NOVEMBER 2019

REEZA GERVACIO Realtor par excellence

ELISEO ART SILVA A great muralist bids farewell to LA

FILIPINO NURSES Why are they so many in California?

IMMIGRATION Public charge and how it affects legal status

HIYAS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 HISTORY WHY YOUR AD IN HIYAS MAGAZINE WORKS • Competitive advertising rates • Wider reach thru print and digital editions • Distributed in Northern and Southern California • Print ads are 5 times more likely to get noticed than online ads * Goodwill with community • Loyal, locally based readers (562) 646-9025 [email protected]

HIYAS MAGAZINE 2 NOVEMBER 2019 EDITOR’S NOTE We’ re back! Welcome back to Hiyas Magazine! NOVEMBER 2019 With this issue, we are reviving a tradition of toasting the achiev- ers in our community that we started eight years ago when we first launched Hiyas Magazine. We took pride in heralding the worthy PINOY PRIDE members of the Filipino community in the United States and their 18 REALTOR PAR EXCELLENCE achievements and contributions to American society. But as is the problem of many printed publications, we failed to get enough sup- Reeza Gervacio overcame challenges and adversity port to continue our lofty mission. Hopefully, this time around, the to become multi-awarded real estate professional community will be more responsive and more supportive. For this “maiden” issue, we are featuring Realtor Reeza Gervacio who overcame challenges and adversity with hard work, dedication ARTS to her craft and her clients, a dogged determination to succeed, an 4 MURALIST BIDS GOODBYE TO L.A. unrelenting faith in God, and a genuine desire to help her numer- ous clients achieve their American Dream, often going beyond her Eliseo Art Silva holds last solo exhibit duty to ensure their utmost satisfaction. as US-based artist Also, we are featuring two great artists who have in their own way let mainstream America be aware of Filipino culture and heritage BOOK REVIEW through their works. Eliseo Art Silva, the well-known muralist, sadly is saying goodbye 15 JACK OF ALL COMMUNICATIONS TRADE to Los Angeles to continue his work as an artist in Calamba, Laguna Ad exec, marketing guru, artist, journalist, and in the Philippines, where he plans to put up his own art studio. Elis- eo’s last solo exhibit as a US-based painter is ongoing at Pinta Dos author Greg Macabenta writes memoirs Gallery in San Pedro, a show entitled “Recuerdos.” Bernadette Manahan Sta. Maria, on the other hand, just finished HISTORY her solo exhibit at the Filipino Cultural Center where she show- 7 FILIPINOS FIRST TO LAND IN AMERICA cased Filipino art, culture and heritage through her works. Two other achievers, this time in show business, are also featured Filipino sailors landed on Morro Bay, California – Nadine Lustre for winning her fourth acting award this year, and on October 18, 1587, way ahead of the pilgrims Maja Salvador who won the Best Actress trophy at the Asian Con- tents Awards in Busan, South Korea. In our People Section, we featured two chess whiz kids who are ENTERTAINMENT making waves in the American chess scene. Tonelle Racasa, the 10 NADINE LUSTRE BAGS 4TH AWARD country’s youngest FIDE Master at 12, is a grandmaster in the mak- ing as she showed when she toppled Russia’s Olga Karmanova, Kapamilya actress adds Asian plum whose 1830 ELO rating was 500 points more than that of Tonelle. to YCC, Famas and Gawad Urian awards Scott Matthew Escalera, on the other hand, is only 6 years old but now reigns over the 7-and-under category in the entire US. IMMIGRATION Having just finished celebrating Fil-Am History Month in October, 8 PUBLIC CHARGE AND IMMIGRANTS we are featuring a story on the first Filipinos to land in America, more specifically on Moro Bay, and they came way ahead of the How and why use of public benefits pilgrims! In the food section, you’ll find recipes of two Filipino fa- vorites -- the Ilocano Pakbet and Filipino PIcadillo. affects one’s legal status in the US We also have articles on technology, sports, kids and parenting and the first mobile hospital in the Philippines. TECHNOLOGY Enjoy reading! 30 CYBERMANIA Filipinos spend most time on 5300 Beach Blvd., Suite 110-438 Buena Park, CA 90621 social media in the world Tel. (562) 646-9025 Email: [email protected] HOMELAND www.hiyasmag.wordpress.com 21 METRO MANILA WORST TO DRIVE IN VAL G. ABELGAS IVY COSIO-BAUTISTA Editor-in-Chief VICS MAGSAYSAY Waze data shows it takes 4.9 minutes BOBBY CRISOSTOMO DAN NINO to drive a full kilometer

Chiefe Photographer AGNES AQUINO LAFEE RICK GAVINO DR. JIM SANCHEZ FOOD Photographer Contributors 33 PAKBET Hiyas Magazine is published monthly by Hiyas Magazine Publishing and is circu- lated in Southern and Northern California. Letters, press and photo releases are Ilocanos’ comfort food made crunchy welcome but are subject to editorial discretion.

HIYAS MAGAZINE 3 NOVEMBER 2019 ARTS ELISEO ART SILVA A great muralist bids goodbye to LA Eliseo Art Silva, whose more than 100 mu- rals adorn many public places and offices throughout Southern California, is bidding farewell to Los Angeles after 30 years in what he calls an accidental “artistic detour” to set up an art studio in Calamba, Laguna in the Philippines. In his sort of a farewell tour, Pinta*Dos Gal- lery in the Historic Art District of San Pedro is presenting his last art exhibit as a United States-based artist, titled “Recuerdos.” The title of the show: “Recuerdos” was culled from Chapter 8 of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere (1887) and takes its inspiration from a scene in the novel, which was an experience of seeing the world through an “inverted telescope” by the lead character Crisostomo Ibarra upon his return to the Philippines after being away for many years in Europe for his studies. after being brought within sight of the botanical gardens of In- tramuros: “…the ‘spectre of comparisons’ placed him before the botanical gardens of Europe…Ibarra removed his gaze, looked right, and there he saw old Manila, still sur- Artist Eliseo Art Silva poses with her iconic mural in Los Angeles rounded by its walls and moats, like an ane- mic young woman in a dress from her grand- mother’s best of times.” This seminal series is one of only two Amer- 1989. He considers his 30 years in the US as The exhibit opened Oct. 3 and will run until ican sites to honor Philippine Masters. The an accidental “artistic detour” because Silva Nov. 23. other is the Philippine Nationality Room, at never changed his Philippine citizenship nor In conjunction with the exhibit, the artist the University of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, even considered being a dual citizen. conducted a guided tour of his Carson-based brings to full-circle his signature art in the US He considers his three decades in the US as “recuerdos” on Friday, October 25. (the 1995 LA Filipino mural). It also signaled mission-driven to surface the Filipino story in Dubbed as the “First Filipino Heritage the artist’s return to his first love: painting. the American landscape. Tour of Carson,” the tour visited the fol- Silva has designed and created over 100 You can still catch his “Recuerdos” solo ex- lowing places where Silva’s murals are on public artworks and a second life in the art- hibit at the Pinta*Dos Gallery at 479 W Sixth display: Manifest Diversity Mural (2010) at ist’s homeland will re-launch his original tra- St, Suite 105, Historic Arts District,, San Pe- the Loker Student Union at California State jectory, which was abruptly disrupted when dro, CA. University Dominguez Hills, and the Roots his parents decided to relocate to the US in and Wings Mural (1996), which is beside the Maynila Restaurant on Main Street. Also included in the tour was a visit to Re- cuerdos’ satellite art exhibit called The Phil- ippine Masters Collection (2019) inside the Mabuhay Credit Union on 146 W. Carson St. Mabuhay Credit Union’s Philippine Mas- ter’s Collection by Silva visually introduces Philippine Masters into the U.S. cultural landscape, reinterpreted into new paintings designed to contextualize the Filipino story in America. Silva considers these series of large-scale canvases (three 6’ x 6’ paintings of Luzon, Vi- sayas and Mindanao as the subject and a 12’ x 6’ panel honoring the masterpieces of Juan Luna with the Republic of the Philippines as the “main event”), to be the exact studio art/ painting counterpart and equivalent of his first city-commissioned public art work: the 1995 Gintong Kasaysayan Filipinotown mu- ral of Los Angeles.

HIYAS MAGAZINE 4 NOVEMBER 2019 COMMUNITY Why are there so many Filipino nurses in California? After filling a nursing shortage in the 1960s, immigrant caregivers have changed the practice and politics of health care Filipina nurses in California in the 1960s in the US second major change, the women’s and civil tially criticized Filipino immigrant nurses rights movements resulted in new job oppor- for abandoning their home country. But, BY CATHERINE CENIZA CHOY tunities for American women. At around the in the early 1970s, after observing the de- same time, a more equitable immigration mand for Filipino nurses in the United States, law, called the Hart-Celler Act, was passed. then-President Ferdinand Marcos shifted the In California hospitals today, immigration As the increasing demand for nursing ser- country’s development towards a labor ex- has diversified not only the state’s patient vices became difficult to fill domestically, port economy. The Philippine government population, but the demographics of its care- American hospital recruiters looked abroad. began aggressively promoting the outmigra- givers as well. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, high rates tion of Filipino nurses and other workers, It is now commonplace to be cared for at of domestic unemployment and political in- eventually touting them as the new national the bedside by a Filipino immigrant nurse. stability pushed Filipino nurses to emigrate heroes for the billions of dollars they remit According to the 2016 Survey of California overseas. The devaluation of the Philippine annually in foreign currency. Registered Nurses, Filipinos make up the peso against the U.S. dollar made the United There was another, more historic reason second largest group of the state’s active States a highly attractive destination. By the why the Philippines specifically became the RN workforce, nearly 18 percent. Among early 1970s, a Filipino nurse in the Philip- leading exporter of professional nurses to the younger nurses, they’re even more predomi- pines needed to work 12 years to earn what United States: U.S. colonization of the Phil- nant, with Filipino nurses representing nearly she could make in the United States in one ippines from 1898 to 1946 had led to the a quarter of nurses between ages 35 to 44 year. creation of Americanized professional nurs- years and more than one-fifth of RNs 45 to Some Philippine government officials ini- 54 years old. (See NURSES, Page 6) In the process of becoming essential to California, Filipino nurses have changed the definition of what we describe as care by bringing their own cultural practices and sensibilities to the bedside. At the same time, they have contributed to the research, business, and politics of American health care as directors of research centers, as en- trepreneurs of health care institutions, and as leaders of labor unions and professional organizations. The presence of Filipino nurses in Califor- nia is not new; indeed, the nurses are part of a larger and more complex story of a medi- cal field where cultural ideas and practices are frequently exchanged. The predominance of Filipino nurses was catalyzed by three big changes in the Unit- ed States during the 1960s. First, the estab- lishment of Medicare and Medicaid resulted in an increased need for nurses, while, in a HIYAS MAGAZINE 5 NOVEMBER 2019 COMMUNITY NURSES (From Page 5) ing training in the archipelago. In the early twentieth century, American nurses trained Filipino students in courses such as practi- cal nursing, the use of pharmaceuticals, and bacteriology. Philippine nursing licensure examinations included testing in the English language as well as in nursing-related sub- jects. Although intended to prepare Filipinos for Philippine self-government, these U.S. colonial policies inadvertently prepared Fil- ipino nurses to work in the United States. But change and influence don’t move in just one direction. Just as American nurses indel- ibly influenced Philippine nursing, so too Filipino nurses today belonging to the Philippine Nurses Association of Sourthern have Filipino nurses changed the practice of California (PNASC). health care in the United States. In the U.S., Filipino nurses integrate Fili- pino cultural values and beliefs into their As educators and researchers, Filipino nurses are caregiving practices. Among these core at the vanguard of creating new knowledge values are a high regard for elders and authority, an emphasis on group harmony relevant to Filipino Americans who have been and interpersonal relationships, and the significance of modesty, sensitivity, and underrepresented in health care research spirituality. Such values shape Filipino nurses’ renowned compassion and work has led to their ownership of health care professional organizations, they have ad- ethic at the bedside. As one nurse stated: “I businesses. The research of Jennifer Nazare- dressed the politics of health care in the U.S. see my patients as my relatives and this in- no spotlights the growing number of Filipino In 2015, Zenei Cortez was the first Filipino to fluences the way I care for them. I feel that immigrant nurses in Southern California who be elected president of the California Nurs- my upbringing helps me see people and care have become private owners and operators es Association/National Nurse Organizing for them.” of small government-subsidized businesses Committee, a labor union and professional Filipino immigrant nurses also bring expe- in the long-term care industry, providing association of registered nurses that has ad- rience with Philippine traditional therapies care to some of the most impoverished— vocated for lower nurse-patient ratios and such as hilot, faith healing, and the use of as well as cognitively and physically health coverage for all. Cortez is currently a medicinal plants. Hilot is a traditional form disabled—elderly populations. While president of National Nurses United, and a of massage therapy or chiropractic manip- this group of Filipino immigrant nurse en- prominent advocate of Medicare for All. ulation that relieves aches and pains. This trepreneurs has created an important safety While research has suggested that Filipino knowledge of Philippine healing modalities net for the most vulnerable in the American cultural values may contribute to Filipino is important not solely because the use of al- health care system, they are under tremen- nurses’ reticence and submissiveness, their ternative therapies in the U.S. has become dous stress to provide quality care within encounters with discrimination have moti- more mainstream, but also because a grow- limited or fixed government-subsidized bud- vated them to fight for justice in California ing number of Americans are of Filipino her- gets. workplaces. Earlier this decade, a group of itage. Between 1980 and 2016, the Filipino Filipino nurses in the U.S., out of deep Filipino nurses—who claimed that they suf- immigrant population in the United States commitment to their profession, have also fered from harassment and humiliation when nearly quadrupled. California is home to the changed health care by forming organiza- they spoke Filipino dialects in break rooms largest Filipino-American population in the tions that provide social outlets and build and in the cafeteria, and that they were or- nation with over 1.6 million of Filipino de- political power. In the 1960s, pioneering dered to speak “English only”—won a land- scent. Filipino nurses in California created pro- mark settlement against a Central California As educators and researchers, Filipino fessional organizations that would become hospital. Although officials at Delano Re- nurses are at the vanguard of creating new known as the Philippine Nurses Associa- gional Medical Center insisted they did noth- knowledge relevant to Filipino Americans tion of Southern California and the Phil- ing wrong, the hospital had to conduct staff who have been generally underrepresented ippine Nurses Association of Northern training on diversity as part of the settlement. in health care-related research. For example, California. Their mission is to promote the And for all the power of Filipino immigrant Felicitas dela Cruz is a professor at Azusa Pa- welfare of their members through commu- nurses today, the story we’ve seen so far may cific University’s School of Nursing and the nity building and networking, to further prove to be just a small beginning. The Amer- director of its Center for the Study of Health their nursing knowledge and skills through ican population is rapidly aging. Forecasts Disparities. In her research with Carmen professional development programs, and show dire shortages in the U.S. health care Galang, Dr. dela Cruz has found that, like to contribute to health care and society. workforce by 2025. As important as Filipinos other ethnic groups, Filipino Americans avail Immigrant nurses initially created these orga- have been to developing the health care sys- themselves of folk medicine as well as West- nizations in order to address their isolation, tem today, their contributions will become ern medicine to address illness. In the case of loneliness, and educational needs, but they even more critical in the decades ahead. high blood pressure, they have utilized hilot have also played a part in making Filipino (CATHERINE CENIZA CHOY is a Professor and religious activities to lower their blood nurses visible within the larger system. of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. She is the pressure. As Filipino immigrant nurses have taken up author of Empire of Care: Nursing and Migra- Filipino nurses’ experience in health care positions of leadership in labor unions and tion in Filipino American History.) HIYAS MAGAZINE 6 NOVEMBER 2019 HISTORY led by eight Filipino scouts and followed by a priest and 12 soldiers. On the third day, when the expedition faced hostility, the ship’s barber and some Filipinos were able to Filipinos were first counter by offering food and clothing. All seemed to work out well until the na- tives allegedly tried to kidnap the barber, re- to land in America sulting in violence between the two parties. The fight resulted in the death of one soldier ly chose Captain Unamuno’s logs, in which ilipinos were among the and one unnamed Filipino, who was killed F “Yndios” appeared 42 times in total. In 23 by a javelin. first to arrive in America, times, they referenced the native inhabitants He is possibly the first Asian man to spill landing on what is now of California that they encountered, and 19 his blood on American soil. Unamuno and times it described the crew. the rest of his crew left on October 21 and known as Morro Bay, On October 18, after anchoring off the Cal- headed for Acapulco. California on Oct. 18, 1587. ifornia coast, Unamuno formed a landing Today, Borah and the members of FANHS party, consisting of 12 armed soldiers led by are championing that this important piece of The historic landing, which is 33 years Father Martin Ignacio de Loyola, bearing the history is not only recorded but also remem- ahead of the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock, is Catholic cross in hand. Based on the party’s bered and valued for its significance. commemorated via a special rock in Morro typical formation, two Filipinos, armed with The state of California has been celebrating Bay. swords and shields, marched ahead before October as the “Filipino American History The Filipinos were reportedly seamen who them. Being used as fodder meant that the Month” since 2009 in honor of the first Fili- served as deckhands for Pedro De Unamuno, Filipinos were first to venture forth into the pinos to set foot in California 432 years ago. who was then sailing for Spain. While among unknown. We all know about the pilgrims and their the New World explorers, Unamuno and, The logs revealed that the expedition was Mayflower in November, but let us all be re- more significantly, his Filipino crew, were able to climb two hills and take possession minded that before the pilgrims, and before obscured in history. of the land for the King of Spain on day one, Jamestown, Filipinos were the first to arrive According to Filipino American journalist seeing no settlements or people. in the so-called “land of opportunity.” Emil Guillermo, no one would have even On October 19, an exploration party was learned of the Filipino part of the story with- out the original research by Eloisa Gomez Borah on Unamuno’s logs. Borah, a librarian and a trustee of the Fil- ipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), made the case for the presence of the Filipinos in her report published in UC- LA’s Amerasia Journal in 1996. Through her efforts, it was finally revealed that Unamuno was not some random explorer, but served under Captain Francisco Gali as part of a Spanish expedition in 1584. Following Gali’s eventual death, Unamuno reportedly lost command of the two ships he Filipino American National Historical Society plaque marking the landing of Luzones Indios inherited after taking a side trip to Macau. in Morro Bay, California. INQUIRER/Emil Guillermo Unamuno was momentarily stranded in Asia but was finally able to buy a “sin- gle-deck three-masted vessel” known as Nuestra Señora de Buena Esperanza. The hired help who joined him on his journey were mostly from the Philippines. According to Unamuno’s logs, he sailed with the Franciscan Father Martin Ignacio de Loyola, nephew of the founder of the Jesu- it order, a few priests, soldiers and at least eight Filipinos who were then identified as “Yndios Luzones,” or Luzon Indians from the northern Philippines island of Luzon. Unamuno and his crew began their journey on July 12, 1587 and were at sea until the end of his voyage on November 22, 1587 in Acapulco, Mexico. But before they reached their destination, they spent a three-day land excursion between October 18-20 on Cali- fornia’s central coast. Borah noted how Filipinos, who were then known as capable seamen, are often left off many of the voyages logs on these early ex- plorations and trade ships. Borah particular- Five images of the Filipino settlement at Saint Malo, Louisiana

HIYAS MAGAZINE 7 NOVEMBER 2019 IMMIGRATION PUBLIC CHARGE AND IMMIGRATION BY ANNA B. IBARRA Inquirer.net How and when use of public benefits A new rule to restrict legal immigration, might affect immigrants’ legal status published by the Trump administration this month, is sowing confusion and anxiety even among immigrants not directly affected by it, benefit program out of fear of risking future Senderling-McDonald, deputy executive di- as fear spreads faster than facts, immigration green card status. rector of the California Welfare Directors As- and health policy experts say. Enrollment in Medi-Cal, California’s version sociation, said there is a push to spread the The rule would allow the federal govern- of the Medicaid program, has dropped over word that children’s use of benefits does not ment to more easily deny permanent res- the past couple of years, and some health diminish the chances of obtaining legal sta- idency status, popularly known as green policy experts say anti-immigrant policies tus for anyone in their family. But history has cards, or entry visas to applicants who use and proposals have contributed to the de- shown that children will miss out on benefits — or are deemed likely to use — federally cline. nonetheless because of confusion about the funded food stamps, housing assistance and The following answers to frequently asked consequences of enrolling them. During the Medicaid. questions should help clarify how the new welfare overhaul in the 1990s, “there were The rule is scheduled to take effect Oct. 15, Trump administration rule would work, declines in participation in Medicaid and but California and several other states have the food stamps pro- filed lawsuits to block it, as have the coun- gram by people who ties of San Francisco and Santa Clara. The probably weren’t af- office of California’s Attorney General Xavi- fected” by the actual er Becerra said in a statement that the rule legal changes, said creates “unnecessary new barriers to lawful Marianne Bitler, an admission to the United States.” economics professor Noncitizen immigrants account for only at the University of a small percentage of people who use the California-Davis. public benefit programs targeted by the new Q: In California, rule. They make up 6.5% of Medicaid enroll- undocumented ees, for example, and 8.8% of food aid recip- child immigrants ients, according to an analysis of census data are eligible for full by the Associated Press. Medi-Cal benefits. Misconceptions about whom the rule ap- Can their use of plies to have created a “chilling effect” that Medi-Cal hurt their has prompted adults to withdraw themselves chances of getting legal papers later? and their children from programs they need, while dispelling some common misconcep- No, for two reasons. First, the new rule said Mayra Alvarez, president of the Chil- tions. makes clear that children’s use of health dren’s Partnership, a statewide child policy Q: How will use of the designated public benefits will not count against them. Sec- and advocacy organization. benefits weigh in the decisions of immigra- ond, these benefits are funded by the state, Immigrants seeking legal status are already tion authorities under the new rule? so they do not count. The same is true of required to prove they will not become a The rule defines a “public charge” as a young adults up to age 26, for whom Califor- financial burden, or “public charge,” to noncitizen who receives one or more of the nia recently agreed to extend full Medi-Cal U.S. taxpayers. Under existing law, a “pub- benefits for more than 12 months within any coverage, effective Jan. 1. And it is true for lic charge” is defined as somebody who is 36-month period. Receipt of two different recipients of DACA (the Deferred Action for “primarily dependent on the government for benefits in a given month would count as Childhood Arrivals) who are eligible for Me- subsistence,” which means they either re- two months. In cases where a green card or di-Cal, also paid by the state. Emergency ser- ceive cash aid or long-term institutional care visa applicant had not exceeded this bene- vices through Medi-Cal are partly funded by at the government’s expense. fit threshold, officers of the Department of the federal government, but their use will not The new rule expands the list of public ben- Homeland Security would seek to determine count against applicants. efit programs federal officials can consider whether they were “likely at any time” to do Q: Will enrollment of kids in the free and in deciding whether to deny permanent resi- so. In reaching a decision, they would weigh reduced school lunch program be scruti- dency and other forms of legal immigration. the applicant’s age, health, financial status, nized by immigration authorities under the “As advocates for children, we know first- education and employment history. new rule? hand policy extends far beyond its intended Q: Are any immigrant groups exempt from No. The free and reduced school lunch pro- recipients, and this rule is no exception,” Al- the new public charge rule? gram is not part of the new rule, and families varez said. Yes. The rule does not apply to refugees and should not be afraid to continue receiving Even when the rule was still a proposal, it asylum grantees or to certain members of the this assistance, Senderling-McDonald said. caused disruption in county health and nu- U.S. military. It also exempts Medicaid ben- Q: If you are already a green card holder trition programs as well as in health centers, eficiaries who are pregnant, new mothers or before this new rule takes effect, will you advocates have claimed. children under 21. be subjected to a public charge test when it A survey conducted by the Urban Institute, Q: Does a child’s use of Medicaid or food comes time to renew your card? a liberal-leaning think tank, showed that in stamps affect her parents’ chances for a No. Your residency status is permanent. And 2018, 1 in 7 adults from immigrant families green card? you need to renew your actual green card reported that they or a family member opted No. A child’s participation in the program every 10 years. not to apply for or withdrew from a non-cash does not count against her parents. Cathy HIYAS MAGAZINE 8 NOVEMBER 2019 ARTS

Artist Bernadette Manahan and FACLA President Fernandico Gonong Jr. preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the artist’s solo exhibit at the Filipino Cultural Center at the Historic Filipinotown. Instilling Filipino culture and art through hard work and determination TEXT AND PHOTOS BY VICS MAGSAYSAY “The price of success is hard work, dedi- passion. And not only that, it enables me Bernadette Manahan Sta. Maria and cation to the job at hand, and determina- to touch the lives of people, especially my tion that whether we win or lose, we have subject,” says the lady artist, in justifying the her self-protrait applied the best of ourselves to the task at many years that she has been zealously en- one I really liked. Then I discovered from a hand,” says Vince Lombardi. This was what grossed in doing just that. cousin that the University of the Philippines Bernadette Manahan Sta. Maria doggedly “I am already rewarded with joy fulfilling (U.P.) had a ‘Talent Test’ to screen those who adhered to in showcasing her cultural art- my passion, and it is another thing to make were qualified. I underwent the test, and works at the Filipino Cultural Center at the others happy,” she remarked. “Life is not all soon after, I found out that I was one of the Historic Filipinotown in L.A. for the past two about money; it’s also about sharing your fortunate 20% to be admitted, “ she narrated consecutive years. joy – your work of love – with others,” she with a smile. Just over two years after dipping her toes in carried on. “At the age of six, I was already fascinated the art world, she has accomplished stellar Bernadette’s life has been a checkered one. with painting. My siblings were all mad at results: her first competition in portraiture She was born to parents who had a hard time me for filling up their blank notebooks with earned her the top prize besting other sea- even to make both ends meet. “My father my drawings. Even at that tender age I knew soned painters; and just recently she was told me this when I was still very young: in the back of my mind that I had the poten- awarded by the Sinag Lahi USA the title of ’If you want to pursue your studies, it has tial to do portraiture. My teachers loved my “Outstanding Female Artist”. to come from your own pocket’,” she ex- artwork, and they used it for class or school It was not a walk in the park for this artist. plained. projects. During my first year in U.P., I had She has been working on as a caregiver for “I first took up a secretarial course. But later no funds to spend on my art supplies. It was a decade and a half. “I am so proud of be- on I found out that the course was not the really disheartening that I even had to bor- ing one as this “katas ng caregiver” (“juice” row technical pens and other art materials or the benefits of years of labor doing care- from my classmates,” Bernadette lamented. giving) was instrumental in helping all my “My teacher happened to be Larry Alcala, children in their schooling,” she confided. the celebrated cartoonist. He asked us if we “Because of this work, two of them are now were interested to work on a part-time ba- registered nurses,” Bernadette added. sis as book illustrators at Phoenix Publishing She might be short in terms of height but House,” the artist recounted. “I went there for her works stand tall. But one thing quite in- an interview and was given an on-the-spot teresting with Bernadette is the fact that she’s test by the interviewing staff. Luckily, they able to draw her subject at an unbelievable found my work suited for the requirements accuracy just by looking at her cell phone – they wanted and I was hired,” she continued. yes, she does it without using a hard copy During those succeeding years, she was from a print or whatever. “Painting is the love of my life; it’s my Sanggumay Sarimanok (See ARTIST, Page 34) HIYAS MAGAZINE 9 NOVEMBER 2019 ENTERTAINMENT NADINE LUSTRE BAGS 4TH BEST ACTRESS AWARD FOR 2019 Kapamilya actress adds Asian plum to YCC, Famas and Gawad Urian awards

Kapamilya stars Nadine Lustre and Carlo Philippines GMA Network Aquino received the top acting awards Best Actor in a Leading Role at the regional awards of the 2019 Asian Carlo Aquino – “Ulan” by HOOQ Best Direction (Fiction) Academy Creative Awards. Best Actress in a Leading Role Irene Villamor – “Ulan” by HOOQ Nadine bagged the Best Actress in a Lead- Nadine Lustre – “Ulan” by HOOQ Best Direction (Non-Fiction) ing Role honor for the movie “Ulan,” while Best Actor in a Supporting Role Moshe Ladanga – “Sex Talks with Dr. Carlo received the Best Actor in a Leading Tirso Cruz III – “The General’s Daughter” by Holmes” by HOOQ Role distinction. ABS-CBN Best Documentary Program (one-off) This is the fourth Best Actress award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role “The Atom Araullo Specials: Babies 4Sale. the year for Lustre, who also received the Dimples Romana (Diana Marie Romana Ph” by GMA Network same distinction for “Never Not Love You” Ahmee) for “Kadenang Ginto” by ABS-CBN Best Documentary Series at Young Critics Circle, FAMAS and Gawad Best Adaptation of an Existing Format “Investigative Documentaries: Confined” Urian Awards this year. “World of Dance Philippines” by ABS-CBN by GMA Network The winners in the regional awards will Best Animated Program or Series (2D or 3D) Best Drama Series represent their country at the gala finals “Barangay 143” by Synergy88 Entertainment “Barangay 143” by Synergy88 Entertain- in December.Viva Films’ and HOOQ’s Media for GMA 7 ment Media for GMA 7 “Ulan” also won the Best Feature Film, Best Branded Program or Series Best Feature Film Best Direction (Fiction), Best Original “Coke Studio S2: Homecoming” by UXS for “Ulan” by HOOQ Screenplay, Best Sound and Best Cinema- ABS-CBN and Coke Studios Best Telenovela or Soap Opera Series tography. Best Comedy Performance “The General’s Daughter” by ABS-CBN “The General’s Daughter” actor Tirso Cruz “Michael V” – Smart Shoes by First Elimina- Best General Entertainment, Game or III won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role tion Quiz Program award, while “Kadenang Ginto” actress Best Comedy Program “ASAP Natin ‘To” by ABS-CBN Dimples Romana won the Best Actress in a “Pepito, The Ringbearer” by GMA Network Best Immersive (360, VR) Supporting Role honor. Best Current Affairs Programme or Series “360 Perspective: Women of the Moun- Here is the complete list of winners: “I-Witness: The Island with No Land” by (See NADINE, Page 34)

HIYAS MAGAZINE 10 NOVEMBER 2019 ENTERTAINMENT Sony Pictures acquires rights to Fil-Am film ‘Yellow Rose’ FilAm director Diane Paragas’ narrative feature debut is first Filipino film acquired by Sony for theatrical release in US Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Maja Salvador with her Best Actress trophy in Busan, South Korea (SPWA) has announced that it has acquired all worldwide rights, excluding the Philip- pines, to the film Yellow Rose, directed by Filipino-American Diane Paragas in her nar- MAJA SALVADOR WINS rative feature debut. Yellow Rose is a timely story about a Filipino teen from a small Texas town who BEST ACTRESS AWARD fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while facing the threat of deportation. The film stars two-time Tony IN BUSAN FILM FEST Award Nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon) in her feature film debut, Tony Bags trophy for role in ‘Wildflower’ Maja Salvador won the Best Actress She also thanked Star Magic for taking award for her role in Wildflower at the Asia care of her career. Contents Awards in Busan, South Korea on The award is special for Maja, who cele- Sunday, October 6. brated her birthday on October 5. Maja attended the event with her boy- On Instagram, she posted: “Thank You friend Rambo Nuñez. #AsiaContentsAwards and #BIFF201 Con- In her speech, Maja thanked the people gratulations Team Wildflower. Wala ako behind the show. dito sa Busan ngayon kung hindi dahil sa in- “Playing Ivy Aguas and Lily Cruz was a yong lahat. This award is ours. Masaya ako great challenge and a pleasure for me as na nakapagbigay tayo ng karangalan para an actor. To paint an honest picture of what sa Industriya natin sa Pilipinas.” (I won’t be she went through knowing that viewers em- here in Busan if weren’t for all of you. This phatized, cheered and from time to time, award is ours. I’m happy to give honor to hate her for her choices. our industry in the Philippines.) “It was an honor to be trusted with this “Salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa role by our network, ABS-CBN, and the akin. Kayo ang inspirasyon ko para ibigay whole team of Wildflower head by direk lagi ang best ko. Mahal ko kayo. Indeed!!! Ruel Agbayani,” she said. Happy Birthday To Me!!! Thank You Lord “I share this recognition to all my brilliant Iba ka!!!” (Thank you to everyone who has colleagues in the show most especially to been supporting me. You are my inspira- the veteran genius Mr Tirso Cruz III, who tion why I give my best in everything. I love Eva Noblezada in “Yellow Rose” upped my game and encouraged me when you all. Indeed happy birthday. Thank you I thought I had nothing more to give.” Lord!) Award Winner Lea Salonga (Once on this Is- land, Miss Saigon), Princess Punzalan (Mula for her portrayal of the same role in the orig- composed by Watson, Paragas, Noblezada, Sa Puso), Dale Watson (Friday Night Lights), inal production of Miss Saigon. and Thia Megia. The film is written by Diane Gustavo Gomez (The Walking Dead), Libby “Yellow Rose has been a labor of passion Paragas, Annie Howell, and Celena Cipria- Villari (Boyhood), and Liam Booth (Ghosts for over 15 years and I’m thrilled that we can so, based on a story written by Paragas and Never Sleep). now share this very relevant story with the Andy Bienen. The film’s producers include Noblezada received her most recent Tony world,” says Paragas. “We have the added Lead Producer Cecilia R. Mejia, Rey Cuerdo, nomination for her portrayal of Eurydice honor of representing the real experiences of Orian Williams and Paragas. Executive Pro- in Hadestown, which won 8 Tony awards in- Filipino Americans, Asian Americans, and all ducers include Carlo Katigbak, Olivia De Je- cluding Best Musical. She received her first immigrants seeking a better life in America.” sus, John D. Lazatin, and Juan Miguel Sevilla nomination for portraying Kim in the revival Yellow Rose features original songs (See YELLOW ROSE, Page 13) of Miss Saigon. Salonga won the Tony Award developed for the film, written and HIYAS MAGAZINE 11 NOVEMBER 2019 PEOPLE Cal State LA honors Fil-Am professor California State University in Los Ange- les named Assistant Professors Melanie Sabado-Liwag and Shikha Upadhyaya as the 2018-20 Faculty Fellows for the Pub- lic Good. A team of former faculty fellows chose Sabado-Liwag and Upadhyaya in a com- petitive review process. Sabado-Liwag and Upadhyaya are col- laborating with community partners and the university’s Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good to address social, economic and health disparities. The Faculty Fellows for the Public Good program encourages and promotes en- gaged scholarship and interdisciplinary Senior Lead Officer Floro B. Pinzon, aka “Godfather” for being probably the most interaction on the central theme of the senior of the 241 Fil-Am LAPD officers gives new commander Graham the Hawai- university and the public good. ian shaka sign of solidarity and approval. Fil-Am named LA police commander The Los Angeles Police Department has Graham was accepted in the November promoted Donald Mendoza Graham to the 1995 Academy Class of the Los Angeles Po- rank of commander, the first Filipino Amer- lice Department where he was elected presi- ican to rise to that rank in the Los Angeles dent of his class and graduated second in ac- Police Department’s 150-year history. ademics. During his nine years as an officer Graham was born in Manhattan, New York in the Devonshire Area, he worked patrol, and spent most of his childhood growing up the school car, and became officer-in-charge in Bayonne, New Jersey. At 14, the family to of the Devonshire Volunteer Surveillance the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. Team from 1999-2000. Graham originally took up music and act- In July of 2000, Graham was promoted from ing at Los Angeles Valley College but soon Police Officer 2 to be Senior Lead Officer of shifted to Political Science and, in 1992, was Northridge. During his tenure at Devonshire, elected president of the Student Union. he received numerous commendations, in- Graham later became the president and cluding Devonshire Officer of the Year in chief lobbyist for the California Students As- 2005 for his work at reducing crime at the sociation of Community College, represent- Northridge Mall. Melanie Sabado-Liwag ing the nearly 250,000 community college Graham rose through LAPD’s ranks as Ser- students in the 14 campuses of the Southern geant in 2006, Lieutenant 2012, Captain in Cal State LA is designated an anchor California Region. 2014, and became Area Commanding Offi- institution by the Coalition of Urban and During his last semester at Valley College, cer of North Hollywood in 2016. Metropolitan Universities. As an anchor Graham went to work at the Campus Police On July 31, 2019, Don was sworn in as a institution, Cal State LA plays a central role Office and discovered “a new way to serve Los Angeles Police Commander and appoint- in uplifting and transforming the economy his community.” Impressed by the integrity ed by Chief Moore to be the Department’s and social well-being of the communities he found in the retired Los Angeles Police Homeless Coordinator under the Office of it serves. Department officers that made up the cam- Operations. The faculty fellows have received fund- pus police, he decided to follow their path. He lives in the San Fernando Valley Area. ing to complete their research projects during the summers of 2019 and 2020. July19 MOX sticky ad v4 Pinay is VA’s first Asian-Am female judge An assistant professor of public health, Sabado-Liwag is working with the Filipi- Maha-Rebekah Abejuela, a Filipino Amer- “I wanted to be part of that.” no American Services Group, Inc. (FASGI) ican former prosecutor, became the first A 2017 Fairfax BarAssociation post ranked and other community organizations to un- Asian American woman judge in the state of Abejuela as a “recommended” candidate derstand their roles in the community. Virginia on Sept. 27. among a list of potential candidates for ju- A West Covina resident, Sabado-Liwag Abejuela is the daughter of Filipino immi- dicial office. holds a Ph.D. in health promotion sci- grants, according to the Washington Post. Abejuela was an Assistant County Attorney ences from the School of Community and She pursued a law career after watching ju- for Fairfax County representing the Depart- Global Health at Claremont Graduate venile court judges at work. ment of Family Services in abuse and neglect University. She completed her postdoctor- “They were in a position to affect children cases involving both children and incapaci- al fellowship at the National Institute on and families at the most critical parts of their tated adults. Minority Health and Health Disparities in lives,” Abejuela said to the Washington Post. (See JUDGE, Page 13) Bethesda, Maryland.

HIYAS MAGAZINE 12 NOVEMBER 2019 PEOPLE Fil-Am, 6, is top 7-under chess player in the US A six-year-old Filipino American chess play- er is now the highest rated player at his age in the whole country, according to the latest United States Chess Federation (USCF). In the September ratings, U.S.-born whiz kid Scott Matthew Escalera ranked 22 in the under 7 group. But Escalera topped at his age with ELO 1311 with a 62 points difference against the closest contender, James Stewart of Connecti- cut with ELO 1249. GM-in-waiting Tonelle Racasa (in yellow shirt) His proud father, Ren Vincent Escalera, orig- inally from Cagayan de Oro City, credited A grandmaster prospect at 12 his son’s feat to his cousin Jaime Joshua Frias II. The latter trained Scott through online Robert Racasa, more popularly known upset in the tournament by toppling Olga chess programs in winning the March 2019 as the founder of the Philippine Memory Dm. Karmanova of Russia after 85 gruelling Illinois K-8 State Chess. Scott, he says, truly Games, narrated a story that sort of defines moves. enjoys the game and just keeps playing and the skyrocketing chess career of his daugh- It was impressive in every sense of the word, learning moves. ter, Antonella ‘Tonelle’ Racasa, currently the because Tonelle entered the tournament as Scott was named as the most active chess country’s youngest Woman Fide chess mas- the 45th seed, while her Russian foe was player in the Academic and Fiscal Year Lead- ter at 12 years old. seeded ninth, which is not surprising, since ers for Regular and Dual Rated Games in the When Tonelle competed in the recent Un- Russian players are ranked among the best in State of Illinois, playing 231 games from June der-12 girls’ division in the World Cadet the chess world, then and now. 2018 to May 2019. He is currently the K1 Chess Championships in Weifang, Shandong The Russians also use tactics to dominate State Champion, the only ever Kindergarten- in China, she posted probably the biggest and intimidate opponents over the chess- er to play Board 1 at his school and district board. wide. And Karmonava’s Elo rating of 1830 which Scott has won 96 trophies, 36 medals, is nearly almost 500 better than Tonelle’s rat- several certificates and ribbons, and some ing of 1380, was enough to instill fear into cash and checks in the 18 months of playing the hearts of chess players made of lesser chess. stuff. To top it all, Tonelle played the disadvan- tageous black pieces of a Benoni, which is actually not her favorite defensive opening (she favors the Sicilian with the black). Fearlessly, Tonelle focused on her game and patiently marshalled her pieces into a supe- rior endgame. The defeated Russian girl, according to Robert, appeared stunned and inconsolable, the proud scowl and intimidating aura totally vanished from her face. “Nakakatakot talaga siya. Sa pangalan pa lang nakakatakot na,” Tonelle said, a hint of a smile creeping up her face. YELLOW ROSE Judge Maha-Rebekah Abejuela (From Page 11) from ABS-CBN Global and Cinematografo Originals, Karen Elizaga, Gail Alvarez, Vic- JUDGE tor Alvarez, and Dale Watson. Co-Producers (From Page 12) include Jeremiah Abraham, Courtney Jones, “She prosecuted numerous felonies and and Thea Kerman. misdemeanors, and specialized in domestic The film premiered at this year’s Los Angeles violence cases for the majority of her time Asian Pacific Film Festival where it received there,” according to the Fairfax Bar Associ- the Grand Jury Award and the Breakout Per- ation. formance Award for Noblezada’s outstand- Chess whiz kid Scott Matthew Escalera ing performance. has 1311 ELO rating HIYAS MAGAZINE 13 NOVEMBER 2019 PEOPLE Fil-Am graphic novelist wins ‘genius’ grant Fil-Am graphic novelist and educator Lynda Barry is among 26 artists and schol- ars being given The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awards, better known as the “genius” grants for creativity and potential. In naming Barry one of its 2019 fel- lows, the MacArthur Foundation praised Barry for “inspiring creative engagement through original graphic works and a teaching practice centered on the role of Composer Jaimie Pangan conducts a 65-piece orchestra at the Warner Bros. Scor- image making in communication.” ing Stage in Burbank, California, in May 2019. Along with inclusion on an illustrious list of past fellows — more than 1,000 in all, since the program’s first class in Pinay composer gets nomination 1981 — each of this year’s grantees gets a Jaimie Pangan, a 26-year-old Filipino com- HMMA recognizes original music in visu- $625,000 stipend, given out in quarterly poser, has been nominated in the Contem- al media including television, video games, installments over five years with no strings porary Classical/Instrumental category of trailers, commercials, documentaries and attached. the Hollywood Music in Media Awards other special programs. Barry is well known for her decades-long (HMMA). Among the past winners of the HMMA were career as a cartoonist and graphic novel- Pangan was nominated for her composition Lady Gaga (“A Star is Born”), Max Richter ist. “Ernie Pook’s Comeek,” her weekly “Farewell,” according to a statement issued (“Mary Queen of Scots”), and Oscar winner comic strip in alternative newspapers, on Saturday by freelance writer Dahl Ben- Ludwig Göransson (“Black Panther‘). and graphic novels such as The Good nett. The HMMA is set in November this year in Times Are Killing Me (1988) and One! Pangan said her music composition was for Los Angeles. Hundred! Demons! (2002), frequently her “capstone” at the University of Southern Before studying at USC, Pangan took a referenced her growing up years in a Fili- California (USC), where she earned her mas- bachelor’s degree in Information Technology pino American household as she demon- ter’s degree in Music in Screen Scoring. at the University of Asia and the Pacific in the strated an uncanny capacity to depict the “Each year, the program requires its stu- Philippines in 2015. intense emotions of adolescence. dents to compose for a 65-piece orchestra After that, she worked at International Busi- Lynda Barry graduated from Evergreen and we could use any scene from an existing ness Machines Corp., a computer hardware State College and has been affiliated with movie to rescore to,” Pangan said. firm in the Philippines, for three years. the University of Wisconsin at Madison Pangan noted that she dedicated her com- Prior to her master’s degree in USC, she since 2012, where she is currently Associ- position to a tragic scene from J.K. Rowling’s entered the film scoring summer program at ate Professor of Interdisciplinary Creativi- novel, Harry Potter. New York University. ty in the Department of Art. Barry’s addi- “In my case, I wanted to do a sad piece She received a full scholarship with a travel tional publications include the illustrated and chose a scene from Harry Potter where grant from the Philippines’ National Com- novel Cruddy (1999) and the forthcoming Dumbledore died. This was my inspiration mission For Culture and the Arts. Making Comics (November 2019). for the composition,” she said. ‘Papaya Queen’ now a restaurateur Aya Medel, a ‘90s bold star, is now a “I’m really proud sa movement nila chef and was among those featured being sustainable and pushing Filipi- during the Department of Tourism’s re- no food, creating new Filipino dish- cent launch of its “Kain Na!” campaign, es, it’s really good,” said Aya, who which aims to promote culinary and now owns three restaurants, including farm tourism in the country. Ishiaya’s Garden Bistro and an upcom- Aya, or Rechie Hayakawa in real life, ing organic restaurant in 2020. said she started studying Culinary Arts She admitted that she misses showbiz in 2007 at the Center for Asian Culinary but for now, being a chef is her cup of Studies. tea. “Nag-aral ako ng culinary kay chef When asked if she is willing to go back Gene Gonzalez sa Center for Asian Culi- to showbiz again and be part of “Ang nary Studies noong 2007. During show- Probinsyano,” Aya said: “Ay wala po, biz time, nag-aaral na ako. Hilig ko tal- full time na po ako dito for six years na.” agang magluto,” she shared. Aya was known for her sexy roles in The former actress said she is proud to ‘90s flicks like “Babae sa Bubungang be part of the Tourism department’s proj- Lata,” “Totoy Mola” and “Alipin ng Chef Aya at the recent launch of DOT’s ect. Aliw,” to name a few. “Kain Na!” campaign

HIYAS MAGAZINE 14 NOVEMBER 2019 BOOK REVIEW A Jack of many communication trades “Greg relates his stories in the first person. They are honest, candid chronicles about his struggles and achievements. Survival is the common thread that binds his stories.” BY LORNA LARDIZABAL DIETZ Positively Filipino Book Review: Confusions of a Communications Man Greg B. Macabenta created the book’s cover design. Surviving Radio, TV, Movies, Greg categorized his table of contents, link- Journalism and Advertising ing his past to his present in chronological order, such as “when radio advertising was, by Greg B. Macabenta becoming a reporter the hard way, initiation into yellow journalism, covering the movies, 2019, 361 pp. decades as a newspaper columnist, publish- ing a magazine and a newspaper, the movie I’ve been following Greg Macabenta’s work years, life in a movie studio, the TV years, since 1999 when I introduced myself to Pinoy abilidad in America, the advertising him at a small business event my employ- years, and starting from scratch in America.” er, San Francisco Business Times, sponsored. The last chapter of the book highlights the It wasn’t until 2002 when Greg chaired the confusions of family and friends. Global Filipino Media Conference, which The index is a surprising revelation of peo- was one of the events held at Moscone Cen- ple’s names, places, publications, and busi- ter, San Francisco during the First Filipino ness entities. Some people’s names didn’t Community Global Networking Convention make it to the index, but the author, in his that I understood first-hand what it was like narratives, fondly mentions them. There are to volunteer closely with him. memory triggers as I find a friend, someone When the National Federation of Filipino I admire, or a celebrity in the chapters. I au- American Associations (NaFFAA) and Cebu ta’s 80th birthday. It is available through tomatically checked the index to see if Greg Visitors and Convention Bureau convened Amazon.com -- 361 pages of text, photos, included their names. the Third Global Filipino Networking Con- posters, and selected articles document al- There are Filipino terms or idioms that are vention in Cebu City (2005), this was where most 66 years of history in radio, television, thoughtfully footnoted at the bottom of each I learned what it was like to be hammered to movies, journalism, and advertising from the page. This makes it easy for the non-Tagalog perfection by Greg in a CEO boot camp author’s perspective. language reader to relate to Greg’s stories. atmosphere, when he was the Chair of the What a romp into strategy and history this Typographical errors, from my personal ex- Organizing Committee and I was the Exec- book proves to be! It took me almost a month perience with Greg, are not in his vocabu- utive Coordinator, the key communications to digest every word. I could understand lary. Although I spotted a few typos here and position. Greg’s “confusions” because he was deeply there and noted some typing errors, I con- “Hammered” is the appropriate verb be- involved in two or three --- or even all --- of cluded that the future editions of the book, cause whatever personal challenges we these communications’ mediums simultane- and the digital editions, would make the faced, he made sure our work together was ously. I felt like I was taking a trip through corrections. “Mr. Perfectionist,” my label for an oasis of professionalism, tenacity, and the Philippines’ history of communications Greg, is learning how to relax in his perfec- dedication. The ultimate compliment I re- during its exciting, groundbreaking days of tionism. ceived was when Greg mounted a Global renaissance, when the world was just learn- Second, Greg relates his stories in the first Filipino Heroes photo gallery during the con- ing how not to be so insular, way before dig- person. They are honest, candid chronicles vention and I found out, to my surprise, that ital technology broke traditions. about his struggles and achievements. Sur- he considered as “heroic” my volunteer work Since Greg has been drawing cartoons vival is the common thread that binds his for many causes that empowered the Filipino since his early childhood, he lifted a cartoon stories. His insights and reflections are in- community through the past few years. from his article about Senator Claro M. Rec- terspersed with anecdotes and recollections It is through my NaFFAA “eyes” that I write to in 1957 for the book cover’s image. The that seem like klieg lights beaming into the this book review. barely 18-year-old journalist has his back to universe he lived and thrived in. Greg’s writ- First, this soft cover book is a memoir that the reader, wearing a T-shirt and low-waist (See MACABENTA, Page 16) arrived on time, just before Greg Macaben- jeans. Jinx Macabenta, Greg’s youngest son, HIYAS MAGAZINE 15 NOVEMBER 2019 PEOPLE

MACABENTA(From Page 15) ing style is journalistic, sometimes informal, often precise and elegant. My favorite story is the one he wrote for Kis- lap-Graphic magazine, “A Teenager Looks at the Big Man,” his feature article about Claro M. Recto and his determination to secure an appointment to interview the senator. I could consider it as a milestone event in Greg’s writing career. I cheered and cried with Greg as he shared many how-to stories. “Hustling for script as- Pinay’s tweet signments, how not to write a story & screen- play, fighting and surviving the advertising makes it to wars, communications counsel or media mercenary, helping elect a future dicta- NYC billboard tor” are some of my favorite must-reads. A Twitter user instantly became famous As a journalist, Greg learned that veteran among subway commuters in New York City reporters engaged in merciless teasing as after her tweet was featured in a billboard. part of the initiation process. Eventually, he Tiffany Candelaria was left confused af- became faster with his riposte or verbal re- ter Twitter notified her that it used her viral taliations. tweet as part of their promotional campaign. There are many inside stories about his life “My tweet made it to NYC, e ako kailan in the movies. Greg recounts his pride when The book’s back cover kaya? (how about me?)” Candelaria wrote on his script won Best Short Film at the FAMAS her Twitter. Awards, the Philippine version of the Oscar a team “that could replace and relieve me.” Candelaria even joked to her friends and Awards. No one congratulated him. Greg Greg’s company in the U.S., Minority Me- followers to take a photo with her billboard broke down in tears, realizing that show dia Services, Inc., is recognized as one of the when they chance upon it. business was, indeed, a “dog eat dog world.” pioneers of ethnic marketing. In this book, I Twitter even replied to her tweet saying, His on-and-off involvement with television find out that Greg co-founded an association “It’s all happening.” hit me like a lightning bolt. I did not know of Asian American advertising agencies. His The billboard can be found at 53rd avenue that the ABS part of ABS-CBN Corporation is focus was the Filipino market. He says: “The and 5th subway in New York City. the acronym for Alto Broadcasting System. community is small. We learned to work to- TV aficionados will appreciate Greg’s -jour gether in spite of differences.” ney within ABS-CBN, inside the network’s In one of the later chapters, Greg reveals inner sanctum in the early 1960s. I had only what he would do to recapture Nescafe’s known about his relationship with GMA leadership of the instant coffee market. He International (GMA Pinoy TV) in the early calls them “musings of an old man - a ro- 2000s. Greg also reveals that the acknowl- mantic, for sure -- that may have no rele- edged Father of Philippine TV is James Lin- vance to today’s marketing realities.” denberg. What did I get out of Greg’s book? A career in advertising provided the finan- Paraphrasing the book’s introduction, I cial stability that Greg had sought during his know Greg achieved his objective. He said: “confusing” years when he juggled multiple “The communications man sees events from jobs. He didn’t know what an account execu- a different perspective. While average folks William Go tive’s job responsibilities were. Greg thought see things up front, I had had a backstage “account executive” meant “accountant.” At view. They see the puppets. I have seen the PH karting’s first, he was unwilling to delegate responsi- puppeteers. And I have also seen the human bilities to his group. When Greg became a beings in those who pull the strings.” next big star college professor, quite an achievement for Key phrases in Greg’s memoir that resonat- Philippine karting may have found its next a college dropout, he learned how to build ed with me: big star in William John Riley Tiu Go, whose “Code of ethics. Word of honor. Efficien- string of victories in the past two weeks net- cy. Working habits that involved no sleep. ted two Asian karting championships and es – from the qualifying time trial, qualifying Self-starters with a ‘never say die’ attitude. possibly two more in November. heats 1 and 2, pre-final and final races. A fierce competitor that always went for the The 11-year-old Go bagged the overall ca- It was his third straight title in the mini-Rok jugular. A matter of conscience choosing not det championship of the IAME Series Asia at category of the Asian tournament. to take advantage of my influential position. the Sepang International Kart Circuit in Se- Go opened his Asian Karting Open bid with A balance between my principles and my pang, Malaysia last Sept. 15, topping 27 sea- a victory at the Red 1 Karting Circuit in Bei- communications practice.” soned drivers from all over the world. jing, China last April, before duplicating his I empathize with Greg Macabenta when it He followed this up with another cham- feat at the Kartrodomo de Coloane, Macau comes to commitment and getting a project pionship last week, ruling the third leg of last June. done, especially in encouraging my team Asian Karting Open Championship (AKOC) On home ground last weekend, Go was members to live up to their highest potential at the Clark International Speedway in Ange- even more aggressive as he swept all of his as human beings. les, Pampanga, where he swept all the rac- races to win the crown with a flourish. Greg’s book makes me feel whole. HIYAS MAGAZINE 16 NOVEMBER 2019 Elegant homes for sale

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REEZA D. GERVACIO Century 21 Astro

DRE # 01083144 11365 183rd Street C.A.R. 2014 Champions of Cerritos, California 90703 Home Award winner Cell: (562) 889-9975 (1 of only 2 recipients out of Cell: (562) 833-0774 170,000 REALTORS [email protected] in California) www.eleganthomes4u.com Top Centurion Producer www.facebook.com/reezagervacio 2000-2010 2012-2018

HIYAS MAGAZINE 17 NOVEMBER 2019 PINOY PRIDE REEZA GERVACIO Her dedication and determination in the face of adversity, and genuine concern for her clients make her the quitessential real estate professional BY VAL G. ABELGAS

Excellence. This word best defines the ca- reer of multi-awarded Realtor Reeza Gerva- cio. From her first year as a full-time real estate professional, Reeza has achieved the pinna- cle of success in the highly competitive busi- ness of selling homes. Consider these: In her first full year in real estate in 1998, she received Century 21 Astro’s Rookie of the Year Award. Between 2001 and 2018, she received the Centurion Award 11 times. She was award- ed the Double Centurion Award five sepa- rate years, and the Grand Centurion Award, the highest award attainable in the Century 21 System, in 2003 and 2005. She is now a member of the Centurion honor society for being an accomplished Centurion Producer. She’s also a recipient of the 2000 and 2009 Quality Service Producer Award. At Century 21 Astro, Reeza has been the Top Residential Agent and the Top Listing Agent 11 times, and the Top Farming Agent consecutively since 2001. She has won a to- tal of about 60 trophies for different awards: Top Residential Agent, Grand Centurion, Reeza Gervacio, Realtor par excellence Double Centurion, Centurion, Top Farming, Top Listing, Top Sales, Top Transaction, Qual- school graduation that she vowed to turn her her college years by graduating with honors ity Service. lackluster academic performance into her and awards and having the extraordinary dis- Reeza’s total sales since 1998 is approxi- own springboard for personal change and tinction of delivering the graduation address mately $285 million, certainly a sales num- achievement. of thanks to an audience of 1,000 students ber to be proud of. Reeza enrolled at St. Paul College and dis- and guests. These awards, among many others, were covered a world of infinite possibilities that She was just starting. capped by the highest accolade of them all -- unfolded the very day she set foot on cam- In 1988, with her meritorious achievements in October 2014, Reeza became one of only pus. Realizing that there were no limits to in banking and finance, Rotary Internation- two recipients out of 170,000 REALTORS® of what she could achieve if she really placed al selected her as one of four professional- the prestigious Champions of Home Award her mind and heart to it, Reeza joined and ly-gifted Filipino women on a scholarship given by the California Association of Real- led student organizations where she initiated to represent the Philippines during a group tors. The award is given to Realtors who, in and implemented worthy projects and activ- study exchange program that took her on a the words of the organizers, have “changed ities. memorable business and cultural tour of the their clients’ lives for the better, raised the Her dedication, commitment and leader- United States. standards for others, and led by example,” ship style eventually earned for her the trust This singular honor was one of the biggest and those “who have gone to great lengths of school officials and her co-students. She highlights of her life. The tour gave her a on behalf of their clients and who practice learned to dream big, never settling for small chance to observe various facets of Ameri- business with the highest ethics and morals.” dreams that she felt “had no fire to stir men’s ca. The Group Study Exchange Team was But it was not all a bed of roses for Reeza. souls.” She vowed never to shortchange her- featured and widely quoted in all major city Like many success stories, Reeza had to find self, to never compromise her ideals and newspapers and interviewed on TV and ra- the motivation to turn her life around and high standards. dio. achieve the goals that she had set for herself. As she began to envision her personal and In her speech to various US Rotary chap- In high school, Reeza was rebellious, care- professional future after college, Reeza em- ters, she extolled the Filipino woman as ba- free and content with just being an average powered herself with the firm belief that sically religious and family oriented but who student, and managed to just coast along no obstacle would stand in the way of her have since become more assertive and hard until graduation. It was during her high dreams and her life’s mission. Reeza capped working and now have assumed positions of HIYAS MAGAZINE 18 NOVEMBER 2019 responsibility in the worlds of politics and commerce. As Rotary scholar and ambassadress of goodwill, she has done what a high-pressure tourism mission can accomplish. She liked what she saw and it is for this reason that she came back a year later to live here and to pursue her dreams. That was 31 years ago. Upon coming to the US to continue pur- suing the success she had started in Manila, Reeza decided on a real estate career. Al- though she received her real estate license in 1990, she actually put it aside to work for Wells Fargo Bank as a business banking officer. Then in 1991, she landed a job as a mortgage broker until 1997. And then she decided it was time to em- bark on a career selling homes. Her first full year in real estate was in 1998 where, not surprisingly, she received Century 21 Astro’s Rookie of the Year Award. It was a great start to what was to become an excellent real es- tate career. Reeza with her numerous trophies and awards as a Realtor with Cerritos-based The awards came in rapid succession. Century 21 Astro. In 2001, she was asked by Centex Homes to speak before the La Mirada and Fullerton tate agent into one of the top agents of the City Council members and Planning Com- Century 21 system. In her third year as a Re- missioners on behalf of a Hillside Communi- altor in the year 2000, Reeza earned her first ty Development, which eventually became of seven Centurion Awards. In her sixth year a part of her farm, which in real estate par- in 2003, she amazingly garnered the Grand lance is the geographic area where you plant Centurion Award, the highest possible award the seeds by continuously and consistently attainable in the Century 21 system. And she marketing your services and after some time, repeated it two years later in 2005! Reeza you start harvesting with clients securing also won the Double Centurion Award four your services to either sell their existing times, two of which were during the reces- home or buy a new home, or both. sion,” they said. The clients observed the extra diligence That was in 2014. She has won four more provided by Reeza and referred her to friends Centurion Awards and one more Double ands family. Her brokers at Century 21 Astro Centurion Award since then. in Cerritos, Carol Rayburn and Lou Rosen- What is even more incredible, the brokers kranz, noticed how happy her clients were noted, was that Reeza won one of those and how devoted Reeza was to her profes- Double Centurion Awards in 2010, the year sion. In 2014, Rayburn and Rosenkranz, she learned she was afflicted with breast can- backed by testimonies from several satisfied cer. clients and other persons knowledgeable of “People of less character would have given her excellent work as a Realtor, nominated up their career in the face of that kind of ad- Reeza for the California Association of Real- versity. But Reeza did not sulk, and instead tors (CAR) prestigious Champions of Home worked as hard as she had ever done -- in Award. between medical procedures and frequent In October 2014, Reeza was named one visits to the doctor and the hospital. It was of only two recipients out of 170,000 Real- probably the best challenge she had ever had tors of the prestigious Champions of Home to face in her life and in her career, and she Award given by the CA Association of Real- emerged from it with flying colors!” Rayburn tors. In its official press release, CAR Presi- and Rosenkranz said. dent Kevin Brown said: Just when Reeza was on her highest gear “Reeza Gervacio and Lois Gerace (the oth- working tirelessly in the last quarter of 2010, er awardee) are exemplary REALTORS® who she was unexpectedly diagnosed with can- push themselves and consistently set higher cer. “I thought my life and career were over,” standards by showing extreme diligence and Reeza said. persistence in serving their clients. They rise “But after reflecting on my Christian faith, above the rest and set an example to others my perspective changed and everything I for their dedication and passion, and I’m did after that took on a deeper meaning. I proud to recognize them as our 2014 Cham- realized that adversity is a great catalyst. It’s pions of Home.” these roadblocks -- like the struggling hous- In their nomination letter, Rayburn and ing market, the difficult escrows or even my Rosenkranz said of Reeza: “As owners and cancer -- that kept me relentless. It was the Reeza receives the first of her two Grand brokers of Century 21 Astro, we have seen (See REEZA, Page 20) Centurion Awards how Reeza evolved from a neophyte real es- HIYAS MAGAZINE 19 NOVEMBER 2019 REEZA(From Page 19) constant obstacles in life that chiseled and strengthened my character to not give up so easily because at times, when you’re just about to give up, those are the moments when miracles do happen,” Reeza said. Cancer obviously failed to, in her words, “quench my spirit or corrode my faith. So at the end of 2010 as I crossed the finish line, I felt triumphant to know that I didn’t lose my momentum in spite of my cancer. “ Reeza not only survived the cancer, but also earned the Double Centurion Award, rank No. 1 in Century 21 Astro, No. 11 out of 4,795 realtors in the Coastal, Valley and LA region, No. 42 out of 14,197 realtors in CA, and No. 79 out of 64,539 realtors in the en- tire Century 21 system in the United States. “It has been the best ending of any race I’ve Reeza receives a Plaque of Recognition from the City of Cerritos. With her are ever tackled in my entire real estate career, Century 21 owners Lou Rosenkranz and Carol Rayburn, husband Jessie, two niec- even more meaningful than those years I es and then Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido. earned the Grand Centurion Award,” Reeza said. Let’s take a peek at Reeza’s journal during those trying times in 2010: “It’s moments like these that make you re- alize how fleeting and fragile life is, and you realize that in an instant, God’s will has tak- en on an entirely different meaning. “I always pray for enlightenment as I walk a meaningful path to carry out His plans. I live my life in pursuit of my mission and I offer it in His glory. The fulfillment of this goal, this mission, is its own reward and always, is the supreme gratification. This is a philosophy I Reeza with husband Jessie live by everyday. “Sometimes we forget that while it may be magnificent to live atop a breathtaking mountain, it is actually the arduous trek to the summit that matters most. Faced with the greatest challenge of my life, I learned that one’s finest hour comes after enduring and vanquishing the darkest, most debilitating emotions and extreme physical pain borne Reeza poses with the poster announcing out of a dreadful illness. I believe that it was by overcoming these heartbreaking obstacles her Champion of Homes Award that my own character was forged, chiseled and strengthened. relenting love and support, my brokers, Lou “The big C was my ultimate test of charac- Rosenkranz and Carol Rayburn, for their dy- ter, my most punishing test of heart. In my Reeza delivers the thank you address on namic leadership, my supremely gifted team business, as well as in my personal life, I’ve (Annika, Tito, David, Kori, Deana, Dina, learned to never ever give up because right behalf of her fellow graduates during Joseph, Mat and Daniel) for their steadfast at that moment when you’re about to lose all graduation ceremony at St. Paul’s Col- dedication, my fantastic co-workers for their hope, is when the miracle you’ve been pray- lege. friendship, and my clients for every moment ing for actually happens. of inspiration they give me. Thanks to their “My cancer has been in remission for nine And I will continue to laugh insanely. Then, high expectations, they make me constantly years. The Greek poet Sophocles wrote, and only then, can I truly say that the day has aware of the need to give them my best.” “One must wait until the evening to see how indeed been splendid.” It is her spirituality, her dedication to what splendid the day has been.” Despite my can- Reeza adds: “Success is never self-made has become her mission in life – to help peo- cer, the days and nights of the past 9 years and there are those special people who ple realize their dreams of owning a home, have been remarkably blessed and peaceful, have made it possible for me to do what I her steadfast determination to succeed, and simply because God’s presence has always love to do best. My sincerest gratitude to her enduring courage to face adversity that comforted me. But until I learn what God has my husband Jessie, my anchor and biggest have made Reeza Gervacio what she has be- really planned for me, I will continue to work supporter of my dreams, my family especial- come -- the quintessential real estate profes- passionately. I will continue to love deeply. ly my sisters, Lucy and Nette, for their un- sional, the Realtor par excellence.

HIYAS MAGAZINE 20 NOVEMBER 2019 HOMELAND

METRO MANILA WORST TO DRIVE IN, SAYS WAZE Data shows it takes 4.9 minutes to drive a full kilometer; PH capital set to repeat as worst in the world

Manila is the worst city in the world to drive ANC, saying that this stacks up to “at least expected to balloon to 487,058 cars a day in, according to a ranking by traffic naviga- nine to fifteen years taken from your life” giv- in the coming months, much higher than the tion app Waze. en the full 40 years of one’s economic life. recorded volume this time last year. According to Waza data, it took 4.9 min- And according to Waze’s Rodriguez, this is In an attempt to alleviate the coming holi- utes to drive a full kilometer in Metro Manila only going to get worse as the country inch- day traffic, the MMDA has called for a ban in September 2019, marking a significant es closer towards Christmas season. “This on weekday sales from November 11 until increase from April’s recorded figure of 3.8 is the time of the year when Filipinos travel January 8, 2020. Mall operators also agreed minutes. the most and also spend the most time per to open their establishments at 11 a.m. on The nation’s capital is set to repeat as the drive,” she said. weekdays. worst in the world to drive in according to Rodriguez noted that traffic congestion has The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 earlier an- Waze’s 2019 ranking, country lead Sar- begun to constantly build up throughout the nounced that it would not be extending its ah Rodriguez said in an interview with day and then peak in the evening, according operating hours during the Christmas season Bloomberg. to recent Waze data. as it typically does to give way to its sched- Waze’s 2017 Driver Satisfaction Index, “Two years ago, there were two spikes — uled rail replacement. They promised better which surveyed data among its claimed 90 morning rush hour and evening rush hour — services for commuters once the repairs are million active users, also labelled Metro Ma- then in-between there was a dip,” she said. finished. nila drivers as the most miserable in Asia in a “Now, it has changed. There’s no more mid- The Light Rail Transit-1 line on the other list spanning 39 countries. day dip.” hand said they would still hold longer hours. President Rodrigo Duterte in June prom- MMDA traffic head Edison Nebrija has Meanwhile, three LRT-2 stations remain out ised to secure a five-minute travel time from warned the public that EDSA traffic increas- of commission after a rectifier-transformer Cubao to Makati for commuters and motor- es by about 20 percent in the months after along the line caught fire in early October. ists. The two cities are about eight kilome- August. According to him, the usual figure is ters apart, or about a 40-minute drive, ac- cording to Waze. However, a study by the Boston Consulting Group commissioned by Uber shows that Metro Manila motorists wait in traffic for an average of 66 minutes every day on top of 24 minutes spent looking for parking at their destinations. The study listed Manila as the third worst in Asia, just behind Bangkok and Jakarta. Data from the MMDA revealed that in 2018, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue serviced 402,000 vehicles per day, far exceeding its supposed capacity of 288,000 daily. The Department of Public Works and Highways has assured the public that infra- structure projects under the administration’s Build, Build, Build program are underway to help decongest traffic in the metropolis. According to the BCG study, Filipinos will spend a little over 16 days stuck in traffic in one year. Urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr furthered this number in an interview with

HIYAS MAGAZINE 21 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORTS Carlos Edriel Yulo: Golden gymnast

Filipino Carlos Edriel Yulo came through with a performance to remember in the floor exercise to capture a historic first gold medal for the country in the 49th FIG World Artistic Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, Satur- day night. Performing second to last among eight fi- nalists, the 19-year-old Yulo was both breath- taking and flawless in exquisite routines to tally 15.300 points, ahead by the slimmest of margins of top qualifiers and Olympian Artem Dolgopyat of Israel (15.200) and mul- tiple world champion Xiao Routeng of China Norwegian chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen (R) and Filipino-American chess (14.933). grandmaster Wesley So play in the World Fischer Random Championship Chess With dizzying multiple twists and aerial ac- final, at Henie Onstad Art Center in Baerum, Norway, on October 31, 2019. robatics, he scored 8.800 in execution with a 6.500 degree of difficulty – the highest level among the competitors. Raising the degree of difficulty from 6.2 paid off for Yulo as he became the first Filipi- Wesley So stuns world’s no world champion in the discipline. For the first time, the Philippine national anthem was played in the world gymnastics top-ranked player, wins stage after Yulo’s historic feat Saturday night. This was not lost on netizens, who followed Yulo’s path to greatness in earning for the random chess crown Philippines a gold medal. Wesley So stunned World No. 1 Magnus The late World Champion Bobby Fishcer in- The “Lupang Hinirang” became one of the Carlsen to win the inaugural World Fisher vented the Fishcer Random and its difference hottest topics online, with many netizens Random Chess Championship at Henie Ons- from standard chess is that the pieces in the saying that they felt goose bumps while hear- tad Center in Norway Sunday (Manila time). back rank are randomly shuffled instead of ing it being played on the global stage. The Filipino-American grandmaster, who having set positions. It was the first time that the Philippines won now represents the United States, swept So said he liked Fishcer Random better than gold in the gymnastics world championship. Carlsen 13.5-2.5 and started off the match the standard game since it allows him to con- “Ma, naka-gold ako,” the 19-year-old gym- defending with the black. ceptualize moves and attacks in each game nast said when asked by foreign media what “I’m very happy, it’s my favorite type of instead of memorizing set pieces. his message was to his mother. This message chess and it hasn’t been popular until the last “The trouble with real chess is that people quickly went viral, especially among Filipino couple of years,” So told Chess.com. “Mag- can memorize up to 40, sometimes more netizens. nus had a bad couple of days; if it was regu- sometimes less,” said So. “I don’t like memo- Yulo actually made his Stuttgart stint more lar chess he would’ve beaten me easily.” rizing moves that I don’t understand. Here in memorable after he qualified for the 2020 “To me, mainly chess is art—that’s why I Fischer Random you get a game literally from Tokyo Olympics several days earlier. He will like Fishcer Random a lot; there’s a lot of cre- the beginning.” be joining Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena in ativity,” added So. the quadrennial games.

Carlos Edriel Yulo ADVERTISE in action at the WITH world championship HIYAS MAGAZINE. IT WORKS!

HIYAS MAGAZINE 22 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORTS Somodio opens boxing gym in LA BY ROBBIE PANGILINAN

Like the popular combination deals of fast- food chains, Coach Marvin Somodio is a complete package. He is a combination of intelligence and strength, passion and com- posure, and hard work and luck. More than 20 years ago, 12-year-old Marvin left his home town of Iloilo and ended up in Baguio City. When he was 15 and in the third year high school, Marvin was influenced by a classmate to try his hand at boxing with the Baguio Basic Amateur Sports Program Council. He pursued engineering in college, where he became a member of University of Baguio’s boxing team. He went on to join the National Team (formerly Amateur Boxing As- sociation of the Philippines) as its 99-pound pinweight bet, trained by Coaches Leopoldo Tatancio, Nolito Velasco, and Boy Katoliko. Training at Cooyesan Hotel’s Shape Up gym proved to be Marvin’s greatest stroke Marvin Somodio at his LA boxing gym of luck when he was discovered by famed trainer Freddie Roach, who brought him to Roach, who search for young talents and was finally realized when the Combinations his world-renowned Wild Card Gym in Los train them to become world champions. Boxing Academy in Los Angeles was inau- Angeles as assistant trainer. He also aims to discover Filipino-American gurated. In his seven years at Wild Card, he helped athletes who he can help develop to repre- The 4,000-square feet gym has two boxing Roach train his kababayan, eight-division sent the Philippines in different international rings, free sets of barbells, a pair of thread- world champion Manny Pacquiao and five- competitions. mills, stationary bikes, a mobile sauna, three time and four-division world champion Mi- “Malay natin, makita na natin ang first Fili- double end balls, four speed balls and eight guel Cotto, among others. pino Olympic gold medalist in boxing,” said heavy bags. “Masarap siya katrabaho, araw-araw may Somodio. “Dito siguradong ma-maximize ko ‘yung bago ka matututinan,” Marvin said of sev- After the March 18, 2018 fight of Ramirez, potential ko bilang isang trainer. Mahal ko en-time trainer of the year Roach. Somodio took a break and has been stay- ang pagtuturo ng boxing at gusto ko mag- Somodio also trained Brian Villoria, Ruslan ing in the Philippines with his wife and two share hindi lang sa mga elite, kundi sa lahat Provodnikov, Victor Postol, Jose Ramirez and children when the People’s Champ Pacquiao ng tao,” said Somodio, adding that the gym Dennis Levedev. hired him as one of his chief trainer Buboy is open to those looking to develop compet- Since he set foot in the USA to work with Fernandez’s assistants for the Keith Thurman itive boxing skills or boxing for self-defense. Roach, the idea of putting up his own gym fight. The gym has welcomed baseball player has been in his mind. He wants to emulate In July 27, 2019, Somodio’s dream gym Adrian Gonzales and rap artist Usher. Bianca Pagdanganan clinches LPGA tour card Bianca Pagdanganan floundered at the fin- pina to join the LPGA Tour although former ish but her closing 78 still netted her a berth card holder Dottie Ardina fell short of her bid in next year’s LPGA Tour as she wound up with a 579 total after a closing 74 for 48th. tied at 38th after eight rounds of the LPGA Clariss Guce also skied to a 77 and wound Q-Series at Pinehurst No. 9 in North Caroli- up tied at 56th. Ardina and Guce settled for na Saturday. Symetra Tour spots. Safely within the Top 45 plus ties cut at joint China’s Muni He capped her run of un- 18th heading to the final day of the gruel- der-par rounds throughout the Q-Series with ling elims, Pagdanganan fell off the standings a 710 and took the low medalist honors with with a 38 start and found herself in danger of a 551, three strokes ahead of Korean Hee missing it altogether when she cracked under Young Park, who pooled a 554 after a 70 pressure and dropped four strokes in a three- with American Yealimi Noh snatching third hole stretch from No. 15 of Pinehurst No. 9. place with a 557 after a 69. But the country’s spearhead in the SEA A bogey-free, eagle-spiked 64 in the pivot- Games closed out with a gutsy par for a 78, al sixth round put Pagdanganan, the Asian barely gaining the coveted card with a 576 Games bronze medalist, in the mix and a total for joint 38th with five others finishing scrambling 72 virtually assured her of an tied at 41st at 577. LPGA card Friday. Pagdanganan thus became the latest Fili- HIYAS MAGAZINE 23 NOVEMBER 2019 KIDS & PARENTING No homework policy: Clap or crap? ‘Over the long run: Is it for the best? BY JENNY ORTUOSTE Manila Standard

Several lawmakers are advocating a policy that either limits or does away with a tradi- tional educational method that has been used since the start of the modern era. Through their proposed bills preventing teachers from assigning homework on cer- tain days to specified grade levels, these solons want young students to enjoy quality time at home rather than spending their free time on school work. House Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero wants to do away with homework for kinder- garten to Grade 12 students, while Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas and Senator Grace Poe want to limit it to weekdays. Education Secretary Leonor Briones af- firmed her support for the bill. All “formal” work, as she termed it, should be done in school—“Assignment, project, whatever. Pag-uwi nila libre na sila, free time nila to be with their parents, with their friends.” She also claimed that when she assumed leadership of the Department of Education, she had already made ‘no homework’ a policy, but it seems not to have been imple- “SN”, a teacher, tweeted, “Di ko maiwasang over the next highest, Hong Kong). mented. “[Meron] pa ring mga schools na manggigil sa bill na ito lalo kung maisasa- But it’s not just not having homework that nasanay talaga sa pagbibigay ng homework,” batas na. They forgot or (maybe) they really accounts for this educational success, and she said. don’t know the essence of HOMEWORK. these other factors, infrastructure among She implied that giving homework is We, as teachers give homework not to pun- them, must be considered. pointless because in some instances it is not ish the students. We give homework either as Finland has a high teacher-student ratio, at the student who does the homework but a ENRICHMENT or as PREPARATORY.” 1 to 12. In the Philippines for school year relative, caregiver, or other adult. The Teacher’s Dignity Coalition, through its 2017 to 2018, it is 1:31 for the elementary “Alam naman natin ang bata talaga kung chairperson Benjo Basas, said in a statement level, 1:36 for Junior High School level, and minsan si lola, si mommy, si yaya ang nag- that homework “is not intended to make 1:31 for Senior High School level. I teach tutulong o gumagawa mismo, si tutor, ng life difficult for our students… the value of two undergraduate classes in a private uni- homework kaya minsan kung ano nasa isip homework... [is] about discipline, responsi- versity, and in one I have 41 students, and in ni yaya ‘yan ang lumalabas sa homework ng bility, and continuity of learning.” the other 44. bata,” Briones said. When it comes to ‘no homework,’ Finland Class size is crucial—in March 2018, While some sectors lauded the suggestion has made itself the world standard for best DepEd Undersecretary for Planning and (students, predictably), others (teachers, practices. Finnish teachers have not given Field Operations Jesus Mateo admitted that equally predictably), objected to it. homework for years. An August 2017 article class sizes need to be reduced for learning “Kyla,” a student, tweeted, “I remember be- on Leadprep.org states that Finland’s high to be effective. ing so stressed because of homeworks. La- school graduation rate is 93 percent com- Finland has also done away with stan- hat ginagawa sa bahay, barely sa school. Pati pared to 75 percent for the United States. dardized tests. Much school work, includ- mga projects, sa bahay rin. Sobrang kulang I can find no similar statistics on the Phil- ing homework, prepares the student to pass sa tulog, tipong less than four hours of sleep ippine Statistics Authority website, although standardized tests, which many studies have lang.” some sources say that fewer students were found are not a good measurement of a For the other side, Far Eastern University In- able to graduate high school after the K-12 learner’s true level of knowledge and skill. stitute of Law dean Mel Sta. Maria tweeted, policy was implemented. Finland also does not use multiple-choice “For the record, I am against any proposed After the adoption of new educational pol- tests, unlike here; students have to know the law recommending a NO HOMEWORK icies, Finnish students have shown better answer. POLICY for elementary/highschool students outcomes than their peers in other countries: Will less or no homework benefit students? every weekend. Not only will this idiotic bill Two out of three Finns go on to college, and Yes, in certain and immediate ways. For one, violate a school’s academic freedom, it may their mean test scores dominate everyone make your children idiots.” else (in 2006, the Finns scored almost double (See HOMEWORK, Page 29)

HIYAS MAGAZINE 24 NOVEMBER 2019 KIDS & PARENTING

Joining forces with Marvel Comics’ Wave is the newest bad-ass Filipina heroine to hit comic book covers – Sea Hunter. PINAY SUPERHERO International comic book store Big Time Collectibles posted their exclusive peek Marvel Comics introduces Sea Hunter into the cover of issue Aero #3, with cover art created by artist Kael Ngu. It features the first appearance of Sea Hunter, the second Filipina Marvel superhero, alongside pio- neer Wave. The BTC-exclusive issue is available for pre-order on their website. Manila-based book stores Comic Od- yssey and Filbar’s are also in on the Sea Hunter hype, selling a Philippine-exclusive cover, this time by Whilce Portacio. The cover shows both Filipina heroines, Sea Hunter and Wave, alongside Red Feath- er. The art is also a homage to the Uncanny X-men #282 issue, which features the first appearance of Marvel character Bishop, also done by Portacio. It is now available for pre-order on Comic Odyssey’s and Filbar’s websites. What are your first impressions on Sea Hunter? – Rappler.com WHY CHILDREN LOVE GARBAGE TRUCKS Tips on how to make kids’ experience with garbage trucks totally fun and safe

Over the years, we’ve learned that children are fascinated by garbage trucks. It’s flatter- ing! Kids see something magical about the big beeping truck that shows up every week like clockwork to magically whisk away their garbage. Science suggests that as toddlers begin to understand object-permanence, the coming and going of garbage trucks is something they can latch onto. Our truck may also seem like a giant, loud, really cool toy! Here are some tips to make sure that your children have a fun experience with the gar- bage collector’s weekly visit. • Do not allow your children to approach our trucks! Teach your children to stay a safe distance away from the truck. We care deeply about safety, and want to make sure drivers to see you. receptacle and do not litter. children know to admire our trucks from a • Help your children learn days of the week • While preparing dinner, ask your kids if distance. using your neighborhood’s pickup schedule. certain things should go in the garbage can • If your child wants to say hello to our This will help your kids keep a schedule and or in the recycling bin if you have recycling drivers, please carry your child or hold your look forward to their weekly visit! services. For more educational information child’s hand. Wave from your window or • Teach your children about waste manage- about what happens after the garbage truck doorway, keeping at least 20 feet of safe dis- ment and recycling. Tell them the story about leaves your house, check out www.sene- tance. Our drivers will wave back if they see how garbage goes from your house to the calandfill.com. You may find it interesting you! garbage can, then the truck picks it up and that your waste makes natural gas and this • Do not follow a truck in a car or on foot. carries it away to the landfill. This is a great gas is used to create energy and fuel our Our trucks make frequent stops and some- lesson in event sequencing. CNG garbage trucks. times back up, and it may be hard for our • Teach them to place trash in the trash HIYAS MAGAZINE 25 NOVEMBER 2019 TRAVEL BATANES BECKONS BY OMAR PAZ Positively Filipino I heard urgings from friends and family: “You should go to Batanes.” And so I did. Last April with my sister and a close friend, I boarded an early morning flight that only took an hour to get us to the northernmost tip of the archipelago. Our plane landed in Basco, the provin- cial capital, with a slight thud on the short tarmac (stuck between a mountain and a sloping hill, there’s just no room for a runway expansion). Batanes is the smallest, northernmost and least populated province in the Philippines; but it has the most in terms of breathtaking open space, rolling hills and rugged coastline. Life in Basco is unhurried and tranquil; light traffic flows through its narrow streets lined with small but sturdy homes built with thick stone or concrete walls to withstand frequent strong typhoons. Small shops are tucked among the houses; the town has no Mayahaw Arch (Photo by Omar Paz) public market under one roof. Locals greet us with a welcoming nod or a polite smile, as we make our way to Amboy Seaside Resort, a few minutes drive from the town proper. After checking into our bungalow room, we arranged for a van and a three-day tour of Batanes. Our young guide began his tour at Mt. Carmel chapel built on a hill in the Ivatan style of rock walls but topped with bricks instead of traditional cogon. Inside the small chapel, religious icons fill the walls and the ceiling has been painted by local artists with the Pacita Abad Arts Foundation. With a commanding view of the ocean, it is easy to understand why it is a popular setting for weddings. We continued on a long stretch of narrow concrete road (originally a dirt agricultural Basco Lighthouse (Photo by Omar Paz) Mahatao Church (Photo by Omar Paz) trail to the hillside farms) connecting the curving, hilly terrain. From a distance looms On another hill, the PAGASA Weather waves polished these smooth, giant, dino- cloud-shrouded Mt. Iraya, a dormant volca- Station monitors daily weather conditions in saur egg-like boulders. no whose last known eruption dates back the region. Its sphere-shaped tower appears There is no shortage of open space in to 500 AD, which threw gigantic boulders on the peak, next to a viewing platform that Batanes. Not far from Basco town proper lie over the islands, like those found at Valugan let us and other guests enjoy a 360-degree acres of lush, green pasture on rolling hills beach. view of Batan. with panoramic ocean views at every turn We drove to nearby Fundacion Pacita, the Our next stop, the Dipnaysupuan tunnel, that would prompt one to sing “the hills are town’s fancy restaurant and boutique hotel was used by Japanese soldiers in WWII. alive… “ belonging to the Abads, of the political clan Armed with flashlights, we navigated the We hiked uphill to get to Basco Light- and of the late internationally acclaimed narrow passageway leading to carved-out house, which no longer functions as a bea- painter Patricia Abad. A bronze likeness of living chambers, taking precarious steps con but serves as a popular photo op site the artist greets guests leading to her former down to the exit that loops back to the and a great vantage point to view the island residence and studio on the edge of a cliff, street. from end to end. On a clear day, one can with an ocean view on the back and a love- Soon we were on our way to Valugan see the neighboring island to the south. ly garden in front. It is the most expensive Beach where gigantic boulders litter the Day Two: Sabtang place to stay in Batanes, but part of the entire length of the seashore. These enor- With a new tour guide, we headed to proceeds goes to support local artists and mous lava rocks were spat out by Mt. Iraya’s the Ivatan dock for an early morning boat historic preservation. fury eons ago; centuries of splashing ocean ride to the island of Sabtang. The one-hour

HIYAS MAGAZINE 26 NOVEMBER 2019 journey proved to be as thrilling as the destination – we sailed on a faluwa, a sturdy wooden boat built without outriggers and designed to navigate turbulent, crashing waves where the Pacific Ocean meets the China Sea. A van was waiting at the shore to whisk us off to Morong (also known as Nakabuang) Beach, before crowds gathered at perhaps Batanes’ most photographed landmark, Mayahaw Arch. The arch is a nature-carved limestone formation that gracefully arches onto the beach. It didn’t take long before others showed up for their must-have photo op. All guests to the island register at the Visitor Center where we sampled locally grown brewed tea, tried on the wig-looking cogon grass hat and cape traditionally worn by Ivatans for sun protection. We examined the backpack basket and other souvenirs that were hand-made by a group of local Ivatan Stone Houses in Chavayan (Photo by Omar Paz) weavers still practicing their endangered, vanishing craft. Our tour guide took us to a stroll around Chavayan, and we actually walked in to one of the occupied Ivatan houses. We were amazed at how compact and well preserved these houses are. Sabtang has more preserved traditional Ivatan houses than Batan. These homes were originally built of bamboo and cogon grass until the Spaniards introduced the use of corals and rocks put together with lime for building thick walls. Our guide would later show us the original pits where corals were baked into white lime powder for hours on end underground (no longer practiced today for environmental reasons). These sturdy stone structures have with- stood time and strong typhoons that Valugan Beach (Photo by Omar Paz) Uyugan (Photo by Omar Paz) frequent the area, and they continue to be lived in today, some with added modern offers an unbelievable vista, revealing one lunch. amenities inside. Yet they all seemed rustic, gorgeous hill after another as one climbs the A grass hut roadside restaurant by the as if time had stood still in the villages of many lookout points to enjoy postcard-per- ocean served us local fare such as Uvud, Chavayan and Savidug. fect views of the picturesque coastline and ground fish balls cooked in sour broth. Tricycles topped with bamboo and cogon ocean. Others enjoyed lobsters, which I understand roof drove alongside our tour van on the Cooling huts by the roadside offer refresh- are as common and inexpensive here as narrow, hilly street that wends it way up to ments and souvenirs. It is a welcome respite chicken would be elsewhere. We watched the end of the road disappearing to no- from the hike and the awe-inspiring scenery a local fisherman bent over while fishing on where. The Chamayad-Tinyan viewpoint we just experienced before heading out to (See BATANES, Page 32)

HIYAS MAGAZINE 27 NOVEMBER 2019 HEALTH air-conditioned buses/vans and one support 40-foot container van that will be equipped to act as a secondary hospital. The first 3 buses which will serve as an op- erating room complex. The fourth bus will be for multispecialty clinics (Ophthalmology, ENT, Medicine, Pediatrics, OB-Gyne). The fifth bus will house the pharmacy, lab (hema- tology, chemistry, microscopy) and diagnos- tics (X-ray, ultrasound and ECG). The sixth and last bus will house the computer systems and will serve as transport for staff. The sup- port container van will house a 50-100KV generator, prefabricated tents, foldable beds, tables and chairs and other supplies. Telemedicine system will also be incorpo- rated into the transport bus to allow the quick transmission of medical data to off-site spe- cialists. The project planning and design for the RP Healthcraft Carrier has already been completed and are ready for presentation, in- cluding structural plans, architectural layout, operations and management plans and even HOSPITAL ON WHEELS scale models of the trucks. The project is spearheaded by Dr. Juan The RP Healthcraft Carrier: The “Jim” Sanchez, a General Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon (Aesthetic & Reconstructive), who has a considerable experience work- Philippines’ first mobile hospital ing with a mobile healthcare facility and BY DR. JUAN ‘JIM’ SANCHEZ in crowd-sourcing the necessary support to build one. In September 2007, Dr. Sanchez, When the devastating typhoon Haiyan with the partnership of the Rotary Club of San struck Tacloban City, also known as typhoon Francisco del Monte RI 3780, established the Yolanda, it claimed the lives of Thousands Mobile Surgical Unit (MSU) or the ‘Operat- of Filipinos and left even more in need of ing Room on Wheels’ – a 32-foot van that immediate medical attention. The typhoon served as a fully functional operating room. and accompanying flood destroyed all of the Since its launch, the Mobile Surgical Unit hospitals and healthcare facilities, severely has conducted more than 200 surgical mis- hindering all efforts to attend to the injured. sions all over the Philippines and has served According to Dr. E Abay, former director of over 10,000 indigent surgical patients, with GK Kalusugan-USA, “an estimated 20-25% the most of the cases consisting of “external” of the Philippine population or 23.75 mil- soft tissue tumors, cleft lip and inguinal her- lion Filipinos will not have access to medical nia cases. The MSU was made possible by care of any kind, let alone see a doctor or the combined efforts of Dr. Sanchez and the nurse, in times of need.” The improvement of Rotary Club of SFDM and the support of his the healthcare system has always been a top classmates in Medicine (the UST Medicine priority in the Philippines, especially with Class of 1980), the Thomasian Medical Stu- how it responds to natural disasters. dents’ Fraternity, friends, relatives, patients During the recent Nepal earthquake, the and colleagues. Ministry of Health and Population as well as The RP Healthcraft Carrier takes the Mo- WHO were able to quickly respond to the MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim and Dr. bile Surgical Unit (MSU) project even fur- calamity, which greatly reduced the num- Jim Sanchez during the blessing of the ther by establishing a fully-operational mo- ber of casualties. Efforts to prepare Nepal’s RP Healthcraft Carrier. bile hospital. Dr. Sanchez is confident that healthcare system to respond to such emer- with the same support he had received for gencies were already in place for over a de- Mobile Hospital the MSU, and hopefully with even more, cade, highlighting the effectiveness of emer- The RP Healthcraft Carrier is a mobile the RP Healthcraft Carrier can be complet- gency preparedness. The ability to respond ‘hospital on wheels’ that can be quickly ed and will be to the benefit of thousands of with such efficiency will greatly benefit the deployed to serve as a makeshift medical less-privileged Filipinos who are in need of Philippines as natural disasters occur quite facility in times of need. It will be a means medical care. Currently, Dr. Jim Sanchez is frequently in the country. With the impend- to reach out to our underprivileged country- in the process of forming alliances with gov- ing threat of a high magnitude earthquake to men, especially those who reside in remote ernment agencies, private corporations, civic occur in the Philippines within the next 50 areas that have no access to medical care. organizations and other interested individu- years (it could happen this year or the next The RP Healthcraft Carrier will be able to als to garner support for the project. few years), there is a need for an effective both act as an emergency healthcare facil- The estimated cost for the whole project is and sustainable means to provide Filipinos ity in situations such as natural disasters as approximately PHP 70 million (US$ 1.6 mil- with proper medical care in such situations. well as secondary hospital to augment ex- lion). The annual operational cost is approx- This is what the RP Healthcraft Carrier aims isting medical facilities in remote areas. The imately PHP 140 million (US$3,2 million). to achieve. RP Healthcraft Carrier consists of a fleet six (See HEALTHCRAFT, Page 32) HIYAS MAGAZINE 28 NOVEMBER 2019 HOMELAND Martial law museum to rise in UP Diliman The martial law museum to rise within the the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the (of abuse and repression),” Pait said of the University of the Philippines (UP)’s Diliman Philippine International Convention Center, soon to rise seven-story building. campus will be a “brutalist” architectur- that evoked the iron fist power of the dictator. The building will be erected on a spacious, al structure, designed after a clenched fist But the design used to perpetuate the Mar- open but dried landscape, to symbolize the to memorialize the struggles of those who cos’ “edifice complex” will be used this time dire effects of the nine-year martial rule. The clenched-fist facade will bear flower fought against the Marcos dictatorship. to memorialize the victims of the dictator’s patterns of the ikat, patadyong, Moro and The design, called “Fall of Brutal,” by a brutal rule, Pait said. T’boli textiles to illustrate the “beauty of group of freelance architects, was chosen by “Since these edifices purportedly show their democracy unfolding” like a flower after human rights bodies as the winning design so-called ‘Golden Years,’ we used the same decades of resistance that culminated in a of the Freedom Memorial Museum, created edifice to remind people of the untold stories peaceful people’s revolt. by a 2013 law – Republic Act 10368 – that provides for reparation and recognition of human rights victims during the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’s regime. The law earmarks a P500-million budget for the museum, pooled from the accrued interests of the P10-billion Marco’ ill-gotten wealth forfeited in favor of the Philippine government. Mark Anthony Pait, Mark Angelo Bonita and Wendell Crispo were P1 million richer after winning the design competition com- missioned by the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission during the awarding ceremony at the National Museum Wednesday night. In an interview, Pait explained that the facade of the museum was inspired by a clenched fist, most apt for a museum to rise within the UP Diliman campus, where the series of demonstrations against the Marcos dictatorship escalated into the First Quarter Storm during the 1970s. The “brutalist” architectural design was patterned after the likewise brutalist style of buildings during the Marcos regime, such as HOMEWORK (From Page 24) those in Metro Manila will have more time to relax after their hellish commutes. Some students will indeed spend more time with family and friends. Those with part-time jobs will have extra hours for work. But over the long run, is it for the best? Critics of the proposed policy say that there is no assurance that students will use their extra free time productively. Many will spend it bent over mobile phones or watching TV, whereas in Finland, they are encouraged to play in nature, play music, do crafts, and oth- er creative work. The policy should be studied further be- cause it may do more harm than good. A trial run might yield useful data, but the potential for injury, even over a short-term experimen- tal period, is great. Our educational system is elitist to begin with—those who can afford private schools receive better education than those in public schools. Without homework, can that gap be ever bridged?

HIYAS MAGAZINE 29 NOVEMBER 2019 TECHNOLOGY

FilipinosCYBERMANIA spend most time on social media in the world: An average of 4 hours and 5 minutes on a ‘typical day’ A recent flagship report on the latest trends in social media revealed that the Philippines is the leading country that spends the most time on social media globally. The latest survey of market research com- pany Global Web Index released mid-August showed that Filipinos spend, engage with or connect to social networks for an average of four hours and five minutes during a “typical day.” This record was hours higher than 44 other countries in the world as the survey found out that digital consumers spend only an av- erage of two hours and 23 minutes per day on social networks and messaging. The Philippines was followed by Brazil with an average of three hours and 45 minutes of social media usage daily. Colombia and Ni- geria were tied at the third spot with three hours and 36 minutes spent on social net- working sites. Argentina also ranked fifth on the list with three hours and 27 minutes of social media usage. The global poll revealed that the Philippines a result. This trend has continued,” it added. hour 15 minutes in some European coun- has been topping the list for seven years now. Global Web Index said that “younger tries,” the report said. Here’s a breakdown of social media usage groups are the most enthusiastic about social “But the effects aren’t down to age alone. of Filipinos (in hours and minutes) since media.” Even among 16-24s, certain markets primar- 2012: Majority of the social media users across ily in Asia and Latin America stand out for 2012 – 2:49 the world are aged between 16 to 24 years their occupation with social media. Particu- 2013 – 3:06 old. larly notable are Argentina (4:17), the Philip- 2014 – 3:25 Of which, 72% said they use social media pines (4:16) and Colombia (4:12),” it added. 2015 - 3:41 while they are watching television. In 2017, special reports from MSNBC and 2016 – 4:07 Bloomberg said that social media, particu- 2017 – 4:00 larly Facebook, helped in handing the chief 2018 – 4:08 executive position to Rodrigo Duterte. The flagship report also found that in the PH average is hours Facebook also took down several pages, first quarter of 2019, the time spent onso- higher than 44 other accounts, groups and Instragam accounts cial media has either decreased or stayed early this year for “coordinating inauthentic the same compared to the 2018 data on the countries in the world behavior. These pages—a combination of majority of the 48 countries they surveyed. authentic and fake accounts that frequently This was similar to the previous survey in the post about local and political news—were third quarter of 2018 when the poll showed “The importance of messaging apps to this linked to a network organized by Nic Gabu- that time spent on social media hit a plateau. demographic is a key reason behind this, as nada, who handled Duterte’s social media The report explained that the decrease in is the centrality of smartphones to their digi- campaign. social media usage could be caused by the tal lives. Additionally, it is important to note The Palace, however, shrugged off criti- “proliferation of digital well-being tools.” that this consumption is simultaneous rather cisms on the suspected links between Dute- “A look at the trended data here suggests than sequential,” the report said. rte and the fake pages, citing that he would that we might be approaching saturation in The marketing firm added that “the internet have won the election even without social social media consumption,” Global Web populations of fast-growth markets tend to be media because “most of his supporters are Index said in its report. younger than most mature markets.” not even online.” “This is likely a result of many internet users “This provides clear context for why the Global Web Index conducted waves of having a better awareness of the time they topline figures for daily time spent on social research from the fourth quarter of 2018 spend looking at screens, as well as the per- media differ so significantly between coun- and the first quarter of 2019. They surveyed ceived negative effects associated with social tries, from a high of 4 hours in the Philip- 278,359 respondents from across 45 coun- media usage, and wanting a digital detox as pines, to much lower figures of around 1 tries. HIYAS MAGAZINE 30 NOVEMBER 2019 TECHNOLOGY Facebook is partnering with RayBan to create AR glasses Facebook has partnered with Luxot- tica, the owner of eyewear brands in- cluding Ray-Ban, Oakley and Coach, to launch a pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses “designed to replace smart- phones” as early as 2023, CNBC reports. Despite Snapchat’s Spectacles smart Apple will unlock glasses not being notably popular your phone if you among consumers, the brand’s par- ent company, Facebook, is still working try to replace battery hard to make such a device successful. While Facebook confirmed last year that it BY CHRISTY AHO was developing its own in-house AR glasses, ny’s plans in order to offer the most compre- CNBC reported this week that it spoke with hensive update on the project to date. Inquirer.net sources familiar with the technology compa- Though neither Snapchat’s Specta- In a move by the long-running tech giant ny’s plans in order to offer the most compre- cles nor Google’s Glass have resonated Apple, iPhone users will now be unable to hensive update on the project to date. with the public, Facebook is not the only replace their batteries themselves or using While Facebook confirmed last year that it company working to develop the tech- third-party vendors. The recent movie, set in was developing its own in-house AR glasses, nology. Apple is reportedly working on the backdrop of plummeting iPhone sales, is CNBC reported this week that it spoke with its own version of AR-powered glasses, set to prohibit iPhone users from seeking any sources familiar with the technology compa- which is expected to launch next year. kind of service anywhere other than the Ap- ple store itself. With iPhone receiving massive competition Microsoft inviting people from android phones such as the recently re- leased galaxy note 10, Apple is seeking all avenues to combat and retain revenue from to try Project xCloud within. Microsoft is starting to invite players to test This is in lieu of hopefully an unveiling of a out its Project xCloud game streaming ser- bigger screen size iPhone 11r to the smart- vice. It said last month it would open up a phone market this fall. public preview of the platform in October, Even with the iPhone upgrade program to allowing players to stream games to their An- the iOS 13, the smartphone market is still droid devices. Now, it’s starting to send out flooded with phones that have a lot to offer. invitations to those eager to try it, with Halo The iPhone is expected to have better wi- 5: Guardians, Gears 5, Killer Instinct and Sea fi connectivity while still lacking the head- of Thieves available to play. phone jack. When Microsoft announced the public pre- All in all, Apple is still trailing behind other view, it said players in the US, UK and South gadget companies in terms of what it has to Korea would be able to try it out. It’s gradu- offer its clients. ally opening up access to people who signed In recent times, the name and brand alone up for the trial, Xbox chief Phil Spencer said, “Killer Instinct” for testing purposes. have fallen short of reviving the giant to its so don›t be too alarmed if you don›t receive The technology is to use a Microsoft Game former position and perhaps this might ex- an invitation right away. Streaming app, which will be released for plain this desperate attempt at retaining loy- It›s worth noting the preview doesn›t allow Android devices running Android 6.0 and up alty. you to stream games from your own Xbox in conjunction with Bluetooth 4.0. The battery life of iPhone’s has never been to Android -- the trial is currently for cloud- Participants will also need a Microsoft ac- one to be debated. Even with upgrades and based gaming. count and a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One newer models, tech enthusiasts have always The project’s corporate vice president, Ka- Wireless Controller. pointed to the fact that Apple fails at pro- reem Choudhry, explained in a news up- Project xCloud itself transmits over Wi-Fi viding fans with a stable battery for an ever date that he had been using xCloud to play and mobile data networks. running iOS. As such, it is only clear that the multiplayer pirate jaunt “Sea of Thieves” Would-be participants based in the U.S. first hardware on an iPhone to break down or from home, with his kids joining in on con- and U.K. can sign up at xbox.com/xbox- need repair would be the battery. sole and PC, while office staff had been game-streaming and those in Korea can reg- Any iPhone that has been used for more playing “Halo 5: Guardians” and “Gears ister at xcloud.t-event.co.kr, hosted in con- than two years will have required a battery 5” on smartphone and tablet devices. junction with local partner SK Telecom. servicing in at least once during that time pe- Microsoft’s Project xCloud will therefore riod says a recent review. The technical preview is to take the form of be entering a controlled public beta just Apple offers a one-year warranty program a phased test, with participant numbers lim- a few weeks before Google launches its for any damaged battery at $29. Which ited at first but gradually expanding. own Stadia service, designed for use with sounds like a great deal. However, most of “Sea of Thieves” and shooters “Halo 5: smartphones and tablets, compatible smart Guardians” and “Gears 5” will initially be televisions, and the Google Chrome web (See iPHONE, Page 32) joined by reaction-sensitive fighting game browser on laptop and desktop computers. HIYAS MAGAZINE 31 NOVEMBER 2019 hone XS Max. iPHONE Take note that these changes are available BATANES (From Page 31) on the Apple website. (From Page 27) Turning off your software is a blow that will the huge swath of corrals as we enjoyed our the battery health problems begin a year after definitely get you running to the Genius bar purchase making it just a great deal for the lunch. to get tech support on the matter. The trip back to Basco was no less bumpy; Genius bar but not for the users as such. While your phone won’t shut down, the The battery will be present but show the we had to move from our seats for cover pop-up message will be so persistent at some from splashing waves. I caught glimpses check battery pop up. On settings, the mes- point you will give in and just change it. sage displayed will be “unable to verify this of flying fish darting like birds–a common What this means will be the full $69 for the sight and local staple (in fact, we had it for iPhone has a genuine Apple battery. Health purchase of an Apple verified battery at the information is not available for this battery“. breakfast that morning). Apple store. We made our way back safely and trans- This message will pop up whether or not The pop-up, however, is no bother unless the battery is genuine. ferred to a hotel located in the heart of the you are a keen ardent Joe on the small details town (the seaside hotel was only avail- This means that even if you got your re- such as battery life, optimal performance, placement from an actually verified vendor, able to us for one night). We lost our sea and the likes. view but gained access to local shops and the health information will still not be avail- If you recently got a replacement however able. restaurants. We enjoyed strolling around the and fail to see your battery health, you will church and exploring the town plaza, shop- This feature, apparently embedded in all most definitely be scared straight into an Ap- iPhone, was only recently brought to light ping for souvenirs and a good restaurant to ple shop. get dinner that evening. by tech repair Justin from the Art of Repair’s What Apple has managed to do with this YouTube Channel read. Day Three: Mahatao, Uyugan and Ivana witch hunt of sorts is to reduce clients’ trust We started our third-day tour in the This was also reported by iFixit. in dealers. All this uproar has caused such a buzz that morning driving around the Southern scenic You cannot trust hardware that will have coastline of Batan, on a narrow, winding, Apple recently released a press statement on your device crashing the next day. the same. two-lane street all the way to our tour desti- While the plan may have been to raise bat- nations. In Batanes, drivers are encouraged In the original manufacturing process, Ap- tery sales, the end product has been panic ple embedded software in the li-ion batteries to honk with “Honk UR Horn” signs posted and fear. at every blind curve on steep, winding, two- right from the factory. More and more people are now acutely This means that at all times, Apple does lane roads for good measure. aware that they are one phone replacement Our first stop was at the Chawa view point have access to your battery health and in es- away from an entire shut down of software. sence your software. where a long concrete staircase hugs the Take note that this is not the first time Ap- cliff below, leading us a long way down This is however only available to the iP- ple has benefited from controversial errors, hones made after the upgrade to iPhone iOS to corrals and tide pools exposed by the remember the error 53 from years ago? Well, morning low tide. We marveled at tiny 12.1in October 2018. the true motivation for this course of action Therefore, it affects iPhone XR, XS, and iP- black fish squirming among seaweeds in the by Apple is only truly known by them. crystal-clear turquoise water at our feet, and took in the stunning ocean view and the As I have said before, we cannot solve the cliff towering before us in living color. whole healthcare problem of the country A few feet further down is a stretch of pure HEALTHCRAFT(From Page 28) but we can help reduce it significantly by white sand beach with a huge rock sitting at The annual operational cost will be shoul- training more specialists, putting up more its far end. The water was calm and nearly dered by donations from private corporations hospitals, increasing the salaries of medical deserted except for a handful of fishermen. in the Philippines as part of their Corporate specialists, focusing on prevention and not We also took a quick look at a walled-in just on treatment. There are many more ways Social Responsibility (CSR); commercial port where fishing boats can take refuge sponsors, who will broadcast its activities to do it but a more comprehensive, coordi- nated and more systematic approach by the from the strong typhoons that frequent through tri-media; PhilHealth Insurance Batanes. reimbursements and training program fees government and the private sector is needed. (for doctors, nurses, and other paramedical We (I and the many strong advocates of the We then took off to the next town of courses); research grants and tax and deduct- RP Healthcraft Carrier or the Hospital on Ivana, slowing down just enough to take a ible donations from the USA. Wheels project) have already answered the; snapshot of the oldest working Spanish-style Dr. Jim’s Message of Conviction why, what, where & how of the project. We stone bridge in Batanes. The quality of health care delivery in many will be putting up the prototype of the proj- Our next stop was Vajay ni Dakay (house areas of the Philippines especially in remote ect for us to see and if needed, improve it. of Dakay), one of the most photographed Only then we decide to multiply it to serve regions is sorely lacking despite our govern- Ivatan houses in Batanes, occupied by gen- ment’s best efforts due to limited resources. the two other main islands (Visayas and Min- danao) or soon provide one for every region erations of the same family that has owned According to the Philippine College of Sur- it for centuries. We peeked inside the living, geons, there are at least two (2) million un- of our country. With all the systems in place, met surgeries in the Philippines last year. In the HOW will be able to provide quality dining and kitchen areas in the compact other words, at least 2 million Filipinos who medical service to thousands and soon to room with souvenirs for sale in a corner. needed surgical operation did not undergo millions of indigent patients (the treatment Not far is Honesty Café where you can the procedure due to any of the following will be therapeutic rather than symptomatic) buy local delicacies and handicrafts, paying reasons; poverty, lack of surgeons, anes- and supervised or hands on training to med- at the unmanned counter before leaving. thesiologists and adequate surgical facility. ical students, interns, residents and fellows Honesty is still the best policy in this neck and other health professionals. Patients who avail of government hospital of the woods. services have to pay for; the laboratory and The purpose of mobile hospitals is to bring the healthcare to the people instead of peo- At the town’s edge is Ivana’s busy port diagnostic procedures, surgical supplies, now getting a major expansion of its sea anesthetic gas/medicines/supplies, pre-op- ple going to hospitals. The hospitals will go erative and post-operative medicine, intra- to the patient, and that’s my purpose – to help walls. It is the island’s major hub for boats venous fluids, blood, transportation, food for the government reduce the load of patients. taking travelers to and from the neighboring the watcher and etc. “Together, we can save lives.” (See BATANES, Page 34) HIYAS MAGAZINE 32 NOVEMBER 2019 FOOD Pakbet: Ilocos’ comfort food made crunchy By Agnes Aquino Lafee 2 cup bagnet diced (lechon kawali or well- browned pork belly will do too) Ilocanos proudly call it their own, the 1 onion thinly sliced comfort food of northern Luzon. Pakbet or 3 tomatoes diced pinakbet means shrunk of shriveled. It is 4 cloves garlic minced the way the variety of vegetables is stewed. 1 thumb-sized piece gingerchopped Shrimp paste (bagoong or alamang) is added 2 tablespoons shrimp paste for flavor. freshly cracked black pepper This dish brings back joyful childhood pinch sugar for balance memories for San Diego resident Anton 6 okra diced Versoza. His paternal grandparents, Goyo 1 cup sitaw (yard-long beans) cut into two- and Teling Versoza, owned the Palza Hotel inch-lengths at the end of Session Road in Baguio City. 2 eggplants diced Growing up there, he recalls, “as children, 1 to 2 cups squash diced my cousins and I used to chase each other 1 and 1/2 to 2 cups bone broth around the block then go biking in Burnham Instructions: Park.” 1) Fry 1/2 kilo lechon kawali or bagnet If he had roots in the summer capital of the until crispy. 4) Let it cook for 3 minutes then add the Philippines, he also had strong connections Put in a strainer to remove excess oil. eggplant, ampalaya first then the rest of the to the nation’s capital. His maternal grand- 2) Heat oil in a shallow frying pan and vegetables. parents Cirilo and Fely Custodio owned sauté garlic, onions, ginger and tomatoes. 5) Cover and simmer a few minutes. Gar- and operated the popular American-style 3) Add the shrimp paste or bagoong ala- nish with the lechon kawali or bagnet. eatery Brown Derby. It was celebrated for mang and the squash. Eat good. Live well. its foot-long hotdog in a hot crispy bun with its special extra tart mustard sauce. This was Manila society’s postwar after-party hang out place in the 1950s. FILIPINO Anton’s relationship with the food industry continued when their family migrated to PICADILLO California. After finishing college in San Francisco, he married Cecile Liwag and INGREDIENTS 2 cups uncooked white rice lived in Danville and San Ramon before 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided settling in Southern California. 2 ½ cups yellow potatoes, peeled and diced It was in El Cajon, San Diego that they into bite sized pieces (one pound) brought a Country Waffles franchise and 2 cups carrots, peeled and cut into ½ inch ran it for 20 years with his mother Brenda dice Custodio-Versoza. 1½ cups onion, diced Although American food was his liveli- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced 1 pound 80/20 ground beef Fry this for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. hood, Anton was known among friends and They should start to brown and be just shy of family for his pakbet recipe. ½ pound ground pork 1 tablespoon tomato paste tender. Remove these to a bowl with a slot- Pakbet has evolved through the years with ½ pound fresh plum or San Marzano toma- ted spoon but leave oil in pan. many contributions from different regions. toes, seeded, corded and diced (alternatively, Add remaining tablespoon of oil and onion The Tagalogs added squash (kalabasa) and you could use a 15-ounce can of diced to- and sauté for three minutes. the Bicolanos put gata (coconut milk) in matoes with liquid) Add garlic and sauté for one minute. their version. Those allergic to shrimp paste ½ teaspoon kosher salt Add the ground beef and ground pork ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper use shredded tuyo (dried salted fish). and sauté for about eight minutes or until In its latest mutation fusion food, there is ½ cup raisins 1 tablespoon fish sauce browned. now a pakbet pizza! The vegetables with Make a hole in the center and add tomato the shrimp paste is laid over marinara sauce 3 tablespoons good quality soy sauce 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste paste and stir that for one minute. and mozzarella cheese on a pizza dough 1 cup water Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, raisins, fish then baked to perfection. A revolutionary 1 cup frozen peas, thawed sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, water and fusion food for the bold. Fried egg for each serving reserved cooked potato and carrot mixture. Anton’s version remains close to the Tabasco sauce, served as a condiment Reduce heat to medium and simmer until original but he adds bagnet to his dish.. The Savory Fried Plantains most of the liquid has evaporated. crisp pork belly, another Ilocano favorite, INSTRUCTIONS Add peas, stir and remove from heat. adds texture to the tender vegetables. It is Begin cooking rice by adding twice as In a fry pan, fry enough sunny side or over the added crunchiness that makes it an all- much water as rice to a pan or rice pot. Cook easy eggs as needed for each dinner guest. time favorite among his guests. rice while preparing the dish. Serve by placing cooked white rice in a In a large skillet or sauté pan, over medium serving bowl, top with the Picadillo then top Ilocano Pakbet with Bagnet to medium high heat, place 2 tablespoons of Ingredients with one fried egg on top of each portion. olive oil and once shimmering, add potato Serve with Tabasco on the side along with 2 tablespoons cooking oil and carrots. Savory Fried Plantains.

HIYAS MAGAZINE 33 NOVEMBER 2019 BATANES (From Page 32) islands. We reached the town of Uyugan where housing gets sparse and the landscape changes to greenery as far as your eyes can see, down to the rock-framed sea. Along the way, we drove by the ruins of Sitio Songsong, a ghost village devastated by a tidal wave in the ‘50s and abandoned, although some houses have been restored Manobo Lady Philippine Eagle and rehabbed. Miles of forest and iridescent hills that slope down into the ocean below provided Chavayan chapel (Photo by Omar Paz) us plenty of postcard-worthy moments. Our ARTIST(From Page 9) van entered a metal gate to cow-herding PAL flies daily from Manila to Basco and also able to get jobs from other established territory referred to as Marlboro Country for back; and JetAir flies thrice weekly. Regular publishing houses. “From this augmented obvious reasons. plane roundtrip tickets cost anywhere from income, I was then able to help my siblings We had our scheduled lunch atop a hill $200 to $350. Look for promotions to get financially in their studies,” she explained. overlooking the ocean and Mt. Iraya at a cheaper deals on flights and tour packages. Later, it dawned on her that the Visual Com- distance. After a satisfying lunch under a The average hotel costs from $45 to $100/ munications major she was studying was no grass shack, we headed to our final stop, night. You can get around Basco town longer relevant to what she was doing and, the southern hexagonal-shaped lighthouse proper by tricycles for less than $2. Pack- instead, she focused more on her job as a (Batanes has three to four lighthouses of aged tours (tour guide, van, boat fee and book illustrator. more recent vintage except for the small meal included) can be arranged through But when she migrated to America in 2004, Spanish-era tower sitting next to the Maha- the hotels. Or you can save a lot, as we did, she hardly had time for her painting as she tao church). by just renting a van for $70/day. Hire your was so busy in her job as a caregiver. It was We were soon back in Basco, and after own freelance tour guide (referred to you by only in 2010 that the old lady she was work- a short stop in our hotel, we called for a a friend or from the internet) for $45/day. ing with allowed her to paint on the con- tricycle Uber-style (tricycles rarely drive by The boat ride to Sabtang is $3 each way. dition that she could only do that after her in Batanes) to take us to the beach at the You can spend $7 to $12 for lunch at desig- work was done. Marine Sanctuary, near the town’s edge. We nated stops on the tours. Given that window of opportunity, she dis- soaked in the serenity of this haven called (Omar Paz, a San Francisco Bay Area ciplined herself, and from then until now her Batanes one last time, savoring every bit of graphic designer and former art director at discipline has enabled her to average a hun- a glorious vacation that was coming to an Filipinas Magazine, is happiest when travel- dred portraits or still life paintings annually. end. But I heard Itbatan Island in the north ing in the Philippines which never ceases to “Even in my younger years, I held this tena- already calling for our return. amaze him with new discoveries and places cious belief: ‘Ang buhay ng portrait ay nasa How To Get There to visit.) mata’ (the life of a portrait is in the eyes),” the artist explained with conviction. Yes, Network central to her portraits is the way she is able Best Original Program by a Streamer/OTT to breathe life into the eyes of her subjects NADINE “Batang Poz” by ABS-CBN/ iWant (From Page 10) – it’s no wonder those eyes do “speak” in Best Original Screenplay enigmatic ways. tains” by FYT Media – LYF Irene Villamor – “Ulan” by HOOQ “In my college days, I was influenced by Best Infotainment Program Best Promo or Trailer “Love You Two” Trailer by GMA Network the National Artist Jose Joya’s “single stroke.” “One at Heart with Jessica Soho: Iceland” by GMA Network Best Short Form Content I was so fascinated by it, but unbeknownst to “Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes” by HOOQ me, I realized later in life that this painting Best Lifestyle Program “Drew Hits the Road: Sustainable Tourism Best Single Drama or Telemovie technique was already inherent in my brand in Siargao” by GMA Network “Maalaala Mo Kaya – Human Trafficking of painting – thus probably the resonance”. Best Lifestyle, Entertainment Presenter/ Teacher” by ABS-CBN Bernadette plans to quit working very soon Host Best Single News Story/Report and up the ante of her career by continuing Drew Arellano – “Drew Hits the Road: “GMA News: Microplastics in Tahong to do more exhibits here in America or in the Cagayan” by GMA Network (Green Mussels)” by GMA Network Philippines. Best Music or Dance Program Best Cinematography Neil Daza – “Ulan” by HOOQ Yes, we might have all the talent in the “Studio 7 Musikalye” by GMA Network Best News or Current Affairs Presenter/ Best Sound world, but without determination and hard “Ulan” by HOOQ work to pursue our goals we won’t get very Anchor Cathy Yang for “Market Edge” by ANC Best Theme Song or Title Theme far. (ABS-CBN News Channel) / Sarimanok “Barangay 143 – Liga ng Buhay” by Thyro, (Vics Magsaysay, Ph.D., is a Los Ange- News Network Yumi & Shehyee for Synergy88 Entertain- les-based writer, fine art nature photogra- Best News Program ment pher, painter, sculptor, graphic designer, “24 Hours: Mid-term Elections Coverage” Best Visual or Special FX in TV Series or “makata” (Pilipino poet) and an alternative by GMA Network Feature Film healer. He also holds a doctorate degree in Best Non-Scripted Entertainment “Mystified” by Sanggre Productions for iflix clinical hypnotherapy. ) “Starstruck First Elimination” by GMA

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NADINE LUSTRE Best Actress winner plus: ‘YELLOW ROSE’ Sony Pictures to release Fil-Am film in US

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