Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - December 19, 2020

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

DECEMBER 19, 2020

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Pro-Democracy Movement Needed — In America

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

My 2020 Christmas Wish List

BUSINESS FEATURE

A Small Hair Salon Amidst Covid

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  DECEMBER 19, 2020

EDITORIAL

COVID-19 Vaccine Starts to Roll Out, But There Are Important Details You Should Know

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hat a triumph for science and medicine for the first COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine or BNT162b2) to be approved by the FDA and CDC in a hyper-accelerated speed of less than one year. The approval is technically called “emergency use authorization” because its phase III trials are still ongoing and will conclude on Aug. 2021.

But scientists and doctors of the FDA and CDC have seen the data of over 90 percent efficacy with no major side effects in clinical trials of thousands of volunteers and are convinced enough to have approved it.

The creators and brainchild of this vaccine that will save the lives of millions are scientists Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci of Germany. Ugar is an immigrant from Turkey. His wife, Ozlem, is the daughter of immigrants from Turkey. Both are physicians and scientists who got a fast track on creating the COVID-19 virus by their earlier research focused on SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. They also are specialists in immunology. Besides the Turkish-German couple, it’s fair to mention that many, many other scientists around the world have worked on developing a coronavirus vaccine. Science builds on science and the breakthrough to discovering a vaccine is ultimately a victory for the entire scientific community.

How does the vaccine work? The Covid-19 vaccine approach uses genetic material, mRNA, to trick cells into producing bits of protein that look like pieces of the virus. The immune system learns to recognize and attack those bits and, in theory, would react fast to any actual infection.

It uses the never-before-approved technology called messenger RNA, or mRNA, to spark an immune response in people who are vaccinated.

Pfizer CEO’s Albert Bourla called the vaccine “the greatest medical advance” in the last 100 years.

At the very least, the scope of the vaccine’s impact will be among the greatest as millions await the second part, the tactical part of delivery and administering of the first vaccine. Other COVID-19 vaccines are also expected to be approved perhaps even one other (Moderna) by this week.

Phase 2 Delivery and administering of vaccine The urgency of developing a vaccine has been met by the scientific community. Now it’s up to government planners, community health experts, shipping clerks, truck drivers, pilots, nurses, hospital workers, and health techs to also meet the urgency in phase 2, delivery and administering of the vaccine.

The Federal government must ensure that states are given adequate resources to execute efficiently phase 2, otherwise the urgency that scientists put into coming up with a vaccine in record speed would go to waste.

Compliance and trust In order for the virus to have an impact or what they call herd immunity, at least 75 percent of the nation’s population must take the vaccination.

Early polls suggest that we are not there yet as many still are not confident enough to take the vaccination. But that should change.

First, the public needs to remember that tens of thousands have already taken the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine in clinical trials. (continue on page 3)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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020 started with the most unexpected health crisis unseen since the early 1900s that put our communities around the world in a tailspin. Unimagined damage has already been done but the beginning to an end of COVID-19 is in sight as the FDA and CDC approved for distribution in the US the first coronavirus vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. As of press time, another vaccine put out by Moderna is on track to be the second approved for distribution.

For our cover story, associate editor Edwin Quinabo looks at all the angles of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, from its creation, how it works, testing in clinical trials and approval.

The article covers in depth the national and local distribution already underway. Gov. David Ige said Hawaii’s initial inventory of the vaccine will be enough doses for over 80,000 residents. Like in other states following CDC guidelines, the first groups to receive the vaccination in Hawaii are front-line healthcare workers, nursing and long-term care facility residents and staff, then first-responders. From there, each state will prioritize who will be next, potentially high risk seniors are highest on the list. Health experts predict the vaccine will be available for the general public sometime in the early months of 2021, perhaps by April. This means that strict safety CDC precautions must continue to be followed. Even though a vaccination is being distributed, CDC still recommends our Christmas gatherings be limited to members in our household.

There are other crucial information in the article -- including who must not take the vaccine as more studies need to be done in clinical trials on these groups; as well as the importance of compliance in both getting the vaccine and returning for a second dose. Both initial vaccines require two-doses. Side effects are explained, as well as why a public health campaign to get vaccinated is necessary to achieve herd immunity. Members in our Filipino community express their relief and concerns over the vaccine.

What a wonderful Christmas gift for humanity that a vaccine has been discovered. Speaking of Christmas giving, in our second editorial we remind many of our readers of the hardship that many in our ancestral homeland, the Philippines, are facing. Please consider their needs and continue our tradition of sending remittances.

On the same topic of Christmas, HFC columnist Seneca Moraleda-Puguan writes “My 2020 Christmas List,” and HFC editorial assistant Jim Bea Sampaga contributes “This Filipino Food Gift Box Is Perfect for This Holiday Season.” Perhaps giving a book for Christmas would be a great idea for a literary-lover. HFC frequent contributor Rose Cruz Churma writes a Book Review on a collection of short stories written by author Gilda Cordero-Fernando.

HFC columnist Emil Guillermo writes on the second biggest news of the year, the presidential election and its aftermath, in his “Pro-Democracy Movement Needed —In America.” We hope you enjoy these stories and our other columns and news.

Lastly, I would like to close with this message. It’s been a critical news year, arguable the most impactful in decades.

Many of you have shared with us your struggles and concerns in our cover stories and features as we’ve all navigated through the pandemic and historic political challenges -- TOGETHER. Thank you for sharing your personal stories. They have made all the difference helping our community to heal and to be courageous moving forward. May you all have a wonderful Merry Christmas! God bless. Until next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

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

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Design

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad Shalimar Pagulayan

Editorial Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

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

Contributing Writers

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

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

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

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

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

Give A Helping Hand to Those in Need this Christmas

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hile the Philippines COVID-19 infections (449,400 as of Dec. 13, 2020) and deaths (8,733, same time period) are relatively higher than other countries in Asia but far under the devastation experienced in the West and US, the Philippine economy has been hard hit by the pandemic.

Mandatory closures (lockdowns) of businesses to control COVID-19 and fear of catching the virus that kept many Filipinos from their normal consumer activities are just one part of the story that put a damper on the Philippine economy.

But the real hurt came in the country’s number one export – Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who because of the worldwide pandemic, have been sent back home as host countries’ economies dived and no longer needed their services, at least temporarily.

And related to the massive lost income of OFWs is the drop of non-OFW remittances sent to the Philippines from Filipinos living abroad who send home money remittances regularly to their family and relatives.

Both combined, remit-

tances from OFWs and Filipinos living abroad sent to the Philippines, traditionally account for 9.1 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). The drop in this whopping sector of the GDP ultimately translated to less money per household income, less money circulating in the overall economy from businesses to services.

By the percentages, to give Americans an idea of how large the OFW-remittances contributions are to the Philippine economy (9.1 percent), only four sectors of the American economy surpass 10 percent: wholesale trade, manufacturing, retail trade, finance and insurance.

Healthcare, construction, professional services, food services, utilities, transportation, administrative -- all of these US industries individually are under 10 percent of the US GDP. A major drop in any one of these would give a similar picture to what the Philippine economy under COVID-19 has experienced in 2020. But add to that the snowball effect one depressed industry can have on multiple or all industries.

Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed personal remittances retreated by 2.6 percent

Covid-19 Vaccine...from page 2)

These individuals deserve our sincerest gratitude for taking part in the experimental phase. And the results have been proven the vaccine to be safe and effective.

But there are select groups that were not part of the clinical trials and these groups should not take the vaccine, not just yet, until further clinical trials take place.

Those who shouldn’t take the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine are 1) anyone with significant history of allergic reactions (but they could under a doctor’s supervision with an EpiPen readily available; Dr. Anthony Fauci advises against it for this group), 2) people with immunosuppressed conditions, 3) pregnant and breastfeeding women, and 4) children under 16.

The second way to get people to take the Pfizer/ BioNtech vaccine or other vaccines to come out later is to keep cost down. It’s in the nation’s best interest, in communities’ best interest, to have the vaccine be free and easily available. Right now, most people qualify for free vaccination with health insurance reimbursement. The initial cost is expected to be $20 per dose (two required) for some.

Now the compliance part is not just taking the vaccine, but to come back for the second necessary dose.

In order for the vaccination to have efficacy of over

to $21.41 billion from January to August.

In 2019, the amount of money sent home by overseas Filipino workers reached a record $33.47 billion.

In May alone, remittances to the Philippines fell by 19.3 percent.

As the natural default of any economy, one major industry hurts the entire economic body. So that 19.3 percent drop in remittances in the same time period (second quarter), resulted in the Philippine overall economy plunging by 16.5 percent.

In terms of raw number of remittances sent to the Philippines that the country have been relying on, the US alone (OFWs and family contributions) sent back $33.5 billion in cash in 2019.

And remittances aren’t expected to recover anytime soon in a global recession, economists predict.

Part of the lure of working abroad for OFWs is that

the average OFW makes 2.5 times what their counterparts receive in pay in the Philippines.

The fact that Filipino politicians have relied too heavily on human export (OFWs) for decades and failed to boost domestic industries (jobs paying at least closer to similar jobs abroad) to wean off the nation’s overreliance on global employers is another issue to be discussed in the future.

But this Christmas, there is at least some hope to make a difference through end-ofyear tiding to our family and relatives in the Philippines.

Christmas giving to our family in the Philippines Philippine remittance companies are hoping that Filipinos abroad who can give will most likely be giving more than usual and close the gap (where others aren’t able to give) this Christmas season.

WorldRemit, based on their global surveys, projects that Christmas remittances could end up almost the same as last year’s season, or decline by no more than 2 percent. The reason: people who plan to give, plan to give more.

There is also hope as vaccines become readily available in the US and world, global economies could rebound sooner than expected that could lead 90 percent, the recipient must come back for a second to OFWs bedose. People must remember and there must be a pub- ing recalled to lic awareness campaign to drive this point home that their jobs. the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine is a two-part process. The second vaccine expected to be approved put out by Moderna is also a two-part process. There is a one dose vaccine in the work that could be available in the future.

Safety guidelines must still be followed The general public must keep in mind that the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine and others to come more than likely will not be available to everyone until the Spring of 2021. Priority to receive the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine are health care workers on the frontline, nursing home residents and staff and first responders.

In the meantime, it cannot be stressed enough that we must continue to follow the CDC safety guidelines of social distancing and mask wear.

We’re near the finish line. The last horrific scenario is that we contract the virus and not make it before the vaccine becomes available to us. Be smart, be safe, stay healthy and take the vaccine if you are medically qualified to do so. Should you have any concerns, it’s best that you contact your personal physician for your specific health situation.

If at all possible and if sending money remittances is a part of your Christmas giving tradition to family in the Philippines, how wonderful it would be to give a little more than usual. Or if you haven’t participated in this tradition, this year would be a great time to start.

Local giving CDC Eviction moratorium ends this month. Fourteen million Americans (hundreds in Hawaii) face being evicted by the end of the year and could be homeless as the new year begins, unless these renters are able to come up with rent money. Some of them are first-time unemployed workers due to the pandemic. Congress hasn’t offered assistance for months.

In the spirit of Christmas, how wonderful it would be to help a family in need unable to afford the most basic necessity of shelter.

For renters who lost income due to COVID, visit hihousinghelp.com the State Rent Relief & Housing Assistance Program to find out if you are eligible for assistance.

Look into Catholic Charities Hawaii or Aloha United Way to see if they could help with your needs.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is risen. May you all have a blessed and Merry Christmas.

Spread joy with tidings to those most in need, if you’re able to.

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  DECEMBER 19, 2020

COVER STORY

MILLIONS OF AMERICANS READY TO GET CORONAVIRUS VACCINE AS IMMUNIZATION KICKS OFF

By Edwin Quinabo

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he good news: the beginning to an end to the deadly pandemic is in sight as the FDA and CDC roll out the first approved COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine or BNT162b2) for distribution and administering in the US. The bad news: the virus is at its peak and will continue to infect communities with a fury. Health experts estimate some 200,000 people in the US could contract the COVID-19 before the first vaccine (others expected for approval) will be available for everyone near Spring 2021.

Social distancing, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, washing your hands, The FDA and CDC granted “emergency use authorization” to Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine over the weekend of Dec. 12-13, the first COVID-19 vaccine to be distributed in the US. The Moderna vaccine is expected for a vote this week and could be the second COVID-19 vaccine to get the green light.

Both the FDA and CDC found the vaccine from Pfizer and its German partner BioNtech is safe and effective based on data from their clinical trials with over 40,000 participants. Clinical trials of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine is over 90 percent effective.

Pfizer CEO’s Albert Bourla called the vaccine “the greatest medical advance” in the last 100 years.

The science behind how the vaccine works: Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine uses genetic material, mRNA, to trick cells into producing bits of protein that look like pieces of the virus. The immune system learns to recognize and attack those bits and, in theory, would react fast to any actual infection.

The mRNA is synthetic, not

staying away from hot spots like bars, gyms and restaurants (dine-in) – all CDC guidelines must still be followed, health officials warn. Normal Christmas holiday celebrations will have to wait until next year, as suggested earlier before the vaccine’s approval.

In the last week, COVID-19 new infections have averaged over 200,000 daily, deaths 2,200-3,200 daily, and patients treated daily for the virus at hospitals 100,000-plus. Hospitals nationwide have been operating at, over, or near capacity. Sandra Lindsay, a nurse frontliner, is the first U.S. recipient of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine against Covid-19 A vaccination couldn’t come sooner.

Scientists responded to urgency. Now be- of vaccines must reach multi-millions of gins the largest tactical public health ef- people in the US, and eventually the rest fort in recorded history as multi-millions of the world.

extracted from actual viruses.

The vaccine went through record-breaking speed to get approval and is technically given “emergency use authorization” because Phase III of clinical trials is ongoing, expected to conclude in Aug. 2021.

Less than one day after the CDC approved the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine, the US Operation Warp Speed project was launched as vaccines begun to be shipped and arrived at locations beginning Monday, Dec. 14.

The logistics are mind-boggling and incredibly ambitious. The US government’s Operation Warp Speed project hopes to distribute 300 million doses by Jan. 2021.

How large is that quantity?

For comparison between Sept.

2019 and Feb. 2020, 174.5 million doses of the flu vaccine were handed out in the US. Operation Warp Speed expects to double that quantity within weeks for the COVID-19 vaccine compared with the entire six months it took for last year’s distribution of the flu vaccine during flu season.

Operation Warp Speed Project plans to deliver the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine to all 50 states the week of Dec. 14-21. Exact times are not announced for security reasons.

Gov. David Ige said the first shipments to Hawaii will be enough doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for over 80,000 people.

Dr. Elizabeth Char, director of the State Department of Health, said Hawaii will get 46,600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 36,000 of the Moderna vaccine and the National Institutes of Health.

Tripler Army Medical Center is expected to be the first Covid vaccine distribution site in Hawaii.

Who will be getting the vaccines first?

Each state has prioritized select populations to receive the vaccine first because of supply-logistics. Those who will be able to get the vaccine first are hospital and health care workers working on the frontlines, occupants and workers at nursing care home facilities, and first responders

as recommended by the CDC. The general public is expected to start receiving vaccines in the first months of next year around April.

Char said the first in Hawaii to receive vaccinations are 35,000 front-line healthcare workers, 35,000 people living in long term care and other close-quarter settings, and first responders.

Filipino community reaction “I have a sense of relief that a vaccine is finally available,” said Rose Cruz Chuma of Kaneohe. She said she plans to take the vaccine and will encourage the rest of her household to do the same. “Vaccines only work as a public health issue if everybody gets one— same reasons why all the kids are immunized and vaccinated at certain ages and why seniors particularly are encouraged to get pneumonia shots, flu shots.”

Health experts say in order for the virus to be controlled in communities or reach what is called herd immunity, at least 75 percent of the population

must take the vaccine.

Myra Asuncion, formerly of Salt Lake now a Washington State resident where the coronavirus was a hotspot in the early Spring, said “I’m so thankful to God. The vaccine is the best Christmas gift for the world. People here have been on pins and needles. My sister works in a hospital. Near there are several nursing home facilities.

“When the virus spread in the nursing facilities and people were dying, everyone were afraid, especially health workers who didn’t have in the spring and summer adequate protective gear.

“The vaccine is a game-changer. We all must do our part and trust the science and medical professionals, get our shots. If you really think about it, getting the vaccine is a blessing. I can’t imagine why anyone would have hesitation.

People are reluctant in the US right now. People in most parts of the world would be begging to get it.”

A December NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist College poll (continue on page 5)

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (from page 4)

finds that 61 percent of Americans say they’ll choose to get the coronavirus vaccine when it is made available to them.

Other polls earlier taken – Gallup, Pew Research Center and Quinnipiac University – show similar numbers near 60 percent.

The trend seems to show a rise in confidence. Earlier September and October polls had numbers in the 50 percentage range and below.

According to a December survey by the University of Hawaii, Hawaii residents have more reservations than the national average about taking the vaccine. Only 44 percent of Hawaii residents plan to take the coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available; 37 percent are still unsure whether they’ll take it.

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D., of Honolulu said of the vaccine, “It is a significant development. I could sense some rush or hurry to produce the vaccine. This is understandable because of the eagerness and anxiety on the part of everybody wanting a ‘magic cure’ for COVID-19. But it has to be understood by everyone as well that much research and experimentation are essential for a potential cure.

“I hope the experts have produced a number of markers regarding who should be given priority to receive the vaccine. I agree that first responders or those on the frontlines like nurses and doctors be given priority. Also, that older people with underlying symptoms should also be attended to first.”

Aquino adds, “Have some side effects been found? Can younger healthier individuals wait? As everyone knows, the Covid 19 virus is relentless, rapidly striking everywhere regardless of age, gender and other indicators of health.

There are so many incomplete issues at this point.

“Sometimes, people get impatient and even desperate for a ‘magic cure’ which puts pressure on experts in their pursuit of such a cure. But like any other first-time attempt to cure any disease in history, the results are unpredictable, and at best, can only assign a cer-

tain percentage (50 to 90 percent) of how effective it might be,” said Aquino.

Marilyn Cadiz of Pearl City said she is thrilled about the vaccine. “Everyone has been under a lot of stress.

There is too much sadness for those who already died. We all want to get back to normalcy.

When the vaccine is available to me, I’ll get it. I do understand people being afraid in the beginning. But we should remember that tens of thousands have already taken the vaccine in multiple clinical trials.”

More public education awareness needed Aquino said “more information should be available for people to receive and read and understand for their own safety and protection in the long run.”

Georgetown law professor Lawrence Gostin, who has previously advised the World Health Organization on vaccine planning, said “the science of education is no less important than the science of vaccine development or the science of epidemiology. It’s no good having a 95 percent effective vaccine if you don’t have at least 70 percent of the population willing and able and do get the jabs in their arm.”

Dr. Uche Blackstock, an emergency medicine physician who founded a company focused on health care equity, said “We need really expansive public health campaigns that are engaging community-based organizations and trusted leaders and Black communities.

An initial $15 million public relations campaign launched by the Trump administration had been cancelled.

Another $250 public awareness campaign is in the work.

But a soft campaign already started. Just last week the federal government put out a modest $150,000 ad buy on YouTube encouraging people to take the vaccine.

On skepticism to taking the vaccine, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said “Well, what you need to do is what we’re trying to do—is to go

through the steps of how the vaccine was produced, tested, and then the evaluation was made, whether or not it was safe and effective and in each and every one of those steps where there is skepticism and concern, I think you can counter it with a real firm argument.

First of all, some people say it was so quick, you just found out about this new disease in January. How could you possibly have a vaccine available to inject into people into December, which would be less than a year? And this is a good answer to that in that the process is the quickest we’ve ever done in history, but that’s the course of the extraordinary advances in the techniques of the scientific basis for the platform technology that’s used to make the vaccine.”

Who shouldn’t take the vaccine At the moment, much of the educational awareness has been coming from what Pfizer/BioNtech has been telling the media, mostly on who cannot take their vaccine.

There are groups who should not take the vaccine just yet (more studies need to be done in clinical trials on these groups). The following individuals should not take the vaccine: • Anyone with a significant history of allergic reactions. (Dr. Fauci advises against taking the vaccine for this group; but some health experts say this group could get the vaccination under physician supervision with a EpiPen readily available.

• People with immunosuppressed conditions (individuals with cancer, those who’ve had a transplant, people taking certain medications like corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system).

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Children under 16.

COVID-19 vaccine trials for children are just beginning. Pfizer is already recruiting participants to test their COVID-19 vaccine in kids 12 years and older. Moderna has also

“Generally, the most common reaction is what you see with most, any other vaccine: a sore arm, a little bit, you might feel a little bit fatigued and down for 24 hours to 36 hours at the most; a small percentage of the people might get a fever that would last for 24 hours. You take a Tylenol, you can take care of that without much problem, with the safety of severe adverse events is really very good. And the 30,000 people in the Moderna trial and the 44,000 people in the Pfizer trial, there were really no severe adverse events.”

—– Dr. Anthony Fauci Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases started the process for their clinical trial.

Everyone else can take the vaccine.

Two-part Process Another area being stressed in the initial public awareness stage is that early vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna’s) are a two-part process.

The earliest COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out require two-parts in order for the shots to be over 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine requires people taking two doses 21 days apart; the Moderna vaccine requires 28 days apart.

The two-part process requires logistical challenges of their own. Each site that the vaccine is administered must comply with patient confidentiality, record keeping, scheduling appointments for the second required dose, and post-vaccination monitoring.

Based on the history of other vaccinations that require two-parts, it’s common that people do not go in for a second dose. Public health experts say there must be more public awareness campaigns to stress the importance of compliance in getting the second dose.

Currently, there is no national electronic system to track and encourage Americans to return for a second dose.

what you see with most, any other vaccine: a sore arm, a little bit, you might feel a little bit fatigued and down for 24 hours to 36 hours at the most; a small percentage of the people might get a fever that would last for 24 hours.

You take a Tylenol, you can take care of that without much problem, with the safety of severe adverse events is really very good. And the 30,000 people in the Moderna trial and the 44,000 people in the Pfizer trial, there were really no severe adverse events.”

If there is any health concerns for your specific health condition, it’s advised to consult your personal physician.

Stay the course, practice CDC safety guidelines Public health officials say that while a vaccine is being distributed, everyone must still follow CDC recommended guidelines of social distancing and mask wear, especially during this critical winter surge.

On Christmas gatherings, that means celebrations should be kept to only members of your household, or 10 and under if others are invited to your gathering, but with strict social distancing and mask wear enforced.

The four top places still to avoid if possible are bars, gyms, restaurants (dine-in) and public transportation.

Side effects Even as the vaccine becomes Dr. Fauci said, “Generally, readily available to more peo(continue on page 6) the most common reaction is

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  DECEMBER 19, 2020

FEATURE

Three Tips to Empower Children for Distance-Learning Success

By Karen Gibson

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re you a parent of a child about to start the new school year with distance learning? I’ve seen the fears and frustrations of my students and parents as Hawaii continues the school year with distance-learning.

As an educator for over 25 years, I’ve tried a variety of teaching strategies. I’ve been sharing parenting tips to empower students for distance learning success on my YouTube channel, Letting Go with Aloha. I also started a “Mama’s Gotta Let Go” Facebook group named after my book Mama’s Gotta Let Go: How to Let Go without Losing Your Sanity to provide support for stressed-out moms.

As many parents find their hair turning white at the thought of defining their role in their child’s distance-learning education, I find the following three parenting tips helpful in preventing both parents and children from losing their sanity while experiencing a successful semester this school year.

1. Practice Patience Remind your child and yourself that regardless

of how prepared teachers are, technical challenges, focusing issues, and virtual learning will be filled with endless opportunities to practice patience.

It may not be wise to focus on academic goals during this trial-and-error phase of teaching during a pandemic. Your child’s mental health should become a top priority rather than earning high grades and completing every assignment.

Engage in conversations, discuss any fears as well as unrealistic expectations.

Children will worry less if they know that “this, too, shall pass” and they will get through this challenging phase. We don’t give our kids credit for being resilient learners.

scratch paper or any materials related to their distance learning lessons.

Don’t forget to provide water and snacks, as well as a way to contact you in case they need assistance

with technical challenges.

Distance learning has become such a controversial topic, but with the rising COVID-19 cases, I personally believe the safety of our children should be a top priority. I’ve experienced successful virtual tutoring sessions by

implementing non-traditional teaching strategies. I have faith that our students will rise to the challenge and show us that they will exceed our expectations. KAREN GIBSON is an author, private tutor and a life coach.

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram (Mama’s Gotta Let Go).

Subscribe to her YouTube Channel (Letting Go with Aloha). Visit her website, LettingGoWithAloha.com.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

National League of Cities Elects Honolulu City Councilmember Brandon Elefante To Its Board of Directors

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onolulu City Coun- while influencing federal policy cilmember Brandon to drive innovative solutions.

Elefante, who represents Elefante will serve in a District 8’s Aiea, Pearl City and single year term where he will Waipahu, was recently elected provide strategic direction and to the National League of Cities’ guidance for NLC’s federal ad(NLC) board of directors. vocacy, governance and memNLC is the largest organi- bership activities. zation of city, town and village As a member of the NLC leaders, that focuses on im- board, he will also meet with 2. Keep in Touch proving the quality of life for fellow members in March, June Keep in touch with your their constituents. Their orga- and November to review and child’s teachers, counsel- nization also advocates for city guide NLC’s strategic direcors, and administration. prioritization in Washington by tion.

Ask for tech support, re- building strong federal-local “I’m honored to serve as a sources, and contact infor- partnerships. NLC’s mission is board member of this organimation so you are able to to strengthen local leadership zation and I appreciate this imcommunicate with them (COVER STORY: Millions of Americans....from page 5) on a regular basis. ple in time, it’s recommended Hawaii. We will go ahead with 3. Provide Their Own Space that people wait for the CDC to our earlier plan to celebrate Designate a specific work announce when safety guide- only with those in our housearea – where there are lines of social distancing and hold.”

Aquino recommends that minimal distractions – mask wear could be lifted.

Churma said until the virus everyone still comply with with the necessary school supplies such as pencils, is completely eradicated, she all safety and protection meawill still wear a mask in pub- sures. She believes if people lic and practice social distanc- don’t, there still will be “a lot ing and avoid crowded areas. of anger, hostility, and public “Even if the virus ceases to be shaming for those who disrea public health issue, Zoom gard safety [even now that a and digital meetings have tak- vaccine is out].” en root—this is the upside of Cadiz is confident most the mandatory social distanc- people will continue safety. “If ing. Imagine all the gas we people are afraid to take the saved! All the commuter hours vaccination, of course it makes saved, all the make-up and fan- sense that they will be concy clothes that have become cerned about their safety and obsolete.” practice social distancing and Asuncion hopes that the wear a mask. Only the people vaccine now being available with no courtesy and no class will not change how this year’s will drop safety measures. But Christmas is celebrated. “Hol- these are the same people who iday gatherings, actually all haven’t followed safety guideindoor gatherings, are known lines even before the vaccine, a as potentially super spreader small percentage of people, at events. It’s cold here in Wash- least here in Hawaii.” ington state, in the 30s and 40s, we don’t have the luxury of Keep cost down having our Christmas parties Healthcare advocates in the garage or lanai like in say if the goal is to beat

portant opportunity to directly represent Hawaii,” said Elefante. “I look forward to continuing and strengthening upon our bond with the Hawaii Federal Delegation toward addressing the many vital issues affecting our island communities.”

The Honolulu City Council congratulates Elefante for his newly elected role as a member of NLC’s board of directors, “We’re confident he will represent our city and constituents very well, with professional insight and compassion for our diverse communities.” 

COVID-19, the government in cooperation with pharmaceutical companies must keep the cost for the vaccine either free or as low as possible.

Right now, the vaccine is free to most Americans.

Those who have insurance, could be billed, but can file a claim for reimbursement with their insurance company. It’s also possible that some places will charge around $20 for each of the two-part vaccination process.

Step one on the road back to some normalcy begins now. Health experts say if we do our part, herd immunity could take place around the Fall, 2021.

Dr. Fauci said, “I think that we’re going to have some degree of public health measures together with the vaccine for a considerable period of time. But we’ll start approaching normal — if the overwhelming majority of people take the vaccine — as we get into the third or fourth quarter [of 2021].

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

Strategies for Winning Election Cases – Part 2

By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon

I

n Part 1 of this article, we discussed the objective of an election case, which is to win; the type of election cases (pre-certification and post-certification); the basic strategies in an election; the need to ask for an injunction to stop the count; which court to file an election case; and what should be contained in a complaint or petition.

In Part 2, we will discuss particular election irregularities.

PARTICULAR ELECTION IRREGULARITIES Election irregularities include fraud which involves illegal acts and non-fraud which does not involve illegal acts.

Election irregularities are either wholesale or retail.

Wholesale irregularities will result in a large number of ballots being rejected. Retail irregularities will result in a small number of ballots being rejected.

WHOLESALE IRREGULARITIES 1. Defective or tampered hardware and/or software of electronic voting systems.

There are reports that the same Venezuelan voting machine company that has been supplying the machines used in the Philippines in the 2016 and previous elections was the same supplier of voting machines used in many states of the U.S. in the last election. The supplier is said to be “Smartmatic” which is alleged to have rigged elections for a former Venezuelan president. Filipinos have derisively called the voting machines “Switikmatic” (“switik” means to cheat in the Philippine language).

Smartmatic’s “precinct count optical scanner (PCOS)” was

derisively called by Filipinos “Hocus-PCOS”. Smartmatic rebranded it to “VCM”. Filipinos derided it as “vote cheating machine”. See “Comelec dumbly accepts Smartmatic sly donation” by Jarius Bondoc. http://www.philstar.com/ opinion/2016/04/20/1574819/ comelec-dumbly-accepts-smartmatic-sly-donation Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr., who was running for vice-president of the Philippines in 2016, was ahead by one million votes and went to bed happy with the dream that he would be the next vice-president, only to wake up so very sad after he reportedly lost by more than 200,000 votes. Instead of challenging the election returns and preventing the proclamation (certification) of Maria Elena Robredo, his opponent, he inexplicably waited until after Robredo was proclaimed vice president. Marcos then filed an election protest which has been languishing in court since 2016. See Marcos v. Robredo. Before the election, I gave Bong Bong and his wife Liza, a lawyer whom I hired as a professor when I was the Dean of the College of Law of Northwestern University in the Philippines, copies of my book “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” I wonder if they ever read it?

The same chain of events happened to President Donald Trump. At midnight on November 3, he was ahead by a million votes in 5 states, with at least 600,000 in critical Pennsylvania. Like Marcos, he must have gone to bed smiling. The following day, Trump’s lead evaporated, and the corrupt news network was calling his opponent Joe Biden President-elect.

Were Marcos and Trump victims of “Hocus-PCOS”?

2. Election returns in particular precincts are “contrary to all statistical probabilities” and were obviously manufactured or fabricated.

Wenceslao Rancap Lagumbay, a George Washington University law graduate, ran for Senator of the Philippines in 1965. Election returns showed he was losing to Cesar Climaco. Lagumbay petitioned the Commission on Elections to reject the election returns in about fifty precincts in the island of Mindanao, but his petition was denied. He filed a petition for review with the Philippine Supreme Court.

The election returns disclosed uniformly all voters in the precinct voted with 100% in favor of all of the candidates of the Liberal Party and zero for all of the candidates of the other party, the Nacionalista Party, of which Lagumbay was a member.

Climaco’s defense was that these were “controlled votes”. The Court held that the election returns in said precincts were “contrary to all statistical probabilities” and were “obviously manufactured or fabricated.” The Court pointed out that “Such extraordinary coincidence was quite impossible to believe, knowing that the Nacionalista Party had and has a nationwide organi-

zation, with branches in every province, and was, in previous years, the party in power in these islands.”

The court concluded that the Commission had the power and duty to reject the returns of the about fifty precincts.

Lagumbay v. Comelec and Climaco, G.R. No. L-25444, 01/31/1966. We knew the old man. After the election he was in a state of lamentation since it appeared that he was losing his senatorial bid. He frequented Malacanang Palace to visit his party-mate President Ferdinand Marcos who had just been inaugurated as President on December 30, 1965. Lagumbay became a very happy man 31 days later after the Philippine Supreme Court invented the doctrine of “statistical improbability” thereby making him win. People have wondered whether Marcos inspired the invention of the doctrine?

3. Election officials or courts changing the election statute.

In Texas v Pennsylvania, Case No. 22O155, the State of Texas sued the States of

Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin, alleging that election officials in each of the defendant states altered or otherwise failed to enforce state election laws in the conduct of the 2020 election.

The violations of state election law, which is the “manner” the Legislatures of the States have established for choosing presidential electors, violates the Electors Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The number of ballots affected by illegal conduct of state elections officials greatly exceeded the current margin between President Trump and his opponent Joe Biden for the Office of President in each of the respective Defendant States. The four Defendant States collectively have a sufficient number of electoral votes to affect the result of the vote in the Electoral College for the Office of President.

RETAIL IRREGULARITIES 1. Illegal voters voted, including the dead, unqualified, or nonresidents, known as flying voters. (continue on page 14)

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  DECEMBER 19, 2020

FOOD

Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad for The Holidays

I

t’s the holiday season and everyone’s cooking something special to serve during Noche Buena and Media Noche.

Are you looking for an appetizer to add in the dinner table? This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad is sure to impress your family and friends.

This macaroni salad recipe indulges your tastebuds with its creamy and chicken savory goodness with a hint of sweetness from the pineapples and apples.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Gov. Ige to Furlough State Employees Starting January 1

S

tate employees will be furloughed two days a month starting Jan. 1, 2021 in an effort to save state budget, Governor David Ige announce on Dec. 9. The furlough is expected to happen for the whole year 2021.

According to the press release, the state is expecting a “$1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four years.” With the furlough, the state estimates they will save around $300 million.

“This is the last major element of the balanced budget that I am require to submit to the state Legislature every December,” said Ige in the press release.

Ige further explained that they tried to balance the state budget without having to furlough employees.

For the past eight months, the state engaged in cost-saving budgeting such as a hiring freeze on 3,000 non-critical position

vacancies; temporarily suspended pre-funding of some post-employment benefits saving $390 million, and cutting program budgets by $600 million every year starting 2022.

Although the state still decided to furlough employees, Ige said the “harsher alternative to furloughs is layoffs, which as already complicated the lives of thousands of fellow citizens who work in the private sector.”

The press release further states that the furloughs will not apply to about 4,600 employees that support 24/7 functions and those who are funded with non-general fund resources such as first responders, medical and public safety personnel and departments of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Transportation employees.

The State will announce the details of the furloughs soon. 

2021 Hawaii County Parks Closure Schedule Announced

T

hree main parks on Hawaii island are closing once a month next year for repair and maintenance, according to the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation.

With the large-scale maintenance work, the Department wants to ensure not to expose park patrons to the potential hazards of the work. The closure schedules for the parks are listed down below.

Located in Puna, Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Beach Park will be closed on the third Thursday of each month and reopened at 9 a.m. on the following day. The closure dates for 2021 are January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 16.

Located in North Kona, Kahalu‘u Beach Park will be closed until 10 a.m. on the first or second Tuesday of each month. The closure dates are January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 8, July 13, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2 and December 7 Located in South Kohala, Spencer Park at ‘Ōhai‘ula Beach will be closed all day on the following dates: January 13-14, February 1011, March 10-11, April 14-15, May 11-13, September 14-16, October 13-14, November 17-18 and December 8-9. There will be no closures for the month of June, July and August.

For more information, please contact Parks & Recreation Administration office at 961- 8311 or parks_recreation@hawaiicounty.gov. 

CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD Ingredients:

1 ½ cups mayonnaise; 250 grams macaroni; 1/2 cup minced carrot; 1 tbsp finely chopped onion; 1/3 cup pickle relish; 1cup drained and sliced pineapple tidbits; 1 cup of cubed apples; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast fillet; 2 tbsps sugar; fine salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1 Cook macaroni according to package instruction.

Make sure to drain it well and set it aside in a bowl.

2. Combine the chopped vegetables, fruits and shredded chicken breast with the cooked macaroni.

3. Fold-in the mayonnaise in the bowl. Then, season with sugar, salt and pepper to taste.

4. Chill in the fridge for an hour. Serve with sliced maraschino red cherries on top.

PMAH’s First Ever Blood Donation Drive on January 9

T

he blood supply throughout the country is experiencing a critical shortage of blood due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In fact, community blood centers project a loss of 250,000 blood donations over the rest of the calendar year due to a 30% reduction in scheduled blood drives compared to the same time period last year,” the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH) said on their Facebook post.

In Jan. 9, 2021 from 11:30am to 5:30pm, PMAH is hosting their first ever

“BLOOD DONATION & BONE MARROW REGISTRY DRIVE” in partnership with FilCom Center, Blood Bank of Hawaii and Be The Match Hawaii.

To comply with the COVID-19 safety guidelines, the donation drive is strictly by appointment only.

There are two slots available per time slot so PMAH highly encourages to invite a friend to donate as well.

For more information, visit bbh.org or bethematchhawaii.org. To make an appointment, call 808- 8484770. 

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  DECEMBER 19, 2020

AS I SEE IT

Welcome 2021, Do We Have to Make A New Year’s Resolution?

By Elpidio R. Estioko

T

he year 2021 is the Year of the Ox, a great year to sharpen our skills and rekindle our talents. It is a challenging year because if luck is not in our side, we can substitute it with hard work and perseverance.

We have been in the United States for 23 years and yearly, my family and I always welcome the New Year as Pinoys in America. Even as we attend dinner with friends and relatives, we make it a point that our family stay together during New Year’s Eve and eat with gusto the pansit and other native dishes my wife Delia prepares annually.

Historians say, according to old New Year’s tradition in the Philippines, the Chinese settlers introduced Chinese

noodles on New Year’s Day representing good health and long life. I found out that 80% of modern Filipinos still practice the tradition.

Looking forward, we believe in transformation because our big break is within reach and all it takes is hard work, determination, and a nurturing ambition. There is always hope for improvement in every new year we face.

Our desire to move forward will be stronger than ever this coming year and effectively transforming whatever deficit we had in the previous year. Our determination and positive attitude will help us succeed. We will use our talents wisely to overcome obstacles we may encounter as we weather the challenges in the coming year.

As we approach the new year, millions of people make their New Year’s resolutions.

This is because a new year can be a great time to set intentions and look for ways to make positive changes. Just remember to set realistic goals and things that are simple and reachable. Otherwise, we are doomed to fail in pursuing our New Year’s resolutions since general and unreasonable intentions are difficult to comply with.

We make our new year’s resolution promising to do an act of self-improvement, big or small! The tradition dates to religious origins, but the concept, regardless of origin, is geared towards reflecting upon self-improvement every year.

We are hoping that we have more opportunities to come as the new year is about to roll and usher another year for us. I am optimistic the year 2021 will give us many positive challenges which propels us to make resolutions.

But, most New Year’s resolutions fail! Despite this, we do it anyway.

A study made in 2007, conducted by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people, showed that 88% of those who set New Year’s resolutions fail. Well, if that is the case, why is there still a need for a New Year’s resolution? With almost everybody breaking their promises immediately after making them, and after jumping when the clock strikes 12 midnight of December 31, 2020 during the countdown: do we still have to make resolutions?

Based on my observations and my conviction, most people say yes because making a New Year’s resolution is crucial to our life. If we make one, we set a goal which we aspire to attain. On the other hand, if we don’t – there is no direction – at all, in our life!

While there are popular goals or resolutions people go for, to me, the most important, should be to keep the family together. If your family is one, united, and well-connected – maintain it by all means!

If there is a lot of disconnections, dysfunctions, and misunderstandings – pick up the pieces and put them together.

So, with that, let us make

and nourish this year’s resolution to greater heights. Make the family the center of our heart, the center of our life, the center of our existence. In fact, make it the center of everything we do in life without any mental reservation!

The same study showed that the most common reason for participants failing their New Year’s resolution was setting themselves unrealistic goals (35%), while 33% did not keep track of their progress and a further 23% forgot about it. About one in 10 respondents, the study further showed, claimed they made too many resolutions.

As to success rate, the study mentioned better chances of achieving one’s resolutions when we engage in goal setting (a system where small measurable goals are being set, such as, a pound a week, instead of saying “lose weight”); when we make our goals public and get support from our friends; and when we talk with a counselor about setting goals and New Year’s resolutions.

So, if only we can set up realistic goals, items that are attainable and easy to comply… we may have a better success rate in accomplishing our resolutions!

But the reality is, with or without a New Year’s resolution, we can do many good things in our life. If we can set our New Year’s goals and can commit to these resolutions, our life will even be more meaningful… it will have a direction, there is a goal we can aim for and attain, as we live the New Year and have a charted future, so to speak!

I would like to focus on two things that occupy the 4th and 5th slots of the top ten New Year’s resolutions people promise to do every year based on a survey: quit smoking and stop drinking.

I will focus on these two because I used to smoke in large amounts and drink heavily starting when I was a junior in high school, but I managed to quit both successfully and stayed cancer-free.

This is my 37th year of not smoking and my 35-year of not drinking. To my recollection, I only took two bottles of beer within that period with friend Mario Mateo in Los Angeles who didn’t believe me I stopped drinking because I was the one who taught my D’ Heartaches friends to drink and smoke when we were in high school.

Honestly, I attempted to stop for the first time by reducing the number of cigarettes I smoke per day and limiting the bottles of beer.

But this did not help because the urge is still there, and the addiction is still in my body system. So, I resumed heavy drinking and smoking until I got sick.

When I got sick, that was the time I attempted to quit for the second time both smoking and drinking, but this time I stopped totally cold turkey!

It was only plain will and determination to quit without any substitute or reduced intake. The most difficult thing to do is to refuse something you used to take, but if there is will power, I am telling you, we can! I did it with many self-struggles convincing myself I can do it. I did it and the crucial periods were from day 1 to 3 months. After that, you will never crave for it again and even friends invite you to do it, you now have the nerve to say: NO! So, folks, it can be done.

I am a living example! How? First, condition yourself not to smoke and drink again.

Stopping cold turkey has many consequences because your craving is still there, and temptations abound from friends who drink and smoke with you before. Substitutes such as gums and candies may help, but the real ingredients are eating a balanced diet and keeping a regular exercise pattern.

Another thing, which is easier said than done is: Strong will to say NO! Let us face it, it is all in the mind.

You need a strong will and determination to say no to any offer made by your friends.

Turn them down! You need (continue on page 12)

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Pro-Democracy Movement Needed —In America

By Emil Guillermo

I

will remember 2020 for COVID-19, of course. But I will remember it mostly as the last ugly chapter of the Trump years, a time in America where it came perilously close to being too much like the Philippines.

Here’s what I mean. I have never felt that the gift I wanted most for Christmas was a pro-Democracy movement in America.

What is that? Just ask yourself some simple pro-democracy-oriented questions.

Do you value your vote in free and fair elections? You should because there’s a move to take it away and disenfranchise you.

Do you value the institutions of government like Congress and our system of services? You should because there’s a move to shred it all up as deep-state BS. Do you value a free press?

You should, because a free press exposes the fallacies of Trump.

How about the rule of law? You should because that’s what marks a real democracy as great.

If you care about any of those questions above, then you’re ready to join my pro-Democracy movement in America. Or better yet, start your own. We all should start one. No matter what your political party.

A belief in democracy is a non-partisan issue. Democracy is us. All of us. It’s the start and the end goal of all our politics.

Our perfect union. We begin all believing in the same thing.

And we end up together because we’re one country.

Basic principles, sure. But we better start caring for these things we take for granted because Trump is doing all he can to destroy America’s sense of itself on his way out.

This is no conspiracy theory of mine, just an observation.

We’re seeing it happen in front of our eyes these last weeks of the Trump administration. And yes, it’s really happening.

Wait pare, conspiracy theory?

You know, there are people out there who suggest that the moon landing never happened.

Or that 9/11 and the attack on the World Trade Center never happened. Or that the earth is flat. Or that the Holocaust and the killing of six million Jews never happened.

These are all legendary theories that we know are just mental exercises in spreading falsehoods, but for what purpose?

To spread doubt and to tear down a sense of the truth that are the foundation of future actions and beliefs.

Trump Did Not Win So, Trump is proposing another outlandish conspiracy—that he won the election of 2020.

Trump does it every time he tweets or says he won the presidency despite all the votes being certified in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Make no mistake. The results are clear. Trump LOST. But weren’t there irregularities? There may have been.

But even if you grant all the “questionable” votes, there aren’t enough to turn Trump into a winner.

He still lost.

Trump did get more votes than an incumbent ever got, more than 74 million votes.

But Joe Biden got even more votes. Biden got 81 million votes. It was enough to give him more than 300 electoral college votes. He only needed 270 to win. It’s enough to make him president-elect.

And yet there are some who refuse to acknowledge the Biden victory, choosing instead to stick their head deeper in the sand while still listening to Trump who says the election was rigged or that there

was voter fraud.

It’s Trump’s big lie.

Every time he does it, nearly 80 percent of Republicans believe him, according to reports. And that is the problem. The number of people who will believe the lie and doubt our democracy.

Doubts in our democracy are the last thing we need as a country to get it moving in the right direction.

Trump isn’t just tweeting.

He’s out there conspiring with others to set up straw man-type actions. Like a lawsuit filed by the Texas attorney general that suggests that votes in elections in the four key states that gave Biden a win were somehow invalid. No evidence. And more importantly no standing.

I know just enough law from law school roommate osmosis to know that “standing” is everything. It is the right to sue for damages.

Does Texas have the right to sue Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia over their elections? No. But by filing the suit, Texas is doing Trump’s bidding trying to actually “steal” the vote away from the people. If successful, the suit doesn’t just affect the four named states, but can negate the will of the people in states like Hawaii.

Trump is even talking about the case going before the Supreme Court where his block of court picks could help give him a victory.

Trump’s Gamble— The Silent Coup For such a no-merit lawsuit, there are more than 100 members of Congress who back the suit. Of course, there are the hopeful Trumpsters who now further believe that the government is scum, democracy is terrible, and only Donald Trump knows the truth.

That’s better than winning the lawsuit.

Some people are calling it the “silent coup.”

The goal of Trump’s con-

spiracy theories is always manipulation and power. Even a Republican loyalist like Californian Kevin McCarthy plays it down the middle. Too cowardly to condemn Trump’s attempt to takedown the election, McCarthy says simply that Trump has the right to pursue all legal avenues.

It’s McCarthy’s way of being loyal and unloyal at the same time. The eggshell walk, when it should be a real stomp.

But it shows Trump’s control of the party as he exits.

As for the Texas AG, Ken Paxton who filed the suit, he’s named in a number of felony cases, and is surely angling for a favor from Trump—like some last day pardon.

This isn’t how the presidency is supposed to be. But

it has been how it works under Trump, who has destroyed our sense of what American democracy means and what it stands for.

Trump’s actions are real and lasting. And it’s transformed American politics to this landscape from left and right, to left, right and Trump.

In 2021, beyond the rush for a vaccine, Americans will also need an antidote to four years of Trump – where all remnants of his self-serving nonsense is erased by a real pro-democracy movement in America. EMIL​ GUILLERMO​ is a veteran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu Advertiser editorial board. Listen to him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @ emilamok.

(Editor’s Note: The US Supreme Court rejected a bid from Texas’ attorney general -- supported by President Donald Trump -- to block the ballots of millions of voters in battleground states that went in favor of President-elect Joe Biden. SCOTUS rejected to hear the case and determined based on briefs that the case did not deserve standing.)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  DECEMBER 19, 2020

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

My 2020 Christmas Wish List

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

“S

o h e r e ’s my lifelong wish, my grownup Christmas list, not for myself but for a world in need. No more lives torn apart, that wars would never start and time would heal all hearts. And everyone would have a friend, and right would always win, and love would never end. This is my grown-up Christmas list” – My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant We have been playing Christmas songs in the house since the 1st of December.

Every time this classic song plays, I become emotional.

We look forward to the gifts we receive every Christmas season but the best gifts we can ever receive are usually those unseen. Especially this 2020, we have a lot of things on our Christmas list but I believe that the pandemic and the many tragic things we have experienced this year have changed our perspective and led to new things to hope for.

What are the things you are praying for this Christmas? What are the gifts you are looking forward to re-

ceive? Despite having a difficult year, we can still ask, believe and hope because the very reason we celebrate the season has come. He is faithful, He is good and He is unchanging.

This is my 2020 Christmas list.

HEALING UPON THE NATIONS. Everyone needs healing right now, not only those who have contracted the COVID-19 virus. In one way or another, every single person on Earth right now has been emotionally and mentally affected by this global crisis. Every nation’s economy has been badly hit.

We all are desperate for healing in every area of life, and in every aspect of society. I speak nations be healed.

FREEDOM. The world has been locked down.

Though in some nations, people can still freely move but the pandemic limited our movements. We are all forced to cover our mouths and noses with masks and be a few meters away from each other.

This Christmas, here in South Korea, we are advised not to hold gatherings because of the increasing number of cases. Many families will not

be able to gather together this Christmas because many borders are still closed. I look forward to the day we can all freely move, freely breathe, free to be together. I speak freedom from the restricting effects of this crisis.

END TO THE PANDEMIC. There’s no better Christmas gift than to be able to finally say, the pandemic is over and we can all have our lives back again. We won’t be able to go back to the lives we used to have and what we will face is a new normal, but it’s ok. We just want this crisis to be over. We don’t know when but we can believe and hope.

been the worst year for many, but God has been faithful and good in the midst of it. We are all eager to end this year and forget the hurtful memories it has given us, but we can look forward to a better year ahead. The future may be uncertain but we can hold on to the truth that we have a Father who is true to His promises. What lies before us may be bleak, but we can be assured that He has already gone before us.

Cheers to a better 2021!

There are a lot of things in my heart that I am praying for. I can’t help but think of the many people around the world affected by this global crisis we are in. I rememA BETTER YEAR ber my family and friends AHEAD. The year 2020 is who have lost precious loved considered a memorable and ones and livelihood to the historical year. It may have wave of heartbreaking events

that crashed the nations this memorable year. Despite the aches, my heart is at peace.

In spite of the tears brought by this year, my face can still smile. In the midst of the uncertainty, I can still hope.

Because it’s Christmas.

Christmas is not just about gathering with family and friends, giving and exchanging gifts. It’s not just about singing carols and preparing fancy dinners. It’s remembering the birth of a Savior, the promised Messiah who brings comfort to the despairing, light to those in darkness, hope to the hopeless, joy to the depressed, wholeness to the broken. It is a time to remember and celebrate the birth and the life of the One whose Name has the power to heal the sick, provide for those who are needy, restore the lost and bind the brokenhearted. He has come.

He is Emmanuel. He is with us.

How about you? What is your Christmas list? It says in the Scriptures, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Be bold. Be confident. He listens. He answers.

May you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas with your family!

(AS I SEE IT: WELCOME 2021....from page 10)

self-discipline here. It must come from you really to refuse an offer in a nice way.

Let them know you are quitting, but you can still be with their company.

Quitting is a manly gesture! Shying away from a vice you used to do takes a lot of nerve and guts. This is what makes you as a man! Every time you refuse things you

used to do makes you stronger and respectable. It will not make you less of a man when you quit smoking or drinking.

On the contrary, you are the man!

When you stop smoking and drinking, it does not mean that you will also ignore your friends who smoke and drink. They will respect your decision as you continue meeting them as if nothing happened and being with them even if you are not drinking. Keep them company!

Volunteer as the designated driver. They will even be grateful to you when you volunteer. It will strengthen even more your friendship and your relationships with them. Also have cigarettes in your pocket ready for friends who need one.

These are simple rules but once adhered to, they

will work wonders for you and help you carry out your New Year’s Resolution! Let us remember: if we can set up realistic goals, things that are attainable and easier to comply. We may have a better success rate in accomplishing our resolutions.

So, we can start saying goodbye to 2020 and ending the year with a bang… Then let us welcome 2021 and embrace the New Year with hope and added enthusiasm for a better year! ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

BOOK REVIEW

Story Collection by Gilda Cordero-Fernando

By Rose Cruz Churma

G

ilda Cordero-Fernando, the author of this short story collection, is not only a fictionist, but also a “writer, publisher, producer, artist, fashion designer and cultural icon” as described by her son, Chef Mol Fernando when he announced her passing last August 2020. Since “she already orchestrated her wake earlier,” her son announced that “there will be no need for funeral services.”

This book review is a tribute to her – a cultural icon that had influenced famous writers and artists as well as ordinary folks like me. I first read one of her short stories, “The Visitation of the Gods”, when I was in high school. In those days at my school, Filipiniana books – the term librarians use to designate books published in the Philippines, was shelved separately in a locked glass-covered cabinet in the library. It would require the librarian to bring out her keys and open the glass panels before one can borrow a book. I remembered Gilda Cordero-Fernando’s name because it was occasionally a topic of conversation

among my parents and their former classmates from Saint James Academy of Malabon – where they were high school classmates soon after the war.

During my high school years, the required reading in Language Arts assigned to us were mostly from the US, UK or other European countries and only in English. So it was a breath of fresh air to discover the Filipiniana books in that locked cabinet, and in particular Ms. Cordero-Fernando’s first anthology of short stories published in 1962, The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker, where most of short stories in this collection were first published.

Her stories are able to capture the local color of that point-in-time in the Philippines. Despite her use of a borrowed language (she wrote in English but with Filipino protagonists and usually in a Philippine setting), the dialogue in her stories never sounded stilted or forced. She was one of the first Filipino authors writing in English that I encountered – and it changed the way I reacted to writing in

English or reading books. Prior to that, it had been a chore: something to get over with so I can get a good grade. Reading her stories changed all that, because in reading her works, I came to understand the universality of the Filipino experience.

The last story in the collection, “Love Story” – unlike the 17 other stories, has a US winter setting, but the nameless protagonists are immigrants, longing for home, but also wary of going back home to the Philippines. In the story “A Cake Left Out in the Rain,” one of the stories from the 1973 collection, A Wilder-

ness of Sweets, describes the life of a housewife after her husband leaves her and her encounter with an American Peace Corps Volunteer who rents one of the houses she owns.

The fiction in these collection were written from 1952 to the 1970s and are considered the cream of that period – written during her “early housewife” years before she embarked on her non-fiction, children’s literature and other creative pursuits. She was also a trailblazer in the publishing field with her roster of illustrated Filipiniana books such as Philippine Food and Life, History of the Burgis and Turn of the Century, among others. Her book Jammin on an Old Saya contained photographs of the fashion show she staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The recycled ternos, consisting mostly of applique from the deteriorating gowns, breathed new life to the terno as wearable art.

The visuals in that book were so fascinating I wrote her a letter asking permission to use some of the photographs. Not only did I receive permission but an

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

This Filipino Food Gift Box is Perfect for This Holiday Season

By Jim Bea Sampaga

N

o one celebrates Christmas as early and extravagantly as Filipinos. Our love for Christmas and the holidays is very evident with the amount of food we prepare for Noche Buena and Media Noche.

To add more Filipino goodness this holiday season, non-profit organization The Filipino Food Movement launched a food gift box fundraiser called Patikim: Sample The Goodness of the Philippines.

Proceeds from the gift boxes will support FFM’s projects and Gawad Kalinga’s

Kusina ng Kalinga project.

Based in the Philippines, Gawad Kalinga’s initiative aim to end hunger of Filipino.

There are three gift boxes to choose from: Pearl ($160), Gold ($85) and Silver ($60) editions.

The Pearl and Gold editions include 10 items. While the Silver edition has 7 items.

These items vary from specialty Filipino snacks, seasonings and ingredients.

Some of the products inside the Patikim boxes include X-Roads Ilocano Asin, a white sea salt from the pure seawaters of Pangasinan;

Mamasita’s Heirloom Rice Champorado - Balatinaw, a champorado starter pack; and Roni B’s Kalamansi Marmalade, a unique jam made of kalamansi and rum.

Pre-order is now available at filipinomovement.org. The prices are inclusive of shipping fee.

invitation to visit her home and borrow some of the gowns!

These wearable collectibles were actually displayed at an event hosted by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii in 1997.

When I picked up the gowns at her home, I was intrigued by the huge colorful paintings she had on her studio walls. Soon after, a children’s book she wrote and illustrated was published titled Ningning, about a girl whose father is a kapre and her mom an aswang – Ms. Cordero-Fernando’s fable on the importance of diversity.

A multli-awarded creative icon, Gilda Cordero-Fernando will forever continue to inspire through her books, paintings and digital versions of her events.

The Story Collection showcases only one aspect of her versatility. Most of her books are now out of print, but for those seeking a copy of the Story Collection, send an email inquiry to Rose Cruz Churma at kalamansibooks@gmail.com. ROSE CRUZ CHURMA is a former President of the FilCom Center. She is also the co-owner of Kalamansi Books and Things, an online bookstore promoting works

by Filipino Americans. For inquiries, email her at kalamansibook@ gmail.com.

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  DECEMBER 19, 2020

BUSINESS FEATURE

A Small Hair Salon Amidst Covid

By Renelaine B. Pfister

I

t is an inconspicuous hair salon in Kalihi: a building painted pink, connected to Jimmy’s Produce and Filipino Store, with a rusty white metal door, a red, white and blue barber’s pole and a sign above it saying: Norie’s Hairstyling & Barber Shop For Men & Women.

A disembodied voice from inside the door spoke in Tagalog. “Are you from the paper?”

Norie opened the white metal door and invited me into her salon. Norie is a petite older woman with silver-gray and black hair cut short (I wonder if she cut if herself), with eye shadow and penciled eyebrows evident above her mask.

She was in the middle of cutting the hair of a woman her age, who was sitting in a salon chair facing a mirror on the wall. There was another woman and a man sitting by the entrance, and I had to squeeze by them to sit in a chair draped with a faded pink bath towel.

The room was about 140 square feet, and it was dominated by a large altar covered with religious statues (it reminded me of my mother’s house in Cebu), a TV tuned in to the Filipino channel blaring news from the Philippines, and

a large dog crate in front of the TV. Fake flowers and potted plants decorated the humble room.

The eldest of four girls, Norma Agsalda was born on Dec. 13, 1943 in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines. She became a beautician early in life and spent some time training as a Master Cutter under prominent hairdresser Jun Encarnacion in Manila.

In 1982, Norie moved to Honolulu with her husband, former military man Roger Fohey, whom she connected with as a pen pal. At that time, Norie worked as a beautician in her clients’ houses, what she called “house to house” services. But some people opposed her working without a license, so she worked at a Korean delicatessen to earn money and pay for her tuition at the Hawaii Institute of Hair Design. She acquired her license from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in 1988, and from the Board of Barbers in September 1992.

Norie has owned and operated her hair salon at this current Kalihi location for 23 years; she was at a different location for 3 years before that.

Norie rents space at the back of Jimmy’s Produce & Filipino Store on North King Street.

She not only works, but also lives there. Some of her clients

Norma ‘Norie’ Agsalda

knew her from the Philippines and sought out her services here; she has known her clients for years, including the ones who were sitting in her salon with me.

COVID-19 has slowed down her business significantly. Instead of having seven clients a day, Norie now had one to four a day, and some days none at all. Some of her clients

lost their jobs and asked her for credit – our famous “utang” system – after Norie has finished cutting their hair. When the state was on lockdown, she was forced to close temporarily. Norie said she cut her elderly clients’ hair for free.

Her services include $10 for a haircut and $35 for a perm. Her working hours are random now; she opens when her clients call for an appointment.

However, Norie sees the positive side to Covid. She acknowledges that her age is advancing, and she gets tired easily. She can’t manage to do manicures anymore like she did when she was younger.

Closing the salon altogether was not an option. “I have nothing else to do. At least when I have clients, I have someone to talk to,” Norie said. Despite the strug-

gles with Covid, she thanked “Papa God” that she can continue to operate her salon.

Even the owner of Jimmy’s Produce gave her a discount on her rent.

Norie’s companions at home are her beloved three dogs and a cat. Eventually, Norie said she plans to go back home to the Philippines with her younger sister Emelita, since she didn’t have anyone left in the U.S. She’d lost her husband over thirty years ago, and they didn’t have children.

After her client paid her for a haircut, Norie’s sister Emelita stopped by the salon, and Norie passed the cash to her.

This is typical for us Filipinos. We don’t think twice about sharing our blessings with our loved ones. It’s ingrained in our DNA. Not even Covid can change that.

(WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?: Strategies....from page 7)

2. Illegal ballots were cast, such as the so-called “Made in China” ballots or fake ballots.

3. Double voting by voters who voted by absentee ballot and then voted at the polling place again.

4. Ballot-box stuffing. Submitting multiple ballots cast by the same voters.

5. Ballot harvesting. Collecting ballots filled in by voters.

6. Voter suppression.

7. Absentee voting irregularities. Ballots were improperly cast, such as fake ballots, unsigned ballot return envelope, missing secrecy envelope, improperly filled in ballot, ballot was filled in by people other than the voter, ballot was not properly placed in the mailing envelope, ballot was not mailed or delivered before the deadline, the voter died after mailing the absentee ballot but before the date of the election, curing ballots by allowing defective mail-in ballots to be cured by calling the voters to cure them.

8. Clerical errors, such as miscounting or noncounting of valid ballots,

inaccurate addition of the number of ballots cast for each candidate, and misreporting the totals.

9. Destruction of ballots, such as the ballots from service members who voted for President Trump.

10. Preventing legitimate watchers of the complainant from watching the conduct of the elections and counting of votes while treating differently watchers of the other party. There must be unequal treatment.

11. Terrorism, intimidation, and coercion against election officials and voters, such as what happened in Michigan where people were calling the election board “racists” and giving out their home addresses to intimidate them to certify an election result favorable to the intimidators.

CONCLUSION Winning election cases requires a thorough knowledge of election law, constitutional law, and hard work.

As pointed out by President John F. Kennedy, my favorite Democrat, whom I met on the

campaign trail when I was a student at Yale Law School: “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.” ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. His current practice focuses on immigration law and appellate criminal defense. He has written books and legal articles for the world’s largest law book publishing company and writes legal articles for newspapers.

Listen to The Tipon Report which he co-hosts with son Noel, the senior partner of the Bilecki & Tipon Law Firm. It is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Atty. Tipon served as a U.S. Immigration Officer. He co-authored the best-seller “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.,” an 8-volume practice guide for immigration officers and lawyers. Atty.

Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Tel. (808) 800-7856. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Websites: https:// www.tiponlaw.com.

DECEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR BLOOD DONATION & BONE MARROW REGISTRY DRIVE | Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii | Saturday, January 9, 2020 | 1:30 AM-5:30 PM | FilCom Center - Flores Ballroom, 94-428 Mokuola St, Waipahu, 96797 | Donations are by appointment only.

To make an appointment, call 808-848-4770.

WAHIAWA HEALTH TO PROVIDE FREE READY-TO-GO MEALS | Drive-Thru or Walk-In Pickup at Dots Restaurant Parking Lot | Dec. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30, 2020 | 3:00 -5:00 PM | Contact Sherri Rigg, CommPac Cell: (808) 782-5180 or email: srigg@commpac.com. for more details

Have your organization’s events listed in our community calendar. It’s recommended to submit press releases a month in advance of your organization’s event. Send information to filipinochronicle@gmail.com.

MAINLAND NEWS

New Immediate Housing Bill To Assist Low-Income Earners During Natural and invoked during natural disaster, or Economic Disasters 2. when the state’s unemployment

T

he new bill called the Crisis Housing Act aims to help ensure that families and individual who have been forced to leave their home or are at risk of losing their home due to a natural or economic disaster are given immediate access to adequate housing.

Introduced by U.S. Senators

Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), the Crisis Housing Act will automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development when their community experiences: 1. the Stafford Act is

rate increases by a certain amount.

Housing assistance would be available within one month of when the community is deemed eligible. The assistance will last for at least two years. The program also aims to help families secure permanent housing after the voucher’s expiration.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Lumpia With A Vengeance Wins Hawaii Film geance is a reboot of the 2003 FilFestival Audience Award Am indie-favorite, Lumpia.

The 40th Hawaii Film Festival has announced the HIFF Audience Award Winners for this year’s festival.

Directed by Patricio Ginelsa, Lumpia With a Vengeance wins the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.

The Filipino American action-comedy film follows a superhero who fights with a surprising weapon, a delicious, fried-togolden lumpia. The film stars former UFC fighter Mark Muñoz, April Absynth, Darion Basco and Danny Trejo. Lumpia With a Ven-

Other HIFF Audience Award winners include: HIFF Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature: Wagon, Directed by Aniston Eyre HIFF Audience Award for Best Short Film: Hawaiian Soul, Directed by ‘Āina Paikai. 

“Our new bill will make sure that our most vulnerable communities receive housing assistance after a severe storm, public health emergency, or economic downturn, said Schatz.

“Too many people in our country are housing insecure, and this is a good first step to building a safety net to support them.”

“From the COVID-19 pandemic to severe weather events, natural and economic disasters often leave our most vulnerable families hardest-hit. In these emergency situations, we need to make sure relief is available fast. This legislation will provide urgent support to help ensure Americans are able to keep a roof over their heads during times of crisis,” Van Hollen added.

The Crisis Housing Act is supported by National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC).

“If passed, the Crisis Housing Act would play a critical role in providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to individuals with the greatest needs after a disaster by providing longer-term, flexible, rental assistance – helping them safely recover without the fear of being rendered homeless,” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the NLIHC.  (Sagot sa Krosword No. 21 | December 5, 2020)

CROSSWORD

by Carlito Lalicon

No. 23

ACROSS

1. Extremely cold 6. Fall guy 11. Fluid product of

inflammation 14. Maxim 15. Run off to the chapel 16. Kitchen pest 17. Unveiling 18. Band 19. Bathroom installation 20. Sickie 22. Volcanic mouth 24. Marry, not for the first time 27. Personal effects 28. Ready money held in electronic form, 29. Seafood entree 30. Domicile

DOWN

1. Cushion 2. Tribute, of sorts 3. laboratory 4. Province in Region XIII 5. Many a senior 6. Like Dennis the Menace 7. A chorus line 8. Crag 9. Resembling a dart 10. Person with a strong desire

31. Vicarship 35. Beer buy 36. Half a dozen 37. Engine sound 38. Trained on a trellis,

as of a vine 40. Airport equipment 41. Salty fluid secreted by

sweat glands 42. Befall 43. Plaintiff 46. Traveled in a yacht 47. Twenty-five percent 48. Category 49. Sun, e.g.

50. In heaven 52. Additional 56. A wee hour 57. Argus-eyed

58. The action of an attack

armed force that 59. Butter holder

surrounds a fortified 60. Andean animal

place and isolates 61. Seafood entree

it while continuing to

for something 11. Kind of salad 12. Open, in a way 13. Gawk 21. Bawl 23. Antagonistic 24. Change, chemically 25. Hinder 26. Antlered animal 27. Cut into cubes 29. Repairman

31. Golfer’s accessory 32. Sit in on 33. Barter 34. Blew it 36. Hillside 39. Of or pertaining to a lustrum 40. Cross a second time 42. Blackout 43. Happening

CLASSIFIED ADS CAREGIVER NEEDED FOR IMMEDIATE JOB

44. Any structure that resembles a horn in shape (anatomy) 45. Java pepper 46. Busybody 48. Disease cause 51. Body of water 53. That woman 54. “I” problem 55. Communist

(Solution will be on the next issue of the Chronicle)

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DECEMBER 19, 2020