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Volume 19 - No. 24 • 12 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o A m e r i ca n C o m m u n it y N e ws pap e r

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America

FilAm Arts town hall illuminates patterns of racism, colorism within Filipino community

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, New York/NEW JERSEY

US voices concern over Ressa’s guilty verdict

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE United States on Tuesday, June 16, expressed concern over Rappler executive editor and chief executive officer Maria Ressa and writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. being convicted of cyber libel by a Manila court.

“The United States is concerned by the trial court’s verdict against journalists Maria Ressa and

Reynaldo Santos and calls for resolution of the case in a way that reinforces the U.S. and Philippines’ long shared commitment to freedom of expression, including for members of the press,” said U.S. Department of State spokesperson Morgan Ortagus in a statement.

Meanwhile, U.S. Senators Edward Markey, Patrick Leahy, and Dick Durbin slammed the court’s verdict, calling it a “travesty of justice.”

“It is shocking to see the Philippine government

“WE need to start a conversation.”

For the past few weeks, this has been the party line among Filipino Americans who recognize the deeply rooted racism embedded into the community. Now, they’re having that conversation.

On Saturday, June 13, FilAm Arts hosted a “FilipinX For Black Lives” livestream on Facebook, during which prominent Filipino American writers, journalists, academics and artists started the uphill climb of undoing the complicated ways that the Filipino

Palace: Duterte to wait for anti-terror bill to be vetted before making his decision

u PAGE 3

San Francisco moves to next phase of reopening SAN FRANCISCO – On Monday, June 15 the City’s phased reopening moved forward into Phase 2B, allowing more business and social activities to resume with required safety protocols in place. San Francisco is continuing to make progress slowing the spread of COVID-19, is meeting several key health indicators, and is aligned with state guidance as it gradually allows more activities.

Last week, San Francisco restaurants began offering outdoor dining, following the success of curbside retail and some outdoor activities that were allowed in mid-May. Starting June 15, retail businesses are allowing customers to shop inside with safety modifications, and some additional outdoor activities may

u PAGE 3

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, June 17, said President Rodrigo Duterte will be waiting for the vetting process to be finished before deciding whether to sign or veto the anti-terrorism bill.

“When he spoke about the anti-terror bill, he was saying, ‘I’m waiting for Senator Lacson to finalize his commas and periods before I sign the bill’,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

According to him, Duterte has not yet received the copy of the proposed measure – meaning, the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Justice are still in the process of vetting it.

Roque, however, said that the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel has already finished reviewing the bill.

“There are at least three departments that are given the leeway to comment on this legislation. The most To coincide with Philippine Independence Day on June 12, Filipino American community groups from the Bay Area held a protest in Milpitas, California important is the Office of the Executive Secretary, to amplify community concerns around the Philippine government’s proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill and to raise continued awareness around the specifically the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal human rights situation in the country under the Duterte administration.

Photo courtesy of MALAYA Movement Northern California u PAGE 2

PH tourism stakeholders tell balikbayans: Postpone trips to the homeland for now

by Momar

G. Visaya

AJPress

Many Filipinos in the United States are looking at the possibility of traveling back to the Philippines even while the world is going through a pandemic.

However, the tourism sector stakeholders are asking them not to travel back in the next three to four months, if possible.

“I wouldn’t really recommend it for now, nakita naman natin (we have seen) how stringent the

policies are, the quarantine, swab testing. Definitely we see that the balikbayan market, the Fil-Am market will be one of the first ones to come back once travel restrictions are eased, once flights are easier to come by,” said Tourism Congress of the Philippines President Jose Clemente III at a virtual Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

His colleagues, including Ricky Isla of Air Asia, agreed, “unless it is really urgent.”

“Maraming (There are many) factors to be considered like

flights. At this time, it is still very tumultuous, there are so many things still up in the air. Maybe towards Christmastime, okay na (then),” Clemente added. “Kung hindi naman kailangan umuwi, huwag na muna kayong umuwi (if you don’t need to come home, don’t go home for now). It’s not that we don’t want you here, but we don’t want you to go through all the inconveniences that you have to go through.”

Tourism Secretary Berna Rou PAGE 5

Fil-Am man in SF confronted by white couple for stenciling ‘Black Lives Matter’ in front of own home

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

James Juanillo, a Filipino American resident of San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, poses for a selfie with ‘Black Lives Matter’ stenciled with chalk on a wall outside of his home.

Juanillo was confronted by a white couple last week for the artwork after they alleged he did not live at the property.

Photo courtesy of James Juanillo/Facebook

strain to extend its legal reach to target journalists while so many extrajudicial abuses cry out for investigation and prosecution,” they said.

“At the very least, the defendants must be afforded every opportunity to appeal this decision,” they added.

Peter Greste, UNESCO Chair in Journalism and Communication, likewise, criticized the court’s decision, calling it a “blow to journalists…to press freeu PAGE 2

A Filipino American man was stenciling “Black Lives Matter” in chalk outside his San Francisco home last week when a white couple confronted him and accused him of defacing private property.

A video of the June 9 encounter, which has reached over 19.6 million views on Twitter, shows a couple asking James Juanillo, 50, if he lives in the Pacific Heights house before alleging that they know the homeowner and claiming he was engaging in an illegal activity.

Juanillo’s post was accompanied with the message, “A white couple call the police on me, a person of color, for stencilling a #BLM chalk message on my own front retaining wall. ‘Karen’ lies and says she knows that I don’t live in my own house, because she knows the person who lives here.”

(Karen is the online term typically used to describe u PAGE 5

Nanay Fedelina, human trafficking survivor kept by Filipino family for 4 generations in Southern California, dies at 83

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

FEDELINA Lugasan, a former domestic worker who spent 65 years enslaved by a Filipino family, died on Thursday, June 11 in Long Beach, California. She was 83.

Fondly known as Nanay Fedelina, Lugasan was hospitalized earlier in the week for respiratory problems associated with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC).

PWC, the Historic Filipinotown-based workers’ rights organization, was vital in helping Lugasan adjust to her life of freedom after she was rescued from her employer in 2018. For Fedelina Lugasan, 1936-2020 the past two years, she had been living at a skilled nursing facility in Long Beach.

“As she transitioned into a new life of freedom, Nanay Fedelina has truly helped us understand what it means to be resilient. She did not wallow in what she had been denied, but instead took delight in the chance to experience new adventures like having her first-ever birthday party celebration! In the two years u PAGE 2

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

June 19-25, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page

US voices concern over Ressa’s...

PAGE 1 t dom in the Philippines, and to stability in the region.”

Even former U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced out her support for Ressa.

“Maria Ressa was convicted in the Philippines yesterday for doing her job. As Amal Clooney wrote, the message to other journalists is ‘Keep quiet, or you’ll be next’,” she said on Twitter.

“We must fiercely protest attacks on the press. They are attacks on democracy,” she added.

U.S. news outlets also took a stand both for Ressa and press freedom.

“It is not merely that Ms. Ressa and her colleagues need and deserve support: her case has such frightening implications beyond her own country. When Mr. (Rodrigo) Duterte is given a free pass for his behaviour, other leaders take note,” wrote The Guardian in its editorial.

“Without freedom of the media, it is impossible to protect other freedoms: citizens cannot know what is being done in their name. Journalists are targeted because they sound the alarm.

They must not be silenced,” it added.

The Washington Post, meanwhile, urged the U.S. government to show “much greater resistance” against Ressa’s guilty verdict.

“The Philippines’ slide toward dictatorship deserves much greater resistance from Washington – if not from the White House, then from Congress,” the news outlet said.

“A court verdict that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 7 years for her and a colleague showed that Mr. Duterte is succeeding in compromising the

Rapper CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa spoke on a panel on the first night of Los Angeles’ Press Freedom Week on last September 16, 2019.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Philippines’ justice system, even as he personally flouts the rule of law,” it added.

Ressa and Santos were found guilty of violating Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, or cyber libel, sentencing them to the indeterminate penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months and one day as a minimum to up to six years, according to the sentence handed down by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa.

According to Rappler, the court allowed bail under the same bond. It also ordered Ressa and Santos to pay complainant Wilfredo Keng P200,000 in moral damages and another P200,000 (a total of $7,900) in exemplary damages.

Keng in 2017 filed cyber libel charges against the two for naming him in an article as the owner of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) used by the late Chief Justice Re-

nato Corona, who was then facing impeachment in 2012.

Meanwhile, the court found Rappler Inc. to have no corporate liability in the case.

“A news organization who claims to adhere to accuracy, fairness and balance in terms of reporting, would have retracted, or at the very least issued a clarificatory article if there have been some indications of falsity to its previous article... This clearly shows actual malice,” the court’s decision read. “[T]he court is mandated to decide solely on the basis of the evidence presented by the parties and to apply the law. No more, no less,” it added. “The Courts are tasked to strike a balance between the enforcement of one’s right to speak his mind and the protection of another’s right against defamation of his honor and reputation without regard to the stature of the personalities involved.” n

Nanay Fedelina, human trafficking survivor...

PAGE 1 t

that we have known her, she has transformed from a victim of abuse to an empowered survivor leader — a symbol of hope to the oppressed and an inspiration to many,” the organization said in a statement.

Originally from Leyte, Philippines, Lugasan had worked since she was 16 years old as a domestic helper for four generations of Benedicta Cox’s family, first in Manila, before they brought her to the United States in 1980 where they settled in Northridge, a city north of Los Angeles.

During her time with the Cox family, Lugasan did not receive any days off and was not paid for her work, which included household chores and taking care of the children and then grandchildren, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

Lugasan’s passport, birth certificate, and other important documents were taken away from her, and she was subjected to physical and verbal abuse through the years. She also slept on the floor at the house, according to previous reports.

When Cox was hospitalized, Lugasan kept a close watch and stayed by her bedside. Lugasan barely slept or ate for several days, leading her vomiting and collapsing. A nurse at the hospital alerted law enforcement, which resulted in the FBI searching

Fedelina Lugasan (2nd from right) reunited with family members (L-R), her granddaughter Chrystine Abcede, older sister Leonila Cinco and niece Luz Alabado, at the Pilipino Workers Center in early March after they secured visas to come to the United States.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

Cox’s residence and the eventual rescue of Lugasan in 2018.

The FBI alerted the Philippine Consulate General in LA, the Asian Pacific Islander Human Trafficking Task Force, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and PWC about Lugasan’s case.

PWC had estimated that through her decades of work, Lugasan’s back wages come to about $1.6 million, using California’s minimum wage at the time she began employment with the Cox family in 1980.

Despite the working conditions over the decades, Lugasan forgave her employer. Cox was put on house arrest in 2019, sentenced to probation for five years

and ordered to pay $101,119.98 in restitution. Cox died about six months into the arrest.

As Lugasan relished in her newfound freedom, she also became an advocate for anti-human trafficking efforts and lent her voice to the plight of modern day slavery.

Last fall, Lugasan met Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and expressed her desire to return to her hometown and see if her siblings or other relatives were still alive.

Because she was under a T visa for victims of human trafficking, Lugasan was unable to go back to the Philippines. Howu PAGE 3

Palace: Duterte to wait for anti-terror bill...

PAGE 1 t Affairs, and of course, it’s important to listen to the Department of Justice as well,” he said.

The spokesman also assured that Duterte will be studying the provisions of the bill.

“Let’s not forget, that the president was also a criminal lawyer, a public prosecutor. He will read the bill himself and he will himself make a determination if

there’s any provision that is contrary to the bill of rights and the Constitution,” Roque said.

The DOJ on Tuesday, June 16, confirmed it has finished its review of the bill and was in the process of drafting its comments to be submitted to the president.

“To the extent possible, we have considered the operational needs of the government in dealing with terrorism as well as our

international commitments, without losing sight of the legal and constitutional parameters within which all state actions should be circumscribed,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday.

He also said that the DOJ kept in mind “for whom and against whom the anti-terror bill was crafted” while reviewing the measure. n

Ambassador Romualdez shakes hands with Nanay Fedelina, an 83-year-old woman who was granted freedom in 2018 after being trafficked and abused by a Filipino family for 65 years, during a meeting at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15, 2019. She was joined by Consul Genral Adelio Cruz, Pilipino Workers Center operations manager Malou Villacisneros and Executive Director Aquilina Soriano Versoza.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Garcia-Ascue/Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

D

USA

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 19-25, 2020 ateline

San Francisco moves to next phase...

PAGE 1 resume, including small outdoor gatherings with 12 people or fewer.

The City plans to allow additional social and business activities in the coming weeks and months if key health indicators are met and residents and businesses continue to follow safety guidelines and requirements that are critical to protecting employees and customers of businesses that are reopening. The public’s continued partnership and cooperation with face coverings and other health precautions such as social distancing, frequent handwashing, staying home if sick, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces are essential to continue reopening.

“San Francisco retail businesses and residents have been waiting for a while to get to this next phase, and we’re committed to continuing to make progress on reopening so people can get back to work and regain some sense of normalcy in their lives,” said Mayor Breed. “As we do reopen, we want to make sure that we do so carefully and safely, and that we’re ready to adjust if we see a spike in cases. Our success depends on each person doing their part, taking precautions and being mindful. As we go out in our neighborhood to visit and support local businesses, it’s important that we continue following all the public health requirements, which will help keep us all safe and healthy.”

“San Francisco has been very effective in slowing the spread of the virus. Reopening combines hope and optimism with the awareness that the virus is still here, and cases will likely increase as people start to move about the city more,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health.

“The virus spreads very quickly and can rapidly overwhelm communities and health care systems. While we hope that won’t happen in San Francisco, that is why we must be vigilant and flexible as we enter this new phase. Residents must continue to take precautions and sustain the habits that have gotten us where we are today. Everyone needs to weigh their own risk and the risk to their family, household members and people they interact with. As we reopen, think through how to do any activity you are contemplating in the safest way possible. You can still save lives.”

San Francisco’s Stay Home Health Order remains in effect and is gradually being amended to allow for a safer reopening.

On June 15, the City entered into Phase 2B of its local reopening plan. San Francisco entered Phase 2A of the reopening plan on June 1 and on June 12 allowed outdoor dining with safety protocols to begin. In conjunction with outdoor dining, the City is offering free permits for businesses to occupy the sidewalk and other public property to operate their business through the Shared Spaces program.

The activities and businesses allowed to resume on June 15 as part of San Francisco’s Reopening Phase 2B are: • Indoor retail with 50% capacity limits (enclosed malls with approved plan)

• All curbside retail with direct street access with no limit on the number of on-site personnel, subject to social distancing, and with direct street access (enclosed malls with approved plan) • All manufacturing, warehouse and logistics with no limit on the number of on-site personnel, subject to social distancing • Non-emergency medical appointments • All private indoor household services like cooks and house cleaners • Outdoor fitness classes (up to 12 people) with social distancing • Professional sports games, tournaments and other entertainment for broadcast with no in-person spectators. Events with more than 12 people must have an approved plan.

Religious gatherings and ceremonies, outdoors only (up to 12 people), with face coverings and social distancing • Other small gatherings, outdoors only (up to 12 people), with face coverings and social distancing • Some offices. Anyone who can telework must continue to do so, but individuals necessary for operations who cannot work remotely may come into the office as long as certain safety rules are followed. These include wearing a face covering and limiting the number of people who can be in the office at one time.

• Summer camps with stable groups of up to 12.

• Outdoor dining including restaurants and bars serving meals with a limit of six customers per table unless all are members of the same household (effective June 12) • Dog walking of multiple dogs (effective June 8).

San Francisco’s reopening plan is aligned with State guidelines and is based on a San Franciscospecific risk model to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health. The plan is also informed by the work of the San Francisco COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force and the Department of Public Health (DPH) monitoring of the virus.

“Every step forward we take in reopening supports our local economy and, so far, San Franciscans have made that possible by taking individual action to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Assessor Carmen Chu, co-chair of the City’s Economic Recovery Task Force. “Let’s continue to do our part to protect ourselves, our families and the workers who make the everyday things we need and enjoy possible.”

“San Francisco’s hard work and patience, combined with taking face covering and social distancing seriously, has brought us to a reopening milestone that’s going to greatly benefit our small businesses, our workers, and our economy,” said Joaquín Torres, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “As more businesses open their doors in the coming weeks, they’ll be counting on our support more than ever. By buying local, we can keep our purchasing power within our communities, help sustain our businesses and their workers and emerge from this pandemic a more vibrant and resilient San Francisco.”

“We are very excited to see

Nanay Fedelina, human trafficking...

PAGE 2 t ever, the Philippine Consulate and Embassy helped expedite the process of securing a U.S. visa for her older sister Leonila Cinco, who is the only surviving sibling.

Cinco, together with her daughter Luz Albado and granddaughter Chrystine Abcede, arrived in Los Angeles at the beginning of March. The family spent 10 days sightseeing and making up for lost time with Lugasan.

“She epitomized the hardworking Filipino who sought greener pastures abroad, but was victimized by cruel and heartless people. I console myself with the fact that in the end, even for a fleeting moment, she obtained justice, happiness and and freedom from her employers paving the way to reconnect with her loved ones even for two short weeks,” Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz told the Asian Journal.

Lugasan was the center of a documentary by The Filipino

Channel’s newscast Balitang America, entitled “Kept: Six Decades of Servitude,” which won a Northern California Emmy in the human interest category on Sunday, June 7.

Steve Angeles, the writer and producer of the documentary, told the Asian Journal that in the process of capturing Lugasan’s story, he noticed how “she went from a frail, timid, woman, who showed the telltale signs of human trafficking, into a healthy, strong advocate speaking out against human trafficking as she shared her stories.”

“In the end, Kept’s main mission is to shed light and put a face on human trafficking. We are all blessed that she was alive, and open enough to share her story for the greater good. It’s a heartbreaking, but often too common topic that we do news about. While Nanay is physically gone, her stories and advocacies will live on,” Angeles said.

Memorial details for Lugasan have yet to be announced. n

For the first time, Lugasan celebrated her birthday last July 2019 when she turned 83 years old with members of the Pilipino Workers Center and the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Pilipino Workers Center

the city progress into Phase 2B of its reopening plan,” said David Eiland, owner of Just For Fun in Noe Valley. “Small businesses serve a vital purpose in helping provide life and character to our neighborhoods and employ many of our neighbors. Indoor retail is one more step on the road to normal and we are excited to welcome back our friends, customers, and community.”

As the City reopens with a focus on safety and equity, DPH will continue to track the impact of the virus on the community and health system to inform public policy. As people start to move about the city more and increase activities, San Francisco will likely experience increases in cases and hospitalizations. As San Francisco continues to reopen, the City will address the disparities already identified for low-wage workers, people who must leave home to work, and workers who live in crowded conditions.

San Francisco’s health indicators are an important tool to monitor the level of COVID-19 in the community and the ability of our health care system to meet the needs of residents. The Health Indicators monitor cases, hospital system, testing, contact tracing and personal protective equipment. The Health Indicators are not an on/off switch for the reopening, but instead measure the pandemic in San Francisco and our ability to manage it. They will be posted on the San Francisco COVID-19 Data Tracker (tps:// data.sfgov.org/stories/s/fjki-2fab) so that San Franciscans can stay informed.

(From SF Mayor’s Press Office)

FilAm Arts town hall illuminates patterns of...

PAGE 1

community either intentionally or unconsciously contributes to anti-blackness in flagrant and discreet ways.

Just like the current COVID-19 pandemic, the current upheaval related to reexamining the priorities and purpose of law enforcement in the United States is demarcated by phases. The first phase happened roughly in the immediate aftermath of the unlawful killing of George Floyd

by Minneapolis police officers, an event that shocked the nation and world and catalyzed a global movement to end police brutality.

In a matter of weeks, the movement blossomed from protesting police brutality to tackling the historic patterns of anti-black racism across public-facing entities and other ethnic communities.

Within the last few days, notable black deaths in California that have been reported as lynchings — Malcolm Harsch, 38, who was found hanging in Victorville and Robert Fuller, 24, in Palmdale — have surfaced, signaling further urgency to address and undo the many, many ways black individuals are persecuted.

Over the course of two hours, panelists discussed a wide range of topics ranging from the effects of colonialism to contemporary microaggressions.

“Making sure Filipinos educate other Filipinos and understand that this task of undoing anti-blackness doesn’t rest solely and squarely on the shoulders of African Americans,” Janet Stick-

Filipino American community leaders from all over the world gathered on Saturday, June 13 for a comprehensive conversation on anti-blackness and solidarity.

man, professor and spoken word artist, said in the opening of the livestream that spanned two hours.

Rather than cower defensively and sidestep the opportunity to right wrongs, it is imperative that Filipino Americans take a hard look at how we react to anti-black racism and the ensuing outcry: do we justify the myth that racism is nonexistent, or do we validate the experiences of black Americans? Or, the worst-case scenario, do we knowingly act as a buoy to anti-blackness?

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Define American founder Jose Antonio Vargas acknowledged the psychological and emotional difficulties in coming to terms with community-wide patterns of antiblackness and colorism, pontificating on the overvalue the community gives to the superficial.

“We can talk about what makes us proud about our culture and our people, but declaring that black lives matter in a culture that idolizes white skin requires

u PAGE 5

June 19-25, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 19-25, 2020 ateline hilippines

Tycoon Danding Cojuangco dies at 85 Fil-Am man in SF confronted by white couple for...

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

BUSINESS tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. on Tuesday, June 16, passed away at the age of 85.

The chairman and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) died of pneumonia and heart failure before 11 p.m. at the St. Luke’s Medical Center.

“San Miguel announces the passing of its chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. on the evening of June 16, 2020,” the conglomerate said.

“His vision for San Miguel – to be a beacon of hope for the Philippines and a partner in nationbuilding – remains at the core of everything we do,” it added.

Cojuangco was ranked by Forbes as the 15th richest man in the Philippines and 2,048th in the world, with a net worth of $1.1 billion (about 55 billion).

Aside from SMC, he was also the chairman of Ginebra San Miguel Inc.; San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc.; Petron Corporation; ECJ & Sons Agricultural Enterprises, Inc., and Northern Cement Corporation.

Cojuangco also delved into politics. He founded the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in 1992, and ran for president under his political party. He ultimately lost to Fidel Ramos.

Prior to that, he served as the governor of Tarlac from 1967 to 1969.

Malacañang on Wednesday, June 17, sent its condolences to the family.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco, Jr.,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“Mr. Cojuangco, through his San Miguel Corporation, where he served as its chairman of the board and chief executive officer, had immense contribution to the socioeconomic develop-

ment of the Philippines through the company’s operations in food, beverages, energy, power, oil refining, and infrastructure,” he added.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, in a separate statement, said: “Mr. Cojuangco was vital to San Miguel Corp.’s success as a conglomerate and its pursuit of socioeconomic progress for the Philippines through its diversified corporate endeavors.”

The Philippine Basketball Association also paid tribute to Cojuangco, who owned San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Magnolia Hotshots in the league.

“Chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corp., politician, diplomat, businessman, team owner, sports patron… Thank you for your countless contribution to the PBA and sports!” the association said in a tweet.

“Our prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones. Requiescat in pace!” it added. n

PH tourism stakeholders tell balikbayans...

PAGE 1 t mulo-Puyat chimed in and agreed with her colleagues as well and mentioned the policies that they have been crafting in order to ensure that once the country has fully reopened, travel would be safe for both tourists and the communities in the destinations that they are going to visit.

Puyat shared that they have developed a Tourism Response and Recovery Program to make sure that every stakeholder is ready to get back on track and the gaps in tourism infrastructure are addressed. The TRRP was made in coordination with the respective national agencies and private sector tourism stakeholders through the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP).

She said she is looking forward to the signing of the proposed P1.3-trillion Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy (ARISE) Act, where DOT-accredited tourism enterprises will be assisted through interest-free loans or issuance of loan guarantees with terms of up to five years for maintenance and

operating expenses.

Also included in the ARISE bill is the utilization of information technology for the improvement of tourism services, development of a tourist tracking system for emergency response and establishment of spatial database to improve planning capacity.

“Let’s introduce things that will enhance the travel experience like cashless, interactive and integrated experiences. Safety first, then innovation to make things better,” said Talino Ventures Lab chief executive officer Winston Damarillo.

“Dahan dahan (slow) and progressive recovery, starting with making sure that it is safe and mako-contact trace natin ang lahat ng mga (and we can contact all) guests. Let us take this opportunity to innovate habang nag-re-recover tayo (while we are still recovering).”

Damrillo and his team have developed an app called SafePass, which he said can help in contact tracing and can be done digital and contact-free.

For now, however, the tourism sector is looking at domestic tourism as a start since there are

PAGE 1 white women who confront and call the police on black individuals or people of color who are doing ordinary activities.)

Social media users identified the woman as Lisa Alexander, founder and CEO of LaFace Skincare, while her husband Robert Larkin stood in the background.

“It’s private property,” Alexander is heard saying on video.

“But if I did live here and this was my property this would be absolutely fine,” Juanillo responded. “And you don’t know if I live here or if this is my property.”

“We actually do know,” Alexander retorted. “We know the person who does.”

He dared the couple to “call the cops,” with Alexander saying “Yes, we will do so” as they walk away.

“And that, people, is why black lives matter. That’s ‘Karen’ and she’s calling the cops,” he said at the end of the video.

Juanillo has not responded to several requests for comment from the Asian Journal about the incident.

Juanillo, who has lived in the

home since 2002 and owns a dog walking business, told NBC Bay Area that it was important to show solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement in the particular neighborhood, considered one of the priciest in the city.

“In this environment, [Lisa] knows calling the cops on a person of color for a perceived crime could result in death,” he said in the interview. “She called the cops anyway.”

He advised other people of color and protesters not to dare “Karens to call the cops,” but he only did because he has known the officers in his area since he’s been a resident there for 18 years.

A police officer reportedly arrived at the scene within two minutes after the couple walked away but did not investigate or get out of his car because he recognized Juanillo.

Since the video’s circulation, Alexander has received backlash online, prompting LaFace to take its website offline and Birchbox, a makeup subscription company, to cut ties with the company.

Alexander publicly apologized for the incident and said she

“should have minded [her] own business.”

“The last 48 hours has taught me that my actions were those of someone who is not aware of the damage caused by being ignorant and naive to racial inequalities,” she continued. “When I watch the video I am shocked and sad that I behaved the way I did. It was disrespectful to Mr. Juanillo and I am deeply sorry for that. I did not realize at the time that my actions were racist and have learned a painful lesson.

I am taking a hard look at the meaning behind white privilege and am committed to growing from this experience.”

Her husband was fired from his job at Raymond James, a wealth management firm, which said it “has zero tolerance for racism and discrimination for any kind.”

“As a first-generation Filipino American, you have to fight for it,” Juanillo told CNN’s Don Lemon in an interview. “And as a homosexual, we fight every day for recognition, for visibility, for equality. So the reason BLM resonates with me is because I’ve been fighting for equality all my life.” n

still travel restrictions all over the world.

“Huwag nating maliitin ang (let us not underestimate) domestic tourism, it is very, very important.

Out of the 12.7% of our GDP, 11.1% is actually from domestic tourism,” Puyat said. “I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Palawan, Baguio, we have places that are under modified GCQ. It is up to the data.”

Asked about when they think situations would begin to normalize, the panelists gave their forecast.

“To be realistic about it, with the vaccine, maybe in the next 12 to 18 months. Without it, maybe 18 to 24 months. It may not be something that people want to hear, but it is realistic,” Clemente said. “I am more on the conservative side of it.

This is going to take a while.”

Arthur Lopez, president of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, echoed what Clemente said and added that while returning to a normalized state could happen in two years, getting back to a preCOVID-19 state is possible in three years. n

FilAm Arts town hall illuminates patterns of...

PAGE 3 self-examination,” Vargas explained, calling for a communitywide devaluing of entertainers, Miss Universe contestants and materialism that, instead, uplifts Filipino academics, intellectuals and activists.

The root of anti-blackness within the Filipino community isn’t centered around an exact moment in history. Rather, it manifested slowly from the colonial periods when imperialists would stir up colorist attitudes about dark skin and fair skin, according to Dada Docot, an assistant professor of anthropology at Purdue University.

Docot added that these attitudes carried over to intercultural relations within the U.S. Navy in which “Filipinos and black people were pitted against each other in a system that was racist to both groups in the first place.”

Docot shared that in 1932, the head of investment training of the U.S. Navy fomented antiblack sentiments by claiming that Filipino sailors were cleaner and more well-behaved than their black counterparts. According to Docot, this instilled a subconscious desire for approval from and alignment with white Americans, a seed that sowed the model minority myth.

For children who have both Filipino and black ancestry, these issues present a critical quandary. Within the Filipino community are a significant number of Filipinos who identify as black; one in five Filipino Americans identify as multiracial, according to the United States Census Bureau.

“It’s important to think through the ways we can incorporate a more diversified [news] feed and how we consume our news,” said Stephanie Chrispin, a half Filipina and half Haitian organizer and communications manager.

Crispin recognized the emotional toil it’s taking on nonblack folks to re-examine their behaviors, acknowledging that “being anti-racist” and being newly awoken to the horrors of racism “may be exhausting, but for many of us, this is stuff we’ve been doing our whole lives.”

And, again, that starts with reinforcing healthier news and media consumption and expanding the community’s knowledge and awareness of black issues and advocacy. Because Crispin said, it may be exhausting to shine a light on the community’s intercultural short-comings, but it’s a cakewalk compared to the real traumas black Americans have faced since the arrival of the first African slaves in 1619.

Vanessa Carr, a civic engagement organizer of LEAD Filipino

who is half black and half Filipina, mentioned that “it is incredibly encouraging” to see the Black Lives Matter movement and issues related to it are now topics being discussed across the Filipino community.

Like many other half Filipino and half Black Americans, Carr recounted the microaggressions she faced because of her mixedrace heritage, especially from other Filipinos who reinforced colorist attitudes regarding her skin tone and hair. And even though she credits her parents as encouraging her to embrace both parts of her heritage, the remarks made a lasting impression.

“It’s a weird thing to grow up because my parents never discouraged me from loving both sides of myself, but you know there were those in the community who’d make comments that they didn’t realize would stick to you and hurt you,” Carr shared.

Solidarity beyond police brutality Although this is a moment of awakening for the microaggressions and horrors that black folks face, Stickman reminded Filipinos to recognize the accomplishments of black Americans, whose impact on American culture and politics is profound.

The ultimate goal of Filipinos for Black Lives goes beyond rectifying systemic bias and discrimination. It’s about recognizing anti-blackness within the Filipino American community, how it contributes to anti-blackness in general and to foster a community that recognizes that black lives matter outside of highly publicized extrajudicial killings.

“Please, please don’t wait until black people die before you pay attention to our value,” Stickman added. “In addition to educating ourselves about the injustice experienced by African Americans over the centuries, it is also important to make sure that we learn and teach about the accomplishments, the contributions, the triumphs, the innovations of black people over centuries as well.”

Black culture has been instrumental to Filipino culture, especially. Hip-hop, rap, soul, R&B, rock & roll and other musical genres that have roots in the black community continue to inspire kids of the Filipino diaspora.

Moreover, the love of balladeers and the insurmountable value that Filipinos place on singing acumen largely comes from legendary black voices like Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin.

Professional black athletes, especially those in the NBA, are

held up as idols the world over — Kobe Bryant’s prolific influence on Filipinos across the world alone speaks volumes of black influence — while contemporary gay and drag culture owes its prosperity to the black queer community and the ballroom scene of the 1980s.

Squaring the inextricable impact black culture has made on Filipino culture with the racist tendencies of our less informed community members is a predicament, a kind of collective cognitive dissonance between idolizing and gaining influence from prominent black athletes, artists and celebrities while simultaneously remaining quiet over (or trying to justify) the extrajudicial killings of unarmed black civilians.

In an extended spoken-word sequence, Filipina American DJ and rapper Kuttin Kandi reminded Filipinos — who engage in these universal avenues, especially hip-hop and rap, paved by black creatives and athletes — of the historical significance of the genre that goes beyond certain aesthetics.

“We are merely guests, invited to contribute to hip hop culture, which means we have a responsibility to do justice by hop-hop as was created during a time of oppression upon black and brown youth of the South Bronx,” the DJ preached, adding that affirmation of black lives and the identity intersections therein is the only way forward.

“It means that for those of in hip-hop, we must be pro-black and co-conspirators to black liberation movements as well as the anti-homophobic, antitransphobic, anti-queerphobic, anti-ableist, anti-fatphobic,” she continued. “This is about the movement for black lives, this is about how we leave love for ourselves and one another with a righteous rage alongside our black siblings, for their freedom and for our collective liberation.”

Reversing racist tendencies is an uphill battle that requires the whole of the community’s effort, each panelist explained. Once we have recognized what antiblackness looks like, then we can move forward by keeping each other in check and calling out relatives and friends when they exhibit anti-black behaviors and attitudes. And, through that, we can stand confidently in solidarity with the black community.

“At this historic moment, what does it look like and feel like in some way to engage those parts of our culture? What are each of us with our own privileges willing to risk? How uncomfortable are we willing to get?” Vargas posed.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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June 19-25, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Features

Stranded by the pandemic

THE unprecedented community quarantines have given the government an indelible lesson: if you want to keep people off the streets or drastically curb human mobility, stop mass transportation.

Unfortunately for the majority of Filipinos with no private cars, the restriction also means being stranded and unable to go home. In the early days of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, many opted to walk from Metro Manila to neighboring provinces, even if it meant sleeping on the road for several days while dodging arrest for breaching ECQ rules.

Many more, however, were stuck, mostly in Metro Manila, with no place to stay. With their meager funds soon depleted, they had to beg for food. Even those who were offered transportation to return home were advised by the local government units in their hometowns to stay away, for fear that the returning residents might be carriers of killer pathogens. Their ranks swelled so much that a phrase was coined to describe them: locally stranded individuals, or LSIs. Michelle Silvertino became the face of the LSIs. Intent on returning to her four children in Bicol, the 33-year-old left her job as a housemaid in

Antipolo, Rizal and stayed for five days in a footbridge in Pasay as she hoped to get a bus ride to Calabanga in Camarines Sur. She died of a respiratory affliction on June 5.

How many other Silvertinos are still out there?

While overseas Filipino workers displaced by the pandemic are getting all the help from government to return to the Philippines, LSIs have been left to fend for themselves as they wait for flights, bus or ship rides back to their hometowns. Many have been forced to live in the streets and resort to begging.

The LSIs have families waiting for them back home. A number of them are hoping to find work or livelihood opportunities outside Metro Manila amid the pandemic. They deserve assistance from the government. Proper coordination among LGUs and the Department of Social Welfare and Development could prevent more tragedies like the one that befell Michelle Silvertino. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel Santos-Relos THE name of veteran journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa evokes both pride and fury among Filipinos in the world, depending on which lens they are wearing as they look at what’s happening in the Philippines, especially during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

Maria Ressa is a multi-awarded Filipino American journalist and author who co-founded the online news organization Rappler and became its chief executive officer.

Ressa was born to Filipino parents in Manila and relocated at the age of 10 with her parents who relocated to Toms River, New Jersey. She graduated cum laude at Princeton University and was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to study political theater at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

I first knew about Maria when she co-founded independent production company Probe in 1987, along with Cheche Lazaro, my former professor and chairman of the Department of Broadcast Communication of the University of the Philippines’ College of Mass Communication, where I graduated and worked as an instructor before I became active in the broadcasting industry in Manila.

Maria also served as CNN’s bureau chief in Manila until 1995,

Maria Ressa found guilty of cyber libel: A dangerous precedent not only for journalists but for everyone online? and eventually ran the network’s Jakarta bureau from 1995 to 2005, where she specialized in investigating terrorist networks.

I personally worked with Maria when I was already anchoring the news for ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America.” She was director of ABS-CBN News from 2004-2010 and was replaced by my colleague Ging Reyes, former News Bureau Chief of ABS-CBN’s North America Bureau when Maria decided not to renew her contract.

Maria Ressa established the online news site Rappler in 2012. Rappler is a pioneering online news portal in the Philippines and has received numerous local and international awards.

Maria and Rappler’s most recent and notable awards were: - November 2017, Ressa, as the CEO of news organization Rappler : 2017 Democracy Award by the National Democratic Institute to three organizations at its annual Democracy Award Dinner in Washington, D.C., entitled “Disinformation vs.

Democracy: Fighting for Facts” - June 2018: Ressa was the recipient of the World Association of Newspapers’s Golden Pen of Freedom Award for her work with Rappler - December 2018: Ressa was included in Time’s Person of the Year 2018, as one of “The Guardians”, a collection of journalists from around the world combat-

ing the “War on Truth”. Ressa is the second Filipino to receive the title after former President Corazon Aquino in 1986.

- April 2019: Ressa was included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World - May 2019: Ressa won the Columbia Journalism Award from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, the school’s highest honor, “for the depth and quality of her work, as well as her courage and persistence in the field.”

- June 2019 : Ressa received the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s Tribute honour, which recognizes a journalist who has made an impact on the international stage - October 2019: Ressa was named in the list of BBC 100 Women ALL OF THESE achievements and awards did not earn the trust and respect of President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies and supporters.

On social media, they are furious about Ressa, called her fake news queen and said she deserves to be in jail along with another Duterte critic, Senator Laila de Lima. They would always post as “proof” Ressa mistakenly stating in an interview with ABC News Australia that ABS-CBN has 11 million employees who will suffer as a result of the shutdown of the network [instead of 11 thousand]. Maria later apologized for this error.

For them, the guilty verdict

Is the Philippines really independent?

Street Talk Greg B. Macabenta ON June 12, 1998, Filipinos the world over commemorated the first centennial of Philippine independence, based on the establishment of the Philippine Republic by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 from the balcony of his home in Kawit, Cavite.

To generate proper observance in America of the centennial, I accepted a pro bono appointment as deputy executive director for the US of the Philippine Centennial Commission. My dear friend, the late Louie Morales, was executive director and former Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel was chairman. Both were appointed

by President Fidel V. Ramos.

Some folks questioned the historical accuracy of the event. They pointed out that the Kawit declaration of independence was never recognized by the United States, which had assumed sovereignty

Philstar.com photo

over the Philippines by virtue of the Treaty of Paris, signed with Spain on December 10, 1898.

According to them, Philippine independence was granted by the U.S. on July 4, 1946.

Of course, the counter to that was Republic Act 4166, passed during the tenure of President Diosdado Macapagal, which officially recognized Aguinaldo’s Kawit declaration on June 12, 1898 as Araw ng Kalayaan – making this year’s observance the 122nd.

However, to avoid any arguments, in the AT&T advertising campaign that I created for the event, I referred to it as the First Centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. I also used the term Araw ng Kasarinlan, which is the more faithful Tagalog equivalent of Independence Day – Araw ng Kalayaan literally means Freedom Day. At any rate, to this day, “Philippine independence” continues to be a favorite topic among nationalists and intellectuals, as well as hair-splitters and corner store philosophers. It is debated on the basis of chronology and terminology, “economic inde-

pendence” and “military selfsufficiency,” and such esoteric issues as “freedom from hunger” and “freedom from fear.”

Indeed, listening to all the arguments, defining “Philippine independence” can be elusive, just as is the more proper date of its observance. The joke is that who wins the argument often depends on who buys the drinks.

I think it will help to set all the issues in historical context.

Just as the U.S. did not recognize the Kawit declaration of independence, Aguinaldo and his fellow revolutionaries also refused to recognize the validity of the Treaty of Paris and American sovereignty.

They believed they had a good reason for this.

On August 23, 1896, Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan launched the Philippine revolution against Spain. By 1897, Aguinaldo and his forces had begun to wear down the Spaniards.

Spain also had its hands full with the Cuban struggle for independence, which started in February 1895.

In July 1897, sensing a weakening of the enemy, Aguinaldo

handed down by Manila court Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montessa on the cyber libel case against Ressa, and former Rappler reporter Rappler Reynaldo Santos Jr. is a reason to celebrate, especially after this verdict followed the shutdown of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation just a few weeks ago.

For Duterte, his allies and supporters, this decision is justice at work, and a vindication for all the critical reporting of both Rappler and ABS-CBN of President Duterte, especially when it comes to his war on drugs and his alliance with the Chinese government. The Duterte adminstration, and especially the president himself, had been very vocal against both news organizations [plus Philippine Inquirer], and had made multiple efforts to threaten their closure both judicially and extra-judicially.

For those in the Duterte camp, such relentless critical reporting is fake news and politically motivated, and not an exercise of the free and independent press’ sacred obligation to hold the country’s public officials accountable, especially the President, whose position has been accorded by the Constitution power and public trust that when abused, may again subject the Filipino people to the oppression and tyranny of the Marcos dictatorship.

The Duterte administration has called the public to respect

the court’s decision and maintained that Duterte “has never been behind any effort to curtail press freedom in the country.”

They contended that this was a case filed by a private citizen who was aggrieved by Rappler and the president does not have a hand on it.

But according to an October 2019 report by Rappler, “Duterte gives Wilfredo Keng’s daughter a government post...Patricia C. Keng is appointed member of the Philippine Commission on Women by President Rodrigo Duterte, who claimed he did not know her father, the businessman who filed a cyber libel case against Rappler.”

“In an email to Rappler on Tuesday, October 8, PCW confirmed that the ‘Patricia Anne C. Keng’ named PCW member is the same Patricia Keng who ran as a nominee of the Wow Pilipinas party list in the May 2019 elections. This Patricia Keng is the daughter of Wilfredo Keng, as he said in a September 18 affidavit.”

Cyber libel case vs Rappler As ABS-CBN News online reported, Rappler CEO Maria Ressa was on Monday, June 15 found guilty of cyber libel over a 2012 article that linked a businessman to alleged illegal activities. In a report before the guilty verdict, Ressa said in jest, “Essentially, if we do lose the case, it would be because someone in Rappler fixed a typo.”

The article in question was published on May 29, 2012 — less than four months BEFORE Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act was signed into law on September 12, 2012 by former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

In indicting Ressa, Santos and Rappler in February 2019, the Department of Justice (DOJ) admitted the 2012 article is not covered by the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which punishes cyber libel with a heavier penalty.

However, the DOJ argued that when the 2012 article was “republished” in February 2014, it became subject to the new Cybercrime law with the correction of the typographical error: from “evaTion” to “evaSion.”

To understand this cyber libel case, let me share with you how ABS-CBN explained and reported just before the verdict came out: Malice is an essential element of libel.

The general rule under the Revised Penal Code is that “Every defamatory imputation is presumed to be malicious, even if it be true, if no good intention and justifiable motive for making it is shown.”

But it provides for 2 exceptions: a private communication in the performance of a legal, moral or social duty; and a fair and true report, in good faith,

declared the Philippine Republic of Biak-na-Bato, framed a Constitution, and issued several demands to the Spanish government, among them, the expulsion of the friars and return of the friar lands to the Filipinos, representation for the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes, freedom of the press and of religion and equality before the law.

Feeling the pressure, the Spanish authorities signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato on December 15, 1897, by which Spain committed to allow the Filipinos self-rule in 3 years, on condition of a cessation of hostilities, exile in Hong Kong for Aguinaldo and the other leaders of the revolution, and payment to them of P800,00 Mexican pesos. But neither party trusted each other. Aguinaldo was not yet done with the revolution, while Spain only gave a partial payment to the revolutionaries and did not seem inclined to pay the balance.

Meanwhile America had begun to ask itself why the Europeans appeared to have a monopoly on imperialism. Coining the phrase “Manifest Destiny” – meaning that God wanted it to impart its beneficence across the American continent – America mounted an aggressive expan-

sion, in the process taking over large chunks of Mexico.

The U.S. then cast a covetous eye on the Spanish colonies, particularly nearby Puerto Rico and Cuba. Finding a justification for initiating the Spanish-American War (with the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine, docked in Havana), the U.S. dispatched Commodore George Dewey to attack the Spanish armada in Manila on May 1, 1898.

Believing that the U.S. was on their side (he had returned to the Philippines from Hong Kong on board a U.S. warship), Aguinaldo and his forces declared Philippine independence a little over a month later, on June 12, 1898.

But the Americans had other plans. Obsessed with their manifest destiny, America signed the Treaty of Paris with Spain on December 10, 1898, paying the latter $20 million to assume colonial control of the Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Guam.

The Philippines thus became a colony of the United States.

Having fought Spain, the Filipinos found themselves fighting the United States in what the U.S. characterized as a “Philippine insurrection” and what Filipino historians refer to as the Philippine-American War. Of course,

history is invariably written from the point-of-view of the victors.

Even Aguinaldo had to acknowledge American dominance. On April 1, 1901, he swore allegiance to the United States.

America turned out to be a benign colonizer. It established a civil government, appointed Filipinos to high office, including Cayetano Arellano as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, sent Filipino pensionados to the U.S., and set up an American-style educational system with American teachers (known as the Thomasites, because they came over on board the USS Thomas).

Then in 1935, the U.S. established the Philippine Commonwealth. Filipinos trooped to the polls to elect Manuel L. Quezon as President and Sergio Osmeña as Vice President. Members of the National Assembly, a unicameral Legislature, were also elected at the time. This was supposed to be in preparation for granting independence to the Philippines.

But that plan was aborted by the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Thus, it was not until after the Japanese had been defeated that the U.S. turned its

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Immigration Corner Atty. Michael Gurfinkel, ESQ Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date lisqted below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning in October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance or Final Action Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active

The July 2020 Priority Dates

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY: First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holders

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

February 08, 2012

June 01, 2011

June 01, 2020

Current

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holders

August 01, 2011 January 01, 2011

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens

April 22, 2002

August 15, 2001

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens

January 08, 2002

June 01, 2001

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

April 01, 2019

April 15, 2018

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

April 01, 2019

April 15, 2018

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Is the Philippines really independent?

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attention to the matter of an independent Philippines.

On July 4, 1946, coinciding with America’s own independence day, the U.S. granted independence to the Philippines. But this had several strings attached, such as retention of US military bases and parity rights for US citizens and corporations over the country’s natural resources, among other onerous conditions.

An article by Alan Berlow in the Los Angeles Times described the event as “The Independence Day That Wasn’t.”

Filipino nationalists eventually persuaded President Diosdado

EMPLOYMENT

Macapagal to designate June 12, 1898 as Philippine Independence Day, by virtue of Republic Act 4166. July 4th has since been nominally observed as Philippine-American Friendship Day. But it would take more decades before the other strings, such as the presence of the U.S. military bases, could be untied.

Even now, the Philippines is said to be attached to America, in the economic and military context.

This prompted author Leon Wolff to call the Philippines, America’s Little Brown Brother in his book of the same title.

Does that make Philippine independence “not genuine”? Like the

proverbial fellow who is “a legend in his own mind,” is Philippine independence only in our mind?

But then, in a world dominated by the global powers, including an emerging China, how are we to characterize the smaller countries in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia that depend on the giants? And what about Israel? Are these countries also not independent?

That is obviously another topic for hair-splitters and corner store philosophers to argue over. Of course, whoever buys the drinks wins. *** (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

SERVICES

Hailee Steinfeld stars as Emily Dickinson in Apple TV+’s “Dickinson.”

Photo courtesy of Apple

Actress Hailee Steinfeld’s show ’Dickinson’ wins Peabody Award

By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Apple TV+ original series “Dickinson,” starring 23-yearold Hailee Steinfeld, recently garnered a Peabody Award for Entertainment.

The series, of which Steinfeld also serves as executive producer, is a historical comedy-drama that revisits the world of famous American poet Emily Dickinson.

It also explores the poet’s romantic feelings for best friend Sue Gilbert (Ella Hunt).

“I am so proud to be part of a show that is about such an important woman in history who was way ahead of her time,” Steinfeld said in her acceptance speech, which was posted on her Twitter account on Wednesday, June 10.

She continued, “I’m even more proud to be part of a show that is about fighting for what you believe is right, a show that is about seeing and being seen and understood, and a show that is about seeing everyone as equal.”

The series debuted in November 2019 and was immediately renewed for a second season to

be released later this year.

“Creator Alena Smith lovingly and playfully embraces anachronism, bringing a contemporary sense, sensibility, and soundtrack to 19th-century New England and the world of poet Emily Dickinson. Hailee Steinfeld offers a standout performance in a show that excels at being fun while crackling with energy and wild originality,” praised the Peabody Awards.

Steinfeld stressed the importance of shedding a light on marginalized stories and to fight for equality.

“I believe we must continue to shine a light and celebrate the stories of those who are marginalized and oppressed because by doing so we’re forced to think critically about how far we’ve come but how far we still have to go,” she said, adding, “Their stories matter and it’s so important that we continue to shine a light on these stories and fight for equality.”

“Dickinson” is one of the 10 shows recognized by the awardgiving body, beating out almost 1,300 entries from television, radio, podcasts, and other forms of digital media.

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“The Peabody Awards has named 30 programs as the most compelling and empowering stories released in broadcasting and digital media during 2019…

The Peabody 30 are the best of nearly 1,300 entries submitted from television, radio/podcasts, and the web across the genres of entertainment, news, documentary, children’s and public service programming,” said Peabody Executive Director Jeffrey P. Jones in a statement.

He added, “This year’s winners are a vibrant collective of inspiring, innovative, and powerful stories. True to the spirit and legacy of Peabody, our winners are also distinguished by the presence and resilience of many emerging and diverse voices.”

Steinfeld, who was nominated for an Oscar at the age of 14 for her performance in “True Grit” (2010), traces her Filipino heritage back to her maternal grandfather, Ricardo Domasin, who was half-Filipino.

Aside from her acting career, Steinfeld is a multi-platinum recording artist and released an EP entitled “Half Written Story” in May.

June 19-25, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Coomunity Journal

PG&E outlines actions to keep customers, communities safe during 2020 wildfire season Efforts include focus on shorter, smaller and smarter Public Safety Power Shutoff events

SAN FRANCISCO – As part of its ongoing efforts to further reduce wildfire risks, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has implemented a number of new and enhanced wildfire mitigation tools to keep customers and communities safe.

Despite the impacts of COVID-19 on our entire society, PG&E has remained focused on executing important wildfire safety work as part of the company’s Community Wildfire Safety Program. Key milestones accomplished by the PG&E crews and contractors who continue to work in the field during this pandemic, while physical distancing, to keep their neighbors and communities safe include, as of May 29: • System Hardening: Installed stronger poles, covered lines and targeted undergrounding across 105 miles as part of a full-year plan for hardening 241 line miles.

• Enhanced Vegetation Management: Inspected, pruned and removed vegetation that poses a higher potential for wildfire risk; completed 939 miles out of a planned 1,800 total miles.

• More Weather Stations and Cameras: PG&E installed 116 advanced weather stations and 50 more high-definition cameras, with targets of 400 and 200 for the year, respectively.

• Sectionalizing Devices: Separated the distribution grid into smaller sections for operational flexibility; 216 devices out of 592 targeted for the year are now operational.

• Transmission Line Switches: Installed line switches to redirect power and keep communities energized. More than the 23 switches planned for this year have been installed.

• Substation Temporary Generation: Created plans to locate temporary generation at up to 48 substations during a PSPS event to allow PG&E to safely energize thousands of customers and shrink the footprint of the PSPS event.

“Wildfire season is upon us, and the public can be assured of PG&E’s unwavering efforts to improve public safety and further reduce wildfire risk. The steps we are taking to keep our customers and communities safe are unprecedented and include everything from more robust vegetation management and hardening the grid to making our Public Safety Power Shutoff events smaller and shorter to making our website more resilient,” said Michael Lewis, senior vice president of Electric Operations for PG&E. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Program Here’s how PG&E is working to make PSPS events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers.

Smaller in Size PG&E is upgrading its electric system to prevent wildfires and reduce the impact of future PSPS events on our customers. The company’s efforts this year are expected to reduce the number of customers affected by a potential PSPS event by about one-third compared to a similar weather event last year.

To make PSPS events smaller, PG&E is: • Installing 592 sectionalizing devices capable of redirecting power and limiting the size of outages so fewer communities are without power.

• Installing microgrids that use generators to keep the lights on for communities.

• Conducting targeted undergrounding as part of system hardening.

Shorter in Length PG&E is seeking to cut restoration times in half compared to 2019 so that power is restored

to the majority of customers within 12 daylight hours after severe weather has passed.

Steps the company is taking include: • Nearly doubling the exclusive-use helicopter fleet during events from 35 to 65.

• Using two airplanes with infrared cameras capable of inspecting transmission lines at night.

• Mobilizing more field crews to speed up power-line inspections.

• Investing in more reliable and innovative equipment, so PG&E field teams can inspect, repair and restore power quickly.

• Utilizing mutual assistance from other utility companies to support PSPS restoration inspections when needed.

Smarter for Customers PG&E is working to provide better information and resources to customers and communities before, during and after a PSPS event, including delivering more assistance and outreach to help vulnerable customers. This smarter approach will include: • Improving weather-monitoring technology, including installing new weather stations to more precisely predict the need for and timing of PSPS events.

• Improving customer alerts with earlier estimates of restoration timing.

• Upgrading Community Resource Centers (CRCs) so that customers without power have a place to go for device-charging and other basic needs. PG&E remains flexible with CRC deployment plans to adjust to the COVID-19 restrictions and best practices.

• Establishing a new collaborative working approach with cities, counties, tribes and critical-service providers.

• Bolstering pge.com website capacity.

• Partnering with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and other community-based organizations to provide resources for vulnerable customers and conduct outreach. See disabilitydisasteraccess.org for more information.

• Expanding in-language communications.

Customer Support PG&E is actively exploring and developing additional services and programs to support customers during a PSPS event.

Easing Medical Baseline Access PG&E is making it easier for eligible customers to join and re-enroll in the Medical Baseline program, which provides a discount on electric service and extra alerts leading up to, and during, PSPS events.

Community-Based Organization Support and Partnerships PG&E is partnering with community-based organizations to assist vulnerable customers before, during and after PSPS events. Activities include: • Collaborating with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers through a grant program to support the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) community.

• Providing more in-language communications in a variety of languages.

• Expanding availability of materials in American Sign Language.

• Establishing an advisory group to identify the emergency preparedness needs of the AFN community and facilitate the joint development of solutions.

Website and Call Center Improvements PG&E continues to make key website and call center improvements to ensure servers

can withstand higher levels of traffic during a PSPS event and customers are able to access important outage information.

Self-Generation Incentive Program PG&E is providing incentives to vulnerable customers and critical facilities as part of the California Public Utility Commission’s (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).

Through the program, vulnerable customers can access incentives from the CPUC to cover up to 100 percent of backup battery and installation costs, based on income, medical needs and likelihood to be impacted by a potential PSPS event.

How Customers Can Take Action In advance of severe weather, PG&E encourages all customers to update their contact information at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts and to make a plan to be ready for emergencies. More information including helpful tips can be found at www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

PG&E is also hosting a series of county webinars through August about the Community Wildfire Safety Program. For a full schedule of events and more information on PG&E wildfire prevention efforts, visit www. pge.com/wildfiresafety.

Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, expectations, estimates, future plans and strategies of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, including but not limited to statements about its PSPS program and customer support.

These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which management believes are reasonable, and on information currently available to management, but are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties. In addition to the risk that these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include factors disclosed in PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s joint annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, their joint quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, and their subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on PG&E Corporation’s website at www. pgecorp.com and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, those associated with the Chapter 11 cases of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company that commenced on January 29, 2019. PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge. com/ and www.pge.com/en/ about/newsroom/index.page.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Medical tips and pearls

Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS COVID-19 stat update Globally (as of June 16, 2020, 16:11 GMT): 8,169,122, deaths 440,544, new cases - 60,455, new deaths, 1,948; USA: 2,189,253, deaths - 118,122, new cases - 6,303 new deaths, 233 ; Philippines: 26,781, deaths - 1,103, new cases 361, new deaths, 5; China: 83,221, deaths - 4,634, new cases - 40, new deaths – 0; and counting, involving 213 countries. The “new” stats are for the previous 24 hours (as of June 16, 2020, 16:11 GMT). China’s reported figures may not be reliable.

A few weeks ago, we wrote that a new wave of COVID-19 could emerge, if we, the people, did not behave wisely and properly.

Recent resurgence and spikes have led to re-imposition of new lockdown in many cities/countries around the world resulting from lack of discipline and breach of the COVID-19 guidelines by people (crowd formation, not using masks, and not doing social distancing), aggravated by unruly protests and demonstrations.

People’s behavior is the sole determinant of whether there would be more waves of COVID-19 forthcoming, besides the present resurgence and when this pandemic will ultimately end. If this tragedy worsens or lingers, only we, the people, the one and sole potential spreader of this virus, singularly deserve the blame.

Jogging causes injuries In the 60s and 70s, jogging was considered the best form of exercise to attain physical fitness. We have enough medical information today to show that jogging has many attendant injuries to the hip joints, ankle joints, back, etc. from the constant jarring, complications which will manifest years down the line. Regular ambulation to brisk walking, depending on the ability and tolerance of the individual, is now the preferred form of physical exercise for cardiovascular fitness. Walking confers the same benefits, minus the injuries seen among joggers.

Check with your physician before embarking on an exercise regimen.

Harmful herbal products Most herbal products have not been scientifically investigated the same way all western drugs on the market have been studied and tested. Not all herbal medicines are dangerous but many have been shown to cause kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, clot blockages in the kidney veins, seizures, etc. Some of them have

caused deaths.

Not too long ago a Chinese herb known as Aristolochia fangchi or A. fangchi was linked to kidney failure and urinary cancer. This herb is used in Chinese medicine to treat asthma. A. fangchi is also an ingredient in a Belgian weightloss formulation, where the linkage was discovered.

This was not the first time where herbal medicines have caused severe, if not fatal, complications.

The problem is that these herbal products are marketed as food supplements, thereby escaping the strict scientific scrutiny and testing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration routinely subject all drugs submitted for FDA approval before they are sold to the public.

Hundreds of herbal preparations flood the market with medically unfounded and ridiculous claims (with money-back guarantee) as effective agents for practically all diseases known to man – weight reduction, sexual potency, anti-aging, enlarging female breasts, or penis, etc. Unfortunately, there are enough victims out there who are willing to part with their money, falling prey to the unscrupulous entrepreneurs of this multi-billiondollar industry.

Strategy to sleep better Statistics reveal that over 100 million people in the United States do not regularly get a good night’s sleep, and that about another 33 million have occasional sleepless nights. Sleep is very important for a healthy body and mind. Adults need 8 full hours of sleep and teenagers about 9 to 10 hours.

Some helpful tips from the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorder Center: (1) Stick to a schedule; don’t sleep late on weekends; (2) Don’t eat or drink a lot before bedtime; (3) Avoid caffeine and nicotine; (4) Exercise in the afternoon; (5) Slightly cool room is ideal for sleep; (6) Sleep only at night; don’t take afternoon naps; (7) Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, since darkness and silence is more conducive to sleep; (8) Make your bed comfortable; (9) Take a hot shower or bath before going to bed; and, (10) Do NOT rely on sleeping pills, some of which are “habit-forming” and have side effects Breast cancer risks Some of the important risk factors include: smoking; having a mother, sister or daughter with history of having breast cancer; having a first birth at age 30 or older; having had previous breast cancer; having breast diseases that predispose to breast cancer; laboratory evidence of a specific genetic mutation or change that increases the susceptibility to breast cancer. In the U.S., about 180,000 new cases of breast cancer was diagnosed in 1997. The risk increases with age. About 80% of breast cancer occur in

women 50 and older. It is uncommon under 40 but the risk is especially high among women who are over the age 60. Regular medical breast examination and mammography (yearly or every two years depending on your physician’s advice) will help a lot in early detection and cure.

Causes of acne There are main risk factors that lead to the development of acne: hormonal changes, especially among teenagers; build-up of bacteria (lack of proper hygiene), overproduction of oil, and irregular shedding of dead skins cells, some birth control pills, fatty diet, stress, medications like cortisones, greasy cosmetics. Selfcare includes washing and keeping your face and skin clean with a lot of cool (not warm) water and using acne lotion but not astringents and facial scrubs; avoiding skin irritants like oily acne concealers, greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, masks; keeping hair off your face; avoiding picking or squeezing blemishes. If your meticulous and careful personal regimen does not improve the situation after a couple of months, or if the problem gets worse, seek dermatologic consultation.

Vegan diet Vegans (pronounced VEEguns) are vegetarians – people who do not eat meat or meat products, poultry or fish. Their diet consists mainly of plantbased foods, such as vegetables, fruits grains, legumes (peas and beans), nuts and seeds. This might be carrying it a bit too far.

For a healthy meatless (no pork, no beef) diet, we suggest the addition of fish, which has Omega-3 oil that is good for the heart, and daily multivitamin-mineral complex. Those who do not eat red meat (pork and beef, etc.) and eggs, whose diet includes only fish, vegetables and fruits, have been found to have 50% lower death rates from cardiovascular diseases, and 25% to 50% lower death rates from cancer.

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to 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.

Maria Ressa found guilty of cyber libel...

PAGE 6 without any comments or remarks.

The defense said the article was a “fair and true report without any additional personal defamatory statements” and that they merely quoted an intelligence report and a report from the Philippine Star.

But the prosecution said the intelligence report cited was “unconfirmed” and Mr. Keng was not asked about his supposed involvement in murder, human trafficking, sale of illegal drugs or illegal smuggling.

They also took issue with the statement: “The document also said Keng was involved in a murder case for which he was ‘never jailed.’ It could be referring to the death of Manila Councilor Chika Go in 2002 where Keng had been identified as a mastermind.” The last sentence, they said, is a comment and not a fair and true report.

The prosecution also said Rappler did not take down the story and did not publish a new story (Advertising Supplement) based on Keng’s evidence.

The defense said an article was drafted but due to an editorial decision, the subsequent article was not published. They also said Keng’s side was published in the published article.

The judge convicted Ressa and Santos but not Rappler. They could face between six months and six years in prison and must also pay almost $8,000 in damages, the court ruled. After handing down the guilty verdict, Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa said “freedom of the press could not be used as a “shield”. As Reuters reported, “the court ruling said Rappler showed “actual malice” for not publishing at least a clarification after Keng complained.

Ressa and Santos will remain on bail they previously posted and have been given 15 days to consider their next move, according to their counsel, former Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te, in the ABS-CBN News report.

“Obviously legal steps forward would include questioning the decision and the appropriate proceeding. We still have to meet, we’ll have to go over the decision carefully,” he said.

Rappler issued a statement after the verdict: This decision is historic. It was handed down during a pandemic, with community quarantine restrictions still in place. It is the first verdict on one of the many court cases lodged against Rappler since President Rodrigo Duterte became president in 2016. It comes just 3 days after the country commemorated its 122nd year of independence.

And it convicts a journalist, Maria Ressa – among TIME Magazine’s 2018 Person the Year awardees – and a former researcher-writer Rey Santos Jr over a case built on flimsy ground: a corrected typographical error.

They used it as basis to make an incredible claim about “republication” of an article that was, in truth, published before the cybercrime law was enacted.

This creative reinterpretation and twisting of the law became grounds to prosecute this case, filed 5 long years after the publication of a story about the late

former chief justice Renato Corona and his ties to businessman Wilfredo Keng.

Today’s verdict sets a dangerous precedent not only for journalists but for everyone online.

It weakens the ability of journalists to hold power to account as the one-year prescription period of libel is extended to 12 years.

Even before the cybercrime law took effect, Filipino journalists and press freedom advocates had been pushing for the decriminalization of libel. This ruling, coupled with the cybercrime law, has made the space for a free press, free speech, and free expression even tighter and narrower.

The decision today marks not the rule of law, but the rule of law twisted to suit the interests of those in power who connive to satisfy their mutually beneficial personal and political agenda.

Today marks diminished freedom and more threats to democratic rights supposedly guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution, especially in the context of a looming anti-terrorism law.

We call on our media colleagues, our community, and other advocates of a free and independent press to be vigilant and vocal now more than ever.

This is not just about Maria or Rey or Rappler. This is about fundamental rights of every citizen who refuses to be intimidated by the powerful who do wrong and whom they dare criticize and expose.

Journalists are not exempt from the law. We are law-abiding citizens too. Despite the rage in our hearts, we will follow the judicial process and elevate the case to the Court of Appeals and, if need be, to the Supreme Court. #CourageOn #DefendPressFreedom #HoldTheLine *** 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.

F

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 19-25, 2020 eatures

Stella Abrera, the first Fil-Am principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, retires after 24-year career

By Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

Stella Abrera, the first Filipino American principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, has retired after 24 years with the classical ballet company.

Under coronavirus-free circumstances, 42-year-old Abrera’s farewell performance would have been the title role of “Giselle” at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York on June 13.

“I always thought my heart would break on this day, and it’s true that it does ache, but I see now that it’s because my heart is so full—it’s bursting with love and gratitude for everyone who has made this twisty, exhilarating, colorful journey I’ve been on, one of which dreams are made,” Abrera wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, June 15. “ABT will forever be in my heart—thank you and farewell.”

Her last performance with the company was “Giselle” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in February.

Abrera was named artistic director for Kaatsbaan, a cultural park for dance in Tivoli, New York, earlier this year.

“As the artistic director of Kaatsbaan, I began a summer coaching and training initiative for young professional dancers in the ranks of apprentice to year five corps de ballet. This demographic is kind of a waiting area.

They’re paying their dues. I offer two weeks for a small group to work on the pas de deux and solos that they don’t really get to work on during their season.

I ask them to choose one dream role, like Juliet or Odette/Odile, and then I also ask them to pick a solo that’s within the realm of their next possible step, such as the Swan Lake pas de trois,” she told Dance Magazine in a recent interview.

The youngest of five children, Abrera and her family moved from the Philippines to South Pasadena, California when she was 4 years old. A year later, she took her first ballet class and has been dancing ever since.

The family moved often because of her father’s work as a civil engineer, which also brought them to San Diego and

Graton Resort & Casino upgrades its health protection comprehensively, allowing you to play at ease

Stella Abrera

Photo from Instagram/@stellaabreradetsky

Sydney, Australia.

She began her studies with Philip and Charles Fuller and Cynthia Young at Le Studio in Pasadena and continued it at the West Coast Ballet Theatre in San Diego when they moved there. She also spent three years studying the Royal Academy of Dancing method with Joan and Monica Halliday at the Halliday Dance Centre in Sydney.

In 1996 at the age of 17, she joined the ABT as a member of the corps de ballet after being an apprentice for a few months. Five years later, she was promoted as a soloist.

“I am so lucky. I had this dream to be a ballerina when I was a little girl and I grew up and became one. Not everyone has that luck, timing wise, but I worked hard and I am grateful,” Abrera said in 2016, as reported by the Asian Journal.

The Fil-Am dancer suffered a

crippling back injury in 2010 that threatened to end her blossoming career and sidelined her for 18 months. She returned to the stage and got injured again before recovering and taking the stage six months later.

Abrera debuted in the title role of “Giselle” in 2015 after she filled in for an injured dancer.

She then made history when she ascended to a principal dancer role soon after, becoming the first person of Filipino descent to reach the elite ballet company’s highest rank.

“To be honest, it’s mostly the feeling of responsibility, to help inspire the next generation of dancers not only Filipinos but all of them. It warms my heart to see these young Filipina dancers on social media saying that I inspire them. That’s very heartwarming, and it’s a responsibility that I am happy to take on,” she previously told the Asian Journal.

AS the pandemic in California slows down and the state gradually reopens, the Bay Area’s Graton Resort & Casino has resumed operations starting on Thursday, June 18. With comprehensive protection and enhanced disinfection, health and safety measures will be further improved to protect the health of all guests and staff. Graton is committed to creating a safe and clean environment for entertainment and leisure so that guests can play with ease at all times.

The casino will limit the number of visitors. Thermal cameras have also been installed at the entrances for body temperature screening. In addition, “Social Distancing” is another important protection point. Notices will be posted to remind guests and employees at all times to maintain a safe distance and pay attention to personal hygiene, and there will be staff to guide guests to avoid congregating. The seats of the slot machines, gaming tables and restaurants have been all rearranged and reduced to ensure guests maintain an appropriate distance to protect others and themselves.

The hygiene standards will be fully upgraded. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed at key entrances and contact areas.

In addition to purchasing electrostatic sprayers as well as enhancing the maintenance ventilation

and the air filtration systems, Graton will also enhance deep cleaning and increase disinfection frequency on frequent contact areas and gaming equipment, such as the hotel lobby, slot machines, gaming tables, restaurants, guest rooms, elevator buttons, etc. Graton believes in allowing guests to feel at ease by not missing any details.

At this critical moment for pandemic prevention, Graton Resort & Casino adheres to the business philosophy of excellence as always. It regards the health of guests and staff as the top priority. It is implementing all relevant health and safety measures, further strengthening the work team’s epidemic prevention training, implementing staff temperature testing and self-health management, and requiring staff to wear personal protective equipment properly at work. Gra-

ton is committed to strictly implementing the standard procedures of cleaning and disinfection, and protecting the health and safety of guests.

Thank you for your continued support. We are ready to welcome you to have wonderful time here with us again!

Graton Resort & Casino is located in Rohnert Park, California, next to the Golf Course Drive exit of 101 freeway. With easy transportation access, it also offers gourmet food, entertainment & accommodation all-in-one, and is the largest integrated resort in the Bay Area. The casino is owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and is managed by Station Casinos LLC. For more information, please visit www.GratonResortCasino.com, www.facebook.com/GratonCasino or www.twitter.com/PlayGraton.

(Advertising Supplement)

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June 19-25, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

KC, Apl.de.Ap celebrity world being linked romantically

By Ferdie Villar

fueled when people saw the rapper in the comments section of a live video featuring KC and Judy Ann Santos where the latter was teaching Sharon Cuneta’s eldest daughter how to cook seafood curry, according to reports in The Philippine Star.

Although the two have yet to comment on whether they are, indeed, dating, it is known that Apl has admitted to having a crush on KC, and that he had courted her briefly in 2013 but stopped because the Megastar’s daughter was involved at that time.

In a recent interview with fellow celebrity Toni Gonzaga, however, the actress revealed about having a happy love life and how she is looking for a serious relationship now that she is all grown up.

“Okay naman ako. May mga kausap ako and thank you Lord na kinikilig ako,” KC was quoted as saying.

She added: “Kasi siyempre ang hanap natin ngayon, ‘yung medyo mas deeper. Hindi na ‘yung for play, play. Sasabihin ko sa inyo Alden Richards, a matinee actor in the kapag dumating ‘yun.”

And KC has revealed her idePhilippine entertainment world, hosts the newest singing competition “Centerstage” al man in an earlier interview: among young Filipino men and women from all “Somebody that is established, over the world, produced by GMA Pinoy TV. somebody that is respected,

somebody that has values and resonates with me, somebody who actually cares and shows that and is able to express that. I want to be able to be of value to the people that are in my life.”

Hopefully, KC finds her ideal man soon! *** Count veteran actor and perennial kontrabida/gang leader in the movies Rez Cortez as among the actors who have had to deal with death hoaxes in social media.

In a report by Inquirer.net, the actor was said to have gone recently on Facebook to disprove unverified reports that he had died due to a heart attack, and that he was not helped while having that attack because bystanders suspected he was infected with COVID-19.

“Hello everyone! I just want to say that I’m alive and kicking,” Cortez was quoted as saying. “[F]ake news po itong kumakalat.

Wag na lang I click or ishare. Mabalos. God bless us!” (What was spreading was fake news. Do not click or share. Thank you.)

The 64-year-old actor was most recently seen in the GMA Network series “One of the Baes” which ended early this year, and

Veteran actor Rez Cortez went on social media to disprove reports that he had died of a heart attack. The Facebook post containing his death was taken down after it has more than 2.9 million views.

Facebook Photo/Inquirer.net

Actress, comedienne and TV host Eugene Domingo currently stars in the TV series “Dear Uge,” which airs on GMA Pinoy TV. Domingo is Superstar Nora Aunor has been busy helping her needy kababayans known for her “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” movies and TV series. during the pandemic.

Inquirer.net file photo

IT seems that the rumors of KC Concepcion and Apl.de.Ap having a romantic liaison will not die down.

Speculations of something brewing between the two were

Bradford Adkins, a celebrity blogger and journalist, celebrated his birthday last June 14 in Los Angeles with his family and close friends.

Are Apl.de.Ap and KC Concepcion dating right now? Speculations about a romance were renewed when the rapper was seen commenting on a live video featuring KC and Judy Ann Santos recently.

PSN File Photo

in “Dahil Sa Pag-ibig” which ended in October of 2019.

Per the report, before the Facebook post (which was posing as GMA News) was taken down, the Rez Cortez death hoax had garnered over 2.9 million views,

more than 17,300 shares and around 1,200 comments. *** And on to a living legend of Philippine cinema and television… Superstar Nora Aunor.

The 67-year-old actress has

been very active in helping her fellow Filipinos during the pandemic, although she would rather not say anything about it.

A report from PEP.ph recently said that the actress sent food packs to stranded overseas Filipino workers stranded at Villamor Elementary School and the golf course at Villamor Air Base waiting for their flights back home to Mindanao, as well as some barangays. The Superstar also sent rice bags to her fellow Bicolanos who could not go home. Add to this, Nora was said to have provided financial assistance to some staff of the TV series “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.”

The actress did not go with the people who gave the food packs as she was following the mandate refraining senior citizens from going out in public.

It was said in the report that the multi-awarded actress was also very happy that her loyal fans, some of whom sent their own food contributions to the stranded workers, joined her in this kind of activity.

Kudos to Nora, and to our other celebrities, for helping the needy and unfortunate during these trying times!

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 19-25, 2020

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June 19-25, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160