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER, NOT THE VIRUS:

How Filipinos around the world will celebrate the holiday I

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA / AJPress

T’S been over nine months since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and the virus is still raging. The situation may not be as bleak as before, with the promise of two vaccines coming to provide some hope, but we’re still far from the “normal” life we were once used to.

As it stands, the world will be celebrating Christmas this year with a lot of restrictions.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly advises against traveling and going out during the holidays lest another wave of infections happen, and world leaders have echoed the sentiment. Large gatherings and Christmas parties are a no-go, as well — which has left a lot of people feeling disheartened.

“Celebrate with people in your household. If you have plans to travel, you have to think twice, three times before doing so. This is really not the time be-

cause it’s not just bad for you, but bad for the people you’re visiting because you don’t know what you’re bringing to them,” said Dr. Jasmine Eugenio, a Filipina American pediatrics specialist at Martin Luther King, Jr. Outpatient Center in Los Angeles.

For many, Christmas was seen as a reprieve from the monotony that the pandemic has afforded.

No one wants to be alone during the holidays, not when we’ve been isolated for more than half a year already.

“Reach out to family members through Zoom or other means. Call your lolo and lola, but you don’t

have to visit them. They say Christmas only comes once a year, but there will be other Christmases,” Eugenio added.

Still, many are willing to make the necessary adjustments, especially Filipinos, who have always been big on family-oriented celebrations. Around the world they’re prepared to comply with the safety measures imposed by their governments, welcoming Christmas Day with as much warmth and conviviality as they can in their situations.

“Here, gatherings are restricted especially in public. But if you’re staying at home, you’re allowed

AJPress Illustrations by Godwin Gasacao

to celebrate provided that there won’t be any guests.

Same with work, we can only celebrate by ourselves since there is a huge penalty if you invite someone from outside,” said Zeny Martin, from Abu Dhabi.

Greg Villar, who resides in Los Angeles, California, is also holding off on inviting his extended family for the holidays.

“My daughter and I will be celebrating Christmas at my house. We usually have cake, ham, lechon kawali, and leche flan,” he said.

“Back when my wife was alive, we used to host a Christmas party and invite her siblings and relatives alongside mine, and though my daughter and I still do that after she passed away two years ago, we won’t be inviting anyone this year because of COVID-19,” he added.

Meanwhile, Beth Cruz is finding ways to connect and celebrate with her loved ones in Dubai.

“Every year, we celebrate Christmas with our family, friends and relatives at home. However, due to the situation and restrictions, we will celebrate Christmas Eve with our family at home and organize small gatherings separately with friends and relatives at the park or restaurants,” she said.

According to her, the

pandemic won’t deter her from celebrating Christmas, but stressed that she’s going to exercise caution while doing it.

“This pandemic will not keep us from celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus, we just have to practice precautionary measures for the safety of all our loved ones,” said Beth.

Likewise, Minda Lesaca from Toronto, Canada refuses to let the pandemic dampen her Christmas spirit.

“Christmas will continue despite the pandemic, however, there are many restrictions due to health protocols. We can’t invite relatives or neighbors, and PAGE 15

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Kim’s ‘Bawal Lumabas’ Nadine unfazed by Viva’s new lawsuit now a web series

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

By iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net

TV and social media star Kim Chiu made a definitive triumph over her merciless bashers following her infamously baffling “Bawal Lumabas” analogy at the height of the ABS-CBN’s shutdown controversy.

Her Facebook Live video where she aired her sentiments over the franchise controversy back in May spawned countless memes and parodies of her unintentional faux pax, which she admitted to be “one of the lowest points” of her life.

Shortly after, the 30-yearold actress humbly took the road of self-deprecation and successfully turned the tables on her detractors when she released a feel-good single titled, “Bawal Lumabas (The Classroom Song).”

Gathering more than 9 million hits on YouTube and counting, Chiu has since made the most of her big blunder, next selling spinoff merchandise whose proceeds went to marginalized families amid the pandemic, and at exactly 6 p.m. on December 14, dropped the first episode of “Bawal Lumabas: The Series,” over the ABS-CBN streaming service iWantTFC. “Nag-flashback sa akin lahat nung nangayari dahil sa ‘Bawal Lumabas.’ I now realize that one mistake won’t define you as a person. When you make a mistake, go back to it but don’t look back too long. Learn from it and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed but the future is yet in your power,” Chiu said at the pre-premiere media conference of the series on Zoom.

Produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and directed

The actress happily shares the news that she is one of Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars of 2020. Photo from Instagram/ @chinitaprincess

by Benedict Mique, viewers will surely relate to the story of Emerald (Chiu), an overseas worker who’s been employed in various countries to support her family.

Because her parents had already passed away, Eme has to work extra hard to make their dreams come true for her siblings.

When her latest employment contract expires, Eme comes home and is reunited with her siblings — Onyx (Paulo Angeles), Ruby (Trina Legaspi), and Jade (Francine Diaz) — for the holidays. What hits her hard, though, is the sad reality that she and her siblings had already grown apart.

Disheartened but still determined, Eme goes back to school to become classmates with her rebellious sister, ready to rebuild their bond, only to see her plan backfiring and complicated by the fact that her ex- boyfriend (Rafael Rosell) is class teacher.

Also starring Kyle Echarri as Jade’s suitor, Onyx, Bawal Lumabas: The Series is comprised of six episodes with daily drops on IWantTFC at 6 p.m. until December 19.

And by the way, as if a series isn’t the best way to cap her “Bawal Lumabas” year,

Chiu learned on December 8 that she made it to Forbes magazine’s list of “Asia’s 100 Digital Stars.”

The list recognizes film, music, and TV personalities across the Asia Pacific region “who have maintained their relevance and popularity in this challenging period by leveraging on the power of social media… and used their influence to support worthy causes, especially those with a Covid19 focus.”

The magazine says of the Filipina celebrity, “Chiu used a viral video gaffe during a live stream in May as the basis for ‘The Classroom Song.’ A live performance of the hit has over 9 million views on YouTube. Chiu then sold ‘The Classroom Song’ branded T-shirts to raise money for pandemic relief.”

Asked to react to this major vindication of sorts, Chiu only points to her Instagram account, where she wrote, “Totoo nga!

OMG! OMG! No words! I am a part of Asia Pacific’s Most Influential Celebrities On Social Media! No words!

Forbes! Sorry capital letters lahat! Para intense, yun yung nararamdaman ko now! LIKE WOW.” To wrap up, the official Asian influential celebrity said, “I am just thankful for everything God has been giving me. My faith has been tested this year but I never gave up on trusting His will. All in His Glory! All for you Father God! Thank you, Forbes for this recognition. There is truly love and light.”

Besides Chiu, other Filipino personalities who made the list were Marian Rivera, Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Kathryn Bernardo, Angel Locsin and Sarah Geronimo.

How Filipinos around the world...

PAGE 14 we also can’t go outside to celebrate with others.

There’s a limit in the number of people celebrating,” she said.

Lesaca lamented the restrictions in doing normal holiday celebrations, but reasoned that they’re needed for the sake of everyone’s lives.

According to her, being

considerate is important during these unprecedented times.

“It’s sad to think about, but we really can’t do anything but comply with the rules to avoid getting infected or infecting others.

We need to obey to protect not only our family but also everyone else,” Minda said.

“We really need to keep

others in mind. We can still celebrate Christmas without any grandiose plans, anyway,” she added.

“Christmas won’t be gone.

It’s still the most important occasion because it’s the birth of Jesus Christ.”

To date, COVID-19 has infected around 69 million people worldwide and has taken more than a million lives.

VIVA Artists Agency (VAA) filed a complaint at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court last December 11 against actress Nadine Lustre, claiming that the actress allegedly violated the contract that she signed with the company.

In a statement released

by Viva, the talent agency said that Nadine should be exclusively working with the company, according to her contract, but she has been allegedly “contracting independently with advertisers, promoters, and third parties.”

Viva claimed that it was the one that “developed, built, and nurtured Nadine’s career to make her one of the most sought after artists in the entertainment industry.” The agency said Nadine last renewed her contract with them last 2015, with an effectivity until June 29, 2029.

“Despite her continued success as an exclusive artist of VAA for almost a decade, Nadine still chose to violate and disregard her contract with VAA,” Viva said.

Nadine’s lawyer Lorna Kapunan said that the truth will come out and she is ready to defend the actress.

“The contract is an Agency contract and Nadine is the Principal — and it is the right of the Principal to terminate the Agent when it is not performing its com-

Nadine Lustre

mitments under the Agency Agreement,” Kapunan told ABS-CBN in an interview.

“We are prepared to prove VAA’s material breach of the contract. We are likewise prepared to show that VAA is guilty of tortious third party interference by its threatening/ pressuring third parties dealing with Nadine in good faith and scaring them with potential court cases,” she added.

Last January, Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices announced in a statement that Nadine is now selfmanaged and bookings and inquiries may be directly addressed to her.

“For the information of the public, Nadine Lustre

Photo from Instagram/@nadine

is no longer a talent of Viva Artists Agency. Consistent with her rights under the Civil Code of the Philippines, specifically Article 1920, she has decided to terminate her agency contract with Viva,” the law office said.

“As of now, Nadine is self-managed and will continue to be so indefinitely.

She shall directly manage her affairs from now on, and booking and inquiries may be directly addressed to her,” the statement added.

Last December, Nadine signed a contract with Careless Music, a recording label founded by her former boyfriend James Reid.

Warning: Grapefruit...

PAGE 12 specific antibiotic that is effective for a particular bug or groups of bugs causing the malady. Not all germs are killed by the same antibiotics. If one takes antibiotics indiscriminately, the “good bacteria” in our body will die and fungus infection will emerge because the normal (protective) balance is disrupted. Also, if antibiotics are used often, the “bad bacteria” will get used to them and become resistant to the antibiotics, making them ineffective in fighting infection.

Is dental flossing necessary?

Brushing our teeth thoroughly after each meal is an excellent idea, but it is not enough. Using the

toothpick is not enough.

Brushing does not remove all food trapped in between our teeth. While toothpick helps get rid of the bigger particles, the smaller pieces caught in between the tighter spaces between our teeth can only be removed by dental flossing. If not removed, the trapped food particles decay, much like a rotten piece of dead meat, causing severe halitosis (bad breath). Using mouthwash (with stabilized chlorine dioxide) should also be a part of the daily routine because this kills germs that cause bad breath. Chewing gums (sugarless) helps. *** 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 Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com.

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