Volume XXXVIII No. 3 March 2020 Montreal, QC www.filipinostar.org

Canada not at the point of declaring a fCaenadiadn Peress,rMarch l22, 2e020 mergency over COVID-19: T“Werarue dedalingewithaa du eadly Prime Minister Justin Trudeau virus and this behaviour is says Canada is not at the point where unacceptable.” the federal government needs to take Police in Nova Scotia are emergency measures to force people being given the power to enforce to stay at home during the COVID-19 social distancing with $1,000 fines for outbreak. individuals and $7,500 fines for Trudeau says that provinces businesses. and local governments continue to “Our provincial parks are take steps to restrict people’s closed. If you go there you are movements and the federal trespassing and your vehicles will be government stepping in is a last towed,” McNeil said. resort. “You can get groceries, you “There are many things that can go to the pharmacy, but do not are being done and can be done at do it in packs. Identify a single family the local level, at the municipal level member who can do those errands.” and at the provincial level. The federal In Ottawa, federal Health Emergencies Act is a significant step Minister Patty Hajdu said people need that can and should be taken when to get the message about staying we’ve exhausted all other steps,” Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau delivering his message from the cottage in home or the federal government will Ottawa. Trudeau said at a news conference provincial state of emergency, joining Premier Stephen McNeil said step in. Sunday. several others including British residents are blatantly ignoring the “Asking them and “We continue to work very Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The need for social distancing. recommending them and I am hoping closely with provinces, with other Northwest Territories closed its Hundreds gathering on our that we don’t have to get to ordering jurisdictions, to make sure that they boundaries Saturday to travellers from beaches and in our parks, large them,” she said when asked what her are able to do the things that need to other parts of Canada.with the groups of people congregating, message to Canadians is. be done and we will continue to look Emergencies Act.” young people playing street hockey, Nearly 1,400 cases of COVID- at if it is necessary to move forward Gatherings in Nova Scotia are cars parked everywhere, people 19 have been reported in Canada and Nova Scotia became the latest now to be no more than five people. disregarding law enforcement,” See Page 4 Canada province Sunday to declare a McNeil said. Duterte: Philippines now under stBay: Dtarryel John oEsguferra c- alamity due to COVcommIunDity qua-ran1tine,”9 shutting down Reporter / @DJEsguerraINQ public transportation and strictly MANILA, Philippines — President enforcing home quarantine. Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire To date, the Philippines has Philippines under a state of calamity in 187 people infected with COVID-19, an attempt to contain the 2019 including 12 deaths and four coronavirus disease or COVID-19 recoveries. which has sickened over 180 people The virus, which was first Duterte signed Proclamation detected in Hubei, China, in late 2019 929 on Monday, declaring a state of causes mild symptoms such as fever calamity in the entire country for a and cough for most people but can period of six months “unless earlier cause serious illness such as lifted or extended as circumstances pneumonia for others, especially older may warrant.” adults and people with existing health Duterte’s declaration will allow problems. local government units (LGUs) to To prevent infection, access quick response funds during authorities are urging people to emergency situations. practice regular hand washing, cover “All government agencies and the mouth and nose when coughing LGUs are enjoined to render full President Rodrigo Duterte declares nationwide state of calamity and sneezing, and avoid close contact assistance to and cooperation with in bid to mobilize gov’t resources vs COVID-19 with those who show respiratory each other and mobilize the necessary symptoms. COVID-19,” Duterte’s Proclamation continuous rise of COVID-19 cases in resources to undertake critical, urgent, Update: As of March 24, 2020, total stated. the country. and appropriate disaster response aid confirmed cases: 501. Deaths: 33 Duterte earlier declared a state He also placed the entire and measures in a timely manner to of public health emergency amid the Luzon island under “enhanced curtail and eliminate the threat of www.filipinostar.org 2 March 2020 The North American Filipino Star March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 3 similar health issues again. that they can continue to provide care As far as we can ascertain, we and assistance to everyone in need. We From the have seen that everyone seems to be have read about volunteers who take Executive Publisher’s Desk doing his or her function- from a private the initiative of offering a helping hand to citizen’s initiative to start a volunteer others who are shut-in, and unable to go network in helping others confined out by bringing them basic necessities helplessly in their homes to the such as groceries and other supplies. It Coping with the government leaders in every level - is heartening to know that extraordinary municipal, provincial and federal. They deeds can be done by ordinary people. impacts of Covid-19 are doing their best to provide On the other hand, it is quite leadership, encouragement and advice worrisome that there are lots of false and waging a war to all citizens to do what is necessary to information on social media, doomsday against an unseen stop, reduce, and vanquish a global prophecies that have been told over and enemy. By now, we have all come to the over again from the ancient to the enemy realization that anything can happen modern times and the recurring and we must keep our faith that when incidents of scamming that happen we are given a problem, we shall find a anytime but specially in times of crises. Zenaida Kharroubi way to find a solution because we Not only should we protect ourselves believe in the abundant God-given from the virus but we also have to guard talents of all humanity. Perhaps, this against evil-minded opportunists in all pandemic is one way to remind us that different guises of offering solutions or the maintenance of a strong healthcare cure and pretending to help but are system, the development of vaccines actually defrauding vulnerable people. Covid 19 has disrupted important to follow proper medical against future diseases, the protection We must always fact check information people’s lives for several weeks now advice and keep up to date with what is of our environment should be our top we see everywhere, find out where to and we do not even have any idea how going on in order to know what to do to priorities. Moreover, we should learn get reliable advice, and do not allow long it will take to control the mounting protect ourselves and our family and that working together not only with our strangers to take advantage of our number of infections, and deaths. friends. Basic advice given to everyone neighbors in our own country but also weakness. Although Canada seems to have less is not to come to work when one is with others in the world is the best way Stress and anxiety, fears and infections than the rest of the world, the feeling sick, know the signs of the to go. Together, we have more power to worries are just normal effects of a devastating effects on the economy are infection and if needed, consult your overcome humanity’s common invisible pandemic. For this reason, we should unprecedented Schools have been doctor. Avoid going to the emergency enemy which cannot be conquered all have the courage to adapt to the ordered to close for two weeks at first, room unless it is an urgent case of the with arms but only with scientific drastic changes we must make in order but now, it is not certain if they are going infection but before it becomes serious, knowhow. to cope with its serious impacts on all to be reopened soon. On the contrary, we have to learn to know the signs of Many doctors have already lost aspects of our life. an order has been issued to close down the infection such as a dry cough, fever, their lives in their line of duty.. Who May the Heavenly Creator light restaurants, shopping malls, non- unable to breath and a sore throat The knows how many more front line our way into the unknown to see a better essential businesses and only allow virus causes pneumonia when it infects healthcare workers will be sacrificed. world tomorrow. Believe that this is just food stores, pharmacies with limited a person with other medical problems. We hope and pray that the mortality temporary and we shall all survive the opening hours. As big gatherings are To avoid getting infected, it is rates be decreased. Make them safe so crisis in due time. supposed to pose dangers of recommended to wash hands transmitting the virus, all types of events frequently, do not touch your face and have been postponed indefinitely. mouth, keep yourself at a distance from Senior citizens from age 65 and another person by at least 2 meters, do over are advised to stay home as they not shake hands, and if you have to are more vulnerable to get the virus as cough, cover your mouth with your they usually have other medical elbow. If you have recently travelled problems, and should not be exposed if from anywhere, observe a 14-day self- 7159 ch. de la Cote des Neiges Tel.: 514-485-7861/ 514-506-8753 they come in contact with someone quarantine. Montreal, Quebec H3R 2M2 E-Mail: [email protected] who may not be aware they have been It goes without saying that www.filipinostar.org Published by: Filcan Publications, Inc .. infected. Apparently, one can feel well waging a war against an unseen enemy at first but eventually may test positive is next to impossible to win easily and Zenaida F. Kharroubi after a few days but then it might be too we need everyone’s cooperation and Fely Rosales Carino W.G. Quiambao Chief Editor Tagalog Columnist late for others who have weaker understanding. This also makes us Society News Publisher - North .American Filipino Star immune systems and if they become learn valuable lessons. Our political April 1998-present infected, they are said to have a higher leaders who are making decisions that Bert Abiera Sam Kevin risk of dying from it as what has already affect everyone’s life need to become Founder-Publisher, Filipino Star Show Biz News & Layout Editor happened to a 75-year old lady who just more pro-active and develop strategies Nov. 1982- Nov. 97 had dinner with someone with the virus. to be prepared for the unexpected in The opinions expressed by the writers and columnists do not necessarily It is scary to think that one can consultation with the experts and reflect that of the management of the North American Filipino Star nor its easily get infected. It is therefore scientists to prevent the occurrence of editors.

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From Page 1 Canada COVID-19: Quebec closing shopping mallVesrit,y Sstevcenhsono· CoBCls News · Posted: Mar 22, 2020 19 people have died. Worldwide there aQunebdec isrcelossingtall sutoreas innshtopdpinig nisntill gbe arbloe too omperaste tuaken-otutislervMice.ayTélé1 Québec — a provincial French- have been more than 300,000 cases malls except for grocery stores, Grocery stores, pharmacies and SAQ language public television network — to . It was officially announced pharmacies and SAQ outlets at least outlets will remain open. Stores in produce television vignettes for children Sunday that the House of Commons until May 1. shopping centres that have their own to watch. will reconvene Tuesday to vote on Schools will also remain closed entrances don't have to close, either. Roberge said these educational measures to ease the financial burden at least until May 1. There will be no Earlier this weekend, the offerings will be entirely optional. the outbreak is posing on Canadians provincial exams this year. government announced it had banned "It's important to say to parents: and their businesses. All restaurants must close dining-room most public and private gatherings of we will help them," he said. "We don't The House will reconvene for service. Take-out service can continue. more than two people. Police in want to transform them into teachers. four and a half hours to approve the The number of confirmed Montreal and Quebec City have been We won't transform their homes into emergency legislation put forward by COVID-19 cases in Quebec increased called to break up several gatherings. schools." the federal government. by 38 to a total of 219. Also on Sunday, the City of There will be no provincial There will be 32 MPs in the Montreal is opening a drive-thru testing Montreal closed all public playgrounds exams this year. Roberge added that if chamber which will be proportional to site on Monday. It will be open seven until further notice. Municipalities around classes do not resume before the end of the representation of each party, said days a week and people can show up by the province have taken similar steps. the school year, students will be Government House Leader Pablo car or on foot without calling 811, if they Public health officials evaluated based on their grades Rodriguez. meet certain criteria (see more below). announced there are 219 confirmed accumulated so far. “We are all working together Starting Monday, Hydro- COVID-19 cases in Quebec, an increase Montreal sets up new clinic in the best interest of Canadians,” Québec will not charge late payment of 38 from Saturday. Of those, 24 have Montreal public health officials, Rodriguez said. fees for those who cannot pay their bills. been hospitalized, 13 of whom are in meanwhile, will open tomorrow an All playgrounds in Montreal intensive care. outdoor COVID-19 testing site in Place CANADA have been closed. Call 1-877-644-4545 Schools closed longer, educational help des Festivals, which could nearly triple COVID-19 CASES 1 430 if you think you have COVID-19 available the amount of testing done in the city. DEATHS 20 symptoms, instead of 811. The Quebec government also Montrealers meeting certain RECOVERED 18 Restaurants, shopping centres announced on Sunday that schools, conditions will be able to visit the clinic and beauty salons have been ordered universities and CEGEPs will remain without an appointment. It will be Last Updated: 2020-03-22, 7:57:34 by the Quebec government to shut their closed until May 1, if not longer. accessible by both car and on foot. p.m. EDT doors by midnight on Sunday, and to Education Minister Jean- The clinic will have up to 30 Sources: Health Canada, Ontario stay closed until May 1. François Roberge said educational screening stations and operate daily Follow Covid-19 safety The new regulation is part of the activities will be made available to from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. province's escalating effort to slow the parents online. measures and protect spread of COVID-19. Restaurants will His ministry is also working with SeePage 13 Quebec closing yourself and others. White House announces Manufacturers promise millions effort by tech giants and of masks amid crisis top labs to use supercomputers to fight coronavirus President Trump on Sunday months if handled on slower, announced a new effort to harness traditional computing platforms.” powerful supercomputers to combat Amazon did not immediately the coronavirus, hoping that state-of- respond to requests for comment. the-art technology might help Microsoft and Google confirmed researchers better map and treat it. their participation. The new effort is led by IBM The tech industry has with the backing of computer already played a critical role in the scientists from leading universities, government’s response to the threat of lawsuits from such sales. tech giants including Amazon and coronavirus outbreak. Facebook, As 3M, a large manufacturer of N95 masks for medical workers, works The other 10 percent will go to Google, and the country’s national Google and Twitter, for example, to rush out shipments across the industrial workers who are “also critical research labs. By pooling critical have doubled down on their efforts country, a company better known for in this pandemic,” in sectors including computing power that can perform to halt the spread of misinformation technology will also start production of energy, food and pharmaceuticals, 3M complex calculations many about the virus. And many in Silicon the disposable face masks. Chairman and chief executive Mike magnitudes quicker than average Valley have sought to help students On Sunday, Honeywell — Roman said in a statement Sunday. consumer-facing devices, learn over the Web, enable aid whose products range from aerospace The change signed into law epidemiologists and other health workers do their jobs online and systems to boilers — announced that it Wednesday protects manufacturers from experts can “discover new lessen the burden on overwhelmed will expand operations to create millions liability when selling N95 masks to the treatments and vaccines,” Trump doctors, who have turned to of N95 masks at its factory in Smithfield, health-care sector that were designed R.I. The new production line will create for industrial use. Both types filter at least said at a news conference. telehealth tools to care for patients. 500 jobs, the company said. 95 percent of airborne particles but can In total, the computing “America is coming together A large manufacturer of N95 vary in design and fit, according to the resources soon to be at the disposal to fight COVID-19, and that means masks for medical workers said it is Centers for Disease Control and of researchers with approved areas unleashing the full capacity of our shipping half a million to New York and Prevention. Previously, the South Dakota of study are equivalent to 1.65 world-class supercomputers to Seattle, with arrivals starting Monday. factory sold the bulk of its masks to million high-end laptops, according rapidly advance scientific research 3M also said that it is ready to industrial customers, with only about 14 to IBM. for treatments and a vaccine,” accelerate extra shipments nationwide percent going to health-care workers, “These high-performance Michael Kratsios, the White House’s and that it will almost double production Vice President Pence said last week. computing systems allow chief technology officer, said in a of the masks over the next year, to an researchers to run very large statement Sunday. annual 2 billion worldwide. That increase is bigger than the 30 percent boost the By Jeanne Whalen and Candace numbers of calculations in company announced Friday. Buckner epidemiology, bioinformatics and By Tony Romm A 3M factory in South Dakota is . molecular modeling,” said Dario Gil, Ministry of Health, BC CDC producing 35 million N95 masks a the director of IBM Research. “These month, 90 percent of which the company experiments would take years to is selling for health-care workers after a complete if worked by hand, or change in law last week eliminated the www.filipinostar.org March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 5 Because of these risks, the Government of Canadians. of Canada advises you to avoid non- Canada's National Microbiology Covid 19 News update in essential travel outside of Canada until Laboratory is performing diagnostic further notice. This includes cruise ships. testing for the virus that causes COVID- It is important for all travellers 19. The laboratory is working in close Current situation government across the country - have Canada as of March 25, 2020 to: collaboration with provincial and Areas in Canada with cases of COVID-19 been working together to ensure that self-isolate for 14 days after territorial public health laboratories, as of March 25, 2020, 6:00 pm our preparedness and response returning from travel outside of Canada; which are now able to test for COVID-19. Cases Deaths measures are appropriate and some provinces and territories may have A summary of people tested in Canada British Columbia 659 14 adaptable, based on the latest science specific recommendations for certain is available and updated each week day. Alberta 419 2 and the evolving situation. groups such as health care workers National Microbiology Saskatchewan 86 0 Aside from Canada, other monitor your health for Laboratory's summary of people tested Manitoba 11 0 countries and regions are reporting symptoms such as for cough, fever or in Canada as of March 24, 2020 at 6:00 Ontario 688 13 cases. Check the latest travel health difficulty breathing PM EDT Quebec 1339 6 notices before travelling. wash your hands often for 20 Total number of patients tested in New Brunswick 26 0 North America seconds and cough or sneeze into a Canada Nova Scotia 68 0 Central America, Caribbean and South tissue or the bend of your arm, not your Total positive Total negative Prince Edward Island 50 America hand 125,062 2,247 108,743 Newfoundland and Africa We continue to reassess the This testing summary Labrador 67 0 Europe public health risk, based on the best represents information collected by the Yukon 30 Asia available evidence as the situation laboratory and not the total reported Northwest Territories 10 Oceania evolves. cases in Canada. The remainder of tests Nunavut 00 Risk to Canadians Do you think you might have not reported here are still being Repatriated travellers 13 0 COVID-19 is a serious health COVID-19? Use our self-assessment tool resolved. Total 3385 35 threat, and the situation is evolving daily. to find out what to do. Should there be any differences The risk will vary between and within How Canada is monitoring with the national case count compared Global communities, but given the increasing COVID-19 with testing numbers reported by On March 11, 2020, the World Health number of cases in Canada, the risk to The health and safety of all provincial and territorial public health Organization (WHO) assessed COVID-19 Canadians is considered high. Canadians is our top priority. officials, provincial data should be as a pandemic. This does not mean that all The Public Health Agency of considered the most up-to-date. This assessment by the WHO is Canadians will get the disease. It means Canada is working with provinces, For more information, visit Canada's not unexpected. Describing the situation that there is already a significant impact territories and international partners, response page. as a pandemic does not change the on our health care system. If we do not including the World Health Organization, If you have additional questions that are WHO's assessment of the threat posed flatten the epidemic curve now, the to actively monitor the situation. Global not answered on our website: by COVID-19 and it does not change increase of COVID-19 cases could efforts are focused on containment of what the WHO is doing. It also does not impact health care resources available Call us at 1-833-784-4397 the outbreak and the prevention of (interpretation services are available in change what countries around the world to Canadians. further spread. multiple languages) should do. For that reason, it does not There is an increased risk of Canada's Chief Public Health email us at [email protected] change the approach we are taking in more severe outcomes for Canadians: Officer of Canada is in close contact with Note that we are currently experiencing Canada. aged 65 and over with compromised provincial and territorial Chief Medical a high volume of requests. Canada's public health system immune systems with underlying Officers of Health to ensure that any Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response is prepared. Since the outset, the Public medical conditions cases of COVID-19 occurring in Canada is detailed in this website: Health Agency of Canada - along with There are also increased health continue to be rapidly identified and https://pm.gc.ca/ public health authorities at all levels of risks for Canadian travellers abroad. managed in order to protect the health

www.filipinostar.org March 2020 6 The North American Filipino Star puro pagkaka-isa ang sinasabi ng mga sa trabaho na hindi niya tinatawag na kandidato na gagawin subalit higit tayong mom ang biyenan dahil isa lamang ang Tagalog Seksyon nagkakawatak-watak pagkatapos ng maitutring niyang ina . Siya ay ang taong eleksyon. Ang nangyayari ngayon ay puro nagsilang sa kaniya. Tama nga naman. demandahan at pag-aaksaya ng oras at Pero kabastusan nga bang tawagin niya Opinyon/Komentaryo pera. Matatahimik lamang ang ating ng Mary ang biyenan? Masyado bang komunidad kapag nawala ang mga pormal kung tawagin niya ng Mrs. Smith ni Willie Quiambao ugaling inggitan at kasakiman sa ang biyenan niya? Sa simula pa lamang kapangyarihan. Laging may nagsasabi na ay pag-usapan na ng mga manugang at mahabang panahon na ang kaniyang biyenan ang tawag nila sa isa’t isa. Sa paglilingkod sa FAMAS. Ang paglilingkod kultura ng mga Pilipino, malaking bagay ay hindi masusukat sa haba ng panahon. sa mga manugang ang matawag na anak SINO ANG IYONG BAYANI? siyang nagtiis sa pagdungis ng isang Noong una ay sinasabi kong reporter sa kaniyang pangalan. Paulit-ulit Mayroon ba siyang nagawa na hindi pa ng kanilang biyenan dahil itinuturing sobra nang ginagamit (overused) ang ang alegasyong itinago raw ni Reyes ang nagawa ng iba? Kung mapag-isa niya ang silang pamilya ng kanilang mga biyenan. salitang bayani kapag tinutukoy ang kahit pera ng isang asosasyon. “Nagdemanda mga Pilipino sa Montreal, matatawag ko Kalimitan, ay hindi nagkakasundo ang na sinong tao subalit nagbago ang aking ako hindi lamang para sa akin kundi para siyang bayani. mag-biyenan. Kapag nag-asawa ang paniniwala kamakailan.Ang depinisyon ng sa iba pa nating kababayan na dumaranas BAKIT HINDI MATAWAG NG MGA isang tao, kailangang tanggapin niya ang bayani ay ibat’t-iba. Siya ay isang taong ng pam-bubuling ginawa sa akin ng isang MANUGANG NA TATAY O NANAY pamilya ng kaniyang asawa. upang gumagawa ng positibong bagay na reporter,” sabi ni Reyes. Maidadagdag ko ANG KANILANG BIYENAN? magkasundo sila at mamuhay nang makatutulong at makapagbibigay ng si Budz Sarmiento sa aking mga bayani. Ang mga Pilipino ay likas na tanimik. Kung minsan, kailangan na pag- karangalan sa kaniyang bansa o Maraming nagalit at nagtangkang saktan magalang. Ginagamit nila ang “po” o uusapan ang mga maliliit na bagay upang komunidad. May taglay siyang pambi- siya nang mabawasan niya ng boto ang “ho” sa mga matatanda sa kanila o sa maiwasan ang hindi pagkaka-unawaan. hirang lakas tulad ni Manny Paquiao at mga kandidatong nanalo noon dahil hindi mga nakatataas ang bungkulin. Sa mga Naalaala ko ang kwento ng aking pinsan. Kobe Bryant na sumikat sa larangan ng sila sumunod sa COMELEC’S Rules and pamilya ay tumatawag tayo ng kuya, ate, May kaibigan siyang konsul na bakla sa palakasan. Ang bayani ay may angking Regulations. Dahil magkaibigan kami ay uncle o tito/tita sa mga nakatatanda sa ibang bansa. Bilang respeto, gusto ng talino na ginagamit sa kabutihan. Si Dr. isa ako sa mga nakiusap sa kaniya na atin. Baka mabatukan pa tayo ng konsul na tawagin siyang “ Sir.” kapag Jose Rizal ay bayani dahil sa pama- baguhin ang kaniyang desisyon dahil wala nakatatandang kapatid kapag tinawag nasa opisina. Sa labas, puede daw ang magitan ng kanyang mga isinulat tulad ng namang kasalanan ang iba pang natin siya sa unang pangalan. Hindi “seniora. Ayos iyon Noli me Tangere at El Filibusterismo ay kandidato subalit pinanindigan niya ang kataka-taka kung magulat tayo kapag MALAKING BAGAY AND TEMPO napukaw niya ang mga Pilipino sa kaniyang desisyon. “Wala akong inilihim sa narinig na tinawag sa pangalan lamang SA FAMAS CENTRE NGAYONG pananakop ng mga Espaniol. Kahit babae kanila,” sabi ni Sarmiento.” Lahat sila ay ng manugang ang kaniyang biyenan. TAGLAMIG at matanda na si Melchora Aquino o tumanggap ng kopya ng Rules and “Kabastusan” nga kaya iyon at kawalang Minsan ay nagpunta ako sa Tandang Sora ay naging bayani siya nang Regulations at hindi sila nagreklamo. ” galang”?. Kapag tinutukoy ko sa asawa centre upang kunin kay Svetlana Suarez alagaan at kupkupin niya ang mga Bayani ring matatawag ko si Dick Dahiroc ng aking pamangkin ang aking kapatid, ang dokumentong hinihingi ko. Ang katipunero noong panahon ng himag- at Joseph Gonzales. Sa kanilang palagay hindi ko masabing “biyenan mo” o nanay unang napansin ko ay ang tempo. Dati ay sikan. Higit na matatawag na bayani ang ay hindi tama at makatarungan ang mga mo. Baka sagutin pa ako na “hindi ko hirap akong umakyat ng hagdan dahil sa mga magulang na sa kabila ng kahirapan nangyari sa nakaraang eleksyon. Hindi nanay yang kapatid mo.” Hindi ko siya makapal na snow, Lagi akong nagbibiro ay nakapagpalaki ng mga huwarang anak. naman kailangang gumamit ng dahas narinig kahit minsan na tawaging nanay” na kapag nadulas ako na mai-dedemanda May mga magtatawa kung sabihin ko kung subalit ipinaglaban nila ang kanilang ang aking kapatid. Ganoon din naman ko ang FAMAS. Idea raw ng Executive sino ang itinuturing kong mga bayani sa karapatan at paniniwala. Bakit COMELEC ang aking pamangkin sa mga magulang board ang pagalagay ng tempo. At galing komunidad. Isa ay si Felix Reyes dahil may pa mismo ang lumabag sa ginawa niyang ng asawa niya. Hindi ko naririnig na daw sa sariling bulsa ni Cesar Manuel paninindigan siya. Kapag sinabi niyang ELECTION’S Rules and Regulations. tawagin niyang my “mother’in’law” ang kinuha ang pambayad ng tempo. Wow. gagawin niya ang isang bagay ay gagawin Mababawasan na siguro ang dayaan sa nanay ng kaniyang asawa. Tatawagin niya Halimbawa iyan ng sinasabi kong kapag niya iyon. Sinabi ng human rights activist susunod na eleksyon. Sa mga naging lamang na Cristy kung tinutukoy ang may ginawa kang mabuti, hindi mo na na si Malcolm X, “ A man who does not pangulo ng FAMAS, wala pa akong kaniyang biyenang babae. Kung hindi ko kailangang ipagsigawan. Ibang tao na stand for something, will fall for anything.” masasabi na naging bayani. Tatawagin nabasa noon sa Dear Abby o narinig sa ang magsasabi para sa iyo. Ang mabuting May kasabihan din sa Tagalog na “Walang kong bayani ang pangulo ng FAMAS na dating kasamahan ko sa opisina ang gawain ay hindi nakaliligtas sa kaalaman mang-aalipin kung walang mag- makagagawa ng paraan upang magkaisa isyung ito, sasabihin ko na kabastusan ng mga tao. papaalipin” o “Walang maniniil kung at mapagbuklod ang mga Pilipino sa nga ang tawagin sa una lang pangalan walang magpapasiil.” Halos isang taon Montreal at karatig na lugar. Sa simula ay ang mga biyenan. Sinabi ng kasama ko

Filipino Centre-Toronto Now Accepting Candidates to its 2020

BOy TuonytAs. StanaJunan(dOCiTn-Regt.) StudRCeJ nOtutsstanAdingwSatudrednt s Awards of 85% (or equivalent) during the last two program: Bachelor’s Diploma with Purposefully committed of Committee, will be recognized and (2) school years and must be involved in Academic Honours Notation; b) Graduate encouraging and challenging Filipino honoured appropriately in a ceremony. extra-curricular and community activities. program: Transcript of Academic Record Canadian students in Ontario to excel in Monetary awards, trophies, plaques and 3) The applicant must submit the following and Thesis or Dissertation Paper, and 4) school performance and to achieve certificates will be presented to the winners documents: For the elementary school Passport-size Photo; 5) Completed FCT student success, the Filipino Centre and/or nominees of each category. The graduate – Original copies of final report Award Application Form. Academic Toronto (FCT) is now accepting candidates Awards Rites will take place on October cards for the last two years. For the high awards received must not be more than 5 to its annual competition for the “2020 25, 2020 Sunday, 2:00 PM. at FCT Social school graduate – A current and original years old, from date of application. Rosalind C. Javier Outstanding Students Hall, Toronto. transcript bearing the school’s official seal. The members of the FCT Awards.” The overall and specific Also, both elementary or high school Rosalinda C. Javier Outstanding Students Started in 2005, this year’s FCT requirements for the 2020 FCT RCJ graduate must include two (2) original Awards Committee (RCJ-OSA) include RCJ Outstanding Students Awards edition Outstanding Student Award Competition letters of character reference ( at least one notable Filipino Canadian professionals, is an annual program of selecting and are as follow: from the school, excluding immediate educators and community leaders. It is recognizing outstanding and exemplary A. General Requirements family); two (2) passport-size photos and composed of Tony A. San Juan, as elementary, high school, and post- for All Categories: Any applicant or completed FCT Award application form. Chairman, and the members are Wendy secondary graduates from the public, candidate for an FCT Award must be a 1) C.Qualification Require- Arena, Jodelyn Huang, Steve Pagao, Mary Catholic and other government-supported Natural-born Filipino or of Filipino descent ments for Post - Secondary Honour Ann S. San Juan, Fermer Santos and Rose educational institutions in Ontario. The (either parent is Filipino); 2) Citizen or Candidates: 1) For Baccalaureate or Tijam. yearly competition is one of the major Permanent Resident of Canada; 3) Of Undergraduate Degree candidates: Must Application forms for the FCT projects of the 20-year old community- good moral and exemplary character, i.e. have achieved Academic Honours, with RCJ Outstanding Students Awards are focused hub in the GTA. has no pending charge involving sexual or Notation printed in the candidate’s degree now available from the Filipino Centre Through its RCJ Outstanding child abuse or criminal case. diploma, such as any of the following: Toronto(FCT) by contacting 416-335-0485 Students Awards Committee (OSA), the B. Specific Requirements "Summa Cum Laude" or "Magna Cum or [email protected]. Deadline for Centre will present awards to chosen for Elementary and High School Laude" or "Cum Laude" or "With Highest submission of forms and documents is outstanding student graduates who have Graduates. To qualify: 1) The applicant Distinction" (GPA 3.8 or higher) or "With August 31, 2020, Monday. Panel interviews completed their elementary or high school should be currently registered in the Distinction" (3.5 to 3.79); or will begin on September 19, 2020 or post-secondary studies(baccalaureate, elementary or secondary school in university/college equivalent of academic Saturday. Completed forms and document master's or doctorate). The selection Ontario, under one of the following honours distinctive awards. 2) For requirements are to be submitted by hand criteria for top elementary and high school categories: The elementary school Graduate Master's or Doctorate degree or mailed to: The Filipino Centre Toronto - graduates include 1) scholastic applicant should have completed the last candidates: Must have achieved Graduate FCT, RCJ Outstanding Students Awards achievement/academic marks – 50%, 2) year of elementary school and be going Average Grade of Letter Grades of A+, A, Committee, c/o Tony A. San Juan, community involvement and extra- into high school (grade 9); The high school A- only; or Numerical Marks of 90-100%, Chairman, # 4395 Sheppard Avenue East, curricular activities – 20% and 3) interview applicant should be accepted and going 85-89%, 80 -84% only; or High Pass-Clear Scarborough. Toronto, Ontario M1S 1T9.( performance – 30%. into university or community college or Excellence or acceptable equivalent Tony A. San Juan, OCT-Ret.). All applicants, who have been apprenticeship program. 2) The student marking scale.3) Documents (Photocopies screened, selected and approved by the should have a minimum academic average only) to be submitted: a) Undergraduate www.filipinostar.org March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 7 “More than taking me places, include leading the University of the these travels took me to the people: fellow Philippines (UP) Asian Studies Center as U.P. professor, China expert Aileen travelers on a train asking me if I were an its dean from 2003 to 2009, and heading Uyghur because they hadn’t yet seen one, the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Baviera dies of coronavirus a lily-footed grandma skillfully scaling the Foundation, which aims to promote peace steps of a mountain trail while I huffed and and understanding among Filipinos and puffed my way up, a village circus troupe other peoples of the Asia-Pacific. performing all muddied and ragged in a Remembered for objectivity park, a young Mongolian woman making Chito Santa Romana, the cheese from horse’s milk,” Baviera wrote. Philippines’ ambassador to China, Baviera studied Mao Zedong at remembers Baviera for her objectivity in the same time that Ferdinand Marcos was analyzing Beijing. pillaging the Philippines. “It also didn’t take Santa Romana had known too long before I learned to recognize and Baviera since the early 1980s, when she shun the shallowness of political was studying at Peking University. The propaganda when I saw it, Mao’s as much ambassador himself is a veteran China as Marcos’.” watcher, an Emmy award-winning Baviera added that the journalist and former Beijing bureau chief Tiananmen Square tragedy of 1989, where of ABC News, who worked as producer hundreds of pro-democracy protesters and reporter in China for two decades. were massacred by Chinese troops, was a “Dr Aileen Baviera was a close watershed moment in her China-watching. friend and colleague. I will miss her “The rose-tinted glasses came off; scholarly wisdom and collegial advice. We but even the large dose of cynicism that had intensive discussions about China replaced it was soon moderated by and Philippines-China relations, and we grudging respect and admiration for how exchanged many observations and quickly these people bounced out of ideas,” Santa Romana said. political crisis to eventually transform “Her insightful writings and talks China into an economic juggernaut. There constitute a lasting legacy of her was still much that could be learned from influential ideas and policy advice. She and about China, so I remained an avid will be remembered for her scholarship watcher,” said Baviera. and objective analysis,” said Santa Drawing from her experience, Romana. Baviera advised young China watchers: The ambassador added that “Do not be emotionally invested in the Baviera was “a passionate advocate of subject of your study; you should try to scholarly dialogues and engagement as LEADING PH EXPERT ON CHINA. Aileen Baviera, former dean of the UP maintain objectivity at all times, which can part of people-to-people exchanges and Asian Center died of COVID-19 on March 21, 2020. Photo from the be quite difficult given the state of ties ‘track two’ or nongovernmental Facebook page of Aileen Baviera today.” diplomacy.” MANILA, Philippines (3RD UPDATE) – March 12. She added: “Recognize that In fact, in 2013, after the University of the Philippines professor Ang-See said Baviera was at a China is complex and has multiple facets; Scarborough Shoal standoff that brought Aileen S.P. Baviera, one of the leading convention in Paris, where a Filipino was a it is not unidimensional and not always Philippines-China relations to new lows, experts on China studies in the Philippines, guest speaker. When the Filipino got sick clear as day. Chinese society is old and it Baviera invited Santa Romana to join her died on Saturday, March 21, due to the and tested positive for the novel is new. There is the State, and there is the academic delegation that flew to China. novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. She coronavirus, Ang-See said organizers sent 1.4 billion thinking, breathing, living There, he said, they engaged in “frank but was 60. the participants back home. Baviera was people. Simplistic thinking will not do. In friendly discussions” with Chinese The University of the Philippines one of them. the end, Deng Xiaoping’s cat was neither researchers on the way forward. in Diliman, where she was former dean of Baviera informed her friends, black nor white; it is grey.” the UP Asian Center, announced her death including Ang-See, about the situation. Baviera’s accomplishments Zee page 8 UP Professor to the UP community on Saturday That was the last time they spoke. morning, as it condoled with Baviera's Baviera, one of the Philippines’ family. leading experts on China, died at 3:55 am Baviera died at 3:55 am at the San on Saturday, March 21, due to the novel Lazaro Hospital in Manila. (READ: Aileen coronavirus that originated in the Chinese Baviera on 40 years of China-watching) province of Hubei. At the time she died, the "It is with deep sadness that we Philippines had 230 cases of the inform you that Dr Aileen S.P Baviera, coronavirus, including 18 deaths. Professor and former Dean of the UP Asian “We have been working so hard Center and one of the country's foremost the last 6 days to help in this fight against sinologists, passed away today, March 21, COVID-19. I couldn’t help crying to know 2020, 3:55 am, at the San Lazaro Hospital that while we were so busy yesterday, from severe pneumonia caused by COVID- putting together 150 boxes of medical 19," UP Diliman announced on its official supplies, she was fighting for her life,” Ang- Facebook page. (READ: Alieen Baviera, See, herself a China expert, said on 60: Her eyes were on China, her heart Saturday. stayed with PH) But what made Baviera’s friends Baviera was president and CEO even more emotional was the way she of the Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress lived – and loved her country. Foundation, Incorporated which aims to For 40 years, her eyes as an promote "peace, development and cultural expert were focused on China. But till she understanding for peoples of the died at the age of 60 due to a pandemic, Philippines and the Asia Pacific, through her heart stayed with the Philippines. international dialogue and cooperation." Iskolar ng Bayan Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy An Iskolar ng Bayan (“Scholar of (PN) also mourned the passing of Baviera, the Nation,” as students of the University of who was a member of its board of advisers the Philippines are called) from college to (BoA) for over a decade. She headed the MA to PhD, she is best remembered as an board's Maritime Coalition Committee. expert who studied China for the sake of "Her brilliant mind coupled with the Philippines. her strong sense of patriotism has helped “If one has to take a side, one in building a strong and credible Navy that must take the side of the Filipino people,” our maritime nation could be proud of. Baviera wrote in a 2019 essay to mark her Until the very end, her commitment to 40th year as a China expert. serve our beloved country remained Born on August 26, 1959, Baviera unfaltering," said the PN statement. – started studying contemporary China at Rappler.com the age of 20. From 1981 to 1983, she studied in China as an exchange scholar of MANILA, Philippines – “Take care, bring a the Chinese government. She learned the small hand sanitizer in your purse, and Chinese language, traveled the country wear a mask at the airport.” extensively, and encountered its people, Teresita Ang-See recalled that this “from the hot deserts in Xinjiang and was her last message to Aileen Baviera, 60, Gansu to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia who was on her way home from Paris on to icy Harbin and Heilongjiang.” www.filipinostar.org March 2020 8 The North American Filipino Star promote mental health that every training to answer the needs of January 29th each year, Bell Canada employers, Its annual conference donates money for every text or assembles all types of expert speakers message. Considering the fragility of in different fields. life, we cannot take things fore granted From its historical background, and must always be aware and this association has existed for many sensitive to each other’s personal years. In fact, its 50th year coincided struggle to be healthy physically and with the 150th anniversary of the mentally. Most of the horrible crimes foundation of Canada in 2017. happen because at some stage of Membership in this organization is one’s life, something wrong has based on being an accredited happened that could have been educational institution. Unfortunately, it Compiled data from is taking a long time to get an educational research by prevented if only a child born into this Zenaida F. Kharroubi world receives proper nurturing education permit from Quebec’s guidance and affection. It is still a Ministry of Education. I have been mystery how we can predict and avoid working for a permit since 2016 and A brief introduction to CICAN, and horrible things from happening. But if incurred a lot of expenses moving to a we all have the interest to learn more bigger place to meet the strict criteria of my personal goal to be a member about each other, understand different having sufficient facilities such as a One of the key purposes or Mamis, a young Filipino-Canadian cultures, respect opinions that do not library, cafeteria, and a director of objectives of the media, be it print, tv, professional whom I met because of agree with ours, let people live studies. Although I feel very frustrated or radio, is educational by informing the Filipino-Canadian Futures peacefully under better economic and do not understand the people about important news that will Conference held last year at Concordia conditions, the world will indeed be a bureaucracy that seems to be help them not only to make decisions University. She was one of the people better place. unsympathetic to my cause, I am still but also to be creative, critical, and who came to a post conference I believe that there are many interested in searching for ways to get acquire insights that are unique to meeting I organized at Gilmore College ways of contributing to the betterment this important permit that will allow my every individual. It is this idea that International last November. of our world, but I also believe that school to play a bigger role in the education is the key to the future. This overall development of a better is the reason I have founded my own educational system that shall school and why I am interested in contribute to the future of both our finding out other groups devoted to adopted country, Canada, and my research and best practices in native homeland, the Philippines. I education. hope that other educators will join me I have founded my own private as this may improve my chances of school in 1989 and celebrated its 30th obtaining the approval of the Ministry of anniversary last December. Until now, I Education to offer credit programs in am still working hard to realize a dream my private college. It would be a great - to make Gilmore College International advantage if I can find an investor who a center for higher education. and to believes in supporting a school that have an education permit that will make can really serve the needs of an ethnic it attractive to investors. Moreover, it will community. allow me to become a member of this I am looking forward to Association of Community Colleges attending its annual conference next which is now operating under a new May 2021 because their conference name CICAN that stands for Colleges this year has been cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Perhaps, this Jagger Jamieson (left) and Ira Mamis (right) have a project “Strong and Institutes Canada. It is an Minds Make a Strong North: Mental Wellness and Mental Health at Yukon association devoted to the protection of conference will offer me the opportunity College” at the Colleges and Institutes Canada student showcase in its members’ interests as well as to be to be part of a network of educators Ottawa last February. (Facebook post) in the frontiers of development of willing to support one another. keeps a teacher passionate about Upon reviewing the projects educational innovations and manpower education. As a founder of a small submitted to the annual conference of Jay Batongbacal, one of the private college and publisher of a CICAN last February, I was impressed From Page 7 UP Professor Philippines’ leading experts on the community newspaper with limited by the variety of areas covered by the South China Sea, also deeply admires resources, I have always believed that students from different colleges and Baviera, with whom he worked on there are many challenges in institutes. Ira’s project is about mental Pillar of China studies maritime and foreign policy issues for improving our educational system but health in the North. One of my own pre- Like Santa Romana, former more than two decades. at the same time I have faith in the occupations which is an emerging CNN Beijing bureau chief and veteran Batongbacal said it was individual contributions of educators topic of interest that used to be taboo China watcher Jaime FlorCruz also Baviera who recruited him back into from different parts of Canada as well is mental health which used to be remembers Baviera as a fellow student UP as he was finishing his doctorate. as from other countries. Recently, I rarely given any attention. There is so in Beijing in the early 1980s. He was with the UP Asian Center for a have received a facebook post from Ira much more interest these days to “She was gregarious, and number of years while Baviera was made a lot of friends among Chinese dean, before he transferred to law. and overseas students. She adapted Batongbacal is now director of well to the relatively Spartan life of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and students like us,” FlorCruz told the Law of the Sea. Rappler. “She was probably the only FlorCruz said Baviera was one who could truly understand China curious and diligent, conducting in this changing world, unlike the old interviews and traveling as much as guard who romanticized China, or the she could. “As a scholar, she was new scholars who either idolized or rigorous and yet humble in her feared it. She was able to see and point research. She acknowledged what she to the truth that was often in between,” did not know or understood – and Batongbacal said. “She was the single-mindedly looked for answers,” quintessential scholar, mentor, and he said. friend.” – Rappler.com FlorCruz also said Baviera “was always ready to help or share her insights and research materials,” and that “she spoke softly and calmly but Government economic she was firm and thoughtful on response plan available controversial issues.” on the Prime “We lost a pillar of China Minister’s website: studies in the Philippines,” FlorCruz said. https://pm.gc.ca/

www.filipinostar.org March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 9

ICotm’msuniquté:iMmarche22, 2f02o0 r a debate on size o"fNo oCne wiitll gyo dooCr toodoour to ncil:BorRougohs tlrikeaRnosd emont- Source: Marvin Rotrand petition. Few, if any, will accept the City Petite Patrie and Cote des Neiges - When voters elect the next Clerk's invitation to come to City Hall to Notre Dame de Grace have no Mayor and Council on November 7, file an objection. The only other means Borough Councillors while other 2021, it will be 20 years since the to contest is for individuals to send an Boroughs - such as Le Plateau Mont merged city was founded. email but with the absolute dearth of Royal and Rivieres des Prairies - Pointe Veteran Councillor Marvin information about the imminent Aux Trembles do. Rotrand says Montrealers deserve a adoption of the map, it is close to As a result the Plateau and debate on the governance model of impossible to alert the public," RdP have more elected officials than their city. He fears that won't happen as indicates Rotrand. do more populous Boroughs. the Plante administration will tomorrow It should be noted that Small Boroughs such as slip through Council the 2021 electoral Montreal has more elected officials Outremont and Ile Bizard - Sainte framework and electoral map. Tumult than any other city in North America. Genevieve with populations of 27,000 and fears regarding the Covid-19 crisis Rotrand says, despite this, the quality and 18,000 respectively have Councils must not result in a weakening of of debate is not exemplary and that that are as large as that of democratic debate, Rotrand says. votes are simply along party lines. Maisonneuve - Hochelaga - Mercier The Plante proposal is for Rotrand says Montrealers with 120,000 population. status quo, with one small change in need to ask the following questions Should this anomalous situation be cabinet. The evidence is clear. Our the boundaries of two adjacent •Are 103 elected officials in perpetuated, uncontested, for districts. current model has not resulted in ? another four years? either more democracy nor more Montreal just too many Some Montrealers may Montreal has a Mayor, 64 •Do Montrealers want to retain diversity; just more people putting up support that, but others who feel Councillors (of whom 18 are Borough Borough Mayors ? Council is large, unwieldy and their hands when told to do so by their Mayors) and 38 Borough Councillors The position of borough unresponsive, will, if this proposal party leaders," says Rotrand for a total of 103 elected officials. mayor was created in 2005 as a means goes unchallenged through Council, The Councillor says citizens By contrast. Toronto has 26 to avoid de-merger of former suburbs. be deprived of any say for the next four have the right to contest the electoral elected officials, Vancouver 11, Los Does the population feel that having years. proposal and that they should - even if Angeles 16, New York 52, San elected Borough Mayors brings value? Rotrand, who once supported there are parts of it with which they Francisco 12, Chicago 51, Houston 18 Does the position enhance local a large Council as a way to enlarge agree - simply to force a necessary (includes a citywide Controller directly services ? Does the position create a debate, says that the current model public debate. elected every 4 years), San Diego 10, useful check and balance between the has not served Montrealers well, After the framework and map Phoenix 9, Boston 14, etc. Boroughs and Centre City or is it, are adopted at Monday's Council neither enhancing democracy nor •Should there even be Borough rather, a source of bickering ? meeting and a public notice published producing a Council that reflects Councillors? The abolition of the post would Montreal's diverse population. the week of March 30, citizens will have Rotrand says this the role of a leave the electoral map intact with no "In fact, with our system, no 15 days to contest the proposal. A borough councillor is the most need for revision and reduce City matter which is the governing party, hearing will be held only if 500 misunderstood elected position. When Council from 65 elected officials to 47, power has been transferred from contestations are received, a virtually a citizen has a problem should s/he still one of North America's largest. impossible number to obtain during a elected Councillors to unelected contact a City or a Borough •Should the 19 Borough invisible apparatchiks in the Mayor's pandemic situation. Councillor? See Page 18 It’s time for a debate March 2020 10 The North American Filipino Star North American Filipino Star P h o t o G a l l e r y

Common birthday month, March 11 Pre-birthday surprise of Arlene Manalo Birthday brunch at Michael’s condo apartment, March 7, 2020 for Fely and March 2nd for Zeny. Dayag who delivered a cake and Left to right: Fely Rosales Carino, Tenne Rose Dayandante, her son Birthday cakes from Michael flowers, March 1st to Gilmore College Rafael, Michael Davantes, Zenaida Kharroubi (Photo by Oyie Olivar)

Fely getting ready to blow the candle

Zenaida Kharroubi making a wish before blowing the candle on the cake given by Michael. On the left is the delicious brunch he made for Fely’s and Zeny’s birthdays. (Story on page 13). L to R: Editha Fedalizo, Ambassador Petronila Garcia, and Paul Imperial Photo taken during the 2nd anniversary of Filipino Heritage Montreal held on March 7, 2020 at the CRC Building on 6767 Cote des Neiges.(Editha’s FB)

Souvenir photo taken at the 2nd anniversary of Filipino Heritage Month Officers and members of the Filipino Heritage Montreal pose with the held at 6767 Cote des Neiges on Saturday, March 7, 2020 with some Panday Tinig Choral group. At center are the Philippine Ambassador guests at the table, Zeny Kharroubi and Sonny Moroz (Photo: A. Erguiza Petronila Garcia and other members of the Embassy staff.(Edith’s FB) sent to the Star by Al Abdon). March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 11

www.filipinostar.org 12 March 2020 The North American Filipino Star beans, light soya sauce, sugar and Mongolian Beef Recipe (PF Changs water and bring it to a boil. Style) •Add the pan fried fish and allowed Mongolian beef is a fast and easy 15- the fish to simmer in the sauce for minute stir-fry with tender beef slices approximately 5 minutes. and a bold sticky sauce with a hint of Cooking •Braised Fish in Black Bean_Dish and spiciness. serve. Prep time: 00:10 Cook time: 00:15 with love •Garnish with some spring onion as Total time: 00:25 desired. INGREDIENTS Vegetable oil provides 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 tablespoon minced garlic food for the 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce 1/2 cup water soul. 2/3 cup dark brown sugar 1 lbs flank steak 1/4 cup cornstarch 3 scallions sliced into 1-inch pieces (green parts only) INSTRUCTIONS Tasty and easy to prepare Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a small saucepot over medium-low heat. dinners for a bchuickesn, ydraincmoost oof thek oil from the Honey Siracha Cauliflower Add the ginger and garlic and sauté pan (leave about a tablespoon). Ingredients until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the • Add the ginger, garlic and crushed 1 head cauliflower soy sauce and water, stirring to red peppers, cooking for about 10 4 cups florets combine. seconds. 1 cup milk (for vegan: use water or • Add the orange sauce and bring to almond, soy milk or water) boil. 1/2 cup all purpose flour (can sub •Turn off the heat, and add cooked gluten-free rice flour) chicken and stir until mixed. 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Panda express chicken orange 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper FOR THE CHICKEN: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs Ingredients: 1/3 cup honey 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1/4 cup Sriracha Stir in the brown sugar and increase cut into 1" pieces 1/4 cup ketchup the heat to medium. Bring the sauce 1 egg 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) to a boil for 3 minutes. Remove the 1 1/2 tsp salt sauce from the heat and set aside. 1 pinch black pepper Instructions Slice the flank steak against the grain 2 tbsp oil divided, plus more for frying •Position a rack in the center of the into 1/4-inch pieces, then toss it with 1/2 cup cornstarch oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. the cornstarch. Place the coated 1/4 cup flour •Place a piece of parchment paper on pieces of steak in a sieve and shake two baking sheets, set aside. (for off any excess cornstarch. Allow the frying: heat a large deep pan filled with steak to sit 10 for minutes. FOR THE SAUCE: Braised Fish with Black Beans 1 tablespoon corn starch Ingredients oil to medium/high heat) 2 tablespoons rice wine 300g mackerel fish, sliced into 2 •Wash and cut cauliflower head into 1/4 cup water pieces bite sized pieces/florets. Place panko 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tbsp shredded ginger breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 whole garlics, crushed •Mix the milk/water/flour and spices in 10 tablespoons sugar 1 pc red chili, sliced a medium mixing bowl. Dip the 10 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tbsp cooking oil (for pan frying fish) cauliflower in the batter, shake off zest of 1 orange 200ml water excess batter, then dip into the panko 1 tbsp spicy bean sauce breadcrumbs. You can do this one by TO FINISH: 1 tbsp black beans one or in batches. 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger root minced 1 tsp light soya sauce •To bake: Lay the cauliflower single 2 teaspoons garlic minced 1 tsp sugar layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with Place a large sauté pan or wok over 1/2 tsp hot red chili pepper crushed dash of salt oil olive and bake for 20-25 minutes or medium-high heat and add 1/2 cup some diced spring onion (for until the crust is crispy and golden. vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot (but Instructions garnishing) •To fry: Deep fry breaded cauliflower not smoking), add the beef to the pan Note: click on times in the instructions for 10-15 minutes or until golden. and sauté for 2 minutes until it is to start a kitchen timer while cooking. Instructions •In a large bowl, whisk the honey, seared on all sides but barely cooked • To make the sauce combine the 1 •Soak the black beans in some water sriracha, and ketchup. Remove wings in the center. Remove the steak from tablespoon cornstarch, rice wine, very briefly, around 1 minute to from oven/oil and toss in the honey the pan with a slotted spoon and water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, remove some of the saltiness. You can sriracah sauce and sprinkle with transfer it onto a paper towel-lined white vinegar and orange zest. soak it slightly longer if you prefer sesame. plate. Pour any excess oil out of the • To coat the chicken add the egg, even less salty. Drain well thereafter. wok. salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil into •Braised FIsh in Black Bean_Step a bowl and whisk together in a large •Rinse and pat dry the fish. Apply Place the sauté pan back over bowl. dash of salt all over it. This can medium heat. Add the prepared sauce • In a separate bowl, add 1/2 cup prevent the fish from breaking up to the hot pan (it should come to a corn starch and flour and mix well. during cooking. Heat up the cooking boil almost immediately), then add the In a large frying pan or a wok, heat oil oil in a frying pan and pan fried the reserved steak and cook at a boil, in a wok 375 degrees. fish on both sides until slightly brown stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Add the •Dip chicken pieces in the egg (Be sure to use a non stick pan.) sliced scallions, stirring to combine. mixture, then dredge in the flour •Remove the fish and drain well on mixture. paper towel. Transfer steak and scallions with a • Fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes or •Continue with the same pan, stir fried slotted spoon to a plate and serve. until golden and crisp. the garlics, shredded ginger and • Transfer to a cooling rack and sliced chilli until fragrant. The key to cooking with cornstarch is repeat with remaining chicken. •Add the spicy bean paste, black Easy Mongolian Beef that it must come to a boil in order to • When you are done with the serve its purpose as a thickener. March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 13 Here’s a gift delivered straight Quebec (FAAQ), recently reported that from Ottawa. It was a sleek mini working with the Black Community in wheelchair which I hinted to them when I Montreal has many advantages. To date, was down with gout Dec 25 and Jan 1 they already have the number of families this year. My thanks to good friends for this project. Their project involves the Hans Wilgehof and Adoree Silva! It will integration of children in an effort to build certainly come in handy when dreaded awareness of their surroundings and gout visits again. Before they went back foster friendships among the attendees. to Ottawa, we had a nice dinner at This includes their taxi fare going to and Social Tidbits Chenoy’s Restaurant on the West Island. from the venue near Cote des Neiges, Thanks, guys! their food for the day, and take-home Fely Rosales Cariño Another party gone quiet was food packages for each family. They the party we all anticipated attending always have extra food to give out. In Hi everyone! We are at present message, “Tita Fely, I’m inviting you to a because of the legendary cooking of case of need, please refer to Minda living in exceptional times. The beautiful breakfast on Saturday, March Maria Kuersteiner every time March Mazzone. coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic has 7.” Immediately I called him to accept the comes around. This time, because of the Guess who was on the CTV shown its claws, bringing with it an eerie invitation. I found out, too, that he also coronavirus pandemic, we all decided to National News at 6 PM on March 17? atmosphere and chaotic uncertainty. As invited Zeny Kharroubi (publisher of the go and get our lunch shares one by one. First Lady of FHSM Cora Abdon! This is of March 18, an Australian TV broadcast Filipino Star and owner of Gilmore This is to accommodate social how it happened. Maggie Calcetas, a report predicted at least six months of College). Zeny and I agreed to go distancing. However, when I went to get retired nurse and founder of the Filipino disruption. Further TV reports said that together. Entering the spacious and mine, Carlito and Thelma Arlegui were Nurses Association of Quebec (FNAQ), now in Quebec, there are 94 presumptive immaculate lobby at Michael’s condo, it already there. This year, everyone heard an ad calling retired nurses to cases and one confirmed death. Reports felt like you were entering a 5-star hotel. missed the wholesome get together. But come and help (due to a shortage of also said that there is only one place that Once inside his condo, you notice I still got my chocolates, flowers, and nurses). Maggie recommended Cora remains unaffected, and that is the artifacts all around, bottles of liquor and lotto tickets. Thanks so much, Maria! Abdon (a retired nurse at the Neuro Territories. Good for them. Would they wine cleverly tucked in a cute bar. Some Not to miss an important party Institute in Montreal), who was then allow us to move there for safety? How of these drinks were displayed on the held at 6767 Cote des Neiges, Montreal interviewed on TV by Genevieve can we escape the tentacles of this virus? dining room wall, which was also last March 7 was the 2nd anniversary of Beauchemin (the Montreal Bureau Chief Well, here are a few reminders from Dr. adorned with decorative plates that look the Filipino Heritage Society of Montreal for CTV National News), asking her if she Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public intricately done, unlike the usual Filipino (FHSM) headed by Chairman Al Abdon. would go back and help. Cora said she Health Officer. Stay home! Avoid crowds, style. Beautiful lanterns brightened the Because of an important family event, I is very willing to give back to the observe social distancing, and wash your windows. They sparkle when lit, giving could not be there but reliable sources community. Also contacted to go back to hands, etc. Furthermore, Dr. Tam said an aura of mini Christmas lights. My informed me that everything went work are retired nurses Connie washing hands should be done properly. favorite figurine is a monkey dressed as a smoothly. According to friends, it was Fernandez, Malou Dee, Maggie Calcetas There were kids on T.V demonstrating waiter holding a plate, ready to take your one of the loveliest parties they have and Mila Gobeil. correct scrubbing between the fingers order! Back to the breakfast. As soon as attended! As usual, job well done, Al! My In closing, here is my say about and the palms for at least more than 20 Tenne Rose Dayandante (with her son grapevine said that almost every guest the coronavirus. Let’s thank our seconds. Now this handwashing Raphael Xavier and Oyie Olivar) arrived, came in their Filipiniana attire while the politicians and health professionals’ reminds me of something and if my then and only then did Michael start gentlemen wore their barongs. Adding efforts to contain this virus. But may I memory serves me right, I threw a cooking the breakfast, now with Tenne to the glitter of the place was all the add not to forget to ask help also from backyard barbecue for members of the Rose flipping the pancakes. When the decorations of Amy, who glided around God. God is supreme and is God then Filipino Doctors Association of table was ready, I couldn’t believe my the hall in her nice Filipiniana gown and Almighty. It is worth our while to put our Quebec (FDAQ). Before having their first eyes! Not only was it dressed-up, laden did well as the host of the evening. Edith hands together and close our eyes and bite, they lined up to wash their hands. I with pancakes, bread, sausages, deli, cut Fedalizo, the event Chairman, planned say, “Lord, help us! “ And I would like to noticed that all of them - Dr. Bartolome up fruits, coffee, yogurt and more. My the evening well. And the success of the encourage everyone with these timely Javier, Dr. Ed Sideco, Dr. Jaime Carino, favorite was the 2-inch thick egg omelet! event was due to the enthusiastic effort of words from the apostle Paul: Do not be Dr. Emilio Lim, Dr. Tina Oldrich (all now Everything was delicious! And I give it an every member of the Executive Board: anxious about anything, but in every deceased), Dr. Jean Viloria, Dr. Flor A+ for presentation. Thanks for Amy Manon-og, Edith Fedalizo, Paul situation, by prayer and petition, with Rosario and others, washed their hands Michael’s creative ingenuity and Imperial, Minda Mazzone, Ricardo thanksgiving, present your requests to up to their elbows. I asked why they did assistant chef Tenne Rose’s helping Ribaya, Norberto Mandin Jr. and Auxiliary God. And the peace of God, which it that way, and Dr. Rosario said that was hand. That morning, they were not members (Ciony Nueva, Elma Birkbeck, transcends all understanding, will guard how they were taught in medical school. hosting Pinoy Pa Rin; they were hosting Rebecca Aguilar, Fely Bisares, Nancy your hearts and your minds in Christ Also, social distance is top priority. Stay two former colleagues of the Mabuhay Karides, Nenita Licyayo, Epie Gevero, Jesus” (Philippians4). Amen! home as much as you can. Now is the Montreal TV (MMTV) Zeny and Fely. Oyie Valent Lloyd Hughes, and Dolly Arjona). See you until the next issue. time to be connected with loved ones Olivar, our photographer, was also there Also present to give moral support to God bless you all! through various forms of social media. as a guest. And Xavier impressed us Chairman Al Abdon was lovely wife, Or call each other up, mag tsikahan tayo! with his knowledge of MAPS. He can tell Cora. Though I wasn’t there, it was good Let’s change the subject into you the shape of the Philippine, the to hear of Panday Tinig’s fitting rendition something more cheery, something to capitals of different countries, etc! (What of the national anthems. lighten up our hearts, and something to a memory at a young age). Michael, it Linda Mazzone, President of the make us smile. One morning, I opened was really a beautiful, beautiful breakfast. Federation of Filipino Associations of my iPhone and read Michael Davantes’ THANK YOU! •You have a cough, fever or difficulty From Page 4 Quebec closing breathing. Montreal's existing screening •You have travelled outside Canada clinic, in the emergency room of the old within the last 14 days. Hôtel-Dieu hospital, is able to conduct •You have been in contact with between 600 and 800 tests per day. That someone who has one of the above number could rise to 2,500 when the symptoms and has travelled outside the outdoor clinic is fully operational, country in the last 14 days. Montreal public health officials said. •You have been in contact with a But the provincial government confirmed COVID-19 patient. appeared to be caught unaware by the Patients can be triaged from announcement by Montreal public their cars, but the screening is done health. outdoors, under large heated tents. You Legault said he wanted people must bring your RAMQ card or another to call the provincial public health hotline piece of identification and visitors are anyway. "We are having discussions, so advised to wear outdoor clothing. that [the new clinic] is integrated in our Results of the tests are network," he said. expected within two to three days. The regional public health The STM is asking those going authority for Montreal, the CIUSSS, said to the screening clinic not take public it received a mandate from the provincial transit to get there. Health Ministry to operate the clinic. Birthday cake for Fely Rosales Carino held by Tenne Rose Dayandante One of the following criteria With files from Kate McKenna and birthday cake for Zenaida Kharroubi held by Michael Davantes who must be met to be tested at the Place hosted the brunch at his beautiful condo apartment. (Photo taken by des Festivals site without first calling for Oyie Olivar, March 7, 2020) an appointment: March 2020 14 The North American Filipino Star

Iza Calzado Actor Menggie Cobarrubias dies treated for of suspected COVID-19 pneumonia, awaiting COVID- 19 test results

"I'm currently hospitalized for pneumonia and so, I was tested for Covid-19 and i’ve been waiting for the results for several days now," Iza said. Menggie Cobarrubias Actress Iza Calzado revealed that she has been hospitalized for Award-winning actor pneumonia and is awaiting her test Menggie Cobarrubias passed results for the new coronavirus disease away this morning due to 2019 (COVID-19) afflicting the country suspected novel coronavirus and much of the world. disease 2019 (COVID-19), his “Hello, everyone. It’s been a niece Patricia Prudon confirmed on while but I thought I’d update you all. Facebook. I'm currently hospitalized for pneumonia Prudon first posted that her and so, I was tested for COVID-19 and I’ve been waiting for the results for uncle died "from battling NCOV- several days now,” the “Encantadia” 19," but later on said that they lost star posted on her Instagram account her uncle "from pneumonia Wednesday. She is seen intubated complications." while lying on a hospital bed. "Still to confirm if NCOV-19 “It’s been a challenging time for positive siya. Will keep everyone me but it cannot compare to the posted," she said. "My heart aches frontliners who have cared for me and that I could not see him one last to whom I am so grateful. My heart goes out to everyone in these trying times, time. Rest in peace, Tito Menggie! especially those who risk their lives We love you! Thank you for being every day to care for their loved ones,” a father, a lawyer, a general and a she interjected, instead highlighting the whole lot more roles to Philippine frontline healthcare workers risking their cinema. You will surely be missed. lives during the outbreak. Ingat everyone. Stay at home. The lead actress of “Bliss” also Don't risk it. To all my Cobarrubias called on Filipinos to pray for health and family please pray for our loved reassurance during the Luzon-wide lockdown. one's soul and his family." “I am hoping you all can join Menggie's wife Gina Jorge me in prayer for those who are currently Cobarrubias also confirmed the sick and their loved ones, for every news in a Facebook post. COVID-19 test result. Concio in "Eerie," among many person struggling to cope in these "Goodbye my love. Thank Cobarrubias, who others. tough times. And most especially, for you for the 30 wonderful years. I portrayed a myriad of roles In 2014, he won Best Actor the medical workers who are doing their love you. Dear God please give me including doctors, starred at QCinema International Film best despite the hurdles,” she invited her followers. the strength to be able to face this alongside Piolo Pascual and John Festival and in 1980, as Best “I count this time as an very difficult moment of my life," Lloyd Cruz in "Hele sa Hiwagang Supporting Actor at Gawad Urian. opportunity to be kind. To be a source she wrote. Hapis," with Vilma Santos in "Bata, Before he passed away of love and light. With the grace of God, Early this week, actor Lui Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?"; with today, the actor was able to post I can fight this and we all fight this Manansala posted that Nora Aunor in "Kabisera"; and with "Good bye" on his Facebook together.” Cobarrubias was in critical Bea Alonzo and Charo Santos- account.
condition while waiting for his www.filipinostar.org March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 15 Agot Isidro slams Sen. Koko Pimentel over quarantine breach: ‘Magpapaawa ka? Wag kami’ then denounced Pimentel’s “irresponsible and reckless” actions in a statement it released yesterday. It stressed that the violation of his quarantine “unduly exposed healthcare workers to possible infection.” Following the statement, Pimentel’s wife claimed that the senator never joined her in the delivery room. However, MMC’s medical director and Interim COO Dr. Saturnino Javier confirmed in an interview with radio station DZMM that Pimentel was with his wife in the complex that houses the delivery room. The said complex has since been disinfected and is now deemed safe. Javier also assured the public that contact tracing had Agot Isidro (left) and Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III already been done after the Agot Isidro criticized Sen. patakaran,” she added. “Senador his COVID-19 test results. The senator’s trip to the hospital. He Aquino “Koko” Pimentel after he ka, kayo ang gumagawa ng mga senator later found out that he had said that roughly six to eight people violated his home quarantine patakaran.” tested positive for the disease while will be subjected to quarantine due regulation despite being tested for (We follow the rules. You he was at the hospital. to being exposed to Pimentel. COVID-19. are a senator, you make the rules.) Rumors soon circulated that The senator has since The actress did not mince “At magpapaawa ka he still stayed in the medical center apologized to the hospital for her words when she commented ngayon?” Isidro asked. “Wag kami, despite knowing his COVID-19 test breaching his quarantine protocol. on a report stating that Pimentel Koko. Wag ngayon.” results. Pimentel later denied the Pimentel’s wife is still at MMC was asking for understanding after (And now you are asking speculations. awaiting delivery of their baby.
he breached his quarantine. for pity? Not us, Koko. Not now.) The management of MMC “Your privilege Pimentel drew flak discriminated other people from yesterday when he accompanied taking the test,” Isidro said in her his pregnant wife Kathryna to the Twitter post yesterday, March 25. Makati Medical Center (MMC) Christopher de Leon goes “You knew you were at risk!” despite him being under home “Sumusunod kami sa quarantine since he was awaiting home after hospital stay in RESTAURANT COVID-19 fight 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 Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong 1/2 Crispy Chicken 2 Baked Lobsters with Ginger Shrimp Cake with Chinese Seafood with Eggplant Veteran actor Christopher de After sharing his arrival Broccoli in Hot Pot Leon has been discharged from The home, Andolong posted a picture of Sweet and Sour Pork Stuffed Bean Curd with Medical City in Pasig, where he was a video group chat with their kids. Seafood with Bean Curd in Shrimp confined while fightingthe De Leon revealed last March coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 17 that he was positive for Hot Pot Seafood with Chinese broccoli His wife, actress Sandy coronavirus despite having no recent Salt and Pepper Squid Fried Sea Bass Fish House Fried Rice Andolong, shared on Instagram travel history outside the Philippines Fried Sea Bass Fish $79.95 Special Fried Noodles $159.95 Stories Tuesday night that de Leon and had no known contact with any Steamed Rice 6 persons 10 persons was “finally home.” COVID-19-positive patient. “Big thank you to all the staff, His daughter Mariel, who is FREE DELIVERY health workers, medics, nurses and based in New York, recently Minimum order of $10 514-733-6029 doctors of Medical City hospital,” she defended her dad in availing of a Delivery hours: 514-733-1067 said. COVID-19 test. She said her father 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. However, it was not had been sick and that her mom For party menu, call Kenny 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. mentioned if the actor had already faces health issues besides being a made a full recovery. kidney transplant patient.
www.filipinostar.org 16 March 2020 The North American Filipino Star

How celebs are coping with Richard Juan educates the COVID-19 quarantine followers on supposedly ‘sanitizing’ surgical masks with alcohol

Irma Adlawan Raymond Bagatsing, a cast constructively, or write it in a way that member of “A Soldier’s Heart,” said sounds like a suggestion. There’s too he understood why ABS-CBN much negativity in the world, so don’t decided to halt tapings temporarily. contribute to it.” The actor is also part of the Irma, meanwhile, is finishing upcoming series “Burado,” which her stint with the drama series features Paulo Avelino, Julia Montes, “Pamilya Ko” and is filming the latest Zanjoe Marudo, Nadine Lustre and movie adaptation of “Darna,” as well Thai actor Denkhun Ngamnet. “It was as two other indie movies that are supposed to roll this month,” supposedly due for release in March Raymond reported. and April, respectively. He is likewise working on a While stuck at home for a documentary called “Maharlika: In month, Irma has set goals for herself. Search of Our True Identity,” which “Exercise daily, repaint the pots in he is codirecting and producing with our garden, plant some herbs, cook US-based author, actress and life the food I had no time to cook, read coach Radhaa Nilia. “We will focus books, watch documentaries and on this project while our local other interesting movies on Netflix, fix entertainment industry is on hold,” my wardrobe and giveaway clothes I he added. haven’t worn in years,” she Raymond then advised his enumerated. followers to “work on strengthening Meanwhile, Vangie Labalan, your immune system by getting who is part of the cast of the enough sleep and rest. Nourish romantic-comedy series “Make It yourselves with green leafy With You,” advised: “Hang on. We’ll vegetables and fruits that are high in be back as soon as the problem is vitamin C and antiodixants.” solved.” The program, which stars Irma Adlawan, who is also Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, has part of the drama series “A Soldier’s been replaced by “On the Wings of Heart,” described the work stoppage Love,” which first aired in 2015 and recently ordered by the network as “a features James Reid and Nadine good move.” After all, Filipinos Lustre. should “help the government stop “It was good that ABS-CBN the virus that has started to destroy decided to cut taping right away. This the whole world,” she pointed out. COVID-19 is deadly,” Vangie told “A Soldier’s Heart” had to Inquirer Entertainment. “While I feel temporarily go off air after the sad about not being able to go to our Richard Juan has a Philippines. As a result, some network issued a directive to stop the happy set every day, I feel that it’s gentle reminder to everyone people have resorted to airing of its live entertainment just right for the network to prioritize amid COVID-19 threat: Do not recycling masks even though programs and the production of its the safety of everyone.” teleseryes. Vangie said she found the spray alcohol on surgical that’s not advisable. As a consequence, the monthlong lockdown “upsetting” masks. In the video, Richard first Gerald Anderson starrer has been because even her tango sessions in On Tuesday, the ABS- poured water on the protective replaced by the iWant original thriller Makati have been disrupted. She CBN actor Richard Juan gear. The mask was not ruined “I Am U,” featuring Julia Barretto. attends the sessions three or four uploaded on Instagram a video due to its waterproof coating Irma asked people to refrain times a week. “But TV and Facebook from “bashing the government on keep me sane,” she added. where he said the disinfectant on the surface. However, when social media. Now is the time to “This ‘vacation’ is taking ruins the masks’ waterproof he prayed alcohol on the gear, show our resilience as a nation. So longer than expected. That’s why, it layer. it started leaking. please, just shut up and obey.” would be nice to reconnect with There has been a “So guys that’s exactly why you friends and loved ones we had lost shortage of face masks since should not be spraying alcohol Irma Adlawan touch with by sending them sweet the number of people who has on your face mask and reusing The award-winning actress notes via chat or e-mail. Let’s make added: “But if it is so innate in your them feel important at these times,” the virus increased in the it,” he said.
nature to criticize, then do it the actress said.
www.filipinostar.org March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 17 Female celebrities showcase exercise routine under home quarantine

Rachel Anne Daquis Staying fit and healthy is a replacement, then capping all with priority in the time of enhanced a good stretch. community quarantine. “Madali lang to, sabay Actress and original tayo! Tara! member of SexbBomb Girls, #RocsQuarantineRoutine,” she Rochelle Pangilinan, shared her wrote as caption. exercise routine on Instagram. Athlete Rachel Anne

Kris Bernal

This includes brisk Daquis also shared tips. She uses walkingvon the stairs, squat household items tissue roll, exercise to strengthen knee and bottled water, face towel, and a leg muscles, jumping jacks, using sofa as alternative equipment for water bottles as dumbbell exercising. “Get fit while staying home,” she said. Kris Bernal is also at it. “To those who don’t have workout equipment at home like me, push-ups is a very basic move with lots of benefits. It targets almost every part of the upper Lovie Poe body. And, being able to push-ups ” she wrote. that fitness routine going!” her has been linked to disease Lovi Poe makes exercise caption read. prevention. So, go! Try it! Kaya mo “more fun” by doing some The video shows her yan girl! Onting push! Challenge grooves while on the treadmill. dancing to Troye Sivan and Dua yourself by starting with a few “Who said you can’t have a Lipa’s “Somebody To Love Me.”
reps!! Tagme with your push-ups!! Rochelle Pangilinan little dance party while working out? #LoviYourBody and keep

www.filipinostar.org March 2020 18 The North American Filipino Star Ottawa's top doctor estimates 4,000 cases oJoshf Pr ingCle OVID-19 in the city unless a visit is absolutely essential.” CTVNewsOttawa.ca Reporter @PringleJosh Contact Estimated 4,000 cases Published Sunday, March 22, 2020 The Medical Officer of Health 2:19PM ED said Sunday that based on modelling data and the rate of transmission, “we OTTAWA -- O ttawa’s top doctor says now estimate there may be up to there is community transmission of 4,000 cases of COVID-19 in our COVID-19 in Ottawa, and people community.” should treat all "interactions with Dr. Etches warned the others as a potential source of forecast for infection shows a transmission of COVID-19." doubling in the number of cases in “We are here today to report Ottawa every three days. that Ottawa Public Health now has “The doubling time, we’re laboratory confirmation of community seeing is sometimes down to three spread of the novel coronavirus days, every three days now. By this COVID-19 in Ottawa,” said Dr. Vera time next week, it could be 16,000” Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of cases in Ottawa. Health. Unit reported on Sunday a health care said Dr. Etches. Dr. Etches acknowledged the Speaking with reporters on worker at the Ottawa Hospital tested “At this time, I’m asking that lab confirmed COVID-19 numbers are Sunday afternoon, Dr. Etches said positive for COVID-19. The man in his all people ensure they are practicing numbers from the past, due to delays there are 27 confirmed and 30s, who lives in Prescott-Russell, has social-distancing, to the greatest with processing the test results. indeterminate cases (awaiting final no known travel history. extent they can.” “The challenge is the test test results) of novel coronavirus in Dr. Etches estimates there are Dr. Etches says social- results we get are from what Ottawa. now 4,000 cases of COVID-19 in distancing is important for everyone, happened in the past. People seem to “Five of those have no known Ottawa, based on modelling data and especially for people over the age of fixate on the lab confirmed cases. travel history, no link to someone who the rate of transmission. 55. What I’m using the estimate for is tell travelled, and no close contact with a “Because most cases are “Talking to your supervisor, people, clarify, now it’s here and it’s confirmed case. So we are starting to mild and undetected, I want to manager, employer about how you here significantly and the actions we see these community transmissions, emphasize the importance that can work from home, if possible. It need to take are now." and cases among health care everyone needs to treat all means avoiding visiting older friends workers.” interactions with others as a potential or relatives. Using phones, video The Eastern Ontario Health source of transmission of COVID-19,” chats, social media to stay connected,

•Should Ville Marie Borough we need to decide Montreal’s electoral happen and that municipal political From Page 9 It’s time for a debate have the right to elect its own future. I believe that the Projet Montreal parties are here to stay as part of administration should work with the Quebec law but a smaller Council boundaries be set in stone for Council ? Downtown is now under the government of Quebec to push back would foster more compromise and all time ? Whereas under previous tutelage of any party that elects a the time line to later this year to allow cooperation," says Rotrand. "Clearly leader Richard Bergeron, Projet majority to City Council. .The voters do the population to more fully participate the large size of our current Council Montreal was favourable to reducing elect three Councillors but currently in this process. To sweep this means many never speak at all. Two the number of Boroughs to 10, the the Mayor of Montreal is automatically discussion under the rug now is years into this current mandate, some current proposal is status quo simply the Mayor of Ville Marie Borough and partisan and does not serve the elected members have yet to voice an because it is simpler politically to avoid has the right to name two other greater economic and political opinion at Council meetings. Party such a debate. No analysis has been Councillors from anywhere in the city interests of Montrealers, ” Rotrand whips and in particular the unelected done as to whether any boundary to this Council. concludes. staff wield huge powers. This is not in changes or regrouping or merger of With a preponderant vote, the After more than 30 years at the public interest." Boroughs would reduce costs and Mayor and his/her party will always City Hall, Rotrand's hope is to see a Rotrand urges voters to take enhance services. control this Borough. Montreal's more non-partisan Council where the note of when the public notice is Rotrand says that Projet downtown actually has a substantial right of dissent is respected, and placed on Elections Montreal's site at Montreal is using an opposite residential population. indeed encouraged, and where www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/electio n argument - that less is better - to justify Does the current system Councillors work collegially. Such is and to respond by email to demand a close police stations, but for partisan protect their interests ? the case, he says, in Toronto, where hearing. political reasons is justifying that more “Now, with a pandemic crisis political parties do not exist at the is better when it comes to the number gripping our city, it is not the time to municipal level. of City Councillors. have the necessary discussion which "I recognize this is unlikely to

The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads Two-Person Assistant ADVERTISING Superintendent Team RENOVATION WANTED Full-Time team for CHEAPEST WAY FRANGOS M. CONSTRUCTION TO ADVERTISE apartment buildings in •Carpentry •Kitchens A Philippine or Thai Classified ads Pointe Claire, Westmount •Ceramic •Bathrooms and Montreal. Live on-site •Paint •Basement masseur in the First 3 lines = $15, in two-bedroom, rent-free •Plumbing •Extensions Plateau. Spent Next line @4.00 ea. apartment. Duties include RBQ 5655-5014 several years in Asia. (Heading= 2 lines) cleaning, maintenance & 514-996-3170 Mike Would like to have customer service. Send text to: Compensation includes Olympia Reno Inc. massage as it is done [email protected] salary, bonuses & benefits. For windows & doors, there. Contact: All classified ads must be Please send BOTH resumés [email protected] prepaid by interac to [email protected] Call 514-342-9597 transfer or cash. www.filipinostar.org March 2020 The North American Filipino Star 19 How Taiwan and Singapore managed to contain

TComO BVlacIkDwe-ll1 M9arc,h w20,h 20i2l0e, N alteiontatl iPnosgt noinrtemrnaatioln all iftreav egl aon do zn ealously pursuing The countries seem to have found those who had contact with the infected. the sweet spot between a 'it’s just like the flu' Singapore has deployed police reaction, and imposition of economically officers as sleuths to track down contacts and devastating lockdowns. Sandra Johnson’s used government-issued cellphones to keep husband had already left for work by the time tabs on those in quarantine. she talked to the National Post Thursday — Taiwan merged citizens’ recent early Friday morning where she lives in international travel history with their digital Singapore. health-insurance files and let doctors and His office was open, and the expat pharmacists access it all, while levying stiff from Mississauga, Ont., was herself planning fines for quarantine violators. to visit a nearby mall later. She had gone to And yet, “relative normalcy of day- the chiropractor the day before. to-day life has been maintained,” said a The city-state of six million is an recent journal paper by three Singapore eastern Asian transportation hub and for a few doctors. days had the world’s second-highest number The temperature screening station of COVID-19 cases. But its total stood at a at a mall near Canadian Sandra Johnson’s modest 345 Friday, with no deaths. home, part of Singapore’s extensive efforts to And as Canadians hunker down in contain the COVID-19 virus. Supplied their homes or go on panic-buying sprees at Regina native Chris Beingessner said the the local grocery, life in Singapore motors on 4,000-student Singapore American School, more or less as usual. where he’s a vice principal, has taken steps to Commuters wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the “I haven’t felt that I’ve been avoid crowding, and will carry out two weeks COVID-19 coronavirus look at their mobile phones on the Mass Rapid of online learning, but otherwise little has inconvenienced,” said Johnson, 51, who’s Transit train in Singapore on March 18, 2020.Catherine Lai/AFP via changed. lived in Singapore since 1997. “Shops and Getty Images restaurants are open … I’m able to go “It’s just hard for people watching to Canada adopting a similar approach, like As news of the new coronavirus outside, I’m able to live my live pretty much Canadians not take things seriously, knowing chronic under-funding of public health here emerged from Wuhan, it took extensive normally right now.” that in Singapore they took it very seriously and a populace less at ease with government measures to identify cases imported into the It’s not that residents there are from the start and therefore have the outbreak control than some east-Asian societies. country. Officials actually boarded planes acting recklessly in the face of the pandemic. under control,” he said by email. “I can say this because I’m (ethnic) from the Chinese city to assess passengers, On the contrary. Interestingly, both Singapore and Asian but they’re generally pretty obedient ordering those with fever into isolation. Like Taiwan, another Asian country Taiwan share a grim past with Canada that people,” he said. “I find that in a lot of Western It merged health and travel closely linked to the coronavirus’ Chinese has coloured their response. Like Toronto, countries there’s this philosophy of databases — a seemingly complex task epicenter, Singapore has taken aggressive they suffered major SARS outbreaks in 2003, individualism.” achieved within a day — then made that and innovative measures to keep the disease then worked to ensure they would not be hit Another key difference is more information widely available to help identify under control. Taiwan, which had 2.7 million as seriously by an infectious marauder again. evident. Taiwan and Singapore have unitary cases. visitors from China in 2019, had just 135 Although this country also tried to governments that manage health care for The government moved quickly to cases and two deaths as of Friday, versus learn from SARS — creating the Public Health everyone. Canada, with its federal system, stockpile supplies, recruiting hundreds of Canada’s 846 cases and 10 deaths. Agency of Canada in part to oversee such essentially has 13 separate health reserve soldiers to work on production lines Perhaps as importantly, they have crises — its COVID-19 response has seemed jurisdictions, each delivering slightly different for surgical and N95 masks, so by late avoided the kind of mass social disruption more tentative — and less effective. responses to the pandemic. January there were 44 million and two million that has wreaked havoc on the economy I’m able to go outside, I’m able to But Dr. Jason Wang, a Stanford of each, respectively. Meanwhile, it restricted here. Schools, workplaces, stores and live my live pretty much normally University professor who published a recent the retail price of masks to avoid profiteering, restaurants all remain open, though Canada should look to Taiwan and paper on Taiwan’s COVID-19 successes, and eventually implemented a rationing restrictions have slowly tightened in recent Singapore for guidance, says Dr. Jeff Kwong, believes there is no real reason Western system that allocated citizens two masks a days. a Toronto family physician and public-health nations can’t take similar action. week. In other words, they seem to have professor at the University of Toronto. “Just be alert and take early action It also aggressively pursued found the sweet spot between a laissez-faire “It’s not too late to implement some to stop the spread of the virus,” he said via quarantine violators, tracking down three “it’s just like the flu” reaction, and imposition of these things,” he said. “This is going to be email. Hong Kong visitors who had disappeared for of economically devastating lockdowns. going on for months … There’s always value Taiwan’s response in a sense began a week when they should have been in Both nations have concentrated on from learning from others who’ve had shortly after SARS, when it set up a national isolation, fining them $3,000 each. And it strictly isolating people who have or might success.” health command centre, which includes a published the names of three others who had have COVID-19, tightly controlling Kwong does see possible barriers central epidemic command centre. not gone into quarantine as instructed.

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