Volume XXXVIII No. 4 April 2020 Montreal, QC www.filipinostar.org COVID-19 Canada: First 'virtual parliament' brings accountability with a few technical headaches Ryan Tumilty, April 29, 2020 National Post OTTAWA — Canada’s first “virtual parliament” brought MPs together Tuesday over Zoom with technological challenges from muted microphones, translation issues and slow internet. Health Minister Patty Hajdu was the first to speak but, like a tree falling in the forest with no one around, there was no initial sound. The mute button had felled its first victim. She was not the last to have a mute button misfire with several MPs from all parties making the same mistake, including the prime minister. There were also issues with simultaneous translation that lead to several stoppages of the nearly two- hour question and answer session. But the session did allow MPs to question government ministers on a range of files, from personal protective equipment orders, to help for international students, to concerns about meat processing plants shutting down. Without any heckling, the Speaker also never had to stop the proceedings to bring the Commons to order. Conservative leader Andrew Scheer dialed into the conference from Canadian Members of Parliament, displayed on a computer monitor, attend the first virtual meeting of the special committee on the COVID-19 pandemic, as efforts continue to slow the spread of the See Page 4 First Virtual Parliament coronavirus disease (COVID-19), on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada April 28, 2020. Blair Gable / Reuters Military deployed to care homes in Quebec to help

curMbONTRsEApL --rMeembaersdof thoe fwe hCaveOto uVse aIloDt mo-r1e ca9 re,” said Canadian Armed Forces are now Corporal Mathieu Bergeron, a medical working in Quebec’s long-term care technician in the Canadian Armed facilities where the COVID-19 infection Forces. rate in homes is hovering around 75 Nurses and support staff have per cent. been deployed along with the Military personnel were in technicians from Val Cartier, and Laval, Que Monday bringing medical inside the facility, the only uniform supplies and much needed help at the they’ll be wearing is scrubs. Villa Val des Arbres long-term care The Armed Services staff will Canadian Forces personnel arrive at the Villa Val des Arbes seniors home. residence, Monday April 20, 2020 in Laval, Que.THE CANADIAN “They’re much older, much See Page 4 Military deployed PRESS/Ryan Remiorz more fragile than younger people, so www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star might regret. this pandemic has led us to discover From the 4. Manage stress. Try to new ways of doing things, and have change situations causing you stress. led some people to innovate and to be Executive Publisher’s Desk Learn relaxation methods to cope with creative in overcoming boredom and stress. These could include deep isolation. It has also led to the breathing, meditation, and exercise. renaissance of home baking because 5. Strive for balance. Find a people have more time in their hands. healthy balance between work and play Social media is more popular now than Coping with and between activity and rest. Make ever as it is one of the ways to get in time for things you enjoy. Focus on touch with others. The virtual world has mental health positive things in your life. come alive. In fact we have just had 6. Take care of your physical our first virtual parliament in history this health. Your physical health can affect week notwithstanding the technical issues amidst your emotional health. Exercise problems which are part of anything regularly, eat healthy meals, and get new. the global enough sleep. Don’t abuse drugs or Even If we have to fret and alcohol. sigh, we must be aware that facing the pandemic 7. Connect with others. We are challenges of this pandemic helps us social creatures. We need positive become better human beings. Let us connections with other people. Make a try to take it in stride as we must Zenaida Kharroubi lunch date, join a group, and say hi to maintain our mental health first before strangers. we can go forward. We must believe During normal times, it is ever predicted. How do we find the 8. Find purpose and meaning. that nothing is impossible and never common knowledge that there are balance between the two pressures of Figure out what is important to you in give up in fighting an invisible enemy. some people who suffer from economic insecurities and emotional life, and focus on that. This could be With the immense scientific knowledge depression. We are also aware of the breakdowns? your work, your family, volunteering, that has kept humanity alive on this fact that there are many groups of There are numerous caregiving, or something else. Spend planet, there is no reason to think that people who are in a very precarious recommendations on achieving good your time doing what feels meaningful we cannot conquer this virus like others situation which is aggravated by the mental health. Learning how you react to you. in the past. global pandemic, namely, people who to situations that you have no control 9. Stay positive. Focus on the are supposed to have surgeries but are over may give you a better chance of good things in your life. Forgive postponed because priority is given to surviving this global pandemic and yourself for making mistakes, and Allison Hanes: Quebec is Covid 19 patients in intensive care. managing the stress associated with forgive others. Spend time with healthy, now paying the price for refugees in detention centers, prison the fear and anxiety that are normal positive people. undervaluing caregivers inmates who are being infected in responses to this crisis. Moreover According to this website, Allison Hanes • Montreal Gazette close quarters, new immigrants, even under normal conditons, no one there are other things to consider Publishing date:April 16, 2020 temporary permit holders who are can avoid stress and must learn how to regarding mental health. People who Quebecers, including those in losing their jobs as businesses are take control of it in order to avoid have good emotional health can still high office, have suddenly come to closed. Government response getting sick as stress is considered to have emotional problems or mental realize the crucial importance of the programs simply do not cover the be a precursor to more serious illness. Mental illness often has a unheralded grunt work involved in needs of everyone and somehow there diseases. physical cause. This could be a caring for frail seniors, a job usually will be people who are going to fall into Everyone in the healthcare chemical imbalance in the brain. Stress left to the lowliest and lowest-paid the cracks as they will not get any help field has been trained to react to stress and problems with family, work, or caregivers in the health system. they so badly need. in a calm way in order to do his or her school can trigger mental illness or Those who change adult The news about a New York job well. Even though doctors and make it worse. diapers, wipe chins, give sponge baths City emergency doctor who took her nurses are known to succumb to the Counseling, support groups, to the bedridden and coax spoonfuls of own life due to the work pressures she pressure of dealing with so many sick and medicines can help people who purée into reluctant mouths are in such was suffering from is just an example patients at the same time with limited have emotional problems or mental short supply due to COVID-19 that how much damage this pandemic has resources. they are also able to illness. If you have an ongoing Quebec’s long-term care homes are in caused and revealed that the bounce back because they know that emotional problem, talk to your family need of what Health Minister Danielle healthcare system in general is not they have chosen this profession to doctor. He or she can help you find the McCann called “a humanitarian prepared to deal with a global save people’s lives as their noble right type of treatment. mission.” pandemic of this magnitude. This also mission in life. In other words, having In addition to these guidelines, Some 2,000 staff from public shows the great importance of finding a goal or purpose in life, as well as a it is also a good idea to take a break or and private seniors’ residences across ways to cope with the mental and dream can sustain a person’s hope to limit your exposure to bad news and the province are missing in action, emotional issues facing everyone, and and believe that this crisis will pass in try to switch to other news that can either because they’ve contracted to a greater degree, our front line due time. An optimistic person can make you laugh or be entertained. COVID-19, are in isolation after workers who seem to bear the greatest look at it like a wheel of fortune - when In view of what has been exposure or are simply too frightened burden because they have to take care it is down, the only other way is for it to happening and what may happen in to show up for work. The dire lack of of the sick and worry about their own go up. the future, we can say that there are personnel to carry out basic tasks and families’ welfare. Compounding the In order to keep one’s always two sides to any story, to any maintain the dignity of patients has stress among healthcare workers is the optimism, it is important to have event, and that if we are by nature forced the government to take fact that our healthcare system is far emotional health during this stressful optimistic, we will focus on the positive desperate measures. from perfect and that shortages of period of our life. This helps us develop side rather than the negative. After all, Premier François Legault on proper equipment to protect them have the ability to deal with the physical become acute. They have also, dangers of the virus. There are many ironically, become both heroes and books written about the subject but we victims of the crisis. We have known have chosen to quote practical tips that cases where healthcare workers are are easy to follow and undersand from praised but also shunned because a website called family doctor. org: people are afraid of being 1. Be aware of your emotions and reactions. Notice what in your life contaiminated. 7159 ch. de la Cote des Neiges Tel.: 514-485-7861/ 514-506-8753 It is often said that mental makes you sad, frustrated, or angry. Montreal, Quebec H3R 2M2 E-Mail: [email protected] problems are harder to solve than any Try to address or change those things. www.filipinostar.org Published by: Filcan Publications, Inc .. physical ailment. For this reason, 2. Express your feelings in many studies have been done to find appropriate ways. Let people close to Zenaida F. Kharroubi ways of helping people with any you know when something is Fely Rosales Carino Chief Editor W.G. Quiambao mental issue to learn how to seek help bothering you. Keeping feelings of Society News Publisher - North .American Tagalog Columnist and not feel stigmatized. However, sadness or anger inside adds to stress. Filipino Star It can cause problems in your April 1998-present during this time, everyone is bound to Bert Abiera Sam Kevin suffer from the effects of worrying relationships and at work or school. Founder-Publisher, Filipino Show Biz News & Layout Editor about the future. What happens after 3. Think before you act. Star Nov. 1982- Nov. 97 this lockdown is anyone’s guess as Emotions can be powerful. Give yourself time to think, and be calm The opinions expressed by the writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect there is no definite answer. We are all that of the management of the North American Filipino Star nor its editors. facing an uncertainty that no one has before you say or do something you April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 3 wearing of masks. The reality is that most people likely do not want to share public transit vehicles with unmasked Masks are mandatory now to ride persons whom they may perceive as likely to spread the virus." public transit in most of the world’s Accordingly, Rotrand is calling for a national safety standard that could be proposed to the provinces and transporters to bolster public lRoatrarndgQueesstionts LcackiOtf ies. Why not in Canada? confidence and rebuild ridership. Clear Direction On Wearing These measures should Face Masks City Councillor Marvin Rotrand include: an obligatory use of masks to has undertaken a comparative study of ride transit for the foreseeable future major world transit systems, looking at a federal fund to allow transporters to elements such as ridership, funding and distribute masks for free to riders and to changes to policies in the wake of the offer abundant hand sanitizer Covid-19 pandemic. a uniform cleaning standard outlining Recent figures from across how often and by what means transit North America show a 50 to 90% drop in vehicles are cleaned transit ridership with accompanying Rotrand notes that both revenue losses for transporters. As the Theresa Tam and Horacio Arruda economy gradually reopens and in the recommend that transit riders wear eventual return to normalcy, masks. transporters' biggest challenge will be to However to date, despite Italian authorities are making the use of face masks mandatory on growing world wide legislation obliging win back public confidence that transit public transport and in stores as they gradually loosen lockdown mask use in transit, none of the is safe. measures, starting next Monday. Here's where and when you have to put provinces or major transporters in Rotrand anticipates changes to on a mask. (Paywall Free) work habits where, at least in the short Canada have adopted a law or directive term, more workers will accomplish at Masks are now compulsory in Hundreds of smaller cities also to make mask use mandatory. least part of each week's work schedule most cities that have large transporters have adopted this strategy as key to In Montreal Mayor Valerie at home and online. As well, the move such as: maintaining and rebuilding transit Plante favours keeping mask use to increased on-line shopping will Mexico City, ridership. voluntary. Rotrand says that sends a depress transit ridership. Singapore, "Cities from New York to Berlin very mixed message that may well keep However, the Councillor San Francisco, to Dubai have quickly moved to make riders away. believes that the key factor that Shanghai, mask wearing mandatory during the Rotrand - who last week asked operators will have to address is fear. Buenos Aires, COVID-19 crisis to protect public health for urgent federal funding to stabilize Rotrand's study shows that Taipei, and to bolster public confidence about transit - notes that as of April 20 Canada most major public transporters world- Tel Aviv, continuing to use transit. That's not the already obliges air travellers to wear wide have by now made the wearing of Honolulu, case in Canada where many cities masks. masks in buses and trains mandatory. Istanbul... recommend but don't oblige the

extra four-per-cent boost in salary for It’s especially insulting for those left seniors’ residences dangerously minimum-wage-earning préposés aux nursing home employees who were unprepared as the pandemic swept the bénéficiaires and an eight-per-cent thrust into what turned out to be the province. And it is now belatedly premium for front-line nurses. But after epicentre of the pandemic without recognizing that the exhausting, back- underestimating the devastation COVID- always having access to the personal breaking labour of caregiving is the 19 would unleash on long-term care protective equipment, training and crumbling foundation on which the homes, Quebec is sending in the most safety gear deployed to hospitals. entire eldercare system is built. highly paid professionals in the health According to their union, two caregivers If the true measure of any system as reinforcement. from the Mauricie region are now society is reflected in how it cares for its There’s no doubt this is an all- hospitalized in intensive care after most vulnerable members, Quebec’s hands-on-deck moment and that contracting COVID-19. missteps in protecting seniors from anyone and everyone with training is Sending in the cavalry is too COVID-19 have been especially needed to respond to the pandemic — little, too late. If only we’d invested heartbreaking. But how we have treated particularly to look after seniors in proactively over the years in those who do the difficult work of caring residences who have been preyed upon underfunded CHSLDs or in the nurses for our sickest and weakest is just as and caregivers who provide this troubling. A worker pauses from wiping down by this brutal disease. furniture at Résidence Herron in Dorval We don’t have to look far to see essential work, perhaps the pandemic’s on Wednesday. JOHN MAHONEY / what happens when there’s not enough grim toll on the aged might have been Montreal Gazette staff on hand. As the Montreal Gazette lessened. Wednesday appealed to doctors — first revealed, public health authorities As it stands, Quebec is surgeons, specialists and general who took over the privately run belatedly coming to terms with the fact it practitioners alike — to roll up their Résidence Herron in Dorval found sleeves and lend a hand in Quebec’s patients unfed, dehydrated and stewing beleaguered CHSLDs. He had already in their own feces and urine. A doctor issued a call to arms urging retired who arrived on scene ended up calling health professionals, nursing her own husband and teenage children professors, social workers and dentists to come feed hungry seniors, La Presse to join the fight. reported. He’s now asking physicians to This may be an extreme case, help bathe, clothe and feed the non- but there are 41 seniors’ homes in autonomous elderly, take temperatures, Quebec where the situation has been monitor blood pressure, dispense deemed critical. medications — perhaps even hold the There is something bitterly hands of the dying or place final phone ironic about drafting doctors — an calls to family members to allow them to expensive solution to a problem largely say goodbye to parents and born of underpaying, undervaluing and grandparents who have been in exploiting the unsung caregivers who lockdown for a month. do arduous physical and emotional In other words, he wants them labour most of us are unwilling to sign to take on the humble work of up for. caregivers. For this “humanitarian It’s a slap in the face to those mission,” Legault is ready to pay who have suffered through long shifts, specialists up to $211 an hour or a mandatory overtime, understaffing, maximum of $2,500 a day. overwork and abysmal morale toiling Yes, you heard that right. away in Quebec’s CHSLDs for years on Quebec could only come up with an end.

www.filipinostar.org 4 The North American Filipino Star April 2020 Industry Minister Navdeep Conservative MP Kyle Commons Clerk, Charles Robert, said From Page 1 First Virtual Parliament Bains caught people’s attention with a Seeback said on Twitter he couldn’t he wasn’t sure all MPs would be able his House of Commons office, striking painting of men in colourful connect to the meeting because of his to participate. He said at the time the complete with a Canadian flag and the turbans on his wall. He later explained internet connection speed and Zoom platform that the House was Saskatchewan Roughriders on Twitter that it was the work of Conservative MP Alain Rayes said he using would likely not be able to merchandise key to the decor of any Benjamin Charles Ellis, an artist from was unable to connect to the meeting handle much more than 60 MPs. MP from the province. Peterborough, Ont. for ten minutes because his internet But the House of Commons Scheer used his first question Alberta Conservative MP service failed, despite being in a staff managed to overcome the to focus on testing kits, with several Shannon Stubbs was in her kitchen government building in Ottawa. technical problems, because 280 MPs companies waiting for approval from when she asked questions about help Liberal Cabinet Minister were ultimately on the call Tuesday. Health Canada, he asked why the for the province’s oil industry — with a Seamus O’Regan seemed to also be There have been security and privacy government wasn’t doing more. fridge covered in family pictures at the struggling with connection issues, concerns with Zoom, but the House is “The latest information is that edge of the shot. because his video was low quality and using a commercial version of the up to 50 companies are waiting for In a moment parents across audio strained when he answered platform and there were no incidents of Health Canada approvals, so can the the country will sympathize with, Green questions. people forcing their way into the prime minister explain why Health MP Jenica Atwin warned the The virtual sittings were meeting. Canada has, to this point, been unable committee they might hear a crying approved last week during a special At committee last week, to implement a fast track process?” child in the background as she asked sitting of the House of Commons, as a Speaker Anthony Rota said he would We did have a few glitches, her questions. means to provide government impose the rules of decorum that but nobody is perfect and we are The virtual parliament did accountability to Parliament while House of Commons has for the virtual working on perfection leave some people on the sidelines limiting how often parliamentarians session and warned MPs to respect Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, however. would have to attend the House of parliament’s dress code even if they appearing apparently from his Rideau Saskatchewan MP Cathay Commons in person. were in their living rooms. They all did. Cottage office framed by a bookcase Wagantall said despite the hard work The meetings are technically a During Tuesday’s meeting he and a painting of the northern lights of House of Commons staff she was new committee, but unlike other cautioned them not to take photos of behind him, said Canada couldn’t unable to connect to the meeting. She parliamentary committees all members their screens respecting the rules that afford test kits that did not work said everything worked on the trial run of the House are members. Tuesday prevent photos from being taken on perfectly. the House held on Monday, but was the first virtual sitting, with an in the House of Commons’ floor and in “We have seen around the Tuesday she couldn’t connect and had person sitting scheduled for committee rooms. world problems with test kits that have to watch the proceedings through the Wednesday. Rota ended the session by been faulty or unreliable,” he said. online webcast system. No legislation can pass during thanking technical staff and saying he “Health Canada is prioritizing and I am watching through ParlVu the virtual sittings, but as set up they hoped the system would only improve. rapidly going through a process of and not connected. It’s very will give the same amount of time for “We did have a few glitches, evaluating these tests, but we can’t disappointing.” questioning ministers that MPs but nobody is perfect and we are compromise, not just the safety of She said the virtual parliament normally get from Question Period working on perfection.” individual Canadians, but the safety of worked OK, but there was still a lot over a full week. Starting next week, there will our entire country.” missing and she believed in person The Conservatives opposed be twice weekly virtual sessions, on Many MPs dialed in from their sittings could have been possible. the virtual sittings, pushing instead for Tuesday and Thursdays, to go with the homes where they, like most “There is nothing quite like three in person sittings, but the other in person sessions on Wednesdays. Canadians, have been for weeks now being in that room,” she said. “I think opposition parties sided with the while public health authorities work to we have the capability to be there in government. control the pandemic. reasonable numbers.” Last week, the House of

From Page 1 Milittary deployed help with everyday tasks such as Trudeau under pressure to do more to feeding, changing and moving residents. pBY SrToAFFtTeHE cCANtADsIANePRnESS iors, long term care workers Lieutenant-Commander Posted April 17, 2020 7:19 am Heather Galbraith is a family physician Updated April 17, 2020 7:20 am and said working in seniors’ homes is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau generally fast-paced, but with COVID- will be under pressure today to flesh 19, it’s a very different reality. out his promise to do more to protect “You add, pardon my seniors in long-term care homes, language, a pesky bug that we just are which have been hardest hit by the learning day-to-day more and more deadly COVID-19 pandemic. about, you’re in a different realm,” she Trudeau promised earlier this said. week that the federal government Like many care homes in would provide funding to top up the Quebec, Villa Val des Arbres is wages earned by essential workers in struggling with staff shortages, and nursing homes who earn less than containing the virus. Fifty-nine per cent $2,500 a month. of the residents have tested positive. That promise was discussed Nathalie Veilleux can only visit during a conference call among first her father Guy through a window. He ministers late Thursday. territories to allow them to top up Commons should be required to work, has dementia and his daughter No details of the call were wages. She did not say how much they should be issued with masks and learned on Saturday that he tested immediately forthcoming, other than a money Ottawa is prepared to ante up. gloves where necessary and hand positive for COVID-19. brief summary of the discussion issued Personal support workers in sanitizing stations should be set up at “We heard that beds weren’t by the Prime Minister’s Office which nursing homes often work poorly paid entrances and exits of the Commons being changed,” she said. “We don’t said first ministers “agreed on the part-time jobs in multiple facilities, and other strategic locations know what the real conditions are urgent need to ensure long-term care which has contributed to the spread of throughout the parliamentary precinct. inside.” facilities have the resources they need COVID-19. Canadian cases Nearly 90 military personnel to protect the health and well-being of In a letter late Thursday to CONFIRMED have been deployed in the Montreal their residents and workers.” Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, 53,009 area, and more may be coming. Since the salaries paid to Conservative whip Mark Strahl argued (Today: +1,423) It is an unusual situation for workers in long-term care homes fall that regular sittings could be done DEATHS them, but they are up for the under provincial jurisdiction, Trudeau safely without putting at risk the health 3,180 challenge. has been clear that whatever the of MPs or Commons staff at a time (Today: +184) “We’re mostly proud to be federal government does must be in when all Canadians are being advised RECOVERED here,” said Bergeron. “We’re going to collaboration with the provinces. to keep two-metres physical distance 21,211 be helping our own population in Seniors Minister Deb Schulte from one another and stay home as Quebec. We live here. They’re our told CBC News late Thursday that the much as possible. people and we’re here to help.” federal government will boost transfer Strahl said only essential staff payments to the provinces and necessary for the operation of the

www.filipinostar.org April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 5 Meet the 101-year-old who was born on a ship during theAng1elin9a F1rie8dmanfsluurvived pandemic and just beat corontheanuvrsinigrhoumes . cancer, miscarriages, internal "She's super active. You bleeding, sepsis and now not one, but couldn't believe it for her age," Elba two pandemics. More than 100 years said. "Still doing her leisure activities after living through the 1918 influenza probably that she's done forever." pandemic, the 101-year-old woman Like many other facilities, Elba said, just beat coronavirus. they have set up alternative means for An administrator at the patients to remain in contact with their Mohegan Lake, New York, nursing families. home where Friedman lives said Due to a back injury, Merola Friedman is back to her old self and hasn't been able to visit her mother celebrating life as if nothing ever since February, but she doesn't live far happened. from home. Because her mother is "It also just goes to show how much nearly deaf, they can't speak on the the world needs hope that you can phone. beat this at 101," Amy Elba told CNN. As prom season approaches, Friedman's daughter, Joanne Merola, Elba said that although the schools told CNN affiliate WPIX that her mother Angelina Friedman celebrates her birthday. might not get a dance, Friedman is is a survivor. Her mother died giving birth, and off for several weeks as she certainly going to have hers -- and "She and my dad had cancer and her two sisters helped her survive battled the coronavirus until April 20, hopes she will be named prom queen at the same time. She survived. He until they could reunite with their father when she tested negative. for the second year in a row. didn't," she said. in New York, where they lived in Nurses called Merola and said After beating coronavirus at Brooklyn, Merola told WPIX. Friedman was doing great. She was 101 years old, Friedman started One of 11 children, Friedman is the last eating again and looking for yarn to looking for some yarn so she could surviving. crochet with, they told her. knit. "She is not human," Merola "She is a mover and a shaker," Elba Advertise After beating coronavirus at said. "She has superhuman DNA." said. "She's a big knitter and she 101 years old, Friedman started Now a resident of the North makes all kinds of things and gives to prepare to looking for some yarn so she could Westchester Restorative Therapy & them away to visitors." knit. Nursing Center, Friedman battled yet The staff threw a big birthday re-open In 1918, Angelina Sciales (now another pandemic. party for Friedman's 101st birthday, Friedman) was born on a ship that was "She had gone out to the hospital for a and last year she was crowned prom your business transporting immigrants from Italy to procedure and when she returned she queen. New York City. It was in the midst of the had tested positive," Elba told CNN. Friedman was named Prom 1918 pandemic. It's not believed that Merola told the affiliate her mother Queen at the nursing home. Call the baby contracted the disease. isolated in her room and ran a fever on Friedman was named Prom Queen at 514-485- 7861

www.filipinostar.org April 2020 6 The North American Filipino Star pakinggan kapag naisalin sa ibang magsalita at magsulat ng English o lengguahe. Ang halimbawa ay “lasing”. Tagalog o kung saang pamantasan siya Tagalog Seksyon Sa Bicol ay hindi magandang pakinggan nagtapos. Masusukat natin ang ang salitang lasing kaya nagulat ang katalinuhan ng isang tao kung may nanay ko nang minsan ay magpunta sa katuturan ang kaniyang mga sinasabi. Opinyon/Komentaryo aming bahay ang Bikolanong nanliligaw May mga kilala ako na nagtapos sa mga sa kapatid ko. Fiesta sa amin at umiinom pribadong pamantasan na teribleng ni Willie Quiambao ito ng beer kasama ang ibang bisita. magsalita ng English. Isang Pilipino ang Nagsalita ito ng Bikolano na ang ibig tumanggap ng award at sa isang sabihin ay nalasing yata siya. Ang isa pagtitipon ay buong pagmamalaki niyang pang salita ay ang itlog. Sa Tagalog ay ibinalita sa mga panauhin na tumanggap MAY NANGYARI RING MAGANDA SA nakakuha ako ng paksang maisusulat itlog pa lamang ito pero sa din siya ng notorious award, sa halip na AKIN NOONG MANALANTA ANG nang mag-google ako at makita ko ang Kapampangan, ebon na ito. meritorious award. Ito ang malapropism, COVID - 19 Debate sa Pagdiriwang Ng Buwan ng Mayaman ang kultura ng Pilipino. Marami maling gamit ng salita sa isang salitang Hindi madali sa mga tao ang Wika o Mga Wika sa Agosto. Nakapaskil tayong wika, mga awit at sayaw na nais niyang sabihin. Halos magkapareho pinagdadaanan ngayong may pandemic sa Philippine Embassy sa United katutubo na wala ang ibang bansa. Ang ng tunog ang notorious at meritorious. sa buong mundo. Sa akin naman, may Kingdom na ang mga sumusunod tulad mga ito ang maipagmamalaki nating mga Isa naman ang nagsabi na na- maganda at hindi magandang ng Bikocano, Ilokano. Cebuano, Pilipino. dismembred siya sa isang asosasyon. pangyayari na naranasan ako dahil sa Kapampangan at Waray ay mga ANG MAPANGMATANG INGLESERO Ang ibig niyang sabihin ay stripped of Covid -19. Wala akong mapuntahan lengguahe (wika) at hindi mga dayalekto Napatawa na lamang ako sa membership. Nakatatakot pakinggan ang upang magpalipas ng oras. Sarado ang (dialects). Matagal na itong nakapost nabasa kong salaysay sa Manila Bulletin dismembered, parang pinagputol putol casino, mga restaurant at mga sine. pero tiyak na kaunti lamang ang ng isang nagngangalang James Soriano, ang mga bahagi ng katawan ng isang tao Iniiwasan ko ang mga lugar kung saan nakaaalam sa impormasyong ito. Kahit estudyante ng Ateneo University. tulad ni Lucila Lalu, queen of chop chop maraming tao. Sa kabila ng mga ito, may ipinanganak at umaki ako sa Maynila ay Nagkaroon ng malaking isyu sa Pilipinas noong 1967. nangyari ring maganda sa akin dahil sa nagagalak ako dahil ang Kapampangan nang isulat niya na ang English is for the May naikuwentro sa akin na COVID – 19, Unang una- ay nakaiwas ako na naririnig kong ginagamit ng aking mga learned and the Tagalog is for the people isang ina sa Heritage Class ang nagsabi sa mga gastusin. Hindi natuloy ang magulang noong bata pa ako ay on the streets, katulong at tindera. Sobra sa anak na huwag magsalita ng Tagalog pagdiriwang sa aking kaarawan noong lengguahe rin pala. Hindi ako naman. Lumaki raw siya na dahil Canadian na siya. “Bakit ipinasok Marso 23 dahil natatakot ang aking mga makapaniwala sa nabasa ko na ayon sa napaliligiran ng mga taong nagsasalita pa sa Heritage class ang anak?”tanong kamag-anak na lumabas at kumain sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF)na ng Engish sa eskuela at sa bahay. ko. Walang masama kung matutuhan ng restaurant. Pangalawa, nagkaroon ako may mga 150 na lengguahe tayo tulad ng Nagsasalita lamang siya ng Tagalog isang bata ang wikang ginagamit sa ng pagkakataong makapag-email at mga nabanggit ko sa itaas. Ang kapag nasa kanilang lalawigan at kausap bansang kaniyang pinagmulan. Ayon sa makipagbalitaan kay Budz Sarmiento at lengguaheng Pilipino o Tagalog ay ang mga kamaga-anak. Sa halip na pag-aaral, hindi makasasama sa isang Felix Reyes na nakapagdadala sa akin ginagamit kahit saang bansa tayo. Ang mainis ay naawa na lamang ako sa tao ang turuan ito ng iba pang wika ng mga nakaaaliw na balita mula sa dayalekto ay ginagamit sa isang pook o kaniya. Hindi niya alam ang mga salitang habang bata pa ito. Pilipinas. Araw- araw ay tungkol sa lugar, maliit o malaki,. Ito rin ang unang paggalang na “ho” at “po” sa mga Sa iba’t ibang lugar sa mundo ay corona virus ang nababasa ko sa diaryo wika na kinagisnan natin sa ating tahanan nakatatanda sa kaniya. May karapatan maraming mahuhusay na doktor at nurse at nakikita sa television. Pangatlo, nag- na ginagamit ng ating mga magulang o siyang magbigay ng opinyon subalit hindi na Pilipino. Kung magkasakit si Soriano, aalaaala rin pala sa akin ang mga miyembro ng pamilya. Noong una ay niya karapatang insultuhin ang wika ng pipiliin niya ba ang mga mahuhusay na pamangkin ko kahit madalas kaming nagtatawa ako kung may nagtatanong sa ibang tao. Maaaring ikatwiran niya ang doktor at nurses na nagsasalita ng magsigawan kapag nagpapaturo ako sa akin na “Pilipino ho kayo?” Gusto ko freedom of expression. Kung matalino English na pam-palengke o dayuhang kanila sa komputer. Ngayon ay lagi nila siyang sabihan, “Kinausap mo ako ng siya, alam niya na babatikusin siya ng mahusay mag-English na kulang ng akong pinaaalalahanan na huwag Tagalog, itatanong mo pa kung Pilipino makababasa sa kaniyang isinulat. Dapat karanasan sa panggagamot? May lumabas ng bahay kung hindi rin lamang ako.” Bagamat natutuwa ako na ay alam niya na ang bawat kalayaan ay kaniya-kaniyang opinyon ang bawat tao kailangan. Covid – 19 din ang naging lengguahe rin pala ang Kapampangan may limitasyon. Ang gulo siguro sa at karapatan niya iyon. Ang hindi niya dahilan upang magkasundo ang mga tulad ng Ilokano, Bikolano, at mundo kung wala tayong batas na karapatan ay mang-insulto ng ibang tao. magkakamag-anak at magka-kaibigan na Zambuenguenio, hindi ako sang-yon na sinusunod. May kalayaan tayong bumoto Nakalulungkot lamang isipin na kaya may tampuhan. Walang pinipili ang maging wikang pambansa ang isa man pero alam nating hindi puedeng mahina ang pag-unlad ng Pilipinas ay corona virus – 19 - mayaman o mahirap. sa mga ito. Kapag naging wikang mandaya. May kalayaang magsalita at minsan, ikinahihiya natin ang ating At hindi naman masama ang mga pambansa ang isa sa mga ito, higit sumulat pero dapat ay alam nating mag- magandang kaugalian at mayamang namumuno sa ating pamahalaan. Hindi tayong hindi magkakaunawaan. Kung iingat tayo sa ating isusulat at sasabihin kultura. Kapag nanood ka ng pelikulang sila tumitigil sa paggawa ng paraan minsan, kahit Tagalog na ang ating dahil baka ma-idemanda tayo ng slander Tagalog, sasabihin ay kabilang ka sa upang masugpo ang pagkalat ng corona ginagamit sa pagsasalita ay hindi pa tayo o libel. Hindi natin basta maisusulat na “bakya crowd”, mahirap at hindi mataas virus. Tumutulong din naman sila sa mga magkaintindihan, ano pa ang mangyayari magnanakaw ang isang tao. Dapat ay ang pinag-aralan tulad ng mga taong taong naaapektuhan ng sakit at kung iba’t iba pang lengguahe ang ating alam ni Soriano na ang katalinuhan ng nagsusuot ng bakya. . nawawalan ng trabaho. Higit sa lahat, gagamitin? May mga salita sa Tagalog na tao ay hindi nasusukat sa kahusayang nag-iiba ang kahulugan at sumasamang

With angry words around the world, China uses

CNATOHANVVANIDDERK-LI1PPE9ASIA pandemic to take on superpoweunrder wmhichaBenijingtalsse erts CORRESPONDENT ownership over Taiwan – if it wanted BEIJING the smooth procurement of masks PUBLISHED APRIL 30, 2020 and other protective equipment from U00:00 China, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The Open this photo in gallery country refused the Chinese demand. A man walks near a Chinese national The Globe and Mail granted the flag, in Beijing, on April 29, 2020. person anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly. THOMAS PETER/REUTERS No longer is Beijing acting like an emergent nation. It is asserting Weeks of battles between China and itself as a rival superpower, and western countries has brought making demands befitting the role it intemperate language, pointed has assumed. “Any notion that China metaphors, at least one quotation was a rising power has been from Mao Zedong – and a clearer superseded by the fact that they have glimpse into the ways Beijing is using risen,” said Jane Golley, director of a worldwide pandemic to bolster its the Australian Centre on China in the efforts to assert a new place of global A man walks near a Chinese national flag, in Beijing, World at the Australian National importance. on April 29, 2020.THOMAS PETER/REUTERS University. Netherlands and the United States, in in the world. As one striking example, But it’s an ascension Chinese diplomats, senior Party a sustained assault that has Chinese diplomats demanded that at underscored an important change to least one country publicly rededicate officials and state media have lashed See opposite page Angry words out at Australia, France, the how Chinese leadership sees its place itself to the “one-China principle” – www.filipinostar.org April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 7 Trump says China ‘will do anything they can’ to see hSTE iVmE HOLLlANoD RsEUeTERS re-election race official, speaking on condition of Trump is leading a triage effort PU BLISHED APRIL 29, 2020 anonymity, said on Wednesday that an to try to keep the U.S. economy afloat President Donald Trump said informal “truce” in the war of words that through stimulus payments to on Wednesday he believes China’s Trump and Xi essentially agreed to in a individuals and companies while handling of the coronavirus is proof phone call in late March now appeared nudging state governors to carefully that Beijing “will do anything they can” to be over. reopen their states as new infections to make him lose his re-election bid in The two leaders had promised decline. November. that their governments would do He said he is happy with the In an interview with Reuters in everything possible to co-operate to way many governors are operating the Oval Office, Trump talked tough on contain the coronavirus. In recent days, under the strain of the virus but said China and said he was looking at Washington and Beijing have traded some need to improve. He would not different options in terms of increasingly bitter recriminations over name names. consequences for Beijing over the U.S. President Donald Trump the origin of the virus and the response Trump’s handling of the virus virus. “I can do a lot,” he said. answers questions during the daily to it. has come under scrutiny. Forty-three Trump has been heaping briefing of the coronavirus task However, Trump and his top per cent of Americans approved of blame on China for a global pandemic force on April 27, 2020. Trump aides, while stepping up their anti- Trump’s handling of the coronavirus, says China could have stopped the that has killed at least 60,000 people in China rhetoric, have stopped short of according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll coronavirus before it became a directly criticizing Xi, who the U.S. from April 27-28. the United States according to a global pandemic. Reuters tally, and thrown the U.S. WIN MCNAMEE/GETTY IMAGES president has repeatedly called his But the president got some economy into a deep recession, can to have me lose this race,” said “friend.” good news when Gilead Sciences Inc putting in jeopardy his hopes for Trump. He said he believes Beijing Trump also said South Korea said it’s experimental antiviral drug another four-year term. wants his Democratic opponent, Joe has agreed to pay the United States remdesivir was showing progress in The Republican president, Biden, to win the race to ease the more money for a defence co- treating virus victims. often accused of not acting early pressure Trump has placed on China operation agreement but would not be Trump has also seeking an enough to prepare the United States over trade and other issues. drawn out on how much. accelerated timetable on development for the spread of the virus, said he “They’re constantly using “We can make a deal. They of a vaccine. believed China should have been more public relations to try to make it like want to make a deal,” Trump said. “I think things are moving active in letting the world know about they’re innocent parties,” he said of “They’ve agreed to pay a lot of money. along very nicely,” he said. the coronavirus much sooner. Chinese officials. They’re paying a lot more money than At the end of the half-hour Asked whether he was He said the trade deal that he they did when I got here” in January interview, Trump offered lighthearted considering the use of tariffs or even concluded with Chinese President Xi 2017. remarks about a newly released Navy debt writeoffs for China, Trump would Jinping aimed at reducing chronic U.S. The United States stations video purportedly showing an not offer specifics. “There are many trade deficits with China had been roughly 28,500 troops in South Korea, unidentified flying object. “I just things I can do,” he said. “We’re “upset very badly” by the economic a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War wonder if it’s real,” he said. “That’s a looking for what happened.” fallout from the virus. that ended in an armistice, rather than hell of a video.” “China will do anything they A senior Trump administration a peace treaty. undergirded by anger at perceived attacks on the “malevolence” of the see the country as the victim of a broad look from a developing country’s historical humiliations against China French media, calling them lapdogs of Western attempt, led by Washington, perspective, who has done a better over the past century. “They firmly the U.S. He suggested Le Figaro was to pin blame on Beijing for the job? The United States or China?” she believe the time is right for China to trafficking in “lies” and accused pandemic as a way to distract from asked. The official numbers show a far take revenge, and America and the western politicians more generally of their own missteps. smaller death toll in China than the West is in decline,” said Feng Chongyi, agitating “the populist, racist and anti- “Calling for an investigation is U.S. ”And that raises the possibility, I a scholar at Australia’s University of Chinese strands of their countries just buck-passing behaviour,” said think, that authoritarianism wins favour Technology Sydney who studies against China.” Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the in other parts of the world,” she said. contemporary Chinese history. And so, “Some Westerners are starting to have China Institute of International Studies. China stands to be the first “whoever offends China will be no confidence in liberal democracy,” xIt is for that reason unfair to major economy to return to growth, punished.” Mr. Lu wrote, sneering at critics he criticize China for aggressive raising the country’s importance for The spread of the COVID-19 deemed “psychologically fragile.” diplomacy, he said. Chinese officials other countries seeking to buttress pandemic from China to the rest of the In the Netherlands, the are engaged in “self-defence against their own economic performance. world – and the ensuing recriminations Chinese embassy called De Volkskrant irresponsible accusations made by At the same time, some of the – have intensified that conflict. So, too, newspaper “full of prejudice, western political figures. China isn’t most successful strategies to counter has Beijing’s confidence that it has discrimination and malice,” while provoking anything.” In fact, he said, the virus have taken place in more capably handled the outbreak China’s Communist Party-backed “China should choose to be tough on democratic states, including Taiwan, than western democracies, despite Global Times reported comments from people who just try to throw mud at our South Korea, Australia and New accusations of an initial cover-up. It’s a Beijing that “China may consider country, because they never hesitate Zealand. confidence that has turned strident in suspending medical supplies to the to demonize and degrade China. How In China, “the same recent weeks. Netherlands” after a change to the can you be polite to impolite people?” authoritarian system that checked the Cheng Jingye, China’s name of the country’s mission in Beijing, too, has good reason spread of the virus was also ambassador to Australia, questioned Taiwan was viewed as not honouring to threaten economic consequences, responsible for covering it for months whether a country that is so “hostile” is the one-China principle. (The said Su Hao, a professor in the School and allowing it to disperse from Wuhan “the best place to send” Chinese newspaper’s editor, Hu Xijin, also of Diplomacy at China Foreign Affairs to the world,” said Mr. Fullilove. students for education, or whether called Australia “chewing gum stuck University. He accused the Donald “Once, the world saw China as Chinese consumers would want to buy on the sole of China’s shoes. Trump administration of manipulating a source of capital, labour and Australian wine and beef, after Prime Sometimes you have to find a stone to the emotions of other countries to join innovation. … When this is finally over, Minister Scott Morrison called for an rub it off.”) the U.S. in strategically constraining with armies of dead and a battered independent review of the spread of China’s outspoken officials China. Remain silent, and others will global economy, does anyone think the virus. Vice foreign minister Le “are seeking to prevent any censure of follow, he said. “China must use such that China will remain blameless?” Yucheng accused the U.S. of “political China and impress headquarters in language, so to ensure a threat of a manipulation to a level beyond Beijing. Some of the behaviour is quite boycott is actually understandable. With reporting from Alexandra Li anyone’s imagination” in response to outrageous,” said Michael Fullilove, They must realize that their attempt to White House pressure over the virus executive director of the Lowy Institute, contain China is wrong.” Australia's calls for an independent and, in an interview with NBC News, Australia’s leading foreign policy think Besides, he said, “China and inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 is quoted Chairman Mao Zedong: “a first- tank. the World Health Organization should 'reasonable' and not targeted at any order question in revolution is to “Beijing is anxious because not and do not want to be scapegoats” specific country, Prime Minister Scott discern the true enemies and true the stakes are so high. If Beijing gets for public health failures in other Morrison said on Wednesday. friends.” pinned with responsibility for the countries. REUTERS In France, Lu Shaye, who pandemic, that will be a huge drain on The pandemic has allowed previously served as ambassador to its soft power,” he said. China to make a much larger Canada, has released a series of Many in China, meanwhile, argument, said Prof. Golley. “If you www.filipinostar.org April 2020 8 The North American Filipino Star

Compiled data from educational research by Zenaida F. Kharroubi

Ontario unveils details of learn-at- home program, students out of school until at least May 4 Schools were initially set to reopen on April 6, but are set to remain eachers will issue final grades and program to keep students learning closed until at least May as the number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario report cards, work done at home will while at home. Lecce also said continues to increase. Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, pictured here, is among them. (Alan Habbick/CBC) be graded: education minister teachers will be issuing final grades training educators to better enable them. (Alan Habbick/CBC) CBC News · Posted: Mar 31, 2020 and report cards, meaning work them to teach online, and could see The director of education at the 11:19 AM ET | Last Updated: March completed at home will be graded. schools distribute laptops or other province's largest school board told 31 Whether or not the school year will devices to students who need them, parents Monday night they are Ontario students won't be back in the extend into the summer has yet to be Lecce said. developing a plan to connect classroom until at least May 4 as the determined, he said. "By providing clarity for teachers to students and "restore province continues to battle the Lecce said the plans will parents, enhancing support for teacher-led learning to the greatest spread of COVID-19, the government incorporate online learning, but where students and enabling the teacher- extent possible as of April 6." announced Tuesday. that is not possible, telephone calls student relationship, we are ensuring TDSB's John Malloy says Effective immediately, and mail-out packages will be used. our children continue to safely learn staff have been trying to determine publicly-funded schools will remain For now, students will — providing some sense of stability more information about the devices closed until May 1 for teachers and continue to complete credits, and that and hope for them amid this and internet access families have in May 4 for students, Premier Doug "no student will have their graduation difficulty," Lecce said. the meantime. Ford confirmed at a news conference, compromised by COVID-19," the Students throughout Ontario He asked for patience as adding he is prepared to extend the government said in a news release. have been out of class since March educators connect with thousands of closures even further if the province's As part of what Lecce called 14, after Lecce issued a ministerial students to make plans for remote chief medical officer of health advises the "second phase of Learn at Home," order to keep publicly-funded schools learning. him to. students will reconnect with their closed for two additional weeks after "As you can appreciate, this Private schools, licensed child teachers and school staff, including March Break as concerns mounted is no small task, however we have care centres and EarlyON programs mental health workers. about the threat of COVID-19. Private been working around the clock to will also remain closed for at least Here's what the program will schools were also closed a few days ensure that as many students as another two weeks, according to the look like: later. possible have the opportunity to province's emergency declaration, Kindergarten to Grade 3 Some licensed child-care resume learning remotely next week," which only allows closures to be students will complete five hours of centres won't survive COVID-19 Malloy said in a statement. extended for 14 days at a time. work each week, focusing on literacy closures, industry warns Union stresses need for 'inclusive "We know from the medical and math. Schools were initially set to opportunities' experts that the next two weeks will be Grades 4 to 6: Five hours of reopen on April 6, but both Ford and The government has formed critical in the fight against COVID-19 work each week, focusing on literacy, Lecce have conceded that the a working group with the province's and that's why we're taking further math, science and social studies. closures would need to be prolonged education sector unions to look at action to keep our kids safe and Grades 7-8: 10 hours of work as the number of COVID-19 cases in options for continued learning until healthy by having them stay home," each week, focusing on math, literacy, Ontario continues to increase. the pandemic abates. said Ford. math, science and social studies. 'No small task' to make The Elementary Teachers' Ontario COVID-19 cases near Grades 9-12: Three hours of remote learning possible Federation of Ontario, which 2,000 as schools set to stay closed work per course each week for The president of the Ontario Public represents 83,000 public school until at least May semestered students, 1.5 hours per School Boards' Association, which teachers, said in a statement that it Speaking to reporters, Ontario course each week for non-semestered represents trustees, said school supports the temporary moves made Education Minister Stephen Lecce students. boards have been hearing from to address the situation. announced a new "teacher-led" The program will also involve parents in recent weeks that they But the union's president need help teaching their children at stressed that learning is best done home. "face-to-face in a classroom setting." Cathy Abraham said every Ontario teachers hosting virtual board in the province has been lessons as COVID-19 keeps students crafting a local plan to address the out of class needs of students who may not have "We have reminded the access to the internet, computers or Ministry that many students have tablets, or whose parents may not unique and specialized needs and have time to oversee their schooling. that some have challenging "This is uncharted territory for circumstances affecting their ability to everyone," she said. "We're just engage in learning outside the asking parents to have a little bit of classroom," Sam Hammond said in a patience with their statement. school boards while they try to figure "It is extremely important that it out. It's not going to be the same during this temporary situation, we for everybody." strive to provide equitable and Schools were initially set to inclusive opportunities for students to reopen on April 6, but are set to advance their learning." remain closed until at least May as the number of COVID-19 cases in With files from The Canadian Press Ontario continues to increase. Danforth Collegiate and Technical CBC's Journalistic Standards and Institute, pictured here, is among Practices|About CBC NewsBy Joyce www.filipinostar.org April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 9 Possible Economic Impacts of Falling Oil Prices, the Pandemic, and the Looming Global Recession onto

OPolicvy berief r20s20-e09 as FilipFiilinpinoos[1s] (SOaF) snaysdtheretarhe abeouit rbasRe-toe-womrst ciatsetsacennariocs ceoulsd countries will give overseas Filipinos Ateneo Center for Economic Research 2.3 million Filipino migrant workers. lead to: and their families some wherewithal and Development (ACERD) Meanwhile, stock estimates on a) Cash remittances potentially apart from what migration and non- Alvin P. Ang (Ateneo de Manila overseas Filipinos (latest: 2013) declining from US$ 30 billion in 2019 to migration government agencies back University) disaggregates Filipinos overseas as US$ 27 billion (base case) to US$24 home will be giving (e.g. social and Jeremaiah Opiniano (University of follows: 4.2 million as temporary billion (worst case). That is roughly 10- amelioration program funds under the Santo Tomas) migrants (migrant workers), 4.8 million to-20% or US$3 to US$6 billion less, Bayanihan to Heal as One Act). The COVID-19 pandemic may as permanent migrants, and 1.2 million year on year —this to become Resources coming from host countries well be the most challenging crisis as irregular migrants. steepest drop of remittance inflows in will buy relevant Philippine facing the migration management During the 2008-09 global Philippine migration history; and government agencies (e.g. Overseas system of the Philippines. The global financial crisis, the presence of OFWs b) About 300,00 to 400,000 OFWs Workers Welfare Administration dispersion of overseas Filipinos in many parts of the world has spread being affected by lay-offs and pay cuts, [OWWA], Social Security System (estimated to be at least 10.3 million, in the risk of slow levels of total not to mention that some of them may [SSS], Philippine Health Insurance over-200 countries and territories) remittance inflows to the Philippines. need to be repatriated. Corp. [PhilHealth]) some time. meets up with the global spread of the However, COVID-19’s spread has now Note also that in 2019, at least · Labor and foreign officials may viral disease. Both the countries reached literally the entire planet. As of 121 countries and territories where have to initiate dialogues with the receiving overseas migrants and April 2, over-940,000 people have been Filipinos are sent lesser remittance International Labor Organization (ILO) migrant-origin countries like the infected with COVID-19 (including amounts than in 2018. The total lesser and the International Organization for Philippines are now trying to survive, some Filipino migrant workers, remittance amounts from these 121 Migration (IOM) on how to assist unleashing stimulus packages or permanent residents and naturalized jurisdictions was US$ 1.36 billion. distressed migrant workers affected by rescue funds to meet the needs of their citizens). These base-to-worst case the pandemic. citizens. Also, during the 2008-2009 scenarios are significant numbers · OWWA may have to offer Metro Remittance flows from abroad crisis, oil prices did not go down to its hitting the economy externally and Manila-based temporary shelters as are literally a major economic lifeline. present level —about US$ 22 per then internally. With overseas Filipinos’ 14-day quarantine facilities for This lifeline will then backstop barrel. remittances fueling national displaced returning OFWs. whatever public funds the Philippine The impacts of the 2008-2009 consumption, we can lose 20 to 40 Since PhilHealth will be covering government is now unloading to meet crisis on OFWs were not as severe as percent of consumption due to the hospitalization expenses of COVID-19 urgent survival and social protection initially anticipated. Many OFWs pass-through effect of remittances. cases, this should also apply to needs of Filipinos. The scale of Filipino remained in their working countries, Some things that can be done COVID-19-infected returning overseas households who continually receive adjusting their statuses there by now: workers through PhilHealth’s Overseas foreign remittances? Around 12 deskilling (e.g. an engineer laid off, · Labor and foreign officials may Workers Program (OWP). percent of all Filipino households continued to work as an electrician) have to start monitoring and informing The SSS and its OFW membership “have or had an OFW [overseas and by coping and riding through the the public how many overseas program should allow OFW members Filipino worker] member,” says the short-term impacts of that crisis. Filipinos will be displaced from their to avail of the benefits of membership 2018 National Migration Survey (NMS). Workers were still physically mobile at jobs —similar to efforts done during at this critical juncture. With much of the global that time. the 2008-2009 global economic crisis. Prior to going overseas, OFWs are economy in a lockdown, many OFWs In the current scenario, many Embassies and consulates have to compelled to pay accredited private are unable to report for work and, at countries are on lockdown and all the anticipate and monitor expected job insurance companies insurance the same time, are unable to send oil producers in the Middle East (where displacements affecting Filipinos. premiums so as to cover repatriation money back home more frequently. In nearly half of our OFWs are based) are Diplomatic officials should also be expenses. This arrangement must now addition, declining oil prices in the past at risk with falling oil prices. If this price given leeway to negotiate with be activated by the private insurance few weeks are a corollary challenge, trend continues, the Middle East might ministries of labor possible steps to companies concerned. threatening the stability of OFWs in the be forced to stop oil production and keep foreign workers and, to the extent Middle East. possibly lay off many workers — possible, include them in their [1] Since the SOF is just a rider to the OFWs sent about US$ 30.13 including Filipinos. countries’ social protection programs. October round of the quarterly Labor billion in cash remittances in 2019, With the combined impacts of Globally-mapped information on Force Survey (LFS), we are just taking higher than the US$ 28.94 billion sent the global economic stoppage, these arrangements must be tracked. samples of the bigger universe of in 2018. The 2018 Survey on Overseas lockdowns and declining oil prices, That way, these resources from host overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

209 new Covid-19 cases recorded aAnnmL.oRoncagmorao, PvhielipprisneeNeawss FilipinOfothse overall tally, 360 cases Agency on April 28, 2020 came from the Asia-Pacific region, 454 from Europe, 333 from the Middle This brings the total positive East/Africa, and 457 from the to 1,604, some 419 of whom have Americas. recovered while 189 have died. “The DFA personnel in our (Pexels photo) foreign service posts remain steadfast MANILA – The Department of Foreign in partnering with local health Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday reported 209 authorities and agencies in ensuring new cases of the coronavirus disease adherence of our people with 2019 (Covid-19) among overseas preventive measures against (the) Filipinos, the highest single-day Covid-19 pandemic, and commit to increase recorded. tirelessly attending to the needs of our This brings the total positive people affected by this pandemic, to 1,604, some 419 of whom have whenever possible,” Meñez said. recovered while 189 have died. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, There are now 651 overseas Filipinos who have contracted the Foreign Affairs Assistant thousands of overseas Filipino coronavirus disease, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday. Secretary Eduardo Meñez said the workers were also displaced due to (FILE PHOTO) those requesting to return home will 5,423 of whom were land-based while newly reported cases also raised to temporary closures and suspensions continue. 16,593 were seafarers from about 78 46 from 44, the number of countries of business operations. As of April 27, about 22,016 cruise ships. with Covid-19 patients. In a recent virtual briefing, overseas Filipinos have returned to The countries, however, were DFA Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola the Philippines amid the pandemic, not identified. assured that the repatriation efforts for April 2020 10 The North American Filipino Star A tribute to front line workers who are Gilmore College International alumni

Cristina Pa-ac (left) works as a surgical nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. Irma Morales (right, shown with Maribeth Sernal works as a PAB at When she was a new immigrant she took a beginner level in French her colleague Cindy Teves at the Chateau Westmount. She studied and the only student who achieved a 100% in the test. The photo on Montreal General Hospital) is one French 1 and 2 at Gilmore College the right shows Cristina posing with Juvy Vales and her guest during of the few students who achieved when she first arrived in Canada. the 30th anniversary of Gilmore College International last Dec. 14th. Leve 4 in French 2nd language.

Rose Padayao who took three Gloria Danda works as a PAB in courses at Gilmore works at St. Montreal after completing Mary’s Hospital in the pharmacy. Gilmore’s PSW program.

Ethel Tugna works as a PAB at Annabelle Alloso (center) used to Cristina Pa-ac (on the right) volunteered to work for two weeks at the Chateau Westmount. She is shown work at Chateau Westmount and much besieged nursing home, Herron CHSLD where there were many 3rd from left in the photo above in transferred to the Jewish General seniors who were neglectedt due to the shortage of healthcare workers. her toga with Annabelle Alloso hospital a few months ago. She said she just could not stand hearing about the seniors’ suffering. seated, 2nd from the left. April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 11 o PROGRAMS • PSW/PAB Nursing Aide • Early Childhood Education Asst • Administrative Assistant • Accounting Tech.

A private college COURSES devoted to your personal and career • English development since • French 1989 • Filipino (Tagalog) • Accounting & PAB Batch 9 practicum at St. Marguerite CHSLD Bookkeeping • Keyboarding • Microsoft Office • Bilingual Telephone Reception Tech. • Business English • Business French 7159 ch. Cote des Neiges Montreal, QC H3R 2M2 E-mail: OTHER SERVICES [email protected] • Writers Workshop • Small Business For information Management & registration, • Career Orientation • Translation (Eng., Fr. to French class, Cambodian and Filipino students at 514-485-7861 Filipino or Tagalog) 5320 Queen Mary Building, 2013-2015

www.filipinostar.org 12 April 2020 The North American Filipino Star fried chicken in the Philippines. Not just the tàste thàt càptured the pàlàte of Pinoys but àlso the crispy chicken skin ànd the àromà is whàt màkes it Cooking number one. Serves: 8 Servings with love Ingredients cooking oil for deep frying sàlt ànd pepper provides 2 kilos chicken, your choice cuts food for the For the breàding: 1 cup cornstàrch soul. CHICKEN PARMESAN 1 cup àll-purpose flour MEATBALLS ½ tsp. five spice powder or ngohiong INGREDIENTS powder 1 pound ground chicken breast 1 tsp. fine sàlt, àdjust if necessàry 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs 1 Tbsp. gàrlic powder 1-1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan Instructions cheese, divided First, Put the chicken pieces in à bowl 3 garlic cloves, minced ànd seàson with sàlt ànd pepper. Rub 1/2 small onion, grated (or minced) ànd press eàch chicken with the sàlt 2 tablespoons + 1 cup marinara ànd pepper so àll the pieces is evenly sauce (divided) coàted. 1/2 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning Next, to màke the breàding, in à 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped mixing bowl, combine flour, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped cornstàrch, five spice powder, gàrlic 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt powder ànd sàlt. Spare Ribs Caldereta 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black Then., Stir the dry ingredients using à pepper 1 piece potato diced fork until àll the ingredients àre evenly 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 piece carrot sliced mixed. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 pieces bell pepper sliced Set Heàt the oil in the deep fryer or for topping Kare-Kare ¾ cup green peas frozen deep frying pàn for àbout 175°C. Ingredients INSTRUCTIONS 5 tablespoons liver spread Next, Coàt à piece of chicken with the 1 Knorr pork cube Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 8 ounces tomato sauce breàding inside ànd out. Coàt 2 1/2 lb Oxtail baking sheet by lining with parchment 1 piece onion chopped underneàth the skin às well. 1 Banana, small fresh paper. 4 cloves garlic crushed Do it by pressing eàch chicken with 1 Chined eggplant, medium Set aside 1 cup marinara, 1 cup 2 pieces Thai chili pepper chopped the breàding then shàke off excess 3 cloves Garlic shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 2 cups water breàding ànd fry it. 1/2 cup Peanut, ground cup Parmesan cheese. 3 tablespoons cooking oil Then, Depending on the size of your 10 pieces Snake beans In a large mixing bowl, combine all Salt and ground black pepper to taste fryer ànd the size of your chicken, you 1 Yellow onion, medium remaining ingredients (chicken, US Customary - Metric càn put 4 to 5 pieces per bàtch. Condiments breadcrumbs, 1 cup Parmesan, garlic, ADVERTISEMENT Just don't overcrowd the fryer to àvoid 3/4 cup Peanut butter onion, 2 tablespoons marinara sauce, the fried chicken to become soggy Baking & Spices Italian seasoning, basil, parsley, salt, Instructions ànd loose it's crispiness. 1/4 cup Cornstarch pepper and egg). Mix well, do not Heat oil in a pan. Cook it for àbout 15 to 20 minutes in Oils & Vinegars over mix or you will have tough Saute onion and garlic. medium fire. 3 tbsp Cooking oil meatballs. Once the onion softens, add Last, Put the chicken in à pàper towel Liquids Using a 1-1/2 tablespoon scoop, spareribs. Saute until the ribs turns or à ràck to dràin the excess oil. 3/4 cups Annatto water portion out meat mixture and place on light brown in color. Serve with your fàvorite gràvy. Enjoy! 4 cups Water baking sheet. After all meatballs have Pour tomato sauce and water. Stir and Other been scooped onto tray, roll into balls. let boil. 2 bunches Baby bokchoy (or pechay) Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly Add Knorr Pork Cube. Cover the pan ½ cup bagoong alamang browned. and then cook for 1 hour or until the Instructions Turn oven to broil. meat gets tender. Heat oil in a cooking pot. Drizzle a spoonful of marinara over Add liver spread and chili pepper. Stir. Saute garlic and onion. each meatball. Sprinkle with Add carrot and potato and more Once the onion becomes soft, saute mozzarella cheese. water, as needed. Cover and cook for the Oxtail until light brown. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is 5 minutes. Pour water into the the pot. Let boil. golden brown and bubbly. Stir-in bell peppers and green peas. Add Knorr Beef Cube. Stir. Cover and Serve and enjoy! Cook for 3 minutes. QUICK PEACH MELBA cook between low to medium heat Prep time : 15 mins Season with ground black pepper and CRUMBLE until the oxtail becomes tender. Note: Cook time : 1 hour Ingredients This will take around 2 to 2 1/2 hours salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve 410g can sliced peaches in syrup for conventional cooking, and 30 to 40 1 tbsp butter minutes if a pressure cooker is used. along with warm rice. Share and enjoy. 150g raspberries Add peanut butter and ground 100ml whipping cream peanuts. Stir. Nutrition Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: ½ tbsp icing sugar Pour annatto water. Cook for 3 100g granola minutes. 10g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: Pour the can of peaches, with the Combine cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold syrup, into a small saucepan over a water. Stir. Pour the mixture into the 186mg | Sodium: 601mg | Potassium: 769mg | Fiber: 3g | medium heat. Add the butter and pot. Stir until the sauce gets thicker. simmer until the peaches are hot. Add banana blossoms. Cook for 3 to Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4912IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 55mg | Once simmering, add the raspberries 4 minutes. and cook for 1-2 mins more until hot. Add eggplant and snake beans Iron: 3mg Share and enjoy! Meanwhile, put the cream in a large (sitaw). Cook for 5 minutes. bowl with the icing sugar and whisk Put the bok choy into the pot. Stir. until lightly whipped. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, put the peach Transfer to a serving dish. Serve with Melba mixture into four serving dishes bagoong alamang. and top each with a sprinkling of Ingredients granola and a dollop of cream. 2 lbs. pork spare ribs Totàl time : 1 hour 15 mins 1 piece Knorr Pork Cube Chicken joy is I think the most populàr April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 13 drive for the elderly. THE FILIPINO FORUM (June Last but not the least, the 1999). On this note, I’d like to Filipino Association of Montreal extend my apologies to Dr. Ed and Suburbs (FAMAS) have Sideco, who by mistake, was their own food drive included among the names of appropriately called FAMAS the deceased in this paper’s last HOT MEALS ON WHEELS in issue. Dr. Ed Sideco is very Social Tidbits collaboration with Samahang much alive and well as I write Makabayan. Spearheaded by this. And I am still with the North Fely Rosales Cariño FAMAS president Cesar American FILIPINO STAR. Manuel, his wife Tess, Svetlana After doing this write up, I Spring has sprung! Now Every Thursday, she serves Suarez, the FAMAS Board think I’ve earned my lunch! Let that winter eased its grip on us, lunch at the government members, this drive takes care me go look what’s in my pantry, beneath our breath, we give out building found at the corner of of the distribution of hot meals then go to my favorite TV chair, a big sigh of relief and say to Cote-des-Neiges and Appleton. every Sunday, courtesy of and take hold of my favorite ourselves, “Thank You Lord!” She also has the same program Pansitan. Julie Parado and device - the remote control. I’m This Coronavirus has going on at St. Kevin church Angie Ojerio are also doing their certain most seniors are doing taken a lot from us. It took away once a week. Due to her 20 bit to help. Ramon Vicente, the same thing! our winter as we used to know. years of volunteer work, Monica Bryan Perona, and Eric Esplana In closing, thank you It took away all sports we love to is well known and well lead the group of volunteers We Lord that for now, according to watch. It took away all cultural connected to agencies that should also give a big shout-out current news, things seem to be shows, the anniversaries, the provide the necessary to Snowdon Councilor Marvin getting brighter (due to a parades, the scheduled parties resources. If you find yourself Rotrand for his invaluable downward trend of infections) in the park, etc. The school year needing lunch, or if you know assistance. Marvin, we can’t and we are surviving. We look the students look forward to and someone who needs it, please thank you enough! up to You to set us free from this everything planned for fall and give her a call at 514-245-7945. No doubt we’re all feeling virus, and thank you for giving perhaps summer may be gone She can register you for the as well. In exasperation, many service on a regular basis. will ask, “God how could this be Also, Minda Mazzone, happening?” And imagine if the President of the Federation God replies, He might respond, of Filipino Canadian “How could you forget about Me Associations of Quebec in your everyday living?” (FFCAQ) mobilized her Hmmm. Food for thought. executive board and formed a This pandemic has “Pinoy Food Drive” with the wrought havoc on everyone. following slogans : “TOGETHER Our hearts go out to those most WE CAN”, “WE HEAR AS ONE”, affected, those who lost loved and “SHARING IS CARING”. All ones through this virus. If there Filipinos, especially the elderly, are rays of hope that come from the sickly, and the needy can this, it is the realization that register with FFCAQ President sooner or later, a cure will be Mazzone. The FFCAQ, in turn, found and we can flatten the wants to thank their donors who curve. But for now, city-wide gave money and food for their activities including sports food drive. They also want to Cesar Manuel, FAMAS President, (left) doing delivery of food to competitions are thank the drivers led by Fred needy seniors, as part of FAMAS food on wheels program. cancelled/rescheduled until and Jovy Narvas and their restless. This pandemic us enduring strength and peace further notice. The same is true grocery shopping service from business is not over yet. So up to now. Amen! with all the events in the Filipino Robin and Cristy Hunter. let’s lighten up and go down Until the next issue! God association’s calendar. Tenne Rose and Michael memory lane. One day, it Bless You! Several good things that Devantes are doing a very crossed my mind to go through came out of this are the helpful service through their TV my newspaper collections of my benevolent services resulting program Pinoy Pa Rin. Read SOCIAL TIDBITS. I found out from the desire to help the Tenne’s dissertations on that aside from the North vulnerable. First, I heard from important topics such as the American FILIPINO STAR, I was Monica Regacho telling me that coronavirus and some also a columnist with the at the end of the day, she had information on how to avoid TAMARAW TIMES where I wrote still seven food baskets left to getting infected. On the other two articles: “FAMAS marks give out. The Filipino hand, Michael, a medical Independence Day” (May-June community knows Monica very technologist who works at the 1984, p.7) and “In My well because of her many Jewish General, seemed View…Bill 40 Ignores the role of volunteer work. Every Tuesday, energized from the cheers Teachers” (Jan-Feb, 1984, p.7). she serves a $5.00 a meal to afforded to frontliners by a With the ASIAN LEADER, I wrote seniors (and those in need of grateful and thankful public. about the 91st Independence this service) at the FAMAS Tenne and Michael, we are Monica Regacho Parade (June 1989, p.15). With a community volunteer who basement building. All you have proud of you! the FILIPINO FORUM I also works with different associa- to do is call Monica to let her Adiva Estinoso and her wrote about “The Filipino Doctor tions. She wants to help know that you are going. After group are also doing their share (Dr. Edgar Sideco)” who lobbied needy families. Please call her lunch, a bingo game follows. in helping out with food relief for laws on handicap access, if you need food assistance at Tel.: 514-245-7945 April 2020 14 The North American Filipino Star

Heartwarming Christopher de Leon released from Globe digital film hospital, Sandy Andolong tests shares message of hope and negative for COVID-19 connection amid isolation

With the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to April 30, people will still have to stay home as the whole country continues its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Life in isolation and physical distancing has changed everything in the way we live and connect. In the midst of challenging times however, there is hope — with Sandy Andolong and Christopher de Leon increased recovery rate, increased Veteran actor Christopher capacity of health units to accommodate patients, and as the de Leon was discharged from the COVID-19 survivor country begins its COVID-19 mass hospital on Tuesday after testing testing. positive for the novel coronavirus Through these, Globe remains (COVID-19) a week ago. Christopher de Leon donates committed to standing with the Filipinos According to ABS-CBN plasma in this fight and shares its message of News' MJ Felipe, the actor’s hope through a video that shows support and faith that we will all manager Lolit Solis confirmed the overcome this crisis: news, saying that Christopher is “Dyan ka muna. At dito ako. now in a better condition but will Magkalayo. Kasi close tayo.” still be in self-quarantine for 14 The story talks about the “pain” days. that Filipinos are experiencing. Social When asked if the veteran and physical distancing, while a solution to help flatten the curve, actor is already cleared with the continue to bring families and loved virus, Lolit said Christopher still ones apart. The video attests to how has it. Filipinos continue to show support to “Meron pa rin siya. Kasi one another and become part of the may sipon pa siya, pero maganda communities they belong to. Human connections prevail as kasi 'yung recovery (signs) niya friends and families bond; show love kaya pinauwi na siya, kaya dapat and concern; trade stories, workout, naka quarantine pa rin,” Lolit said. dance, laugh and cry together albeit on Meanwhile, Lolit also virtual grounds. confirmed that Christopher's wife Ernest Cu, Globe President and Sandy Andolong, a kidney CEO assures customers, “While we go through this crisis together, Globe will transplant patient, tested negative Christopher de Leon is seen seated down and linked to a bag of his plasma while posing with St. Luke's Medical Center do what it can to provide uninterrupted for COVID-19. connectivity especially during these Christopher is one of the personnel. times.” lead stars of ABS-CBN’s “Love Actor Christopher de Globe continues to respond to Thy Woman” with Kim Chiu and Leon, who recently won the battle This was revealed in a photo COVID-19 with initiatives for its Xian Lim. Reports said that the customers to stay connected, informed for his life against the novel posted by his wife Sandy and #SafeAtHome. For more cast of the afternoon teleserye are coronavirus disease 2019 Andolong, where Christopher is information on how you can take part in in self-quarantine after (COVID-19), is now helping save seen seated and linked to a bag #OneGlobeVsCOVID, Christopher revealed that he lives offscreen by donating much- of his plasma while posing with Visit: tested positive for the virus. .
needed blood plasma that would St. Luke's Medical Center https://www.globe.com.ph/SafeAtHome . benefit critical patients afflicted personnel.
with the same illness. www.filipinostar.org April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 15 'I was patient 878': Iza Calzado says COVID-19 not just physical battle In a Facebook live shares experience having the organized by the office of Senator virus Risa Hontiveros today, speakers, Iza also recalled what she including Iza, discussed how to felt when she learned that she was cope with isolation and anxiety in positive with COVID-19. the time of the pandemic. Iza said “Nagulat ako na may she is lucky that hospitals were pneumonia ko. Parang it's the first not strict back then as she was humbling moment na 'Okay I'm among the first COVID-19 patients woman, not superwoman,' in a hospital. parang, 'Teka lang, akala ko “I wasn't alone. I was malakas ako,' tapos posibleng patient 878. I think they started COVID pa. No'ng una pa, ang really implementing really strict daldal ko, ang alam ko lang may rules afterwards. I don't know. My sakit ako, na may nilalabanan husband, he was with me all ako, pero no'ng sinabi na ng throughout. When we got the test, doktor, bumaba kasi 'yung oxygen it was like seven days after,” Iza level ko sa blood ko, nanghihina shared. ako. Pero hindi ko alam 'yung “Parang that whole time, nangyayari na 'teka lang bakit they never asked him to leave. kailangan nila akong dalhin sa They just asked him to please ICU, hindi ko maintindihan,” she wear PPEs. I was very happy that said. my husband was actually there,” Iza also revealed that she she added. has been battling insomnia for Related: Iza Calzado says some time, but she believes that it sorry for COVID-19 comment, is God’s grace that made her win

Actress Iza Calzado shared this photo while she was being treated for pneumonia in a hospital. Kapamilya actress Iza 2019 (COVID-19) alone as her Calzado revealed that she did not husband was with her in the fight novel coronavirus disease hospital all the way.

RESTAURANT LA MAISON NEW KUM MON 6565 Côte-des-Neiges Road 5047 Henri Bourassa Est (near Corner Appleton) Montréal, QC H1G 2S1 Montreal, QC Tel.: (514) 322-3133, 322-3130 Bean Curd Seafood Soup Fish Maw Seafood Soup 1/2 Crispy Chicken Baked Lobster with Ginger Salt and Pepper Pork Loin Seafood with Chinese Stuffed Bean Curd with Shrimps Broccoli Sauted Seasonal Vegetables Salt and Pepper Cuttle Fish Steamed Rice Fried Sea Bass Fish $49.95 Steamed Rice $74.95 4 person s 4 persons Bean Curd Soup Fish maw seafood soup 1/2 Crispy Chicken 2 Baked Lobsters with Ginger Shrimp Cake with Chinese Seafood with Eggplant Broccoli in Hot Pot Sweet and Sour Pork Stuffed Bean Curd with Seafood with Bean Curd in Shrimp Hot Pot Seafood with Chinese broccoli “This was me exactly a month ago. Every breath is a blessing,” Salt and Pepper Squid Fried Sea Bass Fish House Fried Rice Calzado wrote on her Instagram post on April 26. Fried Sea Bass Fish $79.95 Special Fried Noodles $159.95 Steamed Rice 6 persons against COVID-19. dami? I was battling a lot, 10 persons “I've been battling physically, mentally, emotionally, insomnia for quite some time. You but good thing marami na rin FREE DELIVERY know, when you can't sleep then akong pinagdaanan. I guess it's Minimum order of $10 514-733-6029 these things are in your head. I God's grace. Even in my darkest Delivery hours: 514-733-1067 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. just wanted to sleep but may hours, I chose to go to the path For party menu, call Kenny
5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. insomnia ka, may pneumonia that will lead me to light." from COVID, di ba parang ang www.filipinostar.org 16 April 2020 The North American Filipino Star

Regine on turning 50: A Angel Locsin, Neil Arce milestone I feel in my knees! share COVID-19 test results

Regine Velasquez celebrating birthday at home.

Many people consider our normal lives. It’s difficult and I Engaged couple Neil Arce and Angel Locsin turning 50 a life milestone. know it will take some time for us to And to be fair, Regine recover. But I know that we can do Engaged celebrity couple sanitation) set up, and 135 hospitals Velasquez quipped, it does feel like this … that nothing’s impossible with Angel Locsin and Neil Arce tested benefiting from a range of donations. it. “A milestone I feel in my knees!” fervent prayers,” she wrote. negative for the novel coronavirus “In the beginning, our only said the iconic singer, who turned 50 “This, too, shall pass, by disease 2019 (COVID-19). dream was to provide tents to last April 22. God’s grace,” added Regine, who’s In her Instagram story, Angel hospitals for patients, for our Because of the enhanced set to hold an online fundraising posted the photo of the result. She frontliners, to address the challenge community quarantine and the concert. Dubbed “One Night with credited her strong immunity to her in overcrowding, and to help lessen Covid-19 pandemic, Regine spent Regine,” the show is for the benefit of supplements. the increase of spreading the virus in her birthday at home, with some of ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata Foundation, “Covid free,” Angel wrote. hospitals, but because you were all her loved ones celebrating with her and will be streamed on April 25 on Angel and Neil have been so generous and kind, we received actively helping frontliners in the from you donations of food, PPEs, through FaceTime. “While I miss all the network’s official Facebook and efforts to beat COVID-19 in the aircon and many others kaya naman of you dearly today, we still got to YouTube pages. country. po dahil sa inyo (so it’s only because spend time together somehow. Miss Meanwhile, Ogie wished his After celebrating her birthday of you) we were able to give out not you and love you guys,” she wrote wife “all the joy, peace and love the last week, Angel announced that her only tents but also PPEs and other on her Instagram page. universe can offer.” "Unitent We Stand PH" initiative supplies,” Angel posted on She also thanked her “Go and keep shining for concluded with P11.35 million raised, Instagram. we don’t know anything,” husband, Ogie Alcaside, their son, Jesus,” the singer-songwriter said of 246 tents (225 isolation and 21 she added.
Nate, and stepdaughter Leila for Regine, his “beloved who’s most “making my birthday extra special.” beautiful even in her simplest. You Her wish and prayer for her are and will always be my eternal, Moira Dela Torre surprised with birthday, she related, is for the health and I love you with all my heart. May crisis to end soon. “I hope we all get God bless you and keep you.”
quarantine date on pickup truck to rise up, little by little, and return to “Last night, Jason took me out on a date on my lolo’s (grandfather’s) truck right on our driveway, with Marian Rivera continues to [drive-thru] chicken joy and snacks from our parent’s kitchen,” Dela Torre prepare food for frontliners recalled on Instagram yesterday, April 18. “It started with flowers and a letter for me (and my stepmom) and ended with a romcom at sunset. It was the best date night ever.” Hernandez first brought bouquets of yellow flowers for both Dela Torre and her stepmom, as seen in a video on Dela Torre’s post. He then escorted his wife out to the truck, and Dela Torre could be seen getting Moira Dela Torre and husband teary-eyed at the set-up. Jason Marvin Hernandez prove that “Losing you has easily Actress Marian Rivera Mental Health. romantic dates can still take place become my greatest fear. [B]ut my continues to prepare food as a sign of “Hope you’ll enjoy this meal I made for even as restaurants and other public fear is taken away by my thankfulness her gratitude to frontliners who are you. Stay strong and healthy. spots remain closed during the that I get to spend all my days with risking their lives to combat the Maraming salamat sa inyo,” Rivera enhanced community quarantine. you, whether in normalcy or coronavirus disease. wrote in the caption. Hernandez surprised the quarantined, whether it be [10 years] On Instagram, Rivera posted Rivera and her husband “Tagpuan” singer with a date that or a hundred,” she addressed her photos of her preparing snacks for the Dingdong Dantes earlier cooked involved sharing fast food and wine on husband after the date. “You will frontliners at University of the meals for frontliners at the Quezon the back of a pickup truck covered in always be my greatest blessing. [I] love you.”
Philippines-National Institute of Health City General Hospital.
blankets. (UP-NIH) and National Center for www.filipinostar.org April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 17 Staying connected despite social distancing

Patricia Tumulak: Best way to help at home is to use social media to empower and encourage our fellow Filipinos. Due to the extreme threat of Kapuso Foundation, where we can the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), donate online to help the frontliners Luzon is now under enhanced and the victims as well. community quarantine which means Sofia: Since I can’t go out like that everyone is asked to stay indoors I usually do to donate food, money or and not have physical contact with even clothing, I make sure to pray. I those outside to help in “flattening the pray for everyone’s safety and curve” of daily cases that put protection. pressure on our health care system. Will: Pinaka-importante yung Let’s face it. We are all trying pagpapaalala sa mga kababayan to adapt to the new normal and living natin na magkaroon ng proper in quarantine has reshaped our reality hygiene. Pati na rin po yung pag- and the ways we interact with each share ng knowledge ko about sa virus other. or sa kung anumang sickness na Nevertheless, life goes on. alam kong makakatulong sa marami. We carry on, from home workout Mahalaga din po na we stay in touch routines that don’t require a trip to the sa mga mahal natin sa buhay at kapwa upang i-remind silang mag- gym, to stockpiling healthy food, to lot po. kababayan. Saludo po ako sa inyo. ingat. learning to manage anxiety. What do you want to say to God bless you. With all the fear mongering With this current situation, our frontliners? Patricia: I would like to thank associated with the COVID-19 GMA Kapuso Foundation advocates Rocco: Maraming salamat sa the frontliners for rendering their outbreak, how do you take care of — Rocco Nacino, Bea Binene, inyo. Madaling tanggihan ang services in times like these. My your physical and mental health? Patricia Tumulak, Sofia Pablo and Will pagsilbi pero you put your lives on the thoughts and prayers go out to them. Rocco: Staying at home Ashley — share how we can all line just to help contain this virus. Sofia: I’d like to thank all of allows me to catch up on my sleep display the bayanihan spirit even Saludo kami sa inyo para sa the doctors, policemen and nurses thus, boosting my immune system. I indoors and how important it is to paglilingkod ninyo para sa bayan. Sa who serve our country. They choose also regularly take my vitamin keep up with the news as the country mga kaibigan ko na frontliners, ako ay to help people rather than stay at supplements. I take time to keep grapples with this pandemic. They namamangha sa inyong dedikasyon homes with their families. It’s very myself busy with the musical also expressed their gratitude para malabanan itong pandemic na admirable and I will pray for their instruments that I bought from way towards health workers and other pinagdadaanan ng Pilipinas. Rest safety as well. back. It’s good brain food and I get to frontliners who have been risking their assured, ipinagdarasal namin ang Will: Gusto ko pong be productive! lives to give aid to COVID-19 patients inyong kaligtasan at muli, maraming magpasalamat sa ating mga Bea: I try to work out even in the country. salamat sa inyo. A snappy salute to frontliners na nagtatrabaho at though I’m just home. I pray, I read As a Kapuso Foundation (KF) you all! nagsisilbi sa ating mga kababayan. articles online from reliable news advocate, how can we all help those Saludo po ako sa inyong tapang at websites, and I try to use this time to in need in these trying times? galing. Nawa’y bigyan kayo ng Diyos catch up on TV series that I missed. Rocco: As a KF advocate, I do ng mabuting kalusugan upang Patricia: I start my day by my part by staying up to date with any maipagpatuloy ang paggamot sa writing on my journal, the things that news about the virus and being a ating mga kababayan. I’m grateful for and write down lists on medium where people can be Recently, GMA Kapuso what to do today. I plan my schedule, updated with our situation through my Foundation has launched its Labanan including my meditation and workout social media posts. Ang COVID-19 campaign to call for activities per day. Bea: By staying at home and monetary and online donations to Sofia: I take care of my by following the rules mandated by help provide basic medical supplies physical health by eating healthy, the government, sana sama-sama for the workers at the frontlines in the sanitizing and staying updated with tayong sumunod, simply by staying at fight against COVID-19. any news about the COVID-19. I try to home and not leaving the house will Bea Binene: By simply staying at From the proper way of look at the situation in a way on how I make a difference. Para maagapan wearing face masks, washing our can learn to be more hygienic, careful home and not leaving the house ang pagkalat ng nakakahawang hands thoroughly, practicing social and more appreciative of life. will make a difference COVID-19. distancing, up to doing acts of Will: Inaalagaan ko po yung Patricia: The best way to help Bea: Sa mga doctors, generosity, all of us can be a light to katawan ko sa pamamagitan ng at home is to use social media to healthcare workers, nurses, security one another and bring relief to our regular na pag-exercise, pagkain ng empower and encourage our fellow guards, supermarket personnel, bank fellow Filipinos. By spreading masusustansya, at pagtulog sa Filipinos. Stay at home and practice employees, public officials, awareness and showing compassion tamang oras para healthy at masigla social distancing. There are also a lot policemen, sa lahat po ng mga even in the comfort of our homes, pa rin. I try to be positive and pray a of organizations, one of which is GMA frontliners, salamat po sa effort at sa there is no doubt we can fight this pagmamalasakit sa ating mga pandemic.
www.filipinostar.org April 2020 18 The North American Filipino Star Marian Rivera, Dani Barretto, more celebs give haircuts at home during quarantine

'Satisfied naman daw sya sa gupit ko lol' commented Marian Rivera after the haircut she gave husband Dindong Dantes. Solenn Heussaff about to cut husband Nico Bolzico’s hair. birthday on Thursday, April 16. 10.” Dani Barretto also tried her Actor Zanjoe Marudo also Celebrities, like many Heussaff laughed as he hand at being hairdresser to her tapped into some barbershop skills Filipinos staying home, are tapping looked nervous throughout the husband Xavi Panlilio, as seen in a when he shaved his dad’s head into new skills during the enhanced process. At the end of it, Bolzico YouTube video posted on April 17. outdoors, as seen in a picture on his community quarantine (ECQ). ended up shaving his own head. “He’s been so annoyed with Instagram account yesterday, April his hair already and I keep telling 18. him, ‘I’ll cut it, I can cut it,’ although in I hope someday my son will reality wala naman talaga akong cut my hair #kwentongbarbero alam sa paggupit ng hair (I know A post shared by zanjoe nothing about cutting hair),” she said marudo (@onlyzanjoemarudo) on in the introduction of the vlog. Apr 18, 2020 at 1:23am PDT

Nico Bolzico (L) ended up looking like Woody Harrelson (R).

With hairdressing services Bolzico poked fun at his new unavailable amid physical distancing look too, posting pictures on March measures, local personalities are 18 which showed that he expected to taking matters into their own hands. look like Brad Pitt but ended up Actress and artist Solenn resembling “Hunger Games” star Heussaff hacked off her husband Woody Harrelson. ‘I hope one day my son will cut my hair’ said actor Zanjoe Marudo Nico Bolzico’s locks right before the Actress Marian Rivera found after giving his father a fresh new cut. onset of the Luzon-wide lockdown a happy client in husband Dingdong “She learned via YouTube for “I hope someday my son will which was declared on March 16 and Dantes after she gave him a stylish 3 minutes,” said Panlilio. cut my hair,” Marudo mused, officially started March 17. fade haircut on Tuesday, April 14. “At the end of the day, kung playfully punctuating his wish with “I promised Solenn to cut my “Satisfied naman daw sya sa panget, siya ‘yong talo kasi (if it’s the expression “kwentong barbero” hair and also I promised Solenn not gupit ko lol (He said he is satisfied ugly, she loses because) she looks (which means exaggeration) as to leave the house. I have to keep with my haircut),” Rivera said on her at me more than I look at myself,” he hashtag. both promises and there’s only one Instagram Story, posting a shirtless quipped. With the ECQ extended to way,” he said in the video of the picture of him with his new hair. At the end of it, Barretto April 30, we will probably be seeing haircutting session posted on his Dantes meanwhile gave a pulled off a respectable haircut with a more of these haircuts from home. Instagram page on March 14. haircut to their son Sixto on his first www.filipinfoasdtea. r.Poarng lilio rated it as “7.2 out of April 2020 The North American Filipino Star 19 However, this has left sought for assistance. workers who rely on daily earnings, As of now, the administration Toni Gonzaga urges people to and whose jobs cannot adjust to a has not decided whether the ECQ work-from-home scheme without will be extended past its April 30 be thankful as many Filipinos any income through the lockdown. deadline. The Department of Health While the government has said that there are now 6,710 suffer during lockdown implemented a social amelioration patients infected with the program (SAP) to assist at least 18 coronavirus, of which 446 have died million Filipinos, a lot still have and 693 have recovered.
IN MEMORIAM of my beloved cousin, Eddia May you rest in peace with the grace of our Lord.

Toni Gonzaga Celebrity mom Toni Gonzaga sitwasyon, tayo maswerte tayo na has urged Filipinos who are in the nandito tayo sa loob ng ating mga comfort of their houses to be grateful tahanan, may mga tao na ang as others are living in difficulty due to tahanan nila sa ilalim ng tulay, ang travel and work restrictions brought tahanan nila sa gilid ng kalsada, ‘di by the enhanced community ba, so if we make it a habit to be quarantine (ECQ). thankful […] then good blessings Gonzaga said during an would come to us,” she added. online interview on Wednesday that Amid the COVID-19 the first thing that people should do pandemic, a lot of high-profile is to pray and be thankful for being celebrities have either donated or given another day to live — which started donation drives for some people do not have the luxury frontliners, medical practitioners, of, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. and those severely-affected by the “I think the first thing that we lockdown. should do pagdilat ng mga mata After the national natin is to say ‘thank you’, to say a government was forced to place an prayer of thank you,” the actress told ECQ over Luzon and other areas with ABS-CBN’s Magandang Buhay. due to rising COVID-19 cases, work “Kasi maraming mga except for essential services was KATRINA DE LA CRUZ - SORIANO kababayan tayo na hindi ganito ang suspended. May 7, 1955 - April 16, 2020 Education raises the bar but lowers the barriers to a rewarding career. Intensive, personalized instruction in languages & vocational education programmes is our specialty. Register by appointment - Call 514-485-7861.

PROGRAMS COURSES • English • French • PAB/PSW • Filipino (Tagalog) (Nursing Aide) • Other languages on request •Office • Business English Assistant • Business French (Secretarial) SEMINARS French students in beginner levels 1 & 2 • How to start and • Accounting manage your Technician own business • Writers helping •Customer writers 7159, ch. Cote des Neiges Service Clerk Montreal, QC H3R 2M2 (Bilingual OTHER SERVICES Telephone: 514-485-7861 Reception Fax: 514-485-3076 • Human resources Procedures) E-mail: development [email protected] •Translation • Data entry PAB Batch 12 Practicum at Chateau Westmount (Filipino to Eng./Fr.) ww.filipinostar.org 20 April 2020 The North American Filipino Star Quebec looking at options for a gradual return from COVID-19 measures

Quebec Premier Francois Legault, centre, responds to reporters during a news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic at the legislature in Quebec City.Legault isflanked by Horacio Arruda, Quebec director of National Public Health, left, and Quebec Health Minister Danielle McCann. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot MONTREAL -- As Quebec attempts to gradually and every week, we have to get a handle on the COVID-19 crisis in test the results of this gradual opening long-term care homes, Premier -- it's true for companies, it's also true Francois Legault said Tuesday the for schools." province will begin to plan for a gradual Legault wasn't prepared to say return of everyday activities, including whether physical distancing would be the reopening schools and daycares. practised at schools. "Of course, we still need some There are now 1,041 people time to be sure that the pandemic is who have died of COVID-19 in Quebec, under control before reopening the health authorities announced Tuesday, economy and the schools," Legault as confirmed cases in the province said Tuesday, emphasizing measures reached 20,126. would be introduced gradually and with That’s up 102 from the 939 the blessing of public health officials. deaths reported Monday; COVID-19 "We'll table a plan to tell you exactly cases in Quebec rose 807 from the how it will be done in the next weeks 19,319 announced a day earlier. and months." There are 1,224 people being Legault said that would include treated for COVID-19 in Quebec how to bring children out of hospitals as of Tuesday, up 55 from the confinement and back to schools and 1,169 reported Monday. Of those in a daycares sometime down the road -- hospital, 201 are in intensive care, up but stressed he didn't foresee putting three from the 198 reported 24 hours kids in school during the summer earlier. months. There are 2,970 people waiting Some parts of the province for COVID-19 test results in Quebec as less affected by COVID-19 could open of Tuesday, down one from the 2,971 first, the premier said, but he made reported Monday. clear waiting until September to reopen The number of people in schools and daycares wasn't optimal Quebec who have recovered from either. COVID-19 as of Tuesday was 4,048, up "You don't want to have one 201 from the 3,847 recoveries reported million children going back to school all a day earlier. at the same time, because then, if they With 9,348 confirmed cases, infect their parents ... we have a big Montreal remains far and away the wave of people needing to be provincial region hardest hit by COVID- hospitalized. We'll be in trouble," 19. Legault said. "So, we have to do that

Here's a look at the regional breakdown of COVID-19 cases across Quebec. In Quebec, there are now 25,757 confirmed cases of COVID 19. Of them 1,682 people have died.1,625 people are in hospital with COVID-19, including 217 in intensive care 2,789 people are awaiting test results 178,715 tests have come back negative. 5,841 people are confirmed recovered.