Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - April 16, 2022

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

APRIL 16, 2022

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Ketanji Brown Jackson Is Justice for All

PERRYSCOPE

My Crystal Ball for the 2022 Philippine Presidential Election

MILLENNIAL VOICE

How We Live – And How We Say Goodbye – Can Leave The Earth A Better Place

BOOK REVIEW

Cadet, Soldier Guerrilla Fighter – Remembering Bataan and Corregidor

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  APRIL 16, 2022

EDITORIAL

The Filipino Fiesta is Back for its 30th Year, Join the Fun and Festivities

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pring, known as the season of renewal and the beginning of a new cycle of birth, carries extraordinary meaning this year when it comes to culture as the annual Filipino Fiesta (now in its 30th year) resumes after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Our Filipino community is excited and joyous over the return of our biggest celebration of the year which has been the event to showcase to all of Hawaii and to teach our own children our unique culture.

Celebrating our culture From regional dances like the Singkil from the south to the celebrated national folk dance Tinikling, to Filipino food from pancit to lechon, history revisited from Jose Rizal’s fight for independence from Spain to Filipino World War II veterans who joined the U.S. and defended our nation’s islands-chain, and to the promotion of our various languages Tagalog, Ilocano, Bisaya, Cebuano – all that Philippines culture has to offer had been featured at one time or another in our Filipino Fiestas.

Origins of fiestas Hawaii’s Filipino Fiesta that normally would draw about 10,000 attendees is known as one of the largest outside of the Philippines. Fiestas is plentiful in the Philippines. There are Spanish-influenced fiestas all-year-round in honor of the Santo Nino, the Virgin Mary and Catholic saints. But fiestas held in Spring actually predates the arrival of the Spanish and were held (like in most of Asia) to bring good luck for a bountiful harvest year as the Philippines were a largely agricultural-based economy and lifestyle back when fiestas first started hundreds of years ago.

Hawaii’s Fiesta started as a way to bring public awareness to garner support for the building of the FilCom Center, which many in the community see as a symbol of our community locally. The FilCom Center is a non-profit organization that promotes cultural, social and educational events to Hawaii’s Filipinos and community at large. It’s the largest center of its kind in the U.S. and outside of the Philippines.

This Filipino Fiesta’s theme This year’s Filipino Fiesta will be held at the FilCom Center, Waipahu, Saturday, May 14, 10 am to 4 pm. It’s open to the public.

The theme this year is Sama-samang Muli, Sari-saring Saya (Together Again, Loads of Fun!). Fiesta is the Spanish word for celebration.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

ilipino culture in Hawaii is vibrant, alive and well. This is how we in our community want to keep it with the return of our biggest annual event, the Filipino Fiesta. After a two-year hiatus, the Filipino Fiesta is back, now in its 30th year. However, as we see the post-pandemic environment has changed in many ways: workers values, workers “traditional” office, super high inflation, among other areas. We cannot assume that tradition, in this case our Fiesta, will just bounce back to where we’ve left it. Our community has worked very hard over decades to build the Filipino Fiesta. And we must continue our efforts, even doubly, to ensure its success and longevity.

For our cover story this issue, HFC contributor Raymund Liongson, PhD gives us the details of this year’s Filipino Fiesta and Flores Mayo to take place in Waipahu at the Filipino Community Center (FilCom), Saturday, May 14, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. As usual, it will be a cultural extravaganza featuring delicious Filipino food, entertaining folk dances and booths presented by Filipino clubs raising awareness on aspects of the Philippines and our Hawaii Filipino community. Organizers say the “comeback” Fiesta will be just as fun as in the past. In fact this year’s theme says it all, Sama-samang Muli, Sari-saring Saya (Together Again, Loads of Fun!). Paul Alimbuyao, co-chair of the Filipino Fiesta said, “The event shows our ability to recover and move on and once again gather the community to have fun and be proud in showcasing the Filipino cultures and traditions…” Please show your support and come out to the event. If you’re still concerned about COVID-19 safety, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a mask.

Also in this issue, HFC columnist Emil Guillermo writes about Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the United States Supreme Court. As he writes (and in our second editorial), Jackson’s confirmation is a victory for all Americans, and particularly for women of color.

A follow up to our cover story last issue on the Philippines Presidential Election, HFC columnist Perry Diaz contributes a news feature “Leni Rides the Crest of Pink Tsunami” and for his regular column “My Crystal Ball for the 2022 Presidential Election.” To our readers, friends and family in the Philippines, be sure to show up and vote on May 9, 2022.

As one of our goals is to get young adult Filipinos more interested and involved in our Filipino community, this issue we have two articles that specifically targets our millennial generation. The first article covers the differences between Filipino millennials and older generations’ viewpoint written by Jasmine Sadang. The second is “How We Live – And How We Say Goodbye – Can Leave The Earth A Better Place” written

by Caroline Aquino.

Lastly, we would like to wish our readers a Happy Easter.

As Catholics, this Sunday many in our community will be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. HFC columnist Seneca Moraleda-Puguan contributes an article on this topic entitled “Happy Ending.” Be sure to read our other interesting columns and informative news.

Thank you for supporting Hawaii’s Most Read and Most Respected Filipino newspaper, the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle.

Be sure to visit our website. Each issue is free for viewing.

Until next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

Entertainment Besides culture (which can be fun) the Filipino Fiesta is also known for entertainment. Philippine stars, singers and actors have been a part of the all-day line up of entertainers during past fiestas that also include very talented amateur singers and dancers from our community. Filipino American locals who’ve made it big time as stars in national touring musicals and Broadway are also known to give surprise performances. all common occurrences at our fiesta. You’ll never know who you might come across during the event, which is another reason Reunions why attendees keep coming back.

Family coming together for the event, reuniting with old classmates from universities or townmates from the mother Self-identity country, seeing old friends from other parts of the island or the Lastly, the celebration at the annual fiesta goes much deeper neighbor islands and mainland who are on vacation – these are than the activities held on this day thoughtfully put together by

(continue on page 3)

Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Design

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad Shalimar Pagulayan

Editorial Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader Elpidio R. Estioko Perry Diaz Emil Guillermo Melissa Martin, Ph.D. Seneca Moraleda-Puguan J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista Edna Bautista, Ed.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. Rose Churma Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Mark Lester Ranchez Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents: Big Island (Hilo and Kona) Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Millicent Wellington Maui Christine Sabado Big Island Distributors Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Distributors Amylou Aguinaldo Nestor Aguinaldo Maui Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributors Yoshimasa Kaneko Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

Jackson’s Confirmation to SCOTUS is A Victory for All Minority Women; But Improving Inequality Still Needs Work

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he confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court is a historic moment that all Americans should be celebrating, especially communities of color: Black, Asian, and Hispanic Americans. Brown will be the first African American woman to serve SCOTUS since it was founded in 1789.

Her ascension and confirmation reveal that we as a nation, as a society have finally reached a level of maturity and progress for an eminently qualified jurist – no matter the color of her skin – is able to serve in the highest court of the land.

This historic moment doesn’t wipe out prejudice that is clearly still present.

But it says that there is at least enough like-minded Americans in this time in history who believe in fairness, enough to break a streak of hundreds of years of discrimination. This confirmation is long overdue and Jackson will serve as a role model for Black and females of color for generations.

Toxic confirmation process During the extremely toxic partisan confirmation hearings that had Republicans disrespecting her, misrepresenting her record for political gain, Jackson was able to keep her confidence high and responded to unfair questions with calm and strength. This shows that besides having a stellar resume and experience, Jackson has a temperament fitting of an ideal judge.

The hearings were particularly disgraceful when you consider that all of the offensive questions and misleading conclusions were fielded by White male politicians. And taking a look at the history of SCOTUS where it wasn’t until 1967 when for a first time a Black American in Thurgood Marshall served in the Supreme Court and all justices prior were White men – one cannot help but interpret the mudslinging of Jackson as historic sexism and historic racism at play.

Through mischaracterizations during the confirmation hearings, Jackson kept above the one-sided spectacle (Republican senators simply were looked upon as oppressors). Her calm actually saved her from becom-

ing media fodder and a controversial nominee as was the combative Brett Kavanaugh. Jackson successfully avoided the political snare that most likely made her a non-controversial figure by the end of the hearings and perhaps made it possible for the three moderate Republicans -- Sens.

Mitt Romney, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski – to vote their conscience and support Jackson’s confirmation.

get to hear from prominent role models expressing how important their ethnicity has been for them; and for some, it has served as a driving force to achieve personal goals.

At the very least, events such as our Filipino Fiesta slows down this erosion of ethnic identity by giving our youth more exposure to our culture outside of the family setting. It helps to spark curiosity and interest for our youth to reconnect to our ancestral roots. This is one reason why the Fiesta has always been a popular family event.

Cultivating ethnic pride and perpetuating our culture require work and effort. We cannot kid ourselves into thinking it just happens especially in our modern, fast-paced world with influences coming from and pulling us in all directions.

The pandemic has dis-

rupted this community tradition that many Filipinos say they’ve regularly attended.

Like other festivals that take place annually on Oahu, the Filipino Fiesta’s first year back from the pandemic could be slower than usual.

It’s important to rebuild and make the event fun, exciting and an attraction once again. We cannot take for granted that the Fiesta’s past success is guaranteed in the post-pandemic era.

Don’t let a fear of large crowds scare you off. Such events like the Fiesta are already approved by the CDC and if you must take extra precaution, it’s perfectly fine to wear a facial mask and practice social distancing. We hope to see you there.

Mabuhay to the FilCom Center and organizers of the 30th Filipino Fiesta.

A more diverse court expands perspective How will Jackson’s confirmation specifically benefit all Americans? With her confirmation SCOTUS is now more representative of our country, our nation’s diverse racial-ethnic makeup. Diversity (Jackson is also younger than those currently on SCOTUS) translates to a court that will render a wider interpretation of the law based on more jurists coming from different backgrounds.

Ultimately this most likely will lead to laws that a greater majority of Americans can approve of and deem to be fairer.

Who’s next? An Asian-American to SCOTUS And as Jackson has finally

(The Filipino Fiesta....from page 2)

hundreds of volunteers from various clubs, businesses and nonprofits.

In the process of acculturation, generationally or even as immigrants, there is often a gradual erosion of self-identity, erosion of our inherited identity as Filipinos.

At its worse form of manifestation, our youth talk of feeling estranged from their parents’ culture. Or in communities where Filipinos are an extreme minority, they commonly describe feeling alienated, even ashamed for being different, experience discrimination, and grow up with varying degrees of self-loathing.

The annual Filipino Fiesta does wonders to instill pride in our heritage and give our youth a sense of belonging to be among thousands of others who are like them. They

shattered a glass ceiling of an institution that for hundreds of years were mostly exclusively White and male -- there is hope that representation at SCOTUS will soon include an Asian American.

Already, there are SCOTUS-level qualified Asian Americans serving as judges at this very moment. But just like it was for Black women who’ve had qualified members in their community for years, the opportunity will present itself.

Hopefully sooner than later.

And even as the gap of race and gender inequalities have yet to close, with Jackson’s confirmation we are closer to the aspiration we have as a nation and as protected in our Constitution of equal protection under the law. So it shouldn’t mean that Asian Americans should have to wait hundreds of years for such an opportunity to have one of our own seated at the highest court of the land.

Cause for celebration, but more work needs to be done Jackson is the daughter of a federal judge. While she is a woman of color, Jackson has had privileges in her upper middle-class upbringing many other women of color did not have.

Jackson received a high quality education with col-

lege preparatory curricula that helped her to get accepted to and succeed at Harvard University.

Research shows a student’s zip code or upbringing is strongly correlated with career success, especially in professional occupations. In fact, parents’ educational attainment is often identified as the most important factor predicting the educational achievement of students. Research also shows households headed by college-educated parents tend to provide greater economic, emotional and social stability.

So until the income inequality gap gets tighter, schools in low income neighborhoods are improved, and real upward mobility where racism is kept to an absolute minimum or no longer exists ideally – young women of color, while they may have dreams to be like Brown and succeed at the highest level in their chosen professions, it may just be a dream if such conditions above are not systemically improved.

But at this point in time, Americans are right to feel joyous and celebrate our gains.

The possibilities for career greatness for a wider spectrum of our nation’s population have become further apparent in Brown’s confirmation.

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  APRIL 16, 2022

COVER STORY

The Cultural Extravaganza Lives!

Join the Celebration at the Annual Filipino Fiesta and Flores De Mayo

by Raymund Liongson, PhD

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fter a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the annual Filipino Fiesta & Flores de Mayo returns to Waipahu May 14 (Saturday) from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Filipino Community Center. Free and open to the public, the Filipino Fiesta is the largest FilCom Center event marked by food, dancing, games and traditions and attended by thousands of Filipinos and Oahu residents and visitors.

This year’s Fiesta is also FilCom Center’s 20th Anniversary, appropriately themed “Sama-samang Muli, SaFilCom Fiesta Beginnings “The Filipino Fiesta was not meant to replicate the fiesta as observed in Philippine towns, but to drive interest for folks to donate to what is now called the FilCom Center,” says Rose Churma, who served as the executive director and project manager of the FilCom Center during its inception.

“That was thirty years ago. In some way, the effort succeeded because now we have a building, although the institution is still mired in debt.”

Oahu’s Fiesta started when L&L Hawaiian Barbecue founder and owner Eddie Flores and House of Finance, Inc. founder and CEO Roland Casamina started a capital campaign to support the construction of the Filipino Community Center.

The fundraising effort evolved into an event to showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of the Filipino people. In 2012, the “Flores de Mayo” (Flowers of May) was conceived to align with the Fiesta’s annual occurrence in May. “The communal meaning of the celebration of fiesta for Filipino Americans is about nostalgia and thanksgiving,” says Eva Washburn-Repollo, chair of this year’s celebration. “The memories of this

ri-saring Saya!” (Together again, loads of fun!).

“After a long absence due to the pandemic we are sending a strong message that Filipinos are resilient,” said Paul Alimbuyao, bank executive and co-chair of the Filipino Fiesta. “The event shows our ability to recover and move on and once again gather the community to have fun and be proud in showcasing the Filipino cultures and traditions, highlighting traditional Philippine songs and dances, food, games and cultural activities through different Philippine languages and artifacts.”

event are seared into one’s memory because the whole town opened their doors to guests. All around it was colorful, lots of movement, dances and songs and we did it all over again every year. The most amazing thing about fiestas is it happens often as barrios, towns and cities celebrate their own fiestas and you can go to so many fiestas in a year!

“The yearly Filipino fiesta brings all those memories back again in one long and festive day of togetherness.

The yearly cycle of fiestas that people visit bond us to each other. We see many festivals in Hawaii from different ethnic groups but the fiesta we know has its own unique characteristics. The young FilAms are learning what fiesta means: we gather to be happy together as we share our blessings, our ways to support each other, our traditional foods, songs and dances,” recounts Washburn-Repollo.

“The fiesta is filled with the spirit of giving as we receive donations from businesses and Filipino entrepreneurs.

These help us defray expenses and create a space for festivals.

The sights, tastes, sounds and smells of Filipino culture wrap

us all together in this giant embrace. We come home happy that we experience that we are here for each other, showing the young how to live love and laugh with goodness and generosity. The fiesta, though just once a year, allows us to remember that although we are in a place that was so foreign to many of our families who came here first, these values are still intact.”

Fiesta at FilCom In the previous years, this annual event was held at the Kapiolani Park in Waikiki and the Kaka’ako Park by the UH Medical Center. As the Filipino Community Center marks its 20th anniversary this year, the Filipino Fiesta steering committee felt it appropriate to hold the event at the FilCom Center grounds.

“People will be able to see the transformation of the FilCom Center parking lot into a ‘Plaza’, influenced by the Spanish colonial era,” says Donnie Juan, FilCom Center executive director. “Through Filipino ingenuity and creativity, a chandelier made of imitation-Capiz shells will be built and displayed for participants to admire. One can take a selfie and share it on social media.”

Capiz comes from the shell of the Placuna placenta mollusk, which is native to the Philippine Sea. The shells are often reused for home décor, crafts and jewelry.

The Fiesta will showcase the cultures, traditions, foods and crafts from the Philippine’s three major islands – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Three tents will house the various ethnolinguistic groups in these major islands, highlighting Ilocano, Cordillera, Metro Manila, Bicol, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Davaoeños, Lumad, and other cultural groups. Cultural booth participants include Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Hawaii, University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii, BIBAK-Hawaii, Bicol Club, Kahirup Ilonggo, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Dabawenyos, and Doce Pares. Among the cultural items that will be featured in the cultural booths are the jeepney, Cordillera gangsa, Mindanao kulintang, and Muslim weapons.

A cultural hour will feature performers demonstrating Philippine dances, songs and history of each region. Among the performances will be indigenous rituals, music, and

dance from the Cordillera and Mindanao regions.

Children can check out the “Kabataang Barangay” booth and grab prizes from a popular fiesta game called pabitin.

They may also try their hand at sungka, a game that pits opponents against one another in a calculation challenge that plays out on a block of wood or game-board called sungkahan. The children’s booth will also have coloring activities, storytelling and other traditional games.

“Due to liability constraints, many fun and daring children’s fiesta activities popular in the Philippines cannot be staged here,” observed Giovanni del Rosario of Kapolei. “For instance, we cannot have palo sebo without securing an insurance or assuming liabilities due to potential falls.

Even palo banga or basagan ng palayok may be considered potentially harmful.”

Palo sebo features greasy poles, usually made up of bamboo, with a prize pinned on top of it. The aim is to climb the greasy pole and whoever gets the prize is the winner of the game. Palo banga or basagan ng palayok is similar to the Spanish piñata except that the (continue on page 5)

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (The Cultural....from page 4)

container is a breakable earthen pot that can shatter into pieces in which the shreds can potentially fly into someone’s eyes or body and result in an injury.

To date, many details like parking and program are still being finalized. For the latest update, check out the FilCom website, filcom.org.

The Filipino Fiesta and Flores de Mayo FilCom Center is one of the four commemorative events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the FilCom Center. This will be followed

by The Dream Musical (June), the Bayanihan Gala (July), and the traditional Filipino Pasko sa FilCom (December).

Philippine Fiestas Fiesta in the Philippines is a critical part of the culture, bringing people together to celebrate a patron saint, a bountiful harvest, or friendship and family.

“Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate the feast of a patron saint. The centuries of Spanish occupation have made the Philippines the only majority-Christian country in Southeast Asia and reverence toward saints and other religious figures have been integrated into the Filipino tradition,” says Jun Gappe, past

president of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii.

According to travel writer Michael Aquino, the roots of Philippine fiestas go back even further than Spanish colonial rule. “Pre-Hispanic Filipinos made regular ritual offerings to placate the gods, and these offerings evolved into the fiestas we know today. A wonderful fiesta season means good luck for the rest of the year!”

“Fiestas may be an expression of thanksgiving, such as the celebration of a good harvest or an abundant catch.

Such festivities are often manifested through dances, music, and of course, abundant food,” says Grace Vendiola of Kahuku. Pahiyas, Ibalong Festival, and Bangus Festival represent these types of celebrations.

Some Philippine festivals are secular or non-religious and are a celebration of a historical event. Kadaugan sa Mactan, for instance, is a reenactment of the victory of Mactan people during the famous “Battle of Mactan” in 1521. Sandugo Festival, on the other hand, is a month-long festivity honoring the Blood Compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565.

Today, every town and city in the Philippines has a fiesta of its own honoring its patron saint, celebrating its cultural traditions, highlighting its natural resources, or glorifying its historical triumphs. From January to December, there is always a fiesta celebration somewhere. For instance, in January, Ati-atihan, Sinulog, and Dinagyang are grand celebrations in the Visayas, all of these festivals in honor of the Sto. Niño (Holy Infant). The Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio and the Bamboo Organ Festival in Las Piñas, the latter held to celebrate the oldest bamboo pipe organ in the world, are the main festivities in February. In March, the Alimango Festival highlights the abundance of crabs in Lala, Lanao del Norte and features crab/ocean themed grand street dancing parade, crab races, biggest crab contest and an agri-trade fair. If there is an Alimango Festival, there is also the Bangus Festival in Dagupan City, Pangasinan held in April. Pahiyas is a delightful festival in May unique to Lucban, Quezon where houses are decorated with colorful fruits, vegetables, handicrafts and kiping,

“Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate the feast of a patron saint. The centuries of Spanish occupation have made the Philippines the only majority-Christian country in Southeast Asia and reverence toward saints and other religious figures have been integrated into the Filipino tradition.”

— Jun Gappe,

past president of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii a decoration made from rice flour. In June, the folks of Leyte bring back to life the indigenous Cebuano people who were called “Pintados” by the Spaniards because their bodies were heavily tattooed. Named after t’nalak, a colorful and intricately woven abaca fabric created and worn

by T’boli women, the T’nalak Festival is celebrated in July in South Cotabato. A festival that does not take its cue from the Roman Catholic tradition is the Kadayawan Festival, celebrated in the month of August in Davao. This festival originally offered thanksgiving to the gods Manama and Bulan.

Today, it celebrates Davao’s bountiful harvest. If Dagupan is the “bangus capital” in the Philippines, General Santos City claims the title of being the “tuna capital” in the country and celebrates their annual Tuna Festival in September.

Billing itself as the city of smiles, Bacolod City cele-

brates Maskara Festival every month of October. Instead of scary zoombies roaming the streets, giant colorful paper mâché effigies parade in Angono, Rizal in the month of November, celebrating the Higantes Festival. And finally, featuring the iconic Christmas parol, San Fernando Pampanga’s Giant Lantern Festival is a crowd draw in December, and has been going on since 1931. And the foregoing festivals are just some of the many more fiesta celebrations in the Philippines.

Fiesta as a sociocultural and economic vehicle Fiesta will remain to be an integral part of Philippine and Filipino culture – both at home and abroad. It serves as a collective expression of recognition and reverence toward hallowed figures (like saints) who serve as models of virtuous living. Because festival (continue on page 7)

TRAVEL TIPS TO THE PHILIPPINES

Traveling to the Philippines?

Here are Reminders for a Fun Safe Trip

W

ith summer just right around the corner, a visit to the c o u n t r y ’s finest beaches and sceneries while enjoying authentic Filipino cuisine is the ultimate summer trip for balikbayans.

If you’re planning a trip

to the homeland, here are the general requirements to ensure your safe and smooth arrival in the Philippines.

• Register on the One Health Pass website. Prior to arrival to the Philippines, make sure that you have already registered via onehealthpass.com.ph.

• Provide proof of vacci-

nation. Fully vaccinated travelers must present the following proof that are accepted by the Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force: World Health Organization Certificate of Vaccination, VaxCertPH, or a national or state digital certificate of the foreign government that has accepted VaxCertPH.

• Make sure you are negative. A negative RT-PCR test result should be taken within 48 hours of departure while laboratory-based antigen test results should be 24 hours before departure.

• Follow the mandatory quarantine. If you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you are required to follow a mandatory quarantine in a government-approved hotel facility. You will be swabbed on the fifth day of quarantine and if the results show nega-

tive, you will be allowed to leave the facility.

• Research your destination requirements. Once you are in the Philippines, you don’t want to miss out on the country’s beautiful beaches such as Boracay, Puerto Princesca, Siargao and many more. It’s important that you research the required documents prior to traveling to these destinations.

• Check each region’s alert level. The Philippines (continue on page 7)

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  APRIL 16, 2022

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Ketanji Brown Jackson is Justice for All

By Emil Guillermo

Y

ou know it was historic if you saw it on television in Hawaii.

Of course, Bucha and the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine must hold the focus of the free world. We can only interrupt our attention on life and death history with even more history.

And so, we do now in order to cheer a momentous breakthrough for democracy in America.

Ketanji Brown Jackson is the new 116th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

“There are moments that people go back in history and they’re literally historic; consequential, fundamental shifts in American policy,” said President Joe Biden from the South Lawn of the White House, the day after the historic confirmation.

That’s what having the first black woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court means. There will be a change in the conversation. And it was a long time coming.

“People of every generation of every race of every background felt this moment,” said Biden, who was beaming as he was about to introduce the new high court member.

“They feel a sense of pride and hope and belonging and believing and knowing the promise of America includes everybody, all of us.”

And then Jackson spoke to the nation for the first time as Justice Jackson.

“No one does this on their own,” Jackson said. “The path was cleared for me so that I might rise to this occasion, and in the poetic words of Dr. Maya Angelou, I do so now.

‘While bringing the gifts my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of slaves.’”

Jackson got a rousing applause for remembering with

humility where she fits in to history.

“And so as I take on this new role,” she continued, “I strongly believe that this is a moment in which all Americans can take great pride.”

She’s right. All Americans.

All Filipinos in our nation. Her ascent is the wonder of our American democracy. Jackson’s confirmation shows that after 232 years, even now it is still possible to break barriers and improve upon our nation’s sense of inclusion.

And to think, how hard it was to get to this happy place.

By a 53-47 vote, the high-water mark of bipartisanship in our dismally divided country, Jackson was confirmed by the Senate and will take Justice Stephen Breyer’s seat upon his retirement this June.

Before the April 7th vote, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D.-Ill.) set the scene.

Of 115 who served on the court, there have been just five women, two Blacks, and no Black women, said Leahy.

Those facts have helped to define the privilege of white supremacy in America.

No one has looked like Ketanji Brown Jackson. Not in the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States. Not until April 7, 2022.

But it’s not just about her race or ethnicity. Leahy emphasized that Jackson was more than well-qualified; she “earned” the right to be on the Supreme Court.

Durbin added more historical context. When the Supreme Court first met in the Capitol in 1801, there were one million slaves in a nation of five million people. And neither blacks nor white women had a constitutional right to vote. Black women had no place in the court, and could only come in at night to clean, he said.

Let me add our context too. At the time, there were notably Filipinos in Louisiana, but there was no Asian America to speak of.

Durbin then briefly

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

touched on the evolution of America, from the bloody civil war to the decades-long efforts to break down racial barriers.

“We are beginning to write another chapter in our nation’s quest for equal justice under the law,” said Durbin.

“And that chapter begins with three letters, KBJ, with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the highest court in the land.”

Durbin then recalled how this week, 54 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King was shot and killed in Memphis. And then he quoted from King’s speech at the Mason Temple: “I’ve looked over and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”

And now, in a way we have. The KBJ era has officially begun.

For history, most of the Senate was gathered at their

desk for the roll call vote that teeter-tottered back and forth.

Fortunately, the votes were already known.

Deadlocked at 50-50, three Republicans, Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Susan Collins (R-Maine), had announced their decisions to vote for KBJ, for history, for justice.

And they came through.

They didn’t join Republican partisans like Lindsay Graham, Ted Cruz, and Tom Cotton, who treated the confirmation process as if it were a hazing to an all-white men’s club.

They had questioned her for 24 hours, in Senate Judiciary hearings that seemed more like an interrogation. Republican Senators, auditioning to be the next Trump, hammered away on KBJ. But the best they could do was bring up her sentencing on child pornography cases, as if that made her soft on crime?

A nominee supported by national police organizations representing both chiefs and the rank-in-file is not soft on crime.

But they kept it up right until this week. Sen Tom Cotton, touching on the Ukrainian situation, said Jackson might have defended Nazis accused of war crimes. Is that not the height of smears? But that is the rhetoric of white supremacists losing their grip.

Even on the floor of the Senate, when Democrats had gotten to the vote, Republicans couldn’t stand it.

Graham cast his “No” vote from the cloak room. He had previously voted for KBJ when she was up for confirmation. Not this time. His fellow South Carolinian, Tim Scott, an African American, also stuck with Republicans and voted against Jackson.

Kentucky’s Rand Paul made a scene, coming late to delay the confirmation as much as possible. Dressed informally, he cast the 47th “No.” One last rude and immature strike at the woman they must now call Justice Jackson.

KBJ’s ascent means one thing to AAPIs, specifically when it comes to the court.

Next vacancy. We got next.

And then the court will have the look it needs to embody equal justice under the law.

After KBJ, the first Black female, we should expect an AAPI male or female, don’t you think?

That would make it the most diverse court in SCOTUS history. And then it really will be a court that looks like America.

We’ve been waiting. EMIL​ GUILLERMO​ is a veteran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu Advertiser editorial board. Listen to him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @ emilamok.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR This should make Americans ask the fundamental question: what is the difference between what a public non-profit utility company provides and what a private for-profit oil company provides?

After all they both sell energy to all United States citizens. The difference is that natural gas and electricity are sold in the form of a public good whereas oil is sold in the form of a private good.

Accordingly, on the grounds of promoting national security, the United States Congress should convert all oil companies to utility companies. This would eliminate the windfall profits and force the oil industry to earn just enough income to cover operating

expenses just as natural gas and electric utility companies are required to do.

The resulting drop in gasoline prices would further stimulate the economy and lighten the energy stranglehold upon the United States by the Middle East. It would also eliminate the influence of the oil lobby.

In this case, desperate times call for deliberate measures. But as pathetic as the energy policy is in the United States the effort to develop alternative sources of energy won’t really be accelerated until the oil dries up and the Saudi’s place solar cells across their desert and then sell us the electricity.

JOE BIALEK, Cleveland, OH

To send your own letter to the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle editor, email your letter, name and contact details to filipinochronicle@gmail.com.

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

OPEN FORUM

Jones Act a Threat to Hawaii Security?

By Keli’I Akina, Ph.D.

T

he world is holding its breath as we watch the outbreak of war in Ukraine and wonder what it bodes for the future For those of us in Hawaii, there is an extra reason to be concerned, aside from the geopolitical implications and the loss of life: It is very likely that the sanctions against Russia will lead to a dramatic increase in energy prices. That’s because for years, Hawaii has been getting about one-third of its crude oil from Russia.

Why would Hawaii import oil from Russia when we could get it from the U.S. mainland? After all, the U.S.

mainland is closer, and both countries are large exporters of the low-sulfur crude oil relied on by Hawaiian Electric for generating electricity.

As Grassroot Institute of Hawaii research associate Jonathan Helton explained in a recent article, it is a simple matter of economics. It is much cheaper for Hawaii to buy oil from Russia than from the U.S., even though the per-barrel cost of oil from Russia is more expensive than from Texas.

How is that possible?

Blame the Jones Act. The 1920 federal maritime law requires all goods shipped between American ports to be on vessels that are U.S. flagged, built and mostly owned and crewed by Americans.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

The result of more than a century of protectionism has been that U.S. ships are more expensive to build and operate, with the additional costs inevitably passed on to consumers. In other words, the added cost of using American ships makes it more expensive for Hawaii to buy oil from Texas than from Russia.

According to a study from the Grassroot Institute, the Jones Act costs Hawaii about $1.2 billion a year, including 9,100 fewer jobs, $400 million in lost wages and $150 million in lost tax revenues.

Gasoline in the islands costs up to $55.2 million more a year due to the Jones Act, and the average family’s electricity bill is higher by about 14 cents every day.

That is why Hawaii needs a Jones Act exemption. With the outbreak of

House Lawmakers Vote Down the $1,300 Tax Refund Amendment

E

arlier in the week, Representative Gene Ward’s proposed tax refund of $1,300 has been rejected by the Hawaii House of Representatives.

Governor David Ige’s initial proposal of $100 refund and the Finance Committee’s $300 proposal is “basically symbolic and mere tokens,” said Ward.

“With gas prices over $5 per gallon and food costs going through the roof, Hawaii’s families are struggling just to stay above the water,” Ward explained.

In a press release, Ward explained his proposal of $1,300 per taxpayer.

“Based on a study and calculations by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, at least 1 billion of the almost $4 billion surplus should be returned to Hawaii’s over 734,000 taxpayer,” stated in a press release.One billion dollars divided by 734,000 taxpayers results in slight over a $1,300 refund.

“If every taxpayer received a $1,300 refund it will serve as a huge economic stimulus to our economy and pump in over $1.4 billion dollars towards our recovery,” Ward said.

“We have to stop ‘virtue-signaling’ and get real with how bad Hawaii’s people are hurting, and I can’t think of a better way than giving Hawaii’s taxpayers back $1,300 of their hard-earned money.”

PICTORIAL NEWS

Happy Wedding Anniversary!

V

ictor and Paulina Espero of Ewa Beach celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 8, 2022. Victor is a retired Navy veteran from Bacnotan, La Union, and Paulina is a former licensed practical nurse originally from Santiago, Ilocos Sur. They were married in 1957 in Santiago and came to the United States in 1961. 

that well-reasoned call for reform, Hawaii’s political leaders generally have done nothing to avert the situation in which we now find ourselves.

The sad fact is that, when it comes to fuel imports, we have spent years perched between a rock and a hard place, and now we are feeling the squeeze.

Maybe we should never have been so reliant on Russian oil imports to begin with.

But that was a choice based on the high cost of U.S. oil, thanks to the Jones Act. The best way forward is to obtain a permanent Jones Act exemption for our state that would let Hawaii buy oil from U.S. sources at lower costs.

After that, we should update the Jones Act in general, to bring it into the 21st century and reduce its burden on all Americans.

E hana kākou! (Let’s work together!) 

war in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia, it might be the only way to guarantee that we can continue to import oil at a reasonable cost.

In calling for an exemption, we are following the same path as the Hawaii Refinery Task Force. As far back as 2014, the task force warned that a political crisis could lead to increased dependence on domestic oil, accompanied by higher freight costs.

Its solution? A Jones Act waiver that would let Hawaii import fuel from the mainland at lower prices.

Specifically, the No. 1 recommendation of the task force was: “Explore actions to allow Hawaii fuel supply to utilize foreign flag vessels from domestic ports in lieu of Jones Act vessels in order to expand supply sources into the state at more competitive prices.”

KELI’I AKINA, PH.D. is the Again, that was in 2014, President and CEO of Grassroot eight years ago. Yet, despite Institute of Hawaii.

(COVER STORY: The Cultural....from page 5)

preparations require collaborative effort among people, Filipino fiesta promotes that sense of bayanihan, or the spirit of cooperation, a core Filipino value. It provides a venue for a communal celebration and fellowship and an opportunity to appreciate the fruit of labor and savor the joy of triumphs and achievements.

Filipino festivals have drawn the creative and aesthetic gifts of Filipinos. In their music and dances, implements and decorations, Filipinos have demonstrated their amazing artistry. And each year they celebrate fiesta, it often comes out bigger and lovelier than the year before.

And, of course, fiesta has an economic value. It creates the need and demand for certain goods and services which consequently require manpower and the circulation of resources, thus helping invigorate the economy.

Like many other people, Filipinos value collective engagement, good food, and fun and fiesta celebrations offer these delights. For this, the fiesta will remain to be an indispensable ingredient of Filipino life both in the Philippines and abroad. RAYMUND LLANES Liongson, PhD is a retired professor and coordinator of Philippine/ Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii-Leeward and is a member of the 2022 Filipino Fiesta Steering Committee. He obtained his PhD from the University of the Philippines at Diliman.

(TRAVEL TIPS TO THE PHILIPPINES: Traveling....from page 5)

is currently following an alert level system to respond to the demands of lowering the spread of COVID-19.

It’s important to stay updated on the news to respond accordingly to the sudden alert changes.

• Keep masked up. Unlike the US wherein people are now allowed to go mask-free, the Philippines is still strictly following the mask-at-all-times protocol to limit the spread of COVID-19 amid the

lenient alert levels.

Have fun and stay safe. The Philippines is ready to welcome balikbayans back to the homeland. Although this is going to be a fun trip for everyone, don’t forget that we are still battling a pandemic. If you are feeling sick, quarantine immediately and drink your medicine. Wear your masks. Keep your distance. Sanitize your items. Wash your hands. But most importantly, have fun! 

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  APRIL 16, 2022

FEATURE

How Some Filipino Millennials View Things Differently than the Older Generation other family members.

“Children are raised to act t is common for or be a certain way that they parents and fami- have difficulties expressing lies to have differ- their personal feelings and are ing judgments and often left repressed. Many of beliefs from their us learn to accept the way it children. Howev- is because disrespecting our er, these varying viewpoints family is a thing you should can cause barriers and mis- not do,” Utleg said. conceptions that create tenKapolei millennial Rosie sion and resentment within Mallari had similar experitheir relationships. ence to Utleg. The 25-yearFour Filipino millennials old said: from Hawaii share their ex“Parents are always makperience on what it was like ing their child feel like they having differing life perspec- owe them something because tives than the older generation they brought them into the Filipinos in their families. world – putting into their Angelynne Utleg, a child’s mind that they need 26-year-old Waipahu local, a good-paying job to be sucexpressed some things that cessful in order to take care of she disagreed with in a Filipi- them since they took care of no household. them for years.”

“For one, infants are often She admits that having raised by family members, a lack of freedom created a such as grandparents, cousins strain between her and her or aunties for extended peri- parents. ods,” she said.

“To my parents, going out “These children are given too much in their eyes was specific responsibilities at a disrespectful to them and emyoung age due to their gender; barrassing as a female to go females would have less dom- out a lot,” Mallari said. “On inating roles, such as cooking my end, I saw it as no probor cleaning and weren’t al- lem and enjoying my youth, lowed to take on ‘masculine’ causing a large strain in our tasks. Above all, these chil- relationship being younger.” dren are raised to never talk Another Filipino millenniback or have opposing opin- al from Ewa Beach shared his ions against their elders.” struggles with feeling trapped Utleg said these tradition- in his parents’ judgment. al ways of teaching can disGleyfor Rosal said, “My rupt a child’s ability to grow parents were micromanaging or open up to their parents or my life growing up as a kid.

By Jasmine Sadang

I

Clockwise from left: Angelynne Utleg, Rosie Mallari, Gleyfor Rosal, Jun Sadang and Daphnie Damian.

How I should go home after school…don’t do that, don’t do this.”

Parents usually just want what’s best for their children.

But the 29-year-old Rosal didn’t feel that way while he was growing up.

“My parents, especially my mom, were overly protective. [They] would not let me go out like she doesn’t trust me. I felt like a prisoner,” he explained. “Therefore, I can never go to them if I’m troubled because I would just be scolded.”

Later on in his life, Rosal had received tattoos on his body that his parents didn’t react well to.

“They grew up knowing tattoos as taboos and only criminals have them. I dealt with it by explaining that having a tattoo means much more, which is a sign of expression,” he said.

Despite the differences, Rosal understood that his parents grew up differently than he did.

“I felt like their way of thinking was stuck in the past and it did not adapt to the present,” he said. “I don’t blame my parents for thinking that way because all they care for is providing for us so we can have a bet-

ter future. This is why I could never hate or resent them.”

Daphnie Damian, a 25-year-old from Ewa Beach, shared that the lack of discipline or too much discipline was something that she disagreed with growing up in a Filipino family.

“There was no in-between and then I just accepted for what it was. I did what I needed to do and depending on how I got disciplined, I knew a way around of living like an almost perfect child to them,” she said.

“The pressure they put on the female child of needing to be pushed into the healthcare/ science field of being a nurse or be in the engineering field.

Or the pressure of needing to graduate in four years. I dealt with it by getting a bachelor of science degree so they just stopped bugging me.”

An Ewa Beach resident, 25-year-old Jun Sadang spent most of his childhood hiding a part of himself that he felt his family would ostracize him for. He grew up with very traditional Filipino parents which makes it hard for him to fully express himself.

“Growing up, I always liked other guys, but I had to keep that hidden, even though I felt like everyone knew because of the chismis (gossip),” he said.

“I always hid that part of myself because I was raised to think that behavior was very shameful and would make my parents look bad because they

had a bakla (gay) for a son.”

When asked about any misunderstandings he had with any of the older generations in his family, he said: “I think my parents don’t mind now that I’m out. I know it’s a sensitive topic and our other family members still ask me if I have a girlfriend.

Even my grandma still wants me to marry a girl, trying to arrange a marriage in the Philippines. It still hurts knowing that my parents are small-kine homophobic though.”

Though these Filipino millennials shared how their views differed from the older generation, they have learned from their experiences and want to do something different for the next generation.

One of the things that Utleg would do differently with her kids in the future is to teach them to have equal respect.

“It’s crucial to allow others to express themselves to reach a mutual agreement rather than putting the other down or letting opinions go unheard. I see nothing wrong with putting family first,” she said.

“But you should not have to feel obligated to serve them if no mutual respect exists.

Dignity should be of importance for all, not just one person or a few. Having too much pride will rid you of dignity.”

For Mallari, she hopes to connect her future children closer to Filipino culture and family.

“Once I have children, something I would do differently is introduce our [Filipino] culture to them,” she said.

“Especially wanting to keep in contact with family members in the Philippines and wanting them to be as prideful with who we are.”

As for her parenting style, Mallari said: “I definitely am going to give them more freedom. I want them to trust me enough where they’ll feel comfortable coming to me for anything.”

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

NEWS FEATURE

Leni Rides the Crest of Pink Tsunami

By Perry Diaz

T

hree weeks to election day, the tide of the Philippine election is turning the other way! Yes, it’s happening! You can feel it when you listen to the political rallies around the archipelago.

From Basilan in Southern Mindanao to Cagayan in Northern Luzon, the Filipino people are coming out enthusiastically for their presidential candidate of choice: be it Bongbong Marcos, Leni Robredo, Isko Moreno, Manny Pacquaio or Ping Lacson. But only one will end up elected President of the republic.

Back in February 18-23, Pulse Asia showed Marcos Jr. had 60% approval rating and Robredo had 15%. But in a survey of 2,400 people taken between March 17 and 21,

when the official campaign was underway, Marcos Jr.’s lead dropped to 56% while Robredo’s support jumped significantly to 24%, a nine percentage-point increase.

Usually, surveys are taken based on the socioeconomic classes (SEC) that divide the Philippines’ primary social classes into: Low-income class, the Middle-income class, and the High-income class.

The latest Family Income and Expenditure Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that the majority (58.4%) of Filipinos belongs to the low-income class, the middle class comprises around 40%, and the high-income class about 1% of the population. The classes are further divided into income segments: i.e., High-income = A, B; Middle-income = C, D; and Low-income = E. It was revealed that the

VP Leni Robredo

Pulse Asia survey did not include Classes A and B. Their reason was that only one percent comprise Classes A and B, which might look insignificant but would still make the survey incomplete.

Nevertheless, for the sake of brevity, let’s accept Pulse Asia’s explanation since it’s “negligible.” However, if the results are very close, it could make the difference.

Noticeable trend With May 9 just a few weeks away, there is a notice-

able trend in the surveys: Bongbong’s approval rating came down while Leni’s went up.

Barry Gutierrez, Leni’s spokesperson, said that her 9-point surge in the latest survey reflected the mounting support for her presidential candidacy. “What we are seeing now is the turning of the tide,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

He said that the survey results showed Leni scoring a 13-point swing as Bongbong’s rating went down by 4 percentage points.

He reasoned that the survey numbers are starting to reflect what the Robredo campaign has been seeing on the ground all along: “The massive crowds, the fierce passion, the untiring commitment of Filipinos from all walks of life, coming together to rally behind Leni Robredo’s bid for the presidency.”

He also said that the momentum that Leni is now enjoying would “only further intensify and accelerate” in the

run-up to the May 9 election.

Meanwhile, Bongbong’s spokesperson, Vic Rodriguez, told Bongbong’s supporters not to be complacent and to remain focused on their goal of 70% preference mark, which might seems improbable right now, considering that Bongbong’s approval rating has gone below 50% and continues to go down.

Grassroots campaign With Leni’s successful crowd-drawing record – she just had a 220,000 attendance to her Pampanga rally last April 9, the largest to date – and houseto-house campaigns, which now explains her increase in voter preferences, would contribute to increasing her numbers against Bongbong.

If she could increase her volunteers to at least 100,000 going door-to-door from barangay-to-barangay, she could surpass Bongbong’s numbers.

As of April 2, she had 10,000 volunteers and increasing it ten times is doable considering the youth and enthusi(continue on page 10)

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 16, 2022

AS I SEE IT

Ukraine-Russia: The Battle of the Underdog!

By Elpidio R. Estioko

T

he two-monthold Ukraine-Russia war is a dispute I call the “Battle of the Underdog” with Ukraine being the underdog and Russia as the stronger adversary.

Russia is considered a superpower, a member of the advanced nation, and a global force in all aspects while Ukraine, a former member-nation of USSR, is just one of a weaker nation of the world with less capabilities in all aspects, including military powers.

In most cases, people go for the underdog, but this is for a brief period. There is no way an underdog could last a prolonged combat but in the case of Ukraine, they are holding it for a longer period contrary

to what the stronger adversary has thought. Russia underestimated Ukraine!

As I See It, this is the modern version of the “David and Goliath” biblical story of a weaker opponent against a stronger opponent. Goliath is described in the biblical Book of Samuel as a Philistine giant defeated by David in a single combat.

David is likened to Ukraine and Goliath to Russia and while David defeated Goliath in a single combat, the Ukraine-Russia war is a continuing battle where the winner may have to be determined in time after a series of exchanges in the battleground that only time will tell when it will be ended.

This is the modern version where the weaker protagonist (Ukraine) is joined by people of the world (the world community led by US and NATO) after the first combat (Russia firing

the first salvo) was waged.

Military, humanitarian, and other forms of support from all nations of the world are overwhelming. G7 is there, NATO is there, and the European community is there to back up Ukraine!”

US President Joe Biden considers it as a fight for democracy. Ukrainian troops and US troops in Poland are fighting for world peace!

The United Nations reported that about 10 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia launched its unprovoked assault on Feb. 24, the vast majority of whom are women and children because their husbands and other male adults were left fighting for their country.

Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a joint task force to reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels as the Kremlin’s war with Ukraine continues.

The US has said it will collaborate with international partners to provide at least 15 billion cubic meters more of liquified natural gas to Europe this year.

According to the U.K.’s Defense Ministry, Ukraine has re-occupied control of towns and defensive positions up to 35 kilometers east of the capital Kyiv.

Russia withdrew its military troops from the northern cities of Kyiv and Bucha but started its assault in the eastern parts of Ukraine. This is a new strategy being employed

by Russia, a “withdraw-attack” strategy to further enhance Russian President Vladimir Putin’s selfish ambition to erase Ukraine in the face of the earth!

Putin withdrew from Ukraine’s occupied cities but shifted its barbarian assault to other key cities especially in the eastern part of the country.

It remains to be seen that Ukraine is determined to defend their country to the hilt which they are doing with aggressiveness and resolve at this time. And all nations of the world are supporting Ukraine to defeat Russia.

But there is no clear sign when it will end. Associated Press reported that “Moscow faced global revulsion and accusations of war crimes after the Russian pullout from the outskirts of Kyiv revealed streets, buildings and yards strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians, many of them evidently killed at close range.”

Germany and France reacted by expelling dozens of Russian diplomats, suggesting they were spies. Meanwhile, Biden said Putin should be tried for war crimes.

“This guy is brutal, and what’s happening in Bucha is outrageous,” Biden said.

In early April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations Security Council with a list of accusations of Russian atrocities and a call for the overhaul of the institution. Russia dismissed reports of slain civilians.

The US and the European Union said they would help Ukrainian authorities gather evidence for investigations into alleged war crimes, while France said it is opening its own probe.

Following reports of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine, the US and EU moved to tighten sanctions on Moscow. Because of this, NATO’s chief urged the rapid resupply of Kyiv’s forces, anticipating a concerted Russian assault on Ukraine’s southeast.

Under a prolonged situation, will the underdog win this time?

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author @ estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.

Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle.

(NEWS FEATURE: Leni Rides....from page 9)

asm of her army of volunteers called “kakampinks.”

It’s bringing the campaign down to face-to-face grassroots level, which was determined to be the most effective in winning elections.

The day before, the Leni-Kiko tandem was welcomed by 76,000 supporters in Dagupan City in Pangasinan. Shouting “Awan ti Solid North!” (There is no Solid North), the Pangasinenses’ unabashed enthusiasm for Leni and her running mate Kiko Pangilinan seem to suggest that the Marcoses’ hold on the Solid North was just a myth.

What is interesting to note is that Moreno, Pacquaio, and Lacson are helping Robredo chip away at Bongbong’s lead because they direct their attacks against Bongbong, which

would insulate Leni from being accused of negative campaigning because she wasn’t the one who raised the issue.

The fact that it did not come from Leni is good because Filipino culture still tends to look down on those who do negative campaigning. For them to stay in the race would be beneficial to Leni. Hopefully, they’ll all stay in the race.

The next survey results should be very interesting. With the P203-billion estate tax that just became the hottest issue against Bongbong and compounded by Bongbong’s refusal to pay the tax assessment, his campaign is headed over the cliffs.

Cheating and disinformation/misinformation With the campaign season now in the (continue on page 15)

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

PERRYSCOPE

My Crystal Ball for the 2022 Presidential Election

By Perry Diaz

W

ith three weeks left to Election Day, the campaign season in the Philippines is now in the homestretch. From here onward, every day counts.

While the five remaining and active presidential candidates – Bongbong Marcos Jr., Leni Robredo, Isko Moreno, Manny Pacquiao, and Ping Lacson – are busy crisscrossing the archipelago courting voters, many of whom are still undecided who to vote for on May 9, 2022, the bandwagons of Robredo and Marcos Jr. are gathering supporters in all regions.

But between the two candidates, Robredo appears to be gaining momentum, particularly among young voters, many of whom are voting for the first time.

Driven – and inspired – by idealism and good governance, young voters are overwhelmingly supportive of Robredo whose campaign theme has resonated well with them.

Everywhere the Leni-Kiko campaigns go, tens of thousands of enthusiastic young people come out shouting “Leni! Leni!...” And a lot of them wear pink, Leni’s color.

It is interesting to note that some groups are supporting Leni in tandem with Sara Duterte. They call themselves RoSa, short for Robredo-Sara Duterte. Coincidentally, Rosa means pink in Spanish (again, Leni’s color).

Another group call themselves LeTi, short for Leni and Tito Sotto, Lacson’s vice presidential running mate.

But while Robredo and Marcos Jr. are locked in a battle for survival, the other three presidential candidates are not giving up.

Recently, presidential contender Lacson was offended when vice presidential candi-

date Lito Atienza, the running mate of presidential candidate Pacquiao, said that he was considering backing out of the race and was hoping Lacson would also quit.

Well, being near the tail end of the pack, it might be wise for Lacson to reconsider his candidacy and get behind Bongbong or Leni.

The same is true for Pacquiao, who is just a tad behind Lacson. But Pacquiao said that he would withdraw from the race if he gets an “instruction” from God to drop his bid.

When asked what sign he would seek from God regarding his candidacy, Pacquiao said there were times he dreamed about his defeats in boxing when he was still a professional boxer.

“I shared these things to some people before the fight, and what I dreamed about was what exactly happened during the fight,” he said.

Survey results Let’s take a look at the results of the latest surveys: Marcos 49.3%, Robredo 21.3%, Moreno 8.8%, Lacson 2.9%, and Pacquiao 2.8%.

Isn’t Pacquaio’s poor approval rating a “sign from God” that his crusade isn’t going anywhere? But like in boxing, there are times when the difficulties appear too great and we just throw in the towel.

Perhaps, it’s time for Pacquiao to throw in the towel and bow out gracefully.

If I were to put my money on who’s going to win, I’d put it on Robredo.

As you can see, Marcos had a 60% approval rating in February and Robredo had 16%. Marcos dropped by 10.7% while Robredo increased by 5.3%. The rest basically remained unchanged.

But looking at the people who attended the candidates’ campaign rallies, Robredo drew the largest turnout. She also has been bagging political endorsements from governors, congressmen, mayors, and local officials.

In other words, Robre-

This is a very significant win for Leni because Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines. Indeed, Leni appears to have cracked the fabled “Solid South” of the Duterte clan.

Leni has shown the ability to mobilize ground support in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Metro Manila. Even in Ilocandia, Leni was able to attract thousands of supporters in Cagayan and Isabela. In VP Leni Robredo Echague, Isabela, 10,000 kado’s bandwagon is attracting kampinks showed up chanting a lot of enthusiastic support- “Awan ti Solid North! (There ers. More than 80 local gov- is no Solid North!). ernment officials from several provinces nationwide released Lots of baggage a statement endorsing Leni, On the other hand, Bongciting her track record of pub- bong is inundated with issues, lic service. many of which can be traced In the three provinces of back to Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial Samar, 43 out of 47 mayors martial law regime and corrupt endorsed Leni. But what sur- government. prised a lot of pundits is LeBut the biggest issue is the ni’s strong showing in Duterte unpaid tax assessment against bailiwicks, with two Davao the Marcos family, which governors – Davao del Norte’s amounts to P203 billion. MarEdwin Jubahib and Davao del cos Jr. claims that the tax liaSur’s Marc Douglas Cagas IV bility is still pending in court – and Congressman Pantaleon – a statement rejected by presiAlvarez throwing their support dential candidate Isko Moreno for Leni. as “all lies,” who brought the

issue just two weeks ago.

However, Ernesto Ramel, chairman of Moreno’s Aksyon Demokratiko, reiterated that the Supreme Court affirmed in 1997 a Court of Appeals ruling that declared the Marcoses’ estate to have a tax deficiency of P23 billion but ballooned from P23 billion to P203 billion due to interests and penalties 20 years later.

In 1999, the Supreme Court had determined that the judgment ordering the Marcos heirs to pay the taxes was “final, executory, and unappealable.”

“If Marcos Jr. wins the presidency,” Ramel said, “the Filipino people’s P203B will surely disappear like a bubble. It is evident in your actions, words, lies, and excuses.

Enough is enough Atty. Vic Rodriguez and Marcos Jr. Give the money to the Filipinos.”

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed that it sent to the Marcos family in December 2021, a written demand to settle their estate tax liabilities. But the Marcos family refused to pay the estate tax liabilities, which has become a (continue on page 14)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 16, 2022

BOOK REVIEW

Cadet, Soldier Guerrilla Fighter – Remembering Bataan and Corregidor

By Rose Cruz Churma

T

he book’s first edition was published in 1997.

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan, Antonio Nieva’s daughter, Pepi Nieva, released a second edition in 2016 that she edited with newly added chapters and original illustrations sketched by the author.

This past April 9, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the event in Philippine history and acknowledged the legacy of the World

War II veterans who fought and died for honor, duty and country.

This book is a memoir of one of the survivors of the Bataan Death March. In a sketch the author made of the Death March, the Japanese soldiers are seen in the foreground watching a river of humanity trudge through the heat.

It is labeled “100 kilometers in hell: The march from Bataan to Tarlac.”

Antonio A. Nieva (or Tony to friends and family) was a student at Ateneo de Manila in December 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and triggered the war in the Pacific.

As an ROTC officer, he was recruited to join the USAFFE in August 1941, as part of the Philippine Commonwealth’s mobilization efforts in anticipation of this war.

When Bataan fell on April 9, 1942, he was among the 75,000 soldiers (both Filipino and American) who were forced to walk from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac and survived that infamous Death March.

He was paroled and released in September 1942, but continued to fight as a guerrilla, and was captain at one of the best known guerrilla groups: the Hunters-ROTC. He was assigned as part of the intelligence unit in Quezon province and was known as “Captain Lancer” during the campaign to free prisoners of war from the Los Banos Camp. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal of the U.S. Army for his “marked contribution to the defense of Bataan.”

After the war, he went back to school and became a lawyer, eventually practicing corporate law. He married and raised four children and was active in civic and community concerns.

Among his advocacies was fighting for the rights of WWII veterans during the repressive martial law years. The government abuses during those years saw the collapse and closure of the Veterans Bank of the Philippines.

He played a significant role in re-establishing the bank in 1992 through his efforts at laying the legal groundwork for its reopening.

His advocacy for veterans continued with his efforts at tracing the $32 million granted by the US government for the benefit of Filipino WWII veterans.

But perhaps one of his lasting contributions to the legacy of the Philippine WWII veterans is this mem-

oir – where he chronicled from the events of the war – not only from a soldier’s point of view, but also as an astute observer of humanity.

The book starts off with a prologue which the author calls “a letter of introduction to the Filipino” – and calls us “a curious breed…and a nation of contradictions.”

He observes that: “We have virtues and defects. We are poor but generous, naively trusting yet proud at heart, patient and forbearing yet enraged when our dignity is affronted. A sincere smile and an extended hand are keys to our hearts, but our bolos are unsheathed when our hospitality is abused.”

In the first chapter, he establishes the context of WWII and the geopolitical tensions of those years. He observes that the Filipinos likened the years before the bombing of Pearl Harbor to one of their favorite pastimes – the cockfight and observes: “To the Filipino sabungero (cockfight), the match promised to be all worth watching.

The only trouble was that the Philippines would be most likely to be the cockpit of the U.S.-Japan fight.”

Although the time frame covered in the book was during the war years and immediately after, this book is not just a recollection of those years, but also a social and historical commentary. These observations were delivered in two formats: the written word and in well-crafted pen and ink drawings.

His daughter, Pepi Nieva, notes that her father wrote years after the war and it was a long process. It is likely that he wrote in bursts – short vignettes that didn’t strictly follow the chronology of the war years.

The writing was interrupted or augmented by his sketches of those war years.

It would be the editor of his

works who would put it in a chronology that starts with the anticipation of the war.

The main body of the book concludes with the epilogue, where he describes how the veterans were initially lauded for their bravery, to the passage of the Recession Act of 1946, where he notes “Once again, bastards of Bataan, dupes of Corregidor, and guerrilla orphans—with no mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam.” When the author wrote the epilogue (he passed away in May 1992), the veterans were still fighting for the revocation of the Rescission Acts.

In 1990, a provision was approved by the U.S. Congress which included a naturalization law that offered citizenship but not equal benefits to former USAFFE soldiers and Philippine Commonwealth Army members.

It would be in 2009 when Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye would successfully pass a bill that would fund lump sum payments to aging Philippine soldiers. These updates were later inserted in this second edition.

This book is recommended for those interested in completing a memoir and have been writing bits and pieces of their past. Continue writing and get a good editor who can organize the pieces into a coherent whole. Memoirs have value, not only to one’s immediate family, but for future researchers and students of history.

The book can be purchased online via Amazon. com or locally at Kalamansi Books & Things (email at kalamansibooks@gmail.com for inquiries). ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established a career in architecture 40 years ago, specializing in judicial facilities planning. As a retired architect, she now has the time to do the things she always wanted to do: read books and write about them, as well as encourage others to write.

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Happy Ending

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

M

y husband and I just recently watched a Korean drama entitled “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One.” It was a beautiful story of love between two young people: a high school girl who was a fencing prodigy and a high school graduate who became a sports newscaster.

They started as friends who were always there for each other, and they fell in love. Their love grew until the busyness of their lives as professionals sucked the love out of their relationship.

When she turned twenty-one and he turned twenty-five, they decided to call it quits and bid each other goodbye. Their love for each other was so real and pure but they ended up not fighting for it.

Unlike many of the ro-

mantic dramas I’ve watched before, this story didn’t go the way I wanted it to be. I was so heartbroken, I cried and ranted to my husband about how cruel the scriptwriter was.

I couldn’t get over it for a few days because I got really affected by how their love that seemed unbreakable, shattered.

And then, it hit me. Life is filled with sad endings. Life is not all roses and rainbows. It has thorns and thunders, lots of them!

But there is one story that seemed tragic at first but turned out to be the greatest love story that the world has and will ever know. I love telling my children about it day after day and I am not ashamed to talk about this wonderful story to everyone around me.

Unlike the Korean drama we watched, the love wasn’t mutual.

The woman was loved first. She gave herself to other men and pursued other lovers. She rejected him but he pursued her relentlessly. He didn’t give up on her because he knew her worth. He was rejected but he loved her just the same. He fought for her and gave up his life to save her.

It was a rescue mission.

It was a story of passion, redemption, sacrifice, of enduring and unselfish love.

You and I are that woman.

And the One who loved us first and came to rescue us is no ordinary man.

MILLENNIAL VOICE

How We Live – And How We Say Goodbye – Can Leave The Earth A Better Place

By Caroline Aquino

I

went through it all: the baptism, the first holy communion, the confirmation. Being Catholic and Filipino meant I was immersed in both a religion and culture that foster the practice of love of being of service to others.

Whether it was simple prayers before bedtime or rosaries every hour, my parents and grandparents have an unwavering relationship with God. That relationship has been passed down from generation to generation. And it informs how we look at both life and death.

My education at Ateneo de Manila University, a prominent Jesuit institution in the Philippines reinforced what I learned at home. I was given opportu-

nities to deepen my faith and shown how to apply its teachings in daily life.

One class – A Theology of the Catholic Social Vision, under Fr. Georg Ziselsberger SVD – introduced me to the papal encyclicals. We took an extensive dive into Pope Francis’ Laudato Si as we discussed our on-going climate crisis and what we can do to educate others about protecting the world that God has given us.

Whenever I had questions, my parents and teachers were open to listening and guiding me. Like my paternal grandfather I have learned to practice

my faith by focusing on personal spirituality.

How do we treat one another? How do we let God shine through our lives? We offer up all our wins and losses, and trust that God has a plan for us. We offer silent prayers throughout the day, even if it’s as simple as saying “thank you”, to remind us that no matter the hardship, we are not alone.

Choosing burial, flame creation or eco-friendly water cremation My father grew up on a military base looking up to his father, a Brigadier General of the Philippine Air Force.

Even as a young girl, my parents never shied me away from attending funerals and wakes. They used that time to answer any questions I had.

We learned that while we may mourn the passing of a loved (continue on page 14)

He is King above all kings. His Name is above all names, the most beautiful name of all. He is Jesus.

His story is not fiction. It is real and true. And His legacy lives on.

It has changed countless lives from every nation and every generation. And this season, we remember what He has done thousands of years ago.

He is King, but He came as a humble servant. He suffered injustice but He did not retaliate. He was blameless but He was put to death. He was hung on a cross. A punishment for criminals, one He did not…but we deserve. He took our iniquities upon Himself and gave His life for us that we may be saved.

It was supposed to be you and me on that cross but because of His justice and mercy, He carried our guilt and shame.

Heartbreaking. Tragic.

Hopeless. Or so we thought.

After three days, He rose again. Death had no hold on Him. He conquered death. The tomb was empty. He won! Yes, His love conquered all.

His death and resurrection brought and continues to bring victory to defeated lives, healing to the sick, wholeness to the broken, joy to the disheartened, peace to anxious hearts, hope to the

hopeless, love to the unloved.

Simply put, according to a pastor I look up to: “Jesus lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died, in our place. Three days later He rose from the dead, proving He was the Son of God and offering salvation to everyone who will repent and believe the Gospel.”

I used to live an aimless life.

I used to wake up each day not knowing what the purpose of my life is. But when I heard His Name and believed what He has done for me, my life had meaning. I found indescribable joy and unfathomable peace that transcends understanding. Now, every waking moment brings songs of hope.

Yes, in this broken world, there will be tragic endings. In this world, troubles abound.

Pain is inevitable. But the story doesn’t end there. The picture isn’t complete yet. He will make all things new. He will restore what has been broken. He will make right every wrong thing that has been done. He has the final say. In Him, there is no sad finale. In Him is joy everlasting, love eternal.

May this Easter season be a time, not just of recreation but of reflection. May we have a revelation of how deep, how wide, how long and how great is His love for us. In Christ, we will find our happy ending!

Happy Easter everyone!

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 16, 2022 (PERRYSCOPE: My Crystal Ball....from page 11)

major campaign issue.

With the election barely a month away, the P203-billion tax liability is causing a lot of flak from the other candidates, who are now using the tax liability as the number one issue.

And no matter how the Marcos camp defends their stand, the issue is spreading like forest fire.

Marcos Jr.’s educational attainment is questionable.

Marcos Jr. claimed that he graduated from Oxford University and earned a degree.

But in October 2021, Oxford University confirmed that he failed to complete his degree and did not graduate.

Yet in spite of Oxford’s denial, Marcos Jr. insisted that he

completed his degree.

Momentum Like they say, surveys might not be reliable, but turnouts don’t lie. It’s a living manifestation of popular support.

At the Leni-Kiko grand rally in Pasig City on March 20, around 130,000 “kakampinks” – a portmanteau that combines “kakampi” (partner) and “pink” (Leni’s campaign color) – attended the grand rally, the largest assembly of Leni’s supporters. A few days later, 80,000 kakampinks attended the Leni-Kiko grand rally in Bohol.

A day later, 50,000 kakampinks showed up in Tarlac City.

Let’s face it, as in previous Philippine elections, the

early frontrunners tripped over some issues that torpedoed their candidacies. It happened to Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004, Manny Villar in 2010, Grace Poe in 2016 and Jejomar Binay in 2016, who both lost to Rodrigo Duterte.

While I find it irrelevant to discuss the issues that befell their candidacies (they’re fait accompli), Filipino voters do not like electing controversial candidates. And once they lose their confidence in a candidate, you might as well kiss them good-bye.

With numerous controversial issues that haunt Bongbong, would it be fair to say that he’s lost the confidence of the majority of the

Filipino people?

While people may have forgiven the sins of the father, they will never forget the things that the late dictator did. And for Bongbong to not apologize for his father’s atrocious regime, claiming that his father did not do anything wrong – he even called it the “golden era” – is an insult to the people’s intelligence.

Bongbong’s bias foretells

how his presidency would mirror his father’s 20-year bloody rule that had bankrupted the Philippine economy, which led to the People Power Revolution of 1986.

My crystal ball for 2022 clearly shows that Bongbong will lose in a landslide. PERRY DIAZ is a writer, columnist and journalist who has been published in more than a dozen Filipino newspapers in five countries.

(MILLENNIAL VOICE: How We Live....from page 13)

one, it is also a time to celebrate a life that has been lived.

Inevitably, we talked about how we would want our remains handled after death. My family is split between burial

and cremation. But one thing we all agree on is that our exit from this planet is a sacred ceremony, treated with reverence.

I find myself drawing on those values as I now work for a company that is focused on giving families a final send-off for their loved ones that is consistent with their culture and traditions.

Aloha Mortuary is also leading the charge to introduce water cremation as an earth-friendly option once the legislature approves it. It is already available in 21 states in the country. The Mayo Clinic and the UCLA School of Medicine are among the institutions that have embraced it wholeheartedly because of its many benefits, including dramatically lowering energy use and carbon emissions.

I wish we had had the option of water cremation for my grandfather. He had wanted to be buried with full honors in his white uniform which he kept hung in his closet. It was a belief among fighter pilots that cremation was for those who had died in a crash.

However, due to COVID protocols in the Philippines, when he passed earlier this year, we had to come to terms with cremating our Papa and interned his remains in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery for the Heroes). I believe with everything I learnt about water cremation that he would have liked the dignity of the process.

My grandmother and father have already decided that they would like to be cremated.

“From dust you came, to dust you will return.” As for me, now that I find myself immersed in this industry, I believe I too must decide on how I want to go. It is never too early to make these decisions and share them with family.

As a 25-year-old, I am (continue on page 15)

APRIL 16, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR HAWAII TRIENNIAL 2022 | Hawaii Contemporary | Open until May 8, 2022.

Hours vary per venue | Bishop Museum, Foster Botanical Garden, Hawaii Theatre Center, Hawaii State Art Museum, Iolani Palace, Honolulu Museum of Art and Royal Hawaiian Center | HT22 celebrates the unique cultures in Hawaii through contemporary art. Visit multiple art galleries and installations from 43 artists and collectives from Asia Pacific, Hawaii and beyond,

including Filipino artist Leeroy New’s Taklobo art installation at Foster Botanical Garden.

FAST, HEALTHY & ONO MEDITERRANEAN DIET DISHES | AARP Hawai`i | April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2022 at 5pm HST | This virtual cooking series features Windward Community College Chef Dan Swift cooking healthy Mediterranean recipes. The recipes are given ahead of time so participants can cook along

with the chef. The cooking webinars will be streamed via Zoom and facebook.com/AARPHawaii. To register, visit aarpcvent.com/HIcooking.

KUPUNA ONLINE TECHNOLOGY CLASSES | AARP Hawaii | April 22 and 29, May 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10am HST | This technology classes aims to educate the kupuna navigate today’s digital world.

Zoom classes are free. To register, visit states.aarp. org/hawaii/events-hi.

(NEWS FEATURE: Leni Rides....from page 10)

homestretch, it is expected –- as has been rumored – that Bongbong will resort to cheating and black propaganda. There was already unfounded disinformation and misinformation being spread about Leni.

According to Tsek.ph (a collaboration of over 30 academic and media organizations), Leni is the “biggest victim of disinformation” on social media, while Bongbong stands to benefit the most.

Bongbong is also the favorite subject of false claims, which are “largely positive or in his favor seeking to promote

him,” Tsek.ph head Yvonne Chua said.

Regarding cheating, Bongbong’s late father allegedly used the “Three G’s” – Guns, Goons, and Gold – to win the election in 1969. It described the violence and vote-buying that characterized the political campaign period during the presidential reelection campaign of 1969.

Another method of cheating in elections is called dagdag-bawas, which literally means “adding and subtracting,” is done by inserting fake ballots and removing legitimate ones.

The good news is: “The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the accredited citizen’s arm of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), rekindled its partnership with a private education conglomerate on Monday, March 28, as the poll watchdog readies its command center for the 2022 elections,” the report said.

For the fifth straight election, the PPCRV has teamed up with AMA Education System, which will lend the poll watchdog its computers, and provide information technology sup-

port and student manpower. It opened its command center at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

As reported in the news, “after voting ends on May 9, PPCRV’s volunteers across the country will pick up election returns (ERs) from some 106,000 clustered polling precincts. These ERs will be delivered to the command center in UST, where these will be encoded by about 200 volunteers per day for a period of 10 days.”

What they do at the command center is match via en-

MAINLAND NEWS

coding the results in the ERs to that which the vote-counting machine transmitted electronically. Since the ERs were picked up before transmission, it would ensure that no dagdag-bawas would happen.

The PPCRV targets to register 500,000 volunteers for the May 9 vote, but so far, the group only has around 350,000. Hopefully, they’d reach their goal on Election Day. While all the preparations for an orderly election and accurate vote-counting are being done, Leni is riding the crest of a pink tsunami.

(Sagot sa Krosword Blg. 19 | April 2, 2022)

Social Security Offices Re-Open for In-Person Services

A

fter two years of operating online with their offices closed to the public, Social Security Administration offices are now open for in-person services including those without an appointment.

“Thoughtful planning and preparation have shaped our process to restore in-person services,” said Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi in a press release. “Social Security

employees are dedicated to serving the public, and we are ready to welcome the public back to our offices.”

Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at offices.

The administration strongly advices visitors to schedule an appointment to save the hassle of waiting. Phone appointments are still available to

(MILLENNIAL VOICE: How We Live....from page 14)

acutely aware of how threatened my generation feels by the climate crisis. We each have a part to play. Every decision we make impacts others.

My generation is suffering from the impacts of the decisions by the generations before us.

But rather than wallowing in fear, we’re actively making a difference. It is now my generation’s responsibility and those that follow, to nurture nature and be protectors for the environment that God has provided us.

I take comfort in having found my professional niche in an industry that even as it handles death, can do much to improve life on this earth.

I will happily share what I know of the merits of water cremation with anyone wanting to do something good for the health of the planet even as they leave it.  CAROLINE AQUINO is a practicing Catholic who is discovering the many ways that her faith intersects with her professional life. Against the shadow of death from COVID these past two years, working with the team that is leading the effort to bring water cremation to the people of Hawaii has been a blessing.

assist clients as well. To those who has access to online services, the Social Security Administration encourages to use their website instead.

“Be aware that our offices tend to be the busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week, and during the early part of the month, so people may want to plan to visit at other times,” said Kijakazi.

For more information on their services and office hours, visit www. socialsecurity.gov.

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