Fil-Am celebs react to Trump’s shocking triumph

The victory of US President-elect Donald Trump has elicited ambivalent reactions. Some felt like doing the Trumpets Dance out of sheer joy. For others, it seemed like their hopes have been trampled on. I wonder what the sentiments are of Hollywood stars with Filipino lineage, like Lou Diamond Phillips, Rob Schneider, Vanessa Hudgens, apl.de.ap and Bruno Mars, regarding Trump’s triumph. I’ll leave that to my Inquirer colleague in Hollywood, Ruben V. Nepales.

For my part, I asked homegrown Fil-Am celebs their thoughts about the new leader of the United States of America. Hopefully, when the mayhem subsides, Donald won’t turn out to be a “quack doctor” with empty promises to heal the land of the free. Or else, Pinoys based in the US will just have to hum “Tatlong Bibe,” for comic relief. OK, 1, 2, 3—sing: “Siya ang lider na nagsabi ng quack, quack, quack.”

Alice Dixson

Alice Dixson: I am shocked to my very core—and absolutely mortified!

Billy Crawford

Billy Crawford: I was surprised by the results of the US elections. I don’t think people understand how important that election was. I’m sad, because it makes me not want to live in a nation run by someone without any political background. He’s just rich and powerful—and a lot of people think that isn’t enough for anyone to rule the world.

Leading an entire nation should mean more than running a business. There are other countries in need of aid, and the US has always played a major role in providing that. What happens there can significantly affect other countries around the globe. I thought people learned their lesson, but I guess I was wrong. God bless the world we live in. Don’t people want to make this world a better place? I usually don’t answer political questions, but what happened was devastating!

Donita Rose

Donita Rose: With America being pulled apart by Republicans, Democrats and now minorities and illegal immigrants, how will President-elect Donald Trump plan to reunite a divided America? Will the BPOs be affected? Will they pull out? Does he see himself as our ally or foe?

G Tongi

G Tongi: As a Filipino-American, I proudly voted for Hillary Clinton, because Trump has shown his true colors [with] bigoted, xenophobic and misogynistic sentiments on everything I value dearly.  I am embarrassed that my children will have to remember a time in history that a man who makes such lewd and racist remarks towards women and people of diverse backgrounds will hold the highest position in government.

I am stunned beyond belief that we’ve come to this. If I could tell him anything, I’d express my deep regret that I cannot accept his divisive rhetoric and bullying tactics for the next four years when the future of my children hangs in peril because of platforms that seek to repeal so much of the work that Obama has done these past few years.

Millions of people finally have insurance and are able to marry whomever they love because of same-sex marriage. To even think of Trump’s intention to reverse Roe versus Wade makes me sick to my stomach.

I am politicized to action. I realize there is much work ahead. I will continue to use the platform of the show I produce, “Kababayan Today,” to engage other Fil-Ams on how to critically think about issues that directly affect our community, such as immigration, economic growth and sustainability. Climate change and the Black Lives Matter movement are also important to address, because these are crucial issues that our children will have to contend with.

Anjanette Abayari

Anjanette Abayari: The American people have spoken and want change. I wanted change, as well. Unfortunately, my candidate did not win. But it’s time to accept the reality that we have a new President—and it’s time for Trump to step up and do the things he said he’ll do. I hope he follows through and quickly wipes Isis off the face of the Earth.

I hope that he will truly keep us safe from domestic terrorism. I hope that he will adopt a healthcare plan that will not exclude those with preexisting conditions and provide it to the 30 million people who did not have it before the Affordable Care Act. I don’t want Trump to fail, because if he does, we fail, too.

Since Trump came back to the Republican Party in 2012, I hope he’ll show compassion for women who need Planned Parenthood for their healthcare. I hope he’ll also have compassion for Muslims and immigrants. Our new leaders are responsible for teaching children how to treat others with kindness, and for instilling family values. It’s time to rally behind them.

Richard Merk

Richard Merk:  I want to tell President-elect Donald Trump to be an instrument of peace. I’d like him to see how Fil-Ams have played an integral part in helping build the American economy and give us the recognition we deserve.

President Trump and his rival, Senator Hillary Clinton, just ended what could be the most vile and contentious presidential campaign [in our lifetime].

It’s time to heal and bring together a nation, temporarily divided [by warring affiliations]. Trump has his hands full. I wish him the best.